rhodes scholar travel alaska

NEWSLETTER SIGNUP

Road Scholar Learning Adventures

Over 30 years of informing, inspiring, and engaging learning.

We believe one way to create a better world is by helping people form lasting connections to wild places. We partner with Road Scholar to provide top-quality educational programs covering a large array of abilities and interests, including the only Alaska tour that stays in Denali for an entire week!

Place-based learning vacations

Our Road Scholar programs are led by expert Field Educators and welcoming support staff, giving participants the opportunity to learn about and experience Alaska.

Best of Alaska’s National Parks

Come experience an Alaska that many people never see. You’ll have the unique opportunity to learn about, and hike, in interior and coastal Alaska while visiting two strikingly unique and beautiful national parks along the way!

Discover Alaska by Rail

All aboard!  Journey the entire 470-mile length of the historic Alaska Railroad from Fairbanks to Seward.  The train combines Alaska style comfort with amazing off-the-beaten-path views!

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Weather in the subarctic is extremely unpredictable. It’s not uncommon to experience three or four “seasons” in a week, and on occasion the weather will shift as much in single day. Knowing the average temperatures for the time you will be visiting Alaska is less important than being prepared for all weather conditions. If you are joining us for a program, refer to your program information for weather advice that is relevant to your specific program date.

Generally, program participants seldom encounter thick mosquitoes during their stay on our campus. The population of mosquitoes during your visit will depend largely on the weather during the days and week before you arrive, so long-term predictions are not available. Mosquito-borne illnesses are not a concern for people in Alaska at this point. In Denali, mosquitoes are often absent before June and after mid-August. When mosquitoes are present, loose-fitting long pants and tops provide adequate protection for many travelers and summer weather in Denali is commonly conducive to covering up. Those who wish to avoid receiving even a few mosquito bites, or would prefer not to cover up may wish to travel with a small container of DEET-based bug repellent. If you bring DEET, please choose a small container (a little goes a long way) and avoid using sprays in closed spaces or near others. If you’re interested in products that are not DEET-based, please check out DEET free alternatives HERE .

The walks we offer travel over trail surfaces ranging from packed gravel to loose rocks and tree roots and are, in places, steep and uneven. Given our remote location, a twisted ankle can be a serious injury. For this reason we suggest sturdy, water-repellent footwear with ankle support and good tread.

Our summer rainstorms are often accompanied by cold wind. Hypothermia can be a concern. At any time during the Alaska summer season it is essential to carry a good rain coat (something more substantial than a poncho.) Rain pants are also highly recommended.

Bring rain gear and clothing for a wide range of temperatures. Summer temperatures in Denali generally range from 40 – 70 degrees F. Heat waves may bring the temperature above 80 F. Weather forecasts are not at all reliable in our region. Please do not use the forecast as an indicator of what to bring on your journey. Bring layers so that you can easily adapt to any temperature. Participants on programs beginning in late August and early September are likely to encounter morning temperatures near or below freezing. See program materials for advice specific to your program date.

Amenities include: linens, soap, heat, electric outlets, and views of wild surroundings. The absence of radio, microwave, fridge, hairdryers, etc. encourages guests to unplug and get outside.

There are three standard electrical outlets in each guest bedroom and one in each bathroom.

Cell service on our campus is generally good. Gaps in coverage occasionally affect our campus. When small holes in coverage occur, you can simply walk to another part of campus to send or receive calls or data. There is no cell phone service in the National Park west of Mile 3 on the Park Road.

Complimentary Wi-Fi is available on our campus. Internet service to our region is slow, and our Wi-Fi service is also slow. Coverage is good in the main meeting area.

Guest rooms are not equipped with alarm clocks. Please bring your own alarm if you generally depend on an alarm to wake you in the morning.

Northern lights are only visible when the sky is clear and dark and when solar storms create the right conditions in the atmosphere. Due to Denali’s long summer days, it is highly unlikely that you will see the northern lights before the second half of August. If seeing northern lights is a high priority for you, consider visiting Denali on a program in September or March, when longer nights improve your chances of seeing northern lights. Solar storm activity, which produces northern lights, is cyclical.

Conflicts between people and wild animals are rare in our neighborhood. Guests often encounter moose on our campus. Moose are dangerous and deserve your respect. You can show your respect by staying far, far, away. If a moose shows signs of distress (ears back, hackles raised, snorting, or stomping, etc.) you are too close. It is rare for program participants to have close encounters with bears either on our campus or in the park. Your orientation to campus on the first day of the program will include detailed advice on local wildlife etiquette, so that you can stay on the good side of the bears and moose. There are no snakes in Alaska and no mountain lions or ticks in Denali.

Our kitchen prides itself on preparing healthy and delicious food for all guests. Nearly everything they serve, right down to the salad dressing, is prepared in-house. With notice, we can accommodate most dietary restrictions (i.e. dairy, eggs, soy, gluten, nuts, shellfish, etc.). We suggest that guests with the most restrictive diets bring some of their favorite snack foods to supplement the foods we will have available. We are in a remote location; the nearest grocery store is 120 miles away, so it’s essential that we receive advance notice of dietary restrictions. Please describe your dietary restrictions clearly on your health forms and return the forms to us at least three weeks in advance of your program start date.

Our campus does not serve alcohol. However, our campus is within walking distance of a small store that sells beer and wine. A centrally located cooler is available for storing and chilling beer and wine.

A centrally located cooler is accessible, day and night, for participants who need a place to keep their medicine, beer, and/or wine cool. Participants who arrive with perishable food stuffs may also use this central refrigerator.

Denali Office

Milepost 231 Parks Highway Denali Park, AK 99755 Location Map About The Campus 907.683.2597

Talkeetna Office

22510 S. Talkeetna Spur Talkeetna, AK 99676 Location Map About The Campus 907.733.7003

quick links

ABOUT PROGRAMS CAMPUSES GET INVOLVED EVENTS CONTACT

Newsletter Signup

Directory About Contact Advertise Donate

Subscribe Sign In

Senior Voice -

• Publications

By Dimitra Lavrakas Senior Voice Travel Correspondent 

Travel, education in one package from Road Scholar

Or tour from home with online options

November 1, 2023 |  View PDF

Photo courtesy of Road Scholar

Pile onto a Swiss train with your fellow Road Scholars for a thrilling ride through the Alps.

"You can't beat the prices, and it saves lots of time," McCool said. "No way could I have planned that-hotels, river trips, transportation."

Road Scholar, the name a play on the Rhodes Scholarship for college students from around the world to study at Oxford University in England, offers world-wide tours for seniors age 50 and older, although you can travel on a grandparents' trip with grandchildren. Its educational adventures are created by Elderhostel, a non-profit specializing in educational travel.

Anywhere you want to go, Road Scholar takes you there. Once arrived, you are in the able hands of a local who knows everything about their home territory.

"Everyone is a local who tells you everything about their land," McCool said.

His latest trip was "On the Road: The Oregon Coast, California Redwoods and Crater Lake," 11 days for $4,149, complete with hotels, meals and transportation.

The West Coast trip is outlined on Road Scholar's website: "From the jagged alpine terrain of the Cascade Mountains to mossy rainforests and wave-battered headlands, discover why the Northwest landscape is as awe-inspiring as it is unique. Learn alongside experts as you explore some of the world's grandest natural wonders. Marvel at a massive volcanic caldera at Crater Lake.

"Experience the thrills, excitement and breathtaking scenery of the Rogue River on an expert-led jet boat ride. Touch trees rooted when Caesar ruled Rome in the world's largest remaining stand of virgin redwoods. Explore ancient redwood forests, see the clear waters of America's deepest lake and learn about unique Northwest landscapes alongside experts."

The site also includes advice on the physical exertion of each offering. For this trip it states, "must be able to walk up to two miles a day. Be prepared for walking on uneven ground, unpaved trails or sandy beaches. There are steep stairs at some locations that will require you to be sure-footed. Elevations of 4,000 to 7,100 feet."

McCool's favorite countries are Austria and Switzerland.

"If you rent a car in Austria, the music on the radio goes from yodeling to Mozart to classical music to yodeling," McCool says.

He has fond memories of a lovely meal of wiener schnitzel in Austria, a nice salad, all by candlelight.

Questions answered

In these times, travel can be difficult due to weather and, recently, lack of pilots.

After you enroll, you'll receive a confirmation, basic information about your order, your rooming selection and payment information.

An information packet will arrive that includes an up-to-date daily schedule, contact information, travel directions, a packing list, a reading list-everything you'll need to prepare.

Emergency assistance and evacuation insurance is included with Road Scholar programs. It is recommended to update your vaccinations, especially if traveling abroad.

Online adventures

Can't travel any longer but still want to see the world? Road Scholar offers online courses of differing lengths.

Forty-five- to 60-minute lectures range from "Pacific Northwest First Nations Culture-Art & Ecology" to "Greek Gastronomy-A journey of Flavors, People and Landscapes." Cost is $25 per class!

Multiple days of lectures delves deeper into topics like "Advanced Digital Photography Techniques" and "Exploring Religions of the World," as well as travel destinations.

Go to http://www.roadscholar.org/collections/adventures-online/ .

Feel the passing of time while being dwarfed by a giant sequoia in California.

In 2023, free lectures in memory of August Ferretti, a Road Scholar enthusiast, are offered at http://www.roadscholar.org/collections/online-lectures/free/ .

There is also a scholarship for online courses. Fill out an application at

https://roadscholar.wufoo.com/forms/financial-assistance-for-online-adventures/ .

Taking care of caretakers

Knowing that family caregivers need rest and recuperation from what can be full-time emotionally draining care of a loved one, Road Scholar offers a Caregiver Grant of $1,500 applied to programs available in the United States or Canada that cost no more than $2,000.

• Free medical flights with angel pilots
• Cruise ships sail into the far north
• A bucketlist journey to South America
• Travel, activities sparkle in the fall
• Summer offers festivals and fairs, near and far

• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Mobile Browser
• Submit Content
• Letter to the Editor

Connect With Us

Senior Voice

3340 Arctic Blvd., #106 Anchorage AK 99503 Ph: (907) 276-1059 [email protected]

© 2024 Older Persons Action Group, Inc.

Powered by ROAR Online Publication Software from Lions Light Corporation © Copyright 2024

• Alaska Tourism
• Alaska Hotels
• Alaska Bed and Breakfast
• Alaska Vacation Rentals
• Flights to Alaska
• Alaska Restaurants
• Things to Do in Alaska
• Alaska Travel Forum
• Alaska Photos
• All Alaska Hotels
• Alaska Hotel Deals
• Last Minute Hotels in Alaska
• Things to Do
• Restaurants
• Vacation Rentals
• Travel Stories
• Rental Cars
• Add a Place
• Travel Forum
• Travelers' Choice
• Help Center

Concern about negative reviews for small expedition cruises - Alaska Forum

• United States    
• Alaska (AK)    

Concern about negative reviews for small expedition cruises

• United States Forums
• Europe Forums
• Canada Forums
• Asia Forums
• Central America Forums
• Africa Forums
• Caribbean Forums
• Mexico Forums
• South Pacific Forums
• South America Forums
• Middle East Forums
• Honeymoons and Romance
• Business Travel
• Train Travel
• Traveling With Disabilities
• Tripadvisor Support
• Solo Travel
• Bargain Travel
• Timeshares / Vacation Rentals
• United States forums
• Alaska forum

Hello TripAdvisor Friends,

My wife and I (60’s, good health) have started planning our first Alaskan adventure. We'd like to go in 2025. We like the idea of small ship ‘expedition’ cruising. We like the idea of somebody else doing the 'driving', having the cooking and room nearby, and watching the scenery go by. The glaciers, animals, scenery are very exciting. The activities are also very enticing to us - kayaking, zodiacs, hiking/bushwhacking.

Can anyone shed some light on this for me? I have gone from being wildly enthusiastic about an expedition cruise to wondering if I should reconsider a cruise at all. I have reasonable expectations about last-minute changes in itinerary, or weather impacts once underway. I can appreciate that on occasion circumstances beyond our control bring unwanted changes. But some of the comments about poorly managed activities, or communication problems (e.g. with COVID outbreaks on ship) have me very concerned that maybe expedition cruising is not for me.

I’m wondering if more experienced travelers can shed more light on this. I imagine that there very well could be a period following COVID that cruise programs might take some period to return to their prior level of performance. We are looking for feedback and maybe a reality check regarding our concerns about negative reports. Should we temper our reactions? Should we hope the cruise lines address and correct these problems? Should I assume the reviews are exaggerated? How would you proceed if you were me - first time cruising, first trip to Alaska? Thank you!

11 replies to this topic

We’ve been out with both UnCruise and Alaskan Dream before and wouldn’t hesitate to go with either again, even with those negative reviews.

I’ve done Uncruise and Lindblad-good or great experiences with both. I prefer Lindblad because of the quality of their naturalists. Uncruise has 2 different tiers-blue hulled ships and green hulls. There are differences in size of ship, price, and quality of food staff and service.

Good to know! Thank you so much - this is very helpful to us!

Thank you I13JAmarym! Great to have your endorsements and thoughts. From your description, they both seem like a good fit for our interests. Lindblad maybe a tiny bit more for me in the zodiac/kayak and photography aspects. The quality of the naturalists is also of keen interest, as we are avid hikers/birders/photographers. Thanks again ;>)

My trip report: https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g28923-i349-k14525164-o10-Trip_Report_Alaskan_Dream_Cruises_Inside_Passage_Sojourn-Alaska.html#120555607

• Looking for a Anchorage to Seward (One way Bus tour) 2:16 am
• advance lodging reservations 1:59 am
• Cruise or not! 12:33 am
• Concern about negative reviews for small expedition cruises 10:44 pm
• Cell reception yesterday
• Itinerary help yesterday
• Options July 2024 yesterday
• Alaska on our own or something organized? yesterday
• Westmark Hotel and a day to kill yesterday
• Advance payments for cruises yesterday
• Trying to plan an inside passage tour using AMHS in June yesterday
• That's a Wrap - '24 GAH Spring Adventure Package Trip Report yesterday
• Location of floatplane base in Skagway yesterday
• "TOP 10" Recommended Things to See & Do in Alaska 7 replies
• Best way to see Alaska 5 replies
• Alaska cruise - best choice cruise line 10 replies
• Train to Alaska from Vancouver 3 replies
• Alaska in August... WHat to expect 7 replies
• Holland america vs Princess Cruise 16 replies
• Bear Lodge in Fairbanks 10 replies
• Estimated Drive Times - are these accurate? 5 replies
• Cell Phone Coverage 16 replies
• Best time of year for Whales & Bears 3 replies

Alaska Hotels and Places to Stay

• Why KEEP ALL QUESTIONS in 1 original thread?
• Why post SPECIFICS about your question initially?
• RESOURCES for planning a trip?
• Why study a MAP of Alaska?
• Weather and sunrise/sunset?
• Which rental companies offer one way car rentals?
• BEAR viewing trips?
• Coupon books?
• FISHING in Alaska?
• CLOTHES for summer travel?
• Renting an RV in Alaska?
• Web cameras for Alaska?
• Car camping in Alaska?
• Trip Reports 2020
• Self-serve laundromats?
• Free wifi in Alaska?
• Panning for gold ?
• Seeing NORTHERN LIGHTS?
• Mileage and travel times?
• Scenic drives?
• Alaska by TRAIN: Alaska Railroad?
• BEAR SAFETY in Alaska?
• Where can I go bear viewing by boat?
• TRIP REPORTS 2020
• TRIP REPORTS 2019
• Trip Reports for previous years

Alaska's Playground: The Kenai Peninsula

Member Savings

Sign in  to see which companies give additional savings to Travelstride Members (it’s free)

• Glide past more than two dozen glaciers as you ride a catamaran through Prince William Sound, watching for sea lions, bald eagles, black bears, sea otters and more
• Learn about wildlife conservation and rehabilitation at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, the Alaska SeaLife Center and more
• Dart through the breathtaking Alaskan wilderness on a summer dog sled pulled by an Iditarod racing team

What's this trip about?

Compare to similar trips.

Kenai Discovery

Alaska: The Great Exploration

Hike Alaska: Glaciers and Denali

Jewels of Alaska, Classic Group, 2023 Classic Group

Bait, Bed and Breakfast Customizable Package

Travel themes.

• Education / Learning
• National Parks
• Nature & Wildlife

Destinations

• United States

Attractions

View similar trips.

Alaskan Wildlife & Wilderness

California Panorama

Wild Southwest USA

Sunsets & Southern Charms

8 Day Original Tour for Women CCW

Want a tailor-made trip instead, your trip, your way, planned by an expert:.

• You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
• Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics

Dates & Availability

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Road Scholar .

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Road Scholar Reviews & Ratings

Other road scholar reviews.

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...

See all Other Road Scholar reviews

Travelers also viewed

Sicilian Secrets

Friuli Venezia Giulia and Slovenia Cycling Tour

Best of Botswana Safari

Delve Deep: France 2022

Bhutan The Last Shangri La Tour

Tour operator, road scholar.

Road Scholar, the not-for-profit leader in educational travel since 1975, offers 5,500 educational tours in all 50 states and 150 countries. Alongside local and renowned experts, experience in-depth and behind-the-scenes learning opportunities, from cultural tours and study cruises to walking, biking and more.

Programs For Whatever You Love to Do:

Much more than a tour, a Road Scholar program is a true learning adventure. Whether you join us in Seattle or Santiago, Beijing or Berlin, Road Scholar programs all share four unique attributes:

--Exceptional opportunities for learning and exploration through special behind-the-scenes access to the world's most fascinating treasures, led by our passionate and knowledgeable instructors.

--The shared fellowship of learning and warm camaraderie, whether a solo traveler or with a companion.

--Comfortable accommodations and appetizing meals.

--Excellent value.

Explore Your Mind and the World:

There are no grades or tests on Road Scholar programs. All that's needed is an inquiring mind, an adventurous spirit, and the belief that learning and discovery are lifelong pursuits.

Established in 1975, Road Scholar offers participants once-in-a-lifetime experiences delivered by local and world-renowned experts. Experience in-depth and behind-the-scenes learning opportunities, from cultural excursions and study cruises to walking, biking and more.

Our Most Popular Tours:

Adventures Afloat Cruises: On these educational cruises, you’ll traverse some of the world's most spectacular waterways, offering you a convenient and rewarding way to learn and explore aboard ocean liners, riverboats and small ships.

Independent City Discoveries: Combine structured learning with independent discovery — each program includes hotel accommodations and some meals, lectures, expert-led field trips and detailed outlines for four self-guided excursions.

Grandparent Travel: Discover and explore together with your grandchild through interactive learning experiences and field trips. Both you and your grandchild will share the joy of learning with other grandparents and their grandchildren, bridging generations and opening doors to discovery and friendship.

National Parks: From Denali to the Everglades and countless beautiful, historic places in between, field trips to America’s National Parks reveal what tourists can’t see on their own, with specialized experts showing you how to track wildlife or lead you to the spot with the most awe-inspiring view.

Outdoor Adventures: From hiking in the Grand Canyon to exploring France by barge and bicycle, to sharpening your golf or tennis skills, these active programs exercise the body and the mind.

Service Learning: From tutoring school children or helping restore a crucial forest habitat for wildlife, to assisting with artifact restoration and museum curatorial work, Service Learning adventures are an opportunity to make a difference in the world.

Small Groups: Love to learn in a small-group setting? Check out this collection of programs that have 10-24 participants.

Why Road Scholar?

You Can't Beat Road Scholar's Remarkable Value : Our all-inclusive prices have no hidden costs. Compare the price of one of our programs to what it would cost to duplicate the experience on your own (if that's even possible) and you'll see what we mean by "remarkable value."

Lifelong Learning and Lifelong Friends : When you participate in a Road Scholar program, you will not only expand your mind, you will be in the company of other people who believe that learning is one of the best parts of life.

Instructors Who Inspire: Road Scholar instructors are both experts in their field and lifelong learners themselves who are excited to answer your questions, hear your opinions and share in your experience.

Solo Participants Love Our Programs : Road Scholar programs are renowned for being inclusive, warm and welcoming for solo participants. We can either match you with a roommate or, on most programs, you can choose to room on your own.

Think Outside the Tour : The educational focus of Road Scholar programs makes us completely different from a commercial travel tour. Road Scholar programs offer educational experiences that answer the what's, the why's and the how-to's.

You Go Where Others Can't : We've been offering educational experiences since 1975 and we've made connections with educators and other local "insiders" all around the world, creating learning opportunities that show you the world in a way that just can't be done on your own or on a "tour."

We've Covered All the Bases : From expert-led lectures and field trips to comfortable lodgings and meals, we handle all the details, including the ones you might not anticipate. We've taken the worry out of the planning, so you can focus on your learning experience.

Peace of Mind Through the Road Scholar Travel Assistance Plan : The Road Scholar Travel Assistance Plan, which is purchased on behalf of every participant, provides 24-hour emergency assistance in the unlikely case of a medical emergency.

Scholarships for Those in Financial Need : Each year, Road Scholar awards $250,000 in scholarships toward programs in North America for those who do not have the financial means to participate.

Our Donors : Each year, thousands of donors contribute to our Annual Fund, helping to cover the gap between the tuition we charge and the actual cost of our programs.

About Travelstride

Find your perfect trip, travel confidently.

• 7 Breakfasts
• The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Low Fat, Low Salt, Vegetarian, Gluten Free

Become a member

• Save up to $700 per person
• Access members-only specials
• Personalize trip recommendations

Tour Companies

Things to do, itineraries.

Suggested companies

Overseas adventure travel.

Road Scholar   Reviews

In the Education & Training category

Visit this website

Company activity See all

Write a review

Reviews 2.1.

Most relevant

Customer service needs to improve!

I had purchased a Greek Island trip with Roads Scholar for the end of October 2022. I did not purchase travel insurance until after I fell playing pickleball and broke my pelvis, wrist, and sacrum. I purchased the insurance past the deadline and they still accepted it! I felt I could still do the trip as it was over 2 months away. I felt I might need some health protection while I was there. Then it started to become obvious that I could not do this trip…it would become too risky for me! So I cancelled the trip. The company had at least 1 1/2 to 2 months to fill that slot of mine with someone else. I asked for credit for another trip and they refused as it was past the deadline. They have not given me credit for another trip. I feel that under the circumstances that it would be good customer service to at least give me some credit for another trip. They have $6400 of my money that I never got to use.

Date of experience : May 20, 2024

Reply from Road Scholar

Dear Sharon, I am responding on behalf of Road Scholar. 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. The optional trip protection plan is presented as an option and a great way to protect your investment. It includes certain benefits depending on when the plan is purchased. Cancellation coverage for pre-existing conditions is included if the plan is purchased within 14 days of your enrollment and a cancel for any reason benefit is included if the plan is purchased on or before the final payment of the program. Unfortunately, in your case the trip protection plan was purchased well after these deadlines, so neither benefit was included in your coverage. We are sorry for the unfortunate circumstances that led up to your cancellation and do wish you the best, Sincerely, Road Scholar

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

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

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

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

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 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 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

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

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

The Scoop: What to Know About Road Scholar

This nonprofit tour company has an inspiring educational focus..

The Scoop: What to Know About Trafalgar Tours

Part of what we do here at TourScoop is use our (human) travel expertise to vet tour companies so you have an easy way to get a bunch of trustworthy information all in one place. Today we’re digging into Road Scholar, a popular tour company that’s been around for nearly 50 years. Read on to find everything you need to know to confidently make the decision about whether it’s a good fit for you.

Road Scholar (previously known as Elderhostel) is a tour company with a difference: Since 1975 the company has been run as a nonprofit organization with an educational mission as its primary focus. That means a few things: since it’s a nonprofit, Road Scholar offers excellent value (tours aren’t priced for profit). I also like that it’s unusual among tour companies because it offers both financial aid and caregiver grants. And since it’s education-driven, the tour operator attracts a particularly curious and educated group of travelers, including many retired educators. 

Road Scholar’s 4,000 offerings include small group tours, grandparent-grandchild trips, cruises, private jet adventures, and tours focused on passions including birding, food and drink, and history.

TourScoop Takeaways: Road Scholar

• Continents Covered: 7
• Tour Size Average: Road Scholar’s small group programs max out at 24 travelers, but the company also runs larger programs with hundreds of participants who are then broken into small groups for activities. 
• Tour Types: Coach, ship, plane, train

How to Book

Road Scholar tours can be booked directly through Road Scholar ; here are all the ways you can contact the organization for information about trips.

Credibility Check

Road Scholar is a BBB accredited charity that meets the standards for charity accountability, and has a low complaint number and a high response-to-issues ratio. It has a rating of 4.2 out of 5 on Facebook . Tour-focused online travel agency TourStride past guests gives Road Scholar a 4.4 out of 5.

Tour Destinations

Road Scholar operates tours on seven continents and to nearly 100 countries. In the U.S., it offers itineraries to most states, and internationally, its most popular destinations include Canada, Costa Rica, Cuba, and Italy. 

Road Scholar offers hundreds of programs on a variety of topics, with thousands of departures annually. Since it’s a nonprofit organization with an educational mission, everything it does is about learning, and it weaves in educational visits, lectures, and events into every trip.

On the website, you can filter trips by hobbies or what you want to learn about, from Military History to Native American Studies, Birding, Pickleball, or another topic. You can also filter the course catalog by activity level, from “Easy Going” to  “Outdoor: Challenging.”

Road Scholar also offers Adventures Afloat (cruises), skip-gen programs geared to grandparents and grandchildren traveling together, and virtual tours that range from one-hour lectures to multi-day online adventures. 

Tour Guides

As an education-focused tour organization, Road Scholar refers to its group leaders and instructors as faculty . Faculty members–many of whom have been working with Road Scholar for a decade or more–are local experts with years of experience in travel and academics. Group leaders receive initial training and receive yearly professional development to ensure they’re at the top of their game. 

In addition to faculty, tour participants meet a broad range of experts on tour, experts that range from shrimp boat captains to award-winning authors. 

Inclusions/Extras

Road Scholar programs are all-inclusive and have no optional extras or hidden expenses. The price of a tour includes: 

• Accommodations, 
• Experienced Group Leader
• Expert-led lectures and field trips
• Most meals (some meals during free time not included)
• Gratuities throughout the program, including group leader gratuities
• Road Scholar Assurance Plan   (24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during a program and insurance for emergency medical evacuation)

Flights to and from the tour are not included in base program prices, but Road Scholar will book flights for participants traveling internationally. Flights booked through Road Scholar also include complimentary airport transfers.

Typical Travelers

If you don’t count kids in the mix on the Grandparent and Family programs, the average age of a Road Scholar participant is 72. But trips generally include a wide range of older travelers from people in their 50s through 90s. About 30% of participants are solo travelers, and of that 30% about 85% are women traveling on their own. Road Scholar trips are generally reported to be very welcoming to solo travelers. 

Communication 

Once you’ve booked a tour with Road Scholar, the company sends regular emails leading up to trip departures. You can also access your trip information online: once you’re enrolled in a program, all trip information is accessible via your online account.

Road Scholar’s U.S.-based contact center (800-454-5768) is open 9:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. (ET), Monday through Friday. Monday is the contact center’s busiest day, so to avoid long wait times, call midweek or at the end of the week if you can). Road Scholar has callback feature, which allows you to save your place in the queue without having to wait on the phone–a representative calls you back as soon as it’s your turn in line.

Loyalty Program

Because Road Scholar is a nonprofit organization, discounts are not offered, including for repeat travelers. But the company is dedicated to making travel affordable for more travelers, and offers financial aid and caregiver grants . 

Private Options

Groups made up of between 18 and 24 people can reserve private departures of existing itineraries with Road Scholar. If you organize a group of 20 or more, you can take advantage of group discounts or free travel for one person. 

Sustainability Efforts

Road Scholar offsets some of the carbon emissions created through travel on its programs. It invests in projects including rainforest preservation in Brazil, methane gas recapture in Florida, and reforestation in Kenya. The company also tries to use sustainability certified hotels, locally owned services, and restaurants that serve locally sourced meals whenever possible.  

Health and Safety Practices

Road Scholar has partners on the ground worldwide who monitor all areas visited by the company. If concerns arise, Road Scholar will find replacement content or cancel the program, depending on the severity and location of the issue.

More from TourScoop:

• Road Scholar Announces Three New Around-the-World Tours
• 4 Great Tour Companies with Independent Tours
• 14 Best Companies for Guided Tours

Solo Travel News: Road Scholar Debuts Exclusive Trips

Outdoor Afro and REI Co-op Team Up on New Trips Celebrating Black Joy

Road Scholar Debuts Special Trips for Retired Teachers

What’s tourscoop.

Tour Scoop’s team of travel experts brings you in-depth tour company overviews, tour itinerary reviews, the latest tour news, and travel tips and advice written just for guided tour travelers like you.

More about us

The scoop: What to know about Costsaver

"Unpackaged" tours is the specialty of tour company Costsaver.

The Scoop: What to Know About Backroads

This tour company specializes in biking, walking hiking, and multi-adventure trips.

New solos-only tours unite solo travelers for group adventures.

Tours That Are Surprisingly Great for Teens and Their Families

Guided tours hit the sweet spot when it comes to traveling with teens.