While museums are wonderful here and there, they are far from the only activities available to older audiences. Many mature travelers still want to explore new places and novel experiences, but prefer to do so without the hustle and bustle of large crowds. Fortunately, plenty of small-group tours can be found throughout the United States, offering exceptional excursions for those looking for a more intimate experience.
Ghost Tours by US Ghost Adventures
A ghost tour for the whole family – Copyright US Ghost Adventures
Before you decide a ghost tour isn’t your cup of tea, you should look into the tour offerings presented by this national company. US Ghost Adventures isn’t your over-the-top type of ghost tour filled with cheap scares. All of its spooky-centric tours are rooted in history, rich with the tumultuous events that have shaped the surrounding city and local lore built up over centuries.
A ghost tour by US Ghost Adventures is a spectacular activity for grandparents and grandchildren to enjoy together. Along these spine-tingling excursions, you’ll leisurely stroll through your city of choice as you’re transported to the days of yesteryear in all their spooky glory. Listen to tales tailored to your destination as your tour guide blends history and hauntings, entertaining you and your modestly-sized group with ghost stories and other chilling tales.
With ghost tours in more than 200 cities across the United States, there’s likely a ghost tour available nearby or in one of your future getaways. Whether you’re headed to Gettysburg to plunge into Civil War history or Orlando to catch some sun, there’s a ghost tour (and a haunted history) right around the corner just waiting to be discovered.
Experiential and Niche Tours
Taking your golden years to explore new interests is a sensational way to keep active, but these newfound hobbies don’t have to be solo activities. Along an experience-focused tour, you’ll immerse yourself in your specific activity or topic, learning about the traditions, process, and history.
On a tour such as the Ultimate Seattle Coffee Tour, you can explore the artistry behind the rich tradition of coffee brewing in the Emerald City. Tours like these immerse you in the practice, allowing you to sample various styles so you can discern the difference between a cappuccino and a cold brew.
Delight your senses along with your mind by delving into a new subject, learning just as much about culture as you do about the art behind the craft. And coffee isn’t the only subject out there. There are plenty of rich experience-based tours for mature travelers, from wine tours and brewery tours to whale and bird-watching.
Foodie-Focused Adventures
Along a food tour, you can expand your mind as well as your stomach. Many large towns offer food-based experiences that are perfect for older crowds. Take the Southern Charm Foods of Charleston Tour, for example. This adults-only tour offers a relaxing yet enriching adventure through Charleston’s delectable culinary scene.
You’ll learn the stories behind some of the city’s most iconic eats, exploring the tales behind these legendary dishes and the eateries that serve them. Your tour price includes drinks, perfectly-sized portions for sampling, and plenty of fascinating details about the culture behind the cuisine. Best of all, you’ll end the excursion with a satisfied stomach and a wealth of culinary knowledge.
Relaxing Riverboat Tours
Perhaps you’d prefer an excursion with a little less walking. In that case, why not try a riverboat tour on an old-fashioned paddle wheeler? New Orleans offers one such experience on the Steamboat Natchez, which sets off daily from the waters of the French Quarter.
Along this water-based excursion, guests can drink in the city’s vibrant atmosphere amongst the backdrop of live jazz music. Food is also provided on this two-hour tour, along with opportunities for a visit to the historic steam engine room.
Yet this is not the Crescent City’s only boat to boast. The Creole Queen offers dinner and dancing in the form of a delicious Creole spread and a delightful dance floor for swaying the night away. It’s perfect for a romantic evening for two. Meanwhile, their historical riverboat tour, filled with vessel facts and local landmarks, is enjoyable for the whole family.
Fall Foliage Train Tours
Everyone loves watching the autumn leaves transition to breathtaking shades of orange, yellow, and red. Why not appreciate their majestic beauty along one of this country’s many train lines? Traveling by train offers a more relaxed experience, which is often less crowded and hectic than air travel.
Fall foliage tours tend to last a few hours, providing you with a peaceful experience that doesn’t overwhelm. Tours by train can be found throughout the U.S., from New England all the way to the Pacific Northwest.
Consider taking a tour on the Georgetown Loop Railroad to see Colorado’s aspens shifting shades. Or try the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway in Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania, to gaze upon the natural wildlife of the Poconos. Train tours offer a stunning experience for people of all ages, taking you to sights you may never have seen on your own feet.
Senior Cycling Trips
Just because you’re enjoying your golden years doesn’t mean you have to stay still. Active travelers will be intrigued to learn about Senior Cycling, which focuses solely on bicycle tours for those aged 50 and older.
Groups are limited to 13 riders and are always accompanied by a wagon if someone needs a rest from riding. Both intermediate and advanced trips are available, with itineraries throughout the United States and Canada. Cycle the Erie Canalway Trail as you stop by Niagara Falls or experience the Florida Keys from Key Largo to Key West.
Lodgings and meals are provided on these multi-day journeys, leaving you to enjoy the ride instead of planning out your trip. You’ll explore new cities, meet new people, and travel to multiple destinations with a like-minded crowd, leaving you with a one-of-a-kind experience to remember for decades to come.
