Residents at Oak Crest, an Erickson Senior Living community in Parkville, Maryland, are discovering the advantages of organized group travel through programs that eliminate the typical stresses associated with vacation planning. Anne Graham, a resident who coordinates trips through the Senior Box Office program supported by the Baltimore County Department of Aging, has been organizing excursions for nearly two decades.
The travel program offers a wide range of destinations, from European river cruises and African safaris to local day trips to cultural venues. This September, residents will visit the Castles of New York and the Thousand Islands, while October brings a trip to Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton, New Jersey. Group sizes typically range from 25 to 40 participants, with prices kept affordable between $100 and $192 per person.
Tina Moskunas-Hamill, owner of Maryland-based Golden Travel Services, explains that group travel provides significant benefits for older adults. Her company specializes in creating unique travel experiences tailored to seniors, offering door-to-door service from Oak Crest's three clubhouses and comprehensive assistance throughout the journey. The service includes a complimentary air concierge that handles luggage, assists with check-in and security, and accompanies the group round-trip.
For residents preferring local attractions, resident-run groups organize trips to Baltimore Orioles games at Oriole Park at Camden Yards and performances at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. Resident Polly Carroll, a lifelong Orioles fan, typically organizes groups of 15-25 people for games, choosing evening contests for cooler temperatures and special promotional events.
The travel program's success stems from its ability to address common concerns faced by older travelers. Residents appreciate the maintenance-free aspect of their homes while traveling, as staff monitor properties and neighbors assist with plant watering and pet care. The community's convenient location near the Port of Baltimore and Baltimore/Washington International Airport further simplifies travel logistics.
This organized approach to travel represents a significant quality-of-life enhancement for retirees, providing social connection, adventure, and peace of mind while eliminating the financial and logistical barriers that often prevent older adults from exploring new destinations.
