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Informative Articles

History of travel luggage: From the beginning to today!
Travel luggage is an important part of every traveler’s wardrobe. There are various luggage models, sizes, styles, colors, materials and prices associated with the luggage currently on the market. There are even vintage and collectible luggage...

Planning International Travel for Christmas?
Christmas international travel 475 [shudder]. No really, a little EQ - managing the attitude, and using the ole noggin' can make it almost pleasant! 1. Pack your patience and your Emotional Intelligence. Turn down the emotiong, turn up the...

Should You Purchase Travel Insurance?
The determination of whether you should purchase travel insurance is a determination of whether you want to assume nothing bad can happen during your travels, or whether should something bad happen you can adequately resolve these unforeseen events....

Welcome to Bali Island of the Gods with Bali Hotels Holiday (Travel Service)
BALI, the fabled Island of the Gods with Thousands Temples, Mystery, Beauty, Enchantment and Serenity. And with its famous beauty scene, dynamic culture, and friendly people in harmony with nature made Bali as the one of the favorite holiday...

What you need to know about – Travel in Luxury
Luxury travel is diametrically opposed to traveling on budget. ‘Luxury’ as the term Suggests, is to have the best of everything by paying the maximum for it. If you have money and want to make your vacations a dream come true then go for the...

 
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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