Travelling the world - from our armchairs

At Swansea u3a, members meet together to share interactive presentations on the places they've visited, from Tasmania to India.  Members of the Armchair Travel group talk about how the group works and the benefits of being able to explore the world without leaving home.

Susan

I joined u3a because I wanted to be involved in various activities and perhaps meet people of like-mind. I used to travel a lot as I love to experience other countries for various reasons: an interest in the beauty of that country, the different types of people, food, weather, traditions, architecture - its all so interesting! But since retiring I cannot afford to travel much. The travel group shows various photos or videos of places visited by the speaker, thereby giving information and views of interest and activities. There have been so many stunning countries. u3a has enabled me to take an interest/learn about subjects which I never had time to do whilst working. 

Richard

I joined u3a in 2012 after I retired. I learnt about it through friends and I joined to pursue my interest in family history. Some time later I was asked by a member of the Armchair Travel Group to do a talk on Cuba. I joined the group and, in September 2022, took over as group leader and restarted face to face meetings. We normally meet on the first Friday of the month from 2 to 4pm with two presentations and a tea break in between. Members of the group put out chairs, take the money and organise the tea and coffee and biscuits which I buy as required while I set up the equipment. I am fortunate enough to have a group of well-travelled people who are willing to offer talks. We recently had a talk on The Galapagos Islands which I would love to go to.

Joining the u3a has given me a whole new circle of friends through the groups I belong to including short tennis, bowls, family history and previously Spanish as well as Armchair Travel.

Louise 

I am a wildlife photographer and artist and have been fortunate to visit a number of countries across all five continents. I have a passion for travel and learning about other cultures. Presentations can bring back memories and offer tips for future possible travel.

My husband was diagnosed with Cancer in 2023 and has undergone two major operations within 18 months. Sadly this has meant our travels abroad have been curtailed. Being able to hear the travel experiences of others as well as share my own adventures keeps the memories alive.

The best trip I have ever been on myself was a trip to Antarctica in February 2020. It offered us a breathtaking visual experience with its unique and stunning scenery such as the glaciers ice formation, gigantic icebergs, rugged and dramatic coastline, vast plains of snowy landscapes, volcanic islands and impressive mountain ranges. Definitely worth the rough crossing on the high seas!

Christine

I joined u3a because I had retired and was looking for something of interest to me and to make new friends. I joined the Armchair Travel group because I like to hear about the travels of other people having travelled a bit myself. I find the arrangements of the Travel Group suits me with the socialising adding to the pleasure. I like all virtual travel but I have greatest interest in far flung places, especially where nature and wildlife are included. I can no longer do the sort of holidays I did in the past so listening to the memories of others' travels is an excellent substitute.