TravelWatch Newsletter
Fast breaking travel news and creative tour opportunities for senior travelers
September-October 2024
Senior travel nature vacations, cruise and barging vacations, volunteer vacations worldwide & much more! Would you like to be notified of each bi-monthly issue as it is launched? Click here to add your email to our TravelWatch newsletter notification list. [See our Privacy Policy]
1. My husband and I spent six days, 12 hours a day, at a lovely country resort to the west of Madrid, Spain, helping dedicated Spanish adults improve their spoken English. Though it was hard work, this volunteer vacation was something that had been on our bucket list for 20 years, and it delivered in spades! Oh, and did I mention it is entirely free resort accommodation and meals for all us overseas “coaches”?
2. Animals are showing up in airports in ever increasing numbers … and I’m not referring to “don’t touch” sniffer dogs. These are specially-trained canines and felines who love people and are there for the sole purpose of calming the anxieties of travelers of all ages. Check out this good news story!3. Ireland is always worth considering as a destination. With this story, we give you plenty of reasons to get to know this diverse and charming country with a deep cultural history and many natural gems, AND we announce an exciting new musical tour of Ireland too!
4. Many of our readers have a passion for visiting World Heritage Sites around the world. This small-group operator has made it one of their specialty areas of expertise as it has been building itineraries of all kinds for more than four decades.
5. Spain’s Camino de Santiago season is coming up, and as usual readers are considering whether to walk or cycle a segment of one of the routes or perhaps go all the way. We offer an encouraging spotlight on a Camino planner based in the ultimate destination of all caminos, Santiago de Compostela, that is also a specialist in the surrounding region of Galicia still largely unfamiliar to travelers.
We invite you to check out our Feature Link of the Month and our latest Travel Product Reviews.
A Gem of a Volunteer Vacation in Spain
My husband and I have known about Spain’s VaughanTown for over 20 years, and we have heard unqualified enthusiasm from friends and colleagues who have participated in the program during that time. 2019 was our year to jump in and give this six-day volunteer vacation a try ourselves, starting with a three-hour group bus ride from Madrid with our students!
The key to each program is IMMERSION for those Spaniards, most of them in their early to mid-thirties up to early forties, who want to improve their spoken Spanish for their career prospects. Over four decades ago, Mr Richard Vaughan conceived the idea of renting a nice Spanish resort far from city life and encouraging volunteers of different professional and national backgrounds whose first language is English to apply to share the resort (nice four-star accommodations and all meals free of charge). These Anglo volunteers make up the other half of the conversational partnership in a very well organized 12- to 13-hour-a-day program that starts with sharing breakfast (9 a.m., two Anglos and two Spaniards at each table) and ends with dinner about 10 p.m.
Much of the time in between is spent in a rotation of one-on-one 50 minute sessions that go on each day as one Anglo and one Spaniard go for country walks together or share a coffee on the terrace or in the huge lounge overlooking a panorama of mountain scenery. Other times are spent on planning group activities … all in English! … like costumed skits or presentations with plenty of laughs and encouragement all round.
During the week, confidence in conversational English improves measurably, and both groups prosper in life lessons while exchanging points of view, knowledge about everything from cultures and sports to family life. Friendships blossom between people of very different generations and experiences. Yes, it is hard work for the Anglo volunteers as it is for the Spaniards, but the rewards are unique during this very special encounter! Perhaps unsurprisingly, most of the Anglo volunteers, who came from the UK, the US, Canada and Australia in our session, were retired, and it is a great option for solo travelers.
Senior Solo Travelers Rule
According to 44% of a major poll of U.S. travel agents, most of their clients taking solo trips are age 55 or older, followed by those 45-55 (29%), 35-45 (18%), 25-34 (9%) and 18-24 years of age (0.4%). Solo travel can be independent, self-planned travel for one, but it also includes signing up solo for a small-group tour or a cruise where the individual is willing to twin-share accommodation with a stranger (cheaper) or is happy to pay for a single supplement, where necessary. Based in the U.K., Just You, is an exclusively solo travel specialist with small-group tours to 10 European countries. “Escorted tours with your very own room, always!” That certainly appeals to older solo travelers I know … and me too.
Anxious Flyers Relax with Furry Ambassadors
Many travelers experience varying degrees of anxiety no matter what the age or number of times passing through airports. Most of us have become used to seeing specially-trained dogs at airports with a mission to sniff out drugs and other prohibited goods; however, these are “do not touch” animals so they don’t get off track. So are service dogs for individuals with a disability.
By contrast, dogs and even a few cats are showing up at an increasing number of airports with no other mission than to calm the nerves of people of all ages waiting to board their flights or dashing between gates for connecting flights. The message is the reverse of encounters with the sniffer dogs or service animals, namely, “please pat me” and you will feel better in just a few minutes. We look at three of these initiatives and applaud the dedicated volunteers who donate their time to make our travels a better experience.
The Vancouver International Airport (YVR) has launched the Less Airport Stress Initiative (LASI), which is a four-legged unit made up of seven friendly dogs. “We recognize that an airport can be a stressful environment,” says Reg Krake, director of customer care, Vancouver Airport Authority. “By introducing the YVR Ambassador Dogs through our LASI initiative, we hope that our four-legged friends will help to ease any anxiety associated with travel. We are already seeing that LASI is enhancing the airport experience for passengers, visitors and even employees.”
YVR’s therapy dog program is in partnership with St. John Ambulance. Molly, Bailey, Mira, Norman, Grover, Kermode and Soda are only onsite in the terminal Mondays through Fridays, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The YVR Ambassador Dogs are accompanied by a dog handler and YVR Green Coat Volunteer, ready to answer any questions. The dogs are easily identifiable with their YVR branded leashes and St. John Ambulance bandanas.
Preflight jitters are common for some travelers so Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, (PHX) is offering a scratch behind the ear and a rub on the belly to calm those nerves with a Navigator Buddy. Passengers and visitors to Sky Harbor will have the opportunity to pet and interact with a therapy dog while waiting to board a plane or after landing in Phoenix. Navigator Buddies are dogs in a registered pet therapy program who will volunteer their time – along with their owners – to provide some tail-wagging comfort to airport travelers. Navigator Buddies interact with passengers both before and after security. In addition to providing comfort, they are part of the Navigator volunteer program so their handlers are also ready to answer questions and provide directions to travelers.
To be accepted in the Navigator Buddies program, dogs must be in good standing with a qualified pet therapy organization. They must be vaccinated and have current health records; must be outgoing with a good temperament; and must have experience in a busy environment. Navigator Buddies are expected to be well-behaved and friendly, and not approach other traveling dogs or working animals, such as police K9 unit. The program launched in September 2017 and is filling up classes for more volunteers and their pets.
Calgary International Airport (YYC) has expanded its menagerie of therapy animals for nervous flyers, recently welcoming a pair of cats from the city’s Pet Access League Society (PALS).
The two felines, who now join the 50 dogs from the PALS program, visit the airport once a week for approximately 90 minutes, providing companionship to passengers waiting to board their flights. The Calgary-based non-profit program began its partnership with YYC in April 2016. Similar programs have recently launched at smaller airports in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and Fort McMurray, Alberta.
Have you had experience with an airport anywhere in the world where pets are part of the welcoming and departure committee? If so, drop us an email Alison@travelwithachallenge.com with your encounter and we may well do a follow-up on this developing story that clearly adds a new dimension to 21st century travel.
Become a Vagabond in Ireland
Since 2002 Vagabond Adventure Tours of Ireland, https://vagabondtoursofireland.com/, has been creating opportunities for visitors to embrace Ireland by walking, biking, horseback riding and kayaking its lands and waters, imbibing history and culture along the way. Having tasted considerable success, the company decided to launch Driftwood Journeys in 2010 with a slightly more relaxed but equally stimulating itinerary goal, and Vagabond has again hit gold while sacrificing none of its charmingly-Irish whimsical approach (see the website and you will understand).
So how does a traveler become a vagabond in Ireland? There are two ways: join a Vagabond Adventure Tour or a Driftwood Journeys of Discovery Tour, both of which are popular with the older traveler, albeit with slightly different percentages participating. Amy Rankin, Co-Director of Vagabond Tours of Ireland breaks down the numbers: the adventure tours comprise 40% Baby Boomers, 40% Generation X, and 20% Millennials, the latter being nearly all part of multi-generational groups. The company’s Driftwood Journeys do have a stronger representation of older guests with 60% Baby Boomers, 30% Generation X, and 10% Millennials. Both options attract multi-generational family groups on many scheduled departures.
With five geographically-distinctive tours from six to 11 days each, Driftwood Journeys offers a fully guided, relaxing small group experience surrounded by Ireland’s majestic countryside, visiting hidden beaches and learning about high kings, giants and poets. Maximum group size is 15 with more emphasis on the scenery, culture and history and not including as many outdoor pursuits.
Vagabond Adventure Tours currently offers four tours from seven to 12 days each crafted to a guest fitness level somewhat more demanding than the Driftwood Journeys with some off-road 4×4 experiences included. “We pride ourselves in offering a perfect blend of Irish history, culture, outdoor activities (hiking, horse riding, cycling and kayaking), great Irish scenery, friendly locals, music and pub life,” says Amy. Maximum group size is 13 participants.
Examples of what guests may enjoy are an overnight at Abbey Glen Castle Hotel. Another evening finds hosts Neil and Katy providing a true Irish welcome and dinner prepared by Katy who cooks food on a large Aga for her guests at the Gougane Barra hotel. They are the fifth generation to steward this property that looks out on an island where once stood a 6th century monastery.
Landscapes like the Cliffs of Moher that lunge first into the sea and then become shrouded in mist over glacial valleys, mountain-fringed bogs and meadows beckon guests into their walking shoes and onto bicycles. Sheep dogs working their flocks on an Irish hill farm reveal centuries of breeding – and bonding with their owners — that have sustained farming families and contributed to the woolen industry. Always on call to chat their visitors up are shopkeepers, potters, an Irish polar explorer and whiskey distillers at the oldest pot still distillery in the world. Guests will also watch the famous Irish crystal being made.
Vagabond is the only Irish tour company named in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards 2023.
NEW MUSIC TOUR: Hit the high notes on this tour operator’s brand new Irish music itinerary, 8 Day Jigs & Reels Ireland Music Tour.
Images courtesy of Vagabond Small Group Tours of Ireland.
Food for ThoughtThe average adventure traveler is not a 28-year old male, but a 47-year-old female. An increasing portion of solo female travelers are Baby Boomers and single mothers.
Unique Itineraries Showcase World Heritage Sites Around the World
Many tour operators these days recognize the value of including UNESCO World Heritage Sites in their itineraries, while feedback from our own readers indicates that such inclusions help them make travel decisions about which operator to travel with. However, it remains extremely rare to find any operator that dedicates an exclusive web collection with itineraries that immerse in destinations with a wealth of WHS riches as a major focus. Bestway Tours & Safaris, www.bestway.com, is that exception.
Established a decade ago under the guidance of Bestway’s founder and Chief Explorer, Mahmood Poonja, he recognized that UNESCO World Heritage Sites reflect the vital role they have played in shaping an understanding of our world today. While the majority of guests are over 50 years, lately there has also been a growing interest among families to travel together and see World Heritage Sites. This is usually parents wanting to educate their children, or intergenerational travel where grandparents take their grandkids on meaningful heritage journeys.
“There are a growing number of travelers who are passionate about exploring such destinations,” says the Chief Explorer. “Our World Heritage Tours division was created in direct response to the interests of our travelers themselves, ranging across Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. Such cultural and natural wonders belong to all of us and visiting them on a tour gives travelers the opportunity to experience them first hand in many challenging, unfamiliar spaces and places.”
Bestway Tours & Safaris was founded in Canada in 1978, today offering “journeys without frontiers” the world over. Around 80% of clients are well traveled, well educated, adventurous people age 50 and above. With some itineraries ranging up to 36 days, there is a vast collection of hosted journeys throughout the world.
Images courtesy of Bestway Tours & Safaris.
How Many “Ways” Are There to Do a Spanish Camino?
The answer is: a lot of them! Walking or cycling, there are different pilgrim-worn routes of a Camino de Santiago with different names and adventures to be had. Most international travelers wisely engage the expertise of a specialist to ensure the success of their chosen camino which might be the French Way, Portuguese Way, Finisterre & Muxía Way, Northern Way, Primitive Way, Portuguese Coastal Way, Lebaniego Way and Winter Way, and a few others too. With its company name Galiwonders, one such specialist declares its local expertise of the Galicia region of northwestern Spain with tour planner headquarters in the ultimate pilgrim destination, the medieval city of Santiago de Compostela. No matter which Way you tread, here is where your journey ends.
Galiwonders organizes guided and self-guided itineraries for an international clientele mainly from the U.S, Canada, Australia, the U.K. and Ireland. In addition to helping pilgrims from all over the world to experience the best “Ways” to do their own Camino, the company also plans itineraries of the fascinating Galicia region of northwestern Spain, introducing clients to the local wines, culinary and cultural treasures, and distinctive natural highlights of this less-traveled region.
Do you want to go all the way? You have two choices: walk the full Northern Way, hugging the coastline of northern Spain for most of the route before slicing inland to Santiago de Compostela, or take the French Way, from the French/Spanish foothills of the Pyrenees Mountains along a purely inland route through Basque Country heading west across northern Spain to Santiago de Compostela.
By way of example, Galiwonders books for clients 37 nights of accommodation on the Northern Way or 35 nights accommodation on the French Way, both routes including two meals a day (half board), luggage transfer, 24/7 phone support, the essential pilgrim passport and walking notes for each particular route. Each day you set out only carrying a daypack. Of course, shorter segments of all routes may be taken with the pace customized in consultation with the client. No matter your choice of route or segment, Galiwonders website maps and elevation change graphs are presented clearly on each route web page, to assist in realistic decision-making about what you can manage.
Few travelers realize that Santiago de Compostela is the capital of the Galicia autonomous region, a geographically and historically-rich northwest corner of Spain rarely explored by vacationers beyond visiting Santiago itself. Why not take time after your pilgrim walk to do so with some day tours, drawing on the broad local expertise of Santiago-based Galiwonders ? See the Galicia feature article in our Travel Article Library and learn a little about the region. It is a documented home to early ancestral Neanderthal ancient humans until they died out tens of thousands of years ago and to our earliest Modern Human ancestors as well as many colorful occupiers and settlers during the prehistoric and historic periods including a strong Celtic heritage.
Images courtesy of Galiwonders.com.
