General Travel Information

Vacations further life-long learning

By Ronaye Ryon

Miriam Beard, an American writer and traveller, observed, "...travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living."
Exposing ourselves to a diversity of ideas through travel not only keeps us young at heart, it also helps us adapt to and enjoy an ever-changing world.

Many seniors realize that how old you are has nothing to do with your ability to enjoy the world. In fact, our enjoyment is often deepened and enriched as we continue to learn about and appreciate new ideas, activities, and cultures.

The field of adult education paired with travelling – known as learning vacations, educational adventures, and learning adventures – is booming. Learning vacations grew 13 per cent last year in Canada, twice the rate of worldwide tourism.

Research from the Canadian Tourism Commission, a business-government partnership that promotes Canadian tourism, shows an increased demand for adventure travel, educational travel, and more frequent shorter trips.

High on vacationers' lists are tours stressing culture and heritage plus soft eco-adventures.
Research indicates that tourists attracted to a learning vacation tend to be 45-plus, well-educated, and curious about the world. They are looking for an experience that gives them contact with the locals within an authentic cultural or historic experience.

Motivations for embarking on a learning vacation vary. Some possess an adventurous spirit that is challenged by new ideas and experiences. Others enjoy the socializing and wish to continue a lifelong interest or explore a particular subject.

Interested? Here we profile several companies and institutions that offer learning vacations. No particular experience is necessary – just pack an open mind.