Hi Linda: We have previously coresponded. Think we probably have different interests and "must haves". I have looked at Elder Hostel and have several friends who have gone on one of theirs. A single widower went to N.Y. City where he saw several plays stayed at a college dorm and some good meals (not included I believe.) Since it was the "Big Apple" expensive.
This summer two friends went to Montreal and Quebec City. didn't even need to use their high school French. Reported they learned lots about that area and history.
So it sounds like a good idea for you. Of course the extra expense is for the educated guides.
Me, i just returned from a solo trip to Alaska. stranded in Nome by the weather - and didn't reach my destination. So next one maybe with a group or at least a compatible companion if i expect to be stranded miles from civilization.
I have been on several elderhostel trips. If you don't want to do the planned activities, you can go off on your own and do whatever you like. Elderhostal is an excellent group for women trvelling alone.
posted by jane28
over 2 years ago
I have done 11 Elderhostel trips and it is a very crowded itenerary, but you can not go on all the outings. All of the ones I went to were 5 to 6 days long and included all meals except one or 2, speakers, and tours. I tried one in Michigan where I live first just to see if I liked it. Also to try to save some money I will sign up for a room mate amd had some nice one's but also some awful ones. So I go as a single and pay the extra amount. It is a great way to learn about an area with people who live there and know the area. You also get to see and do stuff that tourists don't always do.
Linda--I was drawn to this group and your question on Elderhostel. I took my first trip with Elderhostel to Amelia Beach, FL in April. I had a wonderful time. I paid the extra money to have a single room, so that I could have some "down" time. The food was delicious--the trips to Cumberland Island, Okefenokee Swamp, and Amelia River Cruise were wonderful. I went two days early to spend some time on the beach, and also our hotel was very close to the beach so I could spend time there in the morning before our day started. I am from WI, and this is the first trip I've gone on entirely by myself. However, once one is with an Elderhostel group, I never felt alone. Linda, your background is similar to mine in that your husband is in farming, and you were in education. Have a good day!!
Hi Eduk,
I am encouraged by your message to go on an Elderhostel trip. Did you go on the Elderhostel webite
to learn about the trip?
I am also looking at Elderhostel for some travel this winter. I am recently widowed and love to travel. Friends over the years have highly recommended elderhostel as not only a great way to travel but a great learning experience about what areas you are interested in. I am looking at a Savannah one for this winter.
I work with Senior Summer School and Elderhostel is great but you should really check out seniorsummerschool.com. They had trips this year to Madison WI for only $999.00 for two weeks that included trips, education and room and food all you can eat!! People just love it. A great deal of single people and they match you.
Hi,
Thanks for the info on Senior Summer School. It sounds like something I would love to do!
Hi Linda.
I just returned from an Elderhostel trip to South/North Dakota. The trip lasted one week, and we were on the go from the day we arrived. The trip was rather expensive since I had to fly from Richmond VA to Rapid City and also had to pay the single supplement. Since I'd never seen Mt. Rushmore or any of the other sites, I thought it was worthwhile. Everything was taken care of except for one evening meal and any souvenirs we bought. I would not recommend this trip for someone who prefers to have time to explore on their own. This is the first and only trip I've taken with Elderhostel. Good luck!
John Seyfarth
Where did you go in North Dakota John - both Linda and I are from ND. I did a trip to Rapid City, Deadwood and Sturgis this summer with a group of net friends. It is a neat area to visit. Did they take you on the Needle Highway?
