The convenience of senior tours makes traveling around California easy. When you travel with a tour, the tour company takes care of all the details---all you have to do is arrive on time. It's the ultimate in worry-free travel. And well-informed tour guides give you an inside look at aspects of California you may have never encountered on your own.
One of the best parts of joining a senior tour is meeting ike-minded people. Traveling with other seniors can spark new friendships with people you would have otherwise never known.
Based in the United States, ElderHostel is a nonprofit organization that focuses on senior travel and educational tours. Its Santa Maria Valley Tour includes an exploration of wine country, a behind-the-scenes experience with a local performing arts theater and a tour through the Danish town of Solvang. The tour includes meals and lodging for five nights.
ElderHostel
11 Avenue de Lafayette
Boston, MA 02111
800-454-5768
elderhostel.org
Also based out of America, another senior-friendly tour is the Magnificent Mendocino experience. The tour includes a guided walk in Headlands State Park, a viewing of exhibits at the Mendocino Arts Center and an outing to Point Cabrillo Reserve's 300 acres of headlands.
ElderHostel
11 Avenue de Lafayette
Boston, MA 02111
800-454-5768
elderhostel.org
Based out of the United States, Senior Summer School is an educational vacation group for senior citizens, with programs at colleges across the nation. Try the group's California's Jewel at San Diego State University program. The tour includes lodging in on-campus apartments, courses at the college in art, politics and even reflexology, and sightseeing tours of the city.
Senior Summer School
P.O. Box 188
Madison, WI
800-847-2466
seniorsummerschool.com
Based out of England, Solo's Holidays is a tour company geared for single travelers. There are trips in different age categories including the 45-and-older range. The America's Grand West tour includes days in Los Angeles where you'll visit Santa Monica and Rodeo Drive, Yosemite National Park and a guided city tour of San Francisco. Most tours depart from London, England.
Solo Holidays
54-58 High Street
Edgware, Middlesex
+08-44-826-8549
soloholidays.co.uk
Anchored in California, YMT Vacations is a low-cost tour company offering special senior tours. Try the Rose Parade and Los Angeles Tour complete with stops at Mann's Chinese Theatre, Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills and an exclusive viewing of the floats in the Tournament of Roses Parade. The tour includes four nights in a hotel, all entrance fees, baggage handling and transportation during the tour.
Rose Parade and Los Angeles Tour
100 N. Sepulveda Boulevard, Suite 1700
El Segundo, CA
310-649-3820
ymtvacations.com
Before you book your senior tour be sure you have all the facts. One of the most important decisions when booking is the price. The cost of activities, meals and beverages can add up quick if not included. Be prepared for the unexpected and ask for the group's refund policy in writing and inquire if cancellation insurance is offered.
It's also important to know the specifics about your senior group tour. Some tours feature activities that happen at certain times of the year such as the Rose Parade in Pasadena, so pay attention before booking.
Know the type of traveler you are. If you like traveling in smaller groups, ask the tour company what is the maximum number of people it books on the trip, and get a complete itinerary before you embark as this tells you exactly what to expect each day.
And before signing up with any senior travel company, check references. Know your tour group's track record including how many tours it does in California each year, what percentage of repeat business it gets and even past traveler references.
