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Know Your Group: Affinity vs Speculative Groups

Written by: Michelle on August 26, 2019

Chances are that if you have visited sites like the Grand Canyon, the Eiffel Tower, or Disney World, you’ve seen large groups of travelers vacationing together. Sometimes they are school groups all wearing the same t-shirt; other times they appear to have no connection other than all being on the same trip.

Because group trips are more complex and time-consuming to plan, it’s no surprise that travel agents are often relied on to coordinate them. The world of group travel comes with a lot of questions, and we’ll start with the most basic one: What exactly is group travel?

Affinity vs Speculative Groups – How to Define Them

Group travel is defined as a collection of individuals who travel together and are bound by a social event, association, or other common thread. In some cases, that common thread could just be their travel agent! There are two general types of groups: affinity groups and speculative groups . Affinity groups are the most popular form of group travel. These may include family reunions, destination weddings, or class trips. Speculative groups are the other form of group travel in which an agent speculates that they can fill group travel space by booking repeat clients and gaining new clients.

Because group travel may qualify your clients for special rates or amenities, a certain number of travelers must participate to be considered a group. Cruises generally classify a group as eight or more booked cabins, while land trips generally reach the group threshold at ten booked rooms. Keep in mind that while you may be planning a trip for several people, it might not always classify the trip as group travel.

Identifying Affinity Groups

Affinity groups are what most people think of when they hear “group travel.” The travelers in an affinity group have a common bond or purpose for their trip. These groups often have an established leader or someone who steps up to be the primary point person for the trip. The group leader communicates regularly with the travel agent and with the rest of the group. Even if the whole group doesn’t know one another, each traveler is connected to the group some way.

For example, a destination wedding is an affinity group. In this group, the couple getting married act as the group leaders. The travelers share the common bond of being invited to the wedding and communicate with the couple, which in this case may include typical methods as well as invitations and RSVPs.

For a travel agent, affinity groups are more straightforward than speculative groups and are more likely to follow-through with travel.

Forming Speculative Groups

Speculative groups are sometimes called promotional groups. For this type of group, an agent reserves group travel space and promotes it. The number of travelers or potential travelers is unknown at the beginning. There is not a group leader for these trips, and instead, the travel agent takes on the roles and responsibilities that would normally fall to the group leader.

This type of group is riskier for agents because there is usually less initial commitment from travelers. This creates risk because of the terms of some group travel contracts, which may require a certain number of travelers, deposits upfront, or penalties for not meeting the requirements. Before considering a speculative group, agents should become familiar with the client base, the trips their clients are most interested in, and the policies regarding group space with the potential travel supplier.

H ow can KHM Travel Group help agents with Group Travel?

We understand that many travel agents dive into the world of group travel because it offers the potential to grow their list of travel clients, spread the word about their travel business, increase their travel business’s bottom line, and better serve their loyal clients who want to travel in a group.

KHM Travel Group has a dedicated Group Team to help our agents through the process of working with groups. This team supports our agents as they negotiate group travel contracts, get organized and promote their group, and learn the world of group travel. KHM Travel Agents can find out more about our Group Team by visiting MyTravelAgentPortal .

Are you interested in becoming a travel agent? KHM Travel Group is a leading host agency supporting over 4,000 travel agents across the United States. To learn more, fill out the form to the right or give us a call at 1-888-611-1220.

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5 Insider Ways to Find Affinity Travel Groups

• September 30, 2021

If you aren’t already selling group travel, you are potentially leaving thousands and thousands of dollars on the table. Just do the math. When it comes to marketing, the effort to attract a group is often equal to that required to attract a single person. But there is a massive difference in results.

And consider the pandemic-trend of “travel within your bubble.” Now, more than ever, people are apt to travel with those they know, like, and trust rather than complete strangers.

There are two types of groups to consider. There are speculative groups and there are affinity groups.

Speculative groups

Speculative groups where a travel advisor creates an itinerary or secures space on a cruise ship or at a resort and then markets those spaces individually, creating a group.

Affinity groups

A bunch of people already connected by a common thread, who may or may not realize that they might like to travel together, is an example of an affinity group.

 It’s the idea of “I have this trip…now I need to find a group.”

“I have this group…now I need to find a trip.”

Both options work in the world of selling group travel, but for the benefit of this article, I will focus on affinity groups – my personal favourite.

Humans thrive best in communities.  This could be a community connected by DNA, geographical location, or shared interest. We all strive for a sense of belonging.

 Back in the days when the Paleo diet was a necessity, not a trendy choice. And the only hobby was grafitti-ing crude stick animals into the side of the cave-dwelling, people belonged to tribes out of self-preservation. 

If you were ostracized by your tribe, it wasn’t long before you became a pile of bones sucked dry by a venue of vultures out on the savannah. Or…if you were the slowest runner in your cave…you’d suffer the same fate, but that’s another article altogether.

The point is, belonging to groups and tribes and communities is something we all aspire to. We love the idea of wearing team jerseys and painting our faces red and white in solidarity. There is safety in numbers.

As a result, affinity groups are everywhere. Here are the top 5 insider tips to find them.

1. Look within your social circles first.

So many travel advisors never actually think about the groups that they are already a part of. I imagine the reasoning is…they “think” that if there was truly an interest to travel within the group, someone would have raised their hand already. 

Knowing that you are a travel professional, everyone’s probably waiting for you to suggest something. So why not step up?

You might be worried about mixing your work and your personal life. I get that. But these days, the lines of personal space and work are often muddied. The buzz phrase “Work-life balance,” famous during the early 2000s, morphed into “Work-life integration.” 

The other 2 reasons why personal groups work best are:

• You’ve already established the “know, like and trust” factor within the group.
• You have an interest in whatever binds the group in the first place, so why not build a tour around those common interests. It won’t seem like work.

2. Consider popular hobbies and special events

Let’s say you don’t have a ton of hobbies or the people who belong to your macrame doily group don’t have passports…it’s time to look beyond your own groups but ones that still fit into your travel niche.

Maybe you enjoy yoga and hot stone massages. Why not reach out to your local yoga studio or wellness centre owner? Think about other associations that might be open to travel.

The trick with this approach is to connect with the person in charge. If you don’t know them already, you are going to have to get to know them. You might need to send 20+ cold emails before someone even bothers to respond, but someone will. You’ll want to write an email that outlines all the benefits for the person in charge.

If that person can either travel for free with a plus one or make a referral cut off of every sale, that might be an attractive offer for them to promote a trip. 

And not sure of what type of trip to promote, look at annual special events that take place that you could build an itinerary around. World cup soccer, the Comrades ultra-Marathon in South Africa or the International Stamp Fair for avid philatelists are all ideas.

3. Use Facebook groups

I can’t believe I’ve actually going to type this but ‘TGFF” (Thank God for Facebook) If you can dream up a hobby, you can bet that FB has a group already created around that hobby. I might skip the group entitled “Agoraphobics are Us” but chances are, there are a ton of groups already in existence within your travel niche.

While Facebook offers a plethora of options, if it’s a brand new group to you…it will take time for you to build authority and credibility. You can’t just show up and market your wares. AND be sure that the group you choose is open to travel suggestions before you invest too much time. You’ll want to choose groups that are small enough that you can build relationships but large enough that they are worth your effort.

4. Use Meetup groups

Similar to Facebook groups, Meetup groups are another perfect place to look for people with whom to build relationships. Meetups differ from Facebook in that you actually have to get out of your chair and “meet up” which means potentially a larger time investment on your part. 

You can even start your own group for a small fee if you want to build members around your travel niche.

Whether you choose Facebook or Meetup or a combination of both, do yourself a favour and concentrate on just a few communities. It’s better to go deep into one or 2 groups than stay shallow in multiple groups.

5. Contact medium-size businesses and professional associations

I like the idea of reaching out to mid-size businesses or organizations to float the idea of group incentive trips. The approach would be similar to that of hobby groups. You’ll want to connect with the person who makes the decisions and make them an offer that will be difficult to refuse. 

I say mid-size (around 100 employees) because larger businesses probably have something already in place and smaller businesses just can’t afford too many people out of the office at any one time. Most business owners are looking for ideas to add travel perks for their staff but it’s rarely a top priority. If you can introduce a no-brainer offer that requires little to no headache – lays everything out seamlessly, then you might just get the business.

6. Contact school alumni travel groups

Wait a second…didn’t I say top 5 places to look. Why am I giving you 6? Well, I’m not really. But I wanted to bring up school alumni travel groups because it sounds like a good place to look except that it’s so good, there are travel companies who just specialize in alumni travel. That’s all they do. And they are really good at it. Most schools already have contracts with their favourite travel company.

I’m not saying take it off the table forever, but explore the first 5 before venturing into the pool with the sharks. If you decide to go this route, I recommend attending ETC’s annual conference that connects travel planners with education entities.

According to an income survey conducted by Host Agency Reviews in 2018, 71.2% of travel agents surveyed did not take advantage of booking group travel. That leads me to the conclusion that there are a lot of opportunities out there just waiting to be explored.

The key thing to keep in mind is that most groups are looking for ways to travel together but there are 3 things that prevent them.

• Nobody wants to take the initiative  
• Members of the group don’t know where to start putting a trip together
• Members don’t realize all the benefits of group travel

If you can address these main pain points, you are in business. The Group Travel business. 

Now that we know where to find these not-so-elusive groups, next up, I’ll uncover all the things you need to keep in mind when planning a group.

Speaking of tribes…be sure to join the Digital Travel Academy tribe (top right.) I’m looking to put together a trip for 2025 myself. Stay tuned.

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Understanding Affinity Group in the Travel Industry

In the realm of the travel industry, the term "Affinity Group" holds significant importance. This concept refers to a group of individuals who are connected by a shared interest, activity, or purpose, and who come together to travel as a cohesive unit. Affinity groups can range from professional organizations and alumni associations to hobby clubs and religious groups. The primary goal of affinity group travel is to provide a specialized and tailored experience for members of the group, catering to their specific interests and preferences.

Characteristics of Affinity Group Travel

Affinity group travel typically involves a group of people who share a common bond or affiliation, such as a love for a particular hobby, a passion for a specific destination, or a connection through a professional network. These groups often have a designated leader or organizer who coordinates the travel arrangements and activities on behalf of the members.

One of the key characteristics of affinity group travel is the personalized nature of the experience. Since members of the group share common interests, the travel itinerary is often customized to cater to their specific preferences. This may include specialized tours, workshops, or activities that align with the group's interests, providing a more enriching and meaningful travel experience.

Affinity group travel also fosters a sense of community and camaraderie among members. Traveling with like-minded individuals who share a common bond can create a supportive and inclusive environment, allowing participants to connect, socialize, and form lasting friendships. This sense of community is often a driving force behind the popularity of affinity group travel.

Benefits of Affinity Group Travel

There are several benefits to participating in affinity group travel, both for travelers and for travel providers. For travelers, joining an affinity group offers the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, share experiences, and create memories together. Group travel can also be more cost-effective, as providers often offer discounted rates and special deals for group bookings.

From a travel provider's perspective, affinity group travel presents a lucrative market segment with specific needs and preferences. By catering to the interests of the group and offering tailored experiences, providers can attract and retain loyal customers. Additionally, group travel often leads to repeat business and referrals, as satisfied travelers are likely to recommend the experience to others.

Types of Affinity Groups

Affinity groups in the travel industry can vary widely in terms of their composition and focus. Some common types of affinity groups include:

• Professional Organizations: Groups of professionals who share a common industry or field of expertise, such as medical associations, legal societies, or business networks.
• Alumni Associations: Groups of former students from a specific school or university who come together to travel and reconnect with fellow alumni.
• Hobby Clubs: Groups of individuals who share a passion for a particular hobby or activity, such as photography clubs, hiking groups, or wine enthusiasts.
• Religious Organizations: Groups of individuals who share a common faith or belief system and come together to embark on spiritual journeys or pilgrimages.

These are just a few examples of the diverse range of affinity groups that exist within the travel industry. Each group has its own unique characteristics, interests, and motivations for traveling together.

Key Considerations for Affinity Group Travel

When planning and organizing affinity group travel, there are several key considerations to keep in mind to ensure a successful and enjoyable experience for all participants:

• Understanding the Group's Interests: It is essential to have a clear understanding of the group's interests, preferences, and expectations when designing the travel itinerary. Tailoring the experience to align with the group's interests will enhance the overall satisfaction of the travelers.
• Communication and Coordination: Effective communication and coordination are crucial for a smooth and seamless travel experience. Keeping all members informed about the itinerary, logistics, and any updates is essential for a successful trip.
• Flexibility and Adaptability: Flexibility is key when organizing group travel, as unexpected circumstances or changes may arise. Being adaptable and responsive to the needs of the group will help ensure a positive experience for all participants.
• Group Dynamics: Understanding the dynamics within the group and fostering a sense of community and inclusivity are essential for creating a cohesive and harmonious travel experience. Encouraging interaction and collaboration among members can enhance the overall enjoyment of the trip.

Affinity group travel plays a significant role in the travel industry, offering a unique and personalized experience for like-minded individuals to come together and explore the world. By catering to the specific interests and preferences of the group, affinity group travel providers can create memorable and rewarding experiences for their customers. Whether it's a professional organization, alumni association, hobby club, or religious group, affinity groups bring people together, foster connections, and create lasting memories through the shared experience of travel.

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Whether it’s your book club, adventure crew, or a group of wine connoisseurs, HD Travel has the resources and expertise to assist affinity group leaders with their travel coordination. Our goal is to make your travel planning experience seamless and successful. With an online registration form and customized group website, HD Travel will allow you to plan your group vacation with ease! When you plan your group getaway with HD Travel, you will receive:

• The convenience of having your flight, hotel accommodations, and airport transfers organized and coordinated for your group
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Affinity Group Travel: Challenging to Plan, Rewarding to Experience

Whether you are organizing a family reunion for 150 guests or a church group cruise for 15, Carol's Travel Service has the experience to create a memorable travel experience for any size group. Our group travel specialists work closely with resorts and cruise ships that specialize in affinity travel, and we can help you with last-minute details, flight changes, and special meal requests.

Start Planning and Communicating Early

Organizing affinity group travel can quickly become complicated, especially with a large group, so planning should begin at least one year in advance. To ensure planning runs smoothly, give your group plenty of notice, so they can arrange their schedules, save money, and ask for time off work.

Your group may have guests with special needs or those who require special consideration. Disabled guests may need specific equipment or accommodations; others may need help arranging for pet care. No matter the circumstances, leave plenty of time to make appropriate arrangements for everyone.

Choose a Travel Date Early, and Set It in Stone

• Finding a date that will work for everybody is one of the most challenging—but crucial—steps in planning affinity travel. Stay away from busy times of the year, such as major holidays or right before school starts or ends.
• Your group may prefer to travel at a particular time of the year. Ask for date suggestions.
• Announce your plan for group travel as far in advance as possible, even if you don't have a particular date set, so attendees can start thinking about the arrangements they need to make.
• Avoid date changes. After you announce the date to the group, planning starts on their end, and changing the date affects everyone. It's better to take extra time on the front end to choose the date carefully than to quickly pick a date and need to change later.

Plan Activities Everyone Will Enjoy

The challenge in planning affinity group travel is also what makes it so special: people from all over, each with different interests, coming together in one place. To ensure a successful trip, think about the ages and physical limitations of the group. Consider whom you're planning for and what they will enjoy.

Cruise ships and all-inclusive resorts are the best venues for mixed groups, as they offer a wide variety of activities for all age groups, which takes some of the stress out of planning. Be sure to ask your guests what they would like to see and do—don't try to guess. Be open to suggestions outside the typical cruise or resort activity list, as the venue may be happy to plan customized activities.

Keep Everyone Informed

It's crucial to update people regularly, so they are not surprised or unaware of new developments.

• Soliciting ideas from the group helps you plan and keeps them involved. Give them every opportunity to propose ideas for activities and menu options.
• A group newsletter is a simple way to keep everyone up-to-date on the activity plans and who will be attending.
• Email is an easy way to communicate with individuals or the group, and they can easily ask questions or offer suggestions.
• If you're tech-savvy, remember that a forum, blog, or minisite gives you more flexibility in asking for ideas and feedback. You can create polls or surveys, or ask questions and get real-time replies.

Enjoy Your Party: Celebrate Your Hard Work

After all the planning and organizing you've done, it's time to enjoy the festivities. Don't be shy about recruiting help whenever you need it, even as the date draws closer. The last thing you want is to be so stressed-out from doing it all that you can't enjoy yourself.

To lessen your stress, the professionals at Carol's Travel Service are happy to take care of the details. We know what needs to be done to make your group travel event a success, so Contact Carol's Travel Service today and let us help.

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Wilderness Inquiry

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AFFINITY GROUP TRAVEL

Affinity travel opportunities with wilderness inquiry.

At Wilderness Inquiry, we’re passionate about creating inclusive spaces no matter a person’s race, gender, or ability. We recognize that participation in outdoor recreation often feels unwelcome towards specific populations due to the discriminatory nature of societal institutions and systems, as well as financial, social, and personal barriers to access. These barriers particularly impact individuals who are Black, Indigenous, or a Person of Color (BIPOC)*, folks who identify as LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, and women. We believe that the power of community and shared experiences can bring about transformation and help dismantle inequitable systems. By expanding our collective sense of belonging in the outdoors, we seek to create opportunities and experiences where everyone can enjoy the holistic benefits of the outdoors safely, together. 

*BIPOC: This term is used as an umbrella to describe folks who identify as Black, Indigenous and People of Color. We acknowledge that race and ethnicity are nuanced and recognize that racial identities are not limited to this term.

Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing Trips

Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing (DDBHH) trips are for DDBHH people who want to connect with the community and meet other DDBHH people! These affinity trips provide full access to American Sign Language (ASL) and a safe space for DDBHH people to express themselves. Trips are led by individuals who identify as DDBHH and/or communicate in ASL. Traveling with Wilderness Inquiry is an excellent opportunity to share your experiences and learn outdoor skills in an inclusive affinity space.

Special Notes 

• There is at least one DDBHH family member
• All family members know ASL
• The DDBHH adult trips are for DDBHH participants only
• June 19-23: Boundary Waters Base Camp Family Canoe & Hike
• July 11-14: Apostle Islands Base Camp, Kayak, and Yoga
• July 24-28: Boundary Waters Base Camp Adventure
• August 7-11: Boundary Waters Canoe Area Paddle Adventure

LGBTQ+ Trips

LGBTQ+ affinity trips have been designed by and for LGBTQ+ individuals, including Wilderness Inquiry Outdoor Leaders. On these trips you'll experience the freedom to engage with nature on a deeper level among the safety and openness of the affinity space. Whether you're new to outdoor recreation or a seasoned adventurer, you'll feel welcome on this Wilderness Inquiry program.

• Family trips are open to all family members whether or not every family member identifies as LGBTQ+ 
• Adult trips are for LGBTQ+ identifying adults only
• June 20-23: Apostle Islands Family Paddle and Hike
• July 18-21: Apostle Islands Base Camp and Kayak Tour

Neurodiverse Trips

Neurodiverse affinity trips are designed for people who have intellectual or developmental disabilities (Down Syndrome, autism, traumatic brain injuries) or otherwise identify as neurodiverse. These trips connect participants to nature, strengthen social inclusion, and support access to the health and wellness benefits of the outdoors. Participants are safely and respectfully supported by a team of staff and volunteers to facilitate a successful, immersive outdoor experience. Wilderness Inquiry is dedicated to supporting this program with co-leaders who identify as part of the neurodiverse community and are eager to share their passion and love for the outdoors.

• There is at least one family member who identifies as Neurodiverse
• caregivers/PCAs may also attend but it is not required
• Wilderness Inquiry will have volunteers providing additional support as needed
• June 13-16: Apostle Islands Base Camp and Kayak Tour
• July 10-14: Boundary Waters Base Camp Adventure

BIPOC Trips

This program is deeply intentional about bringing together members of BIPOC communities across multicultural backgrounds to share in collective experiences in the outdoors. On these trips, you can confidently immerse yourself in the wonders of nature with fellow participants and passionate trip leaders who all identify as BIPOC. This program is designed to provide wilderness travel opportunities for folks with all levels of individual experience and ability.

• To protect the affinity space, all participants attending a family program must identify as BIPOC
• If you're interested in supporting getting BIPOC outdoors, you can donate to the Support BIPOC Outdoors! champion fund
• September 4-8: Boundary Waters Canoe Area Base Camp Adventure

Women's Trips

Women's trips are designed to introduce and deepen the unique and meaningful benefits of time spent in nature within a safe space inclusive of all women. Whether you are looking for a camping trip or a lodge-based retreat, refresh your perspective, learn new skills, and create new bonds in a shared outdoor experience. These trips are available to all adults who identify as women of all backgrounds and abilities.

See Women's Affinity Trips Here!

Affinity Group Destinations and Trips

Known for its red sandstone sea caves, sandy beaches, picturesque lighthouses, and historic shipwrecks, the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore boasts a 22-island archipelago on the south shore of Lake Superior. There are also plenty of opportunities to hike, play on the beach, sightsee, camp out, and enjoy the rhythm of the world’s largest freshwater lake, Lake Superior.

Available Affinity Group Itineraries:

• Apostle Islands Base Camp and Kayak Tour
• Apostle Islands Base Camp, Kayak, and Yoga
• Apostle Islands Family Paddle and Hike

America’s premier canoe destination, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is one of the most accessible wilderness areas in the United States. Over one million acres in size, the Boundary Waters covers much of the Superior National Forest in northeastern Minnesota, where adventurers can paddle among towering pines in the home of moose, lynx, wolves, and bald eagles.

Available Affinity Group Itineraries

• Boundary Waters Canoe Area Paddle Adventure
• Boundary Waters Base Camp Adventure
• Boundary Waters Family Canoe and Hike

Lake Superior’s Isle Royale National Park is an island of wild creatures, unspoiled forests, refreshing lakes, and rugged scenery. Hike trails known for moose sightings, amazing stargazing from reduced light population, and visit one of the least frequented National Parks as you can only reach the island via boat or plane.

• Isle Royale Backpack  

Hike the best trails of the legendary Tour du Mont Blanc circuit and take in stunning views of Europe’s highest mountain! Crossing through the beauty of France, Italy, and Switzerland, the Tour du Mont Blanc is one of Europe’s most famous and beloved long-distance hikes.

• Tour du Mont Blanc 

Discover the Superior Hiking Trail along the North Shore of Lake Superior, showcasing waterfalls, rapids, and gorges as it winds through Minnesota’s Northwoods.

• Superior Hiking Trail Lodge-Based Hike and Explore

Voyageurs National Park is the less heralded but no less spectacular wilderness destination of northern Minnesota known for its waterfalls, hidden coves, and scenic waterways. Listen for the cry of the loon and the howl of the timber wolf, as you glide through the crystal clear waters of the North country’s big lakes. View ancient rock exposures, spectacular lake country scenery, abundant wildlife, and unmatched stargazing!

• Voyageurs National Park Paddle Adventure

Special Events

2024 asl day on the river.

Saturday, August 3, 2024 - 11:30 am - 4:00 pm - Hidden Falls Regional Park (North Gate)

Register to join Wilderness Inquiry for our 4th Annual ASL Day on the River! Members and families of the Deaf, DeafBlind, Hard of Hearing, and ASL users are invited to adventure in the heart of the Twin Cities. Explore the mighty Mississippi River up close and personal on a half-day guided canoe trip.

REGISTER HERE!

 new to outdoor recreation.

You don’t have to be “outdoorsy” or a camping expert to travel with Wilderness Inquiry!

A deep knowledge of or experience in the outdoors is not necessary for any of our trips - we provide all the planning, gear, and food and pair you with an experienced guide who can help you learn the basics in a supportive environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

BIPOC affinity trips have been designed by and for BIPOC folks, including Wilderness Inquiry Outdoor Leaders. We recognize families are often diverse where family members may not all share the same racial identities, however to protect the intention of the affinity group space, we are only allowing BIPOC individuals on our BIPOC affinity group trips, including family trips. If your family or family group has non-BIPOC family members, please visit our Families Together family trip offerings. 

***We recognize the term “family” means different things to different people. Whomever you consider to be a member of your BIPOC family is welcome to join you on this family program as long as they share a BIPOC identity.

LGTBQ+ affinity trips have been designed by and for LGBTQ+ folks, including Wilderness Inquiry Outdoor Leaders. Our LGBTQ+ family trips are open to all family members, whether or not every family member identifies as LGBTQ+. However, to protect the intention of the affinity group space, we are only allowing folks who identify as LGTBQ+ on our adult affinity group trips.

***We recognize the term “family” means different things to different people. Whomever you consider to be a member of your family is welcome to join you on this LGBTQ+ family program.

Financial circumstances should not be a barrier for you to experience these trips. Funding is available in the form of financial assistance for eligible individuals and families. Please fill out this form and we’ll follow up with more information and next steps: Financial Assistance For Individuals and Families

If you’re interested in helping support individuals or families who are experiencing financial barriers to participating in this program, you can make a donation to Wilderness Inquiry and 100% of your donation will go towards offsetting trip fees for affinity group participants.

Regardless of your individual skills or outdoor background, we believe everyone has gifts to contribute to group experiences. Your trip leaders will spend time helping you learn and practice camping and canoeing skills and help foster strength and kinship as a community in a way that feels supportive and welcoming of unique experiences.

All group gear will be provided by Wilderness Inquiry which includes tents, canoes, paddles, life jackets, cooking equipment, first aid kit, etc. You will receive a packing list upon confirmation of your registration. 

If you need personal gear items (sleeping bags, sleeping pads, rain jackets, etc) you can borrow them from Wilderness Inquiry. We are committed to removing barriers so that you are able to have a transformative experience in the outdoors. 

Food is crucial to community, culture, identity, health and wellbeing and sense of comfort. Having delicious, appropriate meals while camping can make a big difference in the overall enjoyment of an experience. We’ll work with you to ensure that the meals reflect our community's vibrant flavors. 

We take dietary needs, restrictions, and allergies very seriously to ensure food is safely prepared so there isn’t cross contamination. You will have an opportunity when registering for your trip to tell us any information you feel is important to know about your diet/food preference and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.

Wilderness Inquiry strives to put accessibility at the forefront of our programs so that individuals of all abilities, including people with disabilities, are able to participate in programs. If you or a member of your family has a disability, you will have an opportunity to confidentially share more during the registration process for your trip. A member of our team will connect with you further over the phone to make sure we are able to provide the appropriate support or accommodations you need to have a safe and rewarding experience on your trip.

The ability to swim is not required to participate in Wilderness Inquiry programs. All participants regardless of their swimming ability will be required to wear an appropriately fitted PFD (personal flotation device also called a "life jacket") provided by Wilderness Inquiry at all times while on the water. Participants who choose to swim while on a wilderness trip will be required to wear their PFD while swimming and a lifeguard trained Wilderness Inquiry Outdoor Leader will supervise.

Wilderness Inquiry staff are trained in well-proven and comprehensive safety policies, procedures, and risk management protocols. Staff are trained or certified in first aid, lifeguarding, vehicle driving safety, and canoeing and backcountry travel skills, as well as a repertoire of interpersonal, adaptive, group leadership, and social and emotional learning skills to provide support for a variety of different participants on programs. All this to say, the concept of “safety” or “feeling safe” is a relative term that means different things to different people in different situations. We recognize that new experiences in new places can stretch comfort zones which is why our programs are designed to be as inclusive and supportive as possible. You will be traveling with a group of people who have all agreed to join this adventure as a community unit, therefore you will work together with support from Wilderness Inquiry staff to make sure everyone feels as safe as possible on your adventure together.

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Affinity Group

A group formed around a shared interest or purpose, often traveling together to destinations that cater to their shared interests, such as photography, bird-watching, or culinary tours.

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