According to data from the Pew Research Center, 76% of Americans have visited another country. Seniors looking to explore the world around them might be both excited and intimated to take to the open roads, unsure of how to travel – or where. Older adults who lack travel companions might find the prospect of traveling daunting, missing out on wonderful experiences.
Thankfully, travel groups for seniors are a great option for anyone in search of elderly group tours. These groups provide safe, fun, and entertaining trips for older adults of all ages and interest levels, offering up plenty of memories and wonderful getaways, either domestic or international.
What Is Group Travel for Seniors?
Group travel for seniors involves planning and coordinating group trips for older adults. This might include the following (or a combination of the three):
- Residents in a senior living community
- A group of friends
- Family members
These travel groups look for getaways that range from educational to relaxing and everything in between. Some benefits of senior living communities include other residents to go on group vacations with. Seniors just need to speak to their neighbors to see who’s interested in traveling and where to.
Benefits of Traveling in a Group
One of the best reasons for seniors in assisted living to travel in groups is companionship. Elderly group tours ensure that everyone has a partner to explore and enjoy their vacation with. Depending on what group travel group older adults use, they’ll always have someone guiding their tour while providing travel ideas for seniors.
Group travel also ensures that seniors have someone who speaks the local language (when traveling abroad). This makes getting around foreign countries much easier – and safer.
Another benefit of group travel is that certain destinations are inclusive. This works to help seniors stick to a budget, something that’s important for most older adults.
Even better, group travel for seniors can work to alleviate the stress of planning a trip. When working with a group, responsibilities are shared.
Seniors may also find themselves saving money through group travel. Since groups usually receive discounts at hotels, traveling with others can make financial sense for older adults on fixed incomes.
Senior Travel Tips
Before seniors travel, they should familiarize themselves with their destinations. This lets them determine if there are any vaccines required for visiting a certain country or possible health risks. The CDC has this information available for anyone looking to travel.
Seniors should also check with their health insurance company to see how benefits translate to international travel destinations. This is important in case of illness or a medical emergency. Seniors should familiarize themselves with what is and isn’t covered and possibly consider insurance coverage for traveling overseas.
Once seniors have all the appropriate medical information for traveling abroad, they can start their journey of connecting with others looking to explore the world. The best way of doing so is with a travel program specifically for older adults. These travel programs include domestic and international travel adventures for everyone to enjoy.
Road Scholar
Seniors who enjoy lots of activities will like Roads Scholar, as it’s one of the most popular travel organizations for older adults. These trips tend to be educational and are perfect for those who love to learn and explore.
There are trips just for older adults and travel destinations for seniors and their younger family members. The best thing about these travel destinations is that they’re incredibly varied. Seniors can check out:
- Cruises
- Historical events
- Art themed experiences
And so much more. With Road Scholar, the sky is the limit with what seniors can base trips around.
Kensington Tours
Kensington Tours is ideal for anyone who wants a guided trip customized to meet their specific needs. These trips vary across the globe and are perfect for seniors looking to:
- Relax and enjoy the local scenery
- Explore new culinary delights
- Learn more about an area’s rich history
These trips are private and offer seniors comfort and convenience. Certain destinations feature private cars and plenty of local guides to help seniors explore their surroundings.
Grand European Travel
Grand European Travel offers travel participants discounts, especially for AARP members. It also has select deals on various river cruises and limited-time offers for travel enthusiasts to enjoy – and save money with.
Some countries include:
- Italy
- Spain
- Portugal
- Britain
- Ireland
- France
- Greece
- Australia
- Africa
- United States
The great thing about Grand European Travel is its variety of tour options. This ranges from women-only tours to small group tours, perfect for a few seniors looking to get out and explore the world.
ElderTreks
This travel company is ideal for small groups that want to hike, enjoy safaris, or go on other interesting expeditions across the globe. This type of tour does involve a degree of walking, but each tour is rated on a score of one to five.
The minimum amount of walking is one hour and the maximum amount of physical exertion is hiking in excess of five hours. Although enjoyable, this might not be the ideal group travel tour for anyone looking to relax.
Overseas Adventure Travel
Overseas Adventure Travel is perfect for seniors who enjoy cruise ships. Although these cruise ships are small, they visit plenty of wonderful locations across the globe. This includes:
- The Norwegian fjords
- The Adriatic and Mediterraniean seas
- The Mediterranian Sea
- The coast of West Africa
These trips provide seniors with plenty of flexibility and, although they’re great for group travel, are perfect for anyone traveling on their own.
The Best Travel Groups for Seniors
Any of the above-listed travel groups for seniors are ideal for older adults looking to explore the world around them but don’t want to visit these destinations alone. Group travel can be safer for seniors, especially when visiting a foreign country. They may also save money when receiving group discounts.
Aside from group travel, there are plenty of other senior citizen adventures and opportunities for socialization. Discovery Village at Deerwood has everything you or your loved ones could need. Contact a member of our dedicated staff today to learn more about our unique senior living community.
