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 all 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 to all who spread the word about Ann’s Adventures. As this company continues to grow, I am challenged to offer new and exciting trips plus offer return outings to favorite places. This is an amazing adventure for me as I continue to meet new people and go new places!
Thanks to those who volunteer to help with the newsletter! I certainly could not do it without your willingness to help me get it folded, taped and labeled each month! I am truly blessed to have so many dedicated volunteers!

 

Happy Mother’s Day

April was a busy month for me as I attended the annual Midwest Marketplace and learned of so many wonderful places to go to for unique group tours! All I can say is Motorcoach Tours are alive and well in the United states and we have only just begun to scratch the surface of places to go! I’m very excited about some of these destinations and can’t wait to get them on my calendar.

Our next Travel Networking meeting is on Wednesday,  June 19th at the office at 2:00.  All are welcome to attend and meet other travelers, look for a room mate,  Reunite with people you met on a previous trip,  ask questions,  talk about where we want to go next, get travel tips, and have fun!  I will also be talking about several of the upcoming trips as well as theatre options for next season.

Thanks to all who volunteer to help get this newsletter ready for mailing! Since we have more space at this office and more volunteers can help with the newsletter,  the job is getting done in less time! I also have ordered a second copy machine to help with running them faster now that there is more room.

I am happy to welcome Larry to our team.  He will be keeping the website up to date.

WM-50

This summer is the 50th Anniversary of Woodstock! What were you doing the summer of 69?  Do you remember the event?  We will offer a couple of trips that will relate to that famous event known as Woodstock and you will see WM-50 at the top of the article.  WM-50 stands for Woodstock Memories 50 years.  So,  look for WM-50 if you have any interest in the trips that highlight music or entertainers from the summer of 69!

Spring Mystery Trip update

The Spring Mystery Trip headed to Grand Rapids , Michigan. We toured a Frank Lloyd Wright Home- the Meyer-May House, had lunch at the downtown market and spent the afternoon with a step-on-guide!  She shared the history of Grand Rapids,  took us to the river and we saw the inside of the pantlind Hotel (now the Amway Grand) which has the largest gold leaf ceiling in the world,  and three chandeliers each weighing around 4,000 lbs.  We toured the Heritage Homes area and saw many magnificent homes.  It was a beautiful day and all had a good time.

We learned that the hotel is decorated for Christmas with very impressive decorations so we’re planning a day trip in December for dinner and Christmas elegance and lights!

Hamilton!

Tickets for Hamilton in Chicago have not gone on sale as of this printing! I am watching diligently and will purchase them as soon as they become available for September and October!

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!

Acceptable Forms of ID

Michigan is enacting a federally acceptable for of ID in offering a REAL Michigan Drivers License.  This will be in effect by October 1st 2020.  The REAL ID will be required for flying within the United States,  entry into certain federal properties,  entering nuclear facilities and military basses.

If you have a enhanced Michigan Drivers Licenses,  it is already compliant and allows entry into the US by land or sea from Canada,  Mexico,  Bermuda or the Caribbean without a passport.

To fly into US from anywhere-including Canada,  Mexico,  Bermuda,  And the Caribbean, You must have a passport.

A 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 drivers licenses

Please Check your driver’s licenses and your passport for their expiration dates.

The Right ID Michigan Driver’s licenses has a star in the upper right hand corner.  The Enhanced Michigan Driver’s License has a American flag in the upper right hand corner.  This is a good way to tell the difference in what you have.

 

Regarding passports…

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 from post office to post office.

 

Romeos-Rowdy Old Men Eating Out!

Join us for lunch and lively discussion at noon.  Lunch is on your own.  The Romeo’s meet each month as follows:  May 16th, at Bray Road;  and June 20th at Culver’s in Birch Run

No reservations needed,  just come!  Wear your plaid shirt and look for the rowdy guys!

 

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.  Upcoming dates May 3rd,  June 7th,  August 2nd,  and September 6th.  I hope to see you there!  Breakfast is on September 6th.  I hope to see you there!  Breakfast is on your own.  No reservations are needed,  just come and join us!

 

Snowbirds… Or those who head north for summer…  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 heathier and your system to work more efficiently

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

 

Travel Club Networking Meeting

The next Travel Club Networking Meeting will be held on Wednesday,  June 19th at 2:00 p.m.  The meeting will be held at our office at 172 W Vienna Street in downtown Clio.  Parking is available behind the building as well as across the street.  All are welcome to attend and contribute to the conversation.  I am always anxious to listen to your thoughts about trip destinations and continue to add new day trips each month.

I will be able to answer questions,  talk about upcoming trips and listen to your suggestions for future destinations.

Travel Club Networking Meetings are held three times a year to allow people to provide ideas for future trips, meet with others travelers and get first-hand information about upcoming trips.  They are generally held in February,  June and October.

 

Travel Certificates Make Great Gifts

Certificates are available in any amount! They can be used for any Ann’s Adventures Trips!  There is no expiration date!  Tell your kids you want the gift of travel!

These make great gifts for retirement,  Birthdays,  Anniversaries,  Mother’s Day and Father’s Day!

 

Driver tips

For all day trips,  the driver this 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 or use the form on the back page of this newsletter.  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 the 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 listen there are actual seats available.  When the maximum number of seats the money deposited are full,  the rest become 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 the trips is due 1 month prior to the trips 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 cost 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, The need to know your birthdate and list of currant medications.  If you need to update your form,  I always carry extra or can email one to you.

 

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.  Colette Trips include insurance and that would cover much more while we are in another country.

Travel insurance is available through many companies and I am always looking through many companies that provide for a good coverage at a reasonable and fair rate.

 

Tulip festival-Featuring the Texas Tenors

Date: Wednesday, May 8th, 2019

Cost: 135.00 per person

Departure :700 am from Clio Kmart

Status: Sold Out

This year’s trip will include a drive thru the tulip lanes,  A stop at Veldheer’s Tulip Farm,  a luncheon show at Evergreen Commons,  the Festival Parade,  a church dinner,  the Texas Tenors Show, (a favorite from Branson!) and the motorcoach transportation.  We will be going on a Wednesday so we will be able to watch the parade which promises to be a delight!  Last time we saw this parade there were over 20 bands!  It was a musical!  Bring your lawn chair so you can have a comfortable seat! Hats are highly recommended.  Estimated time of arrival home is 11:30 p.m.

 

Montreal, Quebec & Ottawa 

Great Canadian Cities

Date: May 13-20, 2019 Mon-Mon

Cost 2099.00 per person double occupancy

Status: Sold Out! Ready to go…!

Departure: 6:30 a.m. from PNC Bank

What a great way to enjoy spring! We will travel through Ontario and Quebec as well as enjoy a cruise on the St Lawrence Seaway around the 1000 islands that lie triumphs,  Tragedy,  romance,  shipwrecks and piracy that have added to the 1000 islands International reputation.

This trip includes 7 nights lodging, 5 breakfast, 1 lunch and 3 dinners.  We will enjoy sightseeing tours of Quebec, Montreal and Ottawa.  We will visit the St Anne De Beaupre Shrine,  St Joseph Oratory,  Notre Dame Basilica, 1000 island Boat Cruise,  and visits to several other well known places such as Montmorency Falls.  A highlight will be staying at the World-renowned Chateau Frontenac.

Flyers are now available.  This trip is being planned by Shoreline Tours.

***You will need a passport or an enhanced Michigan driver’s license for this trip.

Senior Power Day!

Date: Wednesday, May 22nd, 2019

Cost $3.00 per person

Status:  A few tickets may be available!

This annual event,  which attracts over 1500 seniors from Genesee,  Shiawassee and Lapeer Counties,  is held annually at Crossroads Village,  lunch,  the train ride and all activities.

The Activities include information on Health and Senior Services; Learn about Senior issues on the Ballot;  Meet with Legislators and Elected officials;  Enjoy old fashioned Park Rides;  A Huckleberry Railroad train ride,