Want a reasonably-priced vacation? Take a look at Elderhostel

This month I had a wonderful hiking adventure in the Grand Teton National Park that ranks among the best vacations my husband and I have ever taken. We had some great hikes and saw amazing wildlife--grizzly bears, moose, elk, bison, beaver, otters and lots more. It was reasonably priced because it was an Elderhostel program run by a non-profit organization, Teton Science Schools in Jackson, Wyoming. Elderhostel offers a tremendous range of programs all over the world. The prices tend to be more reasonable than other vacation adventures because many of them are in more basic accommodations (we helped with the dishes after meals and cleaned our rooms when it was time to check out), they often are held during the off season and many are run by nonprofit groups. Most offer an opportunity to learn something about local history, culture or wildife. There is an age requirement--you or your traveling companion have to be 55 or older. But many Elderhostel partners also offer programs for other age groups. For example, both the Teton Science School and the sponsor of an Elderhostel program I attended last fall, the Great Smoky Mountains Institute in Tremont, Tenn., offer a variety of programs for children, teens, adults and families.

For those interested in seeing more, here are my Jackon Hole/Grand Tetons photos and here are Yellowstone National Park photos (a side trip not part of Elderhostel.) Click on the first one to enlarge it, then click on "next" to see each photo.

Comments

[Steve Jansen]

Great photos and good to hear that you enjoyed your visit to Teton Science Schools. The staff works very hard to connect people, nature, place and education not just for Elderhostel - but for participants and families of all ages. http://www.tetonscience.org