By the time you hit 50, you’ve learned a lot about how to make the best use of your travel time. It’s no accident that older and wiser travelers tend toward senior travel tours, which offer the chance to leave the driving to someone else, not sweat the details, and be freed up to really enjoy a destination.
The Best Travel Tour Companies for Seniors
Most tours for older travelers do a good job meeting the needs of travelers in their 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, and even 90s, but there are some travel tour companies for seniors that go above and beyond. And while age is just one of the many factors that defines your travel style, it’s still nice to know you’re traveling with a company that puts in the extra effort to make their tours for seniors really work for everyone on the trip.
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Here are the travel tour companies for seniors that shine especially bright when it comes to the offerings, amenities, and details that serve older travelers.
1. Road Scholar
With its educational focus and tours spanning more than 100 countries and all 50 states, Road Scholar (formerly known as Elderhostel) is a perfect fit for curiosity-driven lifelong learners. The company’s average guest age is 72, but participants on these travel tours for seniors range in age from 50s to 90s. Programs are ranked by level of activity, and span the spectrum from “Easy Going” (which focuses more on classroom learning) to more physically demanding options like the outdoor-adventure focused “Outdoor: Challenging” programs.
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Road Scholar also offers “Choose Your Pace” senior travel tours that allow participants to adjust their level of challenge on a daily basis. And for skip-gen vacations, Road Scholar offers Grandparent Programs, a series of fun-for-all senior tours designed specifically for grandparents traveling with their grandkids.
2. Globus
For more than 90 years, Globus has been a trusted guided tour specialist that ranks among the best travel tour companies for seniors. One of the ways it has translated age into wisdom is by recognizing that a one-size-fits-all tour doesn’t work for everyone. Its range of touring types significantly boosts the chance of creating personalized matches between destinations and travelers.
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For instance, some of its travel tours for seniors focus on the big sights and tourist attractions that first-time travelers won’t want to miss. But there are also plenty of itineraries in Italy, the Mediterranean, the U.K., and the U.S. that earn the company’s Undiscovered designation by focusing on off-the-beaten-path attractions and experiences that create once-in-a-lifetime moments for seasoned travelers who want to go deeper into a destination.
And for couples and groups with different interests, Globus’ new Choice Touring format gives people a variety of included activity choices at each destination so that everyone can find the right adventure.
3. Intrepid Travel
With its focus on active trips, you might think of Intrepid Travel as a tour company geared toward younger people. But Intrepid Travel’s North America Managing Director Matt Berna sums up the company’s age-inclusive ethos when he says, “Life is an adventure at any age and it’s highly likely you’ll find people of similar age and interest sharing—and enjoying—the trip right alongside you.”
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In fact, Intrepid reports that senior travelers who fall into the 50+ age category are among the most interested in its new active trips, which include walking and trekking tours, cycling trips, and multi-activity adventures. The company designs trips that are meant to be enjoyed rather than being a constant endurance test, so what Berna calls a “general level of health and fitness” is all that’s needed to make the most of the experience.
4. Trafalgar
With a century of experience showing people the world, Trafalgar is one of the tour industry’s largest and most trusted brands. And with 60 percent of its guests falling into the 50 to 71 age range, it’s an expert in travel tours for seniors travelers.
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With its mix of travel directors who oversee all the details and local specialists who bring every destination to life, Trafalgar creates senior tours that offer both novelty and comfort. And recognizing that health and safety is more of a concern now than ever, it pioneered the industry’s first Wellbeing Director position, which focuses entirely on ensuring suppliers and partners are following health protocols, staying up to date on Covid restrictions by region, and handling all health-related queries.
5. Smithsonian Journeys
If you have the time to go deep in a destination, Smithsonian Journeys might be the perfect fit. In addition to its Classic Land Journeys (which mix iconic and hidden sights) and Active Journeys (which shine an adventurous spotlight on the great outdoors), Smithsonian Journeys’ Living In programs offer something somewhat unusual for a tour provider: the chance to slow down and stay a while.
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While not exclusively senior travel adventures, these three-week stays in Italy, France, and (starting in 2023) Spain allow travelers to live like locals while also offering tour benefits like planning experts, tour managers, and plenty of organized learning opportunities. And because it’s Smithsonian, educational enrichment is always front and center, allowing you to not just experience the world but to also understand it more deeply.
6. Backroads
Guided tour specialist Backroads, which specializes in cycling, hiking, and multi-sport vacations, knows that a love of athletic pursuits in the great outdoors is a lifelong passion for many. And to appropriately scale its offerings to different age groups, its trips range from active to easygoing, with a lot of flexibility built into the offerings that make them especially appropriate for senior travel tours.
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Of particular interest for older couples in which one partner is sportier than the other, E-bikes are included in Backroads’ trip prices so that groups with mixed abilities can ride together. Most cycling trips include two support vehicles, so that you can bike as much or as little as you want each day. And Backroads’ new Dolce Tempo trips are geared to be more easygoing, but still offer plenty of fun and adventure along the way.
7. Overseas Adventure Travel (O.A.T.)
Catering primarily to travelers 50 and older, Overseas Adventure Travel (O.A.T.) offers travel tours for seniors that build in plenty of ways to support older adventurers. Recognizing that many of its travelers are retired, O.A.T offers longer trips—in fact, unlike many travel tour companies for seniors, the majority of O.A.T’s adventures are two weeks or longer. Many also include pre-trip and post-trip extensions for those who want to stay even longer.
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Seniors can easily match their energy level and accessibility needs with O.A.T.’s Activity Level rating system, which ranges from one for easy trips to five for strenuous journeys. And solo travelers can take advantage of the company’s free and heavily discounted single supplements on trips. O.A.T. reports that 92 percent of its 30,000 single spots this year are being offered without a single supplement fee.
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FAQs
What's the average age on a Trafalgar tour? ›
Trafalgar tours are suitable for all ages. The average age is 40+. Insight tours cater for all ages.
Which tour company is best? ›- Best Overall: Classic Journeys.
- Best for Exclusive Perks: Prior.
- Best for Eco- and Socially-conscious: G Adventures.
- Best Budget: Intrepid Travel.
- Best for Foodies: Salt & Wind Travel.
- Best for Offbeat Travel: Atlas Obscura Trips.
- Best Cruise: Linblad Expeditions.
- Spain. Spain is one of Europe's biggest countries and a perennial favourite with travellers of all ages. ...
- Portugal. Many senior travellers prefer Portugal for its serenity and pace of life. ...
- Italy. ...
- Germany. ...
- Great Britain. ...
- Jordan. ...
- Thailand.
- Look for the right certification. If the agent is a member of the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) (www.asta.org), that's a promising sign. ...
- If at all possible, stay local. There's no substitute for the personal touch. ...
- Interview the agent. ...
- Find out how they react under pressure.
G Adventures tour caters to travelers aged 18 and above. Its main client base consists of young to middle-aged travelers, and some tours are restricted to independent travelers between 18-39 years. However, there are packages for older travelers and families as well.
Are Globus Tours for old people? ›We consider ourselves 'active seniors' who like a mixed age group to travel with. Globus is the upper end side of their company.
What is the average age on Collette Tours? ›The average age of clients on the Explorations tours is about 45-65, with some older and younger, including families with children; the average age with the Classic product is 55-75.
Is Trafalgar a good company? ›Trafalgar tours is an excellent company. The tours and people are great and they handle everything. You can never see so much or learn so much on your own. This trip was phenomenal and I would definitely recommend it.
What makes a good tour company? ›Professional tour guide skills
Every tour company will want that their tour guides leave a professional appearance. It instills trust and confidence in travelers. That way, it makes them feel safe and like they made a great tour company choice!
- Select a destination. Try to pick somewhere that appeals to both of you. ...
- Check with the doctor. Before planning any trip: ...
- Consider an organized tour or cruise. ...
- Get travel insurance. ...
- Plan to take it easy. ...
- Maintain a routine. ...
- Set aside time for yourself.
Can an 80 year old travel? ›
Bottom line: You're never too old to travel.
How do I know if a travel agent is real? ›A great way to check if a travel agency is legitimate is by checking that the company names on the paperwork match with who you have paid. There's no harm in double checking your bank account and credit card statements for names and amounts paid.
What should I look for when choosing a travel agent? ›- Customer Service. This is the most important consideration when searching for a travel agency. ...
- Industry Knowledge. The traveling industry is full of challenges. ...
- Value for Money. ...
- Saving Time. ...
- Resources. ...
- Relationships.
You can also utilize email and flyers to get the word out about your business. Attending events and trade shows will help to keep your clientele growing, look up events in your local area. You can also create social media groups to attract clients outside your local area who are looking for travel agent services.
What age group is G Adventures for? ›Our Family Adventures are open to families with children aged between 6 and 17 years of age. Our standard (non-family) adventures are open to children aged 12 years or older when accompanied by a parent (max. two children per adult).
Are flash packs worth it? ›Overall, we think Flash Pack is a great company, and they offer quality and meaningful travel experiences. We do recognize that the prices of their group travel might not be for the budget conscious, and given their past of unreliable refund/cancellation policy, it's more than reasonable to go with other group tours.
Where is G adventure based? ›G Adventures is an operator of small-group escorted tours. It is based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada with 28 offices worldwide. It offers more than 700 itineraries in more than 100 countries, and carries 200,000 travelers from 160 countries each year.
Is Globus travel any good? ›Globus has strong credibility and satisfaction ratings. It earned a BBB Accreditation (A+ rating) and has good ratings on Trustpilot (4.6/5) and TourRadar (4.5/5).
Are Globus and Cosmos the same company? ›Group Voyagers, Inc.
- also known as the "Globus family of brands", is a group of escorted tour, river cruise and independent travel package companies marketed worldwide. They include the brands Globus, Cosmos, Avalon Waterways and Monograms.
Your comfort is our first priority. With the average number of just 36 guests on a Globus motorcoach, you're invited to stretch your legs, relax, and enjoy the ride with the extra space you deserve!
What is the group size of Collette Tours? ›
You'll share the road, a few meals, and a variety of special moments with a small, tight-knit group of just 14-24 people. Smaller groups open up more opportunities to truly experience a destination.
What is Collette? ›As the longest running tour operator in North America, Collette has been providing guided travel for over 100 years. We offer trips on all seven continents, allowing guests to fulfill their deepest travel aspirations.
How many people are on Trafalgar Tours? ›On Trafalgar guided vacations you will find an average of between 40 and 45 guests on First Class and CostSaver itineraries throughout Europe. There will be a maximum of 52 guests on Trafalgar trips throughout the United States and Canada.
What is Trafalgar Tours known for? ›The company is known to be a leading escorted tour provider for European destinations. However, it also features exciting trips to places, such as South America, Australia, Italy, Africa, and New Zealand.
How much do Trafalgar tour guides make? ›$33. The estimated total pay for a Tour Director at Trafalgar is $33 per hour.
How long has Kensington Tours been in business? ›Kensington Tours was founded in 2006 by Jeff Willner - a well-known explorer and traveler.
What are some potential problems with travel agents? ›- Duplicate data entries. We consider a travel business as a data collector. ...
- Dealing with many enquiries. ...
- Costly mistake. ...
- Wasted time. ...
- Liability of not knowing your client requirements. ...
- Streamlining the processes from Marketing to Post Sales.
- Take a group tour. On group tours, you'll be travelling with a wide range of people from different walks of life. ...
- Start with shorter trips. ...
- Keep safety in mind. ...
- Get travel insurance. ...
- Travel light. ...
- Do your research.
So, 18 to 22 years of age is the best time to travel as far as experiencing the world and having it make an impact on your life, but the worst financially.
Do seniors get TSA PreCheck? ›Do seniors automatically get PreCheck? No. Anyone who wants to receive PreCheck needs to apply. However, TSA does provide people who are 75 years old or older access to an expedited screening process in the regular screening lines: You can keep your light jacket and shoes on.
What age is considered senior in Europe? ›
Depending on the location it is 60, or 62 or 65. In Europe and South America is usually 60.
What do old people think about when making travel plans? ›What do young people and old people think about when making travel plans? I think old people usually consider their personal comfort. They want to know that they won't be too exhausted at the end of each day. So they might choose very low-key tips' and not put a lot of activities on their itinerary.
How do you travel with a large group? ›- Assign a group leader. ...
- Plan in advance. ...
- Establish budget preferences. ...
- Document itineraries and preferences. ...
- Check for group discounts. ...
- Create a routine. ...
- Consider homestays or group lodging. ...
- Avoid too many activities in one day.
TSA rules that travelers older than 75 can keep their shoes on when passing through airport security. It's a victory for old soles. Travelers over the age of 75 can keep their shoes on while passing through airport security, the Transportation Security Administration ruled.
Can a 92 year old get travel insurance? ›Over 90's travel insurance covers you if you're over the age of 90 and wish to travel, even if you have pre-existing medical conditions. This type of insurance covers you for medical emergencies, helping to prevent unexpected medical bills and unnecessary complications that can arise on trips abroad.
Is there an age limit to travel by plane? ›Most U.S. airlines will permit children who have reached their fifth birthday to travel unaccompanied. Kids ages 5 through 11 who are flying alone must usually travel pursuant to special “unaccompanied minor” procedures. On some airlines, these procedures are required for unaccompanied children as old as 14.
What is a Tids number? ›What is TIDS? TIDS (Travel Industry Designator Service) is an IATA program that provides travel agents and sales intermediaries with a unique Industry Code: The IATA/TIDS Numeric Code. This unique Industry Code facilitates the identification of travel sellers and their bookings in reservation systems worldwide.
How do I check if a company is ATOL protected? ›Make sure you are protected
To make sure your holiday is protected, look for the ATOL logo in your tour operator's brochures, adverts and websites. Your tour operator or travel agent should also be able to tell you if ATOL protection applies.
Do you fly in and out of cities frequently? Do you have little time and patience to conduct research on your own? Are you planning a large group trip?
Why would you use a travel agent? ›A Travel Agent Can Handle the Unexpected. Between weather delays, natural disasters, flight cancellations, lost luggage and much more, a lot can happen on vacation. Travel agents act as the traveler's advocate in the event something goes wrong, helping navigate the challenge of making any necessary itinerary changes.
What points one should consider before setting up a travel agency? ›
Develop A Voice and Personality
Your travel agency must develop a personality and voice that is different from your competitors. It means that people should know your services are beneficial and take your agency as offering great value. Make sure that your agency evokes trust and dedication in your niche.
English Conversation With Travel Agent - YouTube
Where do travel agents get clients? ›- Family. The number one source of quality names for your CRM is your immediate family and their relatives. ...
- Friends. Your friends are also an obvious inclusion on your client list. ...
- Neighbors. ...
- Business Associates. ...
- Club Members. ...
- Organizations. ...
- Referrals. ...
- Yellow Pages.
- Where are you planning on traveling? When?
- What kind of research have you done?
- How old will the passengers be (for senior discounts)?
- Does anyone have military service (for military discounts)?
- What is your goal for this vacation?
$33. The estimated total pay for a Tour Director at Trafalgar is $33 per hour.
Is Trafalgar a good company? ›Trafalgar tours is an excellent company. The tours and people are great and they handle everything. You can never see so much or learn so much on your own. This trip was phenomenal and I would definitely recommend it.
Does Trafalgar buses have wifi? ›Europe, North & South America, Australia & New Zealand tours
The high vantage point from your coach's window means you can take in all the glorious scenery, whether it's a vast rural landscape or an urban city center. We also have on board Wi-Fi.
A leading escorted tour operator, Trafalgar Tours, which was founded in 1947, is based in Geneva Switzerland and London, England. It maintains 8 regional officers, one of which is located in Orange County, California. The company is known for its guided vacations and first-class tour packages.
How much do you tip a Tour Director? ›Additional tips for outstanding performance are at your discretion. Tips should be presented in the local currency. On tours of the U.S. and Canada, it is customary to tip your full-time Tour Director a minimum of $4-5 per person, per day. Additional tipping, at your discretion, is common for outstanding performance.
Do Trafalgar buses have toilets? ›We pride ourselves on having the finest fleet of fuel-efficient, fully air-conditioned coaches – all with reclining seats and on-board restrooms.
Who owns Trafalgar travel? ›
Trafalgar is a Jamaican-owned business with a global reach.
How many people are on a bus with the Trafalgar Tours? ›On our regular tours there are usually between 30 to 50 guests aboard the coach. With our Small Group Active Tours, we're able to offer a new style of travel while still giving guests the signature Trafalgar experience.
Is Globus travel any good? ›I found Globus Tours (sold by Affordable Tours) to be a good mix of guided tours and free time. The extra excursions offered were excellent and well organized. This was a first rate, professional tour company. We had an excellent experience.
How many people are on Trafalgar tour? ›On Trafalgar guided vacations you will find an average of between 40 and 45 guests on First Class and CostSaver itineraries throughout Europe. There will be a maximum of 52 guests on Trafalgar trips throughout the United States and Canada.
How much do you tip at Trafalgar? ›On a Trafalgar, Insight or Cosmos Tour, some gratuities are included: Baggage handling, meal service for all meals included, and hotel service for all normal service, but not room service or tips to local guides, the Tour Director and Driver. Recommended Tipping: Taxi-fare on meter 10-15% Restaurant - total bill 10-15%
How many people fit on a Globus tour bus? ›Your comfort is our first priority. With the average number of just 36 guests on a Globus motorcoach, you're invited to stretch your legs, relax, and enjoy the ride with the extra space you deserve!
What is Trafalgar travel known for? ›Reputation. You'll be travelling with the most-awarded travel brand in the world, esteemed by travel authorities and trusted by life-long customers. Since 1947, Trafalgar has been an industry leader, known for its knowledgeable guides, immersive itineraries, comfortable stays, and modern coaches.
Are Trafalgar and Insight the same company? ›Over 350 coach tours around the world, and one of our clients most popular Operators, Trafalgar is part of the Travel Corporation, which includes under its umbrella the sister brands of Insight Vacations, AAT Kings, Uniworld, Contiki & Costsaver.
What companies are affiliated with Trafalgar? ›The Travel Corporation is a private hotel group and travel company based in Cypress, California, United States. Its brands include Trafalgar, Contiki, Insight, Cullinan, Uniworld River Cruises, Red Carnation Hotels, and others, along with Bouchard Finlayson Vineyards.
Do Globus buses have toilets? ›There is a bathroom onboard, and we stop en route (if a smoker, this is your chance!), so when we arrive you don't waste a precious moment and can start exploring the next remarkable space. "GD" means Guaranteed Departures!