First-Timer Favorites

Favorite Trips for First-Time Senior Travelers

Are you considering joining us on your first Road Scholar learning adventure? We have curated the best places for first-time travelers so you can show up with your suitcase and let us take care of the rest. There are so many incredible experiences on the Road Scholar menu that we have gathered a few of our best international and local trips on the North American continent that first-time senior travelers will appreciate. 

Let our experts at Road Scholar help you figure out whether to start with a tour through one of America’s national parks or an international trip to the mountain countries of Asia. 

Best Places to Travel for Beginners and First-Timers:

The Best of Galapagos and Peru

This epic 18-day expedition to the Galápagos Islands and Machu Picchu in Peru is a trip of a lifetime to experience two of Latin America’s most renowned icons. 

Discover the unique wildlife of the Galápagos and feast your eyes on the preserved ruins of Machu Picchu from a long-lost civilization. 

Experience both of these destinations and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Quito in an intimate group setting that allows for the optimal learning time from Road Scholar's acclaimed experts. Swim and snorkel in search of the giant tortoise and sea lions.

The best part is that these trips take a lot of planning and coordination that you won’t have to do. It’s one of the best places for first-time travelers to show up and enjoy the journey. 

Journey to Tibet, Nepal, and Bhutan

Join a small group for a 19-day tour through the mountain kingdoms of Tibet, Nepal, and Bhutan. Learn from the locals who call the Himalayas home about the sacred temples, hidden monasteries, magnificent palaces, and ancient cities of this special mountain region in Asia. 

Tibet is known as the “roof of the world.” Nepal is home to Mount Everest, the world’s tallest mountain. So you can’t help but smile when among the friendly people of Bhutan and its “Gross National Happiness” philosophy. This Road Scholar trip will kick off your first international trip with a bang. 

The Best of Glacier National Park

Make your first trip with Road Scholar a true adventure in nature with this six-day best of Glacier National Park tour. Raft Flathead River, explore alpine trails, take a dip in the pristine lakes, and learn from experts about how glaciers carved this stunning landscape thousands of years ago. 

Travelers will hike through Lake McDonald Valley, Logan Pass, and along the Going-to-the-Sun Road, led by naturalists. At the end of a full day of exploration, relax on cool summer evenings at Lake McDonald. 

The Best of Europe

With 44 countries in Europe, there are endless areas you can explore for the first time. At Road Scholar, we have a variety of places for first-time travelers to explore in Europe. Some of the best places to travel for beginners adventuring to Europe include:

• France: Are you a first-time traveler overseas wondering where to go? France is one of the top places to visit if you’re a first-time traveler. Our experiential learning programs in France can bring you to iconic cities like Paris. You can view famous artwork by artists like Van Gogh and Monet in the Louvre, watch the lights glimmer on the Eiffel Tower, and learn about the various regimes throughout French history in the Palace of Versailles. You can even find learning adventures in areas like Normandy, Nice and small villages in the Alps.
• Germany: From quaint Bavarian towns to major cities like Berlin and Düsseldorf, there are plenty of areas to visit in Germany. Known for its rich culture and scenic beauty, you can enjoy local favorites like pretzels and a pint of beer or take an outdoor adventure to the Black Forest.
• Greece: Whether you’re interested in relaxing on the beach or learning about ancient history, Greece has it all. Our trips to Greece are perfect for first-time travelers. You can learn about Greek mythology when exploring ancient cities like Athens or go island hopping to Crete, Corfu and Santorini.
• England: Another one of the top places for first-time travelers is England. England is known for its history, pub food and countless UNESCO World Heritage sites. If you’re a first-time traveler worried about a language barrier, England is an excellent trip for beginners. Through our learning programs, you’ll be able to explore with a diverse cohort and learn more about England’s influence on the world.
• Spain: Whether you’re a wine aficionado or a history lover, Spain is an excellent place for first-time travelers. Here, you can taste wine at world-class vineyards in Catalonia, view the Gothic and art nouveau architecture of La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, or enjoy the sandy beaches in Andalusia.

These are just some of the best places to travel for beginners looking to explore Europe. At Road Scholar, we have numerous learning programs that can bring you to some of Europe’s most diverse cities or quaint villages. No matter your interest or ability level, we have programs for everyone.

America’s National Parks

If you’re a first-time traveler looking to stay closer to home, exploring one of America’s many national parks is a great place to start. The United States has one of the most geographically diverse landscapes and a deep national park network, making it easy to learn about the geography, wildlife, and history that has shaped America. Some of the top national parks for first-time travelers include:

• Yellowstone National Park
• Yosemite National Park
• Grand Canyon National Park
• Acadia National Park
• Zion National Park
• Everglades National Park
• Joshua Tree National Park
• Death Valley National Park
• Saguaro National Park

Experience First-Time Travel with Road Scholar

At Road Scholar, we offer a range of educational adventures for first-time senior travelers. Join Road Scholar’s expert instructors on a trip of a lifetime to see some of the most wondrous sites around the world, or even enroll in one of our online courses. Learn more about the best trips for first-time travelers and enroll with Road Scholar today.