Group Travel Help

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Nov 18th, 2002, 06:19 PM

Diane

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Group Travel Help

I'm a teacher with some time in the summer to travel (when I'm not attending classes) and I'm wondering if there are any travel clubs for people over 50. This could be a group that travels together once a year or a group of strangers with similar interests that travel more often. I'm familiar with Elderhostel but I'm interested in travel in and around France, Italy and the British Isles during the summer months. Elderhotel doesn't offer any travel to these areas in the summer (high season, I know) but as a single woman, I would feel more comfortable meeting a group of people than traveling alone. If you know of any groups or are, yourself, a member of a group that can travel in the summer months,I'd love to know how to get in contact with your group (if you admit strangers, that is

If you know of any other travel clubs like Elderhostel, I'd would love to know about them. A URL to a web site would be nice. Thanks for any help you can give. Diane

Nov 18th, 2002, 06:47 PM

Patrick

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Diane, are you sure about Elderhostel? I looked at a huge catalog of their trips and I thought a lot of them were in France, Italy, etc. during the summer. A number of them use college dormitories. And I know a couple of teachers who go with them a lot -- always in the summer, sometimes to Europe. When I was a very young teacher in Ohio, I went to Europe twice with Ohio Education Association, and I know the National Education Association had similar tours. In 1970 or so we did a week in Spain for something like $299, including airfare, hotels, and meals. Those days are gone, but I think their trips live on. Have you checked with your state and national associations? Also what about your college or university? Alumni associations sponsor some pretty great trips,and you'll be starting with something in common.

Nov 18th, 2002, 07:01 PM

Alana

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Diane, I hope that you will reconsider Elderhostel if you have not visited their website. http://www.elderhostel.org/ The website has information about their yearround trips. My grandmother annually goes with Elderhostel to visit the Amalfi coast in late spring/summer. She is spry & very young in spirit. She enjoys the company of traveling in a group but the opportunities to explore on her own when she wants during these trips.

Nov 19th, 2002, 05:40 AM

Diane

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Thanks to all for your suggestions. I will take a look at Elderhostel again but my last day of teaching every year is the last week of June and it seems the Elderhostel catalog shows trips to France and Italy as leaving in September or early in June, which is when I return to work and/or still working. I didn't see much offered for July if anything. But, again, thanks to all for your kind replies. Your suggestions offer me a great starting place. Diane

Jan 10th, 2003, 09:05 AM

JBX

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/ First I'd start with following Yahoo site, http://dir.yahoo.com/Recreation/Travel/Seniors/ and that has several links that should lead you to groups for the 50-plus crowd. http://www.doublenickels.com/page3.html http://grouptravelleader.com/ http://www.tripspot.com/seniortravelfeature.htm It's depresssing how they love to use the word "senior" to describe those past age of 50.

Jan 10th, 2003, 11:26 AM

Sheila

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There's UK company for over 50s called Saga. They must have a web site

Jan 10th, 2003, 03:43 PM

Faina

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Diane, Elderhostel is not for people over 50. It's for over 55, and they are very strict - I tried. Can't wait till I grow up

On any regular tour there will be more then 50% over 50. If you're looking for a budget tour try Cosmos. Or maybe Globus. Search for "escorted tours" or "escorted sightseeing tours"

Jan 11th, 2003, 10:02 PM

Andrea

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Diane- I, too, am a teacher who adores to travel over the summer. Check out www.summeracademy.co.uk for wonderful week-long study courses at assorted universities throughout the U.K. I am signed up for "Exploring Scotland's Historic Towns and Cities" this summer. These classes are designed for the adult learner, no tests or homeowrk, just the fun of learning and visiting neighboring areas of Stirling, Scotland. The fees include lodging, meals, and some extras. I traveled before and after. In '99 I took a course in Oxford. Many Brits, but also a good number of Americans, mostly 50+ to 70. A great time was had by all!