Speaking of ‘hub and spoke’

I enjoyed the article on LHSDGT (Sept. ’04, pg. 106). My idea of a great time is one location for two to three weeks with day trips out from a single location. Commonly known as the “hub and spoke” concept, it is much easier on an older population and allows for choices. One age group that can and will be away for the “long haul” is seniors, but I have found very few if any tour operators that don’t move about every few days.

Another important part of this concept is that it allows for learning/classes when staying in the same facility. Elderhostel (Boston, MA; 877/426-8056 or www.elderhostel.org) with their program of two weeks in one place is great. A few years ago my husband and I took two Elderhostels back to back in Italy in only two cities: Montecatini (for Florence) and Assisi. It was total immersion and a wealth of knowledge.

I did take a “Personal Discovery” tour to Italy with Tauck (Westport, CT; 800/468-2825 or www.tauck.com) in June ’03 and it worked well for me, a senior, and my daughter. It was the middle of the heat wave in Europe, so only the young and fit could survive the hills.

I still much prefer the single-location concept and will only do that in the future. I thank Mr. Keck for bringing up the discussion, and I’m looking forward to reading other subscribers’ ideas on the topic.

BARBARA STROUD
Silver Spring, MD