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Questions and Answers about Road Scholar

Rajasthan. Photo by Amy Macdonald.

What is Road Scholar?
Road Scholar is a not-for-profit organization that offers educational travel adventures designed for Baby Boomers, a new generation of lifelong learners. Road Scholar casts you in the role of active participant, with experiential, rather than classroom learning and nontourist-oriented experiences that are difficult or impossible to arrange on your own. Each of our programs has been thoughtfully created for people like you, who view travel as a means for discovery and a journey toward
lifelong learning. Road Scholar is a division of Elderhostel — the world leader in educational travel for adults.

How is a Road Scholar program different from a tour?
Road Scholar programs are about the discovery of place through experiential learning, not just sightseeing. With Road Scholar, you benefi t from the local knowledge of our resident experts and through hands-on activities. We don’t just include the basics, then sell optional tours. Road Scholar programs include a comprehensive itinerary for an in-depth experience.

Guilin River. Photo by Alfio Garozzo Will I have time to explore on my own?
Yes. Road Scholar programs balance scheduled and independent time, so that you may pursue your personal interests. We understand the advantages of group travel as well as the need to strike out on your own once in awhile.

We’ve Covered All the Bases
As a not-for-profit organization, it’s our mission to provide educational adventures that challenge your mind and enable you to see the world in new, thought-provoking ways.

When you embark on a Road Scholar adventure you are assured of good value for your money. We’ve covered all the bases. Road Scholar programs include a comprehensive schedule of activities and excursions, gratuities to program staff, Travel Assistance and Insurance Plan, government taxes, port taxes and fees
(as applicable).
Here’s what you get on each Road Scholar program:
• On-site educational presentations by experts in their fields
• Hands-on activities, such as kayaking in the San Juan Islands or cooking in Mexico or Greece.
• Opportunities to meet local people
• Small groups, never more than 24, and hotels that are carefully chosen for ambiance and location
• Independent time with suggestions for your own exploration
• Experienced group leaders and top local guides
• Taxes, government fees and gratuities throughout the program
• Emergency medical and travel assistance insurance
• The choice to purchase your international program with or without airfare

Friends in Iceland

Learn With the Best
Our experts open doors to worlds that most travelers never get to see, offering insights that go beyond the guidebooks. Our experts have extensive knowledge about the culture, heritage and history of the places you’re visiting and are authorities on the subjects you’re learning about and interested in.
Related Links:
- A Letter from our President
- Think Outside the Tour
- Why Road Scholar?
- Receive our catalogs
- Browse our programs
- Elderhostel & Road Scholar Employment Opportunities
- Contact us


News from Road Scholar
- Road Scholar Honors Dr. Asa G. Hilliard’s Vision with Travel Scholarship for Educators
- An Inside Look at the Cold War
- NABSE Press Release
- Road Scholar Offers Ansel Adams Learning Adventure
- Road Scholar Launches First Golf Adventure on Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail
- Road Scholar Travels Deep into the Heart of Texas with Austin and San Antonio Learning Adventures
- Road Scholar Unveils Berlin Learning Adventure
- Road Scholar Offers Spectacular Rwandan Gorilla Odyssey
- Road Scholar Presents First Annual Educator of the Year Awards to Outstanding Educators
- Road Scholar’s Spiritual Journey through India Excites Mind and Body
- Road Scholar Shakes, Rattles and Rolls onto Austin’s Music Scene
 - Explore Art, Culture & Politics In The New Russia
 - New Road Scholar Adventure-Learning Program Ventures Into The Alaskan Wilderness Off The Beaten Path
 - Road Scholar Offers A Glimpse Behind Broadway’s Velvet Curtain
 - Introducing Road Scholar


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