Travel programs for young and old abound.
Many colleges offer study-abroad programs,
including summer courses that incorporate travel, as well as semester-and year-long study
programs. Scholarships and other financial aid may be available for these programs.
Large travel companies also offer summer tours for students, particularly to Europe and
Asia; these companies are able to offer affordable tours by scheduling charter flights and
inexpensive hotel accommodations. Programs such as these often make an excellent first
trip abroad for students. Young travelers touring on their own can also join a youth hostel
association, such as Hostelling International, and make use of a worldwide network of
inexpensive youth hostels. Older adults can take advantage of programs in Road Scholar
(formerly called Elderhostel). These programs encompass a wide variety of activities—
educational courses, excursions, and service projects—all around the world.
Information on travel, youth hostels, and home exchanges can be found online and in the
travel sections of libraries and bookstores. The Internet is also a good source for the dates
of religious festivals in other countries.