"ELDERHOSTEL combines education and hosteling. Inspired by youth hostels and folk schools of Europe, and guided by the needs of older citizens for intellectual stimulation and physical adventure, ELDERHOSTEL is for elder citizens on the move- not just in terms of travel but in the sense of reaching out to new experiences. ELDERHOSTEL is a network of over 700 colleges/universities/independent schools/folk schools and other educational institutions in the U.S., Canada, Australia, Bermuda, France, Germany, Great Britain, Ireland, Holland, India, Israel, Italy, Mexico, Scandinavia and Spain, which offer special low-cost, short-term, residential academic programs for older adults." "Most domestic programs begin Sunday evening and end Saturday morning and are limited to 35 to 45 elders. The ELDERHOSTEL experience provides an informal and human atmosphere where the individual is important, making new friends is easy, and learning can be a truly liberating experience." "Carefully read campus and course descriptions as well as registration instructions to make sure you fully understand the choices you are making."

ELDERHOSTEL Publications. If you are on their mailing list you receive 6 ELDERHOSTEL publications a year. Three catalogs, Summer, Fall/Winter, and Winter/Spring, are published, which feature programs offered during that particular season. ELDERHOSTEL also publishes a newsletter, Between Classes, 3 times a year, which offers various features and columns to keep you up todate on news of the ELDERHOSTEL network.

Special Diets. While many who want to participate in ELDERHOSTEL have special dietary need to be aware of the limitations of college an university dining halls. Special diets cannot be arranged, so bring with you whatever dietary supplements you will require.

Physical Disabilities. Elderhostelers with physical disabilities find the registration staff particular helpful in finding out if a campus is appropriate equipped to allow for an easy and comfortable stay. When registering by mail or phone, please explain your circumstances and describe your specific needs.

Travel. ELDERHOSTEL cannot help with travel information. Consult a travel agent to be sure you can get to a campus before you register.