top travel companies for seniors

8 Best Senior Travel Tour Companies in 2024

These top tour companies are a particularly good fit for older travelers..

The Scoop: What to Know About Trafalgar Tours

With tours around the world and experiences that are hard to replicate as an independent traveler, senior-friendly tour companies are a great vacation option for anyone over the age of 50. The best senior travel tour companies offer a wide range of formats to fit the varied needs, preferences, and interests of older travelers, too. And if you’re a senior who’s traveling solo, some of these tour companies also offer discounts so you don’t have to pay full price for a double room.

2024’s Best Senior Travel Tour Companies

The best tour companies for seniors stand out for a variety of reasons. They all have robust plans and protocols in place for such things as cancellations, changes, and other unforeseen circumstances; are very clear about the psychical requirements for each tour; and offer seniors tours to meet the interests all kinds of older travelers. Most also offer flight reservations and optional travel insurance. Here are the highest-rated and most trusted senior travel tour companies in the world.

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1. Trafalgar Tours

One of the oldest and most respected names in group travel, Trafalgar Tours has logged more than 75 years in the travel business and offers a wide variety of destinations and travel styles: guided tours, river cruising, next-gen and family tours , luxury and customized private tours, and safari and adventure travel.

Trafalgar’s “Be My Guest” experiences allow you to visit and dine with local families in homes, farms, and restaurants. “Mini-stays” of three to five days appeal to the busy traveler or to those who want an “add-on” to a longer tour or stay. “At Leisure” trips have a relaxed pace, longer stays at each accommodation, and later starts in the mornings.

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Because Trafalgar’s customer base is international, tour participants are likely to be English-speaking citizens of a variety of countries—a plus for North Americans who would enjoy traveling with people from all over the globe. A travel director accompanies each tour group and coordinates with local tour guides at each destination. Many of the travel directors have five years’ experience or more.

Trafalgar has a “Very Important Traveler” program that offers 5% savings on selected trips. For solo travelers, the cost of a single supplement depends on the trip. Optional experiences on each tour cost extra but also offer the flexibility to create your own custom tour: You may opt out of the activity and choose to do something else—or just relax.

THE SCOOP: What to Know About Trafalgar Tours Before You Book

Trafalgar is the anchor brand of The Travel Corporation (TTC), which comprises 42 travel brands, including tour operations that specialize in different destinations, age groups, price range, and travel styles. For example, the CostSaver brand is very inexpensive, while  Insight Vacations  is a premium tour company, and  Luxury Gold  is TTC’s high-end tour company.

Quick Facts about Senior Tours with Trafalgar

• Average group size: 22 to 29 people on small group tours; 40 to 50 on classic tours.
• Price range: Moderately inexpensive but “optional experiences” are not included and can be expensive.
• What’s included: All accommodations, meals as stated in itinerary, and most tips.
• What’s not included: Optional excursions, some meals and tips.
• Primary audience: Travelers from around the world; 60% of clients are ages 50 to 71.
• Destinations: 303 trips in 72 countries across six continents.
• How to book: Directly through Trafalgar ; via Travelstride , Tourhub , or TourRadar , all which are tour specialist online travel agents (OTAs) that offer hundreds of Trafalgar trips; or through a travel agent such as AAA .

2. Tauck Tours

Tauck Tours offers deluxe and highly inclusive tours to more than 100 destinations on all seven continents. With nearly 100 years in the tour business, Tauck prides itself on quality and on the experience of its Tour Directors, who come from 40 countries and average 10 years of experience. The hotels it selects are always excellent and well-located.

Tauck aims to appeal to people of all ages by offering land journeys, European river cruises, small ship ocean cruises, and multi-generational “Tauck Bridges” family travel. Each tour has ratings for activity level and pace (rated one through four), but, like many tour companies, Tauck warns that travelers with mobility issues must bring their own assistance.

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Seniors who prefer to have the majority of their experience planned for them will appreciate the full itineraries and the many included meals in fine hotels and restaurants. With individual excursions included rather than optional, Tauck travelers are encouraged to try experiences (e.g., a raft trip or a helicopter ride) they might not otherwise have considered.

Tauck promises to “manage the unexpected—big and small,” with its Global Response Team, a comprehensive support system that takes care of all details, including such exigencies as accidents and quarantines.  The company has a frequent traveler savings program and offers some savings for solo travelers on selected journeys.

Quick Facts about Senior Travel Tours with Tauck Tours

• Average group size: 35 to 44 people for land trips; 24 for small group journeys; river boat and small ship group sizes depend on size of ship but shore excursions are in smaller groups.
• Price range: Upscale/Premium with many inclusions.
• What’s included: All accommodations (generally upscale), tips, most meals, luggage handling, airport transfers as specified in the itinerary, entertainment, local excursions and visits, any taxes or surcharges.
• What’s not included: Tips for Tour Director (and bus driver, where applicable), some meals (usually lunch).
• Primary audience: “People of all ages,” but the company caters to seniors.
• Destinations: More than 70 countries on seven continents (with land journeys on six); river cruises in Europe.
• How to book: Directly through Tauck ; via Travelstride , a tour specialist OTA that offers hundreds of Tauck trips; or through a travel agent such as AAA .

3. Overseas Adventure Travel (OAT)

Overseas Adventure Travel (OAT), part of the Grand Circle Corporation since 1978, focuses on active travelers over 50 who are looking for hands-on experiences in destinations around the world. The seniors-only company prides itself in taking travelers off the beaten track with immersive “Day in the Life” experiences such as shopping at local markets, visiting children at school, and taking part in home-hosted meals. OAT opts for accommodations that offer authentic local experiences—think smaller family-run hotels, paradores , and hotels close to city centers.

Both land and small-ship tours for seniors are available. Most trips last two weeks or more, with optional pre- and post-trip extensions, appealing to retirees and working people who have saved vacation time as well as travel funds. The physical requirements of each tour are described in detail, with an activity level rating system of one (easy) to five (strenuous). Each itinerary outlines the included meals and local tours; optional tours require an additional fee, but the itineraries also recommend many free or inexpensive options for your free time.

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OAT has made itself a leader in solo travel: More than a quarter of its senior citizen clients are solo travelers, and of those, 85% are women. Roughly 92% of its single spaces are free of any singles surcharge, others are heavily discounted, and the company also offers a roommate matching program. In 2019, OAT began offering some women-only departures.

While not a cut-rate tour company, OAT works hard to provide senior tours at low per diems—giving you more for your travel dollar. The Travel Channel recognized it as a top provider for budget-conscious travelers, and the Grand Circle Foundation received a Global Vision award for leadership in tourism and philanthropy.

Quick Facts about Over-50 Tours with Overseas Adventure Travel (OAT)

• Average group size: Small-group land tours have no more than 16 travelers; small-ship adventures have no more than 25 participants.
• Price range: Moderate.
• What’s included: All accommodations (comfortable hotels), most meals, daily cultural activities, some tips, and airport transfers.
• What’s not included: Some optional tours, meals, and tips.
• Primary audience: “Curious lifelong learners” age 50+.
• Destinations: 76 countries on six continents; no tours in North America
• How to book: Directly through OAT

4. Road Scholar

Road Scholar is a senior travel tour company that emphasizes lifelong learning and educational travel for older travelers. Founded in 1975 as the nonprofit Elderhostel, the organization changed its name in 2010 and now provides study tours throughout the U.S., Canada, and in more than 100 other countries. All of its senior-focused tours include guidance and lectures by Road Scholar faculty who are experts on topics relevant to the destination. Lodgings are always comfortable and “sometimes even iconic.”

Road Scholar programs include theme-based travel (such as arts, philosophy and religion, and nature studies), outdoor adventures, service learning trips, adventures afloat, intergenerational tours, and independent city discoveries. The “Choose Your Pace” feature allows you to choose among multiple options of tour length, challenge, and pace. Extended-stay programs range from eight days in Florence to 45 days in southern Spain.

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Activity levels for tours range from “easy-going” to “outdoor: challenging,” with the physical demands of each tour described in its itinerary. An “easy” tour might cover a week of Chautauqua lectures in New York, while a “challenging” tour might include hiking and kayaking in Alaska.

Nearly 25% of Road Scholars are traveling solo; the senior tour company offers some discounts on single rooms, provides supportive advice to women traveling solo, and emphasizes “learning in the company of a small group of individual friends, rather than traveling with a collection of couples.”  Road Scholar travelers tend to be curious and open to new ideas and cultures. The travel company recently added a virtual Adventures Online series of in-depth lectures for those who wish to supplement an in-person journey or simply learn from home.

Quick Facts about Senior Travel Tours with Road Scholar

• Average group size: 13 to 24 people on “small group” tours; 12 or fewer on “micro group” tours; other group sizes vary by tour type and destination.
• Price range: Moderate to expensive, but with lots of included perks that other tour companies charge extra for.
• What’s included: All accommodations, most meals, tips, excursions, expert lectures (in addition to your tour director), and airport transfers if you book flights through Road Scholar.
• What’s not included: Porterage and airport transfers if you arrange your own flights.
• Primary audience: Lifelong learners over the age of 50.
• Destinations: Road Scholar’s senior tours cover all 50 U.S. states as well as 100 countries on all continents; the emphasis is on North America.
• How to Book: Directly through Road Scholar ; via Travelstride , a tour specialist OTA that offers more than 1,500 Road Scholar trips; or through a travel agent such as AAA .

5. Smithsonian Journeys

Like Road Scholar, Smithsonian Journeys is a group travel company for seniors that focuses on educational travel. It offers specialized land journeys, active outdoor journeys, small ship cruises, and cultural stays. At least one expert accompanies each tour or stay, providing lectures and local tours appropriate to the destination. Tours include culturally immersive experiences like visits to homes, meals with locals, and demonstrations of local crafts and cuisines. High-quality accommodations are included in the price and reflect the character of the local culture.

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Smithsonian also provides special interest tours for older travelers, including study at Oxford, cave art exploration, and observation of the total solar eclipse in 2024. Its Cultural Stays allow travelers to “unpack once” and spend from one to three weeks exploring and learning in and around a single destination.

A branch of the 175-year-old Smithsonian Institution, Smithsonian Journeys has operated tours for more than 50 years. Its wide range of travel options appeals to many age groups, but the average age of travelers with this company is 55+. (The typical age range on active tours is 45 to 70; on special interest tours, it’s 55 to 80.) Smithsonian’s five activity level ratings are somewhat more demanding than Road Scholar’s, ranging from “Easy” (easy walking and shorter travel days) to “Challenging” (e.g., climbing Kilimanjaro).

Quick Facts about Senior Tours with Smithsonian Journeys

• Average group size: 12 to 24 people for most land journeys; cruises from 36 people (river boat) to 264 (small ship cruise).
• Price range: Moderate to expensive, but with lots of included perks.
• What’s included: Excellent accommodations, most meals, most tips, excursions, experts and lectures, and airport transfers. Some itineraries also offer airfare-inclusive pricing
• What’s not included: Some meals and some tips.
• Primary audience: Travelers 45 to 80 years old who want to better understand the world.
• Destinations: 130 itineraries on seven continents (with an emphasis on Europe).
• How to Book: Directly through Smithsonian Journeys or through a travel agent such as AAA .

Established more than 90 years ago, Globus heads a family of travel brands that also includes Avalon Waterways (river tours) and Cosmos (budget tours). The company offers travel styles for a variety of fitness levels and interests, with an emphasis on freedom and flexibility that works especially well for seniors. It ranks among the best escorted tour companies for the 55+ age group because it recognizes that the one-size-fits-all mentality does not work for everyone, especially older travelers.

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Free time on every tour allows for “adventure a la carte.” A wide array of optional excursions and activities is offered on each itinerary: some are extra-cost activities provided by the company, while others are simply helpful suggestions for independent exploration. Globus provides tour directors and local guides from the region for every tour, as well as “skip the lines” access to sites, centrally located first-class hotels, opportunities to meet local families, and some “experiential dining” meals.

Globus tours come in many different formats. Globus Undiscovered tours take you off the beaten path where there are fewer crowds; this option is attractive to seasoned travelers who have already seen famous sights like the Tower of Pisa and the Mona Lisa. Escapes by Globus offers up to a 40% discount on tours taken between November and March. Choice Touring and Independence by Globus provide itineraries that allow you to choose excursions and have more “I-time” while the company provides lodging and the help of a tour director.

Quick Facts about Guided Tours for Older Travelers with Globus

• Average group size: 24 people (small-group discovery) to 36 people (average size of a coach tour).
• Price range: Inexpensive, but optional excursions cost extra.
• What’s included: All accommodations, some meals, airport transfers on published tour departure and return dates, and admission to sites included in tour.
• What’s not included: Optional experiences (may be $50 to $100 each), tips, and some meals.
• Primary audience: Adults who want a wide variety of travel options.
• Destinations: More than 50 countries on six continents.
• How to Book: Directly through Globus ; via Travelstride , Tourhub , or TourRadar , all which are tour specialist OTAs; or through a travel agent such as AAA .

7. Intrepid Travel

Founded in 1988 in Australia and now employee-owned, Intrepid Travel offers 1,100 escorted tours worldwide, with an average of 10 travelers per tour. The company focuses on small group active trips off the beaten track. Its tours often use public transportation and stay at locally owned accommodations.

Intrepid has an age-inclusive philosophy (“18 to 70”) and aims to provide tours for all interests and comfort levels. Tour styles include “ Basix ” for the budget travel crowd and “ Comfort ,” which tends to attract older travelers. The travel tour company also offers retreats and tours for women, solo travelers, and the 18-29 age group. Note that while Intrepid tours are active, its tours are “not a constant endurance test.” A general level of health and fitness is adequate for its trips.

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Examples of Intrepid tours include a winter journey to Iceland to view the Aurora Borealis, a hiking-cycling trip in Sri Lanka, snorkeling in Bali, kayaking in Alaska, and enjoying the Naadam Festival in Mongolia or Day of the Dead in Mexico. A “Comfort” trip to Jordan might include some moderate hiking to sites, floating in the Dead Sea, a stay in a desert camp, and snorkeling in the Red Sea. Intrepid also offers small ship adventure cruising to such places as the Galapagos Island, the Greek and Turkish Islands, Antarctica, and French Polynesia.  

Intrepid conducts safety assessments of all included and optional activities; experienced local leaders provide instruction and advice to travelers who are new to an activity or area. It also has an excellent record of corporate responsibility. Intrepid focuses on sustainable travel and has been carbon neutral since 2010.

Quick Facts about Guided Tours with Intrepid Travel

• Average group size: 10 people.
• Price range: Moderately inexpensive but extra cost for premium upgrades.
• What’s included: On general tours, you get accommodations, breakfasts, and local experiences. On premium tours, you can expect additions like breakfast and some other meals, tips, and airport and luggage transfer.
• What’s not included: See above.
• Primary audience: Active adult travelers of all ages.
• Destinations: More than 100 countries on seven continents, including polar regions and more South Pacific destinations than most other senior tour companies.
• How to Book: Directly through Intrepid ; via Travelstride , Tourhub , or TourRadar all which are tour specialist OTAs (online travel agents) that offer hundreds of Intrepid trips; or through a travel agent such as AAA .

8. Viking River Cruises

Viking River Cruises specializes in European river touring, but it also offers small ship ocean cruises and expedition voyages. The company is more than 25 years old and is among the most awarded river cruise lines worldwide. Viking owns and operates its own ships; it also owns some dock locations.

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Viking does not try to be all things to all people. There are no casinos on its river boats, for example, nor are children under 18 allowed. Viking also has a “no nickel and diming and no umbrella drinks” policy. However, you can expect outside rooms, onboard enrichment lectures, destination performances, onshore excursions in every port, introductions to local life and people, and an experienced staff. (In fact, 90% of the company’s river cruise staff returns each year.) Optional pre- and post-tour land extensions are offered.

With a philosophy that travel “should be a doorway to cultural insight and personal enrichment,” Viking could be regarded as a waterborne version of Road Scholar or Smithsonian Journeys. The company owns a learning channel (Viking TV) and provides recommended readings and other materials before you depart.

Quick Facts about Cruises for Seniors with Viking

• Passenger limit on river boats: 190 people  (up to 930 on ocean ships)
• Price range: Moderately expensive but inclusive.
• What’s included: Onboard accommodations, meals, shore excursions, entertainment, tips; and transfers with air purchase through Viking. Some tours also include free international airfare.
• What’s not included: Transfers and porterage for those not using Viking for air reservations, some tips.
• Primary audience: Adults, but primarily older adults.
• Destinations: Mostly Europe for river tours, also cruises on the Nile, Mississippi, and Mekong Rivers; expedition cruises to Antarctica and the Great Lakes; ocean cruises to various destinations.
• How to Book: Directly through Viking ; via CruiseCritic ; or through a travel agent such as AAA .

More Senior Travel Tour Company Options for Older Travelers

If you can’t see yourself in any of the senior tour styles I’ve mentioned above—or maybe you just want even more options—I have a few more recommendations.

1) Those who loved travel experiences in their student days and prefer an inexpensive tour may want to look at EF Go Ahead Tours .

2) Those who are physically fit and want active travel like cycling tours and walking tours with a mixed age group have many good options, including Backroads and Country Walkers , which can be a good fit for senior cycling and walking enthusiasts.

College graduates should check to see if their alumni association sponsors any tours: AHI , Odysseys Unlimited , and other companies work with these associations to provide excellent tours at good prices.

Finally, seniors planning a multigenerational family vacation or skip-gen trip with the grandkids should consider a company like Adventures by Disney , which is a hit with all ages.

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The Best Tour Groups for Seniors

Caroline Morse Teel

Caroline Morse Teel is the Managing Editor for SmarterTravel Media. Follow her adventures around the world on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline .

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Group tours can be a great way to explore the world and meet new people, and if you’re looking to make friends who are your own age, finding an operator that caters to your peers can be helpful. These are the five best group tour companies for seniors. 

Trafalgar caters to the over 55-70 crowd and does it well, with over 50,000 5-star reviews to vouch for customer happiness. 

In 2021, Trafalgar implemented a three-step COVID-19 travel protocol. These new measures add a dedicated Wellbeing Director to trips of 21 or more, increase distancing and hygiene protocols, and feature well-thought out incident response plans.

All of Trafalgar’s tours can be booked with just a $200 deposit, and can be cancelled within 30 days of booking for a full refund. Trips can also be changed up to 30 days before your trip without penalty. 

Tours are offered across all seven continents, and there are themed tours to suit almost any interest—including national park tours, religious tours, and battlefield tours.

The 11 Best Group Travel Tour Companies for 2021

Road Scholar

Formerly known as Elderhostel, Road Scholar offers over 5,500 “learning adventures” across 150 countries that are targeted for travelers aged 50 and up. Tours are grouped by interest (like birding, art history, or opera), destination, and activity level.

Activity levels range from “easy going” to “let’s go” to help you pick the tour that will best suit your needs.

All of Road Scholar’s trips focus on learning and value. As a not-for-profit organization, Road Scholar promises that their tours save an average of 20 percent per night to comparable commercial trips. 

Senior Cycling

Looking to explore by bike with your fellow seniors? Senior Cycling , whose motto is “fun folks on spokes” specializes in bicycle tours for seniors and active adults, defined by the company as “50 years of age or better.”

These small group tours around the United States and Canada are limited to just 13 participants, and include options for easy, intermediate, and advanced rides. Regular bikes or class one “pedal assist only” eBikes are permitted on the trips.

9 Best European Cycling Tours for Beginners

Insight Vacations

Prefer to travel at your own pace? Insight Vacations offers “Easy Pace” group tours that feature 3-night minimum stays at each hotel, plenty of free time, and “relaxed starts” in the morning. 

Or, go the opposite direction with one of Insight Vacations’ Discovery Journeys , which showcase multiple countries in one itinerary—think: Italy, Paris, and Switzerland in nine days. 

Trips are easily sorted by activity levels (which range from “leisurely” to “dynamic”) to help you find the one that’s best for you.

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Luxury Gold

Luxury Gold’s tours live up to the company’s name, offering five-star accommodations, unique VIP Experiences (like an after-hours visit to the Temple of Luxor), and fine dining experiences at a Michelin star restaurant or equivalent. The average travelers on their tours are aged between 45-80.

Group sizes are limited to 28 guests on most trips, but small group departures of just 15 guests are also available. Or, if you already have your own group, Luxury Gold can make your own private group tour tailored to your interests. 

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13 Best Senior-Friendly Travel Groups

Did you know that according to AARP’s 2022 Travel Trends report , 66% of people aged 70 and older anticipated traveling that calendar year? Now, in 2023, we reckon those statistics haven’t changed! If you’re an older adult who’s part of the 66% percent, we’ve got good news for you. Many travel companies exist specifically to meet the needs and budgets of seniors. So, if you’re been bitten by the travel bug, you’re in the right place. Here are 13 of the best senior-friendly travel groups!

Adventures Abroad

Named “One of the Best Adventure Travel Companies” by National Geographic and “One of the Best Senior-Friendly Travel Companies” by Travel+ Leisure, Adventures Aboard can accommodate adventurers of all ages. Whether you want to explore the Australian Outback or see cherry blossoms in Japan, this company can make all your travel wishes come true! Groups are smaller and close-knit, making for a more personalized travel experience. Tours range from Level 1 to Level 3, so you can enjoy a fabulous vacation, regardless of your fitness level!

Berkeley-based Backroads is perfect for grandparents who want to give their grandchildren the gift of travel. This family-oriented company specializes in designing trips that the whole family can enjoy. From biking across Europe to snowshoeing through the snow-covered Canadian Rockies, there’s no shortage of adventures to be had or memories to be made!

Country Walkers

Featured in the New York Times, Forbes, and Outside, Country Walkers offers both guided and self-guided tours across a wide range of destinations in North America. All you need are your walking shoes and a sense of adventure. You can enjoy luxurious accommodations and exceptional cuisine that will fuel your walk from town to town. Plus, if you have a group of fifteen or more travel buddies, Country Walkers will issue a $100 check for every guest with you. No wonder it made National Geographic Traveler’s “50 Tours of a Lifetime” list!

EF Go Ahead Tours

With over 200 immersive tours across more than 80 countries, EF Go Ahead Tours has something for every travel enthusiast. Travel alone or in a group of like-minded individuals. Enjoy a safari adventure or a tour of our very own national parks. So, if you want a one-of-a-kind, personalized travel experience, then head on over to EF Go Ahead Tours and let the professionals handle the rest.

Designed exclusively for the 50 and over crowd, Eldertreks is ready to help you check off all the items on your travel wishlist. They offer all-inclusive land and sea packages and ClubTrek, a loyalty program that begins the moment you book your first trip.

 Firebird Tours 

This award-winning, BBB-accredited company is known for its amazing private tours to some of the world’s most incredible destinations. With over 40,000 trips under its belt, Firebird Tours knows a thing or two about the travel business. So, whether you want to explore the vineyards of Tuscany or roam the unforgettable Scottish Highlands, this company can make it happen!

Grand European Travel

As an AARP-preferred travel provider, Grand European Travel is an excellent choice for any senior with incurable wanderlust. Whether your perfect vacation is a European adventure with the grandkids or a luxurious cruise with people of all ages, Grand European Travel will take all the stress out of planning. They handle every aspect of travel, from booking flights to securing travel insurance and everything in between. All you need to do is pack your suitcases and get ready to have the adventure of a lifetime.

Intrepid Travel

Named one of TIME Magazine’s “Top 100 Most Influential Companies”, you can travel with confidence when you choose Intrepid Travel . They tailor travel experiences to each individual, making it a wonderful choice for any older adult. Destinations sprawl across all the continents, including Antarctica!

Kensington Tours

Kensington Tours boasts its very own app, with 24/7 support and live updates that will help you travel with the peace of mind you deserve. Choose from over 100 destinations, from Germany to The Bahamas. They even offer Personal Heritage journeys, created in partnership with Ancestory.com, that are perfect for anyone seeking to get in touch with their roots. With amazing offerings like that, it’s no surprise that Kensington Tours made Travel Leisure+’s 2023 “A-List.”

Overseas Adventure Travel

With Overseas Adventure Travel , you get to set the rules, from the size of your travel group to your destination and more. Not into traveling in packs? No problem! Overseas Adventure Travel has adventures for lone wolves, too. They even have special tour groups just for female travelers!

Road Scholar

If you’re a lifelong learner, then you’ll love Road Scholar . Since 1975, they’ve been catering to the 50-plus crowd. When you book with Road Scholar, you’re getting more than just a vacation. You’ll get an immersive, educational experience that will allow you to go home with the best souvenir of all—knowledge. Additionally, they offer low prices with great value, thanks to donations from their supporters.

Senior Cycling

Senior Cycling is perfect for active seniors who love being on the go! Of course, even cycling novices can enjoy themselves, as all tours are self-paced. So, if you’ve ever wanted to see Niagra Falls in person or pedal your way to Cape Cod, now’s your chance! Senior Cycling can even design your own, one-of-a-kind bike tour, ideal for families and friends.

 Walking the World

If you’re a hiking enthusiast, then Walking the World might have the perfect guided tour for you! They, too, cater to the 50 and over crowd. Since 1987, they’ve been planning one-of-a-kind walking tours across Europe, America, and South America. Of course, safety is the top priority, so you can rest assured you’ll always be in expert hands.

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The best tour companies for seniors

“When you’re traveling, opportunities are offered to step out of your comfort zone. You might think you’re too old. But you’re not!” says Matt Berna, a president at Intrepid Travel, a world leader in global travel. “We discovered that the things that seemed initially the scariest turned out to be the most thrilling, the most exciting, the most enlivening. So go for it.”

We heard a slew of variations on the Nike JDI slogan when we spoke with travel industry experts about senior travel: Just do it!

In some ways, traveling can become easier with age. Seniors, often retired or semi-retired, have more flexibility. They can travel off-season when prices are lower and popular destinations are less busy. They can travel longer, as there’s no need to cram it into a one- or two-week vacation. And often, they have more money to spend on travel.

So, what are you waiting for? Here are three top companies, specializing in small-group travel. We talked to them about popular destinations in 2024, and their tips for traveling seniors.

This longstanding company offers some 1,150 tours, focusing on local culture, and led by local experts. Globally, 51 percent of their bookings in September 2023 were from the over-50 crowd, and they see their senior bookings trending up. The average group size is 10.

“Smaller groups provide the ideal balance of being able to travel independently, while also having ready-made travel companions to share the experience with,” says Berna. “We’ve found that it’s not only about the sights you see but the people you meet along the way, the friendships you make.”

The company is also seeing a rise in solo travel. “We’ve seen a shift within the travel industry where solo vacations are experiencing unprecedented growth, and it’s the senior set leading the charge,” says Berna. “Many seniors are not waiting around for friends and family and are choosing to go on their own.”

In North America, 75 percent of Intrepid solo travelers are women, and 64 percent are over age 50.

You can feel good about booking an Intrepid trip, too. Globally recognized for its commitment to ethical and sustainable travel, they became the world’s largest travel company to achieve B-Corp certification in 2018, given to businesses that meet certain social and environmental standards. Intrepid Travel is also the first tour operator with near-term science-based climate targets through the Science Based Targets Initiative, and its not-for-profit, The Intrepid Foundation , has raised more than $13 million for more than 135 partners.

Popular destinations for seniors in 2024: Africa, Australia, and Asia. US seniors traveling solo are heading to Southeast Asia, Central America, Turkey, India, and Nepal.

Here’s a tip: Consider more frequent, closer-to-home trips. “You might want to budget for several cheaper long weekend excursions versus one longer expensive vacation,” says Berna. Also check out their Best Tours for Seniors and 7 of the Best Destinations for Solo Travellers Over 50 .

Overseas Adventure Travel

This company is part of the Grand Circle Corporation, established in 1958 to exclusively serve members of the American Association of Retired Persons. They’ve been dedicated to senior and solo travelers, specializing in small group trips, with no more than 16 people on land trips and 25 on their small boat cruises. Active Americans ages 50 and over are their primary market, but all its tours have an activity rating that ranks tours from one (easy) to five (strenuous) to help travelers find the right fit.

More than 65 “soft adventure” trips are offered on all continents, conducted by local English-speaking experts, and designed to showcase local culture and make connections with local people. For example, you might share a meal on a hosted visit with a local family or visit a local school.

OAT is a leader in solo travel; more than half of their customers are solo travelers, and they offer some of the best rates in the industry, with free or low-cost single supplements. In fact, 92 percent of their single spaces are available without an additional single supplement cost, and the remaining eight percent have some of the lowest single supplement costs in the industry.

Popular destinations for seniors in 2024: Egypt and the Nile, Sicily, Japan, Morocco, Patagonia, Tierra del Fuego and the Chilean fjords, and the Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe safari.

Here’s a tip: Learn a bit of the local language. “Making friends (and just getting around) will be much easier,” says Harriet Lewis, chair. “Even if you mangle every word, it’s a great icebreaker and most people will genuinely appreciate your effort.” Also, check out their 101+ Tips for Solo Women Travelers , which are applicable to all traveling seniors.

Road Scholar

Love to learn? Road Scholar, a nonprofit organization, is arguably the world leader in educational travel for seniors. Founded as Elderhostel in 1975, the organization offers learning adventures, hosted by expert faculty, in nearly 100 countries abroad and throughout the United States. In 2024, the organization will offer 683 program itineraries.

Group size is small, an average of 21 people, encouraging social connections. “Every day, we hear how much our participants enjoy taking part in lively discussions and getting to know their fellow travelers,” says Matt Faucher, senior director of participant experience. “Countless Road Scholar participants have walked away with new lifelong friends, many of whom also become travel companions on future trips.”

Road Scholar offers programs for all levels of mobility. You can filter the thousands of programs they offer by activity level to find the right fit for you.

Between 25 to 30 percent of Road Scholar travelers are solo travelers, and 85 percent of those solos are women. “Solo travel is on the rise among seniors,” says Faucher. “Road Scholar offers ample opportunities for traveling solo, but with a group, which can be particularly valuable for seniors.” Faucher says, more than half of their solo travelers are married but travel without their spouse.

Most popular destinations for 2024: In North America, Arizona, California, Florida, New York, and Georgia, lead the list. Popular international destinations include Italy, Costa Rica, France, Mexico, and Egypt.

Here’s a tip: “Be honest with yourself about your physical abilities and familiarize yourself with the physical demands of the destination you’re visiting,” says Faucher. “We remind our participants at various points before and after enrolling to familiarize themselves with the physical demands of their programs so that they can be sure it’s a good fit for them and they can prepare accordingly. It’s no fun for you or the group if you’re on a program that feels too difficult or not challenging enough.”

AARP Travel Center Blog

• Flight + Hotel
• Things to Do

Top Senior Travel Tours

No matter if you’re traveling alone or with a group of friends, join a tour on your next travel adventure. Some AARP senior travel tours offer half-day excursions, while others provide multi-day retreats. Let a local show you around as you eat and explore your way through a new city.

The following tours invite you to get to know a new place, your way. Climb aboard a bus tour, hike through national parks, or float along a river. Try out new activities, spot some wildlife, and learn about local lure. Whatever your travel preferences, our list of travel tours offers an excellent way to kick off any vacation!

Small Group Tours

Via Sean Pavone/Shutterstock.com

Joining a tour group doesn’t have to mean fighting for elbow space. Instead, look into small group tours for seniors that offer a more intimate experience.

For example, check out the Total Boston Small Group Day Tour With a Local Guide . Though it’s open for all ages, this tour is small enough that you can interact with your guide. You can ask all your burning questions and make friends along the way. You’ll dig into the food scene in the North End, explore Faneuil Hall, and admire the city’s architecture. And if you’re lucky, you just may bowl a strike at the neighborhood bowling alley!

During your stay, book one of the hotels in Boston .  

AARP Senior Bus Tours

Via enjoy.the.image/Shutterstock.com

Bus tours are a great way to explore a new place, without having to hoof it all around town all day.

Sit back and relax as you discover the Emerald City. This 3-Hour Seattle City Tour is one you won’t want to miss while you’re in town. The mini-bus only seats 14, so you’ll get the VIP experience. Cruise around town, and hear all about the hidden gems and stories of the city. After receiving an insider’s perspective, you’ll walk away knowing Seattle like a local. (Though this tour is open to travelers of all ages, that doesn’t mean you can’t get all your friends on board!)

For your stay, take a look at hotels in Seattle .  

Foodie Tours

Via Kay A./Yelp

Hungry? Sounds like a foodie tour is right up your alley!

Bring your appetite to Denver. Celebrated as a major foodie destination, Denver is gaining in popularity for its eateries. Get ready to take a bite out of this city when you sign up for the Downtown Denver Food Tour ! Between a stop at the butcher shop and a slice of Neapolitan pizza, you’ll get the scoop on the best cuisine in town. Nosh on gourmet hot dogs and sample famous cheese. Along the way, your tour guide will bring you to famous landmarks and recount the city’s history, too.

While you’re in town, check out Denver hotels and stay a while.  

Senior Citizen Group Tours

Via Jason Donnelly/Shutterstock.com

Road Scholar is a popular option when it comes to tours for senior citizens, specifically. After all, what’s better than traveling with like-minded people?

Consider the Island Adventure tour . This 4-day rendezvous takes place on the Chincoteague and Assateague Islands. Home to the wild ponies, this retreat on Virginia’s Eastern Shore is irresistible. The easy-going tour invites you to explore the local wildlife and get to know the region’s past. Between spending time on the beach and taking an island cruise, this trip will be one for the books.

50+ Travel Tours

Via Andrew/Flickr.com

Searching for a travel adventure geared toward you and your grandkids? Look no further than the grandparent and grandkid trips with Road Scholar.

For example, the Horses & Canoes: Summer Camp in the Ozarks with Your Family is a prime pick. The adventure takes place in the Eastern Foothills of the Ozarks in Potosi, Missouri. You’ll feel like a kid again as you canoe, fish, and horseback ride with your grandchildren at the lodge. You can even float down the river in rafts! Book one of their senior travel tours and connect with your family on a whole new level.

National Parks Tours for Seniors

Via Haveseen/Shutterstock.com

If you’ve always wanted to visit some of the most amazing national parks in the country, now’s your chance. Grand Circle Travel is offering its Great National Parks tour, new in 2019.

This adventure brings you to Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and Mount Rushmore. Over the course of 13 days, you’ll visit Salt Lake City, Jackson Hole, Sheridan, and more! The tour does involve hiking, so check the physical requirements before signing up. While you’re at it, take a look at other Grand Circle Travel options, as this company has some of the best senior travel tours.

Want to mark other national parks off your list? Take advantage of the National Parks & Federal Recreational Lands Senior Pass. It’s available for Americans 62 years and older. With the pass, you can avoid per vehicle and per person fees at the national parks and wildlife refuges.

Adventure Travel for Seniors

Via Colnago 95310/Shutterstock.com

YMT is another company known for catering to mature travelers. When you’re in the mood for adventure, check out the Alaskan Discovery Tour .

Whale sightings and dogsled visits? Sign us up! This 10-day tour takes you to some of Alaska’s finest places, from Fairbanks to Homer. You’ll explore Denali National Park, take a wildlife tour in Seward, and see the beauty of Kenai Lake. Join this senior travel tour for the opportunity to see some of the country’s most treasured landscapes.

For more AARP senior travel tours, book our AARP Travel Center Powered by Expedia® activities . If you’re not already an AARP member, sign up and start earning senior travel perks today!

Header image via XiXinXing/Shutterstock.com

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The best tour companies for seniors

We talked to them about popular destinations in 2024 and their tips for seeing the world..

“When you’re traveling, opportunities are offered to step out of your comfort zone. You might think you’re too old. But you’re not!” says Matt Berna, a president at Intrepid Travel, a world leader in global travel. “We discovered that the things that seemed initially the scariest turned out to be the most thrilling, the most exciting, the most enlivening. So go for it.”

We heard a slew of variations on the Nike JDI slogan when we spoke with travel industry experts about senior travel: Just do it!

In some ways, traveling can become easier with age. Seniors, often retired or semi-retired, have more flexibility. They can travel off-season when prices are lower and popular destinations are less busy. They can travel longer, as there’s no need to cram it into a one- or two-week vacation. And often, they have more money to spend on travel.

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So, what are you waiting for? Here are three top companies, specializing in small-group travel. We talked to them about popular destinations in 2024, and their tips for traveling seniors.

This longstanding company offers some 1,150 tours, focusing on local culture, and led by local experts. Globally, 51 percent of their bookings in September 2023 were from the over-50 crowd, and they see their senior bookings trending up. The average group size is 10.

“Smaller groups provide the ideal balance of being able to travel independently, while also having ready-made travel companions to share the experience with,” says Berna. “We’ve found that it’s not only about the sights you see but the people you meet along the way, the friendships you make.”

The company is also seeing a rise in solo travel. “We’ve seen a shift within the travel industry where solo vacations are experiencing unprecedented growth, and it’s the senior set leading the charge,” says Berna. “Many seniors are not waiting around for friends and family and are choosing to go on their own.”

In North America, 75 percent of Intrepid solo travelers are women, and 64 percent are over age 50.

You can feel good about booking an Intrepid trip, too. Globally recognized for its commitment to ethical and sustainable travel, they became the world’s largest travel company to achieve B-Corp certification in 2018, given to businesses that meet certain social and environmental standards. Intrepid Travel is also the first tour operator with near-term science-based climate targets through the Science Based Targets Initiative, and its not-for-profit, The Intrepid Foundation , has raised more than $13 million for more than 135 partners.

Popular destinations for seniors in 2024: Africa, Australia, and Asia. US seniors traveling solo are heading to Southeast Asia, Central America, Turkey, India, and Nepal.

Here’s a tip: Consider more frequent, closer-to-home trips. “You might want to budget for several cheaper long weekend excursions versus one longer expensive vacation,” says Berna. Also check out their Best Tours for Seniors and 7 of the Best Destinations for Solo Travellers Over 50 .

Overseas Adventure Travel

This company is part of the Grand Circle Corporation, established in 1958 to exclusively serve members of the American Association of Retired Persons. They’ve been dedicated to senior and solo travelers, specializing in small group trips, with no more than 16 people on land trips and 25 on their small boat cruises. Active Americans ages 50 and over are their primary market, but all its tours have an activity rating that ranks tours from one (easy) to five (strenuous) to help travelers find the right fit.

More than 65 “soft adventure” trips are offered on all continents, conducted by local English-speaking experts, and designed to showcase local culture and make connections with local people. For example, you might share a meal on a hosted visit with a local family or visit a local school.

OAT is a leader in solo travel; more than half of their customers are solo travelers, and they offer some of the best rates in the industry, with free or low-cost single supplements. In fact, 92 percent of their single spaces are available without an additional single supplement cost, and the remaining eight percent have some of the lowest single supplement costs in the industry.

Popular destinations for seniors in 2024: Egypt and the Nile, Sicily, Japan, Morocco, Patagonia, Tierra del Fuego and the Chilean fjords, and the Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe safari.

Here’s a tip: Learn a bit of the local language. “Making friends (and just getting around) will be much easier,” says Harriet Lewis, chair. “Even if you mangle every word, it’s a great icebreaker and most people will genuinely appreciate your effort.” Also, check out their 101+ Tips for Solo Women Travelers , which are applicable to all traveling seniors.

Road Scholar

Love to learn? Road Scholar, a nonprofit organization, is arguably the world leader in educational travel for seniors. Founded as Elderhostel in 1975, the organization offers learning adventures, hosted by expert faculty, in nearly 100 countries abroad and throughout the United States. In 2024, the organization will offer 683 program itineraries.

Group size is small, an average of 21 people, encouraging social connections. “Every day, we hear how much our participants enjoy taking part in lively discussions and getting to know their fellow travelers,” says Matt Faucher, senior director of participant experience. “Countless Road Scholar participants have walked away with new lifelong friends, many of whom also become travel companions on future trips.”

Road Scholar offers programs for all levels of mobility. You can filter the thousands of programs they offer by activity level to find the right fit for you.

Between 25 to 30 percent of Road Scholar travelers are solo travelers, and 85 percent of those solos are women. “Solo travel is on the rise among seniors,” says Faucher. “Road Scholar offers ample opportunities for traveling solo, but with a group, which can be particularly valuable for seniors.” Faucher says, more than half of their solo travelers are married but travel without their spouse.

Most popular destinations for 2024: In North America, Arizona, California, Florida, New York, and Georgia, lead the list. Popular international destinations include Italy, Costa Rica, France, Mexico, and Egypt.

Here’s a tip: “Be honest with yourself about your physical abilities and familiarize yourself with the physical demands of the destination you’re visiting,” says Faucher. “We remind our participants at various points before and after enrolling to familiarize themselves with the physical demands of their programs so that they can be sure it’s a good fit for them and they can prepare accordingly. It’s no fun for you or the group if you’re on a program that feels too difficult or not challenging enough.”

Diane Bair and Pamela Wright can be reached at [email protected]

Travel: The Top 5 Tour Companies That Work with Seniors

8/14/2019 | By Seniors Guide Staff

“When people ask me why I still have hope and energy after all these years, I always say: Because I travel.” – Gloria Steinem

Steinem’s support of travel’s benefits is backed by science. Geriatrician Dr. David Lipschitz claims that travel helps seniors live longer by keeping us occupied and engaged and encouraging us to exercise. Today, we seniors have more disposable income and can devote more time and money to travel than ever before. And, as you’ll find when you travel, the world is full of senior travelers. The average age of U.S. travelers is 45, and well over a third of travelers are over 55. Senior travel can be budget-friendly, too. One of the benefits of being a senior with a touch of wanderlust is that, unlike younger travelers tied to jobs and kids’ schedules, we can travel outside of peak vacation times – summer, Christmas, and spring break, meaning cheaper rates.

What should you look for when choosing among the tour companies that work with seniors? Many companies support senior travelers by organizing itineraries with a leisurely pace and offer flexible tour and travel options. Look for companies that have low- or no-charge single supplement fees for solo travelers. Here are a few of the best travel companies for seniors.

1. Road Scholar: If you want to learn something new

Road Scholar , formerly called Elderhostel, is a not-for-profit travel company founded in 1975. They specialize in “Learning Adventures” for adults, and most of their customers are over 50. Each trip is rated, from “Easy Going” to “Challenging.” Roads Scholar understands that many seniors are traveling solo, so they provide options so you can avoid the extra costs that single travelers often pay. They offer to match you with a roommate for your trip or require only a small single supplement. Some programs offer single rooms at no extra charge. You can also share the adventure with a grandchild on one of their Grandparent learning adventures.

2. Overseas Adventure Travel: If you want to customize your trip or if you’re traveling solo

Overseas Adventure Travel offers trips to over 90 countries and to every continent (yes, even Antarctica). They specialize in small group travel, from 8-16 people in each tour group, with an average tour size of 14. Most of their customers are over 50. Their travel options are very flexible and customizable; 85% of their travelers customize their trip. They offer pre- and post-trip add-ons and extensions, allow you to combine trips, and let you customize your air travel.

O.A.T. is also solo-traveler friendly, offering free single supplements on all land-based trips (you might have to pay a small supplement on their small-ship cruises). They also offer women-only small group and small ship tours.

3. Adventures Abroad: If you want an adventure

Adventures Abroad offers small-group tours – no more than 18 travelers in a tour, designed for adults. Their Senior Travel Tours are specially designed for adults aged 50 and up. These tours blend major sightseeing destinations with “off-the-beaten-path” destinations, and focus on cultural immersion. These trips also include built-in leisure time. They take travelers’ activity preferences into account when they rank their tours by physical activity level (1 being the least physical and 3 being the most strenuous).

4. Viking Cruises: Among the most culture-heavy tour companies that work with seniors

Cruises are a convenient, relaxed way to travel. Viking is a popular cruise line – and one of the best tour companies that work with seniors; it operates many itineraries in Europe and Asia. Viking also runs ocean cruises, and all of its ships are adult only (18 years and up). Viking cruises focus on cultural and learning experiences, offering opportunities like on-ship cooking classes, planetariums, and TED talks.

5. Projects Abroad: If you want to volunteer

For seniors who want to share their knowledge and skills and make a difference in the world, ProjectsAbroad’s “Grown-up Specials” program designs volunteer trip packages specifically for adults over 50. This is among the best volunteer-based tour companies that work with seniors. The trips start at 2 weeks long, and the company organizes the itineraries and accommodations (often with a host family). The company offers volunteering trips all over the world, from environmental work in the Galapagos to childcare in Nepal.

Going solo? Check out the top 10 senior-friendly towns in America!

Seniors Guide Staff

Seniors Guide has been addressing traditional topics and upcoming trends in the senior living industry since 1999. We strive to educate seniors and their loved ones in an approachable manner, and aim to provide them with the right information to make the best decisions possible.

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Senior Travel Small Group Tours & Trips

3,899 senior travel trips. tours from 190 tour companies. 14,667 reviews. 4.5/5 avg rating..

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Best of Alaska

Alaska, Anchorage, Chugach Mountains, Denali, Denali National Park, Kenai Fjords National Park, Seward, Valdez

• Head out on an Alaskan safari for a unique chance to see moose, caribou, grizzly bears, Dall sheep and wolves in their natural habitat in Denali National Park.
• Take a boat cruise on Resurrection Bay to Kenai Fjords and look out for orca whales, porpoises and puffins before enjoying some free time to hike or relax.
• Discover Seward, one of Alaska's oldest and most scenic communities, then take a short hike to the tongue of Exit Glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park.
• Sit back and take in stunning views along the dramatic coastlines of the Turnagain Arm from Anchorage to Homer, then from Seward to Denali National Park, while someone else does the driving.
• On the way to charming Talkeetna, take a breath in Girdwood, where you’ll hop on the Alyeska Aerial Tram to the top of Mt Alyeska and see some incredible views of seven glaciers and the valley below.

50 plus, Cultural, High Adventure, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

Health Safety +

Greek Island Cruise

Athens, Porto

• Cruise aboard our exclusively chartered traditional Greek caique
• Sample traditional Greek food and dine at authentic waterside taverns
• Swim and snorkel in the warm, azure waters of the Aegean

50 plus, Cultural, Hiking & Walking

"AJ was a great guide on our tour through Puglia. The itinerary was perfectly paced, with plenty of free time, the special visits ( old oil press , agri tourism farm) etc were very interesting, and the small group dynamics excellent. One of the small buses we used was a little tight- the others were excellent. The castle we visited was very disappointing— a five minute drive by would be enough. Overall, a great trip"

Classic Antarctica - M/V Sylvia Earle

Antarctic Peninsula, Shetland Islands, South Shetland Islands, Ushuaia

• A classic expedition voyage - exploring the Antarctic Peninsula
• Penguin rookeries - see Adelie, gentoo and chinstrap penguins
• Enjoy the freedom of Antarctica - being in the vast, ice-sculpted Antarctic wilderness
• Travel on a small, friendly expedition ship - capped at just over 100 passengers
• Enjoy on-board lectures and presentations - from expert naturalists and guides

All Senior Travel , expedition cruises, self guided adventures and vacation packages. Find the best guided and expert planned vacation and holiday packages. Read more about Senior Travel

Costa Rica's Coastal Secrets

• Spend three nights in Drake Bay, the remote gateway to some of the premier wildlife destinations in Costa Rica
• Explore Corcovado National Park, one of the biologically rich areas on the planet
• Discover the wildlife and waterways of Tortuguero, an important nesting site for green turtles
• Enjoy unrivalled wildlife viewing, including monkeys, sloths, dolphins and whales (in season)
• Visit both the Caribbean and Pacific coastlines

50 plus, Birding, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

"Discover Costa Rica is a great itinerary, covering varied habitats around the country and staying 2 nights each at 6 centres. Their birdwatching specials are led by local experts who really know their stuff."

Generous cancellation

Tasmanian Wonders

"We did the Outback safari from Uluru to Darwin. It was a wonderful experience with a very knowledgeable and friendly guide, Manuela, and great driver, Ashleigh, helped by Terry. A great team."

Pharaohs and Pyramids Tour Package

Aswan, Cairo, Luxor, Pyramid of Giza

• Enjoy the best Egypt excursions. Tombs looming from a sandy expanse, monumental statues carved from desert rock, and sites open for you alone - experience these fascinating wonders and more during our comprehensive Egypt luxury tours.
• Take a seven-night cruise aboard YET's lauded Egypt Nile Cruises visiting off-the-beaten-path Abydos and Denderah, and experience a rare exploration of Nefertari's final resting place. Check out our amazing Egypt tours and book now the best Egypt tour packages.

50 plus, Cultural, Education / Learning, Family Friendly, Nature & Wildlife, Singles Travel, Small Ship Cruise, Photography

"We had an amazing time visiting Egypt and wouldn't hesitate to recommend Your Egypt Tours. Mona and her team were very accommodating, helping us create our own bespoke itinerary for the highlights of Egypt. All communication was extremely prompt and organised from the outset, and Peter our Egyptologist guide was excellent - he is clearly passionate about Egyptian history and we felt extremely reassured that we were in good safe hands throughout the entire trip. The history and architecture in Egypt is truly remarkable, from the incredible Abu Simbel temple to a sunrise hot air balloon over Luxor, the team helped us create an absolutely memorable trip and we couldn't be more grateful! Thank you Your Egypt Tours. Really must emphasise how excellent our Egyptologist Peter was. Thanks again"

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This is an amazing trip. There is a lot of traveling but it is very much worth it, to get the opportunity to see the very best of Alaska. The scenery is spectacular,...

Tour:   Best of Alaska

Alaska was an amazing experience and was one of the loveliest places we have seen

Alaska was an amazing experience and was one of the loveliest places we have seen so far. It was made all the better by our fellow travellers and our guide. Travelli...

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On Travelstride you can find 3899 trips to Senior Travel and more than 20,000 trips worldwide ranging from budget to luxury and private guided to group tours and everything in between. Only on Stride can you find and compare expert-planned trips from 1,000+ tour operators, cruise lines and local experts. Read traveler and professional reviews so you can confidently find your perfect trip.

Destination: Europe

European Tours for seniors

Odyssey Traveller offers comprehensive European tour packages as part of their small group tour global educational program. With expert tour guides, our small group tours cater to senior couples, mature individuals, and solo travellers looking to immerse themselves in the beauty and culture of Europe. These 2023 Europe trip packages are designed for groups of up to sixteen senior travellers, encompassing iconic destinations across Northern, Western, Central, Eastern, and Southern Europe, making it a quintessential journey with one of the leading European tour companies. Whether you prefer a European walking tour , coach tour, or an exploration via European train tours with an Eurail pass, Odyssey ensures a well-organized and enriching experience for solo travellers seeking a European vacation package.

Destinations

Albania 2 tours.

Armenia 1 tours

Austria 2 tours

Azerbaijan 1 tours

Belgium 4 tours

Bosnia and Herzegovina 1 tours

Bulgaria 2 tours

Corsica 1 tours

Croatia 4 tours

Cyprus 1 tours

Czech Republic 2 tours

Denmark 6 tours

Estonia 1 tours

Finland 6 tours

France 22 tours

Georgia 1 tours

Germany 13 tours

Greece 6 tours

Greenland 2 tours

Hungary 3 tours

Iceland 2 tours

Italy 22 tours

Latvia 1 tours

Lithuania 1 tours

Macedonia 2 tours

Malta 3 tours

Montenegro 1 tours

Norway 3 tours

Poland 4 tours

Portugal 6 tours

Romania 4 tours

Russia 6 tours

Sardinia 1 tours

Serbia 3 tours

Spain 11 tours

Sweden 5 tours

Switzerland 3 tours

The Netherlands 5 tours

Turkey 1 tours

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Discover Portugal

Visiting Portugal

Join Odyssey Traveller small group journeys with like minded people on this immersive 18-day escorted tour of Portugal . This travel experience takes us from the capital of Lisbon , through Portugal's many historic cities and key UNESCO World heritage sites.

From A$11,275 AUD

Greece small group escorted history tour

Visiting Greece

Our 21 day s mall group tour explores the land of great philosophers , myths, and legends. We will learn about the culture and heritage of modern Greece whilst exploring and learning Athens, which only found independence in its uprising from the Ottoman Empire in the 19th century.

From A$13,475 AUD

Saint James Way Small Group Walking Tour (The Camino)- Spain

Visiting Portugal, Spain

Experience pleasant sections of the Way of Saint James , crossing some of Spain’s most beautiful landscapes. We follow the pilgrims on easy distances of The Way to the mythical destination, Santiago de Compostella. Not since the middle ages has this adventure for body and mind been more popular. We also get to discover the artistic highlights and rich history of Northern Spain and Portugal , as well as enjoying local wines and exquisite food.

From A$14,135 AUD

Baltics Small Group Escorted Tour: Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania, Stockholm

Visiting Denmark, Estonia

An escorted small group tour to the Baltic States of Europe that explores the key destinations of this region starting in Warsaw , then making its way through Poland , Estonia , Latvia , Lithuania , Finland , Stockholm and concluding in Copenhagen . Each day has scheduled itineraries supported by local guides who share knowledge and authentic experiences of the places visited. This is small group travelling to the Baltics for like minded people.

From A$16,975 AUD

Richard Wagner Ring Cycle, Leipzig | Small Group Tours Germany

The small group tour will see the opera performed in the city of Richard Wagner’s birth, Leipzig . Our tour starts in Dresden and we also visit Bayrouth and Munich . We will not only experience his music in these 4 operas, but also be shown the influences of culture and family on the extraordinary composer’s life.

Florence: Living in a Renaissance City

A small group tour with like minded people, couples or solo traveller s, that is based in Florence . An authentic experience of living in this Renaissance city The daily itineraries draw on local guides to share their knowledge on this unique European tour. Trips to Vinci, Sienna and San Gimignano are included.

From A$13,695 AUD

Short Spain Tour for senior and mature travellers

Join our small group guided tour of Spain , exploring this fascinating country over 10 nights with like minded people . We start in Barcelona and make our way slowly towards Madrid . Enjoy the food and culture while learning about the history of each location from our expert local guides and Odyssey Program Leader.

From A$7,610 AUD

Barcelona Small Group Tour | The city explored in-depth

Small group journeys from one of the best small group tour companies Europe that delve into Barcelona 's history, culture, and cuisine. Daily itineraries for couples and solo travellers with like minded people. An escorted tour of Barcelona based in an apartment with local guides sharing authentic experiences and knowledge.

From A$12,925 AUD

Arctic circle tour

Visiting Denmark, Finland

A 40 day small group tour for senior couples and mature solo travellers interested in exploring the Arctic circle . The group with a program leader explores Greenland , Iceland , Faroe Islands of Denmark, Norway , Sweden and Finland . The tour makes use of the long summer night light for your enjoyment learning about viking history and trade and the Sami.

From A$42,895 AUD

Singapore to Lisbon by train

Visiting China

A small group railway journey from Singapore to Lisbon . The longest in the world for senior couples and mature solo travellers . Explore over some 56 days, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, China , Mongolia , Russia, France , Spain and Portugal . Limited to 10 travelers on this escorted program.

From A$41,145 AUD

Mediterranean Islands Small Group Tour | Malta, Sicily, Sardinia and Corsica

Visiting Corsica, Italy

For centuries Malta , Sicily , Sardinia and Corsica held the key to the Mediterranean . Unlike other European tour companies, Odyssey provides a tour leader and local guides to share detailed itineraries about the destinations on these small group journeys . This escorted tour of western Mediterranean explores the geography, history, culture and peoples of these 4 islands. Small group tour for mature couples and solo travellers . A reasonable single supplement is charged.

From A$19,750 AUD

Scandinavia tours for mature travellers

Visiting Denmark, Norway

Uncover on a small group tour for couples and solo travellers , a Viking past and view of the world’s biggest fjords on this journey through Scandinavia . In low-lying Denmark our small group journey takes us to visit the Zeeland, the sea land, and our program includes the vibrant capital of Copenhagen . In Norway we travel through endless forests, skirting great fjords to Bergen.

From A$14,295 AUD

Villages of Italy | small group tours Italy

Explore Italy in a small group tour. Italy is the most Mediterranean of nations and as mature and aged as many of its red wines. In terms of being a nation, it is even younger than New Zealand . This is often hard to believe, bearing in mind that Italy gave rise to Europe’s first global empire , which endured for approximately 2,000 years, the Romans. The new constantly brushes with the old and in doing so generates sparks that makes any sojourn in Italy a deeply textured experience.

From A$16,775 AUD

Secret France | Small group tours France | Places of cultural interest for seniors

Our small group tour d esigned with the mature traveller in mind, gives you the chance to see eight different locations over 25 days while experiencing local culture, t rying regional cuisine , exploring breathtaking architecture and admiring beautiful scenery. From Zurich the tour will move south towards Sare before returning north to Paris where the tour finishes, for a significant part of our journey we will be following old pilgrim pathways , taking the group deep into the villages, valleys, shrines and ski resorts.

World of Shakespeare | Small Group Tour

Visiting England

This small group tour for mature couples and solo travellers visits Shakespeare's birthplace, Stratford upon Avon and Anne Hathaway's cottage all form part of this small group tour escorted by a tour director and local guides sharing their knowledge on this guided tour. Included are performances in London at the Globe & RSC in Shakespeare's Stratford upon Avon.

From A$7,950 AUD

Bach Classical European Music Festival small group tours

Enjoy the best of Bach travelling with mature couples or solo travellers in a small group tour . We take time to appreciate not just the music but also to explore Bach's history and influences in Germany. The program spends 16 days visiting the locations that where influences on his life as well as attending the Bach Music festival in Leipzig .

From A$13,340 AUD

European Ballet escorted small groups tour for senior travellers

Visiting France, Germany

For couples and solo travellers who enjoy the ballet and the arts this 16 day program from Amsterdam to Hamburg and finishing in Paris is a dance delight. Programs and actual performances will vary, but the structure and fabric of the experiences to be enjoyed within a small group remains the cornerstone of your experience on this program.

From A$12,695 AUD

Normandy and Brittany escorted history tours for small mature grups

This small group tour for couples and solo travellers is centred on the North West corner of France: Normandy , where the peaceful landscape belies a turbulent past ; Brittany , where a strongly separate Celtic culture is still evident; Poitou, famous for its rich farmlands and historic ports; and the Loire Valley , replete with royal châteaux.

From A$15,895 AUD

Villages of Italy - short small group tours

Roam the villages of the northern Dolomites, in Italy , home to more than 40 glaciers. A small group tour is a great way to get to know Italy, or reacquaint yourself with its beauty and hidden gems . Travel with like minded mature couples or solo travellers .

From A$10,895 AUD

Lakes and Landscapes of Northern Italy | Short Small Group Tour for Seniors

Our small group tour begins in the cosmopolitan city of Milan and ventures to 2 of the region's lakes - Garda and Maggiore. Our tour uncovers a wealth of natural beauty, castles, serene waters, snow-capped mountains, and breathtaking scenery.

From A$9,225 AUD

Italy and France, history of gardens small group escorted tour

Visiting France, Italy

Odyssey's small group tour explores some of the classic gardens of Italy and France that reflect changing fashions and garden designs throughout the ages. This fully escorted tour features an Odyssey Program Leader and a handful of local guides who will examine, discuss, compare and contrast the cultural and temporal similarities and diversities between the gardens of Italy and France and the historical influences on their design.

From A$17,595 AUD

History of the Hanseatic League

Visiting Germany, Poland

Merchants generated much of the wealth of Europe, from Venice to Genoa , Lisbon and London. On the Baltic coast building on the Vikings , the Hanseatic league become the traders influence trade from the middle ages across Europe. This small group tour for senior couple and mature solo travellers explores the history.

From A$15,995 AUD

Small Group Tour to the Caucasus | Armenia Azerbaijan Georgia

Visiting Armenia, Azerbaijan

This small group program is designed to give people an opportunity to explore Tbilisi , Baku , Yerevan as well as important monuments, historical and religious sites, diverse landscapes and ancient architecture by visiting the Caucasus Mountains and the lowlands of Armenia , Georgia and Azerbaijan. Led by local English speaking guides, there will be the opportunity to meet local people.

From A$11,835 AUD

Malta & Sicily - Mediterranean Islands small group tour

Visiting Italy, Malta

For centuries Malta & Sicily , held the key to the Mediterranean. Unlike other European tour companies, Odyssey provides a tour leader and local guides to share detailed itineraries about the destinations on these small group journeys. For mature couples and solo travellers. A reasonable single supplement is charged.

From A$10,150 AUD

Scandinavian Design Small Group Tour: Denmark, Sweden and Finland

Denmark , Sweden and Finland realised that the only way to remain competitive on the world stage was through the value of superior design . Travelling with like-minded people on our small group tour you will explore the cities and towns where those high quality products, appreciated around the world, are created including hygge.

From A$16,685 AUD

La Belle France small group escorted history tours for seniors

Travelling with like minded people on this small group we visit several culturally significant and picturesque regions of France , including Provence, Champagne, Burgundy, and Bordeaux regions, where we sample wine and learn more about the tradition of wine-making. We also visit the Loire Valley to see its many castles. Finally, we travel to Bayeux, from where we we visit Mont St Michel and spend time up on the Normandy landing beaches with local guides.

From A$19,965 AUD

La Belle France Small Group Short Tour

On this small group tour of France , we visit several culturally significant and picturesque regions of France , including Provence, Champagne, Burgundy. We learn about each region's history from expert local guides with a chance to experience the local culture, and taste the regional cuisine.

From A$11,875 AUD

Belgium, Netherlands, France, Germany Art Tour | Western Europe Art Tour

Visiting Belgium, France

Most of us have already experienced the grandeur of classic galleries such as the Louvre and the National Gallery . Travel with like-minded people in a small group tour and be surprised by the lesser-known but equally wonderful smaller art galleries across Northwest Europe .

Discovering the Life of Beethoven | Small Group Tour

Travellers on this small group tour will have the chance to gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of Beethoven’s life and music . Beginning in the city of Bonn , where Beethoven was born, we visit the city precincts and buildings where Beethoven’s unique artistic sensibility was formed. In Vienna , we explore many of the concert halls and churches where his work was performed. In each city visited we attend performances of his work.

Journey through Mongolia and Russia small group tour

Visiting Mongolia, Russia

This escorted small group tour traverses this expanse, from Ulaanbaatar to St Petersburg ; from the Mongolian Steppes to Siberian taiga and tundra; over the Ural Mountains that divide Asia and Europe to the waterways of Golden Ring . Our program for couples and solo travellers uses two of the great rail journeys of the world; the Trans Mongolian Express and the Trans Siberian Express.

From A$17,850 AUD

Romans in France small group specialist history tours for seniors

Visiting France, Switzerland

Join our small group tour to explore what remains of the Roman Gaul . France , Belgium, Luxembourg and South-west Germany were occupied by Roman Gaul some 2,000 years ago. To this region the Romans brought roads , bridges, education, cities and, perhaps, above all the Peace of Rome .

From A$16,995 AUD

History of Croatia small group tours for senior travellers

Visiting Croatia

Spend 19 days touring Croatia , starting in Zagreb then travel south following the coast, where trade and the influences of the outside world made its mark. Travelling with like minded people in our small group we will explore the country in depth with great local guides and stay in key historical area such as Porec, Zagreb and Dubrovnik.

Explore the rich tapestry of European culture and history through our small group European tours for seniors , designed to provide a relaxed and immersive travel experience. Embark on a journey through some of the most iconic European cities that were integral to the grand tours of the last century, including Amsterdam , Athens , Paris , Prague, Venice, Budapest , Dubrovnik , Istanbul , Vienna, Lisbon and, ancient Rome . Or delve into the charm of quaint villages along the Dalmatian and Amalfi coasts as part of our multi-country tour tailored for seniors.

Join Odyssey on meticulously crafted European tours, which cater to seniors seeking to explore walking trails like the Camino de Santiago and other pilgrim routes . Our itineraries focus on specific regions of Europe, offering small group tours to Spain , Portugal, the Czech Republic, and Southern Italy , allowing ample time to appreciate stunning landscapes such as Iceland and the Norwegian fjords , as well as iconic heritage sites like the Colosseum in Rome.

Experience the allure of Europe with visits to St Peter’s basilica , Prague, Budapest , and other enchanting destinations in Eastern Europe or within the Czech Republic. Our European package tours are meticulously curated to include UNESCO World Heritage sites and cater to the aspirations of travellers who seek a deeper understanding of the destinations they visit.

At Odyssey, we pride ourselves on being among the best European tour providers for seniors, placing a strong emphasis on listening to our travellers’ preferences to offer more than just scenic beauty. Our escorted tours deliver not only spectacular landscapes but also a rich and engaging itinerary that immerses you in the historical and cultural tapestry of Europe.

Travel through France, Britain, Spain, Portugal, Italy, the Mediterranean islands , Croatia , Central Europe, Greece , and Turkey on our 21-day fully escorted tours led by experienced tour directors and local guides. Explore ancient ruins of Rome and Greece , unravel the significance of landmarks like the Doge’s Palace in Venice, or trace the history of piracy along the Dalmatian coast and Dubrovnik , dating back to ancient Greek times.

Embark on an unforgettable journey with Odyssey’s small group tours through Europe, accommodating a maximum of 16 travellers, with an average group size of up to 12, comprising solo adventurers and couples alike. Immerse yourself in a culturally enriched trip that promises a deep exploration of each destination on our meticulously planned itineraries.

For relevant articles follow these links on Europe and Travel tips.

History of Santorini

History of Santorini: From the Minoans to the Greek Republic The history of the Greek islands of Santorini (or Thera) stretches back to the Neolithic Era more than 3,000 years ago. A place of great importance…

Balkan Histories: the Serbian Story

Serbia’s history is always fascinating, often complicated and rarely without controversy. To gain a better insight into this fascinating past, read on for a brief synopsis of Serbia’s story, from its origins in Slavic migration to the present day.

A Short History of Transylvania: Definitive guide for travellers

A Short History of Transylvania Once a province of the Roman Empire, Romania has three historic principalities–Transylvania, Moldavia, and Wallachia–which were briefly reunited in the 16th century before splintering again when Transylvania was recaptured by…

Hill of Crosses, Lithuania

Just outside the northern city of Siauliai lies a small hill in the middle of farmland that has been crowned with around 100,000 crosses in all different sizes. There are tiny crosses, massive wooden crosses and crosses handcrafted from metal. Known as the Hill of Crosses (Kryziu Kalnas), it is both a pilgrimage site and a testament to Lithuanian strength and defiance under Soviet rule. It has come to represent the peaceful endurance of Lithuanian Catholicism in the face of so many threats throughout history.

Southern Italy

Southern Italy: from Magna Graecia to Italian Unification When people think of Italy, Rome, Venice, and Florence often come to mind first. Yet, the country offers much more beyond its northern attractions. Venturing south from…

Gothic Germany

The term Gothic is often used to refer to a turning point and new era of European architecture that is generally seen as starting in the mid 12th century. Gothic architecture was in stunning contrast to Romanesque architecture which emphasised few windows, massive stonework and heavy walls. In comparison, the Gothic style featured stained glass windows, flying buttresses and more light-filled interiors that made use of cavernous spaces.

What are the top Europe travel experiences?

Odyssey has curated a list of exceptional Europe travel experiences that should not be missed. From the stunning natural wonders of Iceland with its majestic waterfalls like Seljalandfoss and Skogafoss, to the enchanting Lofoten Islands in Northern Norway where visitors are captivated by the ever-present midnight sun in summer and the mesmerizing northern lights in winter, Europe offers an array of unforgettable destinations.

In Provence , France, from mid-June to mid-August, the blooming lavender fields create a picturesque landscape that is truly a sight to behold. Meanwhile, on the magical island of Crete, Greece , rich in history as the epicenter of the Minoan culture and influenced by various empires throughout the ages, visitors are immersed in a tapestry of cultural heritage.

Traveling to the Cotswold region in England presents an opportunity to experience the idyllic countryside with its romantic thatched cottages, adorned with trailing roses, and enjoy traditional cream teas. The region also boasts the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bath, renowned for its Roman and Georgian architecture.

For a unique and lesser-known destination, Transylvania in Romania offers a blend of stunning landscapes and a rich cultural heritage. Beyond the famous Dracula Castle, Bran Castle, this region captivates with its beauty and historical significance, away from the crowds typically found in more mainstream tourist areas.

Venturing to Yerevan , the capital city of Armenia, unveils breathtaking scenery, delectable cuisine, and warm hospitality from the locals, making it a truly memorable destination. Budapest, the capital of Hungary, known for its charming castles, hilly landscape, and rich cultural heritage, is a must-visit city divided by the Danube River into Buda and Pest.

Lastly, the Outer Hebrides in Scotland offer pristine golden beaches with a sense of untouched serenity, where the azure blue waters evoke a Caribbean paradise amid the rugged Scottish landscape. Each of these European travel experiences promises a unique and unforgettable journey for every traveller seeking to explore the beauty and diversity of this remarkable continent.

What is different on a small group tour?

Based in Sydney, Australia, Odyssey Traveller caters to a diverse clientele hailing from the USA, Canada, UK, and Europe annually. Specializing in educational small group tours for seniors, our group sizes typically range from 6 to 12 people, with a cap of 16 travellers.

With a rich history dating back to 1983, we have been at the forefront of providing adventurous and educational programs. Our array of fully escorted cultural and heritage journeys not only expand horizons but also offer a mind-enriching experience. Tailored for active and inquisitive travellers, our tours nurture exploration in a close-knit group setting.

What's the accommodation like on a group tour?

In metropolitan areas, Odyssey selects centrally situated 3–4-star hotels, ensuring convenient access to public transportation. In more rural or smaller town settings, our preference is family-operated hotels or guesthouses. For extended-stay tours where guests remain in one place for the duration, we opt for serviced apartments, where feasible.

What are the best Europe travel destinations for history?

Europe boasts a diverse and intricate history, characterized by a tapestry of cultures and traditions that have evolved over millennia. The continent offers a wealth of historical riches waiting to be explored. Here are the top 10 destinations that Odyssey highly recommends experiencing during your lifetime:

• Acropolis of Athens, Greece
• The Berlin Wall, Berlin, Germany
• Pompeii, Naples, Italy
• Auschwitz, Poland
• Mont-Saint-Michel, Normandy, France
• Colosseum, Rome, Italy
• Stonehenge, Britain
• Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany
• Louvre Museum, Paris

Why choose us for a small group adventure holiday?

Odyssey specializes in educational small group tours tailored for solo travel;ers or those journeying with a partner, exclusively catering to senior or mature travellers. Their group sizes range between 6 to 12 people, with a maximum of 18 travellers. These package holidays are designed for reasonably active seniors or mature travellers over 50, 60, or 70, whether traveling as a couple or opting for solo travel tours. Established in 1983, Odyssey has been offering these adventurous and educational programs not just within Australia but worldwide.

Initially conceived by a consortium of universities across Australia, New Zealand, and Asia, Odyssey was created to pioneer escorted educational tours for mature and senior travellers, guided by a tour director and guide to fascinating global destinations. Presently, Odyssey maintains ties with universities, ensuring tour directors uphold academic standards. The company collaborates with like-minded organizations and individuals dedicated to philanthropy, providing academic scholarships to students in Australia and New Zealand.

Odyssey presents a diverse selection of educational, cultural, and heritage journeys as meticulously organized tours that aim to enrich and expand horizons. With around 300 tours featured on their website, ranging from exploring Dinosaurs in Mongolia to embarking on a Walking Tour of the Camino de Santiago in Northern Spain or navigating the Australian outback, these experiences are crafted for active and curious travellers within a small group setting with a fixed itinerary. Group sizes typically vary between 6 to 12 individuals, comprising couples and solo travellers. The focus on small group travel with a knowledgeable tour leader creates a warm and personalized tour environment, reflecting the core philosophy of Odyssey Traveller in providing enriching holidays designed for couples and solo travellers over 50.

What are the best Europe travel destinations national parks and nature?

Europe is home to a diverse array of stunning landscapes, making national parks a must-visit for travellers seeking natural beauty. When crafting your itinerary for your next European adventure, consider incorporating visits to some of the continent’s most breathtaking national parks. Here are a few outstanding recommendations curated by Odyssey to enrich your journey:

• Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
• Jutunheiomen National Park, Norway
• Lake District National Park, England
• Saxon Switzerland National Park
• Hohe Tauern National Park, Austria

What is the best time of year to visit Europe?

For those seeking a sun-filled holiday, Europe shines its brightest during the summer months from June to September. This is the season when the sun reigns high, the beaches beckon with warmth, and the skies are clear and sunny.

Travelers who appreciate quieter surroundings may find the ideal time to explore Europe during the tranquil seasons of Spring (March to May) or Autumn (September to November).

For skiing enthusiasts or those captivated by the allure of Christmas markets, December and January offer a perfect window of opportunity to experience the magic of Europe’s snow-clad mountains and festive markets.

What ages are the group holidays suitable for?

Odyssey Traveller specializes in providing educational small group tours tailored for seniors, with the average participant age falling between 56 and 75 years, while still welcoming individuals of any age over 50. Based in Sydney, Australia, we cater to a diverse clientele hailing from the USA, Canada, UK, and Europe who join us on our enriching journeys each year.

Our group sizes range from 6 to 12 individuals, ensuring an intimate setting with no more than 16 travelers, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared exploration. Since 1983, Odyssey has been at the forefront of delivering these immersive and educational programs, offering a wide array of fully escorted cultural and heritage tours that aim to spark curiosity and cultural appreciation. Tailored for active and inquisitive travelers, our tours provide a platform for personal growth and discovery within a small group setting.

How will i stay well on a trip?

Ensuring that mature and senior travellers are travel-fit is crucial for them to fully enjoy a small group tour. This page provides valuable insights on maintaining a suitable diet, navigating solo travel, essential packing tips, as well as selecting appropriate footwear. By following these recommendations, you can efficiently plan and prepare for your upcoming vacation to Europe , United Kingdom , Australia or even New Zealand.

How does the member savings program save me money?

Read about Odyssey’s frequent traveller Alumni Program here.

Planning your first trekking holiday?

Odyssey’s active tours cater to mature travellers seeking an engaging holiday experience that aligns with their active lifestyle. These tours are thoughtfully designed to maintain a lively pace throughout, appealing to those who prefer to remain active during their travels. The activity level is customizable to suit the group’s fitness levels , ensuring that all participants are well taken care of. These tours are known for their small group sizes, usually capped at a maximum of 12 like-minded individuals.

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6 Slow-Paced Tours for Seniors

As the world continues to evolve at a breakneck pace, there’s an emerging trend that beckons people (not only seniors) to savor the journey rather than race through it – slow-paced tours.

In a society that often glorifies fast-paced adventures and adrenaline-fueled escapades, these tailored tours offer a refreshing alternative.

• New Orleans at a Slower Pace: A City of History, Culture and Celebration – Road Scholar’s New Orleans at a Slower Pace tour offers seniors an enriching and leisurely exploration of the city’s history, culture, and celebration, promising an unforgettable voyage through the heart and soul of the Big Easy.
• Paris at a Slower Pace: Art & Culture in the City of Light – This Road Scholar tour offers an immersive and leisurely exploration of Parisian cultural treasures, from masterpieces at the Louvre to strolls through the Latin Quarter and experiences at street-side cafes and open-air markets.
• Easy Pace Italy – Experience Italy’s top highlights from the Vatican to Venice on Insight Vacations’ 10-day Easy Pace Italy tour, indulging in VIP experiences, Renaissance masterpieces, Tuscan flavors, and the enchanting beauty of Venice’s canals.
• Easy Pace Budapest, Vienna & Prague – Embark on a 10-day guided tour with Insight Vacations, exploring the fascinating cities of Budapest, Vienna, and Prague at your own pace, discovering historical treasures, indulging in local cuisine, and immersing yourself in the cultural beauty of Central Europe.
• Living in France: A Three-Week Stay in Provence – Experience the enchanting beauty and artistic legacy of Provence during a three-week immersive stay in Aix-en-Provence with Smithsonian Journeys’ Living in France: A Three-Week Stay in Provence tour.
• A Stay in Holland: An Art History Journey from Vermeer to Van Gogh – Discover the rich legacy of Dutch art and immerse yourself in the world of iconic masterpieces from Vermeer to Van Gogh on Smithsonian Journeys’ A Stay in Holland: An Art History Journey tour, exploring museums, historic towns, and photogenic landscapes.

From captivating cultural encounters to picturesque landscapes that soothe the soul, these trips are thoughtfully designed to cater to the needs and desires of a variety of travelers.

Let’s delve into the transformative power of unhurried travel, where the emphasis lies not on ticking off landmarks on a checklist but on relishing each intricate moment of life. Slow-paced tours can rekindle the sense of wonder, create lasting memories, and open doors to unforeseen adventures for seniors seeking a new chapter in their travel story.

Why Choose a Slow-Paced Tour

While fast-paced travel might suit some, unhurried trips offer a host of unique advantages that make them an increasingly popular choice among those that enjoy stopping and smelling the roses.

Appreciate the Journey

Slow-paced tours encourage you to savor the experience fully. Rather than rushing from one attraction to another, you have the time to absorb the culture, history, and beauty of each destination. This unhurried approach allows you to develop a deeper connection with the places you visit, fostering a profound sense of appreciation for the voyage itself.

Enjoy Relaxed Itineraries

Slow-paced tours are thoughtfully designed with leisurely itineraries that prioritize comfort and enjoyment over rushed sightseeing. Ample free time allows you to explore destinations at your own pace, take breaks when needed, and even indulge in spontaneous moments of discovery.

Embrace Accessibility and Inclusivity

These tours often consider the accessibility needs of seniors, ensuring that the destinations and activities are senior-friendly. They take into account mobility concerns and offer accommodations that cater to varying physical abilities, making the trip more enjoyable for all participants.

Forge Meaningful Connections

With a more relaxed pace, you have the chance to interact with locals and fellow travelers in a more meaningful way. The unhurried environment fosters camaraderie and allows for deeper conversations, creating opportunities for friendships and lasting memories.

Experience Authentic Culture

Slow-paced tours often veer away from the crowded tourist traps, providing a chance to experience the authentic culture of a place. You can indulge in local cuisines, witness traditional customs, and partake in unique activities that might not be possible on fast-paced tours.

Reduce Stress and Fatigue

Traveling at a slower pace can significantly reduce the stress and fatigue commonly associated with rushed trips. This approach is especially beneficial as it allows you to maintain your energy levels and enjoy the experience to the fullest.

Immerse in Nature’s Beauty

These tours often include visits to serene natural landscapes, where you can bask in the tranquility of breathtaking scenery. Whether it’s a scenic countryside, a peaceful coastal town, or a majestic mountain range, slow-paced tours provide ample time to appreciate the beauty of nature.

Accommodate Special Interests

Slow-paced tours can be tailored to cater to specific interests, such as art, history, wildlife, or wellness. You can choose tours that align with your passions.

Finding the Right Balance

Margaret Manning, the founder of Sixty & Me and an avid traveler, reflects on the differences between slow-paced and fast-paced traveling. 

Years ago, I had the opportunity to join Road Scholar on a trip to Prague. On this adventure, I learned just how fun group travel can be. Every day had a theme, which I loved. At the same time, the formal activities weren’t overwhelming. I had time to walk alone. I discovered secret parks. I wandered through tiny shops and expansive gardens. And, of course, I made plenty of new friends.

Shortly after my Road Scholar trip, I completed a one-month train journey around Northern Europe. This second trip was much more fast-paced. In 10 days, I traveled 6,000 kilometers and visited 12 cities. I traveled by train, car, boat, and bike. I stayed in a new hotel every 2 days. It was an amazing experience… if a little tiring.

My goal on both of these trips was to inspire the women in our community to step out of their comfort zones and consider alternative travel options. 

One of the questions that I asked myself over and over again, as I worked my way around Europe, was whether I was pushing too hard. Was I trying to see too much? Would it have been better if I had taken it easy and “stopped to smell the roses” more often?

Obviously, there is no “right” or “wrong” answer to this question. Both approaches have their advantages and disadvantages.

On the one hand, like many women over 60, I feel a great deal of pressure to see as much as I can in the time that I have left. On the other hand, if I am honest, sprinting from place to place is harder on my body and mind than it used to be.

Read 7 BUCKET LIST TRAIN VOYAGES IN THE WORLD

Does Road Scholar Offer the Best Blend of Fast and Slow-Paced Travel?

The more I thought about it, the more I realized that Road Scholar is actually an amazing blend of fast and slow-paced travel. On the one hand, all of their programs offer intellectually stimulating activities. They keep your mind buzzing (sometimes spinning) with new ideas.

On the other hand, they don’t force you to go beyond a comfortable pace. If you want to take part in the optional activities, you can. If you want to use your free time to sit at a local café and watch the people passing by, this is also completely fine.

Perhaps this was the main lesson that I learned on my most recent trips.

There is no “right” or “wrong” way to travel. There is no “too fast” or “too slow. There is only the pace that we need at a certain time in our lives.

Sometimes we need intensity. Other times, we need intimacy. The trick is to take the time to evaluate where we are in our lives and to choose our travel adventures consciously.

Slow-Paced Tours for Seniors

Slow-paced tours provide a refreshing opportunity to truly explore the beauty of destinations, forge meaningful connections, and embrace the joy of traveling at your own pace.

New Orleans at a Slower Pace: A City of History, Culture and Celebration

This tour is designed for people seeking an enriching and leisurely exploration of the Big Easy, promising an unforgettable trip through the heart and soul of New Orleans.

Delve into the intriguing history of the city with historical walking tours led by experienced local guides, who will take you through the iconic French Quarter and beyond, sharing stories of its colonial past and diverse architecture. Engage in the vibrant tapestry of New Orleans’ culture with authentic experiences, engaging with local artists, musicians, and culinary experts to gain insights into the essence of Creole traditions.

Enrich your understanding of New Orleans’ heritage with exclusive lectures and hands-on workshops, where you’ll learn about jazz music’s roots, the significance of Mardi Gras, and the city’s unique folklore. Savor the delectable flavors of New Orleans during guided culinary excursions, enjoy a gumbo cooking demonstration, and indulge in sumptuous meals that showcase the city’s signature dishes. Relax on a delightful riverboat cruise along the Mississippi River, taking in the city’s storied waterfront and majestic skyline.

This tour respects the need for personal exploration, offering ample free time to wander the streets at your own pace, visit art galleries, browse local boutiques, or simply sit back and soak in the city’s vibrant ambiance.

Your knowledgeable Road Scholar Program leader will be your trusted companion throughout the journey, offering insights, assistance, and facilitating engaging group dynamics.

Tour Operator: Road Scholar

Days: 6 days, 5 nights

Paris at a Slower Pace: Art & Culture in the City of Light

This meticulously crafted tour invites you to experience the grandeur and allure of Paris at a leisurely pace, providing ample time to savor the city’s cultural treasures. From the awe-inspiring spires of Notre Dame to the world-renowned masterpieces of the Louvre, this trip promises a truly immersive and enriching exploration of the “City of Light.”

Enthrall yourself in the art and culture of Paris as you view the works of the masters at some of the world’s most prestigious museums. Wander through the Louvre’s hallowed halls, gazing upon iconic paintings and sculptures that have shaped the course of artistic history.

Your travel through Paris’ cultural heritage extends beyond the museum walls as you stroll the historic streets of the Latin Quarter, where you’ll find yourself in the company of students from the nearby Sorbonne, breathing in the intellectual ambiance that has inspired countless luminaries throughout the ages.

Embrace the quintessential Parisian experience as you savor life at a relaxed pace, indulging in the city’s authentic charm. Pause at street-side cafes, just like the locals, and savor delectable French pastries while immersing yourself in the sights and sounds of everyday Parisian life. Discover the enchanting world of Parisian markets, where vibrant colors and enticing aromas beckon you to explore the array of fresh produce, cheeses, and artisanal goods.

Throughout your trip, you will be accompanied by local experts who will unveil the hidden gems and cultural nuances that make Paris truly special. Engage in in-depth lectures that provide a deeper understanding of the city’s history, art, and culture, enhancing your appreciation for the city.

Go on extraordinary full-day explorations via motorcoach, where you will witness Paris’ iconic landmarks, graceful boulevards, and famous monuments. Marvel at the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, and the magnificent Champs-Élysées, each a testament to the city’s timeless allure.

Unhurried and with ample opportunities for personal exploration, this voyage through the “City of Light” promises an unforgettable and soul-enriching experience, creating cherished memories that will stay with you forever.

Days: 9 days, 8 nights

Easy Pace Italy

Travel on an extraordinary 10-day guided journey through Italy’s most captivating destinations with Insight Vacations’ Easy Pace Italy tour. As you traverse the country from the Vatican to Venice, a tapestry of Italy’s top highlights unfolds, promising a truly immersive and indelible experience.

Your adventure commences in Rome, where the ancient and modern intertwine seamlessly. Begin with a visit to the iconic Colosseum, an awe-inspiring marvel of antiquity that echoes the gladiatorial battles of a bygone era. Next, prepare for an exclusive experience as you head to the Vatican Museums for a VIP dinner, surrounded by the world’s most renowned art collections.

In Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, the artistic wonders of Piazza della Signoria await. This open-air art gallery showcases masterpieces that have shaped the course of art history, offering a glimpse into the brilliance of Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and other artistic luminaries.

Journey to Pisa, where you’ll meet a local expert for an informative tour of the city’s most iconic landmark – the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Learn about its intriguing history and architectural marvel, a true testament to human ingenuity.

The adventure continues to the idyllic Tuscan hills, where an organic farm welcomes you with open arms. Amidst fields of vibrant vegetables and lines of olive trees, indulge in an authentic Italian meal, savoring the essence of traditional Tuscan cuisine and hospitality.

Finally, arrive in the charming city of Venice, where life unfolds in a mesmerizing aquatic dance. Board a private boat, and allow yourself to be whisked away on a magical journey through the city’s winding canals. Admire the ornate palaces that stand tall along the water’s edge and pass beneath elegant bridges, ultimately arriving at the renowned Piazza San Marco with its marble arcades and stunning basilica.

Throughout the tour, experienced guides and local experts will share their wealth of knowledge, ensuring you gain a deep appreciation for Italy’s art, culture, and history. Insight Vacations’ Easy Pace Italy tour promises an authentic and leisurely exploration of Italy’s best, leaving you with great memories of this compelling country and a newfound love for its beauty and charm.

Tour Operator: Insight Vacations

Days:10 days, 9 nights

Special feature: Choose between a classic size group (max 40) or a small group (max 24)

Easy Pace Budapest, Vienna & Prague

Join the 10-day guided tour with Insight Vacations, the Easy Pace Budapest, Vienna & Prague, where you’ll explore the enchanting capitals of Hungary, Austria, and the Czech Republic at your own pace.

Your adventure starts in Budapest, Hungary’s iconic capital city, where your local travel director will lead you on a sightseeing trip through its historical and cultural treasures. Wander the cobblestone streets of the Castle district, taking in the captivating views from the Fisherman’s Bastion. To indulge in the flavors of Hungary, savor a delightful strudel tasting paired with rich, aromatic coffee, capturing the essence of Hungarian hospitality.

Continuing along the majestic Danube, you’ll arrive in Vienna, the imperial home of the Habsburg royals. Marvel at the regal grandeur of Schönbrunn Palace, a breathtaking architectural masterpiece that transports you back in time. In Vienna, indulge in an abundance of local dining, where you’ll have the chance to taste Austria’s most delectable dishes, discovering the culinary offerings that have delighted palates for generations.

Next, venture into the Czech Republic, where the fairytale town of Český Krumlov awaits with its ageless charm and picturesque beauty. Stroll through its quaint streets, adorned with historic buildings, and immerse yourself in the magic of this charming town.

Finally, arrive in Prague, the “city of a hundred spires,” where a knowledgeable local expert will guide you through its rich history and cultural heritage. Explore the intricate architecture, discover hidden gems, and bask in the timeless allure of this remarkable city.

Throughout the tour, you’ll have the freedom to explore each city at your own pace, embracing the enchanting atmosphere and cultural wonders that each destination has to offer.

Days: 10 days, 9 nights

Living in France: A Three-Week Stay in Provence

Indulge in the allure of Provence, a region that conjures visions of picturesque olive groves, rolling vineyards, and radiant sunlight, which once captivated artists like Cézanne, Chagall, and van Gogh. Embark on a remarkable cultural voyage with Smithsonian Journeys’ Living in France: A Three-Week Stay in Provence tour, immersing yourself in the charming city of Aix-en-Provence for an unforgettable three-week stay.

Aix-en-Provence, a city of timeless charm, will become your home during this immersive cultural experience. Nestled amidst elegant cobblestone streets, this small city boasts a 600-year-old university and numerous art and cooking schools, creating an atmosphere brimming with creativity and inspiration. As you stroll through the quaint alleys on your way to class or the bustling outdoor markets, you’ll be enveloped in the artistic spirit that has enchanted generations of artists.

Immerse yourself in the richness of the region’s history and natural beauty as you explore medieval hilltop villages, uncover fascinating Roman ruins, and venture into the captivating countryside. Each day brings new discoveries, revealing the layers of Provence’s storied past and its enduring beauty.

Escape the tourist crowds and savor authentic local experiences as you linger over a glass of wine at a neighborhood café, soaking in the ambiance of a place that feels like home. Delight your taste buds as you dine in restaurants tucked away from the tourist path, where you can savor exquisite culinary delights that reveal the essence of Provence’s gastronomic heritage.

Throughout your stay, enjoy the comfort and convenience of your apartment at the Adagio Aix-en-Provence Centre, ideally located on a peaceful street near the charming shops along the Cours Mirabeau. Embrace the rhythm of Provence’s daily life, relishing the opportunity to live like a local and forge connections with the warm and welcoming community.

This slow-paced tour from Smithsonian Journeys promises an extraordinary adventure, allowing you to fully absorb the essence of this beautiful region.

Tour Operator: Smithsonian Journeys

Days: 23 days

A Stay in Holland: An Art History Journey from Vermeer to Van Gogh

Go on a captivating art history trip with Smithsonian Journeys’ A Stay in Holland: An Art History Journey from Vermeer to Van Gogh tour. Throughout the Netherlands, the rich legacy of famous Dutch artists resonates deeply within contemporary culture.

World-class museums, including the Mauritshuis and the Rijksmuseum, proudly showcase spectacular collections of the Old Masters of the Dutch Golden Age, while the works of renowned painters like Frans Hals and Johannes Vermeer remain integral to the identity of their hometowns.

Settle into the picturesque city center of Hals’s native Haarlem, where you’ll immerse yourself in the unique world of Dutch fine arts, beholding iconic masterpieces such as Rembrandt’s Night Watch, Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring, and van Gogh’s Sunflowers, alongside an array of lesser-known artistic gems.

On full-day excursions and guided tours led by local experts, explore the arts and culture of the Hague and Delft, marvel at the architectural wonders of Rotterdam, indulge in the tradition of cheesemaking in Gouda, and venture deep inside a national park to discover an extensive collection of van Gogh’s magnificent works.

This art-filled voyage promises an enriching and immersive exploration of Holland’s artistic heritage, unveiling the enduring beauty and significance of Dutch fine arts in the heart of the Netherlands.

Days: 9 days

Read TOP 10 SMALL MUSEUMS AND ATTRACTIONS IN ITALY .

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Do you enjoy slow-paced traveling? Are you tempted by one of these slow-paced tours for seniors? If you have a different slow-paced tour destination in mind, please share it with the community!

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

I just returned from a two week group travel tour of Ireland and Scotland. Although it was wonderful, I found the fast pace and constantly being on the go stressful and tiring. I am a 70 yo female in good health and fit! Plus, I caught Covid for the first time ever and although fairly mild, it still took its toll and I spent the majority of the trip wearing a mask. As a result of my experience, I had decided over the course of the trip that any future trips I take will be slower paced and immersive. This article is spot on!

Hi Gmarie, I’m so sorry Covid put a damper on your trip to Ireland and Scotland. Slow paced tours are definitely an excellent way to discover new places without feeling rushed and pressured. They are great for getting an authentic feel of a destination and especially for getting an immersive experience. Keep us posted on your future travels!

Tags Solo Travel

Sandra Roussy

Sandra is the middle-aged woman you hear about who sheds everything she owns and sets out into the world to rediscover and redefine herself. After more than twenty years spent in the fashion industry designing collections for brands such as La Senza, Victoria’s Secret, and JACOB Lingerie, she shifted her path and pursued her longtime passion for writing, traveling, and photography. Sandra was published in the NY Times best selling book Eat Pray Love Made Me Do It. A deeply personal essay hand-picked by Elizabeth Gilbert about loss, facing fears, and going after dreams. Visit her website: www.sandraroussy.com

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My Grandparents Have Been Traveling for 60 Years — Here Are the 11 Comfy Items They Always Pack As Retirees

Keep reading for travel advice from my grandparents who say they’re in the “golden age” of their life.

Travel + Leisure / Madison Woiten

Being a travel writer, it only makes sense that my passion for exploration runs in the family — after all, where else could I have inherited from? Both sets of my grandparents are avid travelers, taking on a number of international trips per year to destinations like Thailand , Italy , France , and so much more. 

My travel-loving grandparents have entered the “golden age” of their life, as my grandpa refers to it, enjoying retired life by exploring the world . But of course, that ability to travel with ease — and joy — comes with a fool-proof list of travel accessories to make the journey as smooth as humanly possible. With so much experience under their belts, I’ve tapped my grandparents to curate a list of their travel must-haves, including everything from their favorite slip-on sneakers to a portable walking cane in case of emergencies. Keep reading for their go-tos starting at just $5. 

Zomake Portable Metal Shoe Horn

“I don’t go anywhere without my pocket shoe horn,” my grandpa told me on our phone call the other night. I should’ve known it was going to be his first bit of advice to share with other retiree travelers, because for my entire life he’s had shoe horns littered all over his house (and in his bags) to assist him in putting on his loafers, sneakers, and other shoes everywhere from the front door to the rental cabin to the doctor’s office. He sent me the link to this handy $5 portable one, and even though I’m just 24 I’m considering adding it to my cart to make my life a bit easier, too. 

Kizik Madrid Slip-on Sneakers

My other grandpa doesn’t keep a shoe horn on him anymore because he has replaced nearly all of his shoes with these slip-on sneakers that he calls “the best invention since sliced bread,” and says that he “wishes he’d had a pair his entire life.” His devout love for these sneakers has also turned my grandma into a convert, and now the two happily sport their Kiziks all over Thailand walking from food stall to food stall. 

Samsonite Freeform 21-inch Carry-on Suitcase

My grandparents don’t have patience for heavy, squeaky luggage, and that’s why they swear by this Samsonite carry-on that comes equipped with four smooth-gliding wheels and a spacious-yet-compact build to keep all of their belongings conveniently packed. This suitcase weighs in at just over 6 pounds, which means that they don’t have to worry about lugging around a heavy bag and risk hurting themselves. They each have one of their own — and they’ll probably never travel with any other bag. 

Vera Bradley Triple Zip Hipster Crossbody Bag

Vera Bradley

As much as my grandmother loves her fancy shoulder bags, she says they’re “too heavy for long trips now.” That’s why she now travels with a lightweight crossbody bag that’s still spacious enough to hold onto her phone, passport, and other personal belongings but won’t weigh her down. She loves this Vera Bradley one for its “fashionable look and ability to keep [her] things close.”

Auvon Travel Pills Organizer 

When you’re traveling, it’s important to keep all of your pills in one convenient spot. My grandparents have one of these boxes that not only organizes all of their medications by the day of the week,but also by the time of day (morning and night) to streamline taking — and remembering — your medications. My grandma also advised me to tell other travelers to “pack an extra few days worth of medication just in case your trip gets delayed or extended.” Oh, and this set just so happens to be on sale for $8 for Prime Members. 

Ostrich Pillow Compression Socks

My grandparents have found that compression socks help relieve some of the discomfort and swelling that comes from prolonged restricted movement by stimulating circulation in your legs. And while they’ve tried a variety of pairs (including this Charmking Compression Sock Set of Eight ) their current favorite is this one from Ostrich Pillow that I introduced them to. They absolutely love these socks for their “impressive comfortable compression,” so much so that they feel confident enough in them to brave our upcoming 24+-hour travel day to Thailand. 

Vaunn Portable Folding Cane

My grandpa sometimes needs extra assistance walking, especially during long travel days, and that’s why he always keeps this convenient portable folding cane on him. We got it for him last year, and since then he keeps it on him if his knee acts up or needs some help with balance. He finds that it's better than traveling with his typical cane because he doesn’t have to worry about “a larger one taking up too much space in the airplane cabin or through TSA.”

Techshare Magnifying Glass and Light Keychain 

On a recent visit with my grandpa, he pulled out this handy dandy two-in-one magnifying glass and light at the dimly lit restaurant we were at and used it to read the menu and order his meal. I asked him when he started carrying it around, and he said his friend recommended it a year ago for reading handouts and other information while on-the-go. I found it utterly genius, and even better that it hooks onto his keys — all for a mere $8. It’s now a must-have for him that he can’t recommend enough to make travel smooth for other retirees. 

Cabeau Evolution S3 Neck Pillow

I gave my grandma this neck pillow last Christmas to replace her old one, and when I asked her how it held up, she said it’s so comfortable that as soon as she sits down on a flight, she immediately falls asleep and stays asleep the entire time. She’s also a fan of its convenient carrying bag that she said allows her “to keep it in her purse to rest in the car” as well. 

Loft Drop Shoulder Cardigan 

Both sets of my grandparents live in South Florida, and between the humid heat and blasting indoor AC, a good cardigan is an everyday and travel staple for them both. They both love styles like this lightweight one from Loft (and both happen to absolutely love everything from Loft) to add a bit of cozy warmth no matter where they are. Even better, this stylish one is on sale for $33 right now. 

Quince Women’s Linen Pants

Toward the end of my call with my grandma, I asked her if there was any other advice that she’d  like to share, and she said that travelers “shouldn’t waste their time with jeans or uncomfortable pants,” and instead should opt for a pair of pull-on pants that go on easy while remaining comfortable and breathable. She actually found this specific $40 pair from Quince in an advertisement online and has been obsessed ever since. I mean really, she has three pairs and counting. 

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14 Best Travel Destinations For Retirees

Retirement is the ideal time to see the places you've been dreaming of for years. Pack a bag and head to one of these top vacation destinations.

Read update

New Retirement Vacation Ideas to Kick Off the Golden Years

• Zurich, Switzerland: Safe, clean, and easily walkable, Zurich is a great vacation destination for retirees with excellent transportation and endless sights to explore.
• Cambria, California: A peaceful, lively art scene and a beautiful coastline make Cambria a perfect retreat for retired vacationers seeking relaxation, delicious food, and a lively art scene.
• La Fortuna, Costa Rica: Retirees will enjoy La Fortuna with its green terrain, endless wildlife, and hot springs, making it a dream destination for nature lovers.

Retirement is the time in life when people decide they’re finally ready and able to travel. With more free time and, often, more financial freedom, retirees can get out into the world and start ticking off some of the bucket list items they’ve been dreaming of for decades.

However, with so many options, from affordable retirement vacation ideas in the US to lavish and luxurious international getaways, there's a lot of choice out there, so how can seniors narrow down the list?

Make the most of your Golden Years by exploring some of these incredible destinations around the world, perfect for retired people. Some are close to home, and some are so far away that only a retiree with tons of time can explore them properly. Here are some of the best vacation destinations for retirees to consider visiting in their senior years.

UPDATE: 2024/05/03 14:46 EST BY LAURALYN BROWN

It's never too late to travel and enjoy new cities, cultures, and cuisines! This list has been updated to include two more vacation destinations for retirees. No matter one's preference or budget, these amazing retirement trip ideas and destinations have something for everyone.

12 Amazing Towns To Retire To In Europe

14 key west, florida, key west is a beach vacation haven for retirees.

The #1 U.S. destination on the retirement travel bucket list is Key West, Florida. Key West is the southernmost point of Florida and is surrounded by emerald waters, palm trees, and that classic laid-back, Florida vibe.

This should be every retiree's first stop when taking a retirement vacation.

There are also plenty of luxurious and dreamy places to stay in Key West that are all-inclusive and help retirees find activities to do around this area.

Spend a morning golfing at the club, go boating on the Gulf Coast, and enjoy a cocktail or two on the beach; it's a great kick-off into retired life.

• Best Time Of Year To Visit: March to May
• Top Attraction: Key West Lighthouse
• Why It’s Good For Retirees: Warm Gulf Coast beaches, luxurious resorts, restaurants, and shopping

13 Sicily, Italy

Enjoy the slow life and remarkable scenery on this island in the mediterranean sea.

Who says you can't travel abroad when you're a senior? This gorgeous Italian island in the Mediterranean is one of the best retirement vacations one can take!

Nothing sounds like a true vacation quite like a warm scenic coastline, lush vineyards, and charming hilltop villages.

In this Italian paradise, retirees should indulge in the best local dishes, like the famous Sicilian cannoli, Neapolitan pizza, and a refreshing frozen granita.

Balance out the rich foods with scenic walks up to the viewpoints or sit by the water and enjoy the sunset.

• Best Time Of Year To Visit: April to May, September to October
• Top Attraction: The Valley of Temples
• Why It’s Good For Retirees: Slow-paced lifestyle, beaches, 5-star dining, incredible scenery

12 Zurich, Switzerland

A safe, clean city with excellent transportation, day trips, and hotels within walking distance of downtown.

One of the best places for retired people to vacation is Zurich, Switzerland. Because of its elegant, safe, and easy-to-maneuver planning, Zurich makes for great year-round travel for any age, but especially those who have entered their golden years.

Although a fairly large city, Zurich offers great public transportation, clean hotels within walking distance of downtown, and endless sights and day trips people can book via bus, train, or boat, earning an easy place among the best vacations for retirees.

Lake Zurich is perfect for warmer months and seasons, while a trip to the nearby Swiss Alps may be a great option for anyone wanting to ski. There are beginner, intermediate, and expert-level ski resort options, so there's something for everyone.

• Best Time Of Year To Visit: June to August
• Top Attraction: Lindenhof
• Why It’s Good For Retirees: Zurich is safe, clean, and easily walkable, and its transportation system is excellent and reliable, making getting around and day trips convenient

11 Cambria, California, United States

Peace, quiet, a lively art scene, and an endless coastline make cambria worth the stay.

The next best idea for retirees traveling this year is the charming town of Cambria, California. This West Coast city in the United States is perfect for retired vacationers for many reasons, including its beaches, hotels and rentals, food, and walkability.

The art scene is also bolstering in Cambria, as is its restaurant industry.

Cambria is regularly named one of the most beautiful places in California and continues to be a haven for those needing a little R&R.

With scenic drives, historical architecture, and closeness to the iconic Hearst Castle in San Simeon . There's so much to see, eat, drink, and enjoy here, especially for retirees!

• Best Time Of Year To Visit: September and October
• Top Attraction: Moonstone Beach Drive
• Why It’s Good For Retirees: Cambria offers peace, quiet, drivability, a walkable coastline, and plenty of delicious food and wine, along with a lively art scene

10 La Fortuna, Costa Rica

Green terrain, endless wildlife, and excitement make la fortuna a retiree's dream.

La Fortuna is a charming small town in Costa Rica, located northwest of the capital city (San Jose). It’s a short, affordable flight to get there from most major US cities, and Costa Rica is a relatively safe country with an excellent healthcare system.

Beyond the logistics, there are lots of fun and relaxing things to do and see in Costa Rica, from jungle walks to soaking in hot springs. Retirement is the ideal time to experience some of Costa Rica's most beautiful places .

• Best Time Of Year To Visit: December to April
• Top Attraction: Arenal Volcano
• Why It’s Good For Retirees: It's a nature lover's haven and many tour companies here cater to seniors

9 Porto, Portugal

Walkable cobblestone streets, historic architecture, and waterfront views await.

Retired travelers who are ready for a European adventure should head to Porto, Portugal, which is also said to be one of the best cities to retire in Europe (and thus visit as a retiree, too).

This coastal city in Portugal offers a less chaotic experience than Lisbon and is affordable. Its slow pace of life, enchanting historic streets and architecture, and old-world buildings by the water make Porto a beautiful vacation destination for retirees.

Plus, its gorgeous cobblestone streets are very walkable, making getting around easy for seniors. However, some streets can be steep, so seniors with mobility limitations may need to account for this.

• Best Time Of Year To Visit: May, June, or September
• Top Attraction: Porto Cathedral
• Why It’s Good For Retirees: Interesting culture and slow pace of travel

Planning to stay a while? No problem - Portugal offers non-EU citizens a retirement visa .

10 Affordable Places To Retire In Portugal

8 western australia, with spots like perth, broome, and karijini national park, this part of down under is ideal for retirees.

Western Australia is a massive state in Australia that requires a good amount of time to discover properly. That’s why retirement is the perfect time to go and explore what is perhaps one of the best places in Australia to visit as a tourist.

Without the restriction of two weeks' vacation per year, retired travelers from North America can finally embark on an epic road trip across Western Australia from Perth to Broome.

Don't miss one of the most beautiful national parks in Australia, Karijini National Park, with its scenic landscapes and watery gorges perfect for photography and soaking up stunning vistas.

• Best Time Of Year To Visit: November to May
• Top Attraction: Karijini National Park
• Why It’s Good For Retirees: Requires weeks to properly explore the entire state

7 Scottsdale, Arizona, United States

Sun, golf courses, luxury spa resorts, and the finer things make scottsdale a top retirement vacation spot.

Scottsdale, Arizona, offers plenty to do and see , which is why it is the perfect choice for retirees looking for quick vacation ideas in the US or looking for a place to spend several months a year in the sunshine ( 330 days of annual sunshine , in fact!).

Located close to home for Americans and Canadians, Scottsdale is full of excellent restaurants and shops, and beautiful nature is always nearby.

What's more, Scottsdale offers retirees world-class golf courses like TPC Scottsdale, Grayhawk, and Troon North, not to mention an array of fantastic luxury spa resorts for seniors seeking to enjoy life's finer indulgences.

• Best Time Of Year To Visit: September or March
• Top Attraction: Taliesin West
• Why It’s Good For Retirees: Warm weather, world-class golf courses, luxury spa resorts, and a short flight from most US cities

6 Bali, Indonesia

Peace, quiet, and healing properties make bali a great choice for retirees.

Bali, Indonesia, is typically synonymous with young backpackers; however, it's a bucket-list destination for people of all ages, especially seniors.

From the beaches in Uluwatu to the wellness retreats in Ubud, Bali is one of the many amazing retirement vacation destinations as well as a backpacker hotspot.

Moreover, away from the party beaches and bars, Bali has several fascinating historic ruins and temples , which are great attractions for retirees seeking beautiful sites in Indonesia and to learn more about the history, heritage, and culture of this stunning Southeast Asian country.

It’s also a long flight from North America, so retirement is the perfect time to visit when planning to stay for a while.

• Best Time Of Year To Visit: April to October
• Top Attraction: Uluwatu Temple
• Why It’s Good For Retirees: Relaxed lifestyle, gorgeous beaches, wellness retreats, and fascinating ancient ruins and historic temples

5 Ushuaia, Argentina

Colorful buildings, water activities, and bucket list cruises to antarctica.

Ushuaia is the southernmost city in the world and is worth visiting for its unique colorful buildings, ocean views, and nearby nature.

Besides going to see wild penguins and cruising the Beagle Channel, retirees who have a healthy savings account can check a major bucket list item off here: cruising to Antarctica.

Visiting the seventh continent is an exciting opportunity, and many cruises depart from Ushuaia’s port. There are also often last-minute deals being sold in the city, earning it a place among the top travel destinations for retired people seeking a spontaneous getaway.

While in Ushuasia, don't forget to explore Tierra del Fuego National Park , which is just 23 minutes away and perfect for a day trip.

• Best Time Of Year To Visit: December to March
• Top Attraction: Tierra del Fuego National Park
• Why It’s Good For Retirees: Departure Point for Antarctica Cruises, proximity to Tierra del Fuego National Park

4 Panama City, Panama

Safe streets, amazing nightlife, and a unique blend of latin american culture and stunning beaches.

Panama is one of the best places in the world to retire to. In particular, Panama City is one of the many amazing retirement vacation spots, as it's a safe and relaxing destination for retirees to stay for a while.

If retired travelers want the culture of Latin America and beautiful beaches, this is the place to be.

The city is beautiful and more affordable than the United States but still offers a developed infrastructure that makes it easy to get around.

• Top Attraction: Panamá Viejo (Old Panama)
• Why It’s Good For Retirees: Comfortable and safe but more affordable than North America, beautiful beaches, safe streets, great nightlife

12 Safest Countries To Retire In 2024 For Less Than $2,000 A Month

3 tuscany, italy, historic towns, great weather, rolling vineyards, and a laid-back atmosphere.

There is no bad time in life to visit Tuscany, which is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful places in Europe and among the many idyllic vacation ideas for retired people, with its great weather, laid-back atmosphere, and charming old towns and historic streets.

Retirees should sample fine wines at any of the incredible vineyards in Tuscany and enjoy a picture-postcard Tuscan sunset.

Ultimately, this is one of the most beautiful travel destinations for retirees hoping to enjoy a classic European getaway; come for a relaxed lifestyle with lots of good wine, food, weather, and company.

• Best Time Of Year To Visit: April, May, September, and October
• Top Attraction: Ponte Vecchio
• Why It’s Good For Retirees: Arts, culture, and slow pace of life

2 San Miguel De Allende, Mexico

Visit this unesco-listed town, home to a well-preserved historic center from the 1600-1700s.

The colonial-era city of San Miguel de Allende in Guanajuato, Mexico , is gaining tourism attention quickly. It’s a beautiful destination for enjoying historic architecture, local culture, and delicious, authentic Mexican cuisine.

The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, thanks to its pretty colonial architecture, enchanting cobblestone streets, and eclectic arts scene. Its UNESCO status was also bestowed due to its important role in the Mexican War of Independence.

There are many stunning urban resorts and boutique hotels in San Miguel de Allende to stay at, making it comfortable yet perhaps also one of the more affordable vacation ideas for retirees.

• Best Time Of Year To Visit: November to April
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1 kyoto, japan, sushi, historic landmarks, and easy train rides make japan's ancient capital accessible to older travelers.

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Israel-Gaza latest: Israel's 'declared aim of wiping Gaza from the map is about to be realised', World Court told

The UN's top court has today opened a hearing calling for emergency measures to halt Israel's onslaught in Rafah - as Israel said it is "wearing Hamas down" there and has sent more troops in.

Thursday 16 May 2024 16:30, UK

• Israel-Hamas war

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• Israel's 'declared aim of wiping Gaza from the map is about to be realised', World Court told  | Israel sends more troops to Rafah
• Five IDF soldiers killed by Israeli 'tank crossfire'
• Floating pier in Gaza completed by US military
• Egypt 'rejects Israeli proposal' to re-open Rafah crossing
• US police take back university building after 'violent' protest
• Scroll down for the latest on the Israel-Gaza war
• Listen to the Daily above and tap here  to follow wherever you get your podcasts

That's all for our live coverage for the moment. 

Our regular updates will continue tomorrow. 

As detailed in our 14.14 post, the UN's top court has today opened a hearing calling for emergency measures to halt Israel's onslaught in Rafah.

As the hearing got under way, judges at the International Court of Justice, also known as the World Court, were told the Palestinian people faced "ongoing annihilation".

South Africa wants the court to impose the emergency measures to protect Rafah, a southern Gaza city where more than a million Palestinians have been sheltering.

It is also asking it to order Israel to allow unimpeded access to Gaza for UN officials, organisations providing humanitarian aid, and journalists and investigators.

It says Israel has so far ignored and violated earlier court orders.

"The key point today is that Israel's declared aim of wiping Gaza from the map is about to be realised," South Africa's legal representative, Vaughan Lowe, told the panel of judges.

"Further, evidence of appalling crimes and atrocities is literally being destroyed and bulldozed, in effect wiping the slate clean for those who've committed these crimes and making a mockery of justice."

Israel, which has denounced South Africa's claim that it is violating the 1949 Genocide Convention as baseless, will respond tomorrow. In previous filings it claimed it had stepped up efforts to get humanitarian aid into Gaza as the ICJ had ordered.

By Alistair Bunkall, Middle East correspondent

When Yoav Gallant recorded a televised statement criticising Israel’s judicial reforms in March 2023, Benjamin Netanyahu sacked him.

A few days later, after massive street protests, the defence minister was reinstated.

Gallant has again taken to the television to criticise Israel's Prime Minister, this time over the lack of a "day-after plan" for Gaza.

He implied that Netanyahu's indecision was harming the country's security and leading to a de-facto military control of Gaza.

The bad-blood between prime minister and defence minister is no secret, but thrusting it into the open in this way was a dramatic move.

That he remains in office, despite calls from the far right to dismiss him, says as much about the weakness of Netanyahu's hold on power as it does about the logic behind Gallant's intervention.

On Wednesday night, around the same time Gallant was holding his press conference, five Israeli soldiers were killed and seven seriously wounded in a friendly-fire incident in Jabaliya, northern Gaza.

Jabaliya was one of the first areas Israeli forces entered, following 7 October. Four months ago they announced they had dismantled Hamas battalions in the refugee camp, and yet they have been forced to return in large numbers, because Hamas has regrouped and remains a threat there.

That's what insurgencies do, but Netanyahu seemingly failed to foresee it. How often, in wars past, have we seen militant forces fade away in the face of a superior army, only to return later, alive to fight another day.

Procrastinating on a plan for civilian rule of Gaza, as Netanyahu has done for months now, has left a vacuum in much of Gaza and so, surprise, surprise, Hamas has returned to areas that Israel had declared clear.

Israeli forces have also returned, this time with experience of the particular battlefield but increasingly frustrated about the political indecision that has brought them back; battle-hardened, but war-weary.

Lacking a clear strategy, and without a vision for the "day-after", Israeli troops risk being dragged into a war lasting years not months. Maybe that is Netanyahu's plan after all, but his call for "total victory" is a fantasy – militant groups and terror organisations have an annoying habit of regenerating.

What is needed is an alternative to Hamas, another option for governing Gaza. That would put pressure on the group and create a political pathway for Arab states, and the West, to coalesce around.

Gallant knows it and so, reportedly, do senior Israeli security figures. Gallant is trying to force Netanyahu to make a decision, something he famously avoids, but with Israeli soldiers still dying in Gaza it soon won’t just be his defence minister publicly turning against him. 

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has opened a new hearing today in a case brought by South Africa accusing Israel of genocide in the war in Gaza. 

South Africa is demanding the United Nations' top court uses emergency measures to press Israel to halt its military operation in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, where more than half of Gaza's population has sought shelter.

According to the latest request, the last preliminary orders previously issued by The Hague-based court were not sufficient to address "a brutal military attack on the sole remaining refuge for the people of Gaza."

Israel has portrayed Rafah as the last stronghold of the militant group, brushing off warnings from the United States and other allies that any major operation there would be catastrophic for civilians.

South Africa has asked the court to order Israel to withdraw from Rafah; to take measures to ensure unimpeded access for UN officials, humanitarian organisations and journalists to the Gaza Strip; and to report back within one week on how it is meeting these demands.

The country also says Israel must take all the necessary and effective action to ensure basic food supplies for Palestinians in Gaza.

During hearings earlier this year, Israel strongly denied committing genocidein Gaza and claimed it does all it can to spare civilians and is only targeting Hamas militants.

Most of Gaza's population of 2.3 million people have been displaced since fighting began.

The health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza says over 35,000 Palestinians have been killed in the war, without distinguishing between civilians and combatants in its count.

The genocide case was initially brought by South Africa three months into the conflict and says that by killing Palestinians in Gaza, causing them serious mental and bodily harm and creating conditions on life "calculated to bring about their physical destruction", Israel is committing genocide against them.

The hearings this week come after the first round back in January, when the court found it was plausible Israel violated some rights guaranteed to Palestinians in Gaza under the Genocide Convention.

Judges also ordered Israel to take action to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

Israel has said it is "wearing Hamas down" as it confirmed more troops will be sent to Rafah.

"This operation will continue as additional forces will enter [the area]," Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said. 

"Several tunnels in the area have been destroyed by our troops and additional tunnels will be destroyed soon."

He added: "This activity will intensify – Hamas is not an organisation that can reorganise, it does not have reserve troops, it has no supply stocks and no ability to treat the terrorists that we target. 

"The result is that we are wearing Hamas down."

The Israeli military has depicted Rafah - Gaza's southernmost city - as the last Hamas stronghold, brushing off warnings from the US and other allies that any major operation there would be catastrophic for civilians.

Around 600,000 Palestinians have been driven out of the city since the beginning of last week, according to the United Nations. 

Egypt has rejected an Israeli proposal for the two countries to re-open the Rafah crossing and manage its future operation, according to two security sources. 

The plan was presented by the Israeli security service Shin Bet yesterday and included a mechanism for how to manage the crossing after an Israeli withdrawal, the security sources said. 

But Egypt insists the crossing should be managed only by Palestinian authorities.

The Rafah crossing has been pivotal for aid getting into Gaza as well as an exit for medical evacuees. 

It has been shut since 7 May after coming under control of the Israeli military.

Egypt and Israel have since blamed each other for the closure of the border and subsequent blockage of humanitarian relief.

Egypt says Rafah's closure is due solely to the Israeli military operation. But a spokesperson for the Israeli government said that Egypt had rejected a separate request to open the crossing to Gazan civilians who wish to flee.

At least 35,272 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since the attacks on 7 October, the Hamas-run health ministry has said.

It added that a further 79,205 have been wounded.

It is worth noting that the health ministry does not distinguish between civilians and troops in its data.

It is "almost impossible" to distribute aid within Gaza, the UN's Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), said.

The OCHA added there are "no regular fuel imports, unstable telecommunication and ongoing fighting", which is impacting more than two million people. 

German authorities have said they have banned a group that they say showed solidarity with "Palestinian resistance in all forms".

The interior ministry in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia accused the Palestine Solidarity Duisburg group of spreading antisemitic narratives and searched four properties in connection to the group.

Herbert Reul, interior minister for the state, said the move "sends the right signal" adding that "in many cases nothing other than hatred for Jews is hidden behind solidarity with Palestine, as in the case of the organisation banned today".

We've been reporting this morning that the US military has successfully anchored a pier to a beach in Gaza, with the aim that it will boost aid getting into the enclave. 

Our Middle East correspondent, Alistair Bunkall  says the operation is not yet up and running, but it has the potential to be "very, very effective". 

"It will be a complicated system allowing, mainly ships, to deliver aid to Gaza," Bunkall says.  

"It will also involve the US military and UN who will deliver it into Gaza itself and the Israeli military who will secure the landing site.

"No US forces went into Gaza this morning, and they are not expected to when the pier is operating, but [the operation] will be able to provide enormous amounts of aid into Gaza.

"The US military think that in the first 48 hours of it operating they will be able to get as much, if not more, aid into Gaza than all the air drops that have taken place so far.

"It could be very, very effective."

Bunkall says there is already one ship of aid that has been waiting to get into Gaza after leaving Cyprus and at least another two ships that are still on route. 

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8 days from 2660.

Travel from ancient Athens to the spectacular island of Santorini on this wonderful...

Sacred Land of the Incas

15 days from 3159.

Visit the Sacred Land of the Inca and delight in Peru's culture with two weeks through...

Everest Base Camp Trek

15 days from 1512.

Embark on the trek of a lifetime to Everest Base Camp on this tour. Fly into Lukla and...

Egypt Adventure

8 days from 1128.

Visit Egypt and adventure along the River Nile through the land of the pharaohs, from...

Explore Jordan

8 days from 1304.

Travel to Jordan and tour Amman, Madaba and the inspiring desert landscape of Wadi Rum....

Classic Rajasthan

15 days from 1332.

Travel to India and visit the Rajasthan region. Tour from Delhi to Pushkar through...

Guatemala to Belize

10 days from 1445.

Wander the cobblestone streets of Antigua, float along the waters of the Rio Dulce, and...

India's Golden Triangle

8 days from 743.

Take an action-packed eight-day tour through the essential sights and bites of India’s...

South Korea Highlights

9 days from 3355.

Take a dive into all that South Korea has to offer, from Seoul to Sokcho, Andong and...

Best of Italy

14 days from 3977.

Immerse yourself in classic culture, history and incredible sights on this Best of...

Cambodian Traveller

9 days from 1008.

Travel from Vietnam to Thailand on a South East Asian adventure that explores Cambodia...

North Morocco Adventure

8 days from 829.

This tour of North Morocco from Casablanca to Marrakech will capture your heart....

Inca Trail Express from Lima

8 days from 1535.

Travel to Peru and retrace the steps of the Inca. Follow traditions from Lima to Cusco,...

Classic Hikes of Patagonia

15 days from 8455.

Embark on all the classic hikes of Patagonia – including the Torres del Paine base hike...

Thailand & Laos Adventure

13 days from 1940.

Travel from Bangkok to Vientiane on a tour through Thailand and Laos. Visit Thailand's...

Japan: Land of the Rising Sun

13 days from 5202.

Discover Japanese culture on this 13-day tour. Travel with a local from Tokyo to Kyoto...

Croatia Sailing Adventure: Dubrovnik to Split

8 days from 1407.

Explore Croatia's beautiful Adriatic coast on this aquatic adventure from Dubrovnik to...

Cycle Vietnam

15 days from 2403.

Jump in the saddle for a two-wheeled adventure tour of Vietnam. Take in cultural...

Morocco Encompassed

17 days from 1615.

Explore Morocco on this in-depth tour with Intrepid. Spend 17 days exploring Marrakech,...

Inca Trail & Amazon Adventure

12 days from 2529.

Travel from the heights of the Andes to the exotic Amazon rainforest on this best of...

South Korea Real Food Adventure

8 days from 2869.

Slurp, crunch and spoon your way into the heart of South Korean cuisine, snacking at...

Turkey Highlights

8 days from 1602.

See the highlights of Turkey on this eight-day adventure. Start in Istanbul and visit...

Costa Rica Experience

9 days from 1436.

Encounter the natural beauty of Costa Rica, from La Fortuna’s volcano and Monteverde’s...

South Morocco Discovery

10 days from 842.

Discover Morocco's southern highlights on this well paced adventure including Marrakech...

Best of Galapagos

10 days from 3686.

Discover amazing wildlife and natural beauty in the Galapagos Islands.

China Highlights

8 days from 1416.

Take a trip through epic China and see the Terracotta Warriors, the Great Wall,...

Central Asia: Five Stans Express

24 days from 5891.

Join a 24-day adventure through Central Asia from Ashgabat, to Tashkent, to Bishkek and...

East Africa Highlights

10 days from 3148.

Travel through East Africa from Kenya to Tanzania, stopping at the Masai Mara, the...

Discover Egypt & Jordan

15 days from 2696.

Take an adventure holiday through Egypt and Jordan. Visit Cairo, the Pyramids of Giza,...

Explore Colombia

10 days from 2200.

Travel to Colombia on a ten-day Intrepid. Stroll the cobblestone streets of Cartagena...

The Maritimes: Prince Edward Island to New Brunswick

6 days from 2246.

Experience the seaside charm of Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick on this 6-day...

Sabah Adventure

11 days from 2096.

This Sabah Adventure tour through the Borneo wilderness will truly capture your...

Balkan Adventure

15 days from 2567.

Travel across historic Eastern Europe from Hungary to Croatia. Visit cultural sights...

Western USA National Parks Loop

5 days from 1751.

Set off on a five-day adventure through some of the USA’s most epic scenery, including...

Botswana Highlights

9 days from 2650.

Discover the culture, wildlife and waterways of Botswana on this upgraded adventure...

Scenic Vietnam

15 days from 1496.

Journey from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City on this Vietnam adventure. Trek in the quiet...

Best of Turkey

15 days from 2381.

From Istanbul to Ephesus, Pamukkale to the coast, and Cappadocia to the Anatolian...

Best of Spain

15 days from 3695.

Kick off a colourful Best of Spain tour in Madrid and visit some of Spain's highlights....

Madagascar Adventure

14 days from 3629.

Embark on a wildlife-filled adventure through Madagascar’s jungles and reserves,...

Central Asia Explorer

17 days from 3426.

Soak up Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan on this 17-day tour that begins in Bishkek and visits...

Walk the Camino de Santiago

7 days from 1360.

Over seven days, join a local leader and small group of likeminded travellers to walk...

Greece Sailing Adventure: Cyclades Islands

10 days from 2054.

See the best of the Cyclades on this 10-day Greece sailing adventure. From Athens to...

Land of Belize

8 days from 1739.

Dive into Belize’s natural and cultural wonders on this slow-paced adventure through...

Classic Peru

9 days from 2244.

Visit South America and travel to Peru. Visit Lima, Cusco and Lake Titicaca, tour the...

Annapurna Circuit Trek

15 days from 1440.

Go trekking in Nepal on an adventure that takes you around the Annapurna Circuit. From...

Portuguese Camino

10 days from 2271.

Be challenged and be fulfilled on this coastal Camino, starting in Porto and walking...

Montenegro Sailing Adventure from Dubrovnik

8 days from 1858.

Sail into the sublime waters of Montenegro, departing from Dubrovnik and exploring...

Europe Christmas Markets: Munich to Budapest

8 days from 2214.

Experience the festive markets of Central Europe. Go Christmas crazy in the market...

Our Basix tours 

Hiking in the canadian rockies, 8 days from 2196.

Hike the Canadian Rockies, exploring Lake Louise, Yoho National Park, Emerald Glacier...

Maya Encounter

17 days from 1512.

Find authentic adventure on this experience through Mexico, Belize and Guatemala....

Uluru & Kings Canyon Adventure

4 days from 885.

Discover the history, culture and incredible landscapes of Australia’s Red Centre on a...

Okavango Experience

10 days from 1728.

Tour through Johannesburg, Maun, Chobe National Park, the Okavango Delta and Victoria...

Explore Southern Africa

18 days from 3416.

Spend some time exploring Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe with included safari...

Canadian Rockies

15 days from 2759.

Discover the Canadian Rockies on this 15-day adventure tour with Intrepid that hits...

Uluru & Kings Canyon Express

4 days from 900, mexico unplugged, 15 days from 1641.

The incredible cultures and colours of Mexico await on this 15-day adventure through...

Gorillas & Game Parks

16 days from 3995.

Encounter the wildlife of Kenya and Uganda on this adventure including a gorilla trek...

Explore Egypt

15 days from 1404.

Explore Egypt with a trip to Cairo, the Nile, Aswan, Luxor and Alexandria. Pyramids,...

Highlights of Italy

8 days from 1671.

See the best of Italy – Venice, La Spezia, Cinque Terre, Florence and Rome – in eight...

Cape Town to Vic Falls

22 days from 2750.

Spend three weeks exploring South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe, from Cape...

Kenya Wildlife Safari

8 days from 1404.

Experience Kenyan wildlife on an eight day trip travelling from Nairobi to Lake...

Central American Journey

17 days from 1452.

Travel from Guatemala to Costa Rica, through gorgeous Monteverde, La Fortuna, Leon,...

Jordan & Egypt Uncovered

22 days from 2640.

Explore Jordan and Egypt with a trip to Amman, Petra, Wadi Rum, Cairo, the Nile, Aswan,...

Indian Getaway

11 days from 630.

Get the most out of 11 days in India on this trip exploring the best of Delhi, Varanasi...

Iceland Express

5 days from 1258.

Tour green Iceland on a five-day trip visiting Reykjavik, the Golden Circle, Vik,...

Japan Express

9 days from 1981.

See Japan in nine days on a trip visiting Tokyo, Nikko and Kyoto. Say konnichiwa to...

Kakadu, Katherine & Litchfield Explorer

4 days from 912.

Tour the best bits of Australia’s Top End, exploring Kakadu National Park, Litchfield...

Road to Zanzibar

12 days from 2288.

Experience the beauty of the Ngorongoro and Serengeti, Usambara Mountains and Zanzibar...

Patagonia: Torres del Paine Classic W Trek

6 days from 2568.

Hike the W Trek in Chilean Patagonia and discover the wild beauty of Torres del Paine...

Costa Rica & Panama Discovery

12 days from 1212.

Hit San Jose, Sarapiqui, Puerto Viejo, Bocas del Toro, Boquete and Panama City on this...

The Masai Heartlands

15 days from 3996.

Uncover Kenya and Tanzania on a 2 week trip with Serengeti safaris, Ngorongoro, Nakuru,...

Serengeti Trail

8 days from 1887.

Roam the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Amboseli National Park to spot Africa's Big...

Vic Falls to Kruger

9 days from 1422.

Take on a safari adventure through Hwange National Park, Matobo National Park, Kruger...

North China Getaway

12 days from 1101.

Discover China’s northern hotspots with Intrepid on a 12-day trip to Beijing, the Great...

Gorillas, Game Parks & Beaches

27 days from 6592.

Go deep in East Africa on this epic trip, including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Zanzibar.

Essential South Korea

9 days from 1683.

Take a journey through South Korea, starting in Seoul and heading to Jeonju, Wanju,...

Best of Argentina, Uruguay & Brazil

10 days from 2008.

Travel from Buenos Aires to Rio de Janeiro on a ten-day trip, including Iguazu Falls...

North India Revealed

22 days from 957.

See the essentials of India’s north on a 22-day trip through Delhi, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur,...

One Week In Costa Rica

8 days from 722.

Head to the Caribbean coasts of Costa Rica with a fun-filled adventure to San Jose,...

Turkey Explored

18 days from 1856.

Go deeper than Derinkuyu on an 18-day Turkey trip beginning and ending in Istanbul,...

Jordan & Egypt Express

9 days from 1316.

Follow in the footsteps of prophets on an adventure tour through Jordan and Egypt....

Simply Sri Lanka

8 days from 653.

Discover idyllic Sri Lanka from Negombo to Colombo on this eight-day Lonely Planet...

Best of Brazil

8 days from 792.

Experience Brazil’s coast on an eight-day adventure. From Rio to Ilha Grande, see jaw...

Galapagos Discovery

9 days from 2421.

See the Galapagos Islands on an eight-day adventure including Isla Isabela, Isla Santa...

Kruger, Coast & Cape

22 days from 2660.

Embark on a 22 day Southern African odyssey through wildlife-rich game parks, idyllic...

Kilimanjaro: Marangu Route

8 days from 3434.

Conquer Mt Kilimanjaro on the picturesque Marangu Route, hiking with porters on an...

Mount Toubkal Trek

7 days from 548.

Trek through Morocco’s High Atlas Mountains exploring Aroumd and Imlil and then climb...

Tanzania Family Safari

8 days from 2142.

Experience the people, culture and wildlife of Kenya and Tanzania on a small group...

Mount Toubkal Winter Trek

7 days from 760.

Set off on a seven-day adventure through the Atlas Mountains, joining an expert guide...

Central American Adventure

33 days from 3425.

Tour jungle ruins and Caribbean coastline on a 33-day adventure to Mexico, Belize,...

Galapagos Experience

7 days from 1405.

As far as face-to-face wildlife encounters go, the Galapagos wildlife experience rivals...

Essential Italy

10 days from 2011.

Visit Venice, Verona, Parma, Cinque Terre, Pisa, Florence and Rome with like-minded 18...

Kilimanjaro: Machame Route

9 days from 3319.

Travel to Tanzania on a nine-day trip taking in Kilimanjaro along the Machame Route....

Vic Falls to Cape Town

22 days from 2768.

Discover the unique and contrasting lands of Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia and South...

Turkey Uncovered

14 days from 1344.

Discover the best of Turkey on a 14-day trip exploring Istanbul, Gallipoli, Fethiye,...

Amazing Central America

28 days from 2674.

Spend 28 days visiting Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and...

Peru Essentials

21 days from 2597.

See Peru in-depth on a trip from Lima to La Paz. Trek the Inca Trail and marvel at...

Cambodia Adventure

12 days from 888.

Hit Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City then take a trip through Cambodia, visiting Angkor Wat...

Kakadu, Katherine & Litchfield Family Adventure

4 days from 1024.

Set out on a camping safari through captivating Kakadu National Park. Experience the...

Garden Route Adventure

14 days from 1751.

See Africa from Durban to Cape Town on a 14-day adventure. Tour Tsitsikamma, Addo...

Best of East Africa

20 days from 4469.

Step out onto the Serengeti and keep your eyes out for rhinos, lions, leopards and a...

Vietnam Discovery

15 days from 976.

Discover Vietnam’s east coast on this 15-day tour, uncovering the hidden delights of...

Vanuatu Expedition

8 days from 2488.

Embark on an expedition to the beautiful islands of Vanuatu where you can trek to the...

Delhi to Goa

15 days from 1100.

Discover India in all its glory on this 15-day spice-filled adventure from Delhi...

Mount Toubkal Long Weekend Trek

5 days from 476.

Challenge yourself to this ambitious hiking trip and climb to the summit of Mount...

Central America Encompassed

31 days from 3655.

Take an epic adventure to Central America through Mexico’s hotspots like Chichen Itza,...

Wild Western USA

11 days from 2329.

Travel from LA via Joshua Tree, the Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, Yosemite, Sierra Nevada to...

South India Revealed

16 days from 1175.

See the landscapes of South India on a 16-day adventure from Varkala to Goa via Kerala...

The perks of solo travel with Intrepid

Authentic experiences with a local leader

Stuffy coaches, flag-touting tour guides and ‘seeing the sights’ isn’t our vibe. We prefer culturally-rich experiences – led by a local – that take you behind the scenes of a destination. Our itineraries are packed with unique insights into local life. We're talking hands-on pastry-making classes with local Macedonian women, watching a traditional dance performance on the sand dunes in Pushkar or sleeping in a lush eco-resort in the Amazon.

Small groups of ready-made friends

We’ve found that it’s not always about the places you go but the people you meet along the way. Our trips are designed for people of all ages and with all sorts of life stories. With an average group size of 10, you'll get to know each other beyond the pleasantries over long dinner conversations and shared experiences. With a little luck, the friendships you make on your trip may last long after you’ve unpacked your suitcase at home.

Safety, logistics and convenience

As exciting as traveling is, it often involves a fair bit of planning. While we're sure you're well equipped to handle any situation, the beauty of traveling with us means we'll do the heavy lifting and take care of the nitty-gritty details so you can focus on what you're here to do: travel! From navigating border crossings to booking bus tickets, bridging language barriers to cultural do's and don'ts, sit back and enjoy yourself while your leader takes care of everything.

Pick your own style of travel

We understand that people travel for different reasons. That’s why we’ve created a range of  travel themes and styles  to suit every Intrepid traveler. From our Basix style with simple accommodation and plenty of free time to our Premium trips featuring our best stays, experiences and leaders (with our Original and Comfort styles in between), choose what suits you and get ready for an unforgettable experience.

Tour reviews

Do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip as a senior.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises). However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travelers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Learn more about Intrepid's COVID-19 policy

Who are Intrepid travelers?

Intrepid adventures are for travelers with a yearning to get off the beaten track. Whether you're traveling solo, with a group of friends, or are aged 18 or 70, there is an Intrepid adventure to suit your interests and comfort level. Each Intrepid adventure has a physical and cultural grading to help you decide if the trip is right for you. No special skills are required for most adventures, just a sense of adventure and a curiosity about the world. Even on our camping adventures no previous experience is required; our tents are easy to set up, even for first-time campers. 

Are there age restrictions on your trips?

For the majority of our trips the minimum age is 15. An adult must accompany all children under the age of 18. Our Overland Adventures have a minimum age of 18. Younger children can join us on our Family trips and Short Break Adventures, but check each trip for its minimum age, which is located on the trip’s overview page on the website. Most of our trips don’t have a maximum age limit, but a Self-Assessment Form is required for all passengers 70 years and over. 

How many people will be on my trip?

Good things come in small packages, which is why we keep our group sizes down. This means we’re small enough to remain flexible as we thread our way through communities without intimidating the locals. On most of our trips you’ll be part of an intimate group of 12-16 people, though our group sizes are on average 10 people. Our Overland trips are in purpose-built vehicles that can carry up to 24 travelers. Group sizes are displayed on each trip’s overview page on our website. 

I’m traveling alone – is that OK?

This is the beauty of the Intrepid style of travel: many of our travelers join because they are traveling solo and want to meet and share experiences with like-minded people.

Learn more about solo travel

I have a disability – can I join an Intrepid trip?

Intrepid is committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. We ask that you carefully consider whether you are physically and mentally able to complete the itinerary you have chosen, recognizing that on many trips you will be required to carry your own bags and use public transport. 

Where we can we will make reasonable adjustments to the operation of our trips to facilitate the requirements of disabled travelers – such as booking ground floor accommodation, or having our leaders communicate important directions in writing as well as verbally. Many travelers with disabilities have been able to enjoy our trips by traveling with a friend or companion who can assist with specific needs. If joining a group trip is not practical we may be able to provide you with a private departure. Please contact our sales team for further information on any of our itineraries. 

Learn more about accessible travel with Intrepid

Do I need to buy travel insurance?

Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips if you’re traveling internationally. Minimum coverage may differ from trip to trip, so make sure you check the Travel Insurance section in your Essential Trip Information. You will not be permitted to join the group until your leader has sighted your insurance policy number and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number – it’s really important there are no barriers to getting emergency assistance for you. 

Will I have my own room?

It's your call. Rooming on our trips is organized on a twin-share basis, but most of our trips also have the option to pay an extra fee for your own room. Just let us know at the time of booking and we'll arrange it for you. 

For twin-share rooms, we pair up solo travelers with another traveler of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports. As a responsible tour operator, we strive to create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. In the case that your gender identity differs from what's indicated on your passport, please contact us so that we can discuss rooming options with you. 

On a small selection of itineraries some accommodations are booked on an open-gender, multi-share basis. In those instances it will clearly be stated in your Essential Trip Information. 

How does group time work?

Whether you’re traveling alone or with a partner, our trips have a set itinerary. But within that there’s time set aside for your own exploration (if you want to – no pressure). Depending on how you're feeling, you may want to have some downtime, ask your guide for a few tips then head out alone, or hang out with the group and see where the day takes you. 

What makes a small group tour better than a coach tour?

The main difference between a small group tour and a coach tour is the size of the group; our tours have 10 travelers each (on average) while coaches can hold up to 60 people. This means that you'll never have to vie for your leader's attention on a small group tour because you'll automatically have it.

Learn more about the differences between a small group tour and a coach tour

Read more about solo travel