Alumni Travel

Alumni Travel is a growing component of nonprofit/educational travel. Despite its name, many alumni travel programs are open to non-alumni, and what follows is a selective sampling of these inclusive programs.

Despite their affiliation with colleges and universities, not all alumni travel programs are created equal. You will find a variety of options from program to program, and even within a specific program trips may be no more than typical sightseeing tours. The majority, however, are based on the principal that education doesn’t begin and end with college and that travel is an ideal way to enrich your life and learn about the world—and, sometimes, to give back to the world, as evidenced by an increasing number of service-learning alumni travel programs.

Aside from the obvious benefit of not having to plan all the details of a trip yourself, alumni program travelers find some of the advantages to include carefully selected travel providers; experienced and local tour guides; access to people, places, and events that are closed to the public; educational pre- and post-trip opportunities; and often small and personalized groups composed of like-minded individuals interested in mind-enriching travel. Programs are often ranked in terms of physical requirements, from mildly active to active or even adventurous. There are trips geared specifically for families, and many programs are willing to assist single travelers who want to share accommodations.

One sticky subject is cost. While costs are always relative, they seem particularly so with alumni travel. Program costs vary widely. You should weigh carefully program philosophies and what each includes with its trips—meals, airfare, educational seminars, special events, etc. Many programs offer similar trips, so you can afford to be discerning.

With college faculty leading or accompanying many trips, you may wish to consider one over another because of the faculty leader’s qualifications or interests.

Most programs require an upfront deposit and acceptance of the trip’s terms and conditions, and the majority have detailed itineraries available on their web sites. The most obvious starting place might be your alma mater. If you don’t see a trip that meets your needs and interests, google “alumni travel” and your options will be endless.

Of course, there are also many alumni databases which are closed to members, and we will seek out those who wish to volunteer about travels on such programs.

We look forward to expanding our alumni travel resources in the future and welcome your feedback. If you’ve participated in alumni travel, write to us with your perspective, resources, or full-length article. —Sherry Schwarz

See Jessica Hayden's selection of her Favorite Alumni Travel Programs for more...