Have an idea for a new Road Scholar program?

In reply to cneum19579011753:

Get a cross body purse. I just started using one and both hands are free. I have been known to set my purse down and forget it, lol. Problem solved. you can get just about any size you need. I hope that helps.

I have two ideas for new Road Scholar programs:

1. Winter in Gran Canaria (Spain)

2. A program that focuses on the beautiful Baroque towns of Noto, Ragusa, Modica, and Scicli in southeastern Sicily, with Siracusa thrown in for good measure (not necessarily as a "Winter in Italy" program).

I would love to visit the Iles de la Madeleine (Magdalen Islands) in the Gulf of the St. Lawrence. As I almost always travel solo and this is a bit "off the beaten track", I was thinking that a Road Scholar program here could help me get to see this unique and culturally rich destination. Anyone else interested?

Would be an adventure if Road Scholar connected a series of On The Road programs that explored a region of the US or crossed the country from coast to coast. This series would have to be dependably offered year to year so that people may do all at once or come back and do sections until they complete the series.

Coast to coast would be something like the Route 66 trail. Instead of trying to whiz down Route 66 one could plan more stops and explore more historic or kitchy sites along the way.

Regionally one could do National Parks & National Historic sites of Washington, Northern California. A week in Yellowstone, a week in Grand Teton, a week in Glacier. Offer connection transportation options; similar to trip that does most of the Hawaiian Islands.

FInds pockets of interest and connect them by date and location. I have spoken to fellow RS travelers, who love On The Road programs and they say same. "I saw a trip that I could have gone on after/before this one, only it was "X" days apart". Not close enough to stay and extra day or two to make feasible.

I do think that re-packaging programs that could be aligned by date and location as "On The Road:Coast to Coast Series" would make it easier for people to see the possibilities and may increase participation.

In reply to walker8walker011007:

Program Suggestions

There are so many places I want to visit.

(1) One suggestion would be a program in California that visits all 21 of the Spanish missions (from San Diego to slightly north of San Francisco). One RS program visits the Santa Barbara mission, but I would really enjoy a program just focused on all the missions.

(2) More art museum focused programs in the US. I just completed the San Francisco's Art Museum program (it was excellent). Over the years, I have also completed RS art museum programs in LA, Philadelphia and the Art Institute of Chicago. Would love a DC program just focused on Art Museums and other possible locations, e.g., art museums in Florida, visiting art museums in Miami, the Dali in St. Petersburg, the Ringling art museum in Sarasota, etc. Also, it would be great if the art museum program in NYC titled an All Art Experience in NYC (#8864) offered an option that is NOT at the highest activity level.

(3) Many years ago, I suggested a program in Oklahoma. Whether due to my request (or other factors), RS subsequently introduced a program in Tulsa, OK, which I did (it was great). However, I would like an Oklahoma program that also includes OK City.

(4) I really enjoy the Signature City program, having done several (Richmond, Kansas City, Denver, San Antonio, etc.), but would like to see more and different cities -- Omaha, Newark, etc. Maybe a Signature City in each of the 50 states?

I really appreciate the opportunity to visit places that are not necessarily tourist attractions, e.g., enjoyed the Essential Arkansas program and would hope for more programs off-the-beaten track in the US.

I suggest including a seminar/workshop/discussion group -- 1 to 1 1/2 hours a day for +/- 4 days, within one of the travel programs -- on the topic of "Self Creation". It could be in the afternoon after hiking or in the evening after dinner for those who are interested in the topic. I have taught a course on Introspection and Reflection at Washington University in St. Louis for the past 20 years and I have an adaptation which could be done as a stimulating, thought-provoking discussion as part of any travel program. As we age we have ample opportunity to define/create ourselves, but most don't take the time or have the impetus to do so. This could be an interesting/useful part of a travel program. Glenn Detrick

I would like them get back to what put Elderhostel on the map-
college campuses, college professors, college dorms and college food during summer sessions= educational, inexpensive and mutually beneficial .

There is no reason to abandon the glorified travel service programs for those who want but give some attention
also what concept got this organization off the ground.

In reply to CYDONETICS042915:

The original concept was more focused on classroom learning and for those who never want to stop being a student. Using college dorms made the programs much more reasonable too. Now RS is more a travel program with educational content. I would like to see RS offer both kinds. The very expensive programs discourage so many people from considering them and some never get to notice that there are more reasonable ones available.