TripStars Travel

TripStars is a community of travelers who like to explore the world - sometimes on our own and sometimes together.

If you are a solo traveler, a family, a couple, or a group of friends, let's Meetup to chat about traveling like a star!

We help people transform their travel dreams into unforgettable adventures, on their own, with a cruise or tour company, or as part of our group.

Whether we are actively planning our next trip or just sitting back and remembering past journeys, travel is one of the most rewarding activities we can enjoy - at any age.

Eight Reasons to become aTripStar

1. You will Learn about Travel
Esch month you will learn about travel opportunities from travel experts.
2. TripStars is Consistent
Each month we'll meet in person and cover different aspects of travel.  Sometimes additional meetings will be online with Zoom.
3.TripStars is Friendly
We are a mixed-age group from diverse backgrounds. You will mix and mingle with some awesome people! We are committed, we're social, we're fun. We like coffee after!
4. TripStars Provides Travel Opportunities
We will organize groups to visit local and distant places. We will talk about incredible destinations, great deals, what to do and what to avoid when you travel.
5. TripStars is Free (see money matters, below)
6. TripStars is Convenient We are located directly on Marine Drive in West Vancouver, on major bus routes with ample free parking on the street.
7. TripStars Gives Back We have an optional charity support program if that interests you. 
8. TripStars is on the move. We are expanding our vision as the group grows. We are planning some amazing adventures that you can join.

The purpose of our community is to serve our members, so it's very important that the programming for both our tours and events is aligned with what our members are looking for. So we want to get to know you too - and where and how you like to travel.

Please look for monthly updates to find times and topics that suit you. Come and join us to share the journey and travel together.

TripStars Etiquette Here are some of our policies. They are updated periodically. They are simple rules for a happy group. Please follow them. COVID-19 protocols are listed on the event.

We respectfully acknowledge the original peoples of these lands and waters, specifically the səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), on whose unceded ancestral lands we hold our events.

Respect Everyone's Time: We only wait 5 minutes for latecomers, so please get there on time so that we can all start together.

RSVPs ARE VERY IMPORTANT. We usually have a waiting list. If you need to cancel make sure that you do this early to open your spot for a waitlisted person. Those who repeatedly fail to change their RSVP at least 24 hours before the event go on the "naughty list" and may be removed from the group. Because of covid we accept late cancellations due to illness but you need to put a message on the Event.

You may meet people at the Event who are not registered through Meetup. The Travel Consultants at Expedia Cruises, West Vancouver will invite their guests and clients to attend various events according to their interests. This supports our community and allows us the opportunity to attract expert presenters and suppliers who in turn support our events.

CHILD ETIQUETTE
The events are not designed for families with young children.

MONEY STUFF
> a) DONATIONS: We support the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. A suggested donation of $1.00 per event is appreciated but not required.
> b) MEETUP charges an annual membership fee, currently paid by the hosts, (Dawn & Paddy Moore)
> c) DUES: currently there are no dues
> d) TripStars Trips and Special Events: There are some travel opportunities and special events that have an associated cost. This will we clearly identified on the event.
> e) Expedia Cruises West Vancouver - our host agency will handle all travel bookings.

SUPPORT A LOCAL CAFE and make some friends
Light refreshments will be provided for most events, but you are also welcome to bring your own beverage. Delaney's Coffee Shop is almost right next door.

GUESTS
Currently guests are permitted - although that may change if we need to limit capacity for the venue. When you click "YES" on your RSVP you are agreeing for both you and your guest to the Risk Liability Waiver and Photo Waiver listed below.

PROFILE PICTURES
Your profile picture must be a picture of your face and your profile name must contain your first name (last name not required). This is primarily for safety and also to help the organizers and members of TripStars recognize and remember you as you become active in our community. It would help authorities identify you in case of an emergency.

CONTACTING MEMBERS
TripStars permits uploading of photos and posting on the message board and the specific comments. However, any photo or message that we decide is inappropriate will be removed and the poster may be warned or removed from the group. 
Members have choices about how they can be contacted which they control in settings. The organizers and hosts do not have direct access to your email or other personal information. This is another reason why having a clear, recognizable profile picture is important.

RISK AND LIABILITY WAIVER
When you click "YES" on your RSVP to an event you acknowledge that the activity carries with it inherent risks, that you freely accept and assume all such risks, and that you are in good health and are physically capable of carrying out the activity organized by TripStars. Your participation releases TripStars - its event organizers, hosts and members from all liability in respect of personal injury, damage or loss of personal property which may arise out of participation.

PHOTO WAIVER
We have some awesome photographers in the group. Photos and video may be taken during an event and posted onto one or more of our electronic platforms such as our website, facebook page, Instagram and Meetup. If you do not want to be photographed or video recorded, please advise the photographer. Otherwise, it is understood when you click "YES" on your RSVP to an event that you have provided permission to be recorded and to publish your image. Photographers who post photos or video likewise agree that their images may be used.

Patrick (Paddy) & Dawn Moore