Bob Yelavich, an IBM retiree and frequent Elderhostel traveler, snapped this photo of fellow Elderhostel adventurers at Mile 61 of the Little Colorado River. Yelavich has detailed some of his travels online.

Elderhostel blends travel, education

For adventurous travelers craving a vacation and education rolled into one, non-profit organization Elderhostel offers more than 8,000 in-depth expeditions in the United States and abroad.

Instead of stressing about planning a vacation themselves, adults 55 and over can simply choose the Elderhostel program that best suits them.

And they'll learn more from their Elderhostel guides than they would from the average tour guide. "We really emphasize the educational aspect," said Jeff Strang, Elderhostel coordinator at Northern Arizona University.

This year, NAU became the largest Elderhostel sponsor in the United States. The university, which will celebrate its 25th anniversary as a sponsor next year, has had approximately 75,000 Elderhostel participants since 1983.

Jerry Hubble, a resident of Kentucky who spends his winters in Arizona, has gone on 18 Elderhostel trips with NAU. Though he has taken part in 76 Elderhostel programs altogether, he prefers NAU over any other provider.

Hubble, who has attended many computer- and photography-related Elderhostels, said, "I know of no other site (besides NAU) that offers a first-class computer lab dedicated solely to Elderhostel's use. And each time I return to NAU, it is just like visiting old friends and family."

NAU offers more than 60 Elderhostel programs. Traditional programs explore places like the Grand Canyon, Lake Powell and Mesa Verde; applied and performing arts programs feature workshops in settings like Sedona; and active outdoors programs include hiking, rafting and biking at different difficulty levels.

One of the most exciting trips offered at NAU is the Classic Grand Canyon Challenge: Rim to River. During this five-day journey, participants hike steep, rocky trails all the way from the rim to the bottom of the Canyon.

For vacationers seeking less physical strain but just as many breathtaking photo-ops, there is the Great Deserts tour, which travels to Saguaro, Joshua Tree and Death Valley national parks, offering an exploration of these three incredibly different deserts.

"We continue to choose NAU programs because of the staff," participants Doug and Val Lochner said in an e-mail. "They have each demonstrated expertise in their roles, as well as being genuinely friendly, attentive and adaptive to the varied needs of each Elderhostel group. We appreciate their enthusiasm, teamwork and willingness to share their knowledge of an area they so obviously love and enjoy."

But the benefits go both ways. Strang said his favorite part of Elderhostel was "the other people on the trips," and Rich Stephens, director of Elderhostel at NAU, said, "For us, the best part is sharing the natural wonders around us."

Information about NAU Elderhostel is available online.