FAQs
What is the relationship between Road Scholar and Coastal Discoveries?
Road Scholar is a national non-profit organization that provides adventures in lifelong learning for adults through educational travel programs throughout the world. Coastal Discoveries, a private business located on the Maine coast, has partnered with Road Scholar since the late 1980s to provide an ever-changing array of courses, both “on land” and “at sea.” The staff of Coastal Discoveries regularly attends professional seminars offered by the Boston Road Scholar headquarters staff and reports directly to that office to ensure superior, consistent program quality. For more information visit RoadScholar.org
Can I make my travel arrangements for Road Scholar programs through Coastal Discoveries?
We’re sorry, but no. We are not travel agents. However, when you enroll in any of our Road Scholar programs you will receive very thorough, detailed information about arriving at and departing from the program site. And, of course, we’re always happy to answer specific questions to help ensure that your travel is as smooth as possible.
I’ve enrolled in one of your Adventures Afloat study cruises that doesn’t leave U.S. waters. Why do you need my passport information?
Good question – and one that we get asked a lot. The U.S. Coast Guard requires that everyone boarding a cruise ship is “cleared” by that agency and the Department of Homeland Security well in advance of embarkation regardless of whether or not passengers will be entering a foreign country. The strongly preferred form of identification is a valid passport, although any government-issued photo id will suffice (e.g., a valid driver’s license).
I am enrolled in one of your programs as a single traveler requesting a roommate (that you will assign). Will I be able to get in touch with my roommate before the trip?
Maybe. For privacy reasons, we’ll contact your roommate (if you ask us to do so) and indicate that you’d like to communicate before you meet each other. If he or she agrees, we’ll put you in touch with each other. (Yes, we know it’s cumbersome, but those are the rules.)
Will I get a list of my fellow traveling Road Scholar students before the program begins?
No, but you will get one as soon as you arrive at the site and collect your “Welcome” packet. (For privacy reasons, we’re no longer permitted to list anything other than the participants’ names and home states.)
Do I have to be a member of any organization to participate in an Road Scholar program? Is there a membership fee?
No and no. Road Scholar is not a membership organization, and there is no membership fee.
I like to travel by myself and do not like to share a room. Is it possible to have a single room for your programs?
Absolutely. In some cases, the number of single rooms we’re able to offer is limited, so it’s always best to enroll as early as possible to ensure a single room. (This is especially true for the Adventures Afloat study cruise programs that our office manages.) There is usually, of course, an additional charge for a single room.
I understand that Road Scholar programs are “all inclusive” – that once I get to the site all my expenses are taken care of. Is that true?
Yes. Road Scholar tuition is all-inclusive and covers registration, accommodations (although it does not include gratuities for housekeeping staff), most meals (on some programs, especially those taking place where there are so many great eateries, we omit one or two meals so you may take advantage of eating out on your own), lectures, field trips, cultural excursions, and often a variety of extracurricular activities and social functions. Gratuities for all program-related staff (docents, trolley and bus drivers, and the like) are also included. There are no hidden costs.
We’ve taken several Road Scholar programs run by Coastal Discoveries and would like to explore chartering one of your trips for our retirement community. Is that something you do?
Absolutely! We’re always happy to customize existing programs for groups who enjoy traveling and learning together. To get started, please contact the Boston Road Scholar office.