Art, Culture, Cuisine & Social for Central Coast & Beyond

Vietnam & Cambodia with Angkor Wat. Ancient Kingdoms of Southeast Asia~

Fri, Dec 4 · 7:00 PM PST

santa ynez airport, 900 Airport Road, Santa Ynez, CA, US

A Meetup trip in December . . . what can be a better gift for the holidays?! Join our travelers group on a captivating 14-day journey through the heart of Southeast Asia as we explore the vibrant cultures and breathtaking landscapes of Vietnam & Cambodia (Dec 04-18, 2026)

As with all our tailor-made Meetup trips, our expert guides will lead us off the beaten path to uncover the authentic charm of each destination, while comfortable accommodations and delicious local cuisine ensure a truly immersive travel experience. Embark on an unforgettable journey through the vibrant cities and breathtaking landscapes of Vietnam, finishing with the wonders of Cambodia.

We begin in Hanoi, where history and culture come alive, then sail the emerald waters of Halong Bay. Step back in time among the imperial treasures of Hue, wander the lantern-lit streets of charming Hoi An, and feel the dynamic energy of Ho Chi Minh City. We conclude your adventure at the awe-inspiring temples of Siem Reap, home to the legendary Angkor Wat.

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS:

• Hanoi; explore Ho Chi Minh sites, Temple of Literature, Old Quarter cyclo ride & water puppet show
• Visit rural craft villages: conical hat & incense making, home-hosted lunch, village walk
• Ha Long Bay cruise: limestone islands, floating villages, cave visit, Tai Chi & sunset views
• Hue: Perfume River boat ride, Thien Mu Pagoda, Khai Dinh’s Tomb & Imperial Citadel
• Scenic Hai Van Pass train to Danang; explore Dragon Bridge, Cham Museum, Marble Mountain
• Hoi An Ancient Town (UNESCO), visit tailor shops, pottery village & organic farm with cooking class
• Ho Chi Minh City & Cu Chi Tunnels; War Remnants Museum, Reunification Palace & Ben Thanh Market
• Mekong Delta cruise: coconut workshops, sampan ride, orchards & lunch in riverside village
• Siem Reap: dinner with Apsara dance, Angkor temples (Ta Prohm, Bayon, Angkor Wat)
• Cambodian cultural immersion: monk blessing, village crafts & cooking, Tonle Sap Lake sunset cruise

For a detailed Day By Day itinerary: Click Here to fill out our info request form

Trip Itinerary:

• Hanoi – 3 nights
• Ha Long Bay (cruise) – 1 night
• Hue – 2 nights
• Hoi An – 2 nights
• Ho Chi Minh City – 3 nights
• Siem Reap – 3 nights

Price per person, double occupancy: $4400
(we match roommates for those willing to share and save)
Price for single room: $5300

RSVP with your email address to receive complete information and itinerary. To secure your spot on this trip, please submit a $450 deposit.
Click Here for Secure Deposit Link
Deposit is refundable up to 90 days before the departure (less PayPal fees)
Fill Out this FORM if you are making a deposit
Limited capacity of 24 total. This trip will fill up extremely quickly.

***Airfare from/to the US not included. Contact Anna for a quote***

Click Here to Message Direct to Anna.
She can help you arrange the airfare and answer any logistics questions.

We believe in good decent social. This events is cross posted to several other groups and the number of RSVPs on each is not reflective. We have a set of sister groups where we post our local free, local/regional camping, and our overseas events too.
Click Here to see all our other fun events

We do a monthly Zoom with Q & A on all our overseas events.
Come to the zoom and ask any questions. Great way to get the info you want without all the other fluff. As well as meet us and other attendees.

Click here for General Policies and useful info about our international trips.

Live the adventure instead of only dreaming it!

SOT 2000318-10

Awesome NYE Camping: Calcite Mine Slot Canyons, Galeta Meadows, Font's Point.

Thu, Dec 31 · 2:00 PM PST

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, California, USA, California, CA, US

This is easy camping, moderate hiking and a culture vulture tour all in one! AND Meteor Showers AND Night Photography opportunities.

This event is ALSO a NYE Alternative festivity or gathering. A more sedate appreciation of the world and the people in it. Celebrated together around a campfire.

The itinerary

Thu, Dec 31:

• Arrive when you can (anytime after 2PM)
• After sunset . . . Galeta Meadows at night.
• NYE at midnight.
• Quadrantids Meteor Shower before and after.

Fri, Jan 1:
Sunrise at Font's Pont for the ambitious
Hikes at Calcite Mine Slot Complex
Galeta Meadows (in the daylight)
Font's Point in the late afternoon (for those that missed it)

Sat, Jan 2
Two Options . . .
For those with a 4X4 . . . Sandstone Canyon and Arroyo Tapiado
OR
For those who want a good hard hike . . . Goat Canyon Trestle Bridge . . . The worlds largest wooden trestle railroad bridge that is also semi abandoned.
A third option is Ladder Canyon/Painted Canyon (Slot Canyons)

Sun, Jan 3 (on the way home)
Obsidian Buttes
Mud Volcanoes
Salvation Mtn
East Jesus
Bombay Beach
The Dinos at Cabazon.

We will pack in a LOT!!!

"The Slot" A short but AWESOME hike
and (the slow version)
Galleta Meadows in Anza-Borrego
Font's Point (this is optional)
This vid shows The Slot and a lot of Font's Point The whole flat lakebed parts we are not going to

I also suggest you just google "Font's Point Sunrise" in google images.

Cost? $105 Per Person.

• Payment Link (click the payment link to take care of payment)

You do not need a paypal to use the link. You can use any credit or debit card. Click continue as guest.

Mainly this will be what is called Tent Camping or Car Camping.
Meaning most folks will be in tents and our cars are parked nearby and easily accessible. Thus you can bring lots of gear easily.

You do bring your own tent, sleeping gear and food.
This way it's the kind of food you like and you can make meals when you wish. Also . . . the logistics of us providing tents and food and making meals would fill up a cargo truck.

What are you providing?

• We will be providing tons of of hardwood firewood.
• Stove Burner for community use.
• Hot water for instant meals and teas.
• The site for up to three nights camping.
• Leading Activities/Schedule
• The social
• The campfire time
• The meetup

What are the restrooms and showers? Is there electricity?
Use your car to charge your phone.
There will be flush restrooms and coin-op showers

Is this dog friendly? Yes. Dogs OK on the trail (mostly).

Is this kid friendly? Yes.

To attend this event:

• RSVP on this event. (then)
• Payment Link (click the payment link to take care of payment)(then)
• Click Here and fill out our google form

You can also fill out the form if only interested and want to stay in the loop.

Got questions?
Click Here to send a Direct Message to Marc (screen name Oddie)
and/or
Click Here for our Local Camping Zoom Q & A (once a month) 7:30 PM
Meet others attending, be social. Come to the zoom and ask any questions about the event.
Also:

• General Policies Including: Notice of Non-Discrimination, General Refunds Policy, Cancelation Policies as well as General Liability and Safety Policies/Procedures/Practices
• Carpool info
• Newbie Camping Advice All things GEAR
• Newbie Camping Advice All things FOOD

Main Event Link
Pix from a previous time we went
AND lastly:
To see and join our other events

Q What about food?
Fri eve is a Potluck as people arrive as they arrive. People will arrive to midnight even. Late is OK

Q Carpools How does this carpool thing work?
A When you sign up your info is taken. 1 week before the event carpool info will go out all as a matrix and matching is done then.

Q I don't camp OR I have not camped OR I am a newbie camper. Is this a good start?
A YES!!!! Car is steps from the site. Site is flat and without rocks. Plenty people there to help and be company. Clean bathrooms with flush toilets and running water and even showers!!

Q I want to come but don't have a friend to come with.
A Most folks come on their own. After all it is a meetup. You will feel right at home with a good bunch of good people enjoying the stunning outdoors and adventure.

Q I want to do the hiking but not the cultural wasteland stuff.
A That's OK.

TERMS
Payment is Refundable (less any fees) if you cancel more than 2 weeks before the event. Under 2 weeks and credit given for future event.

Rain and Weather: The canyon hikes are carved by water. Rain will reschedule.

Notice of Non-Discrimination: On our event we do not discriminate by Age, Gender, Gender Preference, Ethnicity, National Origin, Race, Color, Religion. This is NOT true of all organizers or all groups. Some overtly or secretly limit, exclude, discriminate.
We do not discriminate by age, gender, gender preference, ethnicity, race, color, national origin, disability or family status.

We believe in good decent social. We have a set of sister groups we post our local free, local/regional camping, and our overseas events to.

We welcome all . . . And that includes you.

Thailand Sea Side Discovery: Bangkok, Phuket and Krabi Island

Mon, Feb 15, 2027 · 7:00 PM PST

santa ynez airport, 900 Airport Road, Santa Ynez, CA, US

Join us for an unforgettable 10-day Meetup adventure through Thailand, blending culture, temples, islands, beaches, and relaxed free time. This trip is a true Meetup - designed for those who want to travel the world and explore exotic destinations like Thailand, but don’t want to do it alone. We are traveling as a group, while still enjoying flexibility and optional experiences.
This journey blends the energy of Bangkok, the tropical beauty of Phuket, and the laid-back charm of Krabi, creating the perfect balance of culture, nature, and downtime. We will explore iconic temples, cruise through stunning islands, relax on white-sand beaches, and enjoy free time to wander, shop, or simply slow down and soak it all in.

Trip Highlights
• Bangkok City & Temple Tour
• Optional Ayutthaya Day Trip
• Flight to Phuket included
• Phi Phi Islands Tour
• Big Buddha Visit
• Scenic drive from Phuket to Krabi
• 4 Island Hopping Tour with Picnic

Who is this trip for
✔ Solo travelers who don’t want to travel alone
✔ People who want structure without feeling rushed
✔ Travelers who enjoy a mix of sightseeing and free time
✔ Anyone who wants to experience Thailand with a fun, supportive group

This adventure is ideal for solo travelers, friends, couples and even families, who want the comfort of a group while keeping the experience fun and social.

The best way to see what it's like is to check the gallery with past pix from our previous trip: https://photos.app.goo.gl/qXfrs5zQp5rULNvb9

For a detailed Day By Day itinerary Click Here to fill out the form and receive information.

Land Tour cost $2997 per person, double occupancy (we match roommates for those willing to share and save).
If you want your own room: Solo occupancy $3867

The only way to secure your spot for this meetup is a $325 deposit that is refundable up to 90 days before departure.
Click here for secure deposit link

When you make a deposit be sure to fill out this ATTENDEE’S FORM.
As mentioned, . . . the cost is $2997. This is for the "Land" portion only. International airfare is not included. This gives you the flexibility to have a flight with timing that works best for you. Or to use points/miles.
Ekaterina can also help arrange your airfare.
To contact her for more info, CLICK HERE to send her a message.

What is included in the cost:
✔ Meet & greet upon arrival at the airport
✔ 3 Nights in Bangkok
✔ 3 Nights in Phuket
✔ 3 Nights in Krabi
✔ Accommodation with daily breakfast as mention
✔ Airfare from Bangkok to Phuket
✔Transfer services in private air-conditioned vehicle
✔English speaking guide throughout program
✔Entrance fees, other boat fees where applicable
✔ Meals as listed in the program
✔Bottled water on coach during transfer
✔ Airport arrival and departure transfers in Bangkok
✔ Airport arrival transfer in Phuket (one time together for the group)
✔ Airport departure transfers in Krabi
✔ Road transfer from Phuket to Krabi

What is not included:

• International Airfare
• Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
• Visa
• Early check-in and late check-out
• Tips, drinks, personal expenses and others
• Travel insurance

Want more info?
Click Here to fill out our info request form
OR
RSVP to the event with your email to receive additional info.
OR
CLICK HERE to send me a message
Whatever is easiest for you!

Still have questions?
We do a Q & A Zoom once a month.
CLICK HERE for our Q & A Zoom. RSVP on that event to get a reminder for the zoom.

We believe in good, decent social. This event is cross posted to several other groups and the number of RSVPs on each is not reflective. We have a set of sister groups where we post our local free, local/regional camping, and our overseas events too.
Click Here to see or join our other events

SOT 2000318-10

Yosemite! March 26-29, 2027 w/ Valley Floor Activities!! 4 days/3 nights

Fri, Mar 26, 2027 · 2:00 PM PDT

Yosemite Entrance Gate (Central) - El Portal, 804 El Portal Rd, Wawona, CA 95389, USA, Wawona, CA, US

Yosemite is that amazing and iconic place that everyone loves to go.

March is the wettest month of the year. The MOST water from all the Waterfalls!!!! It will also be wildflowers!!!

What it will NOT be? It is NOT a designated holiday weekend . . . such as Memorial Day Weekend. As such . . . I am hoping to avoid those crowds or parking.

We have done Yosemite before on the group. And each and every time it fills up early with lotos of people with big sadness they can not go.
Plain and simple . . . our events have limited size. So when it fill . . . it fills.
If you do wish to attend . . . Be sure to make a payment now!!

There are Saturday/Sunday planned Easy, Medium and Hard Options. We will divide by interest for different hikes.

The "Easy" route:

• Yosemite Falls (the easy walk)
• Tunnel View
• Glacier Point
• Bridal Veil Falls
• Mirror Lake
• The Meadows
• The River
• Ahwahnee Hotel

Planned Medium Hike:

• Vernal/Nevada Mist Trail

Planned Difficult Hikes

• Yosemite Falls
• 4 Mile Trail
• Pohono Trail

Want to do Half Dome? Since you have the date you can apply for the lottery as we get closer.

To attend this event:

• RSVP on this event
• CLICK HERE for the payment link. https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/ZLTEGZRUUSJJW
• Click Here and fill out our Attendees google form (this is also what the carpool info gets built from)

Notes:

• You MUST take care of payment to be confirmed to go. https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/ZLTEGZRUUSJJW
• Refunds given if request is made at least 2 weeks before event start date/time.
• After payment you will get a confirmation email from Paypal
• You do NOT need a paypal account. Click the process as guest, or use any credit or debit card.
• If you X2 or have a Plus One . . . chose X2 or 3 during payment.
• Up to 10 years old are free.
• 11 to 17 are 1/2 (contact me for a link)
• Dogs OK (this will limit where you can go in the park).
• You may see LOTS of people RSVP on the event.
• Many do RSVP and not take care of payment (RSVP number not accurate).
• This Event is limited in size. When filled the payment link will be disabled.
• Since the event WILL fill . . . take care of payment sooner instead of later. If your plans change . . . refunds given up to 2 weeks before event start date/time.
• If you not ready to commit yet . . .
• Click Here and fill out our google "interest" form (there is a box for "interested and keep me in the loop")

Includes:

• Site (on private land) for a three day weekend
• All Firewood & propane heaters provided.
• Flush restrooms (that are clean)
• (free)(hot) Showers available
• Restaurants and Grocery adjacent
• Pool and Jacuzzi available.
• Super Civilized Camping.
• Perfect for the beginner and first timers.
• Many come solo.
• Come alone and leave with friends. Come with friends & leave with more friends.

Tell me about food and everything else . . .
The logistics of providing food for every possible diet, as well as food prep issues is just not feasible or safe.
AND
Due to varied dietary needs and food contact issues, it's better if bring what you like and prep it.
Thus . . . you bring your own food. This way it is the food you like.

What gear do I need?
The only specialized gear you need is Tent, Sleeping bag, Sleeping Pad (yoga mat). Everything else is household items you already have.

Special note: this is Tent camping. No RV. No Trailers. No giant campervans.

Can I park my car next to my tent?
Sniffing tires, oil, exhaust and fuel? Yuck!!! You cars will be close. But not on top of us. Cars on one side. Humans on the other. If we overflow our parking area . . . there is an overflow parking area.

Carpools?

• Carpool info goes out ONLY to paid attendees. (it really sucks to set up a carpool with a person who is not actually going)
• Carpool info ONLY goes out to those who fill out the ATTENDEES/CARPOOL FORM (this way it is reliable info)
• Carpool info goes out all at once (not as you sign on)
• Carpool info goes out 1 week before the event. Too early and most carpools fall apart. It really sucks when your ride canceled at asked for a refund a month ago but did not tell you. Carpools info sent when it is stable of who is attending.
• Carpool in week before makes sense because that's when people can really determine schedule and departure time and availability.

Refunds?

• If requested 2 weeks before event start: 100% refund (less paypal fee)
• If requested less than 2 weeks: 100% Full Credit be applied to ANY future event we run.

Questions? CLICK HERE to send a Direct Message

OTHER INFO:

• Carpool info
• Newbie Camping Advice All things GEAR
• Newbie Camping Advice All things FOOD
• General Policies

This event is cross-posted to several groups. The number RSVP'd is not accurate. ONLY Paid attendees are actually going to be attending.
To see most of the RSVPs' AND RSVP on the main event CLICK HERE

CLICK HERE to join in on the other fun events planned.

Notice: We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, age, disability, gender, gender preference, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, national identity, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, political beliefs or even for belly button lint.

We welcome all, and that includes you!