Spring Learning Adventures

Spring Learning Adventures: Explore, Learn and Connect

Spring adventures offer the perfect opportunity for growth and renewal, offering fresh perspectives during learning experiences. Springtime brings comfortable temperatures and seasonal beauty characterized by blooming flowers and lush landscapes that blanket the horizon in vibrant colors. At Road Scholar, we have an exciting collection of spring learning adventures to parse through, from the rolling hills of Ireland’s countryside to the Southern charm of Charleston. Find a spring trip for seniors here at Road Scholar.

Why Spring Is the Perfect Time for Learning Adventures

Spring adventures are perfect for seniors looking for an exciting time to explore a new area of the world. With longer days and warmer weather, you can comfortably travel to different regions of the U.S. and Canada, Europe and beyond. Here’s what makes spring the perfect time for learning adventures:

• The beauty of springtime destinations: No matter where you choose to explore in the springtime, you can enjoy blooming landscapes, mild weather and vibrant wildlife. Hike along the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon characterized by dramatic rapids and cliffs, acres of colorful tulips in the Netherlands, the plains of the Serengeti or the Maasai Mara Reserve with the Big Five living among you.
• Engaging learning experiences: There are various spring activities for seniors you can partake in, including hands-on workshops, expert-led lectures and interactive activities tailored to senior travelers.
• Senior-friendly activities and itineraries: One of the benefits of a spring trip for seniors is a special focus on comfortable, relaxed schedules with accessible options designed for an enriching yet stress-free experience. This spring, you can find a program that ensures your comfort and safety while immersing you in rich cultural experiences.

Best Spring Adventures for Seniors

Come April, we are all a bit tired of the rain and snow, the cold and gloom. It’s time to step outside, smell all the flowers blooming, and feel the sun shining in different parts of this beautiful planet. 

Road Scholar has many places to visit each spring, from hiking destinations to places where the wildflowers explode in brilliant colors. Take a six-day hiking trip to Joshua Tree National Park to see the Palm Oasis and Coachella Valley blooms. Admire the cherry blossoms on a train trek through Japan in the spring. 

To enjoy your spring travel outdoor detox from the cold winter months, Road Scholar has compiled a few of our favorite trips.

1. Birds & Blooms: Spring Tour in the Mississippi River Valley

Join naturalists in the Mississippi River Valley in Minnesota to witness warbler migrations, beautiful spring wildflowers, and seasonal beauty. Spring travel in Minnesota's Mississippi River Valley offers eye candy in the way of gorgeous wildflowers that carpet the woods and the riverbanks. This seven-day spring vacation also provides a behind-the-scenes look at the National Eagle Center to learn about bald eagles and observe migrating waterfowl at Trempeleau National Wildlife Refuge and other secret sites. 

2. Seaside Hikes in Croatia

Spring is a beautiful time to discover the Dalmatian Coast’s seaside villages of Croatia, medieval architecture, and national parks when the weather is perfect, and the crowds haven’t found their way to this part of Europe. 

On this 14-day hiking tour through Croatia, travelers will sample authentic Dalmatian vintages at a local home during lunch. They will study flora and fauna by hiking along the waterfalls and lakeshores of Krka National Park. On this tour, Road Scholar will take you to the island of Brac, famous for its white stone, which was used to build the White House. 

3. The Best of Kenya & Tanzania: A Safari & Cultural Experience

Join a Micro Group program with 12 or fewer participants on a once-in-a-lifetime journey through Kenya and Tanzania. The trip is available year-round, but springtime is a favorite time to visit. 

On this 16-day trip, travelers will discover national parks and rarely explored reserves while searching for the “Big Five” animals. This program follows the yearly migration route, capturing different stages throughout the year. On this unforgettable tour, you will replicate the annual animal migration on a  journey from the Serengeti plains into the Maasai Mara.

4. Explore Scenic Mountain Landscapes

This spring, venture to the mountainous region of the Rockies or Appalachia, where melting snow gives way to waterfalls, wildflowers and accessible trails. Spring mountain adventures allow you to discover wildlife becoming more active, including bears and bighorn sheep in the Rockies and elk and deer in the Appalachian Mountains. Both areas are teeming with wildflower blooms and have a mild climate, perfect for outdoor exploration. You can also make stops at historical sites like Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, or Rocky Mountain National Park, where you can partake in ranger-led programs.

5. Hands-On Spring Crafts and Workshops

Once April emerges, there are countless spring crafts for seniors you can enjoy on learning adventures. Join a painting class, attend a gardening workshop or try a seasonal DIY project like building a wreath. Through immersive and experiential spring learning programs, you can tap into your creative side and join like-minded travelers eager to travel to a new area while enjoying a hobby they love.

6. Cultural and Historical Excursions

During the spring, you can visit iconic landmarks and cultural sites with expert guides, offering deep insights into history and traditions. Take a journey throughout Europe to explore ancient Roman history in Italy without the summer crowds and take guided tours of landmarks like the Colosseum, Roman Forum and the Vatican. Or, witness the blooming cherry blossoms in Kyoto, Japan, transforming the landscape into rich hues of pink and red while learning about Japanese art and culture. You can also make your way through the Americas, summiting Machu Picchu in Peru to learn about Incan history or New Orleans, Louisiana, to attend Jazz Fest and gain insights into the city’s rich musical heritage.

Essential Tips for Your Spring Learning Adventure

Ready to find an adventure? Keep these tips in mind for your next springtime excursion:

• Packing essentials for spring travel: Make sure to pack accordingly for varied spring climates, including multiple layers, comfortable shoes and weatherproof accessories.
• Health and safety tips for seniors: Keep your health and safety a priority by consulting your doctor to determine what springtime activities are safe for you, as well as finding workshops and outdoor adventures that are accessible and accommodating.
• Travel planning tips for a relaxed spring experience: To make the most of spring travel, carefully research different destinations and the crafts and activities they offer. Book accommodations and transportation in advance to ensure the most ideal and stress-free travel experience.

Explore Spring Tours With Road Scholar

If you’re looking for the best spring destinations, Road Scholar has you covered. At Road Scholar, we have a wide range of experiential learning programs that can take you throughout the world to enjoy all of the advantages of springtime travel. Through our educational guided tours, you’ll learn about history, geography, wildlife, and culture while discovering new areas with a like-minded cohort of learners.