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 farther down on this 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

“Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

 

 

                            JUNE/JULY 2024

 

Welcome to the Summer Months as we continue offering Travel Experiences for all to enjoy! April and May seemed to fly
by with many of trips adding a 2 nd bus whenever possible. By mid – May we have taken 692 different individuals on 21
different trips! That is pretty amazing as it totals 2421 days of travel. There is a lot more in the months ahead. Please
remember that being on a wait list can be beneficial as there are often last minute cancellations.

One question that has been asked a lot is “Where did the Spring Mystery Trip go?” We had 2 full busses and we headed
to the west side of the state to the Hastings area. We enjoyed a wonderful luncheon at Bay Pointe Inn in Gun Lake Township.
Entertainment kept the music going through the meal and there was even some dancing following the luncheon. Then we went
to Charlton Park Historical Village and enjoyed learning about the buildings and the history there. It was a beautiful day and
the setting along the Thornapple River was relaxing.

One very challenging aspect of travel is that sometimes there are changes that need to be made which are beyond my
control. The sad news that came a couple weeks ago was that Olive’s Casual Cuisine (the restaurant we stop at on our way to
Petrolia) is closing. Our last visit there will be the Rainy Day Trip at the beginning of June. We have certainly enjoyed their
tasty meals, their cheerful service and the classy atmosphere.

We have found a restaurant in Petrolia called “Actors” which will be hosting our luncheons prior to the shows we will see in
Petrolia. One advantage is that those who have been asking for a little shopping time in Petrolia may just be able to do that!
They also provide a special bus group menu and it is very good! My thanks to the staff at Olive’s for taking such good care
of us for the past several years!

You may have heard in the news that postage is increasing in July. An individual letter will require a .73 cent stamp. Stock
up on those “Forever Stamps!” We will continue to mail newsletters to all of you that enjoy receiving it via bulk mail.
Thanks to those who have been able to switch to email. It not only helps save postage, but also the cost of paper and the
time it takes printing the newsletters. We have been growing and now have over 5000 people in our data base! This is due to
all of you telling your friends! Word of mouth advertising is the best! I do not spend money for ads! What a great savings!

Thanks to the volunteers who help fold, tape and label the newsletter! Thanks to all of you for your patience as new office
workers are learning the ropes while Rebecca is recovering. See her note below!

                                                                  Ann

 

A Note From Rebecca…
I would like to thank everyone for their prayers and well wishes for my recovery. I am doing well and slowly recovering.
The surgery took more out of me than I expected, but the surgery itself went smoothly. I am currently doing physical
therapy to build up my strength and endurance. I am looking forward to returning to the office for short durations. Thank you
all for the cards, prayers and your caring concern for me. I appreciate all of you ! –  Rebecca

 

 

 

Lost and Found Items…
We have an assortment of items in our lost and found from a variety of trips. There are neck pillows. umbrellas,
sunglasses, a jacket, and a few other items. If you are missing something, it never hurts to check the box!

 

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. No reservations
are needed, just come and join us! Upcoming dates are June 7; July 5, and August 2, 2024.

 

Romeos!  Calling all men!  Come and join us!

This group of men gather monthly to enjoy lunch, laughter and good conversation. 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. All men are welcome!

The luncheons will be on Thursdays at 11:30 a.m. The locations change each month… June 20 at Don Felipe in
downtown Clio; July 18 at McPherson’s in Millington and August 15 at Billy’s Pine Run Inn at Vienna and Saginaw.

This group was started as a 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 officially started. The Romeo’s wear plaid shirts and meet for lunch!

 

What is cancellation protection?

Cancellation Protection is a specified amount of money for overnight trips that is due with your deposit and protects all monies (except the cost of the cancellation protection) in the event of cancellation for any reason, anytime prior to departure. It is not insurance but does provide protection for the cost of your trip if you need to cancel. If your trip is interrupted, the cancellation protection would cover the unused portion 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.

 

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 May 7, 2025. 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...

Passports are available at the Clio Post Office by appointment. You must go online to schedule your
appointment. They are no longer scheduling appointments by phone. The other option is to go in on Thursday mornings between 9:00 a.m. and noon.
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.
Renewals do not need an appointment! Fill out the forms and take it to the post office. They will take your
picture if needed and mail it for you! If you live in another city, check your local post office for their passport hours.
They may vary from post office to post office.
We also have passport application forms and renewal forms available in our office.

 

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 can receive the newsletter via email – then you can get it wherever you are, give me a winter address and let me know how long you will be gone or 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. When a newsletter is returned, we remove the person from the mailing list until we hear from them.

 

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!  

 

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, Christmas or other special events such as Mother’s Day and Father’s Day!

 

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. 

 

Making A Payment

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 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.
We often have to wait for refunds to come to us from the hotels, activities, etc. Thank you for understanding.
Refund checks are issued to the person who paid for the trip. If your friend paid for your trip and you cancel, the refund is sent to the person who signed you up to go. In order for my books to match, the money refunded must match the person who paid it.

 

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.

 

Stay Hydrated
Always carry a refillable water bottle with you on every trip. Staying hydrated is important for your health! We make
restroom stops every two hours so you can use facilities and stretch your legs!