Road Scholar Reveals Its Top 10 Learning Destinations for 2024
Welcome to our list of favorite learning destinations for 2024, which are home to historic sites, natural marvels and cultural centers. Tune in as we count down these top ten locations until we get to #1: our Campus of the Year for 2024!
#10. Sedona
Nestled in the center of Arizona near Flagstaff lies Sedona, the perfect place to learn about natural and cultural history surrounded by colorful landscapes. Its rich scenery lends itself well to those learning about golf, holistic healing and iconic landmarks like the Grand Canyon. Enthusiasts of wildlife watching, active outdoor adventures and art will love learning in Sedona!
#9. France
Learning — C’est magnifique! From Provence to Paris to Normandy and beyond, opportunities for learning in France stretch all across the country. France’s medieval history allows learners to immerse themselves in the country’s past through walks among castles and cobblestones, while artists inspired by its landscapes like Monet and Van Gogh left works for museum visitors to experience. Prepare to say “Bonjour” to discovering more in France’s engaging cities and magical countryside.
#8. Jekyll Island
Years ago, Jekyll Island served as a resort for millionaires and political elite. Today, that exclusivity is gone, but the beautiful beach scenery, fascinating history and engaging learning opportunities remain. Among these opportunities lie learning adventures centered around topics such as bridge, jazz and more at the Victorian-style Jekyll Island Club.
#7. Spain
World-renowned museums, exciting cities and storied pathways like the Camino De Santiago — Spain is the perfect place to learn about a myriad of topics! Admire bold architecture and the work of artists like Gaudí and Picasso in Barcelona and Madrid, or take your learning on the road as you walk Spain’s “caminos,” routes that stretch across the country that are dotted with monuments of medieval Europe. All along the way, discover elements of Spanish culture such as the Flamenco, UNESCO World Heritage Sites and mouthwatering tapas.
#6. Mexico
Mexico’s capital, Mexico City, rises from the ruins of Aztec structures, blending the historic and the modern. This combination can be witnessed across the country as well, with cities and villages highlighting indigenous and Spanish influences through cobblestone streets, cathedrals and temples. Outside of city limits lies more to discover, including impressive canyons and Mexico’s Baja Peninsula, where gray whales migrate and give birth. Whether Mexico’s architecture, history, wildlife or cuisine inspires you, you’ll discover plenty to learn about here!
#5. Mount Rushmore
When you think of Mount Rushmore, your mind might automatically go to the impressive presidential faces carved from stone. But this region of South Dakota is home to much more as well — it is also a place to explore Native American culture and natural wonders. Visit the Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Badlands National Park, the Crazy Horse Memorial and much more on a learning adventure in western South Dakota!
See Road Scholar’s learning adventures including Mount Rushmore.
#4. Cuba
From quiet corners and domino games to exciting musical and dance performances, it’s not difficult to find examples of local life in Cuba. Whether you visit Cuba’s cities, like Havana, or its UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Las Terrazas, you’ll be able to meet Cuban people and immerse yourself in their day-to-day activities, all while discovering the many wonders of this island nation.
Road Scholar offers opportunities to travel legally to Cuba under the current OFAC Regulations published June 5, 2019. Following the General License category “Support for the Cuban People,” Road Scholar programs include activities intended to strengthen civil society in Cuba. Each day's program promotes independence for the Cuban people and results in meaningful interactions with the Cuban people.
#3. New York City
Welcome to the City That Never Sleeps! With five boroughs and centuries of history, New York holds a host of learning opportunities. A walk through its streets reveals distinctive cultures and iconic landmarks, like the Statue of Liberty and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Music and theater enthusiasts will revel in Broadway performances and opera productions at the Metropolitan Opera House. Get ready to take a bite out of learning in the Big Apple!
#2. Canada
From the Old World charm of French Canada to the magnificent Canadian Rockies, Canada is an excellent place to learn from coast to coast. Walk and hike your way across the rugged Canadian Maritimes and jaw-dropping Rocky Mountains, or explore the museums, gardens and culinary arts of the cities of Vancouver, Québec City and Montréal. With over three million square miles, there are countless places and topics to learn about in Canada!
#1. Costa Rica: Road Scholar’s Campus of the Year
Pura vida — pure life — is the motto of Costa Rica, our 2024 Campus of the Year, and it exemplifies so much of what makes Costa Rica an amazing place to learn. This ideology goes hand-in-hand with Costa Rica’s natural wonders, biodiversity and culture, all of which make fascinating topics to delve into on a learning adventure to this country. Join us in 2024 as we celebrate pura vida and the richness of Costa Rica’s cities, coastlines, mountains and more!