MORAL COMPASS: Great Places to Go Where the Going Does Good

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Best in Travel, Cultural Travel

Five Must-Visit Spanish-Speaking Destinations Ideal for Solo Travelers

April 18, 2024 MoralCompass

Situated in the heart of the Andes Mountains, Cusco, Peru, serves as the gateway to the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. Solo travelers can explore the city’s archaeological wonders, vibrant markets, and lively plazas while soaking in the rich Andean culture and hospitality © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

When you set off on a solo traveling adventure, there’s no need to haggle with your traveling partner over where you’re going – the whole world is your oyster! But if the thought of that makes you freeze up with choice paralysis, here are some recommendations to help you narrow down your options.

James Smith from Learn Spanish With James lists his five must-visit Spanish-speaking destinations that are perfect for solo adventurers:

Barcelona, Spain

Nestled along the northeastern coast of Spain, Barcelona enchants visitors with its vibrant energy, architectural wonders, and rich cultural heritage. From exploring the iconic landmarks of Antoni Gaudí to strolling along the bustling streets of La Rambla, solo travelers can immerse themselves in the city’s dynamic atmosphere and diverse culinary scene.

James recommends taking a guided tour of the city’s architectural marvels, followed by a tapas tasting adventure in the Gothic Quarter.

Oaxaca City, Mexico

Tucked away in the southern region of Mexico, Oaxaca City beckons with its blend of colonial charm and indigenous traditions, plus a wealth of culinary delights! Solo adventurers can wander through the historic center’s cobblestone streets, visit colorful markets brimming with local handicrafts, and savor traditional Oaxacan cuisine, including mole and mezcal.

James says, ‘Join a cooking class to learn the secrets of traditional Mexican cuisine and explore nearby archaeological sites like Monte Albán!’

Cusco, Peru

Situated in the heart of the Andes Mountains, Cusco serves as the gateway to the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. Solo travelers can explore the city’s archaeological wonders, vibrant markets, and lively plazas while soaking in the rich Andean culture and hospitality. For those seeking adventure, trekking to Machu Picchu via the renowned Inca Trail offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

James encourages solo travelers to participate in a cultural exchange with indigenous communities and embark on a sunrise hike to catch breathtaking views of Machu Picchu.

San Juan, Puerto Rico

With its historic architecture, vibrant neighborhoods, and pristine beaches, San Juan offers solo travelers a captivating blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Wander through the cobblestone streets of Old San Juan, sample authentic Puerto Rican cuisine, and soak up the sun on the picturesque shores of Isla Verde.

James recommends lounging on the beaches of Condado and indulging in a refreshing piña colada.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Known as the “Paris of South America,” Buenos Aires exudes sophistication, passion, and cultural diversity. Solo adventurers can lose themselves in the city’s eclectic neighborhoods, from the bohemian streets of San Telmo to the trendy bars of Palermo. Tango performances, art galleries, and world-class cuisine await around every corner, promising an unforgettable journey of exploration and discovery.

James suggests, ‘Attend a tango show to experience the passion and rhythm of Argentina’s iconic dance, then visit the city’s vibrant street markets to shop for unique souvenirs.’

For solo travelers contemplating their next adventure, James offers sage advice: ‘Embrace the unknown, be open to new experiences, and trust your instincts. Solo travel is not just about the destinations; it’s about the journey and the stories you’ll collect along the way.’

Learn Spanish With James is a go-to online hub for mastering Spanish led by James Smith, a fluent Spanish speaker with over 10 years of teaching experience. With a rich background of living in Spain, Argentina, and Costa Rica, James brings a wealth of cultural experiences and linguistic immersion to his teaching approach. The platform, with immersive activities and authentic content, offers diverse courses for all levels, from conversations to personalized tutoring, and access to free materials, podcasts, and e-books. (https://learnspanishwithjames.com)

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Active Travel, Cultural Travel, Educational Travel, experiential travel, Solo Travel

Road Scholar Senior Solo Travel Report Uncovers Trend: Married Women Traveling Solo

January 6, 2024 MoralCompass

A survey by Road Scholar on trends in solo travel finds a surprising percentage, 60 percent, of its solo travelers in 2022 are married but traveling without their spouse.

Boston, Mass. – Road Scholar, a world leader in educational travel for older adults, has released a report on trends in solo travel that finds a surprising percentage, 60 percent, of its solo travelers in 2022 are married but traveling without their spouse.

Further, 27% of married women surveyed have never traveled with a spouse on a Road Scholar program. When asked why they travel without their spouses, 42% of women surveyed said their spouse isn’t interested in traveling and 40% said they have different interests when it comes to travel.

“I cherish my time to explore and do what I want on my timetable,” says Road Scholar solo traveler Marcia Henderson, 66. “I like to walk, hike, etc. He has knee issues and doesn’t share my passion for nature, culture, and history. It would be an atrocity to not travel just because my spouse doesn’t like it. This is my passion, and he is supportive as I support his golfing.”

Road Scholar compiled data for this study from the community of 80-100,000 adults over 50 who travel with them each year, including a survey conducted earlier this year. They report that nearly 70% of their travelers are women. Compare that to the overall population breakdown in the U.S.- 58% of Americans 65 and older are women- and this suggests that women are generally more likely to travel in their later years.

There are also far more female solo travelers than male solo travelers among older adults: Road Scholar reports that 85% of their solo travelers are women. They gathered data from outside sources to suggest some reasons why so many more women are traveling solo than men, pointing out that nearly half of women over 65 in the U.S. are unpartnered, that there are far more widowed women than widowed men, and that the divorce rate is highest among older Americans and on the rise. But their finding that so many of their solo female travelers are married tells an intriguing story about the behaviors of Baby Boomer women versus men.

“I think this trend is really a mark of the population that we’re serving currently,” says Road Scholar’s PR Director Kelsey Knoedler Perri. “Two-thirds of our participants now are Boomers, and Boomer women are so much more independent than their mothers and grandmothers. It would have been far more unheard of for previous generations of women to be traveling the world without their spouses. And society has shifted to ‘allow’ older women the freedom to do it.”

Perhaps because of the increase in independence among Boomer women, Road Scholar has been seeing a steady increase in solo travel over the past 10 years. As a response to this increasing demand, they shared the exclusive news that they are developing a collection of programs for solo travelers, which they plan to debut in 2024, with departures starting in 2025.

Road Scholar is a world leader in educational travel for boomers and beyond. This not-for-profit organization was founded as Elderhostel in 1975 and has served more than 6 million lifelong learners over the past 50 years. With educational adventures hosted by expert faculty in nearly 100 countries and throughout the United States, Road Scholar truly is a university of the world. Learn more at www.roadscholar.org/about.

Read Road Scholar’s full study on senior solo travel here, and find their programs for solos here.

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Active Travel, Adventure Travel, rafting trips

Western River Expeditions: Group Rafting Adventures Are Ideal for Solo Travelers

June 1, 2023 MoralCompass

SALT LAKE CITY – You’ve had a bee in your bonnet for some time now. You want to go on an adventure. You heard this year will be the best year in decades for spring and summer runoff so a river rafting adventure is the choice. But the effort of organizing a trip with friends and/or family seems daunting.

“I think I’ll just do this solo,” you declare.

Leaning into Western River Expeditions’ expertise when it comes to all things rafting and rivers, you find yourself on and off the water sharing laughs and thrills with assorted new friends. The gathering isn’t a couple’s night or a family play date; rather this is a “we’re all in this together” camaraderie encouraged by Nature herself.

A plus side of traveling solo is being able to secure room on the raft when there’s no space available left for couples and small pairings. Solo can be a bonus when trying to wiggle onto coveted trips through the Grand Canyon. Once slotted in, however, the sense of solo vanishes among new friends, including the guides, who are all sharing the awe of majestic scenery and star-filled skies.

Many solo guests report traveling single liberated them from the roles and expectations that may have subconsciously bound their natural curiosity back home. It also gave them the security of traveling with a group of like-minded people.

“After hearing tales of Lava and Hermit rapids and ‘riding on the front,’ I booked a Grand Canyon trip with Western River Expeditions. None of my friends were interested, so I just signed up solo. From the moment I arrived, I was never alone,” said Sallie, a guest from California.

For stories from travelers who launched themselves solo on a Western River Expeditions adventure, please see: https://www.westernriver.com/best-solo-travel-experiences

Here are Western River Expeditions’ most popular trips with solo travelers.

In Arizona, Grand Canyon 3-Day River Trip: Think two nights on the river, a helicopter ride into the canyon, whitewater rafting with ample class II – III rapids, incredible meals, a jet boat ride and easy access from Las Vegas. The Grand Canyon 3-day river trip is a popular introductory experience for solo travelers. Anticipate possible sightings of the elusive Blue Heron, rare California Condors, Big Horn sheep and soaring hawks and eagles. Departures are April through September. The rate is from $1,750.

In Arizona, Grand Canyon 6 or 7-Day Vacation: This extended river journey descends deeper into geologic time while exploring the first 188 miles of the Grand Canyon. Guests experience world-class whitewater including legendary Lava Falls, Hermit, Crystal, and more. More than 60 class III – V rapids provide thrills aplenty. Off the river are hikes to waterfalls and Native American sites through astounding side canyons. Departures are April through September. The rate is from $3,345.

South of Moab, Utah, Colorado River 4-Day Cataract Canyon: This adventure over four days and three nights explores Canyonlands National Park on the Colorado River that winds through stunning sandstone sculptures while encountering some of the best whitewater in North America. Think class III – V rapids where the Green and Colorado Rivers meet in a majestic setting called “The Confluence.” This is where Cataract Canyon begins, a deep 100-mile-long chasm through the heart of the National Park. Departures are from May through September. The rate is from $1,825.

In Idaho, the Middle Fork of the Salmon River coursing through the remote and rugged mountains of central Idaho is a legend among river runners who appreciate boundless class III – V rapids. Designated as a National “Wild & Scenic River,” this fast-paced trip has incredible hikes, hot springs, whitewater and scenery. This pure, clear, free-flowing river drops 3,000 feet over its 100-mile course through the remote and spectacular River of No Return Wilderness, the largest Wilderness in the lower 48 states. Departures are June through August. The rate is from $2,990.

Western River Expeditions is an adventure travel company headquartered in Salt Lake City, with operations and offices in Moab, Utah and Fredonia, Arizona. Annually from March through October it escorts more people down rivers on professionally guided rafting trips in Utah, Idaho and Arizona than any other company. It is the largest licensed outfitter in the Grand Canyon and the largest single tour provider in Moab, UT, through its division Moab Adventure Center (http://www.moabadventurecenter.com/).

Western River Expeditions, providing Grand Canyon rafting, Utah and Idaho rafting, and international multi-sport trips, was founded in 1961 by Colorado River rafting pioneer Jack Currey. It has been named one of the “Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth” by the editors of National Geographic Adventure magazine. The company is the proud recipient of the “Best of State” award through Utah’s Premier Recognition and Awards Program for the past nineteen consecutive years (2004-2022).

For a copy of Western River Expeditions’ 2023 catalog, questions, availability and reservations call 866.904.1160 (Local: 801.942.6669) or visit the website at: http://www.westernriver.com/.

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Active Travel, Adventure Travel, Africa, Benefits of Travel & Tourism, Cultural Travel, ecotourism, Solo Travel, Trends in Travel, Uncategorized

Overseas Adventure Travel Top 4 Travel Trends for 2023: Africa, Solo, Personalized, Regenerative

January 14, 2023 MoralCompass

One of the top travel trends for 2023 is regenerative travel which sustains local economies while preserving local cultures and biodiversity, such as this weaver in Peru’s Sacred Valley. Sustainable, responsible travel benefits local people and allows destinations to improve, all while providing authentic, enriching, regenerative experiences to travelers. © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

BOSTON — Optimism is the keyword for the 2023 travel landscape as travelers embrace more distant experiences compared to 2022. Overseas Adventure Travel (O.A.T.), the leader in personalized small group and solo travel for Americans ages 50 and older, announced its top 4 travel trends for 2023.

“Travelers are showing a high level enthusiasm for life-changing adventures far from home, often on their own,” said Brian FitzGerald, Chief Executive Officer of O.A.T. “It’s a genuine priority for travelers to connect and engage with people from other cultures, and to find ways to give back to communities they visit.”

O.A.T. Top 4 Travel Themes for 2023:

1. Africa – Travel to Africa is seeing a resurgence. Botswana, Morocco, and Egypt top the list of popular 2023 trips at O.A.T. In 2022, travelers were more focused on Europe.

People who dream of visiting Africa — whether on safari on floating down the Nile — continue to make up for time lost due to the pandemic. These motivated travelers don’t want to put off visiting the continent any longer, and their sights are set on 2023.

2. Solos going strong – Women over 50, in particular, are heading out to see the world on their own. According to O.A.T., the number of solo travelers reserving for 2023 is up 24% compared to 2019. Overall, more than 60% of O.A.T. travelers are solos, and the majority are women.

“As a single traveler, you’re driving everything,” said O.A.T. solo traveler Muriel Forster. “That just gives you a great deal of flexibility. I overheard someone say, ‘a once in a lifetime experience.’ I thought, ‘I don’t want this to be once in a lifetime – I want this to be my lifetime!”

Solo travelers are drawn to trips with no single supplement, which can be hundreds or thousands of dollars. O.A.T. offers free single supplements on 92% of its single spaces in 2023.

3. Personalized travel – Travelers want the benefits of expert-led small group tours, but increasingly crave more than a one-size-fits all experience. 2023 will bring continued traveler demand to tailor trips with one’s individual preferences. For example, many travelers prefer to arrive early at a destination before a tour starts so they feel acclimated.

At O.A.T., 87% of travelers personalize their trips by arriving early, staying later, adding a stopover at a popular international city, or combining trips. By comparison, just 75% requested personalization in 2018.

4. Regenerative travel – The idea that tourism should leave a destination better than it was before is gaining ground globally. In a nutshell, regenerative travel improves local economies while preserving local cultures and biodiversity. It benefits local people and allows destinations to improve, all while providing authentic experiences to travelers.

O.A.T., through its Grand Circle Foundation, supports projects focused on water, conservation, and renewable energy in the areas to which the company travels. The Water, Sanitation, Hygiene (W.A.S.H.) initiative helps improve the well-being of local people. Access to safe water, adequate sanitation, and proper hygiene education reduces illness and death, and increases socio-economic development leading to a reduction in poverty. The Foundation supports alternative energy sources to reduce carbon emissions and dependency on fossil fuels. Some schools add solar panels as an alternate source of electricity and to reduce operating expenses. Solar lights from the Foundation replace kerosene, reducing illness from soot and smoke and enabling students to study at night, leading to a better education.

O.A.T. provides travelers over 50 with impactful, intercultural experiences that help change people’s lives. O.A.T. fosters an intimate and accessible experience, with groups limited to 16 travelers (average of 13) by land and 25 (average of 22) by sea.

Established in 1978, Overseas Adventure Travel (O.A.T.) is part of Boston-based Grand Circle Corporation’s family of travel companies, which also include Grand Circle Cruise Line and Grand Circle Travel. In 1992, owners Alan and Harriet Lewis established the nonprofit Grand Circle Foundation to support communities in which Grand Circle works and travels, including some 300 humanitarian, cultural, and educational endeavors worldwide—among them, 100 schools, in 50 countries. The Foundation is an entity of the Alnoba Lewis Family Foundation, which has pledged or donated more than $250 million since 1981.

To learn more about O.A.T., visit www.oattravel.com or call 1-800-955-1925.

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