Senior Day Trip Tours in North Carolina

North Carolina, known for its retirement-friendly environment (it ranks 34th among the best states for retirement, according to MoneyRates.com) and a plethora of recreational options, is a top choice for senior day trips. Whether organized by private companies or senior centers, these tours offer opportunities to enjoy musicals, plays, shopping, wine tastings, and even casino visits.

With the several day trip destinations available in North Carolina for seniors, it’s important to take a deeper look at some of the options to compare and contrast based on your needs.

‌Globe Treks (globetreks.com)‌ arranges day trips departing from Hendersonville, conveniently picking you up and dropping you off at your residence. Their itineraries include visits to theaters, musicals, and operas in various cities across the state, often with breakfasts / lunches included before the show. Enjoy the comfort of luxury motorcoaches equipped with air conditioning and heat for transportation. The fees cover event tickets, meals, and taxes. In Winston-Salem, ‌Travel on Tours (travelontoursllc.com)‌ caters to small groups with motorcoach travel to nearby cities, providing meals and event tickets.

‌Day Trips & Tours (daytripsandtours.com)‌ specializes in creating customized trips for senior citizens, as well as schools and other organizations. Their monthly trips feature visits to casinos, scenic spots, and historic sites like the Biltmore Estate in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Comfortable 48-passenger buses with reclining seats, restrooms, air conditioning, and heat ensure a pleasant journey. Each bus is equipped with DVD players and television monitors for interactive entertainment. Snacks and soft drinks are included in the tour prices. Additionally, the company arranges visits to the Grove Park Inn Resort in Asheville for the National Gingerbread Competition and to the Rudy Theatre in Selma for musical productions.

‌The North Carolina Division of Aging and Adult Services (ncdhhs.gov)‌ offers a downloadable list of senior centers throughout the state, some of which host day trips. ‌The Fayetteville Cumberland Parks & Recreation Senior Center (agingactivelyfay.com)‌ stands out with its active programs. The staff arranges guided trips to various destinations, such as the North Carolina Tiger Rescue in Pittsboro and Christmas musicals that include a wine tasting and dinner. Other trips include annual visits to Southern Supreme Specialties, a mail-order gourmet food company in Bear Creek. Shopping trips around the holidays include visits to the Streets of Southpoint in Durham. All trips depart from the Senior Center in Fayetteville with transportation provided via mini-bus. Advance registration is encouraged because the trips fill up quickly.

Most tours include a small gratuity for your driver and a guide. If you feel that the service during the tour was exceptional, you can personally give the driver and guide an additional tip. Bring a small camera to take photos of your trip. For day trips, carry sunglasses for use once you step off the bus into the bright sunshine. A hat comes in handy to ward off sunburn during outdoor events.

Explore the vibrant city of Charlotte, historic sites in Greensboro, or the charm of Charleston during your day trips in North Carolina. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, where waterfalls and state parks offer outdoor adventures. Discover the wonders of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, go kayaking in Cape Fear, and enjoy the coastal splendor of the Outer Banks. Don't miss the chance to visit the captivating Biltmore Estate or the enchanting towns of Cherokee and Boone. Experience the picturesque Lake Lure and explore the wonders of the national forests. With plenty of itineraries and options available, North Carolina offers unforgettable experiences for senior travelers.