BOSTON – (January 30, 2025) – Road Scholar, the not-for-profit world leader in educational experiences for older adults celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2025. To mark this milestone and further its mission of inspiring adults to learn, discover and travel, Road Scholar is hosting a special online keynote event with historian Doris Kearns Goodwin, and is accepting nominations for the Road Scholar Educator Legacy Award, honoring one retiring educator with the learning adventure of a lifetime.
“For 50 years, Road Scholar has empowered older adults to explore, learn and connect with the world around them,” said James Moses, CEO of Road Scholar. “Beginning with our first program at the University of New Hampshire in 1975, we have partnered with thousands of colleges, universities, museums, and cultural centers around the world, and with exceptional teachers, professors, and expert instructors to provide educational experiences to more than 6 million older adults across generations. We are proud of the work we’ve done changing perceptions of aging, and of the educational community we’ve built united by curiosity, adventure and a passion for discovery.”
To kick off its anniversary celebration, Road Scholar recently announced the winners of its first-ever Great Global Giveaway, which awarded seven winners the opportunity to experience an educational adventure for two on each of all seven continents. The lucky winners announced this week include Rosemary and Tom S. from Washington, who are off on an expedition to the glaciers and islands of Antarctica, while Anita and Larry N. from Tennessee will travel to Asia to dive deep into the ancient cultures of the Mekong. Elizabeth W. from Florida will experience the unique wildlife of Australia, and Noreen O. from Hawaii will head to Africa. Julie M. from, Maryland will visit six national parks in North America, Terri M. from Wisconsin will travel to Europe for a French art voyage, and Dottie P. from Colorado will venture to South America to climb Machu Picchu and learn about Incan culture. The seven lucky winners were selected from Road Scholar’s entire community that included both long-time members and those who joined the mailing list in 2024.
Moving forward in 2025, Road Scholar Is Celebrating Its 50th Anniversary with several exciting new initiatives, including:
- Educator Legacy Award – Road Scholar’s inaugural Educator Legacy Award will celebrate one remarkable retiring educator who has left a lasting legacy in their students’ lives. Designed to honor an impactful career, the award recipient will receive a $5,000 Road Scholar voucher to embark on a lifelong learning adventure of their choice. To nominate a retiring educator, complete this form. Entries close on March 31, and the winner will be announced in May, coinciding with Teacher Appreciation Week.
- 2025 Keynote Event: Doris Kearns Goodwin ‘Leadership in Turbulent Times’ – As part of its anniversary events, Road Scholar is offering a free virtual lecture by acclaimed presidential historian and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Doris Kearns Goodwin. Taking place on Thursday, April 3 this special one-hour lecture and Q&A session will explore leadership during challenging periods in U.S. history. Registration for the virtual lecture is available here.
- 50 Roads to Learning – To honor 50 years of transformative learning adventures, Road Scholar has curated 50 unique educational adventures that reflect the depth and richness of educational travel. Each program offers travelers the chance to explore captivating destinations such as the Azores, South Africa and Egypt, uncover profound insights, and connect with extraordinary people who share a passion for discovery. The collection of 50th-anniversary programs can be found here.
“Fifty years ago, our founders set out to prove that learning has no age limit. This year, we celebrate those who have explored the world of learning and discovery with us. We look forward to inspiring older adults for generations to come with 50 more years of discovery and adventurous aging,” said Moses.
For five decades, Road Scholar has pursued its mission to empower older adults through learning and redefine aging. Its educational experiences are offered virtually online, in over 100 countries, seven continents, and across the United States.
For more information, visit RoadScholar.org. Stay up-to-date on the latest news by following Road Scholar on Instagram (@RoadScholar) and Facebook.
# # #
Media Note: Hi-res images and b-roll footage can be found HERE.
About Road Scholar
Not-for-profit Road Scholar is the world leader in educational experiences for older adults, serving 90,000 lifelong learners annually. Founded as “Elderhostel” in 1975, Road Scholar is celebrating their 50th anniversary in 2025 with a Great Global Giveaway, among other special projects. Road Scholar programs combine travel and education to provide experiential learning opportunities featuring an extraordinary range of topics, formats, activity levels, and locations—on all seven continents and throughout the United States. Alongside renowned experts, participants experience in-depth and behind-the-scenes learning opportunities by land and by sea on educational travel adventures designed for curious adventurers over 50.
Media Contact:
Hemsworth
Allie Kresek / Shannon Coyne
From The Caribbean to Europe, Top Luxury Villa Rental Provider Unveils the Most Popular Destinations Based on Clientele 2025 Travel Plans
MONTREAL – (February 17, 2025) – Rental Escapes, a full-service luxury villa company specializing in providing unparalleled private villa rentals worldwide, today revealed its list of the most popular destinations for 2025, highlighting the most sought-after locations across the globe. Based on Rental Escapes’ booking trends and traveler demand, this year’s must-visit locations span the Caribbean and Europe, offering unparalleled luxury, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable experiences. Recently named the Best Villa Rental Company of 2024, Rental Escapes provides a carefully curated selection of fully vetted and inspected villas in each destination, ensuring an exclusive and seamless travel experience.
“This year’s list of popular destinations reflects the evolving desires of affluent travelers seeking exclusive, immersive, and luxurious villa experiences,” said Willie Fernandez, chief marketing officer of Rental Escapes. “Whether it’s relaxing on a white sandy beach in the Caribbean while staying in a fully staffed villa or exploring the charm of European cities, Rental Escapes’ collection of villas in each of these destinations offers privacy, comfort, and personalized service, ensuring every stay is truly one of a kind.”
Rental Escapes List of Top Destinations for Luxury Villas in 2025 Includes:
Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is home to three of the Caribbean’s most desirable resort communities: Cap Cana, Casa de Campo, and Punta Cana Resort and Club. Rental Escapes offers a curated selection of villas in each of these exclusive destinations, allowing travelers to experience ultimate luxury. Whether it’s being pampered without lifting a finger in Cap Cana, playing golf on world-class courses at Casa de Campo, or relaxing on the pristine beaches of Punta Cana Resort, Rental Escapes provides accommodations for travelers to experience the utmost luxury in the Dominican Republic. To view Rental Escapes’ luxurious villa rental options in the Dominican Republic, click here.
Turks & Caicos
With a significant increase in bookings for 2025 compared to 2024, Turks & Caicos ranks as one of the top destinations in the Caribbean. Whether travelers crave adventure on the water—kiteboarding, kayaking, and more—or prefer to relax by the turquoise-blue surf, booking a beachfront villa puts them steps from it all in this island paradise. To view Rental Escapes’ luxurious villa rental options in Turks & Caicos, click here.
Italy
With its rich history and culture, cuisine, and variety of outdoor activities, Italy is one of the world’s top destinations for family vacations. Rental Escapes continues to see rising interest from large groups traveling to Italy for the 2025 Jubilee. From the mountain views and picturesque lakes of Lake Como to the medieval and Renaissance architecture of Tuscany, and the stunning coastlines of the Amalfi Coast, Sicily, and Puglia, Rental Escapes’ portfolio of luxurious villas offers families an unparalleled way to experience the country. To view Rental Escapes’ luxurious villa rental options in Italy, click here.
St. Barts
Renowned for its lush landscapes, pristine beaches, and sophisticated charm, this exclusive island is the ultimate destination for travelers seeking relaxation in style. With a curated collection of over 460 luxury villas, Rental Escapes provides an unparalleled experience, ensuring every guest enjoys the finest accommodations and personalized concierge services for a truly exceptional getaway. To view Rental Escapes’ luxurious villa rental options in St. Barts, click here.
Mexico
Mexico is a diverse and captivating destination, offering something for every traveler, whether seeking relaxation or adventure. When booking with Rental Escapes, the dedicated concierge team is available to curate personalized experiences to ensure an unforgettable stay. The top concierge services booked in Mexico include private transportation, private boat charters, mixology classes. To view Rental Escapes’ luxurious villa rental options in Mexico, click here.
Costa Rica
With a diverse portfolio of over 170 villas across the country, guests can choose to stay in a secluded retreat within the lush rainforest or a stunning villa overlooking the Caribbean Sea or Pacific Ocean. With its perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and luxury, Costa Rica offers an unforgettable escape, and Rental Escapes ensures a seamless, tailored experience in this tropical paradise. To view Rental Escapes’ luxurious villa rental options in Costa Rica, click here.
France
With a stunning collection of villas in France’s most sought-after destinations—St. Tropez, Cannes, and the South of France—travelers can immerse themselves in breathtaking scenery, rich culture, and world-renowned cuisine with Rental Escapes. For personalized recommendations on world-famous wineries and Michelin-starred restaurants, Rental Escapes’ concierge service is readily available to travelers. To view Rental Escapes’ luxurious villa rental options in France, click here.
Jamaica
Rental Escapes offers an exclusive collection of villas in Montego Bay’s most prestigious country club, the Tryall Golf & Beach Club. Known for its breathtaking natural beauty, Tryall Club features one of the region’s most stunning landscapes and a world-class golf course. For those seeking the ultimate in luxury and relaxation in Jamaica, Rental Escapes’ villas in Tryall Club and Montego Bay offer an unparalleled experience. To view Rental Escapes’ luxurious villa rental options in Jamaica, click here.
Saint Martin
This Caribbean gem offers a perfect blend of luxury, tropical beauty, and relaxation, all within its compact yet diverse landscape. Travelers are drawn to its white-sand beaches, lush greenery, and vibrant culture, along with its world-class cuisine influenced by both French and Caribbean flavors. To view Rental Escapes’ luxurious villa rental options in Saint Martin, click here.
Cayman Islands
Rental Escapes has seen a growing interest among travelers headed to the Cayman Islands seeking staffed villas where they can fully unwind, relax, and enjoy a seamless luxury experience without lifting a finger. The portfolio of villas in the Cayman Islands includes fully staffed properties, as well as options with personal butlers, housekeeping, private chefs, and even babysitting services. Whether honeymooning, traveling with friends, or planning a family getaway, guests can fully relax and enjoy all the Cayman Islands has to offer in effortless luxury. To view Rental Escapes’ luxurious villa rental options in Cayman Islands, click here.
For more information on Rental Escapes, visit RentalEscapes.com. Stay up-to-date on the latest news by following Rental Escapes on Facebook Facebook.com/RentalEscapes, Instagram@RentalEscapes, Twitter @RentalEscapes and LinkedIn.
###
MEDIA NOTE: Hi-res images can be found HERE.
About Rental Escapes
Rental Escapes is a full-service luxury villa company that prides itself in providing top-notch personalized service and unforgettable villa experiences. The company offers a hand-picked selection of more than 5,000 carefully vetted and curated luxury villa rentals in 70 destinations across the Caribbean, Mexico, Europe, the United States and beyond. Its team of highly trained villa specialists assist guests and travel advisors in planning and booking the ideal villa stay. In addition, every reservation is provided with a concierge service to take care of arranging everything from private chefs to boat charters. Rental Escapes has been honored with prestigious industry awards, including the Gold Travvy and Gold Magellan Awards in 2024 for ‘Best Villa Rental Company’ and additional Gold Magellan and Silver Adrian Awards for their marketing efforts.
Media Contact:
Becca Maroney / Allie Kresek