National & International Excursions (SALT)
SALTY SELECT
With our June trip to Oregon, SALT began to offer our own national and international excursions. The destinations for these trips require air travel, so we limit the number of participants and ask that all be able to handle their own luggage in the airport, when using mass transit, and when going in and out of our lodging. On most of these trips, we have limited space in the vehicles we rent, so we also ask participants to bring only one small suitcase and a personal item. Registration for Salty Select trips is by check so that if we do not get enough participants by the deadline, we can more easily cancel and refund those who have registered. Send your check to SALT, 1412 Spruce Dr., Surfside Beach, SC 29575 by the deadline specified below. Be sure to include your contact information (name, phone, email, and address). No refunds, so we suggest you buy travel insurance on your own.
9/26-10/4 Leaf Peeper’s Paradise: Vermont & New Hampshire, on sale now at $3300 plus air
Peak season in these states goes from the last week in September to the first two weeks of October, so our dates should be ideal. If we can book soon and get good rates, we may be able to pay for some of your outings (Schooner Cruise on Lake Champlain, Ben & Jerry’s Tour, and the Conway Scenic Railroad). We plan to fly to Burlington, getting in late at night, then spending the next day taking a Lake Champlain cruise and seeing other sights in the city. We make our way to Montpelier, stopping in Waterbury, Mount Mansfield, and Stowe (seeing waterfalls and covered bridges along the way). The next day we visit maple sugar farms, ride along the Kancamagus Scenic Byway, and check into our VRBO in Conway, New Hampshire. The next morning, we board the Conway Scenic Railroad for a sightseeing tour and then head to Mount Washington and our next VRBO in Bethlehem. The next day, we see more covered bridges and Vermont’s “Grand Canyon,” Quechee Gorge. We will stay in a lovely home in Pittsfield from October 1-3, visiting a local maple syrup farm, and then head back to Burlington by way of some local vineyards. Excursion fee covers lodging and transportation. Deadline for registration 4/30/25.
Panama, 1/2/26-1/9/26
$3200 pp/do, plus air ~$760
Deadline May 1, 2025
Senior Adventures in Learning and Travel is sponsoring a trip to see Ellen Jampole, Chair of our Board and our favorite SALT instructor, and her husband, Danny, in their new home in Panama! They have planned an exciting itinerary (below) that includes Panama City, the beaches, and the mountain area of Boquete, where they live. Learn about the history and culture of Panama; explore sugar cane, coffee, and chocolate farms; and enjoy a grand time with salty friends. Includes lodging, transportation, guide, 3 meals per day from 1/3-1/8.
Jan 2: Travel to Panama
Upon arrival at Tocumen International Airport, you will be greeted by Oscar, your tour guide, or Juan, your driver, who will provide a comfortable transfer to your accommodation at the Executive Hotel in Panama City.
Jan 3: Explore Panama City
Discover the BioMuseo, a museum designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry, dedicated to Panama’s biodiversity and natural history. Stroll along the Amador Causeway, a scenic area offering beautiful views of the Panama Canal, skyline, and nearby islands. For lunch, indulge in fresh, local seafood at the Seafood Market, where you can sample the best dishes from Panama’s coast. Then, visit the Miraflores Visitor Center at the Panama Canal. Explore the history and operation of one of the world’s most iconic engineering marvels. For dinner, enjoy a Panamanian experience at Conocolon, a fun restaurant serving traditional Panamanian cuisine with a modern twist.
Jan 4: Culture & Nature in Panama City
Travel to the Embera Village, an indigenous community located along the Chagres River. Learn about the Embera culture, traditions, and their relationship with the surrounding nature. Following this, enjoy a boat ride to Monkey Island, where you’ll encounter native monkeys and wildlife in their natural habitat. After lunch and a short rest at the hotel, explore Casco Viejo, the historic district of Panama City. Explore the Mola Museum to learn about the indigenous Kuna culture; then, admire the stunning architecture of La Catadral Basilica De Santa Maria. Enjoy dinner in Casco Viejo at one of its renowned restaurants, such as El Santuario international fusion restaurant at La Compañía Hotel, built inside of the old town ruins.
Jan 5: Chitré
Drive to Chitré, the main city in the Azuero Peninsula, known for its friendly people and cultural traditions. Enjoy a traditional meal at a local restaurant in Chitré. Explore the town square with colonial architecture and a beautiful church. Stop at the Don Jorges home to learn about artisanal sugar cane production. Continue toward the beach area.
Jan 6: Playa Las Lajas – Beach Escape
Drive to Playa Las Lajas, one of Panama’s most beautiful and serene beaches, and relax, unwind, and enjoy the sun at Las Lajas Beach Resort, where we will stay for the night.
Jan 7: Boquete – Coffee and Nature
Drive to Boquete in the Chiriquí Highlands. Stop at the Welcome Center to learn about the region’s natural wonders. Enjoy a tasty meal at Meye Bounore, a popular local restaurant serving fresh, regional specialties. Explore downtown, the fairgrounds, the Artesanal Mercado and the river walk. Check-in at Hotel Ladera, a cozy hotel within walking distance to the heart of Boquete town and restaurants. Enjoy dinner at the Jampole residence.
Jan 8: Explore Boquete
Take a coffee tour at Finca Casanga and try your hand at chocolate making at Chox. Lunch and dinner at local restaurants.
Jan 9: Drive to David, where we will catch a flight to Panama City and then home.
Premier World Discovery Tours
What’s Next? Senior Adventures in Learning and Travel (SALT), LLC offers local, regional, national, and international travel opportunities for seniors. National and international tours are contracted with Premier World Discovery, so participants will register through them and adhere to their rules regarding travel. Liability waivers will need to be completed for all local and regional travel with SALT.
National and International Tours
For each tour below, click on the link to access the brochure, which includes a full itinerary, reservation form, contact information, and booking number. All reservations and payments are made directly with the travel company. You do NOT need to be a member of SALT to go on our national and international excursions.
For the trips below, Premier World Discovery has instituted a “No Risk Deposit.” See details on the brochures. Booking discounts are given to those who pay in full by check before the due date. You do NOT have to be a SALT member to go on these tours.
