Would you actually do an Africa safari… or is it just a “one day” trip? I’ve been talking with a local safari operator in East Africa about possibly putting together a small group experience — something like: • Uganda safari • Gorilla trekking • Wildlife game drives • Small group (not big bus tours) • Bucket-list level experience Still early, just exploring — but I’m curious… Is this something you'd actually want to do? And if yes: - Would you go solo or bring someone? - What would hold you back? - What timeframe feels realistic? (2025 / 2026 / someday) - Is gorilla trekking a yes or too intense? No commitment — just gauging real interest before I go deeper on this. Some trips stay in the “someday” category forever…This might be one worth actually doing. Admin and group search keywords: - #Future Trips - #Safari - #Interest Check - #Bucket List

Founding Members Small-Group Experience A relaxed fall retreat designed for community members to meet in real life, connect naturally, and enjoy a scenic Vermont getaway. This is a small, low-pressure IRL — not a packed itinerary or structured tour. Full details here → [Classroom Link] Would you consider joining something like this?

Instead of just talking about trips .. let’s actually build one. I’m putting together a small live session where we’ll: • Take a real trip idea • Work through the details together • And leave with an actual plan (not just ideas) This is for you if: You’ve been thinking about traveling but haven’t locked anything in yet. Small group. Real input. Real direction. If you want in, comment “PLAN” and tell me where you’re thinking about going.

Thanks to everyone who joined the New Orleans discussion and those who followed up after. Here’s a summary of what we discussed and the ideas shaping this trip. Attendees From My Meetup and Facebook groups ✈️ Flights & Arrivals I’ll be gathering general flight information to help coordinate arrivals. You’re free to book any flight you prefer, but I’ll recommend options from your area so we can aim to arrive within a similar timeframe. This helps with: • smoother check-in • easier first-night meetup • not feeling alone on arrival 🏨 Solo Travelers & Roommates Several people asked about traveling alone. Yes — I offer roommate matching for those who want to share accommodations. This helps: • reduce cost • increase comfort • provide built-in travel buddy Private rooms will also be available (limited). 🗓️ Proposed Trip Structure (4 Nights / Relaxed Pace) Here’s the direction based on group input: Arrival Day • Coordinated arrivals • Hotel check-in (walkable area) • Welcome cocktail gathering • Optional casual jazz outing City & Culture Day • Guided New Orleans city tour(requested by group) • Free explore time • Group dinner (included) • Optional jazz night Experience Day • Cemetery tour (requested by group) • Steamboat ride(requested by group) • Free afternoon • Optional food/music outing Flexible + Museums Day • Museum #1 (WWII Museum idea) (Requested by group) • Museum #2 (Dance & Feathers / cultural museum) (requested by group) • Free time• Farewell group dinner (included) 🌿 Additional Suggestion From Group Honey Island Swamp Tour (suggested by discussion board) & could be included as: • optional excursion, or • swapped into the itinerary based on interest This would add a unique Louisiana experience beyond the city. Built Into This Trip • Small group (8–12 travelers) • Relaxed pace (not rushed) • Free time each day • Solo-friendly structure • Roommate matching available • Coordinated arrivals • Group host throughout

I’ve been paying close attention to the conversations happening here — and some clear travel patterns are starting to form. This is actually really helpful for shaping where this community goes next. Here’s what I’m seeing so far: 1. Small Group > Solo Planning A lot of you don’t necessarily want to plan everything yourself — you want: • simple logistics • relaxed pacing • curated options • people to travel with • less decision fatigue This shows up again and again. 2. Not Everyone Wants the Same Kind of Trip. We’re already seeing a few distinct travel styles forming: 🌍 Value International Explorers: Warm destinations, culture, walkable cities, strong value for cost(think: Portugal, Mexico City, Morocco, Colombia) 🏔️ Relaxed Reset Travelers: Mountains, cozy stays, small groups, slow pace, recharge trips(think: Vermont, Smoky Mountains, Asheville) 🚗 Scenic / Easy Pace Travelers: National parks, scenic drives, minimal hiking, comfortable pacing(think: Glacier, Yellowstone, Acadia) ✈️ Bucket List Planners: Big trips but with runway Safari, Hawaii, Alaska, Europe(less “now”, more “plan ahead”) 👥 Social Travelers / Connectors: Want community, shared experiences, bringing friends, hosted trips Destination matters less than the people 3. Decision Friction Is The Real Block. Many of you already know where you want to go…But you're stuck on: • timing • cost comparisons • who to go with • logistics • “is this realistic?” Which tells me the group is less about ideas — and more about helping you actually decide. 4. Pace Matters More Than I Expected!! Strong signals for: • 4–7 day trips • relaxed itineraries • walkable cities • scenic experiences • not overpacked schedules Less interest in: • fast-paced multi-city • heavy hiking • party-style trips • complex logistics What this means going forward... Instead of random trip ideas, I’m going to start shaping things around: • clear travel styles • small group fit • realistic budgets • relaxed pacing • decision-friendly options