June 05, 2026

Adventure Awaits

All those who agree with travel writer Tim Cahill that “a journey is best measured in friends, rather than miles” will definitely want to check out—and take advantage of—the Pasadena Senior Center’s upcoming fun-filled, action-packed schedule of day trips, overnight excursions, and cruises.

Harriet Guttman is all in. The active travel club member says bonding with others is just as pleasurable as exploring new places. Since joining what she calls the Pasadena “Young at Heart” Center two-and-a-half years ago, she and her newfound “buddies,” including bestie Guadalupe (Lupe) Archila, have hopped on the bus to Dodger’s Stadium to catch a game, taken a charter to Carlsbad to stroll through a wildflower garden, cruised to Catalina and Baja Mexico, and spent two nights and three days in Palm Springs, including a tour of the Hollywood stars’ homes and other fun side trips. Now they’re looking forward to upcoming events: seeing Smoky Robinson and Gladys Knight in concert at the Hollywood Bowl, attending Laguna Beach’s Pageant Exposition, trekking to Riley’s Apple Farm, and spending eight days cruising in Alaska, with a special land excursion to a dog-sledding puppy park.

Monrovia Travel of Pasadena is the tour organizer, with an emphasis on organizing, and is responsible for planning the itineraries. “Basically, you just have to pack your bags and have a great time,” Harriet says.

Anna Carpenter also praises the Center’s travel offerings in partnership with Monrovia. After her husband of 41 years passed away, she pledged to “step out of the box” and jump into whatever opportunities came her way. A flyer for a weeklong trip to the City of Lights caught her eye and proved, literally, to be just the ticket to fuel her adventurous spirit.

“Going to Paris had always been my dream,” she says. After attending the initial presentation, she was convinced. “Anna, you are going to do this!”

A local guide led the Paris entourage to the Louvre, the Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame, Givenchy Gardens, a Seine River boat cruise, and the Eiffel Tower, where they dined at one of the restaurants.

“There were lots of surprises, but everything was organized and arranged. I can’t say what my favorite was because everything was my favorite,” Anna says, with a special shout-out to Monrovia’s owner, Denise Harvey, and her son, Ben Sellick, whom she says made all the difference in ensuring the trip went on without a hitch. 

Both agree that having travel experiences originate at the most convenient drop-off spot, the Pasadena Senior Center, is an asset. They also appreciate the all-inclusive price tag, which means no surprise charges tacked onto the initial costs. Another positive is how mindful the trip planners are in meeting the needs of active older adults, from attending to dietary needs to disclosing how many steps they’ll be walking to providing packing lists.

One more bonus: the friends’ factor. “Socialization is really important for us,” says Harriet. “Sharing stories, being with people, and just having a good time rings true about traveling at any age.”

To get on board, check out the Pasadena Senior Center travel club calendar for 2026 and beyond.