FinTech

**TRIP FULL** We've now added our Albania kayaking date for 2027: [https://www.meetup.com/outdooraholics/events/314674209](https://www.meetup.com/outdooraholics/events/314674209) If it's this year you're keen on, our next overseas trip with spaces is in September: [https://www.meetup.com/outdooraholics/events/312165967](https://www.meetup.com/outdooraholics/events/312165967) Swap Croatia’s crowds for **Albania’s wild Riviera** on a long weekend of sea kayaking, coastal hiking and beach time. Paddle to **sea caves and hidden coves**, glide along clear Ionian waters, and land on **Gjipe Bay’s canyon-backed beach** – one of the coast’s most dramatic spots. Hike the **White Trail** to remote **San Andreas Bay** for a swim in Ionian-blue water. Evenings are for sundowners and seafood in lively **Dhërmi** with it's beach bars, and the trip finishes with a night in **Tirana** to explore its cafés, squares and nightlife before flying home. 📏 **Key Info** • 🌙 **Nights:** 3 (Fri–Mon) • 💷 **Cost:** £427 • 🥾 **Difficulty:** **[Beginner/Intermediate](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/HikeGradings.pdf)** 3–4 hrs hiking • 🛶 **Activities:** Sea kayaking, coastal hiking • 🛌 **Room Type:** Hotels - Twin ensuite • 🚐 **Transport:** Private minibus + speedboat transfer • 🍽️ **Meals Included:** All Breakfasts + 2 picnic lunches • ✈️ **Start & End City:** Tirana • 🚐 **Airport Transfer:** Group transfer included for suggested flights 🌟 **Trip** **Highlights** • Stay on the **Albanian Riviera** **coast** at *Sofo Hotel*, Dhërmi **([LINK](https://maps.app.goo.gl/cbb9nD3BNTZZL4hLA))** • **Kayak along the coast** to hidden bays and **Gjipe Canyon** and swim in dazzling blue waters • Hike the **White Trail** from Palasë River Delta to **San Andreas Bay** with panoramic sea and cliff views • Enjoy a **private speedboat ride** back along the coast after the hike • Spend a night in central **Tirana**, staying at *Vila e Arte Hotel* **([LINK](https://maps.app.goo.gl/5yD295wAzmCYXXdXA))**, a great central base to explore the capital • **Private minibus transport** for our group throughout the trip • Small group – **limited to 18**, with an **English-speaking local Albanian guide** • Option to try extra watersports: **SUP, windsurfing, waterskiing** (subject to conditions & availability) 🌅 **Trip Description** Nestled between the **turquoise waters of Italy and northern Greece**, and sharing the same dramatic coastline as Croatia, Albania remains **one of Europe’s last undiscovered gems** – think Croatia many years ago. With **pebble and sandy Mediterranean beaches**, **rugged mountains**, sea cliffs and **hidden caves**, it offers a remarkably diverse and tranquil natural escape. On this trip you don’t need to choose between a mountain adventure or a beach holiday – **this coastline gives you both**. We kayak beneath **towering coastal peaks** through **crystal-clear waters** to the **stunning Gjipe Bay canyon**, and we also enjoy a **scenic coastal hike along the White Trail**. There’s a balance of structured activity and free time. Relax under the **Albanian sun**, try watersports, or explore at your own pace. In the evenings, the beach bars, restaurants and music give the area a **fun holiday atmosphere**. 🛏️ **Accommodation & Transport** • **Dhërmi (2 nights)** – Twin bedded en-suite rooms at *Sofo Hotel* **([LINK](https://maps.app.goo.gl/cbb9nD3BNTZZL4hLA))**, located near the beach • **Tirana (1 night)** – Twin bedded en-suite rooms at *Vila e Arte Hotel* **([LINK](https://maps.app.goo.gl/5yD295wAzmCYXXdXA))**, a central base for exploring the capital • **Transport**: Private group minibus: Tirana Airport → Dhërmi → Tirana Private speedboat transfer back along the coast after the San Andreas hike 📅 **Itinerary** **Friday – Arrival & Transfer to the Coast** Arrive at Tirana Airport and transfer by private minibus several hours to the Dhërmi coastline, where we check into our hotel and enjoy our first evening on the coast. The beach here is famous for its crystal-clear waters and blue sea, with bars and restaurants right by the water, perfect for a first swim and sunset drink. **Saturday – Sea Kayaking to Gjipe Bay & Beach Time** We set off by kayak along the coast to one of the most beautiful spots on the Albanian Riviera – **Gjipe Bay and its canyon**. Here (tide and sea conditions permitting) we may explore the **Pirates’ Cave** from the inside, a cave once used as shelter by pirates. The Gjipe Canyon gives off a hint of a mini Grand Canyon with its steep red walls dropping dramatically to the beach. **Afternoon (optional activities):** We return to the main beach in Dhërmi where you can choose from: • Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP)\* • Windsurfing\* • Water-skiing\* • Or simply relax on the beach with a swim or a drink \*All extra activities are optional, paid locally and are subject to sea conditions and availability. Evening free for dinner at local restaurants and to enjoy the lively beach bars if you wish. **Sunday – Coastal Hike & Tirana** Hike: Palasë’s River Delta – Bay of San Andreas • Distance: 9km (6 miles) • Grading: **[Beginner/Intermediate](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/HikeGradings.pdf)** • Ascent: 240m • Hiking time: 2.5 – 3.5 hours This morning we start from the delta of **Palasë Beach**, where white pebbles meet turquoise sea – a classic postcard scene. From there we follow the **White Trail** along cliffs, woodland and open coastal paths, with the clear Ionian Sea visible for much of the route. We reach beautiful **San Andreas Bay**, where we have time to enjoy the beach and swim before being collected by a **private speedboat** for the ride back along the coast – a spectacular finale to the hike. In the late afternoon/early evening, we transfer by minibus to Tirana and check into our hotel. Our guide departs here, marking the end of the guided portion of the trip. The evening is then yours to explore the capital and its nightlife at your own pace. **Monday – Tirana & Departure** After breakfast in Tirana you’re welcome to: • Head to the airport (bus or taxi options available), or • Extend your stay in Tirana to explore its museums, cafés and streets. 🍽️ **Food** The local cuisine is Mediterranean with strong **Italian, Greek and Turkish influences**. Fresh seafood, grilled meats, salads, and local dishes feature heavily. **Dietary requirements:** • Vegetarian, vegan and gluten free food can be catered for • Some requirements (e.g. **nut-free**) **cannot** be catered for • We **must** be aware of all dietary needs **before booking** – please email us first to confirm if your requirements can be accommodated: **info@outdooraholics.co.uk** Breakfast is provided each day, and 2 picnic lunches are included (Saturday & Sunday). Dinners are taken at local restaurants, giving you the flexibility to choose what you’d like to eat and how much you spend. 💷 **Cost & Booking** • **£427** **How to book:** • Click **“Attend”** and pay a **£100 deposit** by PayPal to secure your space • Remainder due **within 7 days** by bank transfer - we'll email details • Payment details are emailed **1 week before** the balance deadline **Payment terms:** • Payments are non-refundable and non-transferable • When the trip is sold out, fully paid spaces may be advertised to the same gender (see **[FAQ](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/FAQ.pdf)** for details) ✅ **Price Includes** • 2 nights’ accommodation in twin en-suite hotel rooms in Dhërmi • 1 night accommodation in twin en-suite hotel rooms in Tirana • Breakfast daily • 2 picnic lunches • Boat ride from San Andreas Bay • Kayaking: instruction, kayak & kit hire • Private minibus throughout • Complimentary fixed time airport transfer • Local English speaking guide • Compliance with the 2018 Package Travel Regulations, including financial protection ❌ **Price Excludes** • Flights, dinners • Local airport bus on the last day (approx £4) ✈️ **Flights, Start & End Times** All times below are **local Albanian time**. **Arrival – Friday (Tirana Airport → Dhërmi)** For anyone arriving on one of the **suggested flights** below or already at the airport – we offer a **complimentary group transfer** to the coast, departing **12:10pm** from Tirana Airport. We will wait up to 3 hours for delays on the listed flights below only. **Inbound flights – 05.06.2026** • **Wizz Air** flight: **W95002** 05:00 from **London Luton (LTN)** → **Tirana (TIA)** landing **09:05** • **Ryanair** flight: **FR8101** 07:10 from **London Stansted (STN)** → **Tirana (TIA)** landing **11:05** • **British Airways** flight: **BA380** 07:30 from **London Heathrow (LHR)** → **Tirana (TIA)** landing **11:35** If you arrive later or on a different flight, you’ll need to make your own way to the accommodation on the coast. Flights are not part of the package. You are responsible for reaching the meeting point, even if your flight is delayed or changed. Please ensure your travel insurance covers travel disruption. **Return – Monday** The trip ends after breakfast in Tirana, you may: • Take the bus or a taxi to Tirana Airport • Stay longer in Tirana 🛡️ **Insurance & Entry Requirements** It is **essential** that you have **travel insurance** which covers: • Emergency medical treatment • Kayaking (Level 1) and hiking • Cancellation and curtailment • Travel disruption (e.g. if you cannot reach the start of the trip due to delayed or cancelled flights) You will be required to provide a copy of your insurance policy. Without valid insurance, we cannot accept you onto the trip and no refund will be due in this case. Outdooraholics cannot verify what any policy covers – you must confirm this directly with your insurer. The guide accepting your policy details is not confirmation that it is valid or adequate. **Entry requirements:** • Valid travel documents for Albania, including a passport and visa if required • Albania is **not** in the EU – please check entry rules for your nationality ❓ **Want to Know More?** • 🔍 [New to Our Overseas Trips?](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/new_to_our_overseas_trips.pdf) – Perfect for first-timers, answers “what to expect” • 🏢 [About Us](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/about_us.pdf) – Who Outdooraholics are, credibility & history • ❓ [FAQs](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/FAQ.pdf) – Answers to the most common queries 🔗 **Explore More & Stay Connected** [Foreign trips list](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/foreigntriplist.pdf) 👣 [Calendar - All trips](https://www.meetup.com/outdooraholics/events/calendar/) 📖 [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/outdooraholics/) 📸 ⚠️ **Safety** Your guide is a trained hike leader and kayak instructor. Outdoor activities carry risk. Please bring suitable hiking footwear and clothing. See: **[Clothing tips](https://www.londonhiking.co.uk/Equipment.pdf)**. **📄 [Terms and Conditions](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/TermsConditions.pdf)** By signing up or attending you agree to these © Outdooraholics Hiking UK Ltd 2026 E & OE

For full details AND also to sign up, please click here to see the event listed on our London group: https://www.meetup.com/outdooraholics/events/310144254/

**The Behavior Gap: Where Products Win or Lose** Teams today have more data than ever, and yet many still struggle to understand why customers adopt, engage with, or abandon their products. Teams sprint, ship faster, and chase more signals… all while metrics stall and confidence drops. The missing piece isn’t more data. It’s often the behavioral insight between the metrics, explaining why the numbers move in the first place. Dashboards can tell you what customers did, but understanding why they did it (and how to influence what they do next) requires a deeper blend of insights. This session is about closing that gap. Drawing from real-world experience designing and scaling products as [ZoCo Design](https://zocodesign.com/)’s CEO, [Lacey](https://www.linkedin.com/in/laceypicazo/) will share how to cut through the noise and identify the insights that actually change behavior—moving people, and moving metrics. You’ll learn: * Why understanding customer behavior is a quant and qual challenge * How to spot the signals that actually predict behavior change * Where AI accelerates insight, and where it creates distraction * How to get meaningfully closer to customers, without adding more tools This talk reframes how to evaluate performance and identify what levers actually improve it, helping your team to make smarter bets with greater confidence. Every meaningful outcome is driven by behavior change. And when you know how to design for behavior, you stop guessing, and start building things that work. **About Our Speaker** [Lacey Picazo](https://www.linkedin.com/in/laceypicazo/) is the Founder and CEO of ZoCo, a healthcare product studio that turns complex, high-stakes ideas into products that drive real-world adoption. She partners with healthcare organizations to uncover critical care delivery insights, focus product strategy through behavior design, and build solutions that patients and providers actually use. Thanks to our 2026 sponsors: [Clarivoy](https://www.clarivoy.com), [What Box Consulting Group](https://www.whatboxconsultinggroup.com), [Conductrics](https://www.conductrics.com), and [Piwik PRO](https://piwik.pro) More info at [cbusdaw.com](https://cbusdaw.com)

Christians in Tech is a community at the intersection of faith and technology. Our meetups are designed to spark meaningful conversations, promote knowledge sharing, and encourage growth—both in your career and your spiritual walk with God. Whether you're an experienced professional or just starting your tech journey, CIT welcomes you. Our Website [https://linktr.ee/citcbus](https://linktr.ee/citcbus) Sponsors and Partners * Improving (Venue Sponsor) * Bethel World Prayer Center (Fiscal Sponsor) * Fruits & Roots (Coffee Partner)

NFT's are here to stay folks! This is a group for like minded people interested in understanding, leveraging, using, creating for, profiting from, trading too i suppose, NFT's.. everything around them, complexity, fear and exploits, best practices and more. **PLUS** This group will talk AI ART tools, techniques, artists, video, audio, prototypes and more in the AI assisted production space- ART specifically, but we can get into any aspect of some of the cooler things happening in AI in general.

Please reserve your spot by registering on the below link : **Reserve** https://www.eventbrite.com/e/join-biggest-community-investors-founders-columbus-online-tickets-1988563717610?aff=meetup **QUESTIONS ?** Pls Reach out to; Ridhi - +971504724873 ( WhatsApp Only)

Topic to be announced. **THANK YOU** *Franklin University* for hosting our meetup! To learn more about *Franklin University*, please visit their website: https://www.franklin.edu/ **DIRECTIONS** Franklin University Fisher Hall 300 E. Main St, Columbus, OH 43215 Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/jxjBA2hUmS5qrvhq8 Parking is FREE! Please park in Lot C in front of Fisher Hall. See attached map. NOTE: Map the address only. When mapping with Google Maps it may use the Fisher Hall at OSU, which is NOT correct. **Want to sponsor the pizza and/or bar tab?** Please contact me if you would like to sponsor this meetup's pizza and/or bar tab: angelo@mandato.com

If you are interested in selecting investment choices for your 401(k) or other workplace savings plan, minimizing your income tax liability, or identifying the most effective investments for your brokerage account, we are the group for you. We are a local chapter of Bogleheads, whose investment strategy can be found here: https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Bogleheads%C2%AE_investment_philosophy Or you can peruse the Boglehead forum here: https://www.bogleheads.org/index.php I look forward to seeing you there. Mark Vonder Haar