Explore the World Through Education: Road Scholar Unveils the Top Trending Destinations for Lifelong Learners in 2025.

November 25th, 2024

Road Scholar, the not-for-profit world leader in educational travel for older adults, today released the top trending destinations for educational travel in 2025, ahead of its 50th anniversary next year. Based on year-over-year program enrollment increases, Road Scholar identified the top 10 trending destinations — five domestic and five international — that are capturing the attention of lifelong learners as they head into the new year. These destinations reflect the highest increase in demand from 2024 to 2025, highlighting a growing enthusiasm for experiential learning through travel as more older adults seek opportunities to expand their knowledge and explore the world. 

“As we celebrate our 50th anniversary in 2025, the interest in our new and ongoing programs is a testament to Road Scholar’s exceptional experiences offered across the world and the growing demand for educational travel,” said Maeve Hartney, chief program officer at Road Scholar. “Across the U.S., Road Scholar participants are embracing the post-pandemic trend of discovering enriching, educational experiences closer to home. For international programs, we’re seeing a growing enthusiasm for deepening knowledge through once-in-a-lifetime learning adventures, exploring hidden gems off the beaten path, and immersing in the culture of more remote, lesser-traveled destinations.”

Based on the largest year-over-year increases of confirmed enrollments in Road Scholar’s programs, here’s a look at the top trending domestic and international destinations:

 Top Trending Domestic Destinations

Destination & Year-Over-Year Enrollment Increase

Lincoln, New Hampshire: 550%

San Francisco, California: 257%

Norfolk, Virginia: 207%

Santa Rosa, California: 150%

Stowe, Vermont: 140%

 

Top Trending International Destinations

Destination & Year-Over-Year Enrollment Increase

Namibia, Africa: 155%

Tanzania, Africa: 153%

Peru, South America: 144%

Greenland, Europe: 133%

Mongolia, Asia: 129%

The Top 3 Trending Domestic Destinations for Educational Travel

1. Lincoln, N.H. – As a leader in the skip-gen travel movement, Road Scholar’s Nature of New Hampshire program provides a unique opportunity for grandparents to travel and learn alongside their grandkids in Lincoln. On this six-day, sea-to-sky adventure, participants ride along the Cog and Lake Winnipesaukee Railroads, sail on Squam Lake and Lake Winnipesaukee, discover regional wildlife, taste maple syrup delicacies and more.

      2. San Francisco, Calif. – To experience the best of the “City of the Bay,” Road Scholar’s six-day Signature City San Francisco program invites travelers to immerse themselves in the captivating story of San Francisco with the guidance of experts. Participants explore Alcatraz Island, learn about the fire of 1906, wander the markets of Chinatown and see iconic landmarks.

3. Norfolk, Va. – Perfect for music enthusiasts, Road Scholar’s five-day The Best of Norfolk & the Virginia International Tattoo program takes travelers back to the 17th century to discover the city’s military and art culture. Participants experience the nation’s largest military musical celebration at the Virginia International Tattoo, stroll through the Botanical Garden, attend an exclusive private musical performance and take a narrated Norfolk Naval Base cruise.

1. Namibia, Africa – Home to the world’s oldest desert and timeless cultures, Namibia offers travelers the chance to meet native communities and learn about wildlife conservation initiatives. Over a 16-day journey, Road Scholar’s Namibia’s Splendor: Desert, Culture and Magnificent Wildlife program, brings participants to the AfriCat Foundation for up-close experiences with Africa’s big cats, exciting safaris and a visit to a Himba settlement.

2. Tanzania, Africa – Road Scholar’s 13-day Tanzania and the Great East African Migration program invites travelers to follow the largest movement of wildlife on Earth, from the Serengeti to Maasai Mara Reserve. Participants stay in tents along the migration path, visit the Ngorongoro Crater and Olduvai Gorge and learn how the migration impacts the lives of Indigenous people.

3. Peru, South America – Road Scholar’s most popular program in Peru, A Taste of Peru: Discover Lima, Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, gives travelers a unique perspective on the country during a nine-day journey from Lima to Cusco. In 2025, a new solo-only date will be offered. Participants explore mountain villages, experience a traditional Pachamama ceremony, visit Machu Picchu and learn about ancient weaving traditions and music.

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Maeve Hartney has served as the Chief Program Officer at Road Scholar since 2021. In this role she is responsible for the development and operation of all Road Scholar Programs offered worldwide and virtually. She leads multiple teams of program staff around the world to ensure Road Scholar adventures meet the highest travel industry standards for operational efficiency and practicality, while providing excellent educational content; diverse cultural integrity; and meaningful, transformational experiences for Road Scholar participants. Hartney joined Road Scholar in 1998 as Manager of Program Assessment and Evaluation, quickly rising to Senior Manager and then Director of Program Services. In 2006, Hartney was promoted to associate Vice President of Special Programs. She also serves on the Board at the Huntington Theatre Company, Friends of Abbot Public Library and is on the Advisory Board of Atout France.

Not-for-profit Road Scholar is the world leader in educational travel for older adults, serving 90,000 lifelong learners annually. Founded as “Elderhostel” in 1975, Road Scholar will be celebrating their 50th anniversary in 2025 with a Great Global Giveaway, among other special projects. Road Scholar programs combine travel and education to provide experiential learning opportunities featuring an extraordinary range of topics, formats, activity levels, and locations—on all seven continents and throughout the United States. Alongside renowned experts, participants experience in-depth and behind-the-scenes learning opportunities by land and by sea on educational travel adventures designed for curious adventurers over 50.