Senior travel includes an educational adventure

By Carol Ann Quibell

Senior travel does not have to be boring! Remember how much fun it was to learn new things and have new experiences? Why not take advantage of the many senior travel deals available and put a purpose to your vacations. Maybe you always wanted to learn another language, study astronomy, attend a writers retreat, paint a picture in Paris, or learn about Tuscany cooking while staying in an Italian villa. There are unlimited opportunities for the elderly traveler to experience. It’s all possible for both the single senior travel person and couples who want to share the experience with each other.

This week let’s go to Guatemala to study Spanish.

Guatemala, the land of eternal sunshine, is probably one of the most visited countries in Central America for anyone wanting to learn the beautiful Spanish language. La Antigua, just a short 45 minute ride from the Capital is an extremely popular destination with travelers of all ages and relatively inexpensive. Not only will you have the opportunity of attending any one of their 75+ language schools you can relax in comfort in one of the many safe and comfortable hotels or guest houses sprinkled throughout this ancient city of cobblestone streets and crumbling ruins.

Arranging for two or three weeks of classes can be done from the comfort of your own home via the internet since many of the more well known international schools have programs to suit most everyone’s style of learning. They will arrange for your accommodation and probably include some local tours for you to enjoy. Do a Google search “language schools in Guatemala” and you will have plenty to choose from. Prices vary a great deal but are mostly from US $60 up to $100 a week for 4 to 6 hours of daily study. Make sure you stroll up to the Parque Central and practice speaking Spanish with the friendly locals working in the many nearby outdoor cafes and restaurants or with fellow senior travelers from all over the world.

For the more adventuresome it’s possible to totally immerse yourself into the culture of Guatemala by boarding with one of the local families for approximately US $100 per week which includes 3 meals a day (except Sundays). Don’t restrict yourselves to just La Antigua since San Pedro La Laguna and Panajachel are also popular for people who wish to explore Lago de Atitlan and attend one of their language schools.

All work and no play are not good so reward yourself with a tour to Chichicastenango where you can shop in one of the largest and most colourful markets in all of Central America. Don’t forget to haggle over prices ~ it’s traditional and expected. Take the time to visit some of the many Indian Villages where the people are involved in weaving and creating beautiful textile products. Or spend a few days touring the Mayan ruins at Tikal. Not only have you visited a beautiful country, met some wonderful people you have learned to speak a foreign language so you can come home and impress your friends and family. Senior travel does not have to be dull and boring – there are adventures everywhere.

Next week: Learn about Elderhostel educational programs.

BACK to Senior Travel articles

LEAVE Senior Travel articles and go to Home Page