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Road Scholar’s Best Learning Adventures

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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.

The Top 3 Trending International Destinations for Educational Travel

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.

Aboard the Desert Express: Namibia’s Deserts, Canyons and Wildlife by Private Train
Sunset safari drive, near Etosha Park, Namibia

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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About Maeve Hartney
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.
About Road Scholar
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.

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R House Wynwood Turns Thanksgiving Into a Month-Long Drag, Dining, and Gratitude Celebration

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Turkey, tequila shots, pumpkin spice everything, and the fiercest queens in Miami take over November


November 7, 2025

Thanksgiving season arrives early at R House Wynwood. All November long, the beloved drag and dine destination is hosting celebrity homecomings, pop culture themed brunches, Broadway inspired weekends, reggaeton celebrations, and special Thanksgiving events. The atmosphere feels warm and upbeat, the food leans to fall flavors with a Miami twist, and each weekend offers something a little different for guests who want food, community, and entertainment all in one place.

A Month of November Performances

R House begins the month with a major homecoming. On November 8, Fantasia Royale Gaga returns to the venue where her career first gained momentum before she took over Las Vegas. She follows her Saturday night appearance with a special headlining performance at drag brunch on November 9. The weekend blends nostalgia with big stage energy and gives longtime fans a chance to see her again up close.

The same Saturday, guests can experience the Keeping Up With the Kardashians Drag Brunch. Athena Dion steps into full Kris Jenner mode. Lana Luxx joins the cast along with T Lo Ivy, Kat Wilderness, Juicy Love Dion, and Dvice Dion. The brunch is playful, colorful, and filled with familiar pop culture references.

On November 15 and 16, R House honors RuPaul’s birthday with a tribute weekend. Saturday’s Dolls After Dark is hosted by T Lo Ivy with performances by Kat Wilderness and Juicy Love Dion. Sunday’s brunch is hosted by Athena Dion with Miami Starr, Serenity Hinez Dupree, Brittish Jay Foxx, and Chachita Rubio. The celebration mixes upbeat music, glamour, and a nod to one of drag’s most influential figures.

The Wicked Release Weekend takes the stage on November 21 and 22. Fans of theatrical performances will enjoy tributes inspired by Elphaba and Glinda. Friday’s Yas Queen show is hosted by Kat Wilderness with Tayanna Love, FKA Twink, and Chachita Rubio. Saturday’s brunch brings together Athena Dion, Kat Wilderness, Tayanna Love, Dvice Dion, and Gadfrie for a bright and lively show.

On November 23, R House hosts the Bad Bunny Brunch. Athena Dion leads the energy with performances from Tayanna Love, Gadfrie, Juicy Love Dion, and Dvice Dion. The afternoon blends reggaeton, Miami style, and a fun tribute to one of Latin music’s biggest stars.

Thanksgiving Drag Brunch Takes Over

Thanksgiving drag brunch arrives on November 22 and 23 and returns on November 29 and 30. Athena Dion hosts all four brunches alongside Gadfrie, Chachita Rubio, Brittish Jay Foxx, T Lo Ivy, and Tayanna Love. The performances are welcoming, high energy, and perfect for guests who want something festive without the formality of a traditional holiday meal.

The seasonal brunch menu includes:

  • Pulled turkey sliders with cranberry BBQ sauce

  • Pumpkin spice French toast

  • Cayenne fried chicken with hot honey drizzle

  • Jalapeño cheddar cornbread with candied bacon jam

  • Pumpkin spice tres leches

Packages begin at sixty dollars for bottomless drinks. The eighty five dollar bottle service package is ideal for groups celebrating together. Groups of four or more receive complimentary front row seating, tequila shots, and entry to win a Clase Azul bottle. Groups of eight or more receive the Piña Loca shareable cocktail.

Chef Rocco’s Take Home Thanksgiving Meal Kits

Chef Rocco Carulli offers a complete Thanksgiving meal for guests who want a holiday feast without cooking at home. The Take Home Thanksgiving Meal Kits are forty dollars per person and are designed to feed individuals, couples, or small groups.

Each meal kit includes:

  • Chimichurri marinated roast turkey

  • Cayenne fried chicken

  • Jalapeño cornbread

  • Fall harvest salad

  • Pumpkin spice tres leches

Orders are due by Tuesday, November 25 at 6 p.m. Pickup takes place on Wednesday, November 26. The dishes are packaged for simple reheating which makes at home hosting easy and enjoyable.

Seasonal Cocktails That Support Easter Seals

From November 22 through November 30, R House serves a trio of holiday cocktails that each donate one dollar to Easter Seals. Guests can choose from:

  • Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini for ten dollars

  • Apple Cider Mule for eight dollars

  • Cranberry Mimosa for seven dollars

These drinks add a light and festive touch to brunch or dinner while supporting a meaningful cause.

Blackout Friday Lights Up November 28

Blackout Friday returns on November 28. Athena Dion hosts the evening with performances by Juicy Love Dion, Kat Wilderness, and Dvice Dion. The event features neon lighting, bold music, and a lively crowd. It offers a fun alternative to traditional Black Friday activities.

Guests can also enjoy special offers during the event:

  • Spend fifty dollars and receive fifty dollars in December gift cards

  • Purchase one hundred dollar gift cards for fifty dollars with December reservations

  • Enter to win a brunch table for four

The combination of live performance and special promotions creates a relaxed but high energy way to close out Thanksgiving week.

A Holiday Month Built Around Food and Community

R House has built a reputation for blending creative cooking with a welcoming performance environment. The November lineup reflects the venue’s commitment to celebrating people, flavor, and togetherness. Whether guests join for a themed brunch, try the new seasonal dishes, take home a holiday meal, or attend Blackout Friday, the month offers plenty of ways to enjoy the season with the people they love.

R House Wynwood

2727 NW 2nd Avenue
Miami, Florida

Reservations, event information, and holiday preorder details: rhousewynwood.com
Instagram: @rhousewynwood

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