They are active Americans over 50 who are young at heart and interested in experiencing a destination and not just seeing it. Curious life-long learners, they embrace opportunities to immerse themselves in local culture, go off the beaten path, and step out of their comfort zones to learn more about the world, including exotic places that most Americans don’t go. No matter how they explore—alone, as a couple, or with a friend—their eyes, ears, and mind are always open to new experiences and they aren’t afraid to get their feet wet or hands dirty on occasion. How they see the world matters greatly to them—and they know that true discoveries are only possible by exploring in a small group of like-minded travelers with a local Trip Experience Leader who can open doors to authentic cultural connections. By meeting and interacting with people in the world community, O.A.T. travelers look forward to forging bonds that transcend our differences and make us realize how similar we all truly are.
Solo Travelers
MEET PATRICIA CALZI
Began traveling with O.A.T. in 2007
COUNTRIES VISITED
O.A.T. ADVENTURES
“Camping for two nights in the Sahara Desert was something I’ll never forget. It was absolutely amazing to go out at night and look at the stars in that vast blackness. You’d hear voices, because people would sit in the chairs in front of their tents and chat. You’re with like-minded people, and, in that safe setting, it gives you the freedom to do what you want to do. In the Sahara, you could just sit on your own and be quiet, or you could join others, talking and pointing out the constellations together. It was just spectacular.”
Friends Traveling Together
MEET LYNDA THOMPSON
Lynda began traveling with O.A.T. in 2006
More than 20
COUNTRIES VISITED
O.A.T. ADVENTURES
MEET BETH HANSON
Beth began traveling with O.A.T. in 2010
More than 5
COUNTRIES VISITED
O.A.T. ADVENTURES
“Heart of India was the fourth O.A.T. trip that my friend Beth and I have done together. We love traveling together because we both have a spirit of adventure and are usually pretty chill with whatever we happen upon. Beth's husband is a more ‘traditional’ traveler, so she has his blessing as we set off on new adventures. It can be hard for friends to decide where to travel because we have limited financial resources and we all have different interests. In our case, we ask each other, ‘Where's the next adventure?’ and sometimes we have to compromise on where we want to go. Neither of us had India on our bucket list, but after I watched a 6-hour special about the historical, cultural, political, and spiritual aspects of India, I convinced Beth that India should be our next exotic adventure.”
Couples
MEET WILLIAM & ROBERTA FRENCH
Began traveling with O.A.T. in 2009
COUNTRIES VISITED
O.A.T. ADVENTURES
“Besides seeing hundreds of elephants and a lioness carrying her cub, we shared several wonderful cultural experiences. We were able to engage with students in their school setting, interact with families in a small village, and have several educational and interesting discussions about current African life and issues.”
The Adventurous
MEET ESTHER PERICA
Began traveling with O.A.T. in 2009
COUNTRIES VISITED
O.A.T. ADVENTURES
“I’ve had a passport since I was 6 months old, having traveled with my parents. I still have it—it is a 4 digit number! I am used to other cultures and other ways of looking at things. At this stage of my life, what I look for in a trip is experiences: walking the Camino de Santiago, meeting local people, being involved with making ethnic foods and especially traveling close to the ground and exploring places on foot and not from a bus window.”
Those Who Give Back
MEET JANET SNYDER
Began traveling with O.A.T. in 2006
COUNTRIES VISITED
O.A.T. ADVENTURES
“I’ve given away close to two hundred pairs of glasses during my trips to India, Nepal, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, and recently in Kenya and Tanzania. It’s my feeling that if every traveler took 12 pairs of unbreakable glasses in their suitcase (the cost is negligible, the space is minimal), then each pair would help someone whose eyesight gets dimmer as they age. It’s very difficult to support your family by sewing, beading, or weaving if you can’t see well, and those of us who are older already know the importance of having reading glasses when we suffer from the inevitable presbyopia. What if we couldn’t afford them or didn't even know that we needed them or that they existed?”
