This is the second Travel Group formed within Blackbourne U3A. The first group, the Travel and Tourism group, having reached its membership limit. Originally called the Alternative Travel group, the name was changed to “Travel To” and now “Trav2” as it was felt to be more relevant.
Goals:
“Trav2” gives members of Blackbourne U3A the opportunity to meet others with a common interest in travel and to experience the joy of travel in convivial company to places that they might otherwise not visit and to cultivate a spirit of friendship and sharing - and to have fun!
Purpose:
“Trav2” aims to bring together members of Blackbourne U3A who have an interest in travel to destinations in Great Britain and further afield. We jointly discuss and plan trips for members where there is security in numbers and a shared interest, which may be cultural, educational or just the simple pleasure of the company of a friend or friends. All trips or tours are booked with registered travel agents or commercial tour organizers and payments are made directly to them. Dependent upon the numbers travelling, we try to achieve discounts compared to the prices given to individuals.
Meetings:
Our membership is currently around 70 but we remain open for new members to join at any time during the year. In view of our large membership we meet in the Main Hall at New Green Community Centre where we have an informal get together with tea/coffee/biscuits and take the opportunity to peruse holiday brochures and enjoy a friendly chat.
We have a small team of members who research group holidays offered by different tour operators to areas in this country and Europe where members have indicated an interest to visit. These are then presented to members which helps them to make a choice. We aim to organise at least three holidays each year.
Some of our time is spent viewing and reminiscing over photos taken on our recent holidays or viewing photos and listening to accounts of members own holiday experiences.
Trips:
With our large membership we try to offer a range of coach tours to various destinations in the UK as well as trips to Europe by air. Group sizes can vary from 20 or so upwards and may be planned and led by different group members. Our aim is to provide a variety of types of trip so that no one gets missed out and, most importantly, we all get the chance to travel in good company - and continue to have fun!
