What is Elderhostel?

Elderhostel is America's first and the world's largest educational travel organization for adults 55 and over.

Adventures in Lifelong Learning

We are a not-for-profit organization that provides exceptional learning adventures to nearly 160,000 older adults each year. Elderhostel offers nearly 8,000 programs a year in more than 90 countries.

We believe learning is a lifelong pursuit that opens minds and enriches lives. We believe sharing new ideas,challenges and experiences is rewarding in every season of life. Our participants come from every walk of life to learn together, to exchange ideas, and to explore the world.

The World is Our Classroom

From Paris to New Orleans, Delhi to Council Bluffs, Elderhostel offers unique educational experiences, infused with the spirit of camaraderie and adventure, that enrich and enhance the lives of its participants. Our expert instructors share stimulating information through in-depth lectures, field trips and cultural excursions. Lively discussions with faculty and fellow participants illuminate issues and broaden horizons.

Visit the villages where Monet lived and view his masterworks in Parisian museums.

Explore America's greatest music - from Spirituals to Blues to Jazz - on a Mississippi River paddleboat that visits cities from Memphis to New Orleans.

Immerse yourself in India's 2,000 years of history and culture while visiting ancient forts, temples and palaces - from Delhi to Jaipur to Jodhpur.

Trace the footsteps of Lewis and Clark on a journey through American history.

Learn to paint on Nantucket. Investigate hot air ballooning with your grandchildren. Join a student orchestra. Study literature in London. Bike the rim of the Grand Canyon. Conduct research to help protect endangered species. If you can imagine it, we probably have a program that does it.

Begin your search right now!

The Elderhostel Pledge

As a not-for-profit organization, we are dedicated to providing exceptional educational opportunities at a remarkable value. We do everything in our power to ensure that the published program price is the price you pay. On occasion, costs we can’t anticipate and that are beyond our control — fuel surcharges, government tax increases or security fees — arise and may be passed along to you. If this occurs, we will let you know as soon as possible. No hidden costs — that’s the Elderhostel pledge.

We Take Care of the Details So You Don't Have To

Whether it be simplifying registration; offering comfortable accommodations in hotels, inns, retreat centers and select campuses (nearly all with private baths); offering single rooms on almost 90 percent of U.S. and Canada programs; preparing meals infused with local flavor; or having caring staff, we take care of the details so you can enjoy your program.

A love of learning, with exceptional people in engaging environments, creates extraordinary experiences, which is what Elderhostel has been providing for more than a quarter-century.