JoAnn’s Quiz: Answer These Questions to Create Your Ideal Learning Adventure
Hi, I’m JoAnn. I’m Road Scholar’s vice president of programs. And I want you to tell me about your ideal educational travel experience.
What sparks your interest? Do you want to learn about iconic American cities?
Do you want the challenge and thrill of learning about exotic cultures, people and places very different from your own? Or is experiencing the art, culture and history of European cities your passion?
Once you’ve determined a direction for your learning adventure, you can consider the details of the experience. Do you like the intimacy of a small group? Or are you someone who loves the excitement that comes with “the more the merrier” perspective on life? Do you want a comprehensively planned learning experience? Or do you prefer a more flexible approach to learning with some meals and time on your own so you can make your own discoveries?
Let’s move on to accommodations. Do you think of your lodgings as just a place to rest your head after a full day? Or do you think where you stay is an important part of your experience, and it’s worth spending a little bit more for that? If you’re traveling solo, do you want a room for yourself? Or do you think being matched with another solo traveler is a great way to make a new friend?
Last question. How active do you want to be? Are you looking for as little walking as possible? Or are you ready to lace up your hiking boats and hit the trails in the Alps?
I could ask you more, but this gives me a great idea of what you’re looking for. And you’ll be pleased to know I’m pretty sure we have something that fits what you’ve described. How could I possibly know that? That’s the beauty of Road Scholar: As a not-for-profit organization, it’s our mission to meet the changing needs of older adults. We are working to provide a wonderful experience for everyone who wants to learn about the world, whether you want a small-group or a large-group experience, accommodations in the center of it all or just outside, or an easy or fast-paced learning adventure.
For example, take one of our most popular destinations — New Orleans. Road Scholar offers about ten learning adventures in the Crescent City. There’s our classic program with lodgings outside the French Quarter, another program with very similar educational experiences, but with lodgings in the heart of it all right on Bourbon Street , and now our newest “FLEX” program that also stays on Bourbon Street but is more active and includes more independent time. We have a program that focuses on Mardi Gras, another on the Jazz Festival and a couple that take you to New Orleans by riverboat on the Mississippi and one on a cruise ship through the Caribbean , ending in New Orleans. The bottom line is you get to learn about New Orleans the way you want.
But most important of all, no matter what your preferences are, there are two constants on every Road Scholar educational adventure: You’re guaranteed to learn a lot and meet great people.
Until the next time!
JoAnn Bell, Vice President, Road Scholar Programs
P.S. Check out my favorite tool on the Road Scholar website, the Advanced Search tool You can select all the criteria you want: place, price, date, activity level, dietary requests and much more. It’s like creating your own custom learning adventure. See for yourself!