20s & 30s Asian Going Out Group
A vast, rugged land of jaw-dropping beauty and abundant wildlife abound in Alaska!
Beautiful mountain ranges and rivers, close-up animal encounters, glistening glaciers, and average temperatures in the upper 60s (during our visit). Let's visit the land that is home to 17 of the top 20 highest mountain peaks in the United States, and houses more than half of the world's glaciers! This action-packed tour of Alaska's highlights is perfect for the adventurer with limited time who wants to explore the region's diversity. Let's watch humpback whales breach on a wildlife boat tour, go on a fun sled ride with real Iditarod dogs, trek on a popular glacier, and much more! Our Adventure Tour Leader, Pete Kornmeier, will help us find the secluded spots only the locals know. Pete starred as a guide and survivalist instructor on MTV's "Made: Extreme Survivalist Edition in Alaska" and we are privileged to have him leading our group. Does this sound like a fun and relaxing vacation to you?
Six Reasons to Book This Trip:
1. Affordable Adventure - Did you know that this trip INCLUDES a popular wildlife boat tour where humpback whales, seals, polar bears, and moose frequent; a guided trek of the largest glacier in the United States (accessible by car); a panoramic and exciting whitewater rafting trip; a private tour of a well-known musk ox farm (an ancient mammal that roamed alongside saber-tooth tigers and woolly mammoths); a fun sled ride with real Iditarod dogs; a visit to a historic gold mine; a private Glacier Brewhouse tour; transfers to and from the airport, all buses and transfers between cities, 7 nights in a hotel / inn, 7 hot breakfasts, 2 events in DC (2 dinners), plus an Alaskan book discussion (book included) during the trip... all for less than $240 a day??
2. Shared Photos - As with all of our events, we can all upload our pictures to this website to share the best of our photos and multiply the memories!
3. Make New Friends - We are the ONLY Meetup group that offers us the opportunity to travel abroad with other globally-minded people from the DC area, PLUS arrange 2 more events for the group that take place in DC to make sure that we will make friends that we will continue to see in DC!
4. Leadership - I (J.T., your organizer) will be there every step of the way, making sure that the trip goes as smoothly as possible.
5. Book Discussion - We will each receive, read, and discuss sections of "Into the Wild," a tale of one man's journey to Alaska after graduating from Emory University that will help paint a picture for us of the beauty (and dangers) of Alaska.
6. Unforgettable Memories - Alaska is truly is a beautiful and adventurous place. Let's experience it together and make some wonderful memories!
This 8-day exciting expedition through Alaska is crammed with all the energy and activities deserving of our group. We'll begin our journey in DC with a fabulous dinner at Catch 15 restaurant. Shortly after we return stateside, we'll reunite at DC's popular St. Arnold's restaurant in Cleveland Park with an evening of tasty food and a recap of our travel experience for our reunion dinner!
To help us pass the time while traveling and to learn even more about this culture-rich society, we'll read the book "Into the Wild" by Jon Krakauer during our trip. At certain points during the trip, I (J.T., your Meetup organizer) will lead discussions of the book for anyone who wants to participate!
Please note this is a joint trip with the "mainstream" 20s & 30s Going Out Group, the 30s & 40s Going Out Group, and the Global Adventurers Traveling Group. Our traveling group will likely consist of members with the average age in their 30s.
Questions? If you have any questions not answered on this page, please post a comment in the comment box below, message me through my Meetup profile, or call / text me at 703.203.1888.
We've got an early bird special for this trip of $1895! The first 20 paid sign-ups, or those who pay before Sun. Feb. 1st (whichever comes first) get the early bird price! After that, the trip price will go to $1995, then $2095, then $2195. Our past trips to Peru and Costa Rica sold out early! We have a LIMITED number of spots so make sure to RSVP early AND make payment to secure your spot and get the early bird price! To make payment, please follow the steps in the "Payment Instructions" section of the trip posting.
Also please know that your RSVP is not guaranteed unless we receive payment. When you pay, your online receipt is confirmation that we have received your payment.
I hope you can join us on this amazing adventure!
- J.T.
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ITINERARY
Mon. Jan. 18th (MLK holiday): Pre-Trip Dinner at Catch 15
This delicious meal at Catch 15 restaurant (or similar) in downtown DC is open to other group members as a paid event, but is FREE for those attending the trip. It is wonderful way for all trip-goers to meet each other for the first time, and it's a perfect time for those who haven't yet signed up to ask any questions related to the trip. I will even refund the cost of the dinner to anyone who signs up and makes payment for the Alaska trip AFTER our dinner!
(Anchorage)
Sat. July 30th: Day 1, Anchorage
Arrive at any time in Anchorage, then take the free transfer to the hotel, check in, and enjoy the city. Make sure to stop by the 14-foot tall grizzly bear (at the Alaskan Airline ticketing counter) as you walk through the airport.
Anchorage is located between the Cook Inlet and the Chugach Mountains. Take a stroll along the water on the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail or have a drink and watch the float planes land on Lake Hood, the world’s busiest float plane lake. While at Lake Hood, be sure to visit the Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum, which has an interesting history of Alaska’s original bush pilots and their planes.
(float planes on Lake Hood)
For dinner, try some fresh Alaskan salmon at a downtown restaurant with an outdoor deck, such as The Snow Goose. Enjoy the views out over the ocean and the Chugach Range. Keep an eye out for moose that often wander into the city.
Overnight: Inlet Towers Hotel and Suites or similar
Sun. July 31st: Day 2, Seward
We'll meet with our Adventure Tour Leader and other group members at our welcome breakfast in our own private room at the hotel. After breakfast, we’ll enjoy a scenic journey down Seward Highway, a National Scenic Byway, in our own private charter bus. Arriving in picturesque Seward, we’ll check into our hotel, which is right on Resurrection Bay.
(wildlife cruise boat tour)
After arriving in historic Seward, we'll take a short walk down to the boat dock, where we will enjoy our 3-hour wildlife cruise. We'll view alpine glaciers amidst a backdrop of the Chugach and Kenai Mountain Ranges while cruising through the protected waters of Resurrection Bay. Let's watch for whales, sea otters, Steller sea lions, Dall's porpoises, harbor seals, bald eagles, puffins, and many other types of marine birds. This tour is fully narrated by local, experienced captains and naturalist crew members. Beer, wine, and snacks will be available for purchase onboard.
(Dall's porpoise sightings)
Overnight: Breeze Inn or similar. Estimated Travel Time: 2.5 hours. Approximate Distance: 125 miles.
Mon. Aug. 1st: Day 3, Seward
The coastal town of Seward is known for its spectacular views, numerous attractions, and fine selection of shops and restaurants. Optional activities in this area abound. Visit the Alaska Sealife Center, go on a special behind-the-scenes tour in the only coldwater marine-science facility in the Western Hemisphere, or hike the Two Lakes Trail. Other optional activities (depending on availability) include hiking the more challenging trail to the top of Mt. Marathon to enjoy the spectacular views of the surrounding area, go deep sea fishing and try to break the 459-pound Halibut record, stroll along the stunning Resurrection Bay right outside the front door of our hotel, take a guided kayak trip in Tonsina Creek, or enjoy a self-guided Seward walking tour.
(Alaska Sealife Center option)
Situated at the head of Resurrection Bay on the Kenai Peninsula, it is surrounded by majestic snow-capped mountains which are blanketed with lush green vegetation, trees, and alpine wild flowers. Footrace-famous Mt. Marathon serves as the western backdrop with Harding Ice field lined along the back extending to the coast. Chugach National Forest, Kenai Fjords National Park, and Caines Head State Recreation area are nearby. Founded in 1903 as the ocean terminus of what is now the Alaska Railroad, Seward prides itself, not only on its natural beauty, but as Alaska's only deep-water, ice-free port with rail, highway and air transportation to Alaska's interior and major urban population centers. This strategically positions Seward for Pacific Rim maritime commerce.
(Resurrection Bay)
Overnight: Breeze Inn or similar.
Tues. Aug. 2nd: Day 4, Sutton / Wasilla
From Seward, we'll enjoy a scenic private bus ride to Matanuska Glacier, chosen by Alaska Magazine as the #2 of “49 Places to go in the 49th State.” Along the way, we'll stop, view, and photograph the spectacular Chugach Mountains and Matanuska River Valley. Once we arrive, we'll put on our crampons and hike out on the glacier! An unforgettable Alaskan adventure, our guided glacier hike will provide an up-close encounter with these incredible ice formations. What makes this glacier so special? The frontal ice formations have many safe hiking routes with spectacular views of crevasses, seracs, ice falls, moulins, caves, and surface ponds. This is why the Matanuska Glacier is used extensively in cinematography for advertisements and movies. No experience necessary!
(Matanuska Glacier trek)
After our exciting afternoon of glacier trekking, we will relax on the hotel deck while watching float planes land on Lake Lucille.
Overnight: Best Western Lake Lucille Inn or similar. Estimated Travel Time: 4 hours. Approximate Distance: 215 miles
Wed. Aug. 3rd: Day 5, Wasilla / Sutton / Palmer
We'll take an early transfer to the Matanuska River for panoramic white water rafting! This exciting, glacier-fed class 3 - 4 whitewater rafting trip is adjacent to the 27 mile long Matanuska Glacier. The main rapids are several miles long and the result of a squeeze play between the glacier lateral moraine and “Lion Head,” a massive, basalt rock wall from an ancient volcanic plug. The remainder of the trip is swift water, exceptional scenic vistas, and intermittent class 2 - 3 rapids. This is the perfect Alaska whitewater rafting trip for first-timers or experienced river runners! All necessary river gear will be provided.
(whitewater rafting the Matanuska River)
After lunch, we'll visit a musk ox farm, which is dedicated to the domestication of the Ice Age mammal that once roamed the earth alongside saber-tooth tigers and woolly mammoths. Known to Alaskan Natives as “Oomingmak,” which means “The Bearded One,” this once endangered animal produces an annual harvest of qiviut, the finest wool in the world. Our visit and private guided tour of the farm will give us a close-up experience with these magnificent, Paleolithic ruminants. After our tour, we will have time to peruse the museum and gift shop, which features hand-knit qiviut items.
(musk ox farm tour)
Overnight: Best Western Lake Lucille Inn or similar. Estimated Travel Time: 1.25 hours. Approximate Distance: 60 miles
Thurs. Aug. 4th: Day 6, Wasilla / Anchorage
We'll visit Independence Mine State Historical Park, a huge gold mine that was closed in 1951. We'll learn about the gold rush that brought a stampede of over 200,000 fortune seekers to Alaska. We'll experience a simulated mining tunnel, explore abandoned mining buildings, learn gold mining techniques, and see stunning views & hiking trails. We'll even be able to try panning for gold!
(Independence Mine State Historical Park)
In the afternoon, we will head to the Iditarod Trail. The amazing sled dogs typically haul a person and a sled full of supplies over 1,000 rugged miles from Anchorage to Nome during the winter. They run over high mountain passes and frozen rivers, all in sub-zero temperatures. After we visit the museum, we'll get to take a fun dog sled ride with real Iditarod sled dogs! Don’t worry, there will be plenty of time to play with their puppies after the ride.
(Iditarod Trail dog sled ride)
Overnight: Inlet Towers Hotel and Suites or similar. Estimated Travel Time: 1.75 hours. Approximate Distance: 85 miles
Fri. Aug. 5th: Day 7, Anchorage
The city of Anchorage is the size of the state of Delaware, located as far west as Honolulu Hawaii, and known for its cultural sites. Optional activities in this area abound. Visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center (which displays traditional crafts, stages dances, and presents replicas of dwellings from the area’s indigenous groups), hike to the top of Flattop Mountain (which provides a 360-degree view of the Alaska Range, Chugach Range, Cook Inlet, and Anchorage itself), watch salmon spawn at the Ship Creek viewing platform (or grab a rental bicycle and follow the salmon upstream along the Ship Creek Bike Trail), stroll around Bicentennial Park’s 20 miles of trails, pick up some last minute souvenirs, visit the Alaska Zoo for some polar bear viewing, or take a trolley tour of the city. There are so many options!
(Glacier Brewhouse tour)
Finally, after a day of exploring, we'll enjoy an included brewery tour at the well-loved Glacier Brewhouse downtown. This Anchorage institution is famous for its delicious Alaskan seafood and handcrafted beers. After our tour, let's get together for dinner and head out for a final night on the town!
(Anchorage at night)
Overnight: Inlet Towers Hotel and Suites or similar.
Sat. Aug. 6th: Day 8, Anchorage
Depart at any time.
TBD: Post-Trip Reunion Dinner at St. Arnold's
Dates and details TBD. We will feast on a sumptuous meal at St. Arnold's (or similar)! Dinner attendance will also be open to non-trip goers in our group.
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PRICE
$1895 if booked before Mon. Feb. 1st (or whenever early birds sell out)
$1995 if booked before Fri. Apr. 1st
$2095 if booked before Wed. June 1st
$2195 on or after Wed. June 1st*
* Starting Wed. June 1st, spaces are subject to availability. If booking on or after Sun. June 1st, do NOT purchase your airline ticket until you have been confirmed on the trip by the Organizer.
DEPOSIT
Non-refundable deposit of $450 due at booking, full payment due by Wed. May 18th or at booking, whichever is later. This deposit locks in a price per the "Price" section.
TRAVELER INFORMATION
The travel company needs the following information for final booking: 1. Full name as it appears on driver's license or passport 2. Driver's license or passport number 3. Driver's license or passport issue date 4. Driver's license or passport expiry date 5. Date of birth 6. Nationality 7. Existing medical conditions 8. Meal requirements 9. Emergency contact / next of kin. Please send me a message (through my Meetup profile, click "Send Message") with this information once you've secured your spot by making payment.
ACCOMMODATION
Price is based on double occupancy. If you have a preference for a roommate, please let me know full first and last name. Otherwise, you will be assigned a roommate (same sex). Single supplement is $650 to stay in your own room.
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PAYMENT INSTRUCTIONS
Paypal account not required. Please follow the instructions below for making payment (if payment by smartphone doesn't work, please try your computer). Most of our trips do sell out, so we recommend you secure your spot online early.
1. Select "Yes" under "Will you attend?" (or select "Change" RSVP to add more guests if you've already purchased ticket(s))
2. Enter the number of guests coming and click "Finish RSVP"
3. Click "Pay Now" at the top of the event posting near the ticket price per person
4. Verify correct dollar amount for number of people you're paying for:
• If you are paying in full, and if you are looking for double occupancy, leave the dollar amount as is. If you are looking for single occupancy, please add $650 to the total and change the dollar figure. For your convenience, the single occupancy price will either be $2545 (booked before Mon. Feb. 1st), $2645 (booked before Fri. Apr. 1st), $2745 (booked before Wed. June 1st), or $2845 (booked on or after Wed. June 1st). Click "Pay Now" button.
• If you are paying just the non-refundable deposit, change the dollar amount to $450. Click "Pay Now" button. You will need to pay the balance by Wed. May 18th.
5. If you don't have a Paypal account, click "Pay with a Debit or Credit Card"
6. If you have a Paypal account, simply log in, and pay as you normally would via Paypal
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REMAINDER BALANCE PAYMENT INSTRUCTIONS
Paypal account not required. If you've already paid the initial non-refundable $450 deposit, please follow the instructions below for making the balance payment (if payment by smartphone doesn't work, please try your computer). Balance payment must be made by Wed. May 18th, otherwise you will lose your deposit and your spot on the trip.
1. Click on the appropriate link below
Double Occupancy:
• To pay the balance ($1445) for the $1895 price (to qualify, you must have made deposit before Mon. Feb. 1st), please click here.
• To pay the balance ($1545) for the $1995 price (to qualify, you must have made deposit before Fri. Apr. 1st), please click here.
• To pay the balance ($1645) for the $2095 price (to qualify, you must have made deposit before Wed. May 18th), please click here.
Single Occupancy:
• To pay the balance ($2095) for the $2545 price (to qualify, you must have made deposit before Mon. Feb. 1st), please click here.
• To pay the balance ($2195) for the $2645 price (to qualify, you must have made deposit before Fri. Apr. 1st), please click here.
• To pay the balance ($2295) for the $2745 price (to qualify, you must have made deposit before Wed. May 18th), please click here.
2. If you don't have a Paypal account, click "Pay with a Debit or Credit Card"
3. If you have a Paypal account, simply log in, and pay as you normally would via Paypal
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INCLUSIONS
• Pre-trip dinner at Catch 15 restaurant in DC
• "Into the Wild" paperback version and book discussions during the trip
• Accommodations as stated above (hotels 7 nights, based on twin-share rooms)
• 7 hot breakfasts
• Wildlife cruise boat tour
• Guided trek on the Matanuska Glacier (all equipment included)
• Guided whitewater rafting trip on the Matanuska River (all equipment included)
• Private tour of a musk ox farm
• Iditarod dog sled ride and museum visit
• Independence Mine State Historical Park tour
• Glacier Brewhouse private tour
• Group arrival and departure transfers to airport
• Transfers between cities via public bus, private van, boat
• English speaking travel guide
• Meetup group facilitation with book discussion by J.T. (Organizer)
• Local guides / representative assistance
• Post-trip reunion dinner at St. Arnold's in DC
EXCLUSIONS
• Entrance fees not listed
• Airfare
• Applicable tourist visas
• Incidentals
• Insurance
• Airport taxes
• Tips or gratuities
• Beverages
• Meals not mentioned above
• Excursions and activities listed as optional or suggestions
FLIGHTS, DAYS OFF, & AIRPORT GROUP TRANSFERS
Please do not purchase your air ticket until this trip is confirmed (15 people have paid). You will receive notification by email when the trip is confirmed and I will also update the event posting at the top of this page. We can coordinate air schedules in the comment box of this page to try to get the same flights.
When buying your air ticket, make sure it leaves on Sat. July 30th and departs on Sat. Aug. 6th. Also, depending on how many transfers you get, you may need to request off of work Fri. July 29th - Sun. Aug. 7th.
Upon arrival on Sat. July 30th, take the free shuttle transfer from the airport (Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport - ANC) to the hotel (details TBD).
For departure on Sat. Aug. 6th, take the free shuttle transfer from the hotel (Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport - ANC) to the airport.
INSURANCE
You are required to purchase an all-inclusive insurance policy that covers emergency repatriation, medical, and evacuation for a combined minimum amount of $200,000. Trip cancellation, trip interruption, baggage loss and accidents should also be included. Costs vary by age, travel dates, and when you purchase, but an approximate quote is $100 for a 30-year-old. You should extend the insurance to cover your entire journey if you are arriving before or departing after our trip. I also recommend getting full coverage vs. coverage for covered reasons. You will need to book your air flights first before getting insurance coverage.
QUESTIONS?
If you have any questions not answered on this page, please post a comment in the comment box below, message me through my Meetup profile, or call / text me at 703.203.1888
REFUND POLICY
Since we paid in advance for this trip, all sales are final unless the trip is canceled or rescheduled. Thanks for understanding. =)
SUGGESTED ITEMS TO BRING
1. Credit and / or debit card 2. Driver's license or passport (with photocopies) 3. Travel insurance (with photocopies) 4. Airline tickets (with photocopies) 5. Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required 6. Travel pillow 7. First-aid kit 8. Insect repellent 9. Hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes 10. Rain cover or plastic bags for daypacks 11. Small travel towel 12. Swim wear 13. Sun hat 14. Sunblock 15. Sunglasses 16. Toiletries (biodegradable) 17. Reusable water bottle 18. Pocketknife 19. Watch or alarm clock 20. Moisturizer / Lip balm 21. Weather-appropriate clothing 22. Shirts / T-shirts 23. Shorts 24. Long pants / jeans 25. Hiking pants 26. Long-sleeved shirts or sweater 27. Fleece top or long sleeves 28. Comfort clothing for the night 29. Nicer outfit for an evening out 30. Socks 31. Under garments 32. Thermal base layer 33. Fleece / jacket 34. Rain jacket or poncho 35. Scarf 36. Warm gloves 37. Warm hat 38. Hiking boots / Sturdy walking shoes 39. Comfortable walking shoes 40. Sandals 41. Day pack 42. Camera with extra memory cards and batteries 43. Personal entertainment 44. Binoculars
Washington, DC 20007 - USA
Saturday, July 30 at 12:00 PM
1
Price: USD 1,895.00 per person
http://www.meetup.com/20sand30sasiangroup/events/226527545/