Exploritas, formerly known as Elderhostel, is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing fun and educational travel experiences for adults 55 or older. Founded in 1975, Elderhostel aims at providing life-long learning opportunities for Americans who want to stay active after they retire. The two founders, impressed with the youth hostel model in Europe as well as with how integrated (rather than isolated) seniors were not only with their communities but with the next generation, wanted to encourage American elders to remain culturally engaged and active.

Learning is the goal of each Exploritas program. Every year Exploritas offers almost 8,000 different programs at prices geared toward retired people who may be on a fixed income. The programs often provide participants with both education and adventure. And though each trip is led by instructors who are authorities on the area being visited or the topic being explored, participants are encouraged to contribute their own knowledge and experience as well.

Exploritas programs vary from 1-day “Day of Discovery” programs for local residents to further explore their own locales to longer trips to cities and places of interest all over the U.S. and the world. The following are some of the most popular Exploritas programs:

Adventures Afloat includes programs like trips to Scotland to visit and learn about the fjords and islands of the country; trips down the Amazon to study the history of the Incans; and a tour of the rivers of Europe.

Independent City Discoveries offer in-depth explorations of some of America’s cities. The programs include hotel rooms, some meals, talks by local experts, field trips, and tips for self-guided tours.

Outdoor Adventure programs include sports-oriented trips in the U.S. and all over the world. Whether water sports or winter sports—or hiking, biking, and golf—activity levels are always defined so you can select the appropriate challenge.

Women-only and Grandparent Travel offer specially oriented trips and activities.

Exploritas even has a scholarship program. Funded in large part from the $3 million of donations collected every year, about $300,000 in scholarships are awarded annually for the North American programs, helping Exploritas meet its mission of keeping programs affordable and available to all older adults who wish to participate.

Traveling for seniors with mobility issues can be challenging, but with proper planning you can mitigate many travel hassles. Always call ahead to check what kind of special resources may be available. And it’s always best to be specific, since (as you have probably already experienced) people have different ideas about what “accessible” “or “handicapped-friendly” means. Do you need a wheelchair, an elevated foot-rest, an area to store crutches or a walker—or simply additional time to ensure an unrushed experience of getting where you need to go?

For example, navigating airports can be tricky, but many airports have electric vehicles waiting to carry you from the front door of the airport to your airline departure gate—and they are normally free of charge. If you have mobility issues, let your airline know that you’ll need help boarding and leaving the flight. Airline staff can ensure a wheelchair is available at the gate, for instance, and that you have ample time to board leisurely. It’s best to re-confirm these types of accommodations right before you’ll need to use them—perhaps the day before you’ll be using the service.

When it comes to hotels, don’t wait until you’re checking in to specify your needs. Many hotels have rooms with special shower and toilet facilities, but make sure the hotel is aware you need a handicap-accessible room when you make the reservation. Some online hotel reservation websites don’t facilitate these transactions and you may be better off calling the hotel directly. And remember you can always ask hotel personnel to actually visit the room (consult a manager if you reach a call-center) and provide specific measurements, clearances, or lay-outs.

With just a little preparation and by asking the right questions prior to traveling, most seniors with mobility issues will find that there are a wide range of facilities and devices available to make their traveling experience much easier. Some websites can offer guidance:

http://www.icdri.org/index.html (International Center for Disability Resources)

http://www.makoa.org/travel.htm#planning (Disability Travel and Recreation Resources)

http://www.disabilitytravel.com/accessible-travel-resources.htm

Bon voyage! 

Adventure is no longer defined solely as bungee jumping and sky-diving. Adventure travel can mean anything from exploring unknown cultures to traveling without all the cushy amenities some of us have grown to expect—that is, within modest accommodations and lodgings. Regardless of your definition of “adventure,” you can find a fun trip that’s right for you. A huge market for adventure travel is aimed at seniors. In fact, hundreds of websites are available to help you plan and customize your adventure trip of a lifetime.

The time is NOW to travel to exotic places, see things you’ve always dreamed about, and learn about new cultures. Whether you’re looking for a trek off the beaten path, a wildlife safari, or volunteering in a foreign country to make a difference, there's something out there for you. For instance, if you have a heart for helping others, specialty organizations recruit men and women over 50 to volunteer their time and efforts to serve others domestically and abroad. Are you a fitness enthusiast? Try your favorite sport or hobby in an exotic locale or under unfamiliar circumstances.

Embrace this unique chapter in your life by filling your senses with the sights, sounds, and smells, and tastes of adventure travel. Redefine retirement as a second career . . . in adventure!

Cruises provide some of the most effortless vacation travel available at affordable costs. Purchasing all-inclusive packages takes the stress out of planning meals, tours, activities, and shopping. In addition to the ease of traveling on the boat, cruise packages often include airfare to get you to and from port. Cruises offer all kinds of activities both on and off the ship for the adventurous traveler—and for those in search of the ultimate in relaxation.

No matter what your age range, you can select a cruise that emphasizes particular destinations, a topic (wildlife, art history), on-board amenities (spas, cooking classes, dance lessons), or price (luxury or budget).  You can also find specially themed voyages—for singles, for those who want to travel with grandchildren, or for graduates of a particular college.

55-65:  Most cruises offer discounted rates beginning at age 55. When the leisure traveler in this age group searches for a vacation, they may be interested in something with includes adventure or exploration. Cruises often feature tours and activities at each port of destination booked either via the liner itself or an affiliated travel agency. From snorkeling in warm waters to hiking through rocky cliffs in the Mediterranean, physical activity is plentiful during stays at port. While actually on-board, travelers can be catered to with luxuries not always enjoyed at home—a ship with a bar, night club, and spa may be desirable.

66-75:  Cruises offer the opportunity for you to see places you’ve never had the time to visit before. Even if you choose not to engage in vigorous port activities, cruising remains the perfect alternative to high-stress travel. Why plan long, logistically challenging travel with multiple layovers, when you have this alternative? Cruises to Alaska and throughout Europe are particularly attractive because you can enjoy some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world from the comfort of your deck chair. When you do choose to disembark and go exploring—at your own pace—you can view multiple famous ports of call while always returning to the convenient “home base” of your own cabin (sometimes referred to as your “floating hotel room”).

75 and over:  It may be especially important to take into account any physical limitations that could prove uncomfortable during a long trip. Longer cruises that offer more leisurely stays at each port may be a good fit. All of the major cruise lines accommodate mobility and health issues with a staff of concierges and personal companions to rival the best resorts. And cruises that cater to this age range usually ensure that some type of medical attention is always available, whether onboard or through coordination with satellite health centers or the nearest port of call.