Chamber News & Notes: Group travel is great for seniors

Seniors who have not had the time to travel during their busy work/family lives are now traveling in droves. Not quite as adventuresome as they once were, many are opting – like myself – to take an organized tour where just about everything is planned for you, you have like-minded traveling companions, and you learn so much more about a destination and its people than you ever would on your own. And, it’s not all about couples, either. Many women travel together or alone and never feel out of place.

Although my late husband Paul and I traveled a lot, he preferred to stay within the United States declaring there was so much to see here. I later traveled internationally with my sister. Today, I travel primarily on group tours and have been on quite a few of these tours over the past 10 years when the Carson City Chamber decided to organize tours that would take me all over the world.

As you read this, I will be enjoying a glass of wine aboard a yacht especially chartered by the Chamber to take a group of 31 travelers from our area to tour the islands of Croatia, an emerging travel destination. I hadn’t realized I was interested in Croatia until the Chamber offered this unique trip.

As with all group travel, we meet at the Chamber to be transported to the Reno Airport to make our way to our destination where we will be met by a friendly guide who, from then on, will tend to every detail making sure we are safe, fed, educated, and happy throughout the duration of the tour. Your biggest decision will center on what tour to choose

This year, the Chamber is specializing in the popular river cruises and I can tell you from experience, this is THE way to travel! Your floating hotel, restaurant, transportation is all rolled into one experience. I am told, there are still a few cabins left on the amazing Gems of Eastern Europe, the Sensations of Lyon and Provence River Cruise. If you’ve been considering these almost all-inclusive tours, book before September 30th to enjoy the FREE air offer.

Just unveiled is the Christmas Markets Cruise on the Romantic Rhine next Dec. 3. This tour includes everything, right down to in-room butler service and a complimentary in-room mini-bar. Truly a first-class experience at affordable prices. What a way to Christmas shop at all the wonderful Christmas markets between Amsterdam and Basel, Switzerland. Come see how Christmas is celebrated in Europe. Quite different than here. Free air offer until November. Book early for best cabin selection.

On Oct. 4 at 3 p.m., the sales representative from Collette Travel will present a few new tours that may be on your travel bucket list. If you haven’t been to Ireland, there’s a trip being planned for next October that is under $3,000 per person — including air. The brand new Treasures of Europe will be unveiled that starts in London and ends in Rome. Israel is back on the list. And, I am excited about Spectacular South Africa departing in July that includes Swaziland and features visits to many game and nature reserves.

I will be back by Oct. 4 and hope to see you at the Chamber Travel Club meeting. You must RSVP to 882-1565. In the interim, check out the tours on the website at www.carsoncitychamber.com under the travel club listing.

Marilyn is soon to be 90 and never lets any grass grow under her feet when there are so many wonderful places yet to see!