What Makes Exploritas the World's Best Not-For-Profit
Educational Travel Organization?
The People
Lifelong Learning And Lifelong Friends
Exploritas participants are curious, adventuresome and open to experiencing the world through learning and travel. When you participate in an Exploritas program, not only will you expand your mind, but you will be in the company of other people who believe that learning is one of the best parts of life.
Instructors Who Inspire
Exploritas instructors are both authorities on your topic or destination and lifelong learners
themselves who are excited to answer your questions, hear your opinions and share in your experience. Even more, the learning that takes place is not imparted solely by lecturers and experts, but is a shared experience augmented to a major degree by our participants themselves.
"Shirley led us through Yosemite, radiating information and stories like a Fourth of July sparkler!"
- Dick S., Kirkwood, Ill.
Single Participants Love Our Programs
Exploritas programs are renowned for being inclusive, warm and welcoming for single participants. With Exploritas, traveling as a single doesn’t mean traveling alone. We can either match you with a roommate or, on most programs, you can choose to room on your own.
“There’s something special about the Exploritas spirit that makes it easy for a single person like me to feel safe and welcomed so warmly into the group.”
- Elsie M., Boston, MA
The Learning Experiences
Think Outside the Tour
The educational focus and content of Exploritas programs is what differentiates us from commercial travel tours. First and foremost, Exploritas programs offer educational experiences
in all their infinite varieties, answering the what's, the why's and the how-to's.
You Go Where Others Can’t
We’ve been offering educational experiences since 1975 and we’ve made connections with educators and other local “insiders” all around the world. Exploritas has a special knack for showing you the world’s landmarks, natural wonders and myriad cultures in a way that just can’t be done on your own and in a much deeper experience than a commercial
tour.
“When someone asks me the greatest travel experience of my life, I don’t hesitate for a moment before answering: a private viewing of the Sistine Chapel. Exploritas made us feel truly privileged.”
- Diane H., Chico, Calif
The Leader In Lifelong Learning
Research Grants and Initiatives
As a not-for-profit educational organization, it is our mission
to be at the forefront of the lifelong-learning movement.
Through research grants, outreach initiatives and teacher awards, we work to promote lifelong learning and healthy aging in our society.
Scholarships for Those in Financial Need
Each year, Elderhostel awards $300,000 in scholarships towards programs in North America for those who do not have the financial means to participate.
“Scholarships aren’t just good for the recipients; they’re good for all participants because they increase the social and economic diversity of the program experience.”
- James Moses, Elderhostel President
Thank You to Our Donors
As a not-for-profit organization, each year, on average, more than 50,000 donors contribute
a total of $3 million to our Annual Fund. These donations help cover the gap between the tuition we charge and the actual cost of our programs. Click here to donate or call (877) 426-8056.
“I support Elderhostel because I believe in the mission. After all, is there anything more important in life than learning?”
- Dave H., Manchester, MA
The Remarkable Value
You Can Leave Your Wallet At Home
"When I compare what I get for my money, it’s no contest!"
- Nancy W., Santa Barbara, Calif.
Except for the occasional meal on some programs, Exploritas programs are all-inclusive. That means there are no extra "options," no passing the hat around for tips and no surprises. From gratuities to field trips to accommodations - the price you pay up front is the price you pay.
We’ve Covered All The Bases
"All I have to do is show up!"
- Alan S., Freeport, ME
From expert-led lectures and field trips to comfortable accommodations and meals, we handle all the details, including the ones you might not anticipate. We’ve taken the worry out of the planning, so you can focus on your learning experience.