Latest in Vacation Ideas Gets You Back to School

They don’t check class attendance, homework or term papers. No tests, either. And no one minds if you sleep late.

Those are only the minor reasons why continuing-education vacations are becoming more popular each year with mature travelers.

In addition to the major national programs such as Elderhostel and Interhostel, many colleges and universities are offering special summer sessions for seniors.

For example, mature travelers looking to combine a stimulating learning program with a chance to see and explore such destinations as Washington’s Cascade Mountains and San Juan Islands as well as other Pacific Northwest areas, might look into the Senior Ventures program at Central Washington University in Ellensburg, Wash.

Now in its third year, the program--aimed specifically at the energetic, mentally alert mature traveler--draws people from as far away as Florida and Texas. There is one two-week session, June 19 to July 1, followed by two four-week sessions, July 5 to Aug. 2 and Aug. 8 to Sept. 5.

A typical four-week session costs about $1,400. That includes full tuition, accommodations in apartments or suites, all meals, two Washington sightseeing tours, a leisure program and choices of more than 30 courses.

“Between morning and afternoon sessions five days a week it’s possible to take as many as seven courses,” John Bull, senior programs coordinator, said.

You can delve into Indian art and mythology, become familiar with contemporary China or the Soviet Union, learn about talking to chimpanzees or choose courses in art, theater, Western and Indian history, investments, music and many others.

Wine and Beer Class

According to Bull, two of the most popular courses are Learning Basic Computer Skills and the Big Band Era and Jazz.

“Another course studies the wines and beers of the Northwest,” Bull said. “It includes several tasting sessions of local beers and wines, and field trips to some of the more than 50 wineries in the Yakima Valley wine area. You can see why that’s popular.”

Combined with the university courses are such extra pursuits as a float trip down the Yakima River, picnics, fossil hunts and the theater, or activities such as tennis, golf, swimming or fishing. All except golf are included in the tuition fee, but even golf is offered at a senior discount.

Also included in the total cost are a day motor-coach tour to explore the Seattle waterfront and Pike Place Market, and another to the Bavarian-style village of Leavenworth in the Cascade Mountains.

A variety of accommodations are available. Some apartments have housekeeping facilities. You can cook your own meals or choose from several meal plans.

Other accommodations, all with private bath, are in campus residence suites where the only cooking permitted is with coffee pot and toaster. You take one of the several meal plans.

Rates for the two-week course are half of the $1,400 rate. The price includes tuition, lodging and all meals.

According to Bull, the only session filling up rapidly now is the one in August. Most accommodations left are on the third-floor levels.

“And while all the school buildings have elevators,” Bull said, “the apartment residence units do not, which is a major concern for some seniors.”

Rates quoted are for one person based on sharing a university apartment residence or suite. The university helps match singles. If a single room is preferred, the supplement is from $53 to $65 a week, depending on the type of accommodation.

The 225-acre campus is about 10 blocks from central Ellensburg. Classroom and dining facilities are in a central area. Housing is within walking distance.

Ellensburg, about an hour’s drive east of Seattle, has a population of 11,500.

The university arranges for airport and Amtrak pickups, and round-trip transportation to Ellensburg for $40 per person.

Strictly as options, the university also has a series of tours at the end of the four-week sessions. These include a five-day tour of Vancouver/Victoria, a seven-day tour of the Canadian Rockies and an eight-day Alaska cruise in the Inside Passage.

For more information, a list of classes and optional tours, contact the Senior Programs Coordinator, Central Washington University, Ellensburg, Wash. 98926, (509) 963-1504.