- Welcome Message and select excerpts of our first year blog
- Our New Blog
- Contact us
- Travel Advice
- Guidelines for travel agents
- Flying-all you need to know before you book your next plane ticket>
- Cruising-planning the perfect cruise>
- Car Travel
- Traveling by bus...in style
- Hotels-Creating the ideal autistic friendly hotel room>
- Packing -101>
- Ask away -Autistic Globetrotting Free advice service>
- Tid bits-travel advice from our readers in 100 words or less
- Autistic Travels' Golden Rules
- Guidelines for travel agents
- Autisticals-a personal view of autistic travel
- US 10 best in
- The 10 best of Boston
- The best 10 of Hilton Head,South Carolina
- The 10 best of New York
- The 10 best of Alaska
- The 10 best of Texas-San Antonio and Galveston
- The 10 best of Santa Fe and the surroundings
- The 10 best of Arizone-Grand Canyon
- The 10 best of Colonial Williamsburg,Jamestown and surroundinds
- The 10 best of Washington D.C.
- The 10 best of Las Vegas
- The 10 best of Boston
- International 10 best
- Mini autisticals- the darnest travel stories you'll hear
- The Sleeps-our biased and un biased hotel reviews
- The Eats-Tasty challenges from around the globe
- The Shops-what you can buy next
- Collector's Corner-How did these travel trinkets become a collection
- Recommended products
- Giveaways
- Monthly news roundup
- Interviews
- Q&A with Jackie Longino founder of Aspietravel
- Q&A with Tal managing director of ALUTEVA-autistic hotel in Israel
- Eva Bronstein-Greenwald-special needs travel agent and founder of We Belong
- Q&A with Trip it's
- Q&A with David Intercontinental Tel Aviv
- Keri Bowers- film producer of 'Normal people scare me'
- Jamie Grover-Autism on the seas
- Peter Shears
- Clive-guide dog extraordinaire
- John Brown of 'Devyn and Dad' -an inspirational adventure across the United States
- Rose Niehaus Olsen Morris inventor of the safety sleeper bed
- Annette White,counselor for Camp Autism
- Colin Brennan-Canada's new singing sensation
- Dennis Debbaudt-autism safety expert
- Gisela Sedlmayer- author of 'Talon'
- Q&A with Jackie Longino founder of Aspietravel
- Inspirational travel stories by our guest writers
- Danette Schott's-Revisiting family vacations
- Brian R. King-Meltdown at the airport
- Joy's visit to the Aquarium
- Denise Klipsic-An incredible encounter with Princess Tiana
- Tanya Savko- Hope on a river
- Tiffany Robison-Great Wolf Lodge
- Fiona Westner Ramsay -Making-room-for-autism-in-your-canoe
- Laura Shumacher-Traveling with autism: a true story
- Phyllis Fanzo Lombardi-s -Vacation Time with Joey
- Kristina Chew-18 Miles On the Bikes At the Beach
- Jeff Katz-Chicago
- Margaret Ann Franklin's visit to the Great Northern Carousel in Helena Montana
- Claire Sarcone-Chessington the aspie way
- Elaine Hall-Tips for summer vacation
- Steve LHeureux -Autism "Outings" need to be planned and appropriate
- Kelly Green-The Gardens of Gilroy
- Wolfie Blue-Tips I learnt by traveling with my family
- Gluten free Disney cruise experience
- Danette Schott's-Revisiting family vacations
- North,Central and South America-pictures,videos and AG's tips
- Arizona,The Grand Canyon
- Alaska Cruise-USA and Canada
- Florida,Orlando-Universal Studios-looking for Harry Potter
- Florida,Orlando-Macy's mini parade in Universal Studios
- Florida-Everglades Park ,Miami,Key West
- Hawaii's big island with a glimpse of Pearl Harbor
- Louisiana,New Orleans-French Quarter,Christmas Parade,Nanchez Steamboat
- Louisiana,New Orleans-in the footsteps of Katrina,Garden district
- Massachussetts-Boston ,New England Coastal towns of NH and Maine
- New York-NYC
- New Mexico-Santa Fe and Bandoliers National Park
- Pennsylvania-Philadelphia
- Texas-San Antonio and Galveston
- Canada-Niagara Falls,Montreal,Quebec,Toronto
- Caribbean-Bahamas- the Atlantis resort
- Caribbean-Castaway Cay-Disney's bahamian paradise
- Caribbean-Roatan,Honduras>
- Caribbean-Grand Caymans-Hell,Turtles,Wild Hens and Stingrays>
- Mexico-Cabo San Lucas(Mex Riviera)
- Mexico-Puerta Vallarta (Mex Riviera)
- Mexico-Acapulco and Manzanillo
- Mexico-Mazatlan(Mex Riviera)
- Mexico-Playa del Carmen's Xcaret eco park>
- Mexico-Tulum and XelHa Eco Park
- Yucatan,Mexico- Chichen Itza,Cozumel's Paradise Beach
- Arizona,The Grand Canyon
- Europe,Asia,Australia and New Zealand,Cruise ships-pictures,videos and AG's tips
- Australia-Sydney and Melbourne
- Austria-Salzburg
- Belgium-Antwerp ,Brussels
- Canary Islands-Lazarote
- Croatia-the walled town of Dubrovnik
- Denmark-Copenhagen
- France-Normandy's D day beaches>
- France- Cannes,Nice,Eze
- France-Paris
- Finland,Helsinki
- Germany-Munich,Dachau
- Germany-Romantic Road
- Ireland-Dublin
- Ireland -Cork,Blarney,Kinsale>
- N. Ireland-Belfast>
- N. Ireland's Giant Causeway
- N.Ireland-Carrick -a -Rede-rope bridge>
- Italy-Venice,Pompeii,Rome
- Italy-Florence,Messina and Taoramina
- Israel-Jerusalem>
- Israel-Masada and the Dead Sea>
- Israel-Tel Aviv>
- Morocco-Casablanca
- New Zealand-Rotarua
- New Zealand-Fjord Park,Dunedin,Christchurch
- New Zealand - Auckland and sheep farm
- The Netherlands-Amsterdam,Delft,The Hague,Rotterdam,Madurodam
- Sweden-Stockholm and the Archipelago
- Russia-St Petersburg's Palaces
- Scotland-Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh
- Scotland-Edinburgh>
- Scotland-Inverness>
- Scotland-Loch Lommond,Luss,Sottish sheep show>
- Spain-Barcelona
- Spain-Cadiz and Seville
- Spain-The Alhambra Palace,view of Malaga
- Tasmania-Hobart
- UK-Liverpool and the Beatles>
- UK-London>
- UK-Stonehenge,Bath,Warwick Castle,Stratford on Avon,Oxford
- UK-Guernsey>
- Carnival -Legend
- Aboard the Carnival Legend
- Carnival -Ecstasy
- Carnival- Fascination
- Carnival Spirit
- Celebrity-Century
- Crown Princess>
- Sapphire Princess
- Royal Caribbean-Brilliance of the Seas
- Royal Caribbean-Mariner of the Seas (parades)
- Royal Caribbean- Mariner of the Seas
- Australia-Sydney and Melbourne
- Monthly guest's -Travel videos and pictures
- Web sites and blogs we follow
- Face Book discussions
- Guest Book
Q&A with Leslie Peterson Communications Director of Trips Inc.
AG: How, when, and by whom was Trips Inc. founded?
In 1982, Jim PetersonM.S., the founder and executive director of Trips Inc., was caring for a young man, Trent, who had cerebral palsy. Although there were local “camps” to attend, Jim quickly realized there were no opportunities for people with intellectual & developmental disabilities to really get out in the world andtravel. More important, there was no inspiration to travel! This discovery altered the course of Jim’s life. Originally from Maryland, he completed his undergrad work at Georgetown University, and pursued a Masters degree in Special Education at the University of Oregon. Jim’s dream to create a business where ALL people have access to travel came true in 1991 when he started Trips Inc. Special Adventures.
20 years later, and over ten thousand travelers served, Trips Inc. has become a multiple award winning nationwide company! The innovative organization has earned high praise featured in many major daily newspapers across the country.
"The Arc of Lane County offers our congratulations to Trips Inc. for over 20 years of amazing work! The adventures offered by Trips Inc. for people with developmental disabilities are often life changing. People are traveling all over the world having experiences that are beyond any expectations. Every detail of the trip is an orchestration that leads to success. Travelers, families, care givers all know what to expect and what they need to do to ensure safe travel. I commend Trips Inc. for their commitment to providing an avenue that offers true inclusion for so many people. Job well done!" Pamela S. Ring, executive director, Arc of Lane County
In 1982, Jim PetersonM.S., the founder and executive director of Trips Inc., was caring for a young man, Trent, who had cerebral palsy. Although there were local “camps” to attend, Jim quickly realized there were no opportunities for people with intellectual & developmental disabilities to really get out in the world andtravel. More important, there was no inspiration to travel! This discovery altered the course of Jim’s life. Originally from Maryland, he completed his undergrad work at Georgetown University, and pursued a Masters degree in Special Education at the University of Oregon. Jim’s dream to create a business where ALL people have access to travel came true in 1991 when he started Trips Inc. Special Adventures.
20 years later, and over ten thousand travelers served, Trips Inc. has become a multiple award winning nationwide company! The innovative organization has earned high praise featured in many major daily newspapers across the country.
"The Arc of Lane County offers our congratulations to Trips Inc. for over 20 years of amazing work! The adventures offered by Trips Inc. for people with developmental disabilities are often life changing. People are traveling all over the world having experiences that are beyond any expectations. Every detail of the trip is an orchestration that leads to success. Travelers, families, care givers all know what to expect and what they need to do to ensure safe travel. I commend Trips Inc. for their commitment to providing an avenue that offers true inclusion for so many people. Job well done!" Pamela S. Ring, executive director, Arc of Lane County
AG:What does Trips Inc. strive to highlight/teach through your vacations?
"The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page." Saint Augustine
This quote holds great meaning for Jim in describing why he believes Trips Inc. is such an important service for the community we serve. Travel has had a profound effect on the thousands of folks who have journeyed with us in the past 20 years. Lifelong friendships are forged, self-esteem and confidences soar, tremendous growth is attained, and lives are enriched beyond measure in each adventure taken. The mission for each of our special vacations is to create a safe traveling environment that promotes independence, inclusion and FUN!
Trips Inc. believes parent Paula Creekmore sums up Trips Inc. the best, "Trips Inc. touches lives. Not only do they afford my son David profound new experiences, but someone else out there will benefit and learn from him in return. I owe it to the world to share my son."
"The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page." Saint Augustine
This quote holds great meaning for Jim in describing why he believes Trips Inc. is such an important service for the community we serve. Travel has had a profound effect on the thousands of folks who have journeyed with us in the past 20 years. Lifelong friendships are forged, self-esteem and confidences soar, tremendous growth is attained, and lives are enriched beyond measure in each adventure taken. The mission for each of our special vacations is to create a safe traveling environment that promotes independence, inclusion and FUN!
Trips Inc. believes parent Paula Creekmore sums up Trips Inc. the best, "Trips Inc. touches lives. Not only do they afford my son David profound new experiences, but someone else out there will benefit and learn from him in return. I owe it to the world to share my son."
AG:Who are the tour group leaders & chaperones at Trips Inc. and what is their relationship to people with special needs?
We at Trips, Inc. know the significance of inclusion, laughter and fun for our travelers and our tour group leaders and chaperones are at the heart of making each adventure unforgettable. In each shared experience a family is created!
A group of caring individuals plan and oversee every aspect of a Trips Inc. Special Adventure. Our travel planners, program coordinators, tour group leaders and chaperones carefully evaluate every detail of your trip with particular attention to individual needs to create a completely worry-free and fun-filled vacation. We appreciate how important Trips Inc. adventures are to our special travelers!
Our professional tour leaders and chaperones are the best in the field — our travelers, parents and care providers tell us so time and time again. They all have extensive training and experience in special education, first aid, and travel. They excel at creating special bonds with travelers that result in a sense of warmth and belonging, and have a keen sensitivity to the needs of those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They are especially attentive to the countless logistics and tiny details involved in traveling with those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
“My tour group leader was a best friend, a sister, and a soul mate.” Maria, Traveler
AG: What accommodations does Trips Inc. make? What distinguishes your business from other travel companies?
The foundation of Trips Inc. is special education first, travel second. Our expertise is evident in our affinity for, and sensitivity to, those with special needs. We have over 20 years experience in special needs travel. We offer the best ratio of chaperones to travelers--staff one chaperone for every three or four travelers. Our average group size is 20 and we strive to match the mobility, ages, social skills and capabilities of trip participants.
When we say our trips are all-inclusive, we mean it! All vacations include lodging, all meals at destination, gratuities, entertainment, transportation at the destination, and recreational equipment rentals.
OUR PACKAGE PRICES INCLUDE AIRFARE. The airfare portion of the cost of our trips is based on departure from the West coast cities of Portland, Seattle and San Francisco. Since we serve travelers from all over the country, we’ll adjust the airfare portion of the package from your city. Plus, our trips are long enough to give travelers plenty of non-travel days for fun at our destination.
For every vacation you will receive a phone call before the trip to answer questions, a keepsake photo album filled with pictures from the trip, and a very cool Trips Inc. T-shirt!
We at Trips, Inc. know the significance of inclusion, laughter and fun for our travelers and our tour group leaders and chaperones are at the heart of making each adventure unforgettable. In each shared experience a family is created!
A group of caring individuals plan and oversee every aspect of a Trips Inc. Special Adventure. Our travel planners, program coordinators, tour group leaders and chaperones carefully evaluate every detail of your trip with particular attention to individual needs to create a completely worry-free and fun-filled vacation. We appreciate how important Trips Inc. adventures are to our special travelers!
Our professional tour leaders and chaperones are the best in the field — our travelers, parents and care providers tell us so time and time again. They all have extensive training and experience in special education, first aid, and travel. They excel at creating special bonds with travelers that result in a sense of warmth and belonging, and have a keen sensitivity to the needs of those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They are especially attentive to the countless logistics and tiny details involved in traveling with those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
“My tour group leader was a best friend, a sister, and a soul mate.” Maria, Traveler
AG: What accommodations does Trips Inc. make? What distinguishes your business from other travel companies?
The foundation of Trips Inc. is special education first, travel second. Our expertise is evident in our affinity for, and sensitivity to, those with special needs. We have over 20 years experience in special needs travel. We offer the best ratio of chaperones to travelers--staff one chaperone for every three or four travelers. Our average group size is 20 and we strive to match the mobility, ages, social skills and capabilities of trip participants.
When we say our trips are all-inclusive, we mean it! All vacations include lodging, all meals at destination, gratuities, entertainment, transportation at the destination, and recreational equipment rentals.
OUR PACKAGE PRICES INCLUDE AIRFARE. The airfare portion of the cost of our trips is based on departure from the West coast cities of Portland, Seattle and San Francisco. Since we serve travelers from all over the country, we’ll adjust the airfare portion of the package from your city. Plus, our trips are long enough to give travelers plenty of non-travel days for fun at our destination.
For every vacation you will receive a phone call before the trip to answer questions, a keepsake photo album filled with pictures from the trip, and a very cool Trips Inc. T-shirt!
![Picture](/uploads/4/4/4/8/4448415/8488252.jpg)
photograph by Trips Inc
AG: What do you tell parent’s who are nervous about sending their kids on a trip without them?
I am so inspired by Becky Venice and her daughter, Monica. She had the same concerns as most parents and here is their story:
My daughter, Monica, has been friends with Trips Inc. founder, Jim Peterson, since they first met in 1980 at the Special Olympics. Monica has taken a trip every year since 1999, including a Hawaiian vacation where she met her fiancé, Barry, a Trips Inc. traveler from Maryland. Barry and Monica have been dating for 10 years and his family has become good friends with our family.
My husband, Bob, and I believe that Monica got the travel bug from us. She loves to explore the world with her peers but says she prefers traveling with Trips Inc. instead of with us because she has more fun hanging out with her friends!
Monica and has made several friends through Trips Inc. and they like to coordinate their Trips Inc. adventures so they can travel together. Monica encourages everyone to experience a vacation with Trips Inc. because the chaperones take good care of the travelers without hovering over them. I really appreciate the way Trips Inc. chaperones instill Monica with a sense of independence while providing the level of supervision appropriate for her needs.
I’ve advocated for Monica and others with developmental disabilities for 45 years. I’ve worked hard to integrate Monica into challenging and stimulating environments. I decided to put my money where my mouth was by signing her up with Trips Inc. and clearly, it was the right decision. Monica continues to shine and experience the world. More importantly, the world gets to experience Monica!
Becky Venice, Monica’s mom
I am so inspired by Becky Venice and her daughter, Monica. She had the same concerns as most parents and here is their story:
My daughter, Monica, has been friends with Trips Inc. founder, Jim Peterson, since they first met in 1980 at the Special Olympics. Monica has taken a trip every year since 1999, including a Hawaiian vacation where she met her fiancé, Barry, a Trips Inc. traveler from Maryland. Barry and Monica have been dating for 10 years and his family has become good friends with our family.
My husband, Bob, and I believe that Monica got the travel bug from us. She loves to explore the world with her peers but says she prefers traveling with Trips Inc. instead of with us because she has more fun hanging out with her friends!
Monica and has made several friends through Trips Inc. and they like to coordinate their Trips Inc. adventures so they can travel together. Monica encourages everyone to experience a vacation with Trips Inc. because the chaperones take good care of the travelers without hovering over them. I really appreciate the way Trips Inc. chaperones instill Monica with a sense of independence while providing the level of supervision appropriate for her needs.
I’ve advocated for Monica and others with developmental disabilities for 45 years. I’ve worked hard to integrate Monica into challenging and stimulating environments. I decided to put my money where my mouth was by signing her up with Trips Inc. and clearly, it was the right decision. Monica continues to shine and experience the world. More importantly, the world gets to experience Monica!
Becky Venice, Monica’s mom