Travel Groups

Here are some travel groups I’ve used and recommend:

Road Scholar: Road Scholar is a not-for profit, offering tours (or as they call them “learning opportunities”) aimed at those of us who are over 50. The range of choices is extraordinary. There are trips throughout the U.S. and the world. You can take a cruise or travel by train. There are cultural trips exploring multiple cities and countries, or trips to learn new hobbies (pickleball, anyone?).  You choose your activity level. There are also outdoor adventures where you can hike, cycle, kayak, and/or snorkel. And there are trips specifically geared to grandparents and grandchildren.  If there is someplace you want to go, chances are they have a trip there.  Read more about my Road Scholar trips: Exploring Mayan civilization in Belize and Guatemala; Choose your pace: cross-country skiing in the Adirondacks (includes snowshoeing).

REI:  The place where you can buy all your outdoor clothes and gear also has active trips throughout the U.S and Canada. While activity level can vary these are primarily outdoor adventures that can include hiking, cycling, snowshoeing, kayaking, and/ or backpacking. REI caters to a range of ages (though there are specific trips for those 35 and younger). The first trip I went on with them was mostly people over 50, the next one skewed somewhat younger. They also have women-only trips and ones for family adventures. Just because these are outdoor adventures, you don’t have to be concerned that you’ll be roughing it. The trips I went on had excellent food and very comfortable accommodations. Read about my trips with REI: Yosemite Winter Adventure; Bryce Canyon and Grand Canyon Hiking Adventure.

Local & Specialized Groups

The Aurora Zone:  Is seeing the Northern Lights on your bucket list? Then a trip with the Aurora Zone may be what you are looking for. Based in England, this company specializes in trips to see the Northern Lights in Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. There are plenty of fun things to do during the day along with evening activities to hunt for the Northern Lights. They are affiliated with Artisan Travel who were very helpful in providing information for things that were part of the independent part of my trip. Read about my trip to Finland with The Aurora Zone.

Swoop Patagonia: Based in England, this company relies on their network of Patagonia experts to help you arrange your dream trip. They have trips in Chile and Argentina, and cater to travelers looking for a group trip and those looking to travel independently. Trips can include hiking, biking, bird watching, horseback riding, skiing, etc., and there is a range of options for places to stay. In addition to Patagonia, they can help arrange travel to other parts of both Chile and Argentina. The two people I had contact with, Lauren and Marcela, were both very helpful and a pleasure to deal with. Read about my trip to Patagonia with Swoop Patagonia.

Ecordua: If you are looking for outdoor adventures in and around Santiago, Chile, check out Ecordua. They offer half day and full day hikes, snowshoe trips, hang gliding, rock climbing, and horseback riding. They also offer city tours of both Santiago and Valparaiso, and can help you design your perfect trip to other parts of Chile including the Atacama desert and Patagonia. I dealt with Joaquin and found him to be incredibly helpful. After I told him what I was looking for he sent back suggestions with a tentative itinerary and costs. I loved dealing with someone who is so responsive and also so organized. Plus I enjoyed his company on the two trips I took with him! Read about my trips hiking and snowshoeing in and around Santiago, Chile with Ecordua.

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