Update – December 2011

Since raising the subject, I’ve received a few emails noting a few more worthwhile clubs thank you very much & feel free to keep adding to my budding list 🙂

The Ant

• Spotted by Paul Roberts, the club’s technical guru http://www.saexplorers.org – looks like a treasure trove of South American information
• From Mary Ogden:-When you request information, what kind of travel clubs are you talking about? Travel clubs that compose a group of people who travel together? Travel clubs that foster new and/or cultural differences and friendships?I know of several and I am a member of the following three:
  • Women Welcome Women World Wide; fondly referred to as 5W. This is a club for women (mates and children are usually welcomed) who are interested in meeting and greeting new friends from different cultural backgrounds. Founded and headquartered in United Kingdom. Has lots of international European Union members. All the particulars can be found on the internet.
  • The Affordable Travel Club: is based in Washington, USA. Host/Hostesses provide overnight or more lodging and breakfast for visitors. Can be more if guest clear in advance with host/hostess. Particulars can be found at internet address provided.
  • The Evengreen Club: is very similar to The affordable Travel Club.I have used all three clubs when traveling and have met and hosted some extraordinary women and men. My husband doesn’t travel but he loves company and has really enjoyed our visitors from all over the world. If you would like more personal input, you can contact me via email.

  Another I am a member of but have never used is Couch Surfer; This group tends to on the young side and into roughing it if necessary in order to have a place to sleep and bathing accommodations. I haven’t written it off as a possible one-time try out because it may prove to be the best one yet.

  Membership in any of the above does not obligate you for accepting guests when it is not convenient. Hosting is completely voluntary. Hope this info was helpful.

  Please respond that you received the email and let me know what you think of the clubs I have listed.

  Respectfully, Mary Ogden

• From Kevin Brackley, the club’s Membership Secretary:-Hi MattI suppose you could list The Guildford Travel Club, who have been going a long time and where I have spoken a couple of times. Also there is a club in Istanbul, a tiny hole in the wall place that actually has a bedroom upstairs where people who visit can stay a night, not sure if it’s still going.BTW – I started another non yoga blog while I am here just a few photos of Mysore etc. each day www.mysore2011.wordpress.com Cheers Kev

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Putting together this eNewsletter, I wanted to explore travel clubs around the world, that like Globetrotters promoted independent travel for independent travellers. And so far I have to admit I’m struggling and need your help. Can you tell me about any travel clubs you know of and we can learn more about them (magazines, web sites, meetings etc.) ?

Thus far I’ve come up with the following organisations who represent something similar to GTs:-

• http://www.travellerclub.org/ – Austrian travel club has been a travel community since at least 1996
• http://www.dzg.com – German Globetrotters club, has been holding active meetings since publishing the “Trotter” magazine since 1974
• http://www.swisstravelclub.ch – venerable Swiss Travel Club

2011 winners ! In case you have not heard, the club has recently announced two new winners of the GT Travel Award over the summer:-

• Hilary Clark – “…with her Beyond Tango trip, which she’ll taking in Argentina from April to May next year. My adventure starts in Buenos Aires to learn more about the history of tango…”

• Nick Hunt – “…exploration is in the footsteps of Patrick Leigh Fermor…Nick will be setting of in December for a year…across Europe from Holland to Istanbul.” Follow Nick’s progress via his blog.

Both Hilary & Nick will return from their travels and recount their adventures to the London branch at some point in the future. We wish them every success…

What is the award ?

Are you inspired by all this talk of travel?

Are you ready for you own independent adventure?

Or do you know someone who could benefit from a helping hand into the wider world?

Each year the club offers up to two £1,000 awards to give out for the best independent travel plan, as judged by the club’s Committee.

The deadline to receive applications for the next award was 31 October 2011, but the club’s Committee are yet confirm that deadline.

See the legacy page on the club’s web site for more details, where you can review previous winners’ trips and/or apply with your plans for a totally independent, travel trip.

If your idea catches our eye we’ll take a closer look at what you’re proposing and give you feedback & maybe a helping hand on your journey of a lifetime!!!]

If you enjoy writing & travelling, why not write for the free Globetrotters eNewsletter ! The Ant would love to hear from you: your travel stories, anecdotes, jokes, questions, hints and tips, or your hometown or somewhere of special interest to you. Over 15,000 people currently subscribe to the Globetrotter eNewsletter.

Email The Ant at theant@globetrotters.co.uk with your travel experiences / hints & tips / questions. Your article should be approximately 1000 words, feature up to 3 or 4 jpeg photos and introduce yourself with a couple of sentences and a contact e-mail address.