A major segment on train travel as a window on culture is also included. This chapter walks readers through the wonderfully enriching world of cultural vacationing, providing memorable up close and personal encounters which change eyeglasses for life. For many older travelers, it is a mighty attractive option to unpack once, and have your hotel room and restaurant move right along with you. This chapter showcases the fast-growing field of shipboard alternatives, allowing participants to explore lakes, mighty rivers, seas and the great oceans of the world. There is also a spotlight on barge and canal boat travel.
Some operators offer a taste of the alternative, while others offer total immersion.
It s all clearly laid out in the pages of this chapter. Yes, it is possible to have an active, physically stimulating vacation which is low impact on the environment and packed with memorable learning opportunities. This chapter focuses on land-based tour operators who specialize in Nature Exploration, Cycling Vacations, Hiking and Walking Holidays, Horseback Tours and Ranch Vacations, as well as Kayaking, Canoeing, and Rafting in some of the most pristine regions on earth. There are plenty of tips on preparing for active vacations, including physical conditioning, practical clothing, and helpful tools. While the classroom may not always consist of four walls and a roof, vacationers who sign up for any of the dozens of listings in this chapter will find that lectures, seminars, workshops, and visual presentations are a predictable part of the program.