
What we’re about
Bringing back fun . . . and you are included!!
Join us!
This group is about getting out with other people and being social while doing it.
This group is about real life. So online messaging of people you have not met in real life is not allowed.
For the rest of any rules of conduct . . . they pretty much run along the lines of your average cabin group for a sleep-away Summer Camp.
Think of this group as . . . Summer Camp For Adults.
With that . . .
. . . Here are the basics of group rules.
- Do NOT contact members who you have not met in real life. (see above)
- Avoid Put Downs.
- Speak For Yourself.
- Listen To Others.
- You Have The Option To Pass.
- Expect Unfinished Business.
Attendance rules: Try to always update your RSVP.
Photo and Name: You are allowed to join with whatever name and whatever photo. HOWEVER the main organizers may request you change either name or photo a their discretion.
Names that are products, promotional, advertisements are red flags that will be requested to change or be removed.
If you are using a photo that is not your face, a current face photo may be requested.
Here is the rule of thumb.
Fake name and fake photo will be requested to change to a real photo and a real name or face removal.
Real photo and fake name is usually fine. Fake photo and real name is usually fine.
IF you need to maintain privacy of both then contact the main organizers and just ask. That's all it takes usually.
Can't stress this enough . . . As a guideline do not message people you have not met in person. This is not an online dating place.
Ladies: If a guy messages you please contact me. There have been problems with that happening over meetup in general.
It's just not cool.
Meetup is about real life and not virtual.
Guys, . . . get off your computer and come to an event. Say hello in person. Smile, . . . be personable and decent.
And just be there to get to know people and make friends of whatever gender.
You can always use new good friends.
And this is one way to make/meet them.
Wingman tactics and and Pickup artist tactics are similarly not allowed in this group.
Organizers of another group that are not an organizer or host here are also not allowed to solicit members.
The rest of the rule are just good ways to live and be.
All organizers on the group do have different set of rules.
The (organizer) rules simplified.
- No Emailing (do not use the bulk email feature in any way)
- Do NOT use the "discussions box" on the main page of the group (it's spammy).
- No outside links
- Great Copy
- Great Pix
- 4 weeks notice is best.
- List any money costs in the first 2 or 3 lines.
Not too many rules.
Not too complicated.
They all have to do with respect for the membership.
Featured event

Yosemite! MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND!!! w/ Valley Floor Activities!! 4 days/3 nights!!
Yosmite is damn far away. But it's awesome.
This is parked over a holiday weekend.
Yosemite is that amazing and iconic place that everyone loves to go.
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
To attend this event:
- RSVP on this event
- CLICK HERE for the payment link.
- 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.
- 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 have a X2 or a Plus One . . . just do the link a 2nd or 3rd time.
- You may see LOTS of people RSVP on the event. Many do RSVP and not take care of payment.
- Event is limited in size. When filled the payment link will be disabled.
- 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.
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Due to varied dietary needs and food contact issues, it's better if bring what you like and prep it.
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.
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 MORE of those RSVP'd
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!
If you need to be there Thurs evening . . . Let me know. Can make that happen
Upcoming events
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•OnlineFeatured International Meetup Trips for 2025 & 2026
OnlineThis Zoom Overseas Q & A is a monthly event.
Video Link: https://meet.google.com/irp-rnyi-fgb No software or download needed. Just open in a browser.
The date gets moved right before the event occurs. This way all the links posted to events keep working.
We have some truly EPIC Overseas events ahead. And Epic Adventure leads to Copious Questions.
To solve that . . . Let's Talk! Join us for a Q & A Zoom where you can ask all your Q's and get all your A's.
SCHEDULE
6:00 to 7:30pm PST is Q & A about our Overseas Events.
Such as Costa Rica, Japan Fall Colors, Angkor Wat, Everest Base Camp, Meetup On The Orient Express, Machu Picchu, Spain and Portugal...
7:30 to 9pm PST Is about camping stuff. Newbie Q's. Gear. Food. Camping Tips.
Including Q & A and about specific local trips/events.
Click Here for the The Local Events and Beginner Camping ZOOM event
To join the zoom FILL OUT THIS GOOGLE FORM and/or RSVP to this event. We will email direct on the day of, to remind you.
What to talk about? Most of the convo will be on the following:
Sep 12, 2025 Bali & Singapore Journey (filled)
Oct 12, 2025 Jordan: Dana to Petra Trek with Wadi Rum (filled)
Oct 19, 2025: Petra to the Pyramids. Dead Sea, Sphinx & Nile (filled)
Nov 27, 2025 Catalina & Ensenada -- Thanksgiving Weekend Cruise
Feb 20, 2026 Northern Lights. A Scandinavian Odyssey!
Feb 28, 2026 India's Golden Triangle with HOLI and Dubai
Mar 29, 2026 Cherry Blossoms in Japan
Jun 5, 2026 Costa Rica Eco Adventure
Jun 18, 2026 Mt Kilimanjaro Trek! One of the 7 Summits
Jun 27, 2026 Serengeti Photo Safari! Africa’s Best Wildlife Show
Jul 05, 2026 Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda
Aug 03, 2026 Alaska Inside Passage & Glacier Cruise from San Francisco
Sep 09, 2026 France Culinary Explorer! Food
Sep 20, 2026 Meetup on the Orient Express
Dec 04, 2026 Vietnam & Cambodia (with Angkor Wat)
Mar 06, 2027 Galapagos Islands Expedition
Apr 25, 2027 Everest Base Camp Yoga Trek:
To receive detailed itinerary on ANY of our events . . . CLICK HERE to fill out our google form.
Our events are all very safe, fun, curated, and organized.
Questions about Hotels, Flights, Meals, Museums, Power Plugs, Converters, Money Conversion or whatever!!
All the folks currently signed on to our events are invited to come and ask all the Q's and get all the deets they want to. They will also get them in writing too, but we know a lot of folks rather a face and voice compared to an email. It's that whole human interaction thing!
**To join the zoom FILL OUT THIS GOOGLE FORM **We will email direct on the day of to remind you.46 attendees
Glow w Joe: Green Lake Walk + Balloon Glow & Lights + Dinner after
Jellyfish Brewing Greenlake, 6808 E Green Lake Way N, Seattle, WA, USA holiday tradition for 40 years... Green Lake's 'Pathway of Lights'. This year, for first time, will also include HOT AIR BALLOON GLOW!
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Meet ON TIME at 3:30 pm at Jellyfish Brewing (see note below about parking).
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Our group will take a lap around Green Lake.
Then from 4:30 - 5:30 enjoy the hot air balloon inflation and glow.
Then, another short walk to enjoy the 'Pathway of Lights'.
Then, off to dinner for those that want (many options near NE 65th).
At RSVP, put your 'neighborhood' to perhaps help facilitate car-pooling.
Organizer: Joe Staiano, 206-305-2200
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*IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT PARKING*
Green Lake will be crazy this Saturday. We're starting early, so you may be lucky. Otherwise, you could park at the GREEN LAKE PARK & RIDE on NE 65th, under Highway 5, and then short walk to Jellyfish Brewery.
(Never leave any valuables in your car). When RSVP, list your neighborhood to perhaps facilitate some car-pooling.
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* ALSO CHECK OUT THESE FANTASTIC ADVENTURE VACATIONS *
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**Introducing Meetup Travels **– Specially curated adventures to most exciting destinations, offering: activities you adore, value-pricing, comfortable lodgings, culinary delights, giving back and, of course, Meetup fun and camaraderie.
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BAJA ADVENTURE WEEK.. our most popular trip!
7 days, Feb 24 - Mar 2, 2026.
Our 7th season bringing Meetup folks to magical Baja Mexico! Small group of 10 sells out FAST every year. It’s easy to see why. This trip has it all! Warm winter weather, kayaking, SUP, desert hiking, snorkeling with playful sea lions and massive Whale-Sharks, and up-close encounters with gray whales. Mix of 4-nights in a gorgeous hotel and 2-nights deluxe camping, mouth-watering Mexican food and Mexican culture!
RSVP today! **Email: joe@meaningfultrip.com
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New! PORTUGAL's CAMINO De SANTIAGO HIKING
9 days, May 23 - 31, 2026
We love Portugal and strong hikers will love this too! Enjoy Porto, then hike 12 - 14 miles per day following the famed 'Camino de Santiago' through a mix of urban and natural landscapes.
RSVP today! **Email: joe@meaningfultrip.com
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New! NORWAY ULTIMATE ADVENTURE
11 Days, July 23 - Aug 02, 2026
This is THE one you have all been asking for... NORWAY! Join this perfect blend of nature, culture, activities such as hiking, kayaking, and glacier trekking as we wind our way through art-filled cities, dramatic fjords. Send email to put name on list: Joe@MeaningfulTrip.com7 attendees
Northern Lights. A Scandinavian Odyssey! Reindeer, Dog Sledding, Ice Hotel
Seatac Airport, sea tac airport, SeaTac, WA, USGaze at the Northern Lights, enjoy a sleigh ride, be a reindeer herder for a day, learn about the Sámi culture, visit an ice hotel, taste some good Scandinavian delicacies, visit the ABBA museum...My, oh my! These are just some of the fun activities we are planning to do during this once-in-a-life time adventure!
Like all our adventures, this one is crafted from the ground up with the true spirit of Meetup in mind. We handle every little detail before and during the trip, accompany and guide the group, creating a stress-free journey with a laid-back, friendly vibe. No big tour operators, no inflated prices — we work directly with locals to give you authentic experiences and unbeatable value.
Come as strangers, leave as lifelong friends — and make memories that stick forever!
We visit:
- Stockholm
- Kiruna (Lapland)
- Helsinki
- Copenhagen (optional pre-trip)
The trip includes:
* 2 nights in Stockholm
* A night train from Stockholm to Lapland in a private sleeping compartment
* 4 nights in Kiruna
* 3 nights in Helsinki
* Airfare from Kiruna to Helsinki
* Arrival and departure transfers
* Sightseeing tours in Stockholm and Helsinki
* Boat ride in Stockholm
* Food tasting in Helsinki
* Breakfast daily
* 2 dinners and 3 lunches
* Northern Lights Tour
* Jukkasjärvi Icehotel Half-Day Tour
* Full-Day Reindeer Tour
* Husky Sleigh Ride
Price per person, double occupancy: $4995
(we match roommates for those wishing to share)
Price for single room: $6545
Not Included:
x Transatlantic Airfare (we can help you arrange that)
x Meals not listed above
x Tips and any personal and incidental expenses
x Optional extension to Copenhagen
The only way to secure your spot is a $500 deposit
Click Here for Secure Deposit Link
Deposit is refundable up to 90 days before the departure (less PayPal fees).*** Final payment due 60 days before departure***
Click Here and Fill out this Form if you are making a Deposit
For a detailed Day By Day itinerary:
Click Here to fill out our info request form
Limited capacity of 16 total. This trip will fill up extremely quickly.
***Airfare from/to the US not included***
OPTIONAL PRE-TRIP TO COPENHAGEN offered at $590 per person/double or $785 solo occupancy (air from Helsinki to Copenhagen not included)
Click Here to Message Direct to Anna with any questions including airfare quotes.
She can help you arrange the airfare and answer any logistics questions.
Click Here to see all our other fun events
SOT 2000318-102 attendees
Meetup Travels: BAJA ADVENTURE WEEK, 7 day tour, Feb 2026
SJD, San Jose del Cabo International Airport, SJD San Jose del Cabo International Airport, San José del Cabo, MXNOW is the time to plan your 2026 active vacation!
Join other Seattle Meetup folks on these 2026 tours:
- Baja Mexico (Feb),
- Portuguese Camino de Santiago (May),
- Norway Adventure (July). (scroll below for more info)
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BAJA ADVENTURE WEEK.. our most popular trip... PERFECT for active SOA Meetup Members.
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This will be our seventh season bringing Meetup folks to magical Baja Mexico! Small group of 10 sells out FAST every year. It’s easy to see why. This trip has it all! Warm winter weather, kayaking and SUP along sublime coastline, snorkeling with playful sea lions and massive Whale-Sharks, desert hiking, up-close encounters with gray whales, a mix of 4-nights in gorgeous, comfortable hotel and 2-nights deluxe camping, mouth-watering Mexican food and Mexican culture!
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This trip is cross posted on several Meetups. Max group size is 10.
We already have several confirmed. RESERVE NOW! RSVP is only confirmed w deposit. Deposit is fully refundable if you change your mind between now and Dec 19, 2025.
* Virtual Zoom Presentation: Wed, Dec 12, 8:15 pm - 8:55 pm *
https://www.meetup.com/hikingpnw/events/312184344/
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**Introducing Meetup Travels **– Specially curated adventures to some of the world’s most exciting destinations, offering the activities you adore, value-pricing, comfortable lodgings, culinary delights, local guides, authentic touches, giving back, and, of course, Meetup fun and camaraderie. Over 90% of travelers are solo travelers. And, a vast majority are over the age of 40.
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BAJA TRIP OVERVIEW:
7-Days, Feb 24 – Mar 02, 2026
Meetup Discounted Price: $1,895 (airfare extra).
(Price per person sharing double occupancy).
Traveling Solo? No problem! Perfect for Solo travelers. We will assign same-gender roommates for hotels and camping.
Group Size: 10.
Min age: 14
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ITINERARY:
Day 1 - Arrive La Paz, hotel
Day 2 - Kayaking coastline, beaches and mangroves. Deluxe camping
Day 3 - Snorkel with sea lions. Afternoon kayaking and SUP. Camping
Day 4 - Whale shark swim or desert ATV. Free time in La Paz. Hotel.
Day 5 - Gray whale watching in the pacific bays. Hotel.
Day 6 - Desert hike. Farewell dinner. Hotel.
Day 7 - Depart
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Included:
• 4 nights nice hotels and 2 nights deluxe camping
• Some meals in La Paz, all meals & happy hour while camping
• Transfers from SJD San Jose Del Cabo airport to hotel on Feb 24
. Transfers from LaPaz hotel to SJD Cabo airport Mar 2
• Activities and gear for kayaking, snorkeling
• Whale-watching and whale shark swim
• Local, English-speaking, guides
• Carbon offset & tree planting
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Not Included:
• Airfare
• Travel Insurance
• La Paz dinners
• Snorkel/fins/wetsuit rental
. Drinks
• Gratuities
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GENERAL INFO:
• COVID vaccinated is recommended, not required.
• US Passport is required. (No visa needed).
• Getting there: Fly into and out of San Jose del Cabo (SJD) Airport.
• All tours are inclusive to all races, ethnicities, and sexual orientations.
• Weather: February is an ideal time to visit Baja, especially for whales! Average temps range from 80 – 85.
• Activity Level, Moderate: Full, active days. Beginners are welcome on all activities (kayaking, SUP, snorkeling). Must be able to swim and be comfortable in the water.
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• Travel Organization
This Meetup Adventure Tour has been planned by Joe Staiano. In addition to being a Meetup Organizer and Co-organizer for 16+ years, Joe is a tourism professional w/ 28 years experience. He spent 10 years organizing and planning adventure trips for REI Adventures. Joe is owner of Meaningful Trips travel company and has a Seller of Travel Permit for WA State. Tours are planned in partnership with high-quality, local international tour providers who adhere to all COVID safety and hygiene guidelines and provide accommodations, services, and English-speaking guides.
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HOW TO RSVP / JOIN THIS TOUR:
Important: A Meetup RSVP does NOT guarantee a spot. Only receipt of deposit, confirmation of space available and roommate availability confirms a spot.
(1) RSVP, or put name on Waitlist.
(2) Email Meetup Organizer, Joe Staiano at joe@MeaningfulTrip.com
(3) Pay $500 Deposit via check.
Deposit is fully refundable if you change mind before Dec 19, 2025.
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• Terms of Service & Release of Liability
We adhere to the Meetup Terms of Service and Release of Liability and Meaningful Trips Terms & Conditions
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* ALSO CHECK OUT THESE FANTASTIC ADVENTURE VACATIONS *
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New! PORTUGAL's CAMINO De SANTIAGO HIKING
9 days, May 23 - 31, 2026
We love Portugal and strong hikers will love this too! Enjoy Porto, then hike 12 - 14 miles per day following the famed 'Camino de Santiago' through a mix of urban and natural landscapes.
RSVP today! Email: joe@meaningfultrip.com
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New! NORWAY ULTIMATE ADVENTURE
11 Days, July 23 - Aug 02, 2026
This is THE one you have all been asking for... NORWAY! Join this perfect blend of nature, culture, activities such as hiking, kayaking, and glacier trekking as we wind our way through art-filled cities, dramatic fjords. Send email to put name on list: Joe@MeaningfulTrip.com
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PORTUGAL HIGHLIGHTS
10 days, Sept 18 - 27, 2026
Our third time running this very popular tour of the best of Portugal highlights. Portugal has it all! Historic cities, UNESCO sights, fairytale castles, wineries, nature parks, warm beaches, mouthwatering food, and, of course, wine! Spend time in vibrant Lisbon, beautiful Porto, Sintra castle, medieval Evora and the southern beaches at Lagos. Raise your glass of Vino Verde and toast good times and making new friends.
RSVP today! Email: joe@meaningfultrip.com
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Join Joe's 'Travel Email List' for fresh updates on 2026 travels!
** For detailed info, inquire at: joe@meaningfultrip.com **
And please visit https://www.meaningfultrip.com1 attendee
Past events
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