As a long-time traveler and avid reader of travel forums, I’m stepping into the posting arena for the first time to share my experiences. While I’ve absorbed a wealth of knowledge from seasoned contributors, particularly regarding Rick Steves tours, my own travel path has been quite different. Unlike many here, I’ve never actually taken a Rick Steves tour, though I’ve diligently studied their itineraries. My expertise lies in Elderhostel Travel, now known as Road Scholar. With 14 Road Scholar tours under my belt – 11 in Europe and 3 in the US – I feel confident in offering a comparative perspective.
Price points between Rick Steves and Road Scholar appear to be in a similar range, although daily itineraries, accommodations, and meal inclusions can vary, making direct comparisons complex. Ultimately, tour selection is deeply personal, hinging on individual priorities. Therefore, my aim isn’t to critique Rick Steves, a company clearly beloved by many, but to articulate why Elderhostel travel, or Road Scholar, has consistently been the better fit for my travel style and needs.
When considering itineraries, Elderhostel travel, through Road Scholar, presents a broader spectrum of European tour options than Rick Steves, even with some reductions post-pandemic. Notably, Road Scholar excels in offering tours to Central and Eastern Europe, regions that can be more challenging to navigate independently. Another key differentiator is the pace; Road Scholar itineraries often feature longer stays in each location, allowing for deeper immersion. A significant draw for me is the educational enrichment embedded in most Road Scholar tours. They frequently incorporate expert lectures and docent-led museum visits. It’s worth noting that these lectures are optional, providing flexibility for participants to choose what aligns with their interests.
Hotel selection is another area where Elderhostel travel stands out for me. Road Scholar provides hotel names upfront in their brochures and online, a transparency I appreciate. In my extensive experience with Road Scholar, spanning numerous hotels across Europe (with a single exception), luggage handling has been remarkably smooth, with bags consistently delivered directly to the hotel entrance or lobby. Furthermore, every Road Scholar hotel I’ve stayed in, even in smaller towns, has had elevators. Given the comparable pricing, I find myself questioning why Rick Steves tours appear to risk participant well-being by frequently utilizing hotels without elevators. The potential for falls and injuries from carrying luggage up stairs seems unnecessarily risky, particularly for older travelers. This is a personal concern, as I identify with the older demographic often drawn to Rick Steves and manage mild arthritis. While I enjoy walking, navigating stairs with luggage destabilizes me and triggers a fear of falling. I suspect other senior travelers might share this concern, making the accessibility focus of Elderhostel travel a significant advantage.
Beyond itineraries and hotels, other aspects further solidify my preference for Elderhostel travel. Traveling solo, I value the greater number of included group dinners offered by Road Scholar. Dining alone isn’t my preference, and the built-in social dining opportunities are a definite plus. Finally, there’s the “No Grumps” policy associated with Rick Steves tours. Frankly, I find this policy somewhat patronizing when applied to mature, seasoned travelers. In all my tours, including those with Overseas Adventure Travel and Odysseys Unlimited, maintaining a positive group dynamic has never required such a formal rule. Mutual respect, enthusiasm, punctuality, and friendliness are generally understood norms among tour participants. In the rare instance of encountering a genuinely grumpy traveler (everyone has off days), social dynamics naturally addressed the situation – the individual tended to become isolated by choice. Perhaps a more constructive discussion could be had around what constitutes legitimate feedback versus negativity that might violate a “No Grumps” policy within the Rick Steves tour context.
Ultimately, travel preferences are subjective. I deeply respect the large and loyal following Rick Steves has cultivated. However, for my personal travel style and priorities, Elderhostel travel, or Road Scholar, consistently provides a more comfortable, enriching, and accessible experience.
