road scholar usa trips

Road Scholar

www.roadscholar.org

The Leader in Educational Travel for Adults Since 1975

Not-for-profit Road Scholar (formerly Elderhostel) is the world’s largest and most innovative creator of experiential learning opportunities. They have guided generations of lifelong learners on transformative learning adventures from San Francisco to Siberia, and nearly everywhere in between.

We are a diverse community of knowledge seekers and explorers, united in the belief that lifelong learning is a vital part of overall wellbeing. We believe in living life to the fullest at every age — by experiencing the world, and not just looking at it. By meeting new people, touching history where it happened and delving deep into the cultures and landscapes we explore.

Alongside renowned experts, participants experience in-depth and behind-the-scenes learning opportunities by land and by sea on travel adventures designed for boomers and beyond.

By 2010, more than 4 million adults had taken Elderhostel programs, and the organization re-branded with a new name: Road Scholar.

Biking Exploration on St. Simons and Jekyll Islands

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Tour Operator:  Road Scholar

  6   days   (Bike: 4 days)

  60   mi   (~ 15 mi  per day)

  Cycle paths/trails , Mostly flat

Prices from

  Tour Operator   Road Scholar

Enjoy authentic traditions of Southern culture and cuisine

Bike St. Simons and Jekyll Islands with experts, exploring a historic lighthouse, learning about coastal ecosystems and enjoying authentic traditions of Southern culture and cuisine.

Set amid coastal marshlands of swaying cordgrass and studded with lighthouses, former plantations and Gilded Age mansions, the Golden Isles of Georgia mark not only the meeting of the coast and the Atlantic, but also of the native peoples, Spanish missionaries, African slaves and wealthy vacationers who have all played parts in coastal Georgia’s history. From the Tiffany window in Faith Chapel to the historic Jekyll Island Club to the lush maritime forest, take in St. Simons and Jekyll islands by bike.

• See a 200-year-old working lighthouse, lovely Christ Church, Fort Frederica and slave cabins by bike.
• Bike to the marshes and learn about Georgia's expansive estuarine and coastal ecosystems.
• Explore more than 20 miles of winding bike trails on Jekyll Island, former playground of the Rockefellers and Morgans.

Bicycling 13-20 miles per day at 9 miles per hour, moderate pace, concrete bike paths, flat terrain. One-speed, land cruiser bikes provided, foot brakes.

The Black Hills & Mickelson Trail

  100   mi   (~ 25 mi  per day)

  Some hills , Off-road

Cycle along an abandoned railroad line through the beautiful Black Hills, as you conquer the 109 miles of the Mickelson Trail.

Former South Dakota Governor George S. Mickelson envisioned a bike trail that would follow an abandoned railroad line through the beautiful Black Hills. Though the governor died before it was completed, his legacy lives on along the Mickelson Trail, completed in 1998. Traverse the entire 109 miles of the trail, from Edgemont to Deadwood, cutting through rugged mountain terrain, towering evergreen forests and grassy prairies. Cycle along the trail’s easy grades and crushed limestone surface through three plant ecosystems. Your cycling instructors double as local historians and naturalists, as they share with you stories of the Black Hills Gold Rush and the ghost towns that line the trail and point out geologic structures, flora and fauna.

Learn about geology and human history along the way.

• Conquer the entire Mickelson Trail on a cycling journey through the stunning Black Hills, learning about local native and settler history along the way.
• Ride to the world’s largest sculpture, the Crazy Horse Memorial, and visit Mount Rushmore National Memorial.
• Take a field trip to the Mammoth Site to observe an active paleontological excavation site, boasting the largest concentration of mammoth remains in the world.

Cycling 16-35 miles daily on wide trail of crushed gravel and limestone. Trail grades up to 4% and trail elevation gains/losses up to 1,000 feet while cycling. Elevation range 3,450 to 6,300 feet during program. Walking one mile on uneven terrain, standing for up to two hours and climbing stairs.

Bicycling the Eastern Shore of Virginia

  4   days   (Bike: 3 days)

  54   mi   (~ 18 mi  per day)

  Mostly flat

Pristine landscapes, unique wildlife and historic monuments

The Eastern Shore of Virginia boasts pristine landscapes, unique wildlife and historic monuments. Come discover this and more as you cycle paved trails and national parks with experts.

Explore Virginia’s gorgeous Eastern Shore by bike with a small group of like-minded adventurers for a scenic learning journey with Chincoteague Bay Field Station. Ride the biking trails of Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and Assateague National Seashore, travel around the Eastern Shore Peninsula to protected lands, historic sites, and quaint small towns learning about the cultural and natural history along the way.

• Ride Chincoteague’s well-kept paths and learn about the area’s Saltwater Cowboys and Wild Ponies.
• Visit Ker Place, a 200-year-old home built in the Federal style.
• Visit the Wallops Island Navy and NASA facility to learn about dune ecology at a deserted and pristine beach restricted to the public.

Cycling 11-27 miles daily (up to 6 hours/day) on flat paved or hard gravel terrain with frequent stops. Primarily biking on roads with some bike paths/lanes.

Bike Virginia Creeper Trail

  5   days   (Bike: 3 days)

  48   mi   (~ 16 mi  per day)

Nature in the Blue Ridge Mountains

Bike the Virginia Creeper Trail — a rail trail through forest and over restored trestles. Learn about ecology and historic towns, and attend a performance at Barter Theatre.

Ride the beautiful Blue Ridge highlands of Virginia on expert-led bicycle rides to experience rich history and its variety of nature. Bike through cool forests and over high, wooden railroad bridges on the Virginia Creeper Trail, a scenic retired corridor of the Virginia-Carolina Railroad.

• Bike the entire 35-mile Virginia Creeper Trail, plus enjoy a ride on the scenic Mendota Trail.
• Attend a professional theatre performance at Barter Theatre, the State Theatre of Virginia.
• Enjoy the historic and culturally-rich town of Abingdon, Virginia.

Biking 12-20 miles daily on mostly level terrain. Elevations up to 5,520 feet.

Idaho Panhandle

  7   days   (Bike: 5 days)

  100   mi   (~ 20 mi  per day)

  Cycle paths/trails , Some hills

Spend five days biking the renowned Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes

Spend five days biking the renowned Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes, learning about regional history, diverse wildlife and the fascinating story of the Idaho Panhandle as you go!

Former railroad trestles stretched across fir-filled valleys and train tunnels plunging into rocky mountainsides form the milieu for a cycling adventure in northern Idaho’s panhandle. On the Couer d’Alene, Hiawatha and Centennial Rails to Trails routes — all of them top-notch recreational bike trails — pedal through charming villages and areas of fascinating history, unique geology and diverse ecology with interpretation by local experts.

• Learn about and take in the small-town ambiance of local mining towns Wallace and Kellogg.
• Bike the Hiawatha trail, crown jewel of our nation’s Rails to Trails routes, through nine train tunnels and across seven trestles with views of the towering Bitterroot Mountains.
• Observe moose, deer, eagles, osprey, turtles and plants while biking.

Bike 10–30 miles at a leisurely pace on streets with minimal traffic and elevation gains. Many rides offer varying distance options. Several bike paths above 3,000 feet.

While great care has been taken to show full and correct tour details, unfortunately transcription errors do occur and, although we continually seek to eliminate these, we apologise for any mistakes. Plans or bookings should not be made exclusively based on information shown on this website but must be confirmed with the tour operator.

Road Scholar Trips

by Sandra Shelley

February 28, 2023

For seniors, Road Scholar offers learning adventures around the world.

Alyssa Bichunsky

As a child, Bill Baker remembers learning about the world beyond his Massachusetts home from his uncle. “He was an avid reader who would go on trips, then gather the family for a slideshow.” 

Today Bill, 79, and his wife, Susan, 77, of Blacksburg, are the ones sharing travel stories. The couple have taken 36 trips with Road Scholar. The world’s leader in educational travel for the 50-plus set, Road Scholar offers cycling tours of Cambodia, wine tours through Portugal, and far-flung adventures in Mongolia, Patagonia, and Polynesia.

This year, the Bakers left their home at Blacksburg’s Warm Hearth Village: to cruise Alaska’s iceberg-laden waters and, again, for five nights of opera in Santa Fe. Next year, they’ll spend 17 days exploring the Australian outback and the Great Barrier Reef. 

While these itineraries may sound luxurious, Boston-based Road Scholar makes jet-setting affordable for seniors. “Because we’re a not-for-profit, we can keep costs low, value high, and we can offer financial aid, including caregiver grants,” says company spokesperson Kelsey Perri. 

All-inclusive trips range from $750-$4,000, some including airfare. A 14-day trip to Antarctica can run $11,000, but 54 Road Scholar “adventures” are less than $750, including many online opportunities that start at $25. And while a 103-day Queen Mary II cruise—with stops in 18 countries on four continents—comes with a $40,000 price tag, it’s still less than $400 per day. 

Learning from Experts

The company was founded in 1975 by Marty Knowlton and David Bianco, colleagues at the University of New Hampshire who adapted the Scandinavian tradition of residential folk schools to launch Elderhostel, a program designed to introduce U.S. seniors to lifelong learning through travel. 

Back then, Elderhostel destinations were limited to college campuses. Participants stayed in dorm rooms to attend professor-led lectures during the summer months. Today, the organization offers over 4,000 learning adventures per year, “from Albania to Zimbabwe,” says Perri, “in all 50 states and 100 countries.” 

Accommodations now include four-star hotels and offer “immersive field learning,” Perri notes, “with experts ranging from archaeologists and docents to local winemakers and shrimp boat captains.” 

Road Scholar attracts nearly 100,000 travelers each year, from ages 50-90. Some trips even include the grandchildren.

Choose Your Own Adventure

Each trip is graded by activity level and comes with a reading list. Clients can choose how much challenge they’re up for, knowing that Road Scholar is prepared to support those with mobility or health challenges. For one 90-year-old traveler, the organization even arranged dialysis treatment at local stops along the itinerary.   

For a bike trip through Cambodia, Bill Baker says a boat followed their group along the Mekong River—ready to pick up anyone needing a break. “We were on dirt roads, going through all these little villages. The children hadn’t seen many visitors before, so they would come out and wave and give us high fives,” Susan recalls.

The trips, Baker says, “widen your perspective. I think people can become so insular that they lose perspective. We’re all human beings, we share the same desires.” 

Kinship for Solo Travelers

Aegean Odyssey, Great Global Get-Together: A Celebration of the Greek Islands

Connie Marchese Baum, 73, of Warrenton, was a widow when she first traveled with Road Scholar in 2008. Now, after more than 60 Road Scholar trips, she’s a program ambassador and says about 30 percent of the group’s travelers are single. “People reach out,” she notes. “And the guides make sure everybody feels included.’’ 

Baum applauds the trips’ educational focus and the camaraderie of fellow travelers. “The people who sign up really want to learn. It’s not a shopping tour,” she says. “The accommodations are always comfortable, and the food is very good. Once you sign up, basically everything is paid for. You don’t have extra tips or transport fees.” 

Closest to her heart is the trip she took to Kentucky in 2009, billed as “Mystery and Beauty of Appalachia.” There, she met Bill Baum, 70, a retired New Jersey music teacher who, like her, had also been widowed. Both had booked the trip at the last minute, never imagining they’d find love on the program.

But they hit it off. Once home, their correspondence led to trip planning—then romance. And in 2013, on a Road Scholar choral trip to Abingdon, Bill and Connie made their feelings official, surprising their fellow travelers during the talent show finale. After Bill invited Connie onstage, he sang Jim Croce’s, “I’ll Have to Say I Love You in a Song,” then introduced a justice of the peace—who married them on the spot. 

“There wasn’t a dry eye in the place,” Connie recalls.  

Since then, the couple has explored rainforests in Costa Rica, volcanoes in Hawaii, and kayaked in the Florida Keys. In September, they traveled from Quebec to the Maritimes by train. A month later, they saw Zion, Bryce, and Grand Canyon National Parks. 

Although he’s taken 70 Road Scholar trips since he retired in 2006, Bill still gets excited when a new catalog arrives in the mail. Storm watching on the Oregon coast still ranks among his favorites. “The wildness of the Pacific coast was just amazing,” he says.

Adds Connie, “the one trip that I probably would want to do in the next year is Alaska—because I’ve been to the other 49 states.”

Travel for Caregivers

Adventure is just one benefit of travel. It can also be therapeutic. When Kim Wright learned about Road Scholar’s caregiver grants, through a support group at the University of Virginia’s Memory and Aging Care Clinic, she nominated her mother, Peggy, 78. 

Her parents, Peggy and Gary Wright had founded Tiffanys Bridal shop in Richmond. Together, they’d traveled to Chicago on frequent buying trips for the store. When Gary was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and Lewy Body dementia, Kim convinced her mother that he’d need 24-hour care. Even after he entered residential nursing, “I still went every day to feed him lunch,” Peggy says, of Gary’s final months. 

After years of devoted caregiving, Peggy wept with joy at the news of her $2,000 Road Scholar grant. She could pick any trip in the U.S. or Canada. To top it off, Road Scholar offered a matching grant, so Kim could join her. 

The two chose Chicago. “It was our bust-out-of-Covid trip,” says Kim. “But it ended up being a celebration of dad—it felt like he was with us.” This time, instead of bridal buying, Peggy took in a mural tour, an architectural cruise, and visited Wrigley Field, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Shedd Aquarium. 

At 54, Kim was the youngest person on the trip. “But there was another mother and daughter traveling together,” she notes. Would Peggy choose Road Scholar again? “It’s a wonderful way to travel,” she says. “Everything is taken care of. They’re very accommodating and very careful. They take everything into consideration.” RoadScholar.org 

This article originally appeared  in the  February 2023  issue.

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Solo Travel News: Road Scholar Debuts Exclusive Trips

N on-profit tour company Road Scholar is already a standout among tour companies for the way it supports solo travelers , and now it’s going even further by introducing exclusive new solos-only tours . Private rooms are part of the price of the package (no room sharing necessary), and travelers go into each trip knowing they’ll be in the good company of other solo travelers. 

Maeve Hartney, Chief Program Officer Road Scholar says “Traveling solo doesn’t mean you have to journey alone. Our solo traveler trips foster a sense of camaraderie, allowing participants to bond over shared experiences and create memories that will last a lifetime.”

The thing I like most about the solo tour lineup is its variety. There are U.S. options like New Orleans and San Francisco along with far-flung trips like Peru, Costa Rica, Italy, and India. Prices range from about $1,800 to $6,600, and activity levels vary from strolling-centric to active. 

TourScoop Takeaway

I’ve got solo travel for older adults on my mind a lot lately because my father recently died and my mom, after years of caregiving, is in the early stages of imagining her next chapter. These tours are at the top of my recommendation list to her for their combination of offering a supportive environment, good company, and interesting itineraries.

More from TourScoop:

• 10 Best Tour Companies for Solo Travelers
• How a Group Tour Changed My Approach to Travel
• Ask Yourself These Questions Before Booking Your Next Tour

The post Solo Travel News: Road Scholar Debuts Exclusive Trips appeared first on Tour Scoop .

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Nicole Becker

Destination consultant, worked at holbrook travel since: 2017, favorite travel memory: going on a night hike through the primary rainforest at selva verde and watching her kids get excited about the cool frogs the guide was pointing out. who would have thought that something so small could be so great.

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Nicole has a degree in Political Science and History from Butler University in Indianapolis, IN. Go Dawgs! Nicole was born in Caracas, Venezuela and spent much of her childhood traveling from place to place as her father worked with the Agency for International Development. Nicole previously worked at Holbrook from 1998-2004 as a member of the Customer Service team. She loves working with Holbrook Travel as it gives her the opportunity to help spread the joy of travel and showing how small our world really is. In her free time, she enjoys scrapbooking, listening to music, and spending time with family and friends. While raising three kids, Nicole also trained and earned a black belt in Tae Kwon Do.

Program Manager

Worked at holbrook travel since: 1993, hidden talent: party planning.

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Anna grew up in Rio, Brazil and holds a Bachelor of Arts in art from Southwestern University in Texas plus two years of industrial design from P.U.C.-Rio de Janeiro. She joined the Holbrook team in 1993 and worked her way up to customer service manager. Anna is now a member of the program development team, a position that allows her to be involved in product design from concept to reality. She has been to England, Channel Islands, Canada, Ecuador, Galapagos Islands, Peru, Argentina, Uruguay, Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala, Belize, Costa Rica, Kenya, and South Africa. One of her fondest travel experiences is snorkeling with her son among whale sharks and sea turtles in the Yucatán. During work breaks she is usually seen enjoying the back deck, hoping to spot birds and other animals in the surrounding forest.

Etel Castillo

Associate director of program quality, worked at holbrook travel since: 1998, favorite travel memory: when i came to the usa for the first time. we went to walt disney world and i was mesmerized. it was a real wow moment.

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Etel attended Jacksonville University on an academic and sports scholarship and Florida State College at Jacksonville. Etel was born in Trujillo, Honduras and was raised in St. Lucia.  At Holbrook, Etel is responsible for quality control and incident management. Etel has visited many countries around the world including Argentina, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Brazil, Cayman Islands, Chile, Costa Rica, Dominica, Ecuador and Galapagos Islands, El Salvador, Falkland Islands, Guatemala, Guadalupe, Honduras, Peru, Jamaica, Martinique, Mexico, Montserrat, St. Lucia, and Uruguay. Her favorite place to spend her free time is the beach, because she loves to fish, swim, and snorkel. 

Kimberly Heiss

Worked at holbrook travel since: 2022.

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Kimberly joined Holbrook Travel in 2022 where she works as a Destination Consultant in the Road Scholar department. A favorite recent travel experience for her was birding in Northern Costa Rica, where she got to see and hear a pair of Great Potoos. Kim’s past travel experiences include Mexico City, Istanbul, Milan, Rome, Florence, Venice, Paris, Cairo and London. She has a bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts in Illustration and a master's degree in Landscape Architecture. When she is not in the office, she is probably outside walking.

Laurie McLaughlin

Vice president of customer services, worked at holbrook travel since: 1987, 3 words that describe me: loud, caring, late : ).

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Laurie holds bachelor's degrees in general business administration and physical education from Mississippi State University. She has been to many places in the world, and while traveling she has been known to accidentally drive on the wrong side of the road, nearly giving her co-workers mini heart attacks.When she's not at the office, you're most likely to find Laurie playing tennis or spending time with her great nieces and nephews.

Deb Savarese

Worked at holbrook travel since: 2004, on the weekend i am: out in the yard, watching gator sports, or reading on my kindle..

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Deb joined Holbrook in 2004. She started out as the receptionist for Holbrook and then moved to the Road Scholar department in the fall of 2006. She is the Destination Specialist for Road Scholar programs that travel to Argentina, Belize, Chile, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Galapagos, Guatemala, Honduras, Peru and the Yucatan. She has traveled to Belize, Chile, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras and Peru.

Fran Whitlock

Specialty travel consultant & air specialist, worked at holbrook travel since: 1992, foreign languages: english, southernese.

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Fran has been in the travel industry since 1978. She studied travel at Prospect Hall College in Ft. Lauderdale and received her CTC (Certified Travel Consultant) designation in 1990. Fran was born and raised in Florida but lived in Germany for seven years before returning to the sunshine state. At Holbrook, she fulfills the roles of air specialist and travel consultant, working with groups and individuals to craft personalized travel experiences both by land and air. She loves to relax with family, travel, and be outdoors, and has visited Costa Rica, Peru, Panama, Ecuador, and the Galapagos Islands. 

Road Scholar

On the Home Front in Vicksburg, Key to the Confederacy

• In Jackson, learn how “Chimneyville” was burned four times by Federal troops in the 1860s, and visit the old capitol and The Oaks, two of only a few buildings to survive the fires
• Discuss the Vicksburg military campaign in antebellum Cedar Grove, built in 1840 and home to original furnishings and remnants of the siege, including a Union cannon ball embedded in the wall
• Explore the Vicksburg National Military Park, one of the largest such parks in the nation, highlighted by a field trip to the U

50 plus, Education / Learning

Spring Training Baseball with the Boston Red Sox

• Attend up to four practice games with a chance to see your favorite Red Sox players
• Meet with baseball experts, retired players and umpires as you discuss the rules, regulations, heroes and legends
• Explore baseball’s early beginnings, including the history of the former Negro League in the early 1880s

Ultimate Opera: Two Productions at the Met

New York, York

• Attend two performances of notable operas, and take a field trip to explore Lincoln Center
• Enjoy presentations by professionals such as singers, an opera director, conductor, chorus master or historian (as available)
• Study selections from great operas, and enjoy a private demonstration-performance with an outstanding professional singer

Researching Your Heritage: Genealogy and the Library of Virginia

• Begin the day with classes taught by an expert on genealogy and research at Virginia Commonwealth University, directly across the street from the Library of Virginia, then proceed to the Library for personal research
• Examine resources such as census, court and church records; land and military grants; tax lists; maps; manuscripts; personal papers; newspapers; slave records; and many other historical documents
• Enjoy evening presentations from history to musical entertainment, with free-time opportunities to visit nearby museums and cultural institutions

Five Days, Five Boroughs

• Walking is the best way to get to know a new place
• I’m energetic and enjoy a good physical challenge, so I’m always ready to spend the day on the move
• Whether it’s public transit, city streets or village cobblestones, I’m game

Culinary & Wine, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Relaxing Retreats, Yoga, Meditation & Wellness, Photography, Holy Land

Wildlife and Geysers in Yellowstone with Your Younger Grandchild

Yellowstone National Park

• Identify Yellowstone’s elk, bison, marmots, pronghorns and birds of prey using spotting scopes with the help of a naturalist
• A kayaking excursion offers insights into Yellowstone Lake’s natural history and fisheries
• Release your inner cowboy on a horseback ride and earn a Junior Ranger badge after completing naturalist-led activities

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Adventure on Two Wheels: History, Art and Culture in Venice Florida

• Explore 5,000 years of Florida history through prehistoric Indian mounds, pioneer-era buildings and the colorful gardens of Mrs
• Potter Palmer at the Historic Spanish Point
• Bike the Legacy Trail, built along a former rail bed of the Seaboard Air Line Railway, and delve into Florida’s railroad heritage at the historic Venice Train Depot
• Step aboard an air boat for a thrilling discovery of the ecology of Lake Myakka and have the chance to spot some its inhabitants including the American Alligator and Great Blue Heron

Spoleto Festival USA

• Be thrilled by symphonies and operas, exhilarated by jazz and bluegrass, electrified by dance and acrobatics and delighted by theater
• A horse-drawn carriage ride reveals more than 300 years of history, including antebellum mansions, churches and gardens
• Enjoy reserved seating for all performances as well as a significant amount of free time for exploring the festival on your own

50 plus, Education / Learning, Festivals & Special Events

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Road scholar reviews & ratings.

Buyer Beware

Don’t trust Road Scholar Tour Insurance!!!

Because I have Stage 4 cancer, I chose to spend the extra money for trip insurance in case my cancer recurred. When a scan showed that it had, I cancelled my trip. I...

Not a good bicycle trip

Our family of four, including two adult children, took the Bicycling: Day Trips to Paradise in Canada. This trip is entirely outsourced to the owners of the inn, th...

Travel Section Incompetent, Unhelpful, and Won't correct error

I booked a tour to Italy for May 2024. I cancelled in Oct. for a lot of reasons. Before I enrolled, I asked if Road Scholar would book the flights so that on the las...

Jane Johnson

There is a nonrefundable deposit

Please know that Road Scholar will always keep a nonrefundable $100 deposit. I cannot find that buried in all the paper and fine print but they state it is there???...

Air travel cancelled by airline

I love Road Scholar and have been on 14 trips. The accommodations are nice, the tours are interesting, and the guides are knowledgeable. I have always looked forwa...

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Your Impact

When you support Road Scholar, you ensure that our mission is carried out in the following key areas:

Creating transformative educational travel experiences for older adults

We develop an extraordinary range of learning adventures — some appeal broadly, some appeal to a smaller audience–to meet the needs of a broad ranger of learners. We offer these experiences not because they are profitable, but because they are meaningful. Your support give us the flexibility to create a broad interdisciplinary curriculum much like a liberal arts college.

See how Road Scholar’s adaptability allowed learners to get back on the road safely after COVID-19 curbed international travel:

Ensuring educational excellence

If we’re lucky, we can all remember at least one from our school days. The teacher who made learning a sport. The teacher who opened a new door on the world. The teacher who introduced us to a passionate interest we never saw coming. That’s how we choose the members of our Road Scholar faculty—for the depth of their knowledge about a destination or subject and for their ability to captivate us while communicating that knowledge. Your generosity helps ensure that we can continue to attract the most engaging leaders in their fields.

See how participants had the opportunity to learn from civil rights historians and heroes in the city where the movement was born in our Conference on Civil Rights: A Road Scholar President’s Program :

Piloting new learning adventures around the globe

With your support, we don’t just offer educational travel experiences. We create opportunities for older adults to learn, feel reinvigorated, meet new friends and expand their horizons. Road Scholar experiences are truly transformative, inspiring adults to take on new challenges and to live life to the fullest — at every age. We’re proud of the difference we make in the lives of so many older adults. But we can’t do this without the support of our friends. No matter how big or how small, every gift helps us enrich the lives of more than 5 million older adults.

See how female-only travel groups allow women to embark on any adventure with the comfort and safety of having a group of like-minded women. Even better, going on women-only tours fosters special bonds with females of all backgrounds through sharing stories and experiences.

Meeting the Evolving Needs of Older Adults

Over the decades, we’ve studied what makes an unforgettable learning experience, and we’ve come to realize that people have widely individual styles of exploration. That’s why with your support we will continue to create new trips with different levels of structure, from detailed itineraries packed with learning experiences to lightly structured schedules with generous free time. Thanks to you, we can give older adults access to the most extraordinary people and places in the world.

See how Road Scholar’s Adventures Online programs offer students greater flexibility by bringing experts and educational experiences to their own homes :

Awarding scholarships and grants

Donors who establish scholarship funds find it to be a deeply meaningful way to pay tribute to someone special while also opening a door to learning for someone who could not otherwise participate in a program. Each year, Road Scholar awards more than 300 of these scholarships, in the form of Impact Grants, to enthusiastic lifelong learners. Supporters like you who endow a Scholarship ensure that others can enjoy the unique Road Scholar experiences they hold so dear.

See how Road Scholar’s Caregiver Grant gave Collette the hope she needed to heal and move forward after her husband passed away :

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“At this point in my life, I find joy in supporting things that matter to me, and education is certainly one of them. I give because I want to ensure that Road Scholar is here for many generations to come.”

— Sarah H. from Pittsburg, Pennsylvania —

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At Road Scholar | PO Box 56033, Boston, MA 02205-6033, we are so appreciative of the support we receive from donors, volunteers, advocates, partners, and others like you. That is why we are committed to protecting your privacy and take steps to keep any personal information you provide confidential.

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Group travel with Road Scholar has been…

Group travel with Road Scholar has been close to perfect in all ways. I have been on five programs and was more than satisfied with the hotels, food and length of times are our stops.Road Scholar is the only group travel company that I know of that will take you to places of interest and pay for admission. The majority of companies just let you go on your own.

Date of experience : May 06, 2024

Reply from Road Scholar

Dear David, I am responding on behalf of Road Scholar Thank you for your review! We're so glad to hear you enjoyed your time with us so much! We hope to see you on another adventure one day soon! Happy Travels, Road Scholar

Road Scholars' website posts only the "good" reviews.

I went on a RS tour to Costa Rica and although I enjoyed the experience overall, our guide was often moody, keeping to himself, and a bit mean at times. My review (left nearly a year ago) has not posted so it appears they don't post critical reviews! Trust Pilot reports that 20% reviewers leave a 4-5 star review, with 80% giving 1-2 stars. The Road Scholar website, however, has reviewers for all programs averaging 4.5-5 stars, and claim they post all reviews. Hmm.

Date of experience : July 12, 2023

Dear Anne, I am responding on behalf of Road Scholar. We post all program reviews that are submitted by program participants on our website. Everyone is welcome to leave a program review through their online account by going to their Past Trips. The star rating displayed on the Program Review page is an average of all evaluations submitted for that program. We read all program evaluations and those who submit an evaluation that does not meet our expectations will receive a follow-up call or message from Road Scholar, so we can better understand the situation and see where improvements can be made. We appreciate the impact a group leader can have on an adventure and would be glad to have a conversation with you. If you haven’t already, we encourage you to contact us directly to provide us with further details. Please email us at [email protected] or call us at 1-800-454-5768. Sincerely, Road Scholar

Roads Scholar charges more than anyone, non-profit? I don't think so.

I have taken 12 safaris in many African countries over the years. I wanted to do Roads Scholars Botswana trip but the single cost without airfare is over $12,000. This pretty much does single for profit not matter what they say. Last year's safari to 4 countries included international and in country air fare and everything else. I'll go with another company.

Date of experience : February 26, 2024

Dear Pat, I am responding on behalf of Road Scholar. We are sorry to hear you will not be taking advantage of a Road Scholar adventure. We are not profiting off of solo travelers. We are a not-for-profit organization. We do not charge anything more than what is charged to us by the hotels. The cost of the single supplement covers only the cost of accommodations. In a double occupancy, the cost of the room is split between two people; in a single, the room cost is the same but only one person is paying. You will also find that on average, you save 20% per night compared with comparable trips offered by commercial tour companies. That’s because every Road Scholar learning adventure includes most meals and all lodging, tips and taxes, behind-the-scenes experiences, expert lectures, group expeditions, and listening device, as well as, 24/7 emergency assistance. Sincerely, Road Scholar

Better to watch the travel channel.

When you call the number, you get ads for services. Have you tried calling your own number? There are certainly up sell ads. Especially one for an alert alarm. Frustrating to get through. No people. And no refunds if you have to cancel. You would be better off staying home, looking at You Tube and visiting your local restaurants. Maybe non profit, but someone is making money.

Date of experience : December 17, 2023

Dear Daniel, I am responding on behalf of Road Scholar. It sounds like there may have been a misdial, as we do not offer any ads while calling our Contact Center. We are open Monday through Friday from 9 am to 6:30 pm ET with advisors ready to assist you. If you are unable to wait on the line we have an option to request a callback as soon as someone is available. Our cancellation and transfer fees are not meant to be punitive. They cover the commitments we have made on your behalf with our providers. We try to be as transparent as possible and explain our cancellation and transfer policy on every enrollment call, describe it on our website and include it in our program materials. We highly encourage participants to purchase the optional trip protection plan to help protect their investment, so if they do need to cancel they can file a claim to receive cash reimbursement, for a covered reason, or depending on when the plan was purchased, a credit towards a future program, for a non-covered reason. We see that you were successful in reaching us and someone will be following up with you soon. Sincerely, Road Scholar

Roadscholar travel department nightmare…

In dealing with Roadscholar travel department, it has been a nightmare. Hours on hold, and twice the dates were wrong. They had us arriving two days early, when we clearly stated we wanted only one day early. Itineraries were not given to us until just before the final payment was due, and so there was much tension until we could get it straightened out. Hours on hold with the travel department was nerve racking as their times are limited in that department. Next time we will do our own travel plans, if we use them again.

Date of experience : August 29, 2023

Dear Cherilyn, I am responding on behalf of Road Scholar. We appreciate that it can be frustrating to wait on hold and offer a callback option to help. We call on every callback request the same day it was received. We are also continuing to hire and train our staff to improve our level of service and help reduce wait times. We do apologize for any confusion regarding your departure days and see that we were able to get this straightened out for you. Sincerely, Road Scholar

no response to refund question

We enjoyed out trip to Portugal, but air travel was a nightmare! Road Scholar arranged flights. Of the planned flights, one was cancelled and two were downgraded from business class to economy class. I asked Road Scholar for help in getting a refund and have not received any response, despite multiple emails over multiple weeks. I realize Road Scholar is not responsible for airline schedules. But, I do believe they have a responsibility to respond to customer queries.

Date of experience : May 06, 2023

Dear Mike, I am responding on behalf of Road Scholar. We are happy to hear you enjoyed your recent Portugal adventure. We understand how frustrating flight disruptions can be and apologize for the time it has taken to respond to your inquires. We are actively working on this and will be reaching out to you directly to discuss this in more detail. Sincerely, Road Scholar

Deposit is not refunded or transferred. Be careful

I booked a trip with road scholar and had to put a $500 deposit down. I thought I was told that if I had to cancel, that deposit could be used for another future trip as as I canceled within a certain timeframe .I need knee replacement surgery and I had to cancel the trip .turns out that the $500 was nonrefundable. I’ve never worked with the company that did not allow you to either refund or transfer the deposit as long as you met their cancellation guidelines be careful

Date of experience : January 10, 2023

Dear Mary, I am responding on behalf of Road Scholar. We are sorry you needed to cancel your program. As a not-for-profit organization, our cancellation and transfer fees are not meant to be punitive. They cover the commitments we have made on your behalf with our providers and the administrative costs associated with your enrollment. Transferring at no cost is a possibility for some programs, but not all, depending on the adventure and the time of the requested transfer. Our transfer and cancel policy is reviewed during enrollment before the deposit is requested, and is included in the enrollment confirmation notice/email. We also offer an optional trip protection plan for one to purchase to help protect themselves if they find they have to cancel. We wish you the best with your surgery. Warmly, Road Scholar

Stay away from this company

Stay away from this company. We had booked a trip with Road Scholar but after reviewing the trip with my Doctor, the Doctor said it would be much too strenuous with our physical limitations. We informed the company more than 3 months prior to the start of the trip but they refused to return our refund.

Date of experience : July 14, 2022

My mother in law purchased a trip with insurance. She cancelled the trip 8 months before because of medical issues and has since passed away. We called road scholars to see if we could go on her trip , get a credit or receive the money back from the scheduled trip that she had insurance on. Road Scholars was totally useless. The trip could not be transferred and we received no money back! Do not get insurance on a trip that you are using vouchers for… total waste of money! We weren’t even able to use her several thousand dollars that she had in credits. Shame on them for lack of customer service.

Date of experience : July 27, 2022

Don't book if you might get sick!!! No pity

I booked a trip for self and partner, and as we are older, I booked the insurance offered. We were not able to take the trip, as my partner found that his neuropathy deteriorated to the point that he could not keep up with the activity level that Road Scholar required. Unfortunately, Road Scholar was only willing to refund half the fees, and the rest was only available as a credit to future trips. Since we cannot take a future trip I asked to be able to transfer the fees to someone else. They refused. The insurance company, AON, for reasons best known to them refused any compensation. Shame on both companies. BYW, they also do not have any links on their site to this trip or the previous one we took, so I cannot leave a review there.

Date of experience : June 19, 2022

I am responding on behalf of Road Scholar. We are sorry to hear you were unable to attend your adventure. As a not-for-profit organization, our cancellation and transfer fees are not meant to be punitive. They cover the commitments we have made on your behalf with our providers and the administrative costs associated with your enrollment. There are costs associated with every enrollment, no matter how early someone enrolls. These include administrative costs and reservations we have begun making in your name for the different components of your program. Because of these costs, our fees apply from the moment you enroll in the program, and are charged regardless of the reason for cancellation. Having had the optional trip protection plan you were able to file a claim and received a credit towards a future program. Unfortunately, this credit is not transferable to someone else, but we do have options. If you are not able to travel in person at this time we do have some wonderful online adventures. Please feel free to contact us at 877-426-8056 for further details. Sincerely, Road Scholar

Excellent experience

We are very experienced travelers, and this was our first time with Road Scholar. We recently completed a trip to Israel, Jordan and Egypt in March 2023 and it was wonderful. The hotels were first class and much better than I anticipated. The guides were excellent in each country. The group was 23 people. The buses they used were all exceptionally clean, very spacious comfortable and safe. A couple of days prior to the end of the trip many of us learned that our flights home had been cancelled by the airlines, due to a labor strike in Germany on Lufthansa. Road Scholar immediately rebooked everyone who had arranged their flights through RS. We are looking forward to our next trip on RS.

Date of experience : March 27, 2023

Road Scholar flight bookings

I booked a trip and arranged my air travel through Road Scholar. I just discovered that Road Scholar travel never paid for my flight although I paid in full already. I am in danger of having my flight reservation canceled. Trying to speak to anyone at Road Scholar is a nightmare. Their travel agency is only open 3 days a week and you have to go through Road Scholar to get through to them on those other days. I have been on hold for 1 hour. I will never use them again.

Date of experience : September 05, 2023

Dear Kathleen, I am responding on behalf of Road Scholar. The day after a holiday can be very busy for our Contact Center, which can contribute to increased wait times. To try and help, we do provide a callback option so you don’t have to hang on the line. We are sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused and see that we were able to connect with you to help get your airfare finalized. We hope that you enjoy your upcoming adventure. Sincerely, Road Scholar

Spent over $1100 on deposit and trip…

Spent over $1100 on deposit and trip insurance. We had to cancel because the trip was too strenuous for us. We got nothing back. Probably our fault for not doing due diligence but beware.

Date of experience : December 08, 2022

Dear Kevin, I am responding on behalf of Road Scholar. We are sorry your selected adventure was not a good fit. Our cancellation and transfer fees are not meant to be punitive. They cover the commitments we have made on your behalf with our providers and the administrative costs associated with your enrollment. Transferring at no cost is a possibility for some programs, but not all, depending on the adventure and the time of the requested transfer. Our transfer and cancel policy is reviewed during enrollment before the deposit is requested, and is included in the enrollment confirmation notice/email. Since you purchased the optional trip protection plan you can file a claim to seek reimbursement for your cancellation fees. Depending on when you purchased the optional trip protection plan you may be eligible for the cancel for any reason benefit, which provides a credit towards a future program if your claim is not approved for cash reimbursement by Aon Affinity. Please feel free to contact us with any questions at 877-426-8056. Sincerely, Road Scholar

Road Scholar is GREAT for seniors!

I went to France for 6 weeks with Road Scholar and everything about this trip was perfect! Lovely, caring tour leaders, incredible support, and so many amazing educational adventures! Of course, this was PARIS, so beauty was everywhere, but be aware that Paris is a big city, with all the problems and quirks of urban life. Nevertheless, the HISTORY and ART of Paris are mind-bending-ly wonderful. I plan to travel again in 3 months with Road Scholar. My only warning is that if you are over 70 and have mobility issues, some trips are not for you. Road Scholar rates every trip for mobility so PAY ATTENTION if you can't walk far, or need a walker!!

Date of experience : November 30, 2021

Road Scholar is 100 tops in every way

Road Scholar is 100 tops in every way! My PRAGUE experience was so gr8, I immediately booked another trip and eyeing another 4 next year! Their offer & promises surpassed all expectations! It was an overall fantastic trip! My first booking had 2 B canceled due 2 lack of enrollment. The organization did exactly what was promised: Keeping in touch in a timely manner & prompt refund! Margrit

Date of experience : May 10, 2018

Our trip to Egypt

Our trip to Egypt was cut short by a week because of the Covid-19 situation. I had purchased trip insurance through Road Scholar for that trip. Obviously, it had to be cut short, but Road Scholar assured us that we would be reimbursed for the part of the trip we missed. That did not happen. They have sent me many requests for donations, and nothing about reimbursement. After almost 2 months are requesting some remuneration, they finally offered a small credit toward another trip....but it had to be by June 5th. Um...we are still in the middle of a pandemic, so that's not going to happen. They have not offered one penny of my money back even though I bought my insurance from them. Yes, they're an educational travel group...and boy! did I get an education.

Date of experience : May 20, 2020

We were scheduled for a hiking trip in…

We were scheduled for a hiking trip in August which was cancelled less than two months before the start of the trip citing they did not have the staff. Now I am out flights, shuttle fees and extra nights I booked for hotels. BEWARE

Date of experience : July 01, 2022

The key word above is “recent”

The key word above is “recent”. I have been on 4 RS trips and enjoyed each one. I would rate then 4.8 to 5 stars! My most recent experience with RS is less than 1 star, however. Reason: Covid vaccine mandate. 🤯

Date of experience : February 10, 2023

Dear Sandy, I am responding on behalf of Road Scholar. The health and welfare of our participants and staff are the most important considerations. We do have a team dedicated to safety around our adventures, who also consult medical professionals to ensure we are up to date on all information. Creating this policy was not an easy decision for us and we hate to disappoint anyone who wants to join a Road Scholar learning adventure. We do hope to relax this requirement at some point, but we do not know when that will be at this time. If there are any changes to this requirement we will be sure to inform all of our participants and update our materials accordingly. If you are interested, you can stay up to date on all requirements by going to our website to Travel Updates and COVID Information. We hope to see you on a Road Scholar adventure in the future. Sincerely, Road Scholar

Road Scholar.org -Lots of travel options

Shopping and scheduling my May 2017 trip was easy, however there are so many options I had to choose my top 3 then go with only one. The trip was as advertised, well planned, good quality guide, lodging and food. We had some free time daily, at least one hour. The trip are rated by activity level, phone staff know the answers to questions and they have a repeat travelers.

Date of experience : May 29, 2017

Great trips

Great trips, terrible interface. Once they have your money they hand you off to the actual trip provider and are unwilling to help you through the maze that provider may have.

Date of experience : October 24, 2022

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Road trips USA: Route inspiration and ideas

There's no vacation more American than a road trip through the USA. To help you plan your adventure, we're sharing some of the best road trip routes in the USA, from Route 66 to the Pacific Coast Highway. Plus, find out what factors to consider when choosing when and where to go.

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Suitable cars for your road trip in the U.S.

Best time to do a road trip in the u.s., estimate your road trip budget, one-week road trip usa: from seattle to los angeles, the ultimate 2-week road trip in the u.s., 5-day road trip in texas.

The U.S. is a massive country with diverse road conditions, so the best rental car for your USA road trip depends on your route. If you're taking a city-centric East Coast road trip, consider booking a smaller rental car to more easily navigate city streets. If you're crossing vast distances out in the wilderness, a larger vehicle like an SUV might be more suitable. Avoid electric vehicles when driving remote routes, as charging stations may be sparse.

Because the U.S. is so vast, there's no singular best time to take a road trip. The weather varies dramatically across the country. For instance, the wettest month in New York City is July, yet July is the driest month in Los Angeles (data sourced on weatherbase.com ). And while the average temperature is below freezing in Salt Lake City in January, the average temperature in Los Angeles is a mild 57.3°F. Overall, it's best to avoid extreme weather no matter what USA road trip route you're taking, so avoid winter up north and summer down south or in the desert.

You should also consider the popularity of the destinations along your route. Peak travel months may mean accommodations and rental cars are more expensive and harder to book. Most tourism peaks in the summer or during the holidays (based on KAYAK’s flight searches data), so consider traveling during spring or fall for the fewest crowds and more reasonable prices.

Before you select your road trip destination and length, you might want to know how much a USA road trip can cost you. Here is some data, based on the comparisons of hundreds of travel providers, to help you estimate the cost of your trip and adapt accordingly.

• Average daily rate for a car rental in NYC: $109
• Average daily rate for a car rental in Los Angeles: $69
• Average price for one night in a mid-range hotel in NYC: $318
• Average price for one night in a mid-range hotel in Los Angeles: $233
• Cost of 1 gallon of gas in NYC in March 2024: $3.86
• Cost of 1 gallon of gas in Los Angeles in March 2024: $5.35 (source: numbeo.com )

For an East Coast USA road trip, the cost of a one-week journey that spans 700 miles might be about $3100 for 2 travelers ($1550 per person).

For a West Coast USA road trip, the cost of a one-week journey that spans 700 miles might be about $2280 for 2 travelers ($1140 per person).

To reduce expenses, consider camping if the weather is mild . Plus, if you travel with more than one other person, you can split expenses even more. But do keep in mind that these estimated costs are just for the rental car, gas, and accommodations. You'll still have to pay for food and entrance fees to attractions, whether museums or national parks.

Rent a convertible to drive down the Pacific Coast Highway on this iconic USA road trip.

Day 1: Seattle

Start your trip in Seattle, home to iconic attractions like the Space Needle, Pike Place Market and the Museum of Flight. Fuel up your body and mind with some coffee, as Seattle is known for its coffee culture.

Where to stay in the Seattle area: Hyatt Regency Seattle is the best rated hotel in town, according to KAYAK data.

Day 2: Portland

Distance from Seattle: 174 miles – 2 hours 40 minutes

On your drive from Seattle to Portland, consider making a side journey to Mount St. Helens for scenic views, a history lesson and some epic hiking. Once in Portland, don't miss a visit to the Portland Japanese Garden, and wrap up your day with a beer from a local brewery (there are many to choose from!).

Where to stay in the Portland area: One of the most elegant hotels in town is The Benson Portland, Curio Collection by Hilton .

Day 3: Crater Lake National Park

Distance from Portland: 232 miles – 4 hours

In the warm months, take the opportunity to go boating on the deepest lake in the United States, Crater Lake, which is 1,943 feet deep. If you'd rather stay on solid ground, consider hiking the many trails along its edge.

Where to stay in the Crater Lake National Park area: Crater Lake Resort is located in the nearest town to the national park, Fort Klamath.

Day 4: Redwood National and State Parks

Distance from Crater Lake National Park: 154 miles – 3 hours

Redwood trees are some of the largest in the world, topping out over 300 feet tall. They're also some of the world's oldest, living up to 2,000 years.

Where to stay in the Redwood National and State Parks area: The Historic Requa Inn has beautiful views of the Klamath River.

Day 5: San Francisco

Distance from Redwood National and State Parks: 311 miles – 5 hours 30 minutes

There's far too much to do in San Francisco than can be accomplished in a single day, but we'd recommend visiting Alcatraz Island, seeing the Golden Gate Bridge and listening to the sea lions bark at Fisherman's Wharf.

Where to stay in the San Francisco area: If you're willing to splurge, the Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco at Embarcadero offers bird's-eye views of the city.

Day 6: Morro Bay

Distance from San Francisco: 232 miles – 4 hours

Morro Bay is the halfway point between San Francisco and Los Angeles along Highway 1, or the Pacific Coast Highway. It's a good overnight stop, but spend most of your day exploring the California coast, from Monterey (home to the famous Monterey Aquarium) to Big Sur.

Where to stay in the Morro Bay area: The Estero Inn overlooks Morro Bay Rock and the harbor, and it's one of the most highly rated hotels in town.

Day 7: Los Angeles

Distance from Morro Bay: 202 miles – 3 hours 20 minutes

As you make your way down the coast, visit San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara. Then once in LA, the world is your oyster. Visit the iconic Santa Monica Pier, take a Hollywood studio tour or visit one of the city's world-class museums.

Where to stay in the Los Angeles area: The Fairmont Century Plaza is a historic hotel that's fairly centrally located, making it easy to get around town.

There's no USA road trip more iconic than Route 66, also known as the Mother Road. Here's how to travel its full length, with stops at a few must-see off-route destinations.

Day 1: Chicago, IL

You'll find the beginning of Route 66 in Chicago at the intersection of Jackson Boulevard and Michigan Avenue. Before you start driving, take a moment to enjoy some of Chicago's top attractions, from its numerous museums to the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture (you might know it as "the bean").

Where to stay in Chicago area: Chicago Athletic Association has stunning architecture, as well as a rooftop bar with views of Millennium Park.

Day 2: Springfield, IL

Distance from Chicago: 202 miles – 3 hours

It's all about Route 66 in this Illinois town. Visit the Route 66 Twin Drive-In or the Route 66 Motorheads Bar, Grill & Museum for a taste of Route 66 history. And don't miss the chance to snap a photo of the Lauterbach Giant.

Where to stay in the Springfield area: The Inn at 835 Boutique Hotel is one of the most highly rated hotels in town.

Day 3: St. Louis, MO

Distance from Springfield: 101 miles – 1 hour 30 minutes

Just down the road from Springfield is St. Louis, home of the grand Gateway Arch. After you make your way to the top, visit the City Museum, an architectural playground for children and adults alike in a 600,000-square-foot industrial building.

Where to stay in the St. Louis area: The St. Louis Union Station Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton is housed in the former train station, and its lobby is breathtaking.

Day 4: Branson, MO

Distance from St. Louis: 253 miles – 4 hours

Branson might be just off Route 66, but it's a resort destination worth a stop. Choose between relaxing on Table Rock Lake or visiting any one of the numerous attractions here, from the Titanic Museum Attraction to Dolly Parton's Stampede.

Where to stay in the Branson area: The Lodge of the Ozarks is one of the top-rated hotels in the region.

Day 5: Tulsa, OK

Distance from Branson: 220 miles – 3 hours 17 minutes

Architecture lovers will enjoy Tulsa's Art Deco buildings, while music lovers won't want to miss the Woody Guthrie Center. And aviation lovers should visit the Tulsa Air and Space Museum & Planetarium.

Where to stay in the Tulsa area: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Tulsa Downtown is one of the highest-rated hotels here.

Day 6: Oklahoma City, OK

Distance from Tulsa: 106 miles – 1 hour 35 minutes

Oklahoma City has no shortage of attractions, from the Myriad Botanical Gardens to the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. Plus, you can visit the poignant Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, honoring the victims, survivors, and rescuers of the Oklahoma City Bombing.

Where to stay in the Oklahoma City area: The National, Autograph Collection is located inside a former bank, and its

Day 7: Amarillo, TX

Distance from Oklahoma City: 260 miles – 4 hours

For a photo op, make for Cadillac Ranch, an unusual roadside art installation comprising a series of 10 Cadillacs. For dinner, dig into the 72-ounce steak at the Big Texan Steak Ranch. If you finish it (and its trimmings) within an hour, it's on the house.

Where to stay in the Amarillo area: The highest-rated hotel in Amarillo is TownePlace Suites by Marriott Amarillo West/Medical Center .

Day 8: Santa Fe, NM

Distance from Amarillo: 279 miles – 4 hours 14 minutes

Take the Santa Fe loop of Route 66 to visit artsy Santa Fe. The city is a haven for creative types, who will be drawn to institutions like the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum or interactive attractions like Meow Wolf.

Where to stay in the Santa Fe area: Pueblo Bonito Santa Fe has charming rooms in adobe buildings, plus free parking.

Day 9: Albuquerque, NM

Distance from Santa Fe: 64 miles – 1 hour 3 minutes

It's a short drive today, which means you can spend your morning in Santa Fe before heading to Albuquerque attractions like Petroglyph National Monument, Sandia Peak Tramway and the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History.

Where to stay in the Albuquerque area: Hotel Chaco is one of the highest-rated hotels in town.

Day 10: Flagstaff, AZ

Distance from Albuquerque: 323 miles – 4 hours 50 minutes

Use Flagstaff as your home base for visiting Grand Canyon National Park, which is just 90 minutes away. At night, visit the nearby Lowell Observatory for stargazing.

Where to stay in the Flagstaff area: The High Country Motor Lodge has a retro road-trip vibe.

Day 11: Page, AZ

Distance from Flagstaff: 129 miles – 2 hours 17 minutes

Page is another detour from Route 66, but we think it's a worthwhile one for the landscapes. This is the nearest town to Antelope Canyon, one of the most picturesque slot canyons in the Southwest, and the scenic Horseshoe Bend.

Where to stay in the Page area: The highest-rated hotel in town is Hampton Inn & Suites Page - Lake Powell .

Day 12: St. George, UT

Distance from Page: 154 miles – 2 hours 35 minutes

Add another national park to this road trip: Zion National Park. This Utah stunner, known for its red rock cliffs and dramatic landscapes, is best accessed from St. George.

Where to stay in the St. George area: Staybridge Suites St. George is a top mid-tier hotel in the area.

Day 13: Las Vegas

Distance from St. George: 120 miles – 1 hour 45 minutes

No, Las Vegas isn't on Route 66, but if you're all the way over here, Sin City is worth a visit. If gambling isn't your thing, visit the Neon Museum for a taste of Vegas history, then catch a show in the evening.

Where to stay in the Las Vegas area: Encore at the Wynn Las Vegas is the highest-rated hotel on the Strip.

Day 14: Los Angeles

Distance from Las Vegas: 274 miles – 4 hours 5 minutes

Congratulations, you made it! Route 66 ends in Santa Monica. Celebrate with a dip in the Pacific Ocean, a sunset view off Santa Monica Pier or an ice-cold drink at Big Dean's Ocean Front Cafe.

Where to stay in the Los Angeles area: Treat yourself to an ocean view at Shutters on the Beach .

As the second largest state in the US, Texas is an ideal candidate for a road trip. Visit several of its major cities (plus one fun pit stop) on this five-day journey.

Day 1: Dallas

Dallas is a sprawling metropolis, so pick one or two things to do during your brief stay. We recommend a taste of presidential history at the George W. Bush Presidential Center and the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza for a look into the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.

Where to stay in the Dallas area: Hotel ZaZa is one of the highest-rated boutique hotels in town.

Day 2: Fort Worth

Distance from Dallas: 32 miles – 33 minutes

Fort Worth (is the oft-overlooked counterpart to Dallas, but it's renowned for its works by architectural icons like Philip Johnson Fort Worth Water Gardens), Louis I. Kahn (Kimbell Art Museum), and Tadao Ando (Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth). Plus, don't miss the Old West heritage in the Fort Worth Stockyards. Watch the twice-daily cattle drive to see Texas longhorns on the move, then head to Billy Bob's, the world's largest honky tonk, for a concert and a round of pool.

Where to stay in the Fort Worth area: For a highly rated hotel in the historic Fort Worth Stockyards district, pick the SpringHill Suites by Marriott Fort Worth Historic Stockyards

Day 3: Waco

Distance from Fort Worth: 89 miles – 1 hour 21 minutes

En route from Fort Worth to Austin, the city of Waco is worthy of an overnight. Fans of home renovation TV stars Chip and Joanna Gaines will no doubt want to spend time at the Silos, the home base of the couple's Magnolia empire. But there's also the Dr. Pepper Museum and Waco Mammoth National Monument in town.

Where to stay in the Waco area: For some warm hospitality, stay at the Bed and Breakfast on White Rock Creek

Day 4: Austin

Distance from Waco: 102 miles – 1 hour 40 minutes

Live music is everywhere in Austin, so head into your nearest bar to catch some tunes. Animal lovers will want to witness the nightly flight of the Congress Avenue Bridge bats, while nature lovers might enjoy paddling on Lady Bird Lake.

Where to stay in the Austin area: The boutique Colton House Hotel is the highest-rated accommodation in Austin.

Day 5: San Antonio

Distance from Austin: 80 miles – 1 hour 20 minutes

San Antonio's biggest claim to fame might be the Alamo, but the mission is just one of five in the city. After visiting them, head to the trendy Pearl District for dinner and drinks.

Where to stay in the San Antonio area: Canopy by Hilton San Antonio Riverwalk has a lovely outdoor bar overlooking the Riverwalk.

Though flying from city to city might save you a bit of time, there's no better way to travel the US than via a road trip. If you need information about rental cars , road trip tips or the best places to visit in the US during the summer , we've got you covered.

The hotel recommendations included in this article are based on customer ratings and the author's personal choices, so please feel free to use our hotel search tool to find the accommodation best suited to your needs.

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Travel | Travel Troubleshooter: Road Scholar downgrades…

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Travel | sf giants’ jung hoo lee to undergo season-ending surgery, travel | travel troubleshooter: road scholar downgrades traveler from business to economy.

I spent $3,000 on business-class airfare. I’d like to get a refund for the fare difference. But so far, both Road Scholar and British Airways have refused. Can you help?

— Maureen Kelleher, Simsbury, Connecticut

ANSWER: Flight cancellations happen. But when they do, you should receive a refund for your downgrade from business class to economy.

British Airways’ general conditions of carriage — the legal agreement between you and the airline — addresses a change of schedule like the one you experienced. It explicitly says that you will get a refund when there is a fare difference and you use the ticket. Road Scholar’s terms and conditions don’t address an involuntary downgrade like the one you suffered.

There are also Department of Transportation rules that have to be followed. It says that you’re entitled to a refund if you’re involuntarily moved to a lower class of service. For example, if you buy a first-class ticket and get downgraded to economy class because of an aircraft change, the airline must refund the fare difference. If your flight had originated in the United States, DOT rules would have applied.

I think you have a strong case for a refund. So, what’s going on here? I reviewed the paper trail between you and Road Scholar. Since the tour operator had booked your flights, it was responsible for getting you your refund, so you went to the right place. But after four months, you weren’t getting anywhere. It was time to call my advocacy team.

I could see no reason for the delay in your refund. In fact, two other members of your party had already filed successful credit card disputes to recover their money. By the way, I don’t recommend doing that as a first step to recovering your money. It’s always better to ask the company for a refund first. You can find the executive contacts for Road Scholar on my consumer advocacy site, Elliott.org .

I contacted Road Scholar on your behalf. A representative responded to me shortly after that. “I’m happy to report that we have resolved the situation with Maureen and are issuing her a refund,” she said. “Her previous complaints had gotten caught up in the wrong department. Thanks for the nudge to escalate so we could get her talking to the right people to resolve her issue.”

Christopher Elliott is the founder of Elliott Advocacy , a nonprofit organization that helps consumers solve their problems. Email him at [email protected] or get help by contacting him at elliottadvocacy.org/help/ . (c) 2024 Christopher Elliott Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

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From saving on gas to driving with kids, here's your ultimate road trip planner

"Easy Travel” is a 10-part series focusing on how to reduce bumps during vacations, anticipate roadblocks and be ready when things aren’t going your way. If you'd like to contribute to our future reporting and share your experience as a source, you can click here to fill out this quick form .

Ina Daly has spent most of her life on the road.

“My dad was a truck driver and that led me to becoming a truck driver,” she said. “What we do in a day, on a daily job would be like a long road trip to most people.”

With nearly 40 years of driving for freight transportation services provider XPO and numerous industry accolades under her belt, including grand champion at this year’s Arizona Truck Driving Championship , Daly is a pro. She’s also a mom and a grandmother who’s happy to share her experiences to make everyone’s road trips better.

“Some of the things I'm telling you are what we truckers tell our family members,” she said. “I've had a lot of accomplishments in my career and going to the National Truck Driving Championships (this month) is a reward, but the bigger reward is being able to share some things … that have the potential to save lives.”

What to do before a long drive

“Make sure that your vehicle’s road trip ready,” Daly said. ”Really pay close attention to your tires, your coolant, your fan belt.”

She notes tire dealers often offer free inspections to ensure tires are properly inflated and undamaged.

AAA spokesperson Aixa Diaz advises getting the whole car serviced before hitting the road.

“If you're a car person and you can, do that yourself at home, by all means,” she said. Otherwise, she recommends getting the oil changed and battery and tires checked professionally. 

To save time and avoid stress, Diaz also suggests filling up on gas the night before leaving and making hotel reservations well in advance, noting that many hotels allow cancellations without penalty up until the day beforehand. 

What do you need before a road trip?

It’s always good to keep an emergency kit with supplies like first aid, a flashlight and extra batteries, and basic tools in the vehicle.

“You want to make sure that if you do have a tire issue, you have the proper tools and jacks in your vehicle to be able to change it,” Daly said. She said warning signals like reflective triangles can also warn other drivers to steer clear in the event of a breakdown.

For road trips, both she and Diaz recommend shelf-stable snacks like protein bars that won’t melt and plenty of water. “Don't think that a bottle or two for everybody is enough,” Daly said. “You've got to have, you know, five or six bottles for everyone.” 

Diaz also recommends wet wipes, blankets during the winter, and any time-sensitive medication or pet food that might be needed in the event of an extended delay.

“These things ideally wouldn't take up too much room in your trunk but they're just good to have in case of an emergency,” Diaz said. “Just think, ‘If I were stuck for a long time, what would keep me comfortable until I was able to (get) help?’”  

A printed map and a general sense of the route can also help in case there GPS hiccups or a phone dies.  AAA’s free TripTik planner can help travelers plot their trips in advance and find rest stops, lodging, food and gas along the way. And its free Gas Cost Calculator can help locate the cheapest average gas prices for drivers when it’s time to refuel.

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What I should know before a road trip?

“Everything can be a distraction in the car – the radio, the kids, etc. But the phone is a big one,” Daly advised. “When you’re driving, that thing should not ever be in your hand.”

More than 3,500 people were killed on U.S. roads in 2021 because of distracted driving, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration . 

Daly also recommends watching out for distracted drivers.

“You can tell a distracted driver by their fluctuating speed,” she warned. “They're drifting in their lane. Their head is looking down instead of focusing on the road. You want to give those people a wide berth.”

How long will a road trip take?

Road trips always take longer than expected because of traffic, construction and other things that arise en route.

Diaz says to expect at least an hour longer than whatever the GPS predicts. Daly recommends leaving at least two hours early.

“You don't want that stressful drive,” Daly said. “You’re hurrying. That lends to bad driving behaviors like tailgating and speeding, which leads to accidents. Don’t put yourself in that situation.”

How many hours a day should you drive on a road trip?

“It just varies so much from person to person, how long they’re comfortable driving,” Diaz said. “We want to err on the side of safety. We want people to be safe on the roads and drive the speed limit and not rush it, but everybody's different.”

Switching out drivers can lighten the load, but no matter who is driving, Daly said, “If you're starting to feel a little, less attentive, maybe a little fatigued, it’s time to take a break.”

What time is best to drive?

“We always recommend, especially during the holidays, leave early in the morning,” Diaz said. “The later you leave in the day, the worse it's going to be because a lot of times during the week … you're going to mix with those commuters on the road.”

“Some people enjoy night driving,” she added. “Once you get to like 8 p.m., 9 p.m. traffic comes down a lot.” 

However, she noted drivers who leave in the evening should watch out for fatigue and plan to drive less than if they started fresh in the morning.

How do you take a good road trip with kids? 

When possible, Daly recommends having a designated passenger to help with kids so the driver can focus on the road.  

Another important thing is to keep seatbelts on the whole way.

“Kids have a tendency to take those off,” Daly said. “Make sure they stay buckled up. I've seen some horrible things out there.”

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What do kids need on a road trip?

Entertainment helps pass the time, but it doesn’t have to be digital. There are all sorts of screen-free road trip games . 

Diaz recommends printing a map or list of sites or cities for kids to watch for along the way.

“You know, yell it out or mark it on your sheet,” she said. “Have some crayons in the car with them so they're following along on the trip, and they feel like they're part of it.”

“Point out historical landmarks and scenery; enjoy nature,” Daly echoed. “That's one of the things that we truck drivers love about our jobs is we get to see the country and nature.”

Stop at points of interest every few hours or simply for everyone to stretch their legs.

And for those times when kids are on screens, make sure to pack car chargers.

What is the best way to save gas?

Don’t speed. 

“Fuel economy peaks at around 50 miles per hour on most cars, and then it drops off as the speeds increase,” Diaz said. “You think, ‘OK, if I just go 70, I'm going to get there faster, and it'll be better,’ but essentially, you're just wasting gas at that point." Fuel economy can be increased by as much as 15% by reducing highway speeds by 5 to 10 miles per hour, she said.

Don’t idle unnecessarily either, like at rest stops.

“Your car engine consumes about a quarter to a half a gallon of fuel per hour while it's idling,” she said. “But a warm engine only takes about 10 seconds’ worth of fuel to restart, so if it's safe to do so, just shut off your engine.”

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What happens if my tire blows out?

“When you blow a tire, kaboom, it freaks you out. Do not panic,” Daly said. “Don't slow down abruptly or brake hard or jerk the wheel because that will cause you to lose control and have an accident.”

“Just focus on steering,” she added. “Slow very gradually, off to the side of the road in a safe area, and you won’t have any issue from your blown tire.”

How do you drive around semitrucks?

“Be aware of our needs and limitations,” Daly said. “You know we’re big. We need a lot of space around us. We have big blind spots. … If you can’t see the truck driver’s face in the mirrors of the truck, the truck driver can’t see you.”

She advised against passing on the right. 

“If you have to pass quickly, don’t linger over there. We see people driving over there for the shade (and it) puts us in a very dangerous situation,” she said. “And don’t cut in front of us and then hit your breaks. People don’t like to follow a truck because they can’t see around us, so they pass us and then cut in front of us.”

“It takes away that safety cushion we leave in front of us,” she added. “When you see all that space in front of a truck, that's not for your convenience so that you can pass us and cut into it. That’s for our safety and yours.”

By the same token, she advised fellow drivers to leave plenty of space in front of their own vehicles, so they have enough room to stop quickly in an emergency. If another driver cuts into that space, she suggested, “Take a break. Slow down again. Recreate that space. Bite your tongue and think pure thoughts.”

That last tip may not be so easy.

What has been your best or worst road trip experience?