Workshops explore alternative vacations for older adults

April 12, 2018 11:30 am
Those winding European streets are waiting to be explored. Photo: Morf Morford
Those winding European streets are waiting to be explored. Photo: Morf Morford

There’s nothing more rejuvenating than a great vacation. And non-traditional getaways are growing quickly in popularity.

While traditional vacations remain popular, new concepts include ecotourism, voluntourism and housesitting, as options rapidly gaining appeal.

Much like younger adults that took advantage of gap years – which may have included serving in the Peace Corps or Vista, volunteering, Road Scholar programs or just travelling on the cheap in new and challenging locations – today’s older adults are making similar moves in new and creative ways.

Authentic Chinese food is always an adventure - these are duck tongues Photo: Morf Morford
Authentic Chinese food is always an adventure – these are duck tongues Photo: Morf Morford

“Vacations of a Different Stripe” is an introduction to some of the services, programs and do-it-yourself options for modern day vacation experiences that are designed for seniors, singles, couples and families. This presentation will whet your appetite for travel and inspire you with alternatives from around the world.

“Vacations of a Different Stripe” will be presented six times in April.

* April 16 – 12:10 p.m. at the Pierce County Annex Main Meeting Rm., 2401 S. 35th St. in Tacoma

* April 16 – 6:30 p.m. at the Lakewood Branch Library, 6300 Wildaire Rd. in Lakewood

* April 23 – 6:30 p.m. at the University Place Branch Library, 3609 Market Place W. in University Place

* April 24 – 12:10 p.m. at the County-City Building, 930 Tacoma Ave. S., 7th Floor Rainier Conference Room in Tacoma

* April 24 – 6:30 p.m. at the Summit Branch Library, 5107 112th St. E. in Tacoma

* April 28 – 10 a.m. at the Pierce County Sound View Building, 3602 Pacific Ave. in Tacoma

Those winding European streets are waiting to be explored. Photo: Morf Morford
Those winding European streets are waiting to be explored. Photo: Morf Morford

“Many people today are looking for more than a traditional, resort-based vacation,” said Aaron Van Valkenburg, Pierce County Aging & Disability Resources manager. “Some alternatives involve using physical labor, personal skills or professional experience while others are much more relaxing. Spending a few days, a week or more, volunteering, working in cities or in the countryside, either here in the U.S. or in far off lands, can yield unimaginable benefits.”

These free presentations are offered by the Pierce County Aging and Disability Resources and are open to the public. They are informational only and participants will receive a variety of travel resources. No RSVP is required. For more information about the presentation call 253-798-4600.

– Pierce County Human Services Aging & Disability Resources