Go for the Experience

Nature, Up Close and Personal

Elderhostel, a nonprofit group that specializes in learning adventures for those 55 and older, offers more than 8,000 choices in more than 90 countries, involving travelers in history, culture, nature, music, walking and biking and study cruises. One that combines learning with an incredibly scenic location is "Natural Wonders: The Real Costa Rica." Discover an active volcano at the wondrous Arenal Volcano National Park. The trip takes people to the rainforest to learn about tropical plants and exotic birds, and to see coffee production, a banana plantation and more. Costs begin at $2,023 a person.

The Inca World and Machu Picchu

For a stunning adventure, the Inca Trail passes through a cloud forest in the Andes leading to Machu Picchu. Though officially closed to protect its eco-

structure, the trail is open to a few licensed operators. One of them is an Adventure Center tour that visits ancient, pre-Incan ruins and an unusual Witches' Market. Plus, participants actually stay in the home of a local Indian family. Designed to be affordable, the 13-day tour starts at $1,864.

Experience the World on a Private Jet

Our ultimate dream: a World Wildlife Fund tour of 10 countries starts in Orlando and soars off on a private Boeing 757 jet that's specially equipped to carry just 74 passengers in luxury. Learn on board with lectures as you head to South America, South Pacific, Australia, Papua New Guinea, Southeast Asia, India and Africa. Tour Easter Island with archaeologists, snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, visit Machu Picchu in the Andes, hike the Daintree Rainforest in Australia, and four-wheel drive into the desert of Dubai with champagne atop the dunes, and much more. For 24 days, it's $54,950.

Ensure Your Experience Lives Up to Expectation

Experiential travel is meant to be mind-expanding. It doesn't have to be arduous; however, some trips by their very nature entail physical challenges. The adventure or sports-oriented companies typically rate tours according to their physical difficulty. One even adds a category of "culture shock" level.

Be realistic about your stamina or desire to rough it. It's better to enjoy the activity than to be overwhelmed.

If you're concerned about safety in a specific locale, check the State Department travel warnings at www.travel.state.gov. Of course, if you have health concerns, check with your travel agent or tour company to ensure that the appropriate medical care is nearby.

With the travel options available you should be able to match the experience to your interests, finances, time limitations and abilities. To explore opportunities in experiential travel, talk to a local travel agent who can arrange the tours as well as the air connections to meet them. Or explore some options on Web sites such as these: www.adventurecenter.com, www.backroads.com, www.countrywalkers.com, www.oattravel.com, www.worldwildlife.org, www.expeditions.com, www.elderhostel.org, www.farandwide.com, www.shawguides.com and www.wildernesstravel.com.