Senior citizens don’t have to stay at home and wait for their monthly pension. After all, this is the perfect time to travel and tour the world: they have no need to ask permission for leave from work, no tight schedule to maintain and all the time in the world! For worry-free travel, take a bus tour especially organized for seniors.

Elderhostel

Elderhostel is a non-profit educational travel organization especially created for seniors. The program focuses on helping seniors learn while they are having fun. The organization’s Road Scholar program offers almost 8,000 senior tours in all the states of the U.S. and more than 90 countries in the world. There are plenty of learning opportunities along the way; in addition, the bus tours increase the seniors’ circle of friends.

Some educational bus tours in the U.S. include three barrier islands (Sapelo, Jekyll and St. Simons) in Georgia, Key West Old Town in Florida, and the Okefenokee Swamp, Amelia Island and Cumberland Island, also in Florida.

There is no question that Elderhostel is popular among seniors. The organization not only provides bus transports to bring seniors to various landmarks, cities and attractions but also provides lodging to its tourists. The organization has plenty of offices and centers all over the world, so finding accommodation is always easy. Travelers are housed in hotels, inns, lodges, tents, historic private homes and other options. Elderhostel centers can be found in most U.S. states and in other countries. Addresses and locations vary; check the website for local offices.

Road Scholar (Elderhostel) 800-454-5768 roadscholar.org

Grand Circle Travel

Grand Circle Travel is among the oldest companies offering bus tours for seniors in the U.S. The tour company offers educational and sightseeing trips not only in the U.S. but also in other regions of the world. There’s plenty to see and do; tourists can choose the areas where they want to visit, be it sunny California and Florida or freezing Alaska.

Like the Elderhostel, this company also has plenty of offices and tour centers in many U.S. states.

Grand Circle Travel 347 Congress St. Boston, MA 02210 800-959-0405 gct.com

Coach USA

Coach USA offers charter motorcoach travel to seniors. The tour company caters to trips by senior clubs and can handle arrangements for accommodations as well as the attractions and landmarks to visit. The seniors club members only have to book with the Customs Group Tours and indicate their preferences.

Although seniors can customize their trips, they can also choose tours that the company regularly offers, such as tours of New York City, Chicago and Pittsburgh.

There are several small companies that make up Coach USA. These companies are spread across several cities and states. Check the website, coachusa.com, for specific contact information.

About the Author

Ron Brow began freelance writing in 2003. She has written articles for publications such as the "Chicago Defender" and the "Atlanta Journal." Brow received her Bachelor of Arts in mass communication from the University of Chicago.

Photo Credits

  • Bus. Bus in parking area/ parking lot/ car park image by L. Shat from Fotolia.com
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