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Dublin travel guide
Dublin is Ireland’s capital, which finds a place for itself amongst the rich countries of Europe. It is located on the east coast of the country and encompasses the River Liffey merging into the Dublin Bay. Apart from being the largest city in the...

Money Saving Travel Tips
Have you seen the T.V. commercial where they show that one passenger paid only a few hundred for his plane ticket while the person sitting next to him paid over a thousand? This is only one example of a truth that becomes all to apparent every...

Strange Aircraft Charter Terms- Air Charter Glossary Help for first time Jet Travelers
Have you ever wondered about all the strange air charter terms and words? This air charter glossary will help you understand the jargon next time you call to book a private charter aircraft. Airway Distance: The actual (as opposed to straight...

Travel Comfort -Discover How To Get Some Decent Sleep While Traveling. Even Those Cramped Coach Seats!
Is travel comfort an oxymoron? Is it actually possible to be comfortable and even rest or sleep while enroute? Can it be done in coach? This article is designed to help you learn proven tactics to travel comfortably to rest and sleep on your...

Ways To Use Backpacks - Travel In Comfort
Backpacks are commonly associated with kids carrying books to and from school. However, there are many other ways to use backpacks. Campers, hikers and mountaineers have been using backpacks for decades. It allows them to have their hands...

 
Expanding Travelers Horizons

Planning for retirement starts early in many people's lives with pension plans, IRAs and other financial planning schemes, but it is not until we near the transition into retirement that serious thought is given to what form and style this new way of life will take. What are my interests? What do I want to do? Where do I want to go? Who will be my new friends and colleagues? What will I do to stay active and alert? And where can I make my contribution? Answers to these questions do not come easy and often evolve as one settles into this new living style.

Todays retirees are filled with vim and vigor and are eager to be active, engaged and involved. Many have found new direction when opening their sights and minds to lifelong learning and enrichment programs . This renewed energy is being heralded by members of the medical community who have noted that adults who continually challenge their intellect and are active thinkers and learners are less likely to experience certain ailments and conditions associated with the aging process. They also report that those who are active participants in personal interests remain mentally vital throughout their life.

There are many programs designed specifically for adults who are seeking to expand their interests and increase their knowledge. Communities throughout North America offer adult education and enrichment programs with park and recreation and senior service activities. Local hospitals, museums, theaters, libraries, universities and other groups serve the interests of the adult population through classes, projects and volunteerism. And there are national organizations like The OASIS Institute, which offers programs in the arts, humanities, wellness, technology and volunteer services. The Lifelong Learning and Learning in Retirement Institutes found at hundreds of U.S. and Canadian colleges provide courses of study for retirees at a community level.

Adult learning programs offer topnotch material and are presented by experts in varied fields of learning but, unlike a typical collegiate course, there are no tests or


grades. The settings vary and could be in a class room, outside on field trips or in a workshop. The program could also be part of a travel experience, as the tourism industry is increasingly attuned to what travelers are asking for in their tours and packages.

Tour operators report that travelers are seeking more indepth historical, cultural, political and social information about destinations being visited. A recent study conducted by the Travel Industry Association of America and Smithsonian Magazine revealed that 81% of adult travelers desire a cultural, arts, historic and heritage experience while on vacation. At the National Tour Association, many of its member tour operators offer packages that include learning experiences (38%), cultural activities (58%), museums and special exhibitions (54%) and historical sites/events (73%).

Here are some examples of programs that have been designed specifically to add enrichment and lifelong learning opportunities for adults.

Traveling Academic Programs

The University of New Hampshire Continuing Education program is the grandfather of traveling continuing education and enrichment programs for adults. What started as a summer vacation-learning experience for academics over 30 years ago continues with its series of Distinctive Learning Vacations that are available to the public. Tours are offered to destinations in North and South America, Europe and Asia, each led by UNH faculty and local destination experts. Most itineraries cover specific cities, regions or topics and are designed to give travelers insights into the culture, philosophy and lifestyles of people being visited. There are two types of programs: Interhostel, for adults 50 years and older; and Familyhostel, for adults and children traveling together. Contact: 800-733-9753, www.learn.unh.edu/interhostel

Source: Grouptravelblog

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