Senior Travel Transformative Tours & Trip Packages

Senior Travel Transformative Tours & Trips

3,988 Senior Travel trips. Tours from 190 tour companies. 13,321 reviews. 4.5/5 avg rating.

49 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
My selections:
Transformative
Peru Children of the Andes
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5/5 Excellent
87 reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Andes Mountains, Cusco, Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley

Highlights

  • Discover remnants of a well-preserved historic civilization
  • Experience a thriving modern culture and Relish in the beauty of local hand-woven textiles
  • Breath-taking mountain peaks, and artifacts from one the most powerful empires in human history.
  • Meet local artisans, musicians, and grassroots leaders who’ll share their contributions to Andean society
  • Enjoy the magical ancient city of Machu Picchu, as well as other archaeological sites in the Sacred Valley

Themes

50 plus, Cultural, Education / Learning, Local Immersion & Homestays, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Transformative, Volunteering & Community Service

What travelers are saying

"I recently returned from the Costa Rican wildlife safari. I was a bit concerned with Covid however every place was extremely clean and had places for you to wash your hands before you even walked in. This was a trip I was actually supposed to go on in 2020 however it was postponed, waiting so long the expectations were high. I was definitely not disappointed! Patricia our guide was absolutely wonderful, extremely knowledgeable and cater to our every need. I would highly recommend this vacation. Also everyone that I met in the community was extremely gracious and kind. The majority of these people work on tourism and unfortunately in the last year have not had any. Booking this trip would not only be an amazing adventure for you but it would also be amazing for the people in the community"

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South Africa – Wildlife Conservation Experience
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5/5 Excellent
87 reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Johannesburg, Kruger National Park

Highlights

  • Going behind the scenes of the conservation efforts to protect endangered species
  • Visiting an elephant sanctuary to learn about South Africa's gentle giants
  • Tracking the “Big 5” throughout Kruger National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
  • Learning firsthand about wildlife conservation from experts at the country’s largest reserve
  • Reading and playing with disadvantaged children who want to learn English
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Themes

50 plus, Birding, Cultural, Eco, Sustainable & Green Travel, Education / Learning, Family Friendly, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Safari, Transformative, Volunteering & Community Service

What travelers are saying

"I recently returned from the Costa Rican wildlife safari. I was a bit concerned with Covid however every place was extremely clean and had places for you to wash your hands before you even walked in. This was a trip I was actually supposed to go on in 2020 however it was postponed, waiting so long the expectations were high. I was definitely not disappointed! Patricia our guide was absolutely wonderful, extremely knowledgeable and cater to our every need. I would highly recommend this vacation. Also everyone that I met in the community was extremely gracious and kind. The majority of these people work on tourism and unfortunately in the last year have not had any. Booking this trip would not only be an amazing adventure for you but it would also be amazing for the people in the community"

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Tanzania: Safari & Service
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5/5 Excellent
87 reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Arusha, Lake Manyara National Park, Mt. Kilimanjaro, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park

Highlights

  • Volunteering with local children at a village primary school
  • Meeting local families and learning about Tanzanian society firsthand
  • Seeing zebras, elephants, lions, rhinos and more on an African safari
  • Hiking to a waterfall on the side of Mount Kilimanjaro
  • Seeing firsthand the nomadic lifestyle of the Masai
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Themes

50 plus, Cultural, Eco, Sustainable & Green Travel, Education / Learning, Family Friendly, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Safari, Transformative, Volunteering & Community Service

What travelers are saying

"I recently returned from the Costa Rican wildlife safari. I was a bit concerned with Covid however every place was extremely clean and had places for you to wash your hands before you even walked in. This was a trip I was actually supposed to go on in 2020 however it was postponed, waiting so long the expectations were high. I was definitely not disappointed! Patricia our guide was absolutely wonderful, extremely knowledgeable and cater to our every need. I would highly recommend this vacation. Also everyone that I met in the community was extremely gracious and kind. The majority of these people work on tourism and unfortunately in the last year have not had any. Booking this trip would not only be an amazing adventure for you but it would also be amazing for the people in the community"

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Amalfi and Capri Magnifica Walking Tour
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4.9/5 Excellent
75 reviews
Group Tour
Why we love them
They offer a unique way to enjoy a classic destination by combining active travel with authentic cultural experiences.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Amalfi Coast, Isle of Capri, Naples, Positano

Highlights

  • Enjoy Hike to Villa Jovis, the site of one of Tiberius’ villas on Capri
  • Anacapri, a lesser-known hiking paradise on Capri that is uncrowded and beautiful
  • Visit an old paper mill and take home your own sheet of paper
  • Hike on Il Sentiero degli Dei (the Path of the Gods)
  • Handmade Capresi sandals
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Themes

50 plus, Cultural, Hiking & Walking, Local Immersion & Homestays, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"Great routes, guides, hotels and bikes!"

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Belize: Research & Conservation Experience
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4.9/5 Excellent
87 reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Toledo

Highlights

  • Volunteering directly with manatees to monitor conservation efforts
  • Taking a boat to a remote island off the coast of Belize
  • Exploring pristine beaches and rainforests scouting for wildlife
  • Uncovering waterfalls tucked deep in the jungle & exploring mystical caves
  • Snorkeling over colorful reefs in the crystal blue Caribbean waters
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Themes

50 plus, Eco, Sustainable & Green Travel, Education / Learning, Family Friendly, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Transformative, Volunteering & Community Service

What travelers are saying

"I recently returned from the Costa Rican wildlife safari. I was a bit concerned with Covid however every place was extremely clean and had places for you to wash your hands before you even walked in. This was a trip I was actually supposed to go on in 2020 however it was postponed, waiting so long the expectations were high. I was definitely not disappointed! Patricia our guide was absolutely wonderful, extremely knowledgeable and cater to our every need. I would highly recommend this vacation. Also everyone that I met in the community was extremely gracious and kind. The majority of these people work on tourism and unfortunately in the last year have not had any. Booking this trip would not only be an amazing adventure for you but it would also be amazing for the people in the community"

Trip dates & details
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An Epic Adventure: Karen Blixen’s Kenya and Islands of the Seychelles by Yacht
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4.4/5 Great
100+ reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Masai Mara National Park, Nairobi

Highlights

  • Sail to 10 Seychelles islands by motor yacht, discovering giant tortoise colonies, lush palm forests and beautiful reefs.
  • Learn how young elephants are prepared to return to the wild at an elephant orphanage in Kenya.
  • Spend three nights at a luxury safari camp and search the Maasai Mara for lions and cheetahs.

Themes

50 plus, Education / Learning, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Transformative, Sailing

What travelers are saying

"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, there are no Road Scholar employees involved in the trip. Two of us have taken bicycle trips all over the world and the bicycling component of this trip was disorganized, haphazard and almost unsafe. We all filled out forms giving details regarding our bicycle fitting months before the trip. On the first day, the leader Stephen, went around the room and asked the same questions and said everyone would get fitted in the morning before we began the first ride. The morning brought a rack of bikes, all different types in various levels of readiness. There were road bikes, hybrid bikes, mountain bikes and e-bikes. The rides were all on paved surfaces and the mountain bikes were heavy and the additional suspension added weight. The bike I received had rust on the chain and rear sprocket. When I asked about it, was told they were waiting for another van to show up with tools and equipment. Once it arrived, they gave me the lubricant to spray on the rust. My wife’s bike would not shift into the high gear on the front sprocket. Instead of adjusting the derailleur, they suggested spraying it with lubricant. Our one son is over six feet and needed a larger frame bike, even though he detailed it in the bike form months ago, there was no bike to fit him. One of the guides, then went home and brought a larger bike that was a full suspension mountain bike for him. The bike was very heavy, hard to control on the road and he felt unsafe. After two days, one of the guides convinced Stephen that they could adjust a hybrid bike to fit him. Clearly there was no work done to prepare the bikes for the trip. Many of the bikes needed adjusting and all needed lubricant to function easily. For every day, there was a tray of snacks placed out for us to take along the ride. None of the bikes had any baskets or attached bags, so if you didn’t bring a small day pack, there was no way to carry the snacks. For lunch on the rides, they brought exactly one sandwich for each rider. Since most of us get hungry while doing a day of exercise, it would have been helpful to have a few extras. On one day, they ran out of sandwiches and one of the leaders that were riding with us did not get lunch. Do NOT take this trip if you are expecting it to be a bicycling trip. We have used VBT and Discovery Bicycle Tours many times over the past 25 years and they are excellent bike tour companies. Lastly, after sharing these details with Road Scholar after the trip, their response was weak at best. After doing the full reviews and having to call them, their response was to give us $200 credit after spending $8000 on this trip. Not only was that insulting, they assumed that I would take another trip with their organization."

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The Scots Irish Tour
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4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Eilean Donan Castle, Galway, Loch Ness

Highlights

  • Enjoy Walk along part of the Royal Mile and visit Edinburgh Castle
  • Discover some of the island and visit the Clan Donald Centre at Armadale Castle to understand the history of the powerful Lords of the Isles
  • Enjoy the views of the magnificent Highlands as you drive south through Glen Coe
  • Visit Titanic Belfast to learn about this famous liner through state-of-the-art displays
  • Explore Glenveagh National Park where Captain Adair built Glenveagh Castle in 1870

Themes

50 plus, Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"I waited 20 years for my dream trip to Scotland and Ireland and splurged $7000 on this tour. The second half of touring Ireland was great, the first portion in Scotland was horrendous. The tour guide for Scotland made sexual advances and inappropriate comments to me and I had to cautiously avoid him and stay with the group to not have any interaction with him. I also sustained an injury on the bus, caused by the driver, which I had to report to CIE myself. I filed a complaint with a CIE customer service manager when I returned and learned that another woman also filed a complaint regarding the tour guide (2 women from the same tour!) CIE has not responded from the initial report over a month ago and have DONE NOTHING!!! This sexual predator is still working as a tour guide for them which is a screaming indicator regarding the sexual harassment investigations and policy enforcement for this company. Beware if you are a single woman and are looking to book with CIE, there are better options and I strongly recommend you avoid this company!!"

Trip dates & details
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Heart of Wales & England
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4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Caernarfon Castle, Cardiff, London, Snowdonia National Park, Stonehenge

Highlights

  • Explore Cardiff Castle Welsh Banquet, spend an unforgettable evening of Welsh hospitality in the historic surroundings of Cardiff Castle, which dates back centuries.
  • Enjoy the very best of Welsh food, with complimentary wine, entertainment and the warmest of welcomes from your hosts.
  • Visit St.Pauls Cathedral, London With its world-famous dome, this building by Sir Christopher Wren is an iconic feature of the London skyline.
  • Visit Stonehenge is probably the most important prehistoric monument in the whole of Britain.
  • See the Roman Baths & Pump Room Around Britain’s only hot springs, the Romans built the finest religious spa in northern Europe.
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Themes

50 plus, Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Train & Rail Journeys, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"I waited 20 years for my dream trip to Scotland and Ireland and splurged $7000 on this tour. The second half of touring Ireland was great, the first portion in Scotland was horrendous. The tour guide for Scotland made sexual advances and inappropriate comments to me and I had to cautiously avoid him and stay with the group to not have any interaction with him. I also sustained an injury on the bus, caused by the driver, which I had to report to CIE myself. I filed a complaint with a CIE customer service manager when I returned and learned that another woman also filed a complaint regarding the tour guide (2 women from the same tour!) CIE has not responded from the initial report over a month ago and have DONE NOTHING!!! This sexual predator is still working as a tour guide for them which is a screaming indicator regarding the sexual harassment investigations and policy enforcement for this company. Beware if you are a single woman and are looking to book with CIE, there are better options and I strongly recommend you avoid this company!!"

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49 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
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Transformative
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Senior Travel Reviews & Ratings

4.5/5  Excellent
13,321  Reviews
See all Senior Travel tour reviews
Excellent
4,884
Great
2,085
Average
440
Disappointing
117
Terrible
55
A

Allan

Oct 2023

Written on

Greek Island Cruise

Although the trip is not luxury by any means, it is most enjoyable, peaceful and relaxing. If you don't mind simple accomodations and like camping you will enjoy th...

S

Susan

Sep 2023

Written on

Greek Island Cruise

Wonderful food cooked by Georgio. Thanos was very pass...

T

Trusted Customer

Jul 2023

Written on

Greek Island Cruise

This was an amazing trip. Our guide Thanos was very knowledgable and took us to some lovely tavernas in the evening. I thoroughly enjoyed this trip and highly recomm...

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Senior Travel Tour Selection Trips

Physical Requirements For Senior Tours 

Understanding the physical requirements of your desired tour is crucial for preparing for the trip and managing expectations, especially for travelers with limited mobility.
On Travelstride, tours are categorized into five primary physical levels: Very Easy, Easy, Moderate, Strenuous, and Extreme, providing clarity on the level of activity involved. This knowledge not only ensures you can fully enjoy your vacation but also helps alleviate stress by informing your packing decisions.
For instance, for walking tours rated as "Easy," you may pack extra walking clothes. In contrast, river cruises ("Very Easy") allow for indulgent packing with the convenience of only unpacking once.
Senior travelers typically favor tours in the Very Easy to Easy range, which include river cruises, small ship cruises, and guided tours with minimal walking, often focusing on hobbies or cultural experiences.
For more active seniors, Moderate tours offer regular half-day walking or cycling activities. They may include adventurous pursuits like kayaking or camel riding.
Those with limited mobility may find senior tours rated Easy, such as river cruises and train journeys, most suitable. Remember to verify wheelchair accessibility with the tour company to ensure a welcoming experience.
Read tips for travelers with limited mobility 

Additional details

Senior Travel Bus Tours 

One popular option for senior travel is by coach. Coach-based tours are a convenient way of getting between the sights without having to wait in line, or worry about which route is the most efficient. Traveling by bus is also a great opportunity to see a lot more of wherever you are visiting -- not just the tourist sites -- and get a good feel for the place you’re in.

If you love the outdoors, bus tours are an extremely popular option for seniors in the U.S. They provide a great way to move between the national parks, and, as mentioned, see everything in between. Even if you don’t love nature, consider taking a cultural bus tour around a specific region or state. For example, travel by coach between ranches and bustling metropolises in Texas.

Senior Travel Deals & Discounts

Another advantage of traveling when you’re older is that you qualify for plenty of discounts! Regardless of where you are traveling, you should always ask to see whether or not there is some kind of senior discount. With that being said, some countries are notorious for the bargains they offer both senior citizens and visitors.

For seniors who intend to travel the USA, and are citizens, there are plenty of opportunities to save money. The National Parks System offers a lifetime entry ticket for seniors at a very low price, and an AARP membership can guarantee even more discounted rates on hotels, flights, and cruises. Other good senior vacation destinations known for their senior deals are the United Kingdom and Italy, which both lower the cost of train tickets and airfares for seniors.  

Traveling with Medication & Other Health Issues 

One common concern amongst older travelers is how they are going to travel with various medical conditions, and while on medication. It is possible to travel almost anywhere, as long as the traveler is prepared. Before leaving the country, make sure to pack enough of medicine for the entire duration of your trip, and then a few day extra, in case there are any delays. If the traveler is flying, they should also make sure to keep their medication in a carry on. 

If at all possible, keep your medication in its original prescription bottles -- this allows TSA inspectors to confirm that the medication belongs to you. On a similar note, TSA also allows for liquid medications above the usual liquid limits, so make sure to tell an agent at the security checkpoint about any liquids you might have. 

If you are concerned about other health issues, it is not a bad idea to visit a doctor up to 6 weeks before you travel. And regardless of their specific advice, seniors traveling internationally should plan for a recovery from any jet lag or motion sickness. If you suffer from mobility issues, make sure to double check the physical intensity of any tours you are looking at. 

Also consider the types of transportation on your trip -- if you your legs cramp up, inform your tour company that you may need extra leg room, and make sure to find out how long flights and bus rides might be.

Finally, some seniors choose to invest in a travel health insurance plan. Many health care plans, including Medicare, will not cover you once you’re outside the country.

Why Travel with a Senior Travel Group?

Group travel boasts a number of benefits. First and foremost, group tours are convenient. Whether you select a budget or all-inclusive senior travel package, your tour operator will likely manage at least some portion of your travel details. This means more less energy spent stressing, and more time enjoying your vacation.

Travel groups are also a great place for seniors to meet like-minded travelers. Reading about each tour will give you a better idea about who you will be traveling with, and there are many trips that have a minimum age, or focus on a particular activity. For those with a passion for lifelong learning, consider embarking on an educational adventure with a tour provider like Road Scholar (previously known as Elderhostel), which offers over 5,000 tours in 150 countries.

Always Find the Best

On Travelstride you can find 3988 trips to Senior Travel and more than 20,000 trips worldwide ranging from budget to luxury and private guided to group tours and everything in between. Only on Stride can you find and compare expert-planned trips from 1,000+ tour operators, cruise lines and local experts. Read traveler and professional reviews so you can confidently find your perfect trip.

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