Affordable Vacations for Retirees

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS

Exploritas, a unique program run by the nonprofit organization Elder Hostel, specializes in setting up educational trips for those interested in life-long learning. Clearly geared toward seniors, Exploritas programs are great for solo travelers looking to get together with people of similar interests or grandparents who want to take an educational trip with their grandchildren.

Among its more affordable trips is a cruise along Maine’s northern coastline. The trip runs for six days and seven nights and costs just less than $800 a person. Participants sleep on the Ketch Angelique windjammer; meals are provided. During the trip, travelers will learn how to sail the windjammer, fish in the coastal seas and visit historic attractions in local neighborhoods.

Exploritas runs some more expensive trips internationally, which include a tour of Rome, a trip to Nepal and journey to Egypt, Jordan and Israel, but it also offers programs for less than $600. You can explore Minnesota with your grandkids, attend Mozart and Verdi operas in Maryland, study French Impressionism in Northern California or go whitewater rafting in Idaho. Most of these excursions last six days and five nights; meals and lodging are included.

ALL-INCLUSIVE RESORTS

If you’re more of a land-lover, all-inclusive resorts offer the same benefits as cruise ships. Food, drink and entertainment are provided, conveniently, by the hotel and you can select a resort that caters specifically to your interests. Seniors can opt for adult-only resorts, which guarantee a certain level of privacy, or luxury resorts that don’t attract many families, teenagers and over-stimulated college students.