What we’re about
Pardon our dust while we renovate.
Group write-up is under construction.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Featured International Meetup Trips for 2025 & 2026Link visible for attendees
Overseas travel takes a lot of planning in advance. Flights, Time-off, dog sitters . . . Here are our Featured International/Overseas Events so you have the time to get things planned to be able to join.
Jun 28-Jul 11, 2025 Spain and Portugal with Running of the Bulls! (waitlist only)
Aug 10-20, 2025 EPIC MACHU PICCHU! vis Short Inca Trail or Train!!
Aug 10-20, 2025 The Salkantay Trek EPIC MACHU PICCHU!
Sep 15-24, 2025 Bali & Singapore: From Animal Sanctuaries to Urban Elegance
Oct 12-23, 2025 Jordan: Dana to Petra Trek with bonus of Wadi Rum
Oct 19-31, 2025: Petra to the Pyramids. Dead Sea, Sphinx & Nile Cruise
Feb 08-18, 2026 Northern Lights. A Scandinavian Odyssey!
Feb 28-Mar 11, 2026 India's Golden Triangle with HOLI and Dubai Extension
Mar 29-Apr 09, 2026 Cherry Blossoms in Japan
Jun 05-14, 2026 Costa Rica Eco Adventure
Jun 18-27, 2026 Mt Kilimanjaro Trek! One of the 7 Summits
Jun 27-Jul 06, 2026 Serengeti Photo Safari! "Africa’s Best Wildlife Show"
Jul 05-14, 2026 Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda
Sep 09-20, 2026 France Culinary Explorer! Food, Wine, Cheese, Cooking Lessons
Sep 20-Oct 03, 2026 Meetup on the Orient Express
Mar 06-16, 2027 Galapagos Islands ExpeditionDo you have questions on ANY of the above?
What to do next?
How to attend?
What to pack?
What's included and not included?
Or any question you might have!!!The most simple thing is to send a meetup message to https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=273063881
In 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!!
- Strangers On A Train - - A Murder Mystery Train Adventure from LA to San Diego ^Union Station Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
(event update 5/4/2025
The short digest is the date needs to move to Saturday July 19th.
Your RSVP is moved to that date OR you can get a refund if that date does not work for you.
If you are a paid attendee . . you have been sent an email with longer info. Reply to that. You can also Meetup Message me at https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=273063881&_ga=2.191436962.929442188.1735060618-506003524.1733355531(what follows below is now the event info)
This was a rare event that has now become even more rare because Covid stopped it for 6 years!!This is a murder mystery train ride from LA to San Diego and back.
And for those wondering . . . TOTALLY DIFFERENT STORY FROM THE Valentines Strangers On A Train Murder Mystery Event.
Those who sign up for the Strangers on a Train Murder Mystery will be an active sleuths in solving the mystery.
A unique drama will unfold in, among and around us. Different scenes will happen in two or three separate train cars simultaneously.
So you will only see the part of the plot that unfolds in front of you in your train car.It will ALSO be a full and fun day where we will:
- Go Round Trip from LA to San Diego
- Including TWO Hours in San Diego
- One Hour in Oceanside
- AND
- A Murder Mystery on the way down to SD IN THE AISLES OF THE MOVING TRAIN.
All this for $86 per person CLICK HERE for secure Payment Link https://www.paypal.com/instantcommerce/checkout/YALSVSJT3537A
If you are X2 or have +1 . . . . just do the link a 2nd or third time.
(note: you do not need a paypal account to use the link. Just click the "use any credit or debit card" button on the 2nd or 3rd screen and continue as guest)
I
We will start out as Strangers on a Train.
And end as some new and old friends.
And have quite a ride of a Murder Mystery along the way.You will interact with the other participants in the other coaches in San Diego and on the return, and piece together the other parts to figure out your guess of Whodunnit And Whydunnit.
If you guess BOTH correct you will win a FREE ticket to the next mystery train
Let me say this again: Vignettes will occur simultaneously in multiple cars. It is possible to comprehend the whole story only if you communicate with other participants and collaborate info.
After all, . . . it's a meetup!!! So of course there is a way to meet the other people. And THIS is the vehicle to do it.
This has been done several times on group before (in 2020, 2019, etc) and it sold out!!.
Here is the itinerary:
- 8:40am-10:48am is LA to Oceanside. First Acts. (2 hr)
- 10:48am-12:16pm is Intermission ( and change trains)
- 12:16pm-1:17pm is Oceanside to SD Final scenes/vignettes (1 hr)
- 1:17pm-3:20pm is Lunch and fun in San Diego (2 hr)
- 3:20pm-4:22pm Return towards LA (1 hr)
- 4:22pm-5:23pm Stop in Oceanside (1 hr)
- 5:23pm-7:38pm Oceanside to LA (2 hr)
How much is all this fabulousness?
All this for $86 per person CLICK HERE for secure Payment Link https://www.paypal.com/instantcommerce/checkout/YALSVSJT3537A
INCLUDED IN THE COST:
- Your train tickets.
- Fantastic Murder Mystery
- Breakfast pastries and coffee served on LA to San Diego portion.
- 2 hrs to roam and explore Downtown San Diego
- 1 hr in Oceanside at the pier/Beach/Sunset (Sunset is at 5:33 PM)
- More fun than you can shake a stick at.
Not Included:
- Whatever you do in San Diego is for you to decide to spend. Drinks, lunch, drinks, food, drinks, museum entries, drinks, baubles etc.
- Whatever you buy in Oceanside for the 1 hour we are there.
Refunds given if notice is 1 week prior to departure. Less than 1 week notice and a credit can be given for future events.
There will be NO tickets sold Day Of Event.
Want to be in the cast? This is an immersive experience. Message about being in the cast. https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=273063881
Cast members still fully participate and guess who did it, you will still only know your portion of the plot. There is NO rehearsal time needed.
YES!!! YOU can be in the cast. Just message me!!Last notes for ALL attendees:
- This will be a Western Americana tale.
- Come dressed to theme. Cowboy Hats, Straw Hats, Plaid, Gingham, Boots, Worn Jeans, Chaps, Ranchers, Daisy Duke, Ma & Pa Kettle, . . . Think Yellowstone (the TV show) without all the stuff that makes Yellowstone Yellowstone.
- Come on your own and leave with friends.
Some questions people ask:
Question: When do I need to decide by or when is the last day to pay?
Answer: This event is limited in numbers due to space. AND the event will fill. When it fills payment links are disabled. So there is no set last day. When it fills . . . . that's the last day. Don't want too long. When you circle back links may be disabled.Question: I see 100 people signed up. Is there still space?
AND
I don't see anybody else signed up. Is anybody going? Is the event happening?
Answer: When was the last time you saw 100 RSVP'd and that is how many are at the event? If the payment link is active there is still space. The event is cross posted to several groups. Some groups have many RSVP's, others with fewer. The number of RSVP's is not important. The number of folks who take the time and effort to make a payment are important. When it fills the payment link is disabled. And our events do always fill!!
AND
Answer: The event is cross posted to several groups. The event will fill . . . it always does . . . with many folks upset and saying "but I was jus about to send payment." The event is happening. We will have a wild ride to San Diego and back with even more fun and good decent social.Refunds given if notice is 1 week or more prior to departure. So it's OK to commit now and if plans change
Come join us!!
Message me with any questions: https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=273063881
Main Event Link https://www.meetup.com/sevenarts/events/306042366/
Saturday Payment Link
https://www.paypal.com/instantcommerce/checkout/YALSVSJT3537AA note to everybody . . . come. It will be a blast.
- The Salkantay Trek to MACHU PICCHU. Experience wild Peru.LAX, Los Angeles, CA
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
SOT 2000318-10
- MACHU PICCHU via the Short Inca Trail or Train! With Amazon Jungle Extension!!!LAX, Los Angeles, CA
Discover the awe-inspiring journey to Machu Picchu with one of 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 experience according to your preferences and interests.
This post is for those interested in the easier options to get to Machu Picchu, compared to the 5-day hiking trip via the Salkantay Trek.
We are taking The Short Inca Trail. It's a one full day of hiking in the second half of the classic Inca Trek, followed by a full day spent at Machu Picchu. This is the shorter and less difficult alternative to the Salkantay Trek. It is a memorable trip with stunning views of rainforest canopy and ancient historic sights!
The Train version is intended for people with less mobility or those wishing to glamp it a bit. The itinerary matches the Inca Trail group, except the hiking day is substituted by a comfortable train ride.
The third alternative is The Salkantay Trek. This is a 5-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. Those who are interested in this option, CLICK HERE for the Meetup event.
ALL THREE groups begin together with a few days in Lima and Cusco but will reach Machu Picchu - the culmination, in different ways!
As a special bonus for the Inca/Train group, we have included a 4-day excursion to the Amazon Rainforest! We will explore Tambopata National Reserve alongside our expert naturalist guides, immersing ourselves in lush rainforest landscapes teeming with exotic flora and fauna. Breathtaking vistas of the mighty river and vibrant sunsets await us to make this journey an experience of a lifetime!
Machu Picchu via 2-day Inca Trail and the Amazon Rainforest
Price per person, Double Occupancy $2950
We offer roommate matching for those willing to share.
Single Supplement $550
Secure Deposit Link for 2-Day Inca Trail and Amazon Rainforest $252Machu Picchu by TRAIN and the Amazon Rainforest
Price per person, Double Occupancy $2850
We offer roommate matching for those willing to share.
Single Supplement $550
Secure Deposit Link for Train Option and Amazon Rainforest $253***Airfare is 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 land deposit is refundable up to 90 day before departure.
INCLUDED
- Hotels in Lima, Cusco, Aguas Calientes and the Rainforest
- Emergency Insurance during hiking and Amazon portion
- Guided Sightseeing Tours in Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu and the Amazon Rainforest
- Breakfast Daily
- Welcome Dinner in Cusco
- Dinner in Aguas Calientes after Machu Picchu
- All meals during the Amazon Jungle Adventure
- Hotel/Airport Transfers
- Professional English speaking guides and naturalists
Not Included
- International and domestic airfare
- Any other meals not stated
- Gratuities and personal expenses
- Travel Insurance (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?
Message Marc (screen name Oddie) https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=273063881
Or 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 eventsSOT 2000318-10
