Road Trip Ideas for the Over Fifty Crowd

It's always exciting to explore new places and see new things. The great American road trip is a time-honored tradition for many families and one that doesn't have to end once the kids are grown.

Taking a road trip when you're over fifty means you may avoid large amusement parks for the day's entertainment, and opt for a history museum instead.

Here are ten cheap things to do on road trips when you're over fifty:

City bus rides- There is no better way to get an armchair view of a city than to catch a city bus. Park your car in a shopping mall and catch the next bus for a round trip ride of the city you are visiting. It is generally safe, gives you a chance to see the sights, take photos, and is an inexpensive way to get around.

Botanical gardens- Many cities have botanical gardens that showcase local flora and fauna. Often the entrance fee is either free, donation only, or under ten dollars.

Fairground events- Many cities have local fairgrounds. While going to the fair is a possibility--during the off-season, local fairgrounds will often have garden shows, reptile shows, antique fairs, car shows, mineral and gem shows and more.

Wine tasting- If you're in one of the many wine areas in the US, taking a wine tasting tour is a good way to not only taste locally grown wines, but also get a bit of a history lesson as the host shares stories about the winery and surrounding area.

Walking tours- Many towns across the country have local historical societies. Often they offer free, or inexpensive, walking tours of designated sections in town with local historical value. Some even have unusual offerings such as ghost tours.

Observatories- Cities with organizations focused on science will possibly have an observatory open to the public.

Street fairs- On many weekends, especially after Memorial Day, street fairs, art fairs and local farmers markets are excellent ways to experience a hometown crowd.

Local theater- Large cities and small towns alike will often have a local theater group. In smaller tourist towns there may even be a playhouse with old-fashioned vaudeville and melodramas playing.

Factory tours- Many factories offer tours during operational hours, allowing visitors a glimpse into how things are made. For instance, watching candy roll off a conveyor belt, spinning around a large roll of plastic wrap, and plopping into a box gives an appreciation for modern innovation. You may even get a free sample at the end of the tour.

Nature centers- Across the country volunteer docents passionate and knowledgeable about the local habitats of birds, insects and animals staff docent tours. Whether you are looking at elephant seals on the coast or butterfly habitats in the Rockies, these tours are packed with information and enlightening stories.

Source:
PhotoGirlStudio.com