The Takeaway
- Road Scholar’s 2026 trends are based on enrollment growth, not predictions.
- Seniors are favoring culturally dense destinations that feel underexplored.
- International travel is rebounding selectively, with strong demand for expert-led programs.
- Domestic travel is shifting toward overlooked states and regions with educational depth.
- Food-focused learning travel is surging heading into 2026.
When Road Scholar looks at travel trends, it doesn’t rely on surveys or wish lists. Its insights come directly from what older adults are booking.
For 2026, those choices point to a clear pattern: seniors are traveling with intention. They want history, culture, and context — but without crowds, rushed pacing, or tourist overload.
As Lizzie Gerecitano, a spokesperson for Road Scholar, told Smart Senior Daily:
“Participants are gravitating toward destinations that offer meaningful learning and cultural immersion, especially in places that don’t feel overrun.”
International destinations gaining momentum
Malta
Malta continues to trend because it delivers a lot in a small space. The country’s concentration of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, walkable historic cities, and layered Mediterranean history make it ideal for senior travelers.
Road Scholar’s winter programs add another advantage: fewer tourists, lower prices, and immersive experiences like hands-on cooking classes and visits with local wine producers.
Ecuador
Ecuador’s rise reflects growing interest in food, culture, and community-based travel.
Road Scholar’s mainland programs emphasize shared meals with local families, Indigenous traditions, and exploration of Quito’s UNESCO-listed historic center. The appeal lies in cultural exchange, not just sightseeing.
Jordan & Egypt
Jordan has regained momentum as concerns about regional instability have eased. Seniors are once again comfortable traveling there, particularly through structured programs that emphasize safety and expert guidance.
Petra remains a central draw, paired with historical context that brings the site beyond the postcard image.
Egypt is experiencing a similar rebound. Enrollment is climbing as travelers return for expert-led exploration of ancient temples and monuments.
Programs accompanied by an Egyptologist provide both reassurance and depth, two qualities Road Scholar travelers consistently value.
Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Armenia
This South Caucasus itinerary is trending among seniors looking for destinations that sit outside the usual European circuit.
The region’s blend of ancient religious sites, long-standing musical traditions, and everyday cultural practices — from bread baking to distilling — offers a sense of discovery without the crowds.
Smart Senior Daily Staff
Domestic and North American destinations gaining momentum
Oklahoma
Oklahoma is drawing interest from seniors eager to explore places they may have previously overlooked.
Road Scholar programs focus on Native American history, regional art, and architecture across cities like Tulsa and Tahlequah, offering strong educational payoff without heavy tourism.
Illinois & Ontario
Illinois is trending largely due to the return of Road Scholar’s Great Lakes Floating Campus after a hiatus.
Chicago anchors the experience with architectural river cruises and cultural institutions, allowing for urban exploration without frequent hotel changes.
Ontario benefits from the same Great Lakes resurgence. Seniors are drawn to classic experiences like Mackinac Island and Niagara Falls, paired with the ease of traveling aboard a Road Scholar–exclusive vessel.
Arkansas & Oklahoma
Arkansas is gaining traction as travelers seek destinations that feel unspoiled yet culturally rich.
Programs highlight Little Rock, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, the Ozarks, and historic hot springs, blending nature with history and the arts.
And Oklahoma? It's more than just "Boomer, Sooner!" football fans. Especially interesting is Tulsa – one of the coolest mid-size cities in the U.S. with a little cultural boost from its new Bob Dylan Museum.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts continues to resonate with history-focused travelers, especially as interest builds around America’s 250th anniversary.
Boston, Lexington, and Concord remain focal points, with additional learning adventures in the Berkshires and on Cape Cod.
Food Travel Is Surging — and Why Italy Matters
Food-centered travel is no longer a niche for older adults — it’s one of Road Scholar’s fastest-growing categories, up 41% for 2026, reflecting a broader shift toward immersive, hands-on cultural learning.
Italy sits at the center of that trend, especially after Italian cuisine became the world’s first gastronomic tradition to receive UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage status, according to CNN.
UNESCO designation for food is not a typical honor that UNESCO hands out, typically pegging cities/parks/etc. and not a bowl of, well, macaroni and cheese.
Sarah Rita, Program Manager for Road Scholar’s Italy programs, says the recognition confirms what travelers already feel.
“Food is a universal language,” Rita said. “It’s an immersive way to experience culture, connect with people, and learn together. UNESCO’s acknowledgement of Italian cuisine validates that.”
Road Scholar currently offers cooking programs in Sicily and Tuscany, with a new Puglia program launching in 2027 and another Italy food-focused itinerary planned for early 2026.
In 2025, 370 older adults participated in Road Scholar cooking programs in Italy; enrollment is on track to exceed 400 in 2026.
Disclosure: Travel availability, pricing, safety conditions, and itineraries may change. Readers should review program details carefully and consult health and travel professionals before booking.
