Seniors wishing to go on educative travel vacations have a wide variety of options. They may travel within the country or they may opt to travel to top destinations in Europe, Asia or Latin America. Typical programs involve exploring the cities or archeological sites, eco-tourist sites and attending interactive classes facilitated by experienced instructors. Lively discussions are held at the end of the trip, for participants to gain better understanding of issues and topics.
Educational travel for seniors is mostly conducted in groups. This is to enhance interaction among elders from different regions and also to lower the costs of travel, learning and accommodation. Traveling in a group is also more fun. However, seniors hoping to travel as a couple may also do so, though the costs of travel may be higher, especially if the couple is traveling abroad.
Seniors usually have travel and medical insurance in place already. Those who do not have these arrangements are always advised to make them. Organizations that arrange for senior travels do not have the responsibility to insure the travelers. Sufficient funds are also required during the travel to cater to extra activities such as purchase of souvenirs and visiting certain sites. Travel reservations are also an important aspect of the trip, as some organizations will take care of this and others will not.
Traveling for educational purposes has been made possible not just by private organizations but also through major government-funded universities. These universities offer subsidized seniors' learning programs that may cover some travel cost. Mostly, the travel should be associated to a university program that an elder is undertaking. There are numerous private, for-profit and not-for-profit organizations that organize educational vacations for seniors. The most prominent ones include Elderhostel's education programs, which offer opportunities for the elderly travel person who is passionate about lifelong learning; and TraveLearn, whose programs deliver in-depth learning at a pace that allows for time to absorb surroundings and experiences.