Ann’s Adventures has been doing group travel across Michigan, the United States, and the world for eleven plus 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!

 

                                                                                                                                                                            

 

                                                     “In life, it’s not where you go, but who you travel with.”     ~Charles Schultz

 

 

SEPTEMBER  2021

Greetings to all!
In the world of travel and everywhere else these days, it seems that change is a constant in our lives. As soon as I tell you something
about a trip, it could change the next day. It is best to prepare for all situations as best as we can. It seems wise at this point to say…
bring your mask on every trip! This includes day trips and overnight trips. Since things seem to change overnight, we can try to be
prepared. Another change we have experienced on a couple of the trips is that travel plaza eateries may be using kiosks to get your
orders and payment. They have gone cashless due to the lack of employees and the few they have are fixing the food instead of taking
orders. Even Comerica Park has gone cashless and you must use a credit card or debit card for food at the concession stands.

In September, you will find some updates as well as some new trips.  Always check for updates on any trips you are
planning to take.

We had a beautiful warm day for the annual picnic in August! There were 134 people in attendance. We devoured 200 pieces of
fried chicken, 40 lbs of potato salad, 5 #10 cans of baked beans, 2 watermelons, 6 lbs of grapes, 4 1⁄2 loaves of French bread, over 200
brownie bites, 5 gallons of ice tea, 5 gallons of lemonade and 80 bottles of water! A good time was had by everyone as we got to visit
with friends from past trips, meet new friends and generally have a great day out! Thanks to all who came. It was so good to see so
many people together again.

Stamps are now $.58 as of the end of August. Please keep us informed if you move, change your address, or need it held while you
are gone. These little costs do add up! We love sending out the information about our trips and really appreciate it when you keep us
aware of changes in your mailing address. We have now reached over 4,000 people in our data base! Thanks for telling your friends
and families about Ann’s Adventures! Of course, with that many newsletters going out, I need to once again tell you how much I
appreciate those who come in and help fold, tape and label the newsletters that actually go in the mail each month. I truly could not
do it without you!

We’ve had many new suggestions for trip destinations and that is exciting. I keep all suggestions in a file and when I am looking at
planning new things to offer, I can refresh my memory. Keep letting me know what type of trips interest you! The Travel Networking
Meeting is also a good place to bring up ideas. I am currently working on the latter part of 2022 and into 2023. Of course, we add new day trips all the time as new ideas become available throughout the year!

This summer we have had some amazing trips including the Thousand Islands and Cooperstown, New York; Put In Bay, Ohio; a
WIN at the Tiger’s Game and watching Miggy hit his 499th home run; a great show presented by the Young Americans; 2 busses full for
lunch and a cruise in Port Huron; and so many more great experiences.

We have several big trips this fall! Please check the schedule for the trip departure meetings. It helps so much if you can attend and
pick up your trip packets.

“While it can be nice to stay home in your easy chair,
It’s an amazing adventure to get out and go somewhere!”

                                                             Ann
 

 

Please Note: Due to the constant state of change in our world today, please always come prepared with a mask. It is better
to have it and not need it, than to find someplace has changed their policy overnight and it is now needed and you don’t have
yours with you!

Vaccination Card Holders Available
We have holders available for your vaccination cards that won’t fit in your wallets. Ask for one when you are in
the office or on a trip!  There is no charge… advertising for me and card protection for you!

 

Phone System Changes

Dialing a phone number without including the area code won’t work for many Michiganders starting later this year.
Anybody with a 616, 810, 906 or 989 area code will need to start using the full 10-digit number when making local
calls. Starting Oct. 24, seven-digit numbers without the area code won’t work.

 

2021 Genesee County Resource Directories
Available In The Office!

Each year the Genesee County Commission On Aging prints a Senior Resource Directory for distribution to all
who would like one at Senior Power Day. Since the 2021 Senior Power Day was cancelled due to Covid, there are
many directories available. I have picked up a case and they are here at the office. Stop in and pick one up. They
are a great resource to have!

 

Travel Club Networking Meeting

 

Breakfast Club 

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!  Upcoming dates are
September 3, and October 1, and November 5, 2021.

 

Romeos 

This group of men gather monthly to enjoy lunch, laughter and good conversation. It started many years ago
as the guys response to the women’s Red Hat Society! The women have a poem, “When I am an Old Woman,
I Shall Wear Purple!” There is also a poem called “When I am an Old Man, I Shall Wear Plaid!” So, an active group of
guys attended the first meeting and the Romeo’s were started!. Romeo’s stands for Rowdy Old Men Eating Out!
No dues, no committees, just eat out every month with other guys to provide input on whatever is of interest to anyone.

The September gathering will be on Thursday, September 16th, at 11:30 a.m. at Culver’s in Birch Run.

 

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 –
Deadline Extended Once Again!
Michigan is enacting a federally acceptable form of ID.
This will be in effect by May 3, 2023. 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!

 

Going south?…  Going North?…  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 undeliverable if you have your mail forwarded.  This is costly.  Last year it cost over $80.00 to pay for all
the returned newsletters. Fifty-five cents for each one does add up. When a newsletter is returned, we remove the
person from the mailing list until we hear from them. This saves not only postage, but paper and printing costs. We
just ask that you let us know. 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.
Please note: Due to Covid-19, we are not passing an envelope through the bus. We will have a cup / jar for driver
tip at the front of the bus. You can drop your tip into the cup after the last stop of the trip. We are trying our best to
keep everyone safe as we continue to provide travel opportunities. For overnight trips, it is recommended $2.00
to $3.00 per person per day.

 

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.

 

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 and can take a few months to process.

 

Medical forms

Is your medical form up to date?  A medical form 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 on the trips. You can
ask me for a form or call and I can email one to you. You can always pick one up when you are in the office.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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. 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.  (1 left)  Check them out the next time you are in the office !!  A limited number of sizes are available.