Ann’s Adventures has been doing group travel across Michigan, the United States, and the world for years.  We specialize in making you feel like part of our family, you will feel right at home with us.

We are a family owned MICHIGAN based company. We have always been and remain committed to the economic success of our local economies. Ann’s Adventures focuses on group travel as a way to provide folks an opportunity to travel a planned itinerary with others who enjoy the same destinations.

With our experience, knowledge, and contacts, we have the expertise to create unique, interesting and budget-friendly group tours. Each will be planned around cultural, historical, sports or musical themes that you can identify with.

Thank you for your suggestions and ideas. I am a firm believer that traveling provides social, educational, physical, mental, spiritual and nutritional needs that all of us should experience to enhance our lives. I know you have all enriched my life. Thank-you!

 

We do business DIFFERENTLY.  You will work directly with the owner throughout the entire process.  Ann will listen to your needs to help you book the right group trip for you and your family and friends.

Ann’s Adventures is committed to creating safe, high-quality, affordable tours, and memories to last a lifetime.

 

 

 

Ann’s Thoughts and Comments… 

Please check out the information in the Trip Tips page regarding your ID for traveling both in the country and internationally. As things continue to change, we need to keep aware and be prepared! Let me know if you have questions!

Thanks go to all those who come and help with the monthly newsletter. It takes a lot of people to get these newsletters folded, taped and labeled. I sure could not do it without your help!

 

                                                              

 

Welcome to February!

Things are starting to improve in the world of travel! Although we still face some tough decisions on a few trips, many are being planned with anticipation. Dan and I went to Shipshewana in January for a weekend to check things out in that area. The restaurants are open and we attended a live theatre show which was very enjoyable!
They roped off seats in the theatre and we were able to social distance for the performance. Please check out the new information on our trip to Shipshewana in May. There is a change in the show we will see, but I’m very excited about returning there for the many delicious treats! May should be beautiful weather and I think we will have a great time!

Of course, we are still getting messages from places that are changing the plans for this year to some degree. The Vera Bradley trips scheduled for April have now been cancelled for 2021. They are planning to hold their annual event again in 2022. So, check those articles for updates. As of this printing, it is highly unlikely that we will be able to take the Ireland Trip. It has not been officially cancelled but there are border issues I am concerned about. Please take a look
at the article and read some of the options I am considering if the trip is cancelled. Alaska isn’t until June and there may be a good chance things will really be better by then. Please know that I am keeping in contact with those who are close to the decision making process and will base decisions for the safety of everyone.

Check out the article on the Travel Networking Meeting scheduled in February. It will be live streamed on Facebook if you do not feel comfortable coming into the office. I really do appreciate your feedback and input at these meetings. If you attend virtually, you can make comments even while the meeting is happening. Just type them in the comments.

My daughter, Rebecca, who also works for me will be having a second surgery at the beginning of February and will be out of the office for six to eight weeks. I will have my 4 year old granddaughter so office hours may be limited to some degree. It would be a great idea to call and make sure I am here before stopping by. I will be in the office everyday at least from 12:30 until 2:30 (while she is in preschool). It is likely that we will be here most mornings and late afternoons as well.

It is not my desire to keep planning and scheduling trips only to have to cancel them… Until this virus gets under control and isn’t so easily spread, I just need to be cautious. We want everyone to stay safe and healthy. I am checking out the status of other states as well as places to eat and stay in determining what we can safely do. With the arrival of spring, I am thinking there may be more options available to us because we could be outdoors and not be in a confined area.

Theatres are starting to send schedules and thinking about being open by late spring. I am very encouraged by this! Perhaps a small boat trip would be good for us!

                                                                  Ann

                                                                                                                      

 

Monday Morning Memories

Since we are still limited in the area of travel and folks seem to be missing the adventure, I am offering an
opportunity to travel back in our historical archives and enjoy the adventures of the past. I will select a poem from
a past trip and read it each Monday morning at 9:00 a.m. You can enjoy listening by going to Ann’s Adventures page
on Facebook. I will live stream at 9:00 a.m. If you are not available at that time, you can always listen to it later.

 

Travel Club Networking Meeting

 

Breakfast Club                    On Hold!

The Breakfast Club meets the first Friday of every month at 8:30 a.m. at the Bob Evans in Birch Run. It is a great
opportunity to get together with friends, ask questions of Ann, or make suggestions for future trips. Some people
use this opportunity to meet potential roommates or meet up with others that they have met on previous trips. I hope
to see you there! Breakfast is on your own. No reservations are needed, just come and join us!
Restaurants are currently reevaluating their handling of groups. We look forward to returning when we can!

 

Romeos – Rowdy Old Men Eating Out!          On Hold!

Join us for lunch and lively discussion at noon. Lunch is ‘on your own’. The Romeo’s meet each month.  No reservations needed, just come! Wear your plaid shirt and look for the rowdy guys! Restaurants are currently reevaluating their handling of groups. We look forward to returning when we can!

 

Become a STAR!

I offer a special program for frequent travelers. You can become a “STAR” which stands for Special Travel Adventure Rate! For only $36.00 per year you can become a STAR! As a result, every trip you sign up for will be $6.00 less in cost.  Therefore,  if you travel at least 6 times in a year,  you will have made your money back and for every trip after that you come out ahead!

 

TSA – Transportation Security Administration
Acceptable Forms of ID

1 – REAL Michigan Driver’s License – Michigan is enacting a federally acceptable form of ID. This will be in
effect by October 1st, 2021. The REAL ID will be required for flying within the United States, entry into certain federal
properties, entering nuclear facilities and military bases. The Real ID Michigan Driver’s license has a star in the
upper right hand corner.

2 – Enhanced Michigan Driver’s License is already compliant and allows entry into the US by land or sea from
Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or the Caribbean without a passport. The Enhanced Michigan Driver’s License has an
American flag on the license just right of your picture. The newer ones also have a star in the upper right hand corner.

3 – Passport – is acceptable ID for any type of air flight to go anywhere. It is also acceptable for entry into certain
federal facilities and entering nuclear facilities and military bases. It cannot be used as a driver’s license. To fly into
the US from anywhere – including Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean, you must have a passport.
Please check your driver’s license and your passport for their expiration dates.

 

Regarding passports…

New Passports are available at the Clio Post Office by appointment. Call 810-686-0810 to schedule your
appointment. You need your birth certificate with a raised seal to apply for one. They are good for ten years. The post
office can take your picture or you can get a passport photo taken at another location such as Walgreen’s or Rite Aid.
If you live in another city, check your local post office for their passport hours. They may vary at each post office.

To renew a passport, you do not need an appointment. You can pick up a form and instructions and mail the
completed form.

In an effort to help facilitate the process, the Post Office has given me the applications for new passports and the
forms for renewing a passport along with instructions. You can get them at my office as well as the post office.

Please Note: Due to Covid-19, it is taking longer to process passports. If you are needing to renew your
passport it may be helpful to do it in advance and not wait until just before a trip to do it!

 

Snowbirds…   Please take note!

The post office does not forward bulk mail.  If you want to receive the newsletter and are heading south for any length of time,  please let me know.  You have a couple of options.  You can receive the newsletter via email- then you can get it wherever you are.  You can call and give me a winter address and let me know how long you will be gone.  Or you can have the newsletter stopped.  You can call and resume it in the spring.  Newsletters are returned to me as undelivered if you have your mail forwarded.  This is costly.  Thanks for your help!

 

W…ings for Travel

Preparations for a trip of any duration takes time.  I am encouraging everyone to think about preparing yourselves as well as your clothes, what to pack,  and what should be in your carryon!  Time to spread your wings!

1.  Waking:  Every trip requires an early start.  Begin setting your alarm a little earlier each day a couple weeks before the trip.  Then it won’t be such a shock to your system to suddenly be getting up so early every day.

2.  Walking:  If you not a person who walks regularly,  begin!!  Don’t try and start with a mile or two right away.  Try walking ten minutes a day then 20,  then 30.  It is amazing how much easier the trip will be for you if walking is not a shock to your system.  You will definitely have more fun!

3.  Watering:  Drink more water!  This is good for you even when not traveling.  However,  when we travel it is crucial that you not become dehydrated.  Keeping your body hydrated will help you to be healthier and your system to work more efficiently.

Get your own W…ings ready for travel!  You’ll be glad you did!

 

Travel Certificates Make Great Gifts

Looking for the perfect gift ?!   Travel Certificates are available in any amount!  They can be used for any Ann’s
Adventures Trip!  There is no expiration date!  Tell your kids you want the gift of Travel !!  These make great gifts for
retirement, birthdays, anniversaries or other special events.

 

Driver tips

For all day trips,  the driver tip is included in the cost of the trip.  On overnight trips,  we do pass an envelope for the driver.

 

Money Matters

Payments can be made in cash, checks or money orders.  I can take credit cards however,  there will be a 3% charge added onto the payment if you decide to use a credit card.  Checks should be made out to Ann’s Adventures.  When sending checks,  please write on the memo line what trip the check is for.  It helps me get your payment posted to the right trip more quickly.  If you would like a receipt,  you should include a self addressed stamped envelope.  There will be a $15.00 charge for any checks returned for insufficient funds.  This is the amount the bank charges me.

 

Do I need to send a deposit?

A deposit assures your seat on a trip.  When you call to put your name on the trip list,  that lets me know how many people are interested.  Your deposit (or full payment) assures you of a seat.  Sometimes there are more names on the interest list than there are actual seats available.  When the maximum number of seats with money deposited are full,  the rest becomes the wait list.  The bottom line is…  If you really want to go,  you should put down a deposit.  For day trips,  a $20.00 deposit will hold your seat.  For extended trips,  the deposit amount is listed at the top of the article.  The remaining balance for all trips is due 1 month prior to the trip unless specifically noted.

 

Can I get a refund?

Refunds will be given only if there is a wait list and I am able to fill your place prior to departure.  Partial refunds may be given if I am able to recover the costs of the prepaid tickets,  meals, etc.  Cancellations and no-shows on the day of the trip will not be entitled to a refund.  Refund checks are issued after the trip is completed.

 

Medical forms

Is your medical form updated ?  A medical for ensures that I can give medical professionals correct information about your health in the event of a medical emergency.  If something happens, they need to know your birthdate and list of current medications.  If you need to update your form,  I always carry extra or can email one to you.

 

Dietary Restrictions

If you have a special dietary need, I need to know this in advance of the trip. When meals are catered for a
group of 50, caterers plan for the number of meals ordered and often do not have additional options ready on the spot. If you vary from the original menu, there may be an additional charge.

 

Shirts for sale!

The grey t-shirts say “Not all who wander is lost”  and is on  a section of a Michigan map surrounding Clio.  The cost of the grey t-shirt is 12.00 for S, M, L & XL.  The cost for 2XL is 13.00

There are also polo shirts (with a collar) in red or royal blue.  They are  monogrammed with “Ann’s Adventures” and the cost is 15.00 for the M, L & XL.  The 2XL is 16.00  Check them out next time you are in the office!

 

What Is cancellation protection?

Cancellation Protection is a specified amount of money due with your deposit and protects all monies (except the cost of the cancellation protection) in the event of cancelation for any reason,  anytime prior to departure.  It is not insurance but does provide protection for the cost of your trip.

Insurance is available and is included when we go overseas.  Collette Trips include insurance and that would cover much more while we are in another country.