The brainchild of INSPIRED Magazine publisher Barbara Risto became reality on May 22nd when 60 travel enthusiasts met to launch the 55+ Travel Club in Victoria. Held at the elegant Berwick Royal Oak residence, attendees were treated to a reception of tasty hors d’oeuvres prepared by Berwick’s chef, followed by three unique travel destination presentations.
INSPIRED Magazine is celebrating the completion of 15 years of publishing this month.
“Over the many years of publishing, I have discovered that travel is a common passion I share with our readers,” says Barbara. “I thought our 15th anniversary would be a fitting time to launch the 55+ Travel Club.”
“I wanted to bring travellers together. First, so we can learn more about special places to travel. Second, to help those who are reluctant to travel on their own to find companions with whom they can share their passion.”
Over the course of publishing the magazine, Barbara has met many 55+ people who love to travel but are increasingly reluctant to book a trip because they lack a travel companion. People who are single, widowed or divorced can have difficulty finding a friend with the time and means to travel.
“Even couples run into this problem when one of them loves to travel and the other one doesn’t or can’t,” says Barbara. “My intention is to develop a network where members can find travel mates to join them on their adventures.”
The networking might even help solo travellers who are hit hard in their pocketbook by the single supplement, unless they can find someone to share the cost. They often have to foot a cost almost equivalent to what two people would pay.
The recent travel club event offered an opportunity for members to join a travel buddy list. Members on this list will be contacted when potential matches are noticed – for example, two people indicating an interest in travelling to Peru.
Barbara is also planning a luncheon, just for those looking for travel buddies.
“I was astonished by the response to our first event,” she says. “I expected maybe 30 or 40 people, but we ended up with 60. We scored predominantly 4 and 5 stars on our feedback survey. So many people came up to say how much they enjoyed the evening. I think we’ve started out on the right foot and we’re going to keep looking for ways to improve our events and our connection with these club members.”
Next on the horizon is a potential club on the Mainland and/or mid-Vancouver Island. “I’ve had lots of requests since starting the Victoria club to expand it to other regions. If the interest grows, you’ll see us bringing events to Vancouver and up-island.”
The kick-off event featured presentations by Mile Zero Tours (an autumn trip to Quebec and Ontario in September, see ad page 23), by Pitmar Tours (a Panama Canal tour visiting 6 countries in January 2020, see ad page 13), and by Collette (a Seine River cruise departing Paris in June 2020, see ad page 24). The Seine River Cruise is hosted by INSPIRED Magazine owner Barbara Risto. With only 15 seats available, it’s expected to sell out quickly. Book now to reserve your seat and receive a $500 savings.
SPECIAL THANKS to Berwick Royal Oak, the presenters, and all the prize sponsors. Prizes included a selection of travel books written by BC authors donated by Harbour Publishing, Douglas & McIntyre Publishing; a copper tree sculpture (pictured above) hand-crafted by Teresa Marshall, co-owner of Pitmar Tours; two decadent bottles of French wine and a $250 gift certificate by Collette, a one-night hotel stay by Days Inn Uptown, travel bags and accessories by Pitmar and Mile Zero, a gift certificate from Wildwood Outdoor Living Centre and tour tickets from Walk Victoria.
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