We are a new concept in group travel. Adventure
Weekends sends groups
to locations across the country to participate in cattle drives, off-roading,
skydiving, fishing and whitewater rafting trips. What separates us from
the typical travel agency or outfitter is that we not only handle
all the lodging, transportation, food and adventure, but also ensure a
lifetime of memories at over 50 locations. Everywhere from San Diego CA,
Ft. Collins CO, Traverse City MI and Boston MA.
We have personally been to each location and
researched all the restaurants, outfitters, lodging and bars to
determine which offer the best combination of local flavor and quality
service. We provide personalized maps of all the locations you will be
visiting and cheat sheets of the night spots. We offer convenience.
Other trips may last seven to ten days, while our trips last from Friday
to Sunday (weekdays as well) and are more moderately priced. There is no
time off work and no planning six months in advance. Customers select a
package trip, customize it and we set up a trip web page where people
can log on and buy a seat. No need to collect checks and pool money. And
the best part is that this is not a cattle call where you are mixed in
with groups of people on a tour bus. We average twelve people and will
go with as few as six.
We are not a travel agency, we have preselected
locations that allow us to guarantee a quality experience. We are not
outfitters because we also handle all logistics of the experience and
work on a national scale. We are Adventure weekends.
How Does It All Work?
Step
1 – Research
Review the website to determine
what trips might interest your group. Are they looking for adventure
(Cattle Drive, Whitewater Rafting, Skydiving), or maybe a bit tamer
outing (Golfing, Fishing)? If unsure feel free to give us a call and we
can recommend a trip (248-910-8152).
Step 2 - Select
Once you see a trip that
interests you, fill out the
Contact Us Form and we will get you back a
quote that same day. Typically these quotes will contain 3 packages
(Gold, Silver or Bronze). Your job is to pitch the idea to the group and
determine which one they are most likely to enjoy. You are also welcome
to call us and customize your own package to suit your needs.
Step 3 - Launch
Once a trip is selected, we will
send over a contract to sign (example) which spells out all the
responsibilities of each party and confirms the date / price / type of
trip. It is important to launch the trip with as much lead time as
possible (2 - 4 months is ideal).
Step 4 - Promote
In addition, we will set up a
unique website outlining the trip where all interested customers can
learn about the trip that was selected (sample).
Step 5 - Collect
All questions and payment will
come directly to AWE through the custom designed website(sample)
promoting your trip. Scroll down the page and click "Add to Cart"
button to see collection process. This means you do not have to front anybody by putting down
large deposits. You also don't have to know final numbers
as we will cancel any spots you do not use. We will also email you every
time someone pays so you know who is in and who is out.
Step 6 - Prepare
Customers will be responsible
for their own personal travel to the Friday night meeting point.
Approximately one week before the trip, the group leader and an AWE
representative will spend about 30 minutes going through the entire
trip. Everything from confirmation numbers to the best bars in town (Sample
Maps) (Sample
Cheat Sheet) (Sample
Itinerary).
Step 7 - Travel
Once travelers arrive at meeting
place, they will be guided through weekend by expert partners. Group
Leader will also be called by Outfitter prior to trip to alleviate any
concerns. Rest assured all partners (Restaurants, Lodging,
Transportation, Outfitters) are professionals in group adventures.
FAQs
• How far in advance must we
commit to the trip?
We recommend 2-4 months before
trip date the contract should be signed. For participants in the trip, the trip “Close Date” should be
listed on the trip page. This date usually is set 30 days before
scheduled trip.
• What is your cancellation
policy?
Please see the
terms and
conditions link on the trip website and/or terms listed on the shopping
cart page preceding your online purchase.
• Do you arrange travel?
AWE has more than 50 locations
in order to minimize travel time and focus on the adventure weekend.
Most participants drive or use Frequent Flyer miles to get to trip
stating point.
• Is there a tour guide present?
We have found that “guides”
reduce the adventure/excitement flavor of the trip. All trips are set up
to include cheat sheets/crib notes, itineraries and maps. All partners
(restaurants, hotels, outfitters) are familiar with the operation and
timing. Often a tour participant will become “champion” to ensure smooth
transitions.
• What is the average group
size?
Most groups average 10 people,
but we go as low as 6 and high as 25. This number is ideal for group familiarity and accommodations
where people can be gathered together (ex: private dining at restaurants
and adventures)
• How do you handle medical
emergencies/needs and insurance?
Each individual will be required
to alert us of any special needs when they secure their spot on the
trip. Our outfitters have many years of experience and we can answer any
specific questions in advance. There will also be an opportunity to
purchase travel insurance
• Who collects money? How do you
handle deposits and refunds? Price of a trip?
Trips are paid in full directly
to AWE through the specific trip page (sample),
which AWE will create upon contract agreement. Trips average between
$200 - $400/ person
• What happens in bad weather
situations?
Cancellation of adventure is determined through
AWE
outfitters. If cancellation occurs, customers will be refunded for that
portion of the trip only. Most locations offer alternatives in case of
weather situations
• What happens after we submit
payment?
AWE will send a confirmation
email confirming purchase. Once trip is “closed” 30 days out,
AWE will
send out itinerary via email to participants verifying reservation
and providing meeting point and hotel confirmation number.
• Who do I call if I have
questions?
You can contact the designated
trip contacted listed on your trip website, or you can always call
Adventure Weekends directly at 248-910-8152 or email us at
info@adventureweekends.net.
