Senior Tours

When someone pictures a senior citizen on vacation, images of overstuffed fanny packs, oversized hats, and overactive camera flashes visiting Atlantic City or Graceland are usually the first to come to mind. Times they are a-changing, though.

Seniors are more active than ever and no longer are the typical trips and tours… typical. There are a plethora of exciting, relaxing or educational opportunities to visit a place you’ve never been before; you just have to know what you’re looking for and how to find it.

Distance is probably the most essential element to consider. If four to five hours of travel time seems reasonable, consider a tour of Philadelphia. With its historic landmarks, excellent shopping and amazing food, it’s easy to spend a few days in the “City of Brotherly Love.” An often overlooked tourist town, Philadelphia has much to offer, without being too much of a drive.

The web site www.SeniorTourswpa.com offers a three-day trip to Philly featuring a tour of the famous QVC television studio, also located in the city. SeniorTourswpa.com has a laundry list of tours and trips.

Another destination privy to seniors that may not come to mind right away is Virginia, specifically Yorktown and Jamestown. With the gorgeous backdrop of colonial America, paired with the colorful foliage of autumn, the scenery alone is enough to make this tour worthwhile. Couple that with the storied past, exhibits and historical landmarks and several days can float by like a breeze.

Coincidentally, www.seniortours.com offers escorted motor coach tours of both cities, as well as dozens of other guided tours throughout the United States and Canada. Generally, offerings like these are all inclusive (accommodations, several meals, and often admission costs are included) for one lump sum. The price for the Virginia trip, for example, is $498 for double occupancy and $618 for single occupancy. Note: Never forget to do your homework before signing up for a trip like this through a company you’ve never heard of. If a deal sounds too good to be true, odds are, it is.

If staying close to home is more up your alley, there is an abundance of places to tour and sites to see in western Pennsylvania as well, especially in the fall months when leaves are in the magnificent colors of fall. The Gateway Clipper Fleet offers many daytime and evening day cruises, including “Fall Foliage Cruises” and “Murder Mystery Dinner Cruises.”

Or try the cruises that tour area holiday light landmarks such as Oglebay Festival of the Lights and Hartwood Acres. The Oglebay and Hartwood Acres cruises dock near the parks and a motor coach takes the guests through the area.

A few short hours heading East on the turnpike will get you to the beautiful valley of Ligonier. Another town full of history and quaint shops, Ligonier is one of western Pennsylvania’s best-kept secrets. The fall months are fun-filled, especially for seniors looking for a picturesque, relaxing little getaway.

The first stop could be Fort Ligonier, a restored garrison created during the French and Indian War. In mid-October, a living history encampment showing frontier life and military tactics, among many other things, is staged there, along with a parade and outdoor entertainment. Other fall events include a scarecrow contest at the charming diamond and gazebo downtown, candlelight tours of the historic Compass Inn, and the Holiday Home Tour, featuring six homes in the Ligonier area. More information can be found on all these events at www.ligonier.com.

Frank M. Skrip Jr. is a public relations intern at Concordia Lutheran Ministries.