The origin of Road Scholar is as humble as it is revolutionary. It begins in the summer of 1974 on a shaded porch at the University of New Hampshire. Marty Knowlton — a white-bearded, energetic man — rocks in a chair beneath a modest sign: Youth Hostel. His friend and colleague, David Bianco stops in his tracks. Looking up, he utters the 18 words that would change everything:
“This campus ought not to be having a youth hostel — it ought to be having an elder hostel!” From that spark, a bold new idea began to take shape. Within a year, Elderhostel launched on five college campuses in New Hampshire. That summer of 1975, 220 older adults enrolled in weeklong learning experiences — and a movement was born. Today, Road Scholar offers educational adventures across the U.S. and in 100 countries, continuing to honor the spirit of its founders: curious, inclusive and driven by the belief that learning never ends.
Dear Friends,
Happy 50th Anniversary to Road Scholar!
What an extraordinary half-century it has been. Since beginning my career with Elderhostel in 1979, I’ve witnessed time and again the power of learning to engage, enrich and transform the lives of older adults. From the very beginning, this organization has sparked curiosity, inspired discovery and fostered meaningful connections through lifelong learning.
Over the past 50 years, Elderhostel and Road Scholar have reshaped how society views aging. As our co-founders Marty Knowlton and David Bianco wrote, the purpose of Elderhostel was “to allow the broadest possible spectrum of persons of retirement age to find, through participation in higher education, a new and more positive vision of themselves.” That aspiration was groundbreaking in 1975 — and it remains alive today in the remarkable learning adventures Road Scholar continues to create around the world.
Road Scholar’s mission has never been more relevant: to bring people together to learn about our world, to explore its history, culture, and natural wonders, to wrestle with complex ideas and to form a warm
adventure
community of fellow learners. With every new adventure and friendship, we expand our horizons, enrich our lives and strengthen our society.
I have been privileged to work alongside extraordinary colleagues — staff and educators alike — whose dedication and creativity never cease to inspire me. Their commitment to innovating and reimagining what learning and adventure can be is the foundation of this organization’s success.
Most of all, I thank you — our participants and alumni — for your insatiable curiosity, your passion for learning and the joy you bring to this community. You are what makes Road Scholar such a meaningful and life-enhancing experience.
Here’s to many more years of discovery, friendship and aging adventurously.
With gratitude,
James Moses President and CEO, Road
Scholar
Send your letter to the editor to alumni@roadscholar.org
D Building Bridges, Knocking Down Barriers
From 2004-2008, Road Scholar ran a series of programs under the title “Building Bridges.” The goal? To connect people from all faiths in building community and eliminating barriers — particularly in the aftermath of 9/11. These programs proved immensely popular, running in Boston, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Chicago and more cities across America.
Did You Know These Road Scholar Stories?
As we look back on 50 years of learning adventures, we dug up some of our favorite stories to share. Learn something new with these pieces from our past.
D New Name, Same Educational Emphasis
After 35 years, there had been many changes to our organization, including new international adventures and upgraded accommodations. Our participants also felt the change and no longer felt represented by the word “elder.” So, to better match the spirit of our programs and participants, “Elderhostel” became “Road Scholar” in 2010, the name so many know and love today.
D A New Frontier in 1995
As the world prepared to enter the new millennium, Road Scholar broke new territory on the Internet! Our website went live in 1995, leading to a future of improved accessibility and advanced features to help participants search for learning adventures. Today, the Internet also plays a key role in hosting our online programs, Road Scholar At Home.
D An Elderhostel Murder Mystery?
Road Scholar Peter Abresch was so inspired by his learning adventures that he turned them into stories — with a twist! His protagonist, James P. Dandy (or Jim Dandy, for short), leads readers through five books of the “Elderhostel Mystery” series, taking readers from North Carolina to the American Southwest. Abresch’s murder mysteries are each set around an actual Road Scholar learning adventure, so if you’ve ever embarked on one of the programs featured, you might have an advantage on solving the mystery!
D A Puzzling Appearance
Across: 1 word, 11 spaces. The clue? “Organization for senior travelers.” On October 16, 2001, we made our first appearance in the New York Times Crossword Puzzle! We also appeared in two additional puzzles, as the answers for “Organizer of senior field trips.” and “Adventures in lifelong learning.” It was quite an honor, to say the least!
WHAT A TIME TO BE ALIVE!
Polyester was king and Watergate salad showed up at family barbecues. The Vietnam War was coming to an end and the Thrilla in Manila was the event of the year. What do you remember about 1975, the year Elderhostel was founded?
SHOWS DEBUTING ON TV
→ Wheel of Fortune
→ Siskel & Ebert
→ All in the Family
→ Saturday Night Live
→ Good Morning America
→ Barney Miller
COST OF GOODS
→ Average house: $39,300
→ Car: $4,800
→ Gas: 57¢/gallon
→ Milk: $1.57/gallon
→ Eggs: 66¢/dozen
→ Cigarettes: 48¢/pack
→ U.S. 1st class postage: Rises from 10¢ to 13¢
ALBUMS WE WERE LISTENING TO
→ Bruce Springsteen’s Born to Run
→ Pink Floyd’s Wish You Were Here
→ David Bowie’s
→ Kiss
→ Paul Simon’s Still Crazy After All These Years
INVENTIONS OF
1975
→ Catalytic converters
→ Pop Rocks
→ Whac-a-Mole
SPORTS
→ Chris Evert becomes first tennis player to achieve the No. 1 ranking as the WTA Tour rankings debut and holds the top spot for 26 weeks.
HISTORY IN THE MAKING
→ U.S. President: Gerald Ford
→ U.S. Vice President:
Nelson Rockefeller
→ Vietnam War ends.
→ Watergate salad is invented.
→ Jimmy Hoffa is declared missing.
→ SS Edmund Fitzgerald sinks in Lake Superior.
→ The first women are admitted to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy.
→ Margaret Thatcher becomes leader of the British Conservative Party.
→ Today Show airs first televised kidney transplant.
→ U.S. President Gerald Ford signs Metric Conversion Act into law.
→ Foolish Pleasure wins the Kentucky Derby.
→ Bobby Orr plays his last game for the Boston Bruins.
→ Bobby Fischer is stripped of world chess title for refusing to defend it.
→ Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier box at the Thrilla in Manila.
POPULAR CULTURE
→ The Kool-Aid Man was introduced.
→ Volkswagen invents the Golf.
→ Space Mountain opens at Walt Disney World®.
→ Jaws premieres.
→ A Chorus Line debuts on Broadway.
→ Rocky Horror Picture Show debuts.
→ Sonny & Cher get divorced.
→ Georgio Armani founds the Armani brand.
→ NYC transit fare rises from 35¢ to 50¢.
→ FBI captures Patti Hurst.
The Importance of 1975 for Older Americans
What was it like as an older American in 1975? Here’s a look at some important stats:
• The life expectancy for women in the U.S. was 76.6 years, while men averaged 68.8 years.
• There were approximately 22.6 million U.S. citizens aged 65+, the equivalent of 10% of the population. (Today, that number has risen to 73 million, or one-fifth of the population!)
• The average social security monthly benefit was $207.
There were also some key advancements in 1975 that changed the way society thinks about aging.
• The Age Discrimination Act was passed.
• The U.S. Senate held a hearing on the problems and needs of senior citizens in rural areas.
• Older Americans Month was founded in May by President Gerald Ford.
“There is increasing awareness throughout America of the growing national resource represented by our older citizens. Their collective knowledge, experience and energy can contribute significantly to raising the quality of life for all Americans.”
— President Gerald Ford
• Elderhostel is founded by Marty Knowlton and David Bianco, bringing retirees to local New England colleges in the summer of 1975.
IN CELEBRATION OF Mike Zoob
Mike Zoob was Road Scholar’s first employee, joining the organization in 1977. He played a pivotal role in shaping our evolution — from a grassroots social movement into a national leader in learning for older adults. He is beloved and has been instrumental in the organization’s pivotal moments.
In the mid-1970s, older adults felt a lack of engaging opportunities. This societal gap inspired Marty Knowlton and David Bianco to create Elderhostel (now Road Scholar) in 1975. Their vision: offer adults week-long classes at colleges during summer breaks. What began as a local New England initiative quickly became an “explosion,” as Mike describes it, ultimately transforming the lives of millions. Participants found immense pride in returning to college, embracing the intellectually rigorous courses and even the simple dorm accommodations.
The rapid demand soon overwhelmed the co-founders. In 1978, Bill Berkeley stepped in to formalize Elderhostel, immediately recruiting his friend, Mike Zoob. Despite initial skepticism, Mike was compelled by Elderhostel’s powerful mission after sampling a program. He and Berkeley put their careers on the line, driven by instinct, to build the organization. →
There aren’t that many thriving nonprofit organizations that are 50 years old and still serving a constituency, with an increasing demand to serve another generation. People want educational travel. Fifty years is a long time. We’ve served over 6.5 million participants — we started out with 200!
What we do makes a difference and that it’s something socially worthwhile, educationally worthwhile and just a whole lot of fun.
Mike Zoob By the
Numbers
48
Number of years Mike Zoob has worked for Road Scholar
12
Number of programs
Mike Zoob has attended
7
Number of grandparent or family programs
Mike Zoob has attended
5
Number of boats Mike Zoob has learned on (including two rafts, a canoe, a kayak and a barge!)
4, 3 & 1
Numbers of zipline, horseriding and alpine slide adventures Mike Zoob has had on grandparent programs!
Continued from page 11
Mike handled legal affairs and secured crucial grant money. His vision, however, was to make Elderhostel selffunding, relying on voluntary alumni contributions to focus on educational priorities.
One of Mike’s first major tasks was to consolidate fragmented regional catalogs into a single national publication. Before this, participants had to navigate multiple offices and forms to enroll. The new “onestop-shopping” system
Mike Zoob and his grandchild enjoying the wonders of Bryce Canyon.
streamlined registration, though demand was so high that acceptance still wasn’t guaranteed. Mike recalls the early pre-computer days when a young staff member named Jim Moses (who would go on to become Road Scholar’s third president) was tapped to manage a primitive “hook-and-tag” registration system that could “go kaput” with a sneeze.
Elderhostel quickly expanded to offer yearround and international programs, achieving a presence in every U.S. state by 1980. A pivotal moment came when a dormitory issue forced a group into a hotel, sparking the realization: “This idea can take place anywhere. We can bring the professors to the people!” This breakthrough broadened Elderhostel’s reach beyond campuses to diverse venues.
Mike is particularly proud of Road Scholar’s
The Mike Zoob Awards for Extraordinary Service
Each year, we honor Mike Zoob’s legacy by recognizing two staff members who exemplify extraordinary service to our mission, our culture, our participants, and to one another.
Road Scholar President, Jim Moses, who has worked alongside Mike for 46 years, established and personally funded this award to honor Mike and to inspire staff in service to Road Scholar’s mission. The Mike Zoob Impact Award recognizes a person who has been instrumental in leading or participating in a specific initiative within the organization. The Mike Zoob Legacy Award honors someone who, over time, has been critical to helping us achieve our mission.
Each recipient embodies our core values of curiosity, kindness, dedication, openness, and honesty — our shining stars in a universe of extraordinary staff.
grandparent and family programs, having taken his own grandchildren on adventures that created “memories of a lifetime.” He also champions Road Scholar’s commitment to economic diversity through scholarships and Caregiver Grants.
Mike Zoob’s impact was recently recognized with “The Mike Zoob Award for Extraordinary Service.”
A visibly moved Zoob humbly accepted, deflecting praise to the many dedicated colleagues
Meet Our 2024 Winners!
→ Mike Zoob Impact Award
Hannah B., Contracting
→ Mike Zoob Legacy Award
Malinda J., Program Services
who contributed to Road Scholar’s enduring spirit.
Mike believes Road Scholar has profoundly shifted societal views of older adults, moving them from the margins to a place of respect and engagement. He shares a recent encounter where a waitress recognized him and other Road Scholars in a restaurant, a testament to the program’s widespread joy and connection.
“For 50 years, we have provided opportunities for people to enjoy themselves, to go on educational adventures, to connect with people,” Mike states. “What we do makes a difference and that it’s something socially worthwhile, educationally worthwhile and just a whole lot of fun.” ■
Always up for an adventure, Mike Zoob gets ready for the rapids in Wyoming!
Don’t Even Go There Places
We Couldn’t
Explore in 1975 — but Can Now
STRICTLY OFF LIMITS
CUBA In 1975, travel to Cuba from the U.S. was prohibited. That constraint began to ease in the 1990s. Today, we’re among the few organizations licensed by the U.S. Government to conduct programs in Cuba.
VIETNAM The Vietnam War ended in 1975 and Americans couldn’t travel directly to Vietnam again until 1991. Today, Road Scholars can explore the Mekong, bustling Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) and even Hanoi.
TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES
Some countries we couldn’t visit in 1975, because — technically — they didn’t exist.
CROATIA, SERBIA, SLOVENIA In 1975 and until the early 1990s, Croatia, Serbia, Slovenia and other Balkan countries were all part of Yugoslavia. Now they’re all Road Scholar destinations!
ZIMBABWE Zimbabwe was also impossible to visit (again, technically) — because until 1980, it was known as Rhodesia. Now it’s a Road Scholar favorite.
→ Southern Africa Safari and Train Adventure: From Cape Town to Victoria Falls, Program #21423MGC
LOOK WHAT WE FOUND!
Some things we couldn’t experience in 1975 because no one knew they were there.
U.K. The largest hoard of Anglo-Saxon metalworks ever found was discovered in Staffordshire in 2009. Today the incredible collection is housed at Britain’s Birmingham Museum.
CHINA Until Chinese farmers digging a well near Xi’an in 1974 made a staggering discovery, no one knew there was a 2,200-year-old army of life-sized terra cotta warriors beneath the surface. Today, several Road Scholar programs include Xi’an on their itinerary.
→ The Best of California: The Reagan Library to the Channel Islands, Program #14491MGC
IF YOU BUILD IT, THEY WILL COME
Structures that didn’t exist in 1975 are now central to some Road Scholar learning adventures.
WASHINGTON D.C. The National Museum of African American History and Culture was opened in Washington, D.C., in 2016. This extraordinary structure is on the itinerary of “Monumental D.C.”
LOS ANGELES The Getty Museum, opened in Los Angeles in 1997, holds masterpieces from Rembrandt, Van Gogh and others. It’s a stop on programs including “Art Collectors and Their Collections.”
ADVENTURE AWAITS
Find all of these learning adventures — and more — at roadscholar.org!
LONDON We’ve been able to see London in a whole new way since 2000, when the London Eye opened (pun intended).
MONTEREY California’s Monterey Bay Aquarium — which you can explore on the Road Scholar program “Magical Monterey” — opened in 1984 and houses some 35,000 marine creatures.
FLORIDA In 1975, J.K. Rowling was a shy grade-school girl. Today, her world has its own theme park, Florida’s “Wizarding World of Harry Potter.” Opened in 2010, it hosts one of our popular Grandparent Adventures.
AND ONE MORE …
YOUR HOME Another place we couldn’t go in 1975 — online. The world wide web wasn’t born until the mid-1990s. Today, through our Road Scholar At Home and Adventures Online programs, Road Scholars can “travel” nearly anywhere, from the Arctic to Easter Island, without leaving home. The world is always changing. We never know what tomorrow will bring — so travel where you can, when you can, and learn all you can, while you can! We’ll be here to help.
President Jimmy Carter and First Lady Rosalynn Carter both valued Elderhostel and its commitment to lifelong learning.
Jimmy Carter’s Elderhostel Days
A U.S. President’s Special Connection to Road Scholar
Ray Davies (of Kinks fame) once penned a song called “Is There Life After Breakfast?” — a hopeful tune about second acts in life.
When Jimmy Carter left the White House, he was 57; Rosalynn Carter was 54. They could have ridden into a well-earned retirement. But as all the world knows, that was not the case. Instead, the Carters proceeded to prove that there is indeed “life after breakfast” in the best possible way: through a decades-long commitment to public service, global health, peace, justice and equality.
Road Scholar is committed to helping others create similarly fulfilling second acts in their own lives, so it’s only fitting — but still delightfully surprising — that the organization and the Carters crossed paths in some significant ways. →
Continued from page 17
A New Program Begins in the South
In the early 1980s, Road Scholar (then Elderhostel) partnered with the continuing- education office at Georgia Southwestern State University in Americus to offer a program about Southern culture and history. Much of the program centered around Americus and nearby Plains, the hometown to which the Carters had returned post-presidency.
Bobbie Duncan, then in
continuing-ed programs, recalls that it took some convincing to get her president to agree that housing a group of retirees in campus dormitories when school was not in session was a good idea, but eventually he relented.
Duncan began searching for a Group Leader for the program. No stranger to bold, outside-the-box thinking (she would later start her own business), she thought, “Why not approach Dan Ariail?”
Ariail was the pastor of
Church in Plains, where Carter was a congregant and regular Sunday School teacher. Pastor Ariail was very interested in the Group Leader role, and Duncan brought him on board.
ACapturing the Former President’s Attention s Ariail settled into the role, he began talking enthusiastically to the former president about the Elderhostel program. Carter thought he’d like to meet these people who were coming from all over the U.S. to learn about Plains and the surrounding area. Soon, in addition to experiences in local cotton fields, on peanut farms and at historic sites, Elderhostlers were sitting down with the former president for lunch at Mom’s Kitchen in Plains. Many times after that, when a new group arrived and Carter wasn’t busy on his Carter Center project, he would greet them and have lunch with them. Eventually he began inviting them to his Sunday School classes, and that became part of the Elderhostel experience. Participants from those days treasure the photos they took with the former president at the church.
Carter simply loved the entire experience — as did the participants, of course, getting the surprise of their lives.
↓ President Jimmy Carter joins participants on a program in
Jimmy wasn’t done. One of the program experts in Plains at the time was Jan Williams, who had been the nanny for the Carters’ daughter, Amy, during the White House years. Carter told Williams he’d love to ride along as the Road Scholar groups explored Plains by bus. Williams said he’d be more than welcome to join and jokingly told him he could add his two cents, but she was the instructor!
So it was that Elderhostelers were treated to an exploration of Plains with its most famous resident. In fact, after some cajoling from Carter (and careful vetting of the participants), the Secret Service even allowed the bus onto the well-guarded grounds of the Carters’ home to get an upclose look at the residence. Duncan says Carter simply loved the entire experience as did the participants, of course, getting the surprise of their lives.
Sometimes, surprise worked the other way. One program participant, who had been Carter’s professor at the U.S. Naval Academy, said he would love to surprise the former president with a visit. Duncan worked with the Secret Service to get clearance for the professor, who was then able to travel to the Carter residence and reminisce with his former student. (One can imagine the conversation: “So, James, have you made anything of yourself?”)
When Bobbie
Met Rosalynn
Meanwhile, Elderhostel also drawing the attention of Rosalynn Carter. The Secret Service phoned Bobbie Duncan one day, saying that the former first lady would like to pay her a visit.
Rosalynn Carter was writing a book, to be called “Everything to Gain: Making the Most of the Rest of Your Life,” offering up the couple’s own renewed commitment to a fulfilling and meaningful life as inspiration to others. She sat down with Duncan to talk about how Elderhostel was transforming the idea of lifelong learning, and ultimately praised the organization in the book for its exemplary commitment to older Americans.
As time passed, the former first couple grew
public-service commitments around the world, while Road Scholar programs began to adopt an expanded view of Southern culture. And so, the days of riding around Plains in a bus with the former leader of the free world came to an end.
In “Is There Life After Breakfast?”, Ray Davies emphatically answers the title question with “Yes, there is!” Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter’s lives were shining examples of this. And every day, adventurous, inquisitive Road Scholars continue to prove the point. Here’s to life after breakfast! ■
↑ Road Scholars were treated to an exploration of Plains, Georgia with its most famous resident.
FROM CURIOSITY
to Community
How the
Road Scholar Institute Network made growing older
something to celebrate — and what it means for learners today.
By the time Road Scholar (then Elderhostel) was established in 1975, something surprising was already happening — older adults were reimagining what life after retirement could look like. No longer content with the idea of slowing down, they were seeking out community through lively classroom discussions, embracing learning not out of obligation, but out of joy.
Around the country, small groups were forming at colleges and universities — peer-led programs where older adults gathered to learn from one another, fueled by their own curiosity and life
experience. These early Institutes for Learning in Retirement (ILRs) were vibrant but scattered. They needed support, structure and scale. Enter Road Scholar.
In 1987, we created the Elderhostel Institute Network (EIN) to bring these programs together under one umbrella. The goal was simple: help lifelong learning institutes grow and thrive in communities across the country. Jim Verschueren, EIN’s first director, led the charge — visiting campuses, connecting like-minded educators and offering tools and guidance to make starting an LLI easy and exciting.
“We showed up, shared our playbook and gave them a vision of what was
possible,” Jim said. “And most of the time, they were in.”
And why wouldn’t they be? Lifelong Learning Institutes (LLIs) are something special. Based at colleges and universities, they offer non-credit courses — often taught by members themselves — with no tests, no homework and no age limits. The curriculum is shaped by the members, and classes can cover everything from literature to astronomy, local history to climate science.
But the real magic of LLIs isn’t just academic — it’s deeply social. These
What’s an LLI?
A Lifelong Learning Institute (LLI) is a vibrant community of adults who learn simply for the joy of it. Most are based at colleges and universities and offer non-credit, college-level classes — without the tests, grades or pressure.
communities are hubs for connection and can include dinner clubs, walking groups, theater outings and more. People join to learn, and stay for the sense of belonging. It’s not an exaggeration to say that many find their people here — and in the process, rediscover purpose.
In just seven years, Elderhostel helped expand the network to nearly 300 LLIs. Today, there are more than 400 across the country, and Road Scholar continues to collaborate with many of them. Together, we’re helping older adults tap into something deeply meaningful: the chance to keep growing.
As Jim put it, “We gave people a reason to stay curious, stay positive and stay engaged. That’s what Road Scholar has always been about.”
Fifty years in, we’re still at it — championing learning as a lifelong adventure and proving every day that there’s no such thing as “too old” for a good question.
Here’s what makes LLIs so special:
→ MEMBER-LED: Courses are shaped by the interests of the members themselves.
→ INCLUSIVE: No academic background required — just curiosity.
→ AFFORDABLE: Programs are offered at dramatically reduced costs.
→ SOCIAL BY NATURE: LLIs are as much about community as they are about coursework — think book clubs, walking groups, themed dinners and special offers on Road Scholar programs!
Want to join one near you? Visit roadscholar.org/LLIs to learn more.
Artifacts from Our History
Take a special look behind-the-scenes at this
into the history of our name, and our commitment to lifelong learning.
enjoyed the college dorm experience during their programs.
After 1981, our learning adventures went international, and Road Scholars could enjoy experiences like this in Costa Rica.
support of our mission, ever since our early days.
Much like today, early participants put the “road” in “Road Scholar” as they learned through travel, like this adventure to Coronado National Monument.
Co-founder David Bianco speaking at our 10th anniversary in 1985.
Road Scholar’s first president, Bill Berkeley.
tribute to the soundness of the original idea, the foresight of its founders and the creative energy of those who administered and taught in the programs. It is also an indication of how ready America was for an educational program that took seriously the individual’s capacity for late-life learning. Such a program was long overdue in 1975, and the need for it is all the more apparent now after 17 years of service. As long as there are elders who have the desire to learn and to continue growing — in other words, as long as there are elders — there will be a place and a need for Elderhostel.
— “THE STORY OF ELDERHOSTEL” BY
EUGENE S. MILLS
(800)
We Couldn’t Do It Without Them
OUR AMAZING PROGRAM PROVIDERS
In our 50 years of existence, Road Scholar has been blessed to have an outstanding group of Program Providers who provide expert faculty and host Road Scholar participants around the world. Some of these relationships date back many decades. Here are a half-dozen program providers who have helped create so many memorable learning adventures around the world.
→ TRINITY COLLEGE/CPI: GRAZIE MILLE!
Road Scholar today offers more than 50 programs in Italy. Our significant presence there began in the early 1980s through a partnership with Trinity College in Connecticut, which had a campus in Rome. Initially, our participants used Trinity's campus and dormitory during school recesses as a base for exploring Rome and engaging in learning experiences.
As Road Scholar sought to expand beyond Rome, we leveraged Trinity's expertise in program development and its extensive network across Italy. This collaboration was crucial as participant preferences shifted from dormitories to hotels, requiring complex logistics for multi-stop programs and accommodations. Trinity's team capably managed these
arrangements, facilitating Road Scholar’s growth throughout Italy, from Tuscany to Sicily.
The partnership flourished to such an extent that Trinity College established Cultural Programs in Italy (CPI) as a dedicated entity for Road Scholar programs. Today, CPI manages roughly half of all Road Scholar's Italian programs. CPI's site coordinators, with their deep personal connections, are instrumental in securing unique and authentic educational opportunities: a visit to a shoemaker’s workshop in Sicily; a pizza-making class in Sorrento; a swim at a Tuscan farm on a hot summer afternoon. These are the kinds of signature touches that set Road Scholar apart, and that make CPI such an important partner. We say “Grazie mille!” — “Many thanks!”
→ HOLBROOK TRAVEL: COSTA RICA PIONEERS
Road Scholar’s enduring partnership with Holbrook Travel began with the persistence of Giovanna Holbrook. Despite our initial focus on U.S. programs, Giovanna, a seasoned traveler and educator, passionately advocated for expanding educational travel to Costa Rica, emphasizing experiential learning and ecosystem studies. Her vision resonated with Road Scholar (then Elderhostel) leadership, who agreed to a partnership.
The Costa Rica programs were an immediate success, leading Holbrook to build Selva Verde Lodge in the rainforest as a base for future immersive learning adventures.
Over the decades, Holbrook Travel and Road Scholar grew together, expanding programs to the Galápagos and beyond. Today, under Giovanna's daughter Andrea, the partnership thrives across 13 countries, united by four core priorities: a shared belief in educational travel for lifelong learning and cultural connection, a commitment to quality and value driven by participant feedback, a deep focus on participant needs including accessibility and a holistic emphasis on sustainability. With Holbrook’s help, Costa Rica became Road Scholar’s featured 2024 Campus of the Year. →
Today, under Giovanna’s daughter Andrea, the partnership thrives across 13 countries.
Continued from page 25
→ CHINCOTEAGUE: A MUSEUM-QUALITY RELATIONSHIP
The enduring partnership between Road Scholar and the Museum of Chincoteague Island in Virginia exemplifies how collaboration can vitalize history and nature. Since 1993, Road Scholar has brought thousands of participants to Chincoteague Island to discover its unique environment and human history. And in the process has helped the museum gain its footing.
Cindy Faith, the museum’s executive director, articulates the impact: “When we started our relationship with Road Scholar, it made such a difference to our community and to the organization. We would not be where we are now without Road Scholar.” Thanks to this support, the museum has doubled its facility size. This expansion was crucial for acquiring the Assateague Island Lighthouse’s original 1833 Fresnel lens, now a proud centerpiece.
More recently, Road Scholar's backing was pivotal in saving the historic Beebe Ranch, the real-life home of Misty of Chincoteague, the equine star of Marguerite Henry’s beloved novels. Future Road Scholar Service Programs will even involve participants in the ranch’s restoration, fostering hands-on preservation. What began with just four programs annually has blossomed to 30, a testament to the partnership's success.
Since 1993, Road Scholar has brought thousands of participants to Chincoteague Island to discover its unique environment and human history.
→ CHAUTAUQUA INSTITUTION: KINDRED SPIRITS IN LEARNING
Chautauqua Institution shares a decades-long partnership with Road Scholar, rooted in a mutual dedication to lifelong learning. For over 20 years, this natural partnership has thrived.
This synergy creates unique experiences, allowing Road Scholars to immerse themselves in Chautauqua’s vibrant summer season and granting exclusive access during its tranquil off-season. As one participant states, for those seeking “intellectual stimulation, dynamic and dedicated speakers, and incredible companions who want to be challenged to think, Road Scholar at Chautauqua is the place for you.”
→ CENTER FOR EDUCATIONAL ADVENTURE: A PRESIDENTIAL FAVORITE
Road Scholar’s deep connection with the American South began in the early 1980s through a partnership with Georgia Southwestern State University in Americus.
These initial programs centered around Americus and Plains, the hometown of former President Jimmy Carter.
Bobbie Duncan, then leading the university's continuing education department, played a pivotal role in the program development. She recruited Carter’s church pastor as a Group Leader, and his stories of Elderhostel programs sparked Carter’s interest — and involvement. He began frequently meeting participants for lunch, invited them to his Sunday School classes, joined their bus trips in Plains
— and even did some arm-twisting to get the Secret Service to allow them to visit his home! Rosalynn Carter also recognized Elderhostel's value, praising the organization in her book for its commitment to older Americans.
As the university shifted its focus, Bobbie Duncan founded the Center for Educational Adventure (CEA). This marked a new chapter in the partnership, with CEA taking over the management and expansion of Road Scholar's Southern offerings. CEA has grown to manage dozens of Road Scholar programs annually, covering diverse themes like civil and human rights (often featuring Atlanta’s Carter Center) and exploring various locations across the South, from Nashville to Florida's coast.
→ NORTHERN ARIZONA UNIVERSITY: LIKE MINDS
In our earliest days, Road Scholar staff went to colleges and universities all over the country to ask if they’d like to be part of our vision for lifelong learning. “It was all very grassroots,” says Lynn Gibb, a Road Scholar program manager.
One of the first institutions to say yes was Northern Arizona University (NAU), in 1983. The alliance was a natural fit: NAU, a teachers’college, shared Road Scholar’s deep commitment to adult education.
Today, NAU programs account for 22 of Road Scholar’s U.S. learning adventures. “NAU is so supportive of Road Scholar,” says Lynn Gibb, and NAU’s Road Scholar director, Mary Hansen, agrees. “They know the value of the work we do,” she says. “We love Road Scholar, and we’re so glad it’s a part of our institution.” ■
→ These are just some of the partners who have supported us through the years and helped create memorable experiences for our Road Scholars. Our heartfelt thanks to all of them!
Thank You!
As we celebrate Road Scholar’s 50th anniversary this year, we gratefully thank our donors. We’ve created a community of lifelong learners who are dedicated not only to our mission, but also to one another. Over the past five decades, support from our donors has enabled Road Scholar to redefine aging — one participant at a time — by connecting millions of adults with extraordinary teachers, inspiring destinations and new friends.
More than 3.6 million participants have supported our mission with generous donations over the last 50 years.
Since
1975, we’ve granted more than $8.5 million in financial assistance to adult learners.
Our first grandparent programs began in 1978. Since then, more than 250,000 grandparents and their grandchildren have taken part in these intergenerational learning adventures.
We’ve awarded more than 800 scholarships to AmeriCorps Senior Comapnion and Foster Grandparent volunteers since 2004.
We’ve welcomed 1.8 million solo participants since 1975.
More than 215,000 participants have attended our Online Lectures and Adventures Online programs since they began in 2020.
Road Scholar has awarded more than 500 Caregiver Grants to primary caregivers since introducing this opportunity in 2015.
To make learning from home accessible to more adults, we’ve awarded Adventures Online Scholarships since they began in 2021.
More than 11,000 lifelong learners have engaged in our new complimentary Age Well series since its launch in the spring of 2025.
We’ve awarded 34 Professional Educator’s Assistance and Recognition (PEAR) Scholarships to those in the field of education — active and retired — since 2018.
Half a century since Road Scholar was founded, we’re still seeking out new discoveries and ways to age adventurously. Check out these eight ways that our community has changed — yet still stayed the same!
Then
1
Making New Friends
Road Scholars may dress a little differently now than they did in 1975, but some things remain consistent. They are fascinating people who are interested in the world around them — and that makes for some great friendships along the way! →
&Now
The Sky’s the Limit
If you can dream it, you can do it — even after the age of 50. Elderhostelers and Road Scholars have left ageism in the dust as they have made the entire world — and the world wide web — their classroom.
We Still Know How to Party!
When it comes to special anniversaries, Road Scholar loves a good celebration. For our 30th anniversary, we launched an anniversary program that brought enrolled participants across the country from Los Angeles to Boston. This year, we made our 50th anniversary celebration accessible to as many people as possible and invited author Doris Kearns Goodwin to present a once-in-a-lifetime online lecture!
You’ve Got Mail
When our first national catalog hit mailboxes in 1979, most of our offerings were three-topic programs that participants would learn about during their week. Today, we offer learning adventures across the U.S., in more than 100 countries, on ships and even online!
Inspiring Classrooms
When the first Elderhostel programs launched at local colleges, participants were thrilled to stay in dorms for the week — for many, it was the first time they could say they “went to college.” Today, our classrooms have expanded around the world but are no less meaningful. Plus, our accommodations are much more comfortable!
Just Add Water
In 1998, our first Adventures Afloat program left the dock in Ecuador. Today’s Road Scholars certainly have their sea legs — we launched 378 individual voyages in 2025!
Life’s Greatest Adventures
From the warm classrooms of local colleges and universities to far-off destinations like the Galápagos Islands, one thing has been constant for our participants — they’ve made learning the greatest adventure.
People Who Just Love to Learn
We changed our name from Elderhostel to Road Scholar in 2010 in an effort to better connect with the next generation of participants. But with both names, we have led the way to discovery for people who simply love to learn!
DORIS KEARNS GOODWIN
Leadership, History & a Record-Breaking
Milestone: How a master storyteller helped make Road Scholar’s 50th anniversary unforgettable.
When Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Doris Kearns Goodwin agreed to deliver Road Scholar’s 50th anniversary keynote, we knew it would be a big moment. What we didn’t anticipate? Just how huge it would be.
More than 12,000 joined live — including many of our own Road Scholar team members. It became the largest online presentation in our history, smashing attendance records and setting a new standard for connection and engagement.
A Historian for Extraordinary Times
In an era marked by global challenges, political division and cultural shifts, Ms. Goodwin’s keynote, Leadership in Turbulent Times, landed with rare timeliness. Drawing on
decades of scholarship, she shared stories from the presidencies of Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin D. Roosevelt and Lyndon B. Johnson — each of them tested in moments of profound national crisis.
Her vivid storytelling transported attendees to those pivotal eras. But her message stayed firmly rooted in the present.
“History provides not only lessons, but solace and hope,” she reminded us. “We don’t know how today’s challenges will end — just as those living through the
Great Depression or World War II didn’t. But we do know that resilience and character carried us through.”
Wisdom That Resonates
Her reflections — on humility, empathy, vision and persistence — sparked an outpouring of participant praise:
“Ms. Goodwin is a master storyteller and a passionate historian — a perfect combination for painting a colorful and
24,000 registered participants
12,000+ live attendees
accurate picture of past times.”
“Her messages made it easy to relate past times with contemporary troubles — and made clear what traits of leadership build unity from division.”
“This was probably one of the best hours in my life. Doris Kearns Goodwin’s knowledge, engagement and storytelling were unbelievable — just another in a list of great experiences that I have had with Road Scholar.”
A 50th Anniversary Moment to Remember
The event also showcased the best of Road Scholar — curiosity, community and the joy of lifelong learning. Planning began nearly a year in advance, with participants helping choose the speaker. Behind the scenes, our team worked to scale up — upgrading our technology to host the expected number of attendees and building the support to make it seamless.
The result? A shared experience that brought thousands together across miles and time zones, united in the belief that learning from the past can help us navigate the future.
As we come to the end of our 50th year, Ms. Goodwin’s keynote stands as one of our most meaningful moments — a reminder that curiosity doesn’t retire, and that the desire to understand, connect and grow is truly ageless.
CRAIG F. WALKER/THE BOSTON GLOBE VIA GETTY IMAGES
Celebrating Our
Incredible Team
2025: What a year it was!
We wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for the hard work of our Road Scholar team members! Thank you to everyone who makes our learning adventures possible.
408
Number of Road Scholar staff members
42
Number of states where Road Scholar staff members live
11
Number of countries where Road Scholar staff live
700
Unique learning adventures in 2025 planned by the Trip Lab
A Golden Collection of
To mark our 50th anniversary, we gathered a collection of 50 unique journeys that encapsulate the depth and richness of exploring the world with Road Scholar. These programs are prime examples of the exciting and engaging learning adventures that Road Scholar has been offering for 50 years. Here are seven of these adventures from across the world!
Explore more of our 50 Roads to Learning at roadscholar.org/50roads
NORTH AMERICA
DID YOU KNOW?
Mardi Gras masks are a popular accessory and icon of the celebration, and float riders are actually required by law to wear them on the big day.
→ Learn more on New Orleans at a Slower Pace: A City of History, Culture and Celebration. (Program #1475MGC)
DID YOU KNOW?
On the Galápagos Islands, the Marine Iguanas earned the nickname of “Galápagos dinosaurs” because of their prehistoric appearance.
→ Learn more on Galápagos Islands: Natural Treasures & Amazing Wonders. (Program #23384MGC)
DID YOU KNOW? Emperor Penguins are the largest of their species today, but fossils found on the Antarctic Peninsula showed a 37-millionyear-old penguin species that may have stood about 6 feet tall.
→ Learn more about penguins and life in Antarctica on “Land Ho!” Icebergs and Penguins in Otherworldly Antarctica. (Program #23705MGC)
DID YOU KNOW?
Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way offers some elevation — sites include Carrauntoohil, Ireland’s tallest mountain and the Slieve League cliffs, some of the highest sea cliffs in Europe.
→ Learn more on A Wee Ramble in Kenmare: Hiking Ireland’s Southwest Coast. (Program #21682MGC)
SOUTH AMERICA
Learning Adventures
DID YOU KNOW?
The saying, “Elephants never forget,” came about because of their large temporal lobe, the part of the brain that plays a role in memory.
→ Learn more on African Safari: A Close-up on Wildlife. (Program #13938MGC)
DID YOU KNOW? India’s Golden Triangle is comprised of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. These three cities form a triangular shape which holds a wealth of historical and cultural sites, making it a must-see!
→ Learn more on The Best of India: Treasures of the North and South. (Program #18716MGC)
DID YOU KNOW? The Sydney Opera House’s shell-like roof makes it an iconic symbol of the city. There are more than a million tiles covering the roof to give it its white, curved appearance.
→ Learn more on Discover a Land Down Under: Melbourne, Adelaide & Sydney. (Program #22091MGC)
AFRICA
AUSTRALIA
AGE ADVENTUROUSLY DAY
A CELEBRATION 50 YEARS IN THE MAKING
On June 8, 1975, Road Scholar (then Elderhostel) launched its very first program — an experiment in combining travel, education and community for older adults. Fifty years later, we’re still going strong, still learning without limits and still chasing what’s next.
In 2025, we marked that anniversary by launching something brand new: Age Adventurously Day — an annual celebration of curiosity, bold beginnings and the joy of growing older.
What Does it Mean to “Age Adventurously”?
That’s the best part — the adventure is whatever you want it to be. For some, it’s hiking the Appalachian Trail or getting a long-lost pilot’s license back in action. For others, it’s traveling solo for the first time, adopting a pet or finally joining that community choir. Adventure can be as big as flying across the world or as small as saying “yes” to karaoke.
We asked our Road Scholar community to share how they celebrated the inaugural Age Adventurously Day — and their answers reminded us that the spirit of adventure has no expiration date.
“On June 8, I will be in Iceland on my second Road Scholar program. I am
thrilled to have found an organization that embraces adventure and learning at any age!” —Patricia A.
“I’m trying 70 new things before my 70th birthday — I’ve already flown a plane, stomped grapes, tried a flotation tank, and I want to skydive for the finale.” —Anna A.
“We’ll be celebrating 60 years of marriage. Try and top that adventure!” —Karen H.
From quiet moments of courage to wish-list milestones, Age Adventurously Day is about celebrating every version of adventure. And while June 8 marks the anniversary of our first program, it’s also a chance for everyone — from our longtime participants to firsttime friends — to see aging not as a limitation, but as life’s greatest adventure. Here’s to making every year, and every age, the best adventure yet.
Adventure can be as big as flying across the world — or as small as saying yes to karaoke.
New, Free Lectures for Our Road Scholar Community
We think of our Road Scholars more as friends and family than as customers. Beyond the satisfaction of helping them experience educational travel, we’re sincerely interested in how they enjoyed our programs, what was special for them, whether they made new friends, what they learned and how they grew.
As friends and family, we also care about their overall wellbeing and their ability to lead fulfilling lives as they age. We’ve been responsive to those concerns as we’ve developed and expanded our educational travel programs over the years, in a variety of ways. For example, recognizing that many people experience physical limitations as they grow older, we’ve developed programs with varying activity levels and varying paces, and we do our best to communicate that clearly.
We’ve also stayed attuned to the changing family dynamics common among our participants. Some have lost a partner or have a partner who is no longer able to travel, and so we welcome solo travelers in all our programs — in fact, we have programs exclusively for solos. Many of our participants are lucky enough to have become grandparents, eager to have meaningful experiences with their grandkids, and Road Scholar has long offered programs for them to take together.
We know that some of our participants themselves are no longer able to travel comfortably but still crave learning experiences. We’ve responded to that with a popular and fast-growing series of online lectures and multi-day online programs. So, in these and other ways, we’ve been responding through our programming to the life changes our participants are experiencing.
That led us to think, “What more can we do?” and that’s how the idea for our new Age Well series was born. We’re blessed with this very large but cohesive community, and we know the kinds of issues they deal with, so maybe, we thought, we could offer help and support beyond the confines of educational travel programming.
The Age Well series was conceived as a set of free lectures ranging broadly across the spectrum of concerns for older adults and their families. Physical and mental health, finances, family dynamics, living arrangements, engagement with neighbors and community — those are some of the areas where we saw
the opportunity to bring information and positive energy to the members of our community. Some of those members are already contending with these issues, others see them on the horizon, and family members of succeeding generations want to provide help and support — all those people were in mind as we developed the program. The lectures are live, but those who register can watch them anytime in the ensuing two weeks, to allow for some scheduling flexibility.
As we’ve rolled out the initial presentations in the Age Well series, it’s been gratifying to see just how much interest there is in them. Thousands of people sit in on each of the lectures, presented by highly respected subject-matter experts. We’ve had talks on relocating in retirement as well as outfitting a current home to better age in place. We’ve looked at how technology is
changing the landscape in terms of services and support for older people, how movement and healthy curiosity can promote fitness, how generations of families should strive to adapt to changing relationships and needs — and we’re just getting started. There’s tremendous enthusiasm both inside Road Scholar and among our greater community for Age Well.
Age Well lectures are a service to our community — a gift, if you will, to celebrate the bonds we share.
These lectures are free, and we’ve been asked why. Simply put, we don’t view this as a product line, or part of our core business in any way. Age Well lectures are a service to our community — a gift, if you will, to celebrate the bonds we share. If everything we did was solely transactional and “strictly business,” we couldn’t really say we were building community relationships in any meaningful way, but that’s exactly what we want to do, and Age Well is an important milestone in that
effort. “Free of charge and full of heart” is how one member of our leadership team phrased it.
That said, we are not a for-profit organization, and it does cost money to arrange speakers, develop programs and administer them. And that’s where another beautiful part of our relationship with our community comes into play. We have a generous and growing number of donors who believe passionately in Road Scholar’s mission and lend their financial support. It is through that support that we are able to provide Age Well programming. We support the community and the community supports us, and that kind of virtuous circle is a very powerful thing.
All of us hope we can thrive as we age, and all of us wish the same for our friends and family: We do what we can to help. For Road Scholar, that means using the support of our benefactors to do good, and we hope the Age Well series accomplishes that.
Join us for a free Age Well lecture at roadscholar.org/agewell
ROAD SCHOLAR
ALUMNI ARE Taking Shape in the U.S.!
Have you ever wished you could meet other Road Scholars in your area? With Road Scholar’s new Alumni Clubs, you may be able to make a new friend very soon!
Led by Road Scholar Ambassadors — volunteers who spread the word about Road Scholar’s learning adventures — the Alumni Clubs offer an opportunity to meet and socialize with other Road Scholars who love to discuss their past and future travels.
Road Scholar Ambassador Lynn Loud leads the Boise, Idaho Alumni Club. “We’re still in our infancy, but it’s been a great experience,” she says. “Road Scholars know how to have fun!”
The group has met at their local library to swap travel stories and share photos and even took a field trip to the Idaho Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial to learn more about this important landmark. Other outings have included a potluck
picnic in a downtown park and a visit to local food trucks.
“I think this is very important about the Alumni Clubs,” says Lynn. “I talk with my relatives and friends about my trips and tell them all the details, and eventually they have ‘heard enough.’ But Road Scholar Alumni are always excited to hear more. It is so much fun to talk to like-minded people — I’m not boring anybody.”
To date, Alumni Clubs have been established in Boise, Seattle, Minneapolis and Ohio — and more are on the way. If you are interested in joining a club, reach out to us at ambassadorprogram@roadscholar.org. Anyone who has joined us for a least one learning adventure is welcome!
Join Our Ambassador Team!
Our volunteer Ambassador Team is the heart of our grassroots effort to share the joys of lifelong learning and travel with as many people as we can. If you love Road Scholar learning adventures and have a knack for public speaking or social media, consider joining our team!
Learn more about becoming a Road Scholar Ambassador at roadscholar.org/ ambassadors
Celebrate Road Scholar’s 50th Anniversary!
From t-shirts to reusable water bottles, we have an array of items commemorating our golden anniversary in our online store. Celebrate Road Scholar’s anniversary by using code RS50 to save 50% on all 50th anniversary merchandise!
→ Visit the Road Scholar store here!
A New Way to Capture the Journey
We know your Road Scholar adventures are filled with unforgettable moments—breathtaking views, inspiring experiences and new friends. In 2026, we’ll introduce an exciting new way to share those memories and stay connected with your fellow participants. Stay tuned … the next chapter of your Road Scholar community experience is just around the corner!
Learning Without Limits
The Future of Road Scholar
As Road Scholar celebrates its 50th anniversary, program visionaries Maeve Hartney and Meghan Flynn share their vision for the future: more sustainable programs, more personalization and more opportunities for lifelong learners to connect with the world — and each other.
The Journey Ahead
For more than 50 years, Road Scholar has been redefining what it means to learn and travel with purpose. As we look to the decades ahead, one thing is certain — evolution is in our DNA, and we’ll keep finding new ways to connect people, places and ideas.
When Road Scholar turned 50 this year, Maeve Hartney, Chief Programs
Our Adventures Afloat programs are like tapas — a taste that leaves you eager to come back for more.
—
CHIEF PROGRAMS OFFICER, MAEVE HARTNEY
The Galápagos: Natural and Cultural History, Program #6043MGC
Officer, found herself reflecting on the question: What do we want to be when we grow up?
“This is the mature organization that we’re heading into,” she says. “Since we turned 50, I keep thinking about that. What do we want to be in this next phase of our lives as Road Scholar?”
The answer is both ambitious and
deeply rooted in the values that have guided Road Scholar since the beginning — curiosity, connection and a commitment to lifelong learning. As Associate Vice President of Program Management and Strategy Meghan Flynn notes, the next half century will also be about refinement. “The next 50 years will be about how we can do what we already do well — but even better.” →
Continued from page 47
A Future Built on Sustainability
At Road Scholar, sustainability is a guiding principle. That means everything from nurturing thoughtful partnerships with locally owned businesses to making sure our programs reflect and celebrate the cultural heritage of every community we touch. “We work to be more intentional about the communities and environments we touch,” Meghan emphasizes. “Who we choose to work with really matters. Are they locally owned?
Do our field trips celebrate cultural heritage? Participants might not always notice the behind-thescenes choices, but they’ll see our
What does it mean to do group travel in a more personal way? That’s the question we’re excited to keep answering.
— MEGHAN FLYNN
effort to reduce waste and honor the places we visit.”
That sustainability lens also shapes how Road Scholar designs programs. Our “Winter In” series, for example, encourages participants to explore destinations in the off-season. Fewer crowds, open conversations with locals,
easier access to cultural sites — and an important step in reducing overtourism. “You may not get the summer weather,” Maeve says, “but you have the chance to see and do things at a pace that’s more authentic and more meaningful.”
Personalization in Educational Travel
One of Road Scholar’s greatest strengths has always been offering a diversity of programs. But in the next 50 years, personalization will matter more than ever. “People want things tailored to their interests,” Meghan explains. “And our diverse program portfolio is already set up so well for that. Participants can decide how they want to learn.”
That might mean a week-long immersion in a single subject, an independent-style program with time for exploration or an Afloat program that offers a sample of communities and cultures along the way. Learning is the throughline — but the format flexes to meet the participant. “Our participants may be interested in the same content,” Maeve says, “but, depending on age and background, how they learn the content and experience that content is going to be different.”
Technology is part of that evolution too. Maeve envisions a future where pre-program resources go beyond a reading list. Podcasts, blogs, curated documentaries and even updates from Group Leaders in the field could help participants connect more deeply with a destination before they arrive. “Small things like streamlining the website or updating resources can make a big difference in the participant experience,” she says.
Bridging Generations
For decades, Road Scholar has been the go-to for Baby Boomers seeking meaningful travel. Now, Generation X is beginning to arrive at the doorstep of retirement, and with them comes a new set of expectations.
“Many in that generation have already traveled extensively,” explains Maeve. “So, their interest may lie more in a deep, sustained connection with a destination.”
Meghan agrees, noting that while Boomers valued comfort and safety, Gen Xers will be equally motivated by ease and efficiency. “In most Gen X households, it’s two people working,” Maeve adds. “The idea of being able to take off without having to plan every detail is a huge benefit. For Boomers, group travel largely meant safety. For Gen X, it’s relief.”
Road Scholar’s challenge — and opportunity — is to honor both generations while building a bridge between them. That means not reinventing our mission but evolving how we communicate it. “It’s not that we have to change our content drastically,” Maeve explains.
Beyond the Wish List
Road Scholar will always offer journeys to the world’s most beloved destinations. But the future also lies in the hidden gems — the places where our expertise in education and cultural connection adds extraordinary value. “You’ll see our program portfolio grow with an eye toward those lesserknown places,” Meghan says. “That’s where we can really shine.”
We no longer tend to collect ‘things’ as much as we collect memories and experiences.
— MAEVE HARTNEY
Even in well-traveled regions, we’re adjusting our approach. Instead of three stops in a week, it might be two with extra days in each — a subtle shift that allows for more authentic engagement. And for Adventures Afloat, Maeve offers a delicious metaphor: “It’s like tapas. You get a taste of each place, an appetizer. Then you pick which ones you want to come back to for the main course.”
Looking Ahead
The past 50 years have been a story of growth and reinvention for Road Scholar. And the next 50 will be, too. From sustainability to personalized learning and generational inclusivity, the future is one of opportunity.
Or as Maeve puts it: “I’d like to think, in 50 years, we'll still be thought leaders in the industry, adapting and evolving to ensure we’re always meeting the needs of lifelong learners. That’s the future I see.” ■
Winter in Greece: The Magical Island of Crete, Program #22935MGC
Oaxaca & Puebla: A Modern Look Into an Ancient Land, Program #23949MGC
NO PASSPORT REQUIRED!
Road Scholar’s Adventures Online Brings the World Right Into Your Home!
Since our founding in 1975, Road Scholar has been dedicated to making learning and adventure accessible to millions of adults.
Adventures Online was our way to meet our mission of lifelong learning for older adults who are more comfortable being at home.
These multi-day, online programs are an important way to bring educational adventures to older adults who are more comfortable learning from home, like those who are caregiving, recovering from surgery, or with limited mobility.
Apply for an Adventures Online Scholarship!
In celebration of Road Scholar’s 50th anniversary year, we are awarding 50 Adventures Online scholarships before December 31, 2025. If you or someone you know would like to learn from home but have limited means, apply today at roadscholar.org/ AOLscholarship
JOIN US ONLINE!
Discover why everyone’s buzzing about this new way to learn with one of these popular Adventures Online programs!
Adventures Online: The Art & History of Paris (Program #24171MGC)
Explore the City of Light from the comfort of home. We’ll explore museums and landmarks during this five-day program.
Adventures Online: The Best of Normandy From Giverny to D-Day (Program #24182MGC)
Immerse yourself in the history of WWII while experiencing the beauty of Normandy on this four-day learning adventure.
Adventures Online: A Look at WWII in London & Normandy (Program #24305MGC)
Live from London and Paris, historians will delve into the events prior to the Battle of Normandy.
A Helping Hand
Explore Road Scholar’s Financial Assistance
At Road Scholar, we share your passion for lifelong learning!
Thanks to our generous donors, we offer assistance to adults who demonstrate a financial need and are eager to participate in an enriching adventure. We invite you to explore the types of aid we offer beyond our Adventures Online scholarships. You might discover eligibility for yourself or a friend!
→ CAREGIVER GRANTS
We truly care about you!
Road Scholar’s Caregiver Grants offer financial support to those amazing individuals who dedicate themselves to the well-being of others. If you’re a primary unpaid caregiver with financial need, you may qualify for this remarkable opportunity. These journeys provide caregivers with respite and a chance to connect with others.
“I can’t thank you enough for the wonderful gift of a Caregiver Grant for The Magic of Watercolor & Meditation for Relaxation & Joy. The level of respite this program provided me was over-the-top!”
—PAT G., CLASS OF 2025, MISSOURI
→ PROFESSIONAL EDUCATOR’S ASSISTANCE AND RECOGNITION (PEAR) SCHOLARSHIP
Road Scholar celebrates the vital role of education. We proudly offer special scholarships to honor both active and retired educators for their incredible dedication. We’re excited to provide financial assistance to applicants facing financial barriers so they can attend one of our programs.
“I never thought I would be honored in this way. Road Scholar made this the best learning experience ever!
The anticipation of the Virginia, Mother of Presidents: Seven Historic Sites program gave me something to look forward to.”
—SUSAN S., CLASS OF 2024, ILLINOIS
→ SCHOLARSHIPS
Through the support of our donors, Road Scholar awards financial aid to ensure that lifelong learners without the financial means can participate in one of our enriching adventures. Individuals may apply for a scholarship to a program in the United States or Canada.
“The scholarship from Road Scholar made it possible for me to take my first solo trip as a widow,” says Colleen. In Rich’s honor, she enrolled in Hiking the Grand Canyon: Adventures On and Below the South Rim.
—COLLEEN G, CLASS OF 2023, NEW JERSEY
Learn how you can support this initiative, or apply for a scholarship, at roadscholar.org/about/financial-assistance
50 YEARS in 50 WORDS
Our community on social media knows that it’s the place to be (when you’re not enjoying a Road Scholar adventure, that is). To celebrate our 50th anniversary, we asked our Facebook friends to send us a 50-word story about a lesson they learned, a friendship they made or an unforgettable exploit. Here’s our favorite!
My favorite memory with Road Scholar is when I reached my goal of visiting all seven continents when I arrived in Antarctica! The highlight of my adventure was when I did the polar plunge while my fellow Road Scholar travelers cheered me on!
—KATE B., REDLANDS, CALIF., CLASS OF ‘22
A week of amazing hikes at Arches and Canyonlands and musical performances including bluegrass and Latin jazz. After boating down the Colorado, we enter a natural red rock grotto where a grand piano sits on the sand! The barefoot ensemble begins playing Brandenburg Concerto #3. Unexpectedly, we cry with joy.
—KERRY B.
I took my grandson to Cambodia and Vietnam in 2016. We went to Angkor Wat for sunrise, then rode bicycles to Bayon Temple. We were on a main road with cars, trucks, ox carts and all sorts of vehicles. When the road narrowed at a bridge, I looked up and saw an elephant in front of me! I’ll never forget it.
—MARILYN J.
A moment of wonder, a moment of magic! I had longed to see the Aurora Borealis. I realized that a sighting was not guaranteed, but for two nights we stayed in rural Iceland, away from city lights. To my delight the Aurora appeared, swirling and dancing across the dark sky.
—SANDY L.
I thought my favorite memory was the quetzal I saw on my first Road Scholar trip. Turns out my favorite memory is seeing the amazing women that became friends on our second trip and the friendship that blossomed.
—MAREENA S.
Let’s Be Social!
Our Facebook groups and social media channels are perfect for sharing your love of lifelong learning and adventure with fellow explorers. Snap this QR Code to learn more!
Did you know we have different Facebook groups to fit your interests? Check these out and join a community or two! Find Us On Facebook:
Women of Road Scholar facebook.com/groups/rswomen
Retired Teachers Travel Club facebook.com/groups/ retiredteacherstravelclub
Family Caregivers Discussion Group facebook.com/groups/ familycaregivers Follow Us On Instagram: instagram.com/roadscholar We also had a few others
Outdoors Club facebook.com/groups/rsoutdoor
Social Justice Discussion Group facebook.com/groups/ RSsocialjustice
Age Adventurously facebook.com/groups/ ageadventurously
Road Scholar Page facebook.com/rsadventures
Age Well facebook.com/groups/agewell
50 Books from the Past 50 Years
In honor of our 50th anniversary, we surveyed Road Scholars and asked for their opinions on the best books published in the past 50 years. And they delivered — here are some of their most popular suggestions!
Where the Crawdads Sing
Delia Owens
From its vivid depictions of the marshes and coastlines of North Carolina to a fascinating murder investigation, Owens takes the reader on a complex journey through coming of age and the depths of nature in this novel popular with Road Scholars.
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks
Rebecca
Skloot
Henrietta Lacks’ cells, or “HeLa” cells, have played a role in developing the polio vaccine and leading to in vitro fertilization. But who was Henrietta, and why did she never know about this research? Delve into her story and discover questions behind bioethics in this fascinating read.
Into Thin Air
Jon Krakauer
The Kite Runner
Khaled
Hosseini
A powerful story of friendship and history, it’s no wonder that Khaled Hosseini’s debut novel is widely acclaimed. Set in Afghanistan and woven with themes of change and betrayal, this book topped many Road Scholars’ lists.
Krakauer’s literary depiction of the 1996 tragedy on Everest is widely known, not just for its description of the deadly event, but also for the writer’s prowess with a pen. For a gripping account of mountaineering on the world’s tallest mountain, grab this book.
A Walk in the Woods
Bill Bryson
Whether or not you’re a fan of hiking, if you love to laugh, Bill Bryson’s popular memoir is for you! From the history and ecology of the Appalachian Trail to misadventures along Bryson’s journey, this book will have you both learning and laughing a lot.
Find us at Bookshop.org
You can find all these books and more online at bookshop.org/shop/roadscholar
(P.S. Did you know that your Bookshop.org purchase can benefit Road Scholar’s efforts to support lifelong learning? Explore our variety of booklists to find even more reading recommendations and continue to learn while supporting Road Scholar!)
Can you spot our favorite spots?
Many of our favorite destinations for learning adventures are hidden here.
