Road Scholar is the not-for-profit leader in educational travel for adults. Since 1975, we have created expert-led learning adventures that connect curious people with the history, culture, people and natural environments of destinations across the United States and around the world. Our programs include small-group adventures, solo travel, grandparent experiences, outdoor learning and cultural discoveries, as well as live online learning experiences you can enjoy from home.
Road Scholar (roadscholar.org) has 75 customer reviews on Five Star Index, with an average rating of 2.0 out of 5.
Also known as
roadscholar.org
Website
roadscholar.org
Category
Activities & Tours
Location
Boston, Massachusetts
Listed on Five Star Index
2026
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The company replied to 79% of reviews.
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Most recent review: October 2026.
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Roads scholar is a highly regressive travel company. They offer "woman-only" tours, which are highly exclusionary. Never travel with this outfit
Response from Road ScholarMar 3, 2026
Dear Andrew,
I am responding on behalf of Road Scholar.
Road Scholar embodies a vibrant community where lifelong learners and adventurers unite, sharing the conviction that continuous education enriches personal wellbeing. We offer numerous adventures accessible to every participant. Our women-only programs constitute just one of many collections we offer. Rather than creating division, our intention focuses on providing diverse travel options for participants, including opportunities for those who prefer traveling with other women, alongside other program styles designed for different interests and preferences. Should you wish to discover our comprehensive range of opportunities, please feel free to reach out. We'll gladly respond to any inquiries or concerns you might have.
Sincerely,
Road Scholar
KA
Kathleen
Road Scholar
I had booked my first RA trip this year, to San Miguel Allende in Mexico. I was supposed to leave on Feb., 23, the day after a major drug cartel leader was killed by the Mexican military and Americans were told to shelter in place amid the violence across the country. RA never reached out to the travellers on that trip. I called twice and was told that IF my trip is cancelled I will receive an mail. If I don't get an email saying it's cancelled I should assume it is going forward. I was never told affirmatively that the trip was going forward. I was told that it was still on at the time I was speaking to the RS rep. This was my first trip with RS. It never occurred to me to call the trip leader and the 2 RS reps I spoke to never suggested that. I guess I was supposed to go to the airport and hope for the best; hope they don't cancel the trip while I am on the plane. I ended up cancelling on my own. The situations was too volatile and RA offered no assurances of safety. Terrible management of a crisis situation. If they can't do that well, why should I trust them with my safety. They have issued a partial credit and an apology but I won't be travelling with them ever.
Response from Road ScholarFeb 26, 2026
Dear Kathleen,
I am responding on behalf of Road Scholar.
We understand your decision to cancel and recognize this must be disappointing for you. It is our regular practice to monitor events that have the potential to affect travel and the security of all our programs, as well as the welfare of our participants. We rely on the U.S. Department of State, local, state and federal agencies, our network of local partners, and other sources of information for advice and guidance regarding our programs. Our ground operator provided assurance that conditions in San Miguel de Allende remained favorable, particularly given its location over 330 km from Jalisco. This information supported our confidence in proceeding with the program. You were assured the program was running, however, advised we are always prepared to make immediate changes either prior to departure or during the program as circumstances warrant. If that were to happen we would notify all impacted participants right away. Additionally, our pre-program materials contain emergency contact information for group leaders, accessible from the program's start date. We regret that you believe the matter wasn't managed appropriately and though you did not purchase the optional trip protection insurance, we issued you a substantial credit of over 40% of the program cost as a gesture of goodwill. The Road Scholar credit will be available for you to use should you change your mind. We wish you the best.
Sincerely,
Road Scholar
JL
jan L.
Trip Insurance Recomended by Road Scholar is not be Trusted
We booked an nice, but costly trip with Road Scholar and purchased their recommended trip insurance. Unfortunately, my husband became ill on day 3 of a 6 day Road Scholar trip requiring an ambulance to the local hospital and an all day stay at the ER at that hospital.
We had purchased the Road Scholar recommended AON insurance only to learn that most of our expenses were not covered in spite of the "for any reason" clause. We had planned 2 future trips with Road Scholar and cancelled them because of the poor treatment by their recommended insurance carrier and Road Scholar's refusal to issue any credits for the expense we incurred which we would have applied to the forthcoming trips. Be VERY careful using Road Scholar for your trip insurance. Look into other travel companies that use a more reliable and ethical trip insurance provider than Road Scholar for your trips. Ours was memorable for the disaster it became and the lack of RS to make good on the lost revenue.
Read more
Response from Road ScholarFeb 12, 2026
Dear Jan,
I am responding on behalf of Road Scholar.
We are truly sorry to hear about your husband's illness, and hope he has recovered completely. Regarding the optional trip protection plan you purchased, it offers several benefits including cancel for any reason coverage when bought before the final payment deadline. However, this particular benefit only applies when you cancel before your program begins. For non-covered cancellation reasons, instead of cash reimbursement for fees, it provides a Road Scholar credit for future programs. Since you participated in your program but had to depart early, this falls under the interruption coverage, which reimburses missed program nights but excludes domestic medical expenses. Given that you missed two nights and considering the program cost, your claim was processed accurately. We understand there may be some confusion regarding these different benefits, and would like to help clarify any questions you might have. A member of our team will be reaching out.
Sincerely,
Road Scholar
TA
TA
Road Scholar consistently cancels trips--Beware!
We have now booked 2 Road Scholar trips: one in 2024 (Madeira) and another for 2026 (Chiapas) and BOTH were cancelled by the company due to low enrollment. Trying to enroll in other trips for the approximate same times--nope--all booked up and of course no attempt to even help by the company. Burned once, burned twice NEVER AGAIN. Very slick website and concepts, but simply not useable.
Response from Road ScholarNov 20, 2025
Dear TA,
I am responding on behalf of Road Scholar.
Making the choice to cancel a program is never easy, and we always exhaust every possibility before reaching that point. We truly regret disappointing participants and sincerely apologize that this has happened to you twice. When programs you're interested in reach capacity, joining the waitlist remains a viable option. This alerts our provider to seek additional space when feasible, and should someone cancel, you'll advance on the list or potentially secure enrollment. We're committed to supporting you and regret that you haven't felt this assistance. Please contact us at 1-877-426-8056 or share your contact details so we can reach out directly.
Sincerely,
Road Scholar
DM
Diane M.
I believed Road Scholar when they said…
I believed Road Scholar when they said the rates are better but I see I was charged hundreds of dollars more for my airfare than if I had booked it myself. Yes, they pick us up at the airport and drop us off but it's so much cheaper to pay for it yourself. Plus they booked it so far in advance as not to get the best rates.
Road Scholar says they're not for profit but that must just be for the tour portion and not the airfare rates. Airlines allow you to cancel within 24 hours but Road Scholar charges a $500 penalty.
Response from Road ScholarOct 29, 2025
Dear Diane,
I am responding on behalf of Road Scholar.
When you book your air through Road Scholar, you’re getting more than a ticket — you’re getting built-in flexibility and support designed specifically for educational travel. Our team works directly with airlines up to a year in advance to secure space that allows:
• Flexible changes: In most cases, you can adjust flights without penalty until about six weeks before departure. There are some exceptions that apply that are clearly communicated.
• Full protection if programs change: If Road Scholar must cancel your program, we refund the airfare (exceptions may apply).
• Proactive flight monitoring: We track schedule changes and can rebook you if flights are delayed or canceled.
• 24-hour emergency assistance: A dedicated team is available to help with unexpected travel issues.
• Included transfers: Airport transfers are covered when you arrive and depart on program dates.
Airlines sometimes advertise limited “flash sale” fares that appear lower, but come with strict conditions — they typically require immediate payment, are nonrefundable and offer little or no flexibility. By contrast, Road Scholar air is paid on the same schedule as your program, unless it is buy now airfare, and comes with the flexibility, protection and personalized service that online discount fares rarely provide.
If you are not happy with your flight arrangements our travel team is always available to explore possible alternatives. We would like to discuss this further with you. If you haven’t already, please give our Travel Services Department a call at (800) 241-1404.
Sincerely,
Road Scholar
NG
Nancy G.
A taste of Costa Rica trip
Airline delayed. Costa Rica airports closed over 5 hours, and then United delayed and then canceled. Road Scholar advised join next day. So if I got flight next day, missed dinner, orientation, morning walk in San Jose, and transfer to different location. I would have had to add nearly $800 more to trip to get there,. Trip ins would have been likely way less. So disappointed as have had 7 trips with RS and so good most of them. I am not doing another. The trip ins is ridiculous and who wants to get to the program 2 whole days late, 36 hours no sleep, and try to catch up on all that and enjoy. Screwed all around.
Yes - the insurance is a credit, and perhaps people have many other obligations or issues where difficult to use that credit in a timely manner. I have had insurance before and was not that helpful. Had to sleep in the airport overnite due to missed connection to Australia. The ship broke down for 24 hours. We collected way less than what was paid for insurance and missed Auckland altogether, so I think never compensated for what we pay. Thank you. Goodbye.+
Response from Road ScholarOct 9, 2025
Dear Nancy,
I am responding on behalf of Road Scholar.
We recognize the frustration and disappointment that can arise when airlines make changes to schedules or cancel flights unexpectedly. Although we don't have any control over airline schedules or seat availability, those who booked their flights through our Travel Team can receive assistance exploring alternative options to reach their program. Unfortunately, this may sometimes result in a delayed arrival if that's all the airline can provide. At that point, one will need to decide whether proceeding with the program still makes sense for them. This situation illustrates why we recommend our optional trip protection plan, which includes benefits for trip interruption to help cover expenses in these circumstances or provides a cancel for any reason credit if one completely cancels. We are sorry you will no longer be traveling with us and hope that you reconsider. If you would like to discuss this further please feel free to contact us at 1-877-426-8056.
Sincerely,
Road Scholar
DM
D M.
Road Scholar Travel
Road Scholar Travel has made my experience with Road Scholar horrible. From the travel company trying to book my flights 11 months early and using high pressure tactics to complete the airline reservation to not paying the airline company for my flights even though I paid for the entire trip.
I have enjoyed my Road Scholar trips but Road Scholar Travel seems to be dishonest. Perhaps it's under new management. Several people on past trips I have taken have booked their own flights. Now I know why. Road Scholar does not have great airfare prices. Most trips may be cheaper if you book your own airfare and pay for transportation to the hotel from the airport.
Response from Road ScholarAug 20, 2025
Dear D Mac,
I am responding on behalf of Road Scholar.
We apologize for any disappointment you've experienced with our Travel Team. There are various factors that impact the itineraries we book, including airline availability and negotiated pricing. Our aim is to provide the most direct and cost-effective flights available, considering your program's parameters. We're not here to pressure you, but to offer flight options and support. Depending on the flights you seek, there may be instances where air costs are added to your order for payment upon the program's final payment or, for destinations requiring payment at the time of booking, we'll contact you via email or phone to finalize arrangements and make payment. If you have concerns about the proposed flight itinerary, our representatives are available to explore alternative options. Additionally, the airfare cost includes benefits: Monitoring of flights, we’ll keep on top of pre-departure schedule changes and cancellations and if necessary proactively rebook your flights to ensure that you arrive at your program on time, 24 hour service available to offer guidance with air travel emergencies, which include unanticipated flight delays or cancellations, Airport transfers if arriving and departing on the program dates and if Road Scholar cancels your program, you’ll receive a full refund for the airfare (exceptions may apply). We would like to discuss your concerns further. If you haven't already, please contact us at 1-877-426-8056 or [email protected].
Sincerely,
Road Scholar
CO
Consumer
Ageist gaslighting
I enrolled early in the French Art Voyage because of the caliber of the sites visited: no visit to the overly crowded Louvre but rather to Monet’s Giverny and Cezanne’s studio. A preliminary itinerary I just received has no mention of Giverny so I went online to be sure it was still open. It is. I checked Cezanne’s studio and found it closed for renovation.
I called Road Scholar to ask why Giverny was canceled and did they mean Cezanne perhaps.
A customer service rep was clueless. I spelled Giverny to her twice. She put me on hold for 15 minutes, returned and said someone would contact me. I told her to wait a minute. I had more. Was Cezanne’s studio to be canceled as well.?
Five days later I get an email from Judith telling me Giverny was not officially on the itinerary, Cezanne’s studio had to be removed due to renovation and I could not see the Mona Lisa!!!
I responded saying I sensed some bait and switch also reminding her I NEVER asked about the Mona Lisa.
She replied telling me how to arrange Giverny for myself and reiterating that I could not see the Mona Lisa!!!!
I have experienced ageism but not gaslighting like this. I am not an old fool who imagined Giverny on the itinerary. I am not an old fool insisting on a Mona Lisa that was not.
Road Scholar has no business marketing to elders with staff like this.
Response from Road ScholarApr 8, 2025
Dear Consumer,
I am responding on behalf of Road Scholar.
We are sorry to hear about your recent interaction and for any frustration it may have caused. Our sample daily itineraries might change based on the program's departure. For the French Art Voyage: Paris, the Rhône and the French Riviera adventure, we've noted on day 5 the closure of Cezanne's studio for renovations from April 2024 to Spring 2025. We also include a visit to Monet's home and gardens in Giverny on another offering, though not on this one. We'd like to discuss your experience further and clarify any confusion. We'll be contacting you directly.
Sincerely,
Road Scholar
