Travel has always been a passion of mine. As a child, I unfortunately did not have the wonderful experience of having grandparents in my life. But I know they were strong and loving people who hardly left the part of London where they were raised. Perhaps, in counterpoint, the strongest and most powerful memories that shaped my values and lifestyle were related to travel.

As a curious 8-year-old, my family sailed on the famous Cunard Queen Elizabeth from England to Canada to start a new life. My love of cruising and adventurous discovery began there! As a young girl, I remember bumpy car rides through Algonquin Park in Canada and a memorable visit to Niagara Falls. My life unfolded and all kind of travel intrigued me.

From my own experiences, I learned that travel instils a sense of adventure, resilience and strength in young children. It strengthens family bonds and creates lasting memories. This is why Road Scholar, a global leader in educational travel, puts such a strong focus on intergenerational trips.

Memories That Will Last a Lifetime

Road Scholar offers over 150 opportunities for grandparents to share fun and adventure with their grandkids. It can be a fabulous learning experience for everyone and inspire a sense of discovery and adventure that will last children a lifetime!

In this great article, Road Scholar outlines 5 reasons that intergenerational travel is a memory making machine! From making friends, to gaining confidence it is a win/win for grandparents and grandchildren alike!

These amazing trips offer experiences like rafting on the Colorado River, camping in the Adirondacks, learning about marine life in Hawaii, discovering Paris, or searching for dinosaur fossils in Utah. Road Scholar intergenerational programs offer something for every age group and to suit all levels of physical ability and personality style.

Here are some examples of Road Scholar intergenerational trips that will bring out the curious child in grandparents and teach grandkids about nature, discovery and most importantly themselves.

Ocean Science Adventures on Chincoteague Bay

In this science learning adventure on Virginia’s Atlantic islands, grandparents and kids from 5 to 13 can learn all about the ocean and the creatures living in it. They can ask questions like why the sky is blue, why crabs walk sideways, or what all the wriggling critters in the water were.

Along the way, expert instructors join the program and encourage curiosity and discovery! It’s a true hand on and feet wet experience!

Sagamore’s Great Adirondack Camp

If your grandkids love camping and are from ages 6 to 9, you can discover Sagamore’s historic Grands Camp in the Adirondack Mountains.

Days are filled with hiking, crafts, and canoeing. Nights involve stargazing, barn dancing and making s’mores around a roaring campfire. All the activities are led by artists and expert instructors.

Whale Sharks and Spider Monkeys: Exploring the Yucatan

Create lasting memories with your older grandchild aged between 9 and 17 as you learn about Yucatán wildlife in this amazing intergenerational trip. Older kids will love snorkelling and zip-lining through the wild Yucatan jungle and exploring the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza.

If coming up close and personal with playful monkeys and sea turtles appeals to you and your grandchild, this trip might be perfect!

Teenagers in Paris: The City of Lights

For teenagers, the allure of visiting Europe starts young. So before they buy that train pass and plan their gap year European tour, why not take them early to discover the beautiful city of Paris.

Teenagers aged 14-17 will love the food, art, culture for which the city is famous. They can learn a little French, tour Montparnasse and visit the stunning Notre Dame Cathedral!

Encourage Kids to Explore and Understand New Cultures

Grandparent adventures with Road Scholar are a perfect way to give your grandkids one of the greatest gifts ever. They will learn self-confidence, a sense of adventure and forge a relationship with you that cannot be achieved in any other way. You can also travel as a family with multiple generations!

With over 150 choices, you can plan together and select a program or activities that you can both participate in. One of the most valuable experiences you can give to your grandchild on a trip is to open their eyes to different people, cultures and experiences.

Be a Modern Grandparent and Feel Young Again

So, be a child again. Get down to your grandkids’ level and be silly! Have fun, enjoy this time of your life and suspend all the familiar myths of traditional grandparenting. Wear the most comfortable clothes, grab your camera and document the experience of a lifetime.

What greater gift can you offer your grandchild that a perspective and appreciation for life and a passionate love of travel?

Have you ever been on a holiday with your grandchildren alone or with their parents? What travel experiences would you like to share with your grandkids? Let’s have a chat!

About Road Scholar: Road Scholar is the nation’s largest educational travel organization for adults — a true university of the world. This not-for-profit educational organization offers 5,500 extraordinary learning adventures in 150 countries and 50 states. Road Scholars are immersed in a variety of educational activities, enlisting renowned faculty and experts who offer insider access not available to most individuals. Dedicated to making educational travel available to everyone, Road Scholar offers financial aid for those who otherwise could not participate in its programs.

Road Scholar educational adventures are created by Elderhostel, the not-for-profit world leader in educational travel for adults since 1975. To learn more, please visit Road Scholar’s website or their blog.

Editor’s note: this sponsored post was written by Margaret Manning