Elderhostel Becomes Exploritas.com

After 35 years of offering exceptional education adventures to the 55+ market, Elderhostels is taking on a new persona and becoming Exploritas.  The not-for-profit educational tour company took a close look at their name and realized they no longer were exclusive to the senior market, and they rarely stayed in hostels.  Their new name more closely represents their product offerings – fascinating journeys for lifelong learners of all ages.

Exploritas offers indepth tours throughout all 50 States in America and to over 90 countries around the world.   Programs vary in length and topic, with selections including Days of Discovery, Adventures Afloat, Road Scolar, Intergenerational, Service Tours, Independent City Discoveries, For Women Only, and much, much more.  Check them out and get on their mailing list for future catalogs.

Single Supplements Waived or Discounted for 2009 Tours

Solo travelers rejoice, two well respected tour companies are waiving or greatly reducing their single supplements for selected tours in 2009.  Single supplements are the fees levied on solo travelers when only one person is occupying a hotel room instead of two.

Tauck Tours is reducing or eliminating single supplements on 106 tour departures.  The average single supplement reduction is 70%, which translates to savings well over $1,000 for solo travelers.  See their press release for all the details.

Grand Circle Travel and sister company Overseas Adventure Travel are also reducing and eliminating single supplement fees.  You’ll find a listing of trips and departure dates that are offering significant reductions the GCT website, and a similar listing on the OAT Travel website.

Let’s hope more companies will follow suit.

Don’t Miss Getting A National Parks Senior Pass

Sometimes age does have its privileges, and one of the best examples is the America The Beautiful Senior Pass sold at US National Parks. When we first heard about this pass we thought it couldn’t possibly be true – but this is one of the rare instances when a great deal proves to be exceptional – and brought to you by the US Government no less – ASTOUNDING!! Here’s the deal:

Any US Citizen age 62 or older can purchase a Senior Pass for a one time administration fee of $10. That one $10 expenditure will allow you to visit National Parks, monuments, historic sites, recreation areas or wildlife refuges, free of charge for the rest of your life!! Even better, your spouse, children or parents,traveling in the same passenger car, will be admitted free as well (for up to 4 adults). Wow, what a deal!

You may also be entitled to a 50% discount on some Expanded Amenity Fees charged for facilities and services such as camping, swimming, boat launching, and specialized interpretive services. Here’s a link for all the details: US National Park Service

Clint and I have used his pass for entry into National Parks in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, in Washington, DC, and Hawaii to name a few. I guess we finally got some great value for all those tax dollars we paid all those years. Be sure to get your share and enjoy our magnificent National Parks for a $10 investment!