What we’re about
Welcome to the Washington DC International Adventure Travel Club!
The group tries to Meetup locally in the Washington DC area to bring adventurous people together to talk about where we’ve been and where we dream of going… fun, casual, free face to face get-togethers with members from our community to visit local restaurants, grab a social drink together in one of the local bars or maybe even take a hike or a walk at a local park. But ultimately we all love travel, especially our organizer Kevin, so you'll see some awesome trips where you can join other meetup members and explore amazing destinations with other like-minded meetup members!
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Beach Trip!! Camp, hike, bike, kayak: Ocracoke Island, NPS CampgroundOcracoke Campground, Ocracoke , NC
DESCRIPTION: Beach trip!! This is a 5 day, 4 night, kayaking, biking, hiking, and camping trip on the scenic island of Ocracoke in the Outer Banks.
This trip features lots of remote, undeveloped coastal scenery, spectacular sunrises and sunsets, biking and hiking trails, both surf and smooth water around Ocracoke Island, where we'll enjoy bike riding, kayaking, swimming, moonlight beach walks and beach fires in the evenings.
Day 1 (Thursday 7/10):
1900: Arrive at Ocracoke Campground, Site A1, and set up camp.
2000: Drive down the road 5 minutes to the public lifeguard beach (2188 Irvin Garrish Hwy) to enjoy a beach fire with smores and hot chocolate and star gazing before turning in for the night at the campground. Tent camping (or bring hammock stand for hammock camping).Day 2 (Friday, 7/11):
0600 - Sunrise beach walk or bike ride (the beach is steps away from our campsite over the dune path, and the sand is perfect for riding bikes along the water on the beach)
0730 - breakfast at the campsite,
0830 - put in kayaks at Devils Shoal Boat ramp, (right across the road from the NPS campground, no permit needed); we'll paddle the smooth, shallow waters of the Pamlico Sound around Ocracoke island, enjoying beautiful marsh-lined estuaries that provide an excellent venue for birdwatching and exploring the diverse marine life in the shallows.
1130 - lunch at the campground
1230 - Bike ride the 3 mile bike trail along NC 12, turn left on Southpoint rd (Scenic unpaved road, 1.75 miles to a beach), then head to town (stop at the ice cream shop at the end of the bike trail for ice cream), then bike ride 4 miles (Sound and Marsh bike route), then past the Ocracoke Lighthouse over to Springer's Point (we'll bring hammocks, beach blankets and water/sandwiches) and enjoy hiking the nature trails and playing in the water, and stay for a gorgeous sunset swinging in our hammocks under the big oak trees (Springer's Point has the most spectacular sunset spot on the island). Springer's Point closes at dusk, so we'll bring headlamps and bike lights and ride by the Ocracoke Lighthouse on the way back to the campground via town and the bike path. If we feel up to it, we can go on a moonlight beach walk at the campground and see the ghost crabs before turning in for the night.Day 3 (Saturday, 7/12):
0600: Sunrise kayak paddle, Pamlico Sound (Drive across the road from the campground to put in kayaks at Devils Shoals boat launch)
0830 - breakfast at the campsite
1000 - pack coolers with drinks and sandwiches for a picnic lunch on the beach - load up our 4x4 vehicles with ocean/sit on top kayaks, beach shade, boogie boards and blankets and enjoy some afternoon boogie boarding, kayak surfing and picnic on the ORV beach access.
1530 - Pick up seafood/ice in town on way back to campsite for early dinner
1700- - Sunset kayak paddle from Silver Lake public boat launch to Springer's point (about 1.5 hours paddle time round trip)
2000 - beach fire and s'mores at public lifeguard beach (2188 Irvin Garrish Hwy)Day 4 (Sunday, 7/13):
0600 - Sunrise beach walk/bike ride
0800 - breakfast,
0930 - Silver Lake to Old Sloughs paddle: put in kayaks at Silver Lake public boat launch, at the very end of Highway 12 in Ocracoke village, where there is a parking lot/ boat launch across the street from the NPS visitor center. Paddle mile 0.9: At Springers Point, the island starts to curve southwest. Just past the point is Old Slough, a marshy area that is a good place to view birds and other wildlife. Mile 1.25: Continue following the shore as it bends to the right. Along the next mile, the shoreline is more woodsy, with secluded beaches. This is a great area to get out and explore, maybe pull our kayaks up on the beach and hike the short distance to the oceanside beaches for great shelling. Then, turn around and retrace our path back to Springers Point, pull our kayaks up on the beach and play in the water/hike the nature trails and have a picnic lunch under the shade of the oaks. Then, board our kayaks and retrace our path back to the launch site at Silver Lake.1530 - Stop at the seafood store for ice and buy fresh seafood to cook for dinner.
1730 - seafood dinner at campsite
1830 - After dinner sunset hike (Pamlico Sound views) at Hammock Hills trail (0.8 miles)
1930 - Drive 5 min to Public Lifeguard beach (2188 Irvin Garrish Hwy), build a beach fire and enjoy spectacular stargazing with s'mores and hot chocolate, and watch the ghost crabs with headlamps (walk the beach in the moonlight).Day 5 (Monday 7/14):
0600 - Sunrise beach walk/bike ride,
0830 - breakfast, then pack up and leave campground by 11am to travel home.Campground is primitive, right on the beach, and has bathrooms and showers, as well as potable water. We'll have coolers and a screened in gazebo for shade/shelter over our picnic table. Bring your bike, kayak, paddleboard, bug spray, sunscreen, hats/sun shirts, hammock (and hammock stand), and camping gear. We'll split the cost for campsites/firewood/ice and seafood for group dinners. I've reserved 4 adjacent campsites ($28/night per campsite, 6 people per site) near the beach access trail and will obtain permits for beach fires and ORV access. Bikes and kayaks/paddleboards are readily available on the island for rental if you need gear.
If you need to rent gear on Ocracoke Island, please reach out to the outfitters ASAP to make a reservation for this trip:
Ride the Wind Surf Shop (contact Rachael Chestnut)
252-928-6311
RentalsOcracoke Island Vacation Gear Rentals | Beach Outfitters
TRAIL MAP:
Silver Lake Harbor to Old Slough Paddle, North Carolina - 2 Reviews, Map | AllTrails
Springer’s Point Nature Preserve, North Carolina - 208 Reviews, Map | AllTrails
Hammock Hills Nature Trail, North Carolina - 114 Reviews, Map | AllTrails
OBX Beach Driving - Ocracoke Island Beach driving permit
Public Services Map - Ocracoke Navigatorhttps://www.visitocracokenc.com/getting-here/
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/north-carolina/springers-point-nature-preserve
https://www.visitocracokenc.com/how-to-love-kayaking/PARKING/CARPOOLING: Please arrive at the Ocracoke Island Campground, 4352 Irvin Garrish Hwy, Ocracoke, NC 27960, accessible by the Hatteras vehicle ferry terminal (free) which leaves every hour from 0500 to midnight every day for a one hour ferry ride to Ocracoke Island. Also, I encourage carpooling wherever possible. If you need a ride or want a ride, look at the list of attendees and where they live (it says in their profile). Then, for those who live near you, hit the "Chat" button to ask if they want or can offer a ride. If you are a rider, please chip in towards gas (usually $5 - $20 depending on distance and # of riders). Additionally, you can post a request to give or receive a ride in the chat section of the event.
EXPECTATIONS: Download the trail map onto your phone before you arrive. Bring hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, water shoes plus dry bag containing change of clothes/sleeping bag/camping gear and your own boat, paddle and life jacket, or you can rent these on the island. Know your physical limits and cardiovascular fitness. Bring proper clothing and gear for the weather. Water temperatures vary, recommend synthetic clothing! If you have any concerns or questions, don't hesitate to contact the trip leader via the chat feature or direct messaging.
RELEASE OF LIABILITY & ASSUMPTION OF RISK AGREEMENT: By attending this event, I acknowledge that outdoor adventures in nature carry the risk of potential harm to myself up to and including the risk of injuries such as broken bones or muscle/tendon injuries, illness, disability, or death. These can be caused by slipping or falling off rocks due to loss of balance or lack of coordination; twisting ankles on rocks, brush, limbs, or ice; Acts of nature such as rock falls, inclement weather, lightning, strong wind, extreme temperatures; drownings in rivers, streams, or other bodies of water; drinking unfiltered contaminated water or becoming dehydrated; succumbing to heat exhaustion; getting bit or stung by venomous reptiles, animals, or insects; and my own or other’s negligent or risky behaviors. This list is not exhaustive nor is it inclusive of all risks. In response, I release and hold harmless with respect to all injury, disability, death, or loss of property, whether caused by negligence or otherwise, the meetup group’s leadership as well as the designated leaders for this event.
SICKNESS (COVID/FLU/COLD): As always, if you have been exposed to a contagious illness, or are having any symptoms at all, please do not attend. There will be plenty of future events.
- Featured International Meetup Trips for 2025 & 2026Link visible for attendees
This group has some great local outdoorsy/adventure events.
As the main group leads for the group we do have some more involved adventures that take more planning than your average weekend hike or camping trip.
These are treks or adventure trips to epic places around the world.
Bucket List Experiences if you will.Here is what's ahead:
Aug 10-20, 2025 EPIC MACHU PICCHU! vis Short Inca Trail or Train!!
Aug 10-20, 2025 The Salkantay Trek EPIC MACHU PICCHU!
Oct 12-23, 2025 Jordan: Dana to Petra Trek with bonus of Wadi Rum
Jun 05-14, 2026 Costa Rica Eco Adventure
Jun 18-27, 2026 Mt Kilimanjaro Trek! One of the 7 Summits
Jul 05-14, 2026 Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda
Mar 06-16, 2027 Galapagos Islands Expedition
Apr 25-May 11, 2027 Everest Base Camp Yoga TrekWe have other overseas events, which are not that adventurous, but more refined and cultural.
How to learn more about the itinerary and prices?
What to do next?
How to attend?
What to pack?
What's included and not included?
Or any question you might have!!!You can send a direct meetup message:
https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=273063881In your message say which one and we can get the ball rolling from there and get you info.
The other easy way is to fill out our form. You can check-box several events that way.
https://forms.gle/cQdqYw74gAYqphXX8ALSO . . .
We have a monthly Q & A video conference call to answer it all!
Rsvp on this event and join us on the listed date at 6pm Pacific time.
Here is the link to join https://meet.google.com/irp-rnyi-fgbRSVP here and we will send you a reminder too!!
What's that? You want to see what the events look like?
pix Pix PIX . . . everybody lives pix!! Here are some galleries of past Treks
Everest Base Camp Trek Photo Album
https://photos.app.goo.gl/jtHi3tTjVhYGjtc19
Machu Picchu Salkantay Trek Photo Album
https://photos.app.goo.gl/1cveVTS54VkziKba6
Kilimanjaro Trek Photo Album
https://photos.app.goo.gl/xxemRMegDqTHHi4UA
Galapagos https://photos.app.goo.gl/chQ3swWt4jGiAabx5Take a look at the pix. Send us a note. Fill out the event form. RSVP here . . . whatever!! Get the ball rolling on your next adventure. Come and join us!!
The posted date and time of this event is a zoom call.
Here is the video call link to join https://meet.google.com/irp-rnyi-fgb - MACHU PICCHU via The Epic Salkantay Trek. Experience wild PeruDulles International Airport (IAD), Sterling, VA
Discover the awe-inspiring journey to Machu Picchu with our three distinct options, each offering its own charm and adventure. As a Meetup, we travel as a group and still are able to tailor your Machu Picchu adventure according to your preferences and interests.
This event is for the hikers and trekkers, interested in The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu. This is a 4-Day hike on the ancient and remote footpath located in the same region as the Inca Trail where massive snow-capped mountains collide with lush tropical rainforests. It is less travelled than the Inca Trail, with breathtaking vistas! Considered by many the better alternate to get to Machu Picchu. It is also not that heavily regulated with government taxes and fees. Hence, the good price!
The Inca Trail is the "tourist" route. We are doing the 1-day hike, which is the second half of the classic Inca Trek and a full day at Machu Picchu. It is shorter and less difficult than the Salkantay. The views are stunning - mostly rainforest canopy and ancient historic sights. Those who are interested in this way to reach Machu Picchu, CLICK HERE to find the event.
The Train is just as it sounds. No long hike. Travel by rail and with less effort. This is intended for people with less mobility or those who wish to glamp it a bit. They will be traveling with the Inca Trail group, but instead of hiking for one full day, can opt for the convenience of the train ride. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO
Peru is an amazing place with many unbelievable surprises. We are sampling a little bit of everything - from the tall peaks of the Andes, to the majestic Inca ruins, to the Peruvian Jungle and not to forget...the famous Peruvian food and the pisco sour!!! This is a trip of a lifetime indeed!
Come enjoy this beautiful country the way you want. Visit Lima, the capital and sample some of the most famous fusion cuisine. Visit Cusco, the religious and administrative capital of the Inca Empire. Learn about the history of the Inca people and their amazing accomplishments. Then enjoy a stunning 4-day hike on the Salkantay Trail, culminating with a full day spent at Machu Picchu!
Machu Picchu via Salkantay Trail
Price per person for the land portion $2495, Double occupancy (Share)
Single Supplement (Hotels only, share during trek) $370
Secure Deposit Link for Salkantay Trail $251
***Airfare not included***RSVP to receive detailed Day-by-Day itinerary. If you wish to attend, deposit is the only way to secure your spot. Upon paying the deposit, please fill out this Participant's Form.
The deposit is refundable up to 90 day before departure.INCLUDED:
- Hotels in Lima, Cusco, Aguas Calientes.
- Emergency Insurance during Salkantay Trek portions
- Guided Sightseeing Tours in Lima and Cusco
- Breakfast Daily
- Welcome Dinner in Cusco
- Farewell dinner in Aguas Calientes after the trek
- All Meals during the Trek
- Hotel/Airport Transfers
- Porters and Professional Guides during the trek
Not Included
- International and domestic airfare
- Any other meals not stated
- Gratuities and personal expenses.
- Travel Insurance when not on the Trek portion (we can give you a quote for that)
This event is posted to several groups. The number of RSVP does not reflect the actual number of participants. CLICK HERE for the main/central post.
If you need information on this or any of our other international events**FILL OUT OUR GOOGLE FORM **
Got Questions?
Specifics about Salkantay Trek . . . Message to Marc
(Marc-screen name Oddie) https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=273063881
All things flights and sign ups message to Anna
https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=131297062OR . . . .
We do a monthly Travel Q&A Zoom. CLICK HERE to RSVP for our monthly A & A Zoom
Come to the zoom, ask questions, meet others attending, be social.CLICK HERE to join in and see all our other events
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