Why go with us?
Our Community
Road Scholars are no ordinary travelers. They are lifelong learners typically over the age of 50 from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds. Students of the world, they are the guests you hope to sit next to at a dinner party. They've led interesting lives because they're interested in everything. And they are exactly the kind of people you want to be learning with as you explore the globe.
Lifelong Learners
MEET MARY N., Class of 2005
“Road Scholar has a reputation as the most academically-based educational travel program. It incorporates unique adventures with challenging topics. I love learning just about anything. I continually try new things in the area of academics, sports, or even new volunteer experiences that create more awareness of my community’s needs. I tend to read books that increase my knowledge and understanding of life. I also make sure I have a lot of fun and pleasure in whatever I do!”
I love learning just about anything.
16 countries visited 32 road scholar adventures
Solo Travelers
Meet Dennis S., Class of 2013
“I’d wanted to go to India for a while, so I decided to give Road Scholar a try. It was the first time I ever did any kind of organized travel program. Considering the quality of the food, the places we stayed, and the price I paid, I really don’t think I could have done something similar on my own. I learned a lot and had unique experiences—like an Indian cooking lesson and meals with families in their homes.”
It was the first time I ever did any kind of organized travel program.
11 Countries visited 1 Road Scholar adventure
Couples
Meet Sonia and John G., Class of 1998
“On the second day, an English gentleman asked me if the seat next to mine was taken. I said, “No.” Little did I know that the next two months would be spent sitting next to the man who would become the most important person in my life. As we circumnavigated South America, discovering Brazil, the Amazon, Argentina, and Chile, our knowledge of ecology, history, literature, and politics deepened, and so did our friendship.”
As we circumnavigated South America, our knowledge deepened, and so did our friendship.
22 countries visited 56 road scholar adventures
Families
Meet Mike Zoob & Gwendolyn
“This program was a special event in my life. Time spent with one’s grandchild experiencing new things, particularly when it’s just the grandparent and grandchild, creates a priceless opportunity for bonding with and learning about each other. And then there was the pleasure of watching her try things outside of her normal experience. I now have the challenge of staying in good enough shape to attend programs with my three other grandchildren. That’s something I look forward to very much.”
Time spent with one’s grandchild experiencing new things ... creates a priceless opportunity for bonding.
54 countries visited 98 road scholar adventures
Donors
Supporters With a Passion for Learning
Our donors believe in supporting Road Scholar, because they want to make sure the kinds of experiences that have changed their lives are available in the years ahead and the generations to come.
"I support Road Scholar, because I believe learning and having new experiences are the best parts of being my age."
30,000 donors contribute annually
Super Fan of the Month
MEET MARY JEAN R., CLASS OF 2003, FROM PASADENA, CALIF.
“I have ‘retired’ several times! I began teaching in 1966 and by 2002 I had taught most grades, Pre-K through 8th. In 2006, a friend invited me to take her place as a volunteer assisting on a local Road Scholar program. After that, I applied to be a Group Leader based in Portland, Oregon. As a Group Leader I was fortunate enough to explore Portland very thoroughly, from Mt. Hood to the confluence of the Columbia River and the Pacific Ocean. My next Road Scholar program is a voyage from New Orleans to Memphis in the spring with my cousin, sister and her husband. I have a long list of programs I’d like to attend, with the goal of doing at least one per year!”
Fun fact: I am self-published on Amazon and contribute bimonthly to a local paper.
75 years of adventure 55 Road Scholar programs
Road Scholar Blog
Here at Road Scholar, we live and breathe educational travel. It’s our passion. With nearly 50 years of experience fostering a fellowship of learning on educational adventures across the globe, we have plenty of unique insights to share. Our blogs are an extension of our global classroom — come in and learn with us!