A new kind of learning-travel adventure has been created to serve the burgeoning new generation of independent, active, culturally inquisitive travelers: Road Scholar.

Developed by the not-for-profit Elderhostel organization – respected for its nearly 30 years as a provider of lifelong learning programs for adults age 55 and over – Road Scholar is an exciting travel-study opportunity open to adults of all ages. While both Elderhostel and Road Scholar programs share the same focus on learning, as well as inclusive packages of educational lectures, field trips, transportation, meals and accommodations, Road Scholar is structured to meet the interests and capabilities of participants in their 40s, 50s and 60s.

“Road Scholar is designed for independent people who want an exciting educational-cultural experience that takes you behind the scenes and opens doors you could never open on your own,” says James Moses, President and CEO of Elderhostel and Road Scholar.

Road Scholar takes participants where no typical tour can take them – off the beaten path to hidden or little-known gems such as private vineyards, rural villages, ancient monasteries, and wilderness research stations. Instructor-guides accompany the groups, joined by local experts who inform each field trip or excursion. Participants can choose programs in the US and abroad, with subjects and locales ranging from an exploration of European antiques in London to an in-depth examination of the Vietnam war and transition from ancient traditions to modern society in Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia.

Groups are small – limited in size to 23 members –to permit access to special places that can’t accommodate larger numbers, and to give participants one-on-one interactions with their study leaders and cultural hosts. “Road Scholars will be able to go behind the scenes at museums and special collections, archaeological sites, private estate gardens and other places that individual travelers wouldn’t know about, and that large groups would not have access to,” says Moses. “It’s a great way to learn while experiencing privileged access to stimulating thinkers and ideas in some of the world’s most fascinating places.”

For example, in Cambodia, Road Scholar students can meet Buddhist monks in their ancient monastery and ask questions about monastic life and the monks’ individual experiences. A program in Alaska takes Road Scholar groups deep into wildlife habitat at Denali National Park, where the typical large tourist buses are not allowed.

Road Scholar provides a complete package of accommodations at centrally-located three- and four-star hotels, transportation, a stimulating educational program, activities and most meals; some lunches and dinners are not included so participants can explore local cuisine on their own. Programs run from five nights to two weeks, with a price range of about $700 to $4,000.

“It’s the perfect balance of activity and comfort, learning and adventure at a great value for people who want to be more than just a tourist,” Moses says. “A flexible schedule, time for independent exploration, and a small group size to permit intimate interaction with the experts makes Road Scholar the best option for anyone who enjoys educational travel with lots of options for self-directed learning.”

For more information and a free catalog, call Road Scholar toll-free: 1- 800-466-7762 or visit their website at www.roadscholar.org.