Among her inspirational messages is that life’s second half can be as enjoyable and enriching — if not more so — as the first. Just “get out there and do it,” she advises, whatever your dream.
Weaver recommends travel, which “can open doors to new relationships, get you out of the house and make you a more interesting individual.”
A recent survey for Cruise Lines International Association found that first-time cruisers cited these attractions compared to land-based vacations: all-inclusive price, no packing and unpacking once you’ve set sail, fine dining, relaxation, having everything planned for you and the ability to visit several destinations. Many lines now offer theme cruises.
For example, Silversea Cruises, (800) 722-0955, has teamed up with National Geographic Traveler to offer a chance to learn about places on the itinerary. Lectures are given onboard by National Geographic Society photographers and journalists on such topics as geography, culture or oceanography. Passengers may also participate in shore excursions hosted by experts.
Elderhostel is a nonprofit organization that offers learning opportunities for people 55 and older who also seek informal, inexpensive lodging. Consisting of a network of about 2,000 educational and cultural institutions, it offers programs throughout North America as well as 70 countries overseas.
To receive a free catalog of Elderhostel opportunities, write to Elderhostel, P.O. Box 1959, Wakefield, MA 01880-5959.
Smithsonian Study Tours each year offers more than 350 study tours and seminars all over the world featuring scholars in a chosen field of focus as well as pre-departure reading lists.
For a catalog, write to Smithsonian Study Tours, the Smithsonian Associates, 1100 Jefferson Drive, S.W. (MRC 701), Washington, D.C. 20560; (202) 357-4700.
A variation on the learning vacation might be to center travel on a nonacademic course you might wish to pursue, such as golf or cooking. Combine the study with exploration of the destination. Among the best golf schools, according to Travel & Leisure magazine, are Arnold Palmer Golf Academy, 9000 Bay Hill Blvd., Orlando, FL 32819; (800) 523-5999, and Golf University at San Diego (founded by Ken Blanchard), 17550 Bernardo Oaks Drive, San Diego, CA 92128; (800) 426-0966.
A top cooking schools that also offer short courses for avocational amateurs, according to Bon Appetit magazine, is right here: California Culinary Academy, 625 Polk St., S.F., CA 94102, (415) 771-3536.
Photography buffs might want to consider a workshop by Close-Up Expeditions (858 56th St., Oakland, CA 94608; (510) 654-1548) which offers four- to 21-day trips to 30 destinations worldwide with photographic experts.