The most successful businesses listen to their clients. During my involvement with Orangetheory and now with NationsClassroom, customer feedback has been paramount. But the catch is using that feedback to make adjustments and ultimately improve satisfaction. As I have started to lead more ladies on hiking trips I've been listening.
Noticing their words, what they appreciate, and how they share stories after they've returned home has given me so much inspiration to keep doing these trips. These are powerful experiences and I'd like to share with you what I've learned from them so far, that might also inspire you to join a trip with me or plan one your own.
From the Moms: It was so nice not to take care of anyone else. Wow. When I planned my first trip, I picked a four day weekend already attached to a holiday that most would have off work. I was thinking about making it accessible even to those with limited PTO. What I didn't realize was that the length of the trip made it comfortable for mothers. Leaving your family for four days is a lot less stressful than taking 7-10 days. I will be transparent that my trips are quality, but not luxury. No one was waiting on these ladies hand and foot. In fact, when we checked out of our Airbnb we all helped prepare the house for our departure. The hilarious part? There was a lot of mothering of each other, from advising on proactive anti-inflammatories to how to fix your hiking pack.
Cost-effective and customized: My trip prices include accommodations, a rental vehicle, use of my National Parks Pass, park reservations, candid photos, and my planning fee. You'll be responsible for your flight within parameters that allow pick up at the airport for the entire group to be easy. Meals, snacks, and any additional attractions agreed up by the group are covered individually or reimbursed to me or a fellow traveler via Venmo or Zelle. Trips typically launch at least 6 months before departure, so we'll have time to get to know each other via a group chat and a Zoom about 30 days before departure. I offer packing lists and can advise on hiking gear. I'll be running activities and prices by you and we'll make choices together. For example, on our last trip the group really wanted a Glacier Park Boat Tour, so that was added as a game time decision. I'll share a sample itinerary with you before booking, but once we're in the thick of it I'll make decisions on daily hikes based on how the group feels physically and mentally.
Sense of Accomplishment: Each day is an adventure - we'll be up and going sunrise to sunset. We'll be hiking 5-15 miles per day. You will be tested and you will pass. You will surprise yourself. The confidence that comes from tackling a long hike is something you might find addicting.
Making New Friends as an Adult: THIS! Everyone on my first trip got along so well they wanted to do it again, with the exact same group of people. We connected on various levels, expressed mutual appreciation for each other's diverse backgrounds, and LAUGHED so fucking much! I must admit I didn't go into the trip anticipating the shared affinity for the F word, but looking back it seemed to have served as a bonding agent. This might not be the same on every trip, although I've embraced it and think that anyone else who wants to travel with me should be prepared that it's part of my vocabulary.
Experiential Gifts: The morning of the third day, I instructed everyone to wake up well before sunrise so we could get into Many Glacier without a reservation and watch sunrise. The ladies were troopers. We made it in with plenty of time and were gifted with one of the most amazing sunrises any of us had ever seen. (I cannot guarantee these results on every tour LOL.) One of my dearest friends was thanking me profusely for giving her that special experience - and for making her wake up early. Everyone was in agreement that it was worth it.
Each trip will be uniquely crafted based on the weather, abilities and interests of the travelers, and keeping me entertained with little repetition. You will likely leave wanting more...
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