Bits and Bites for Folks with a Travel Itch
Learn on the Fly
With Road Scholar, established in 1975 by Elderhostel, travellers can participate in the school of lifelong learning—year ’round. Celebrating their 40th anniversary in 2015, this non- profit organization offers 5,500 educational tours in 150 countries. Hosted by local and renowned experts and specifically designed for older adults, the tours offer in-depth and behind-the-scenes learning opportunities, including culture and outdoor adventure. If you’re interested in an immersive learning adventure that challenges your mind but doesn’t tax your body, Road Scholar also offers a wide range of easy-paced travel programs, such as shipboard study cruises. Emergency medical cover-age is included. Check out roadscholar.org.

Discover the Hawaiian Islands
Discover the culture and dramatic scenery of the Hawaiian Islands in Trafalgar’s new 2016 Hawaii program, featuring four unique itineraries. During the 13-day Hawaii Four Island Adventure, travellers will enjoy iconic experiences, such as visiting Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, touring a coffee plantation with a local expert, indulging in a Be My Guest farm lunch, participating in a festive luau, exploring the coast of Kauai, where Jurassic Park and King Kong were filmed, and cruising the rainforest of the Wailua River and Waimea Canyon. All inter-island flights between Oahu, Hawaii, Maui and Kauai are included. Visit Trafalgar.com.
Destination Germany launches barrier-free travel guide
To expand opportunities for accessible tourism, Destination Germany has launched a comprehensive new guide to barrier-free travel throughout the country’s towns and regions. The new online resource is aimed at a wide range of visitor groups, such as people with temporary mobility restrictions, families with baby strollers, wheelchair users, or those who are partially or fully blind or deaf. So whether you’re interested in a wheelchair accessible canopy walk in the Bavarian Forest National Park, or a sign-language tour at the August Horch auto museum, the new resource provides details such as maps, transportation and services available on travel destinations offering exemplary accessibility. For more information, visit germany.travel.
Explore 150 years of the Welsh in Patagonia
Say Hueque Tours has launched a special tour to a region of Patagonia settled by European pioneers who emigrated from Wales in 1865. Set in Bahia Bustamente, a Galapagos-like oceanfront locale that’s home to sea lions, whales and penguins, the Impressive Wildlife & Cultural Heritage of Patagonian Pioneers Tour offers insights into the cultural history of early Welsh coalminers and their families. The seven-day tour also includes visits to local sheep ranches where visitors can get hands-on experiences in shearing, branding and other ranch production processes. Established in 1999, Say Hueque also offers customized tours to other locations throughout Argentina and Chile, including Buenos Aires, Iguassu Falls, Perito Moreno Gla-cier and the Mendoza wine region. Check out sayhueque.com.
Hawk’s Cay Resort expands in Florida Keys
Known for its stunning oceanfront setting, deep-sea fishing, bird watching and esteemed Cliff Drysdale tennis program, Hawk’s Cay Resort offers a wide range of out- door activities and relaxed island charm. Located on Duck Island midway between Key Largo and Key West in the Florida Keys, its 420 villas and hotel rooms feature classic West Indies or Caribbean décor with wheelchair accessibility and other specialty villa options available. New for fall 2015, are multi-million dollar enhancements to 177 guest rooms and suites, the 85-slip marina, meeting rooms, a kid’s club pool, and the launch of a new Marina Walk with new dining, entertainment and waterfront facilities such as The Oasis, an adults-only pool and cabana zone. Visit Hawkscay.com.
Michele Peterson is a Toronto-based travel journalist.
