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Where's Robin ?
Do
those words conjure up images of an Amazing Race
type trip where we send you out some where in the
world to locate the Steppin' Out President?
Wouldn't that be cool?
Note
to self to work on that.
But
in the interim, I just wanted everyone to be aware
that you may be receiving responses from my
interns and staff. While I love to speak to all of
you, Steppin' Out is working on a few
exciting projects these next few weeks and don't
take it personally if you don't receive a direct
call from me. See side bar for some of the
exciting projects we are working on.
If
you are interested to see what type of event
planning, corporate team building, service project
or marketing event we can do for you, please
contact us.
In
the meantime... look at the calendar below. We had
to make some date changes to Peru
and East Africa. We added a
Do Good Adventure in
Venezuela. There are
registration deadlines for Israel and we're
adding Swaziland to our South
Africa itinerary ..Plus, we have a
ski trip survey that can save you $40 on the
ski trip... and you get the trip
you want.(and check out last year's video) and an
approaching deadline for our
Israel adventure.
Ah,
such good stuff.
Hope
you're enjoying these lovely June
days. | |
DATE CHANGES:
PERU
THE
INCA TRAIL HAS FILLED UP FOR SEPTEMBER!
Only 5 lucky people signed up in
time to go on this multi-sport adventure,
trip of a lifetime. And this year, the
festivities abound as Machu Picchu
celebrates its 100th year of beingrediscovered.
From biking, rafting and culinary class to hiking
the Inca trail and helping on a service project,
this trip has it all. We will offer it
October 15-23.. to see if those who want to go can
have another chance. But again, it won't last long
so hurry. If you have alternative dates, let
us know and we'll see if we can put a new trip
together .Also, don't forget that there are
alternatives to getting to Machu Picchu. It's not
the royal inca trail but it is supposed to be
equally or more scenic.
Lodge to
Lodge to Machu Picchu: Summer Departures
 
And
of course for those who don't want to camp, there
are two types of Lodge to Lodge experiences along
the Inca trail. One very posh. One posh enough.
There are weekly departures. And they have a
horseback riding option if you don't want to hike
it. And there are spots even in July and
August. Let us know which option may be of
interest. More info here.
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DATE CHANGES: EAST
AFRICA
Our August 2-12 trip is no longer possible as
the hotels have booked up. We can offer it Sept.
1- 10 (or other). Let us know what dates work for
this unconventional itinerary to explore the
somewhat traditional landscape of Tanzania and its
superb concentrations of diverse wildlife. You'll
take part in traditional safaris, but game viewing
will be intertwined with opportunities to get  out of the jeep, meet the
tribes and people of this fantastic country by
going hunting with them, help in an orphanage,
bike ride down the famous rift valley, hike into
glorious reflective craters, canoe at the base of
Mount Meru (the second tallest peak in Africa) and
walk among the family of giraffes where you are
close enough to see their beautiful eye lashes as
they gaze nonchalantly upon you. Full
information packet here |
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STILL A
CHANCE TO GET AWAY IN THE SUMMER::
COSTA RICA
July 30-Aug. 7 
Enjoy
a week of exploring Costa Rica's natural wonders.
Visit the Monteverde Rainforest, the world famous
Arenal volcano, and much more. Immerse yourself in
the beauty and culture of Central America.This is
a trip by our outfitter although Steppin' Outers
have been participating on this trip for years and
enjoyed it (even if it is slightly different than
the way Steppin' Out does trips). This one is for
Jewish Singles ages 20s, 30s and 40s.
More
information here
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NEW TRIP: A DO GOOD ADVENTURE OFF
THE BEATEN TRACK OF VENEZUELA
AND ANGEL
FALLS Aug. 26- Sept. 4
Here is an opportunity to go completely
off the beaten track, in a beautiful remote part
of Venezuela, where you can go for days seeing
only the people from your group and the Penom
Indians, the indigenous people you will get to
know and share with. The trip is being coordinated
by Angel Conservation, an organization that
teaches indigenous people how to preserve their
heritage while also getting in touch with the
modern world. And you can be a part of it,
while also go deep into the rainforest, taking
dugout canoes and short hikes to cascading
waterfalls and pools. We'll visit Canaima National
Park where we will hike and help the communities
in the Kamarata Valley and of course via
canoes visit Angle Falls-while you may not
have heard of Jimmie Angel nor Ruth Robertson but
you will share their epic journeys en route to all
the way to Angel Falls. Ruth's epic expedition
started in Caracas on April 23rd 1949; she reached
Angel Falls on May 11th and Mayupa Rapids on May
17th. Our expedition will take only a matter of
several days! Full details here
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ISRAEL'S
MAGICAL ADVENTURE:
October 23-Nov.
2
PRICE GOES UP AFTER JUNE 29th
HIT ONE OF TRIP ADVISORS TOP
15 Cities 
.Readers
of the popular travel website TripAdvisor.com have
ranked Jerusalem number 13 among the Top 25 Places
to Visit in 2011. The list places Jerusalem above
such popular travel destinations as Prague, Venice
and San Francisco.
We've
been saying it for years, but now the rest of the
world agrees. So join us on our travels through
this country so mixed with old and new, natural
and man made beauty. We'll take on the pulse
of the region by experiences... hiking amazing
landscapes from lush mountains to desert,
indulging in authentic food from dozens of ethnic
backgrounds; climbing or walking through
historical sites, and even partaking in a service
project that will put you in closer touch with the
people and how they live their daily lives. And
all this with the camaraderie of old and new
friends.If you're a first time Israel visitor...
this is the way to see it. You'll see all the
Must-Sees, plus so much more. If you've been to
Israel before, we can guarantee you've never
experienced an itinerary like this... from the
north to the resort town of Eilat
More
info here
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Morocco Express: From Marrakech to
Fes
Oct. 11-20, 2011 or Nov. 14-
25 
From the colorful, chaotic medinas
to the moody desert landscape, Morocco is a land
filled with wonder and rich culture. While of
course we have to be beguiled by the lively souqs
and tumultuous market squares of Marrakech, we
spend more time out of the cities through
crisp mountain scenery, spectacular sheer gorges
and picturesque towns, exhilarated by cycling
trips, camel treks and canyon explorations, and camping under the stars in the
Sahara. Our May departure date has been moved to
either June, October or November. Vote
http://doodle.com/7wx8sf8wskm76mrsFull details and registration
information here |
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SOUTH
AFRICA: Exotic Journey... DO YOU WANT TO GO TO
SWAZILAND? PRICE GOES UP $250 July 15!
Dates are Nov. 25- Dec. 4,
2011
 Special
Special See why everyone raves about this
beautiful country while enjoying
breathtaking landscapes on our hikes from on top
of Table Mountain to the dune hike along the
Indian ocean, relaxing around the firepit of our
tented private game reserve after safari, and so
much more. This new and improved itinerary is
active with a good portion of down time. If
you've been thinking about this trip, don't
hesitate any longer. JUST DO IT! Get
details here ..
PRICE GOES
UP $250 after July 15! SO register now.
The trip is currently 10 days, we are
thinking of adding 2 days in Swaziland and 3 days
in ZImbabwe. The Zimbabwe extension is optional,
but the Swaziland is not if we decide to do it. So
let us hear your opinion.
Swaziland is one of the
remaining Kingdoms in Africa. The Kingdom has a
rich cultural heritage and can be seen throughout
the country, and his people. Hlane Royal Park is
the king's old hunting ground and has been turned
into one of Swaziland most famous parks. We
venture out on a game walk with a ranger, who will
tell us all about the fauna and flora. Maybe one
is lucky and stumble across some Rhinos,
Elephants, Hippo's, Giraffes and different
antelope species.
Manzini is the biggest city of Swaziland
and people from across the country gets together
at the local market place, where we will
visit. The next day will have us rafting
down Injasuti River is, Swaziland's most
important river, in inflatable 2 people
rafts and then visit a traditional village and
learn more about the Swazi people and the unique
cultures. Taste some local beer and do some
traditional dancing.
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BRAZIL:
SOUTHERN BRAZIL ADVENTURE
Dec. 3- 10,
2011
This week-long getaway to the south of Brazil
will be a wonderful experience of culture, natural
beauty, and adventure. Spend some time exploring
the most beautiful beaches in Brazil and the
dune ecosystems that surround them on Santa
Catarina Island. Enjoy optional activities that
may includerafting down the Rio Cubuto in class
III and IV rapids through lush sub-tropical
rainforest. The air is rich with the sweet smells
of the blossoms that ornament the verdant
background. Sail through the coastal islands to
the Baia dos Golfinos (Bay of Dolphins) and have
lunch on a distant beach. Travel up the chiseled
mountains of the Serra Gaucho to the Pousada Morro
Grande, a 5th generation working ranch. Ride on
horseback through fields of native wildflowers,
majestic Brazilian Pine forests and breathtaking
canyons. Ride out to the Uncle's ranch for an
overnight stay and rappel into Canyon Bicudo next
to the 35 meter waterfall, Salto de Bicudo. Feast
on the famous Brazilian barbecue, dance the
traditional Gaucho dances to live accordion music
and be swept away in the warm atmosphere ofthe
traditional Gaucho lifestyle. More info here |
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SKI
TRIP OPTIONS: WE NEED YOUR HELP!!!! ANSWER
OUR QUESTIONS BEFORE JUNE 12th AND RECEIVE AN
ADDITIONAL $35 off the Early Bird Special
(TBD)
Last
year we had two amazing ski trips .. a
smaller group of 30 to THE PEAKS hotel in
Telluride, the only ski in ski out with the
largest spa in Colorado and 50+ people to
Steamboat Springs where the champagne powder
continued its legend. Here's a look at some video of the trips
(still working on it.. ignore the
space) But now we are planning the next
trip and need your feedback. This trip for you ...
you can either answer questions in an email or
fill out the attached form and send back to
us. If you haven't done one of our ski trips
before, join us...it's a very welcoming group.
1)
Where do you want to ski in
2012?
2)
How important is ski in /ski out
accommodations to you?
3)
Would you prefer to spend
less and be further
away or pay more and be right
on the mountain?
4)
How important is nightlife and a
town to you for a ski resort?
5)
In the months of February and
March... which would be your ideal week for
skiing?
6)
Below are the choices that we are
considering. Please mark which
ones you would consider . Do not mark any that you
don't want
_____
Big Sky, Montana: A new
place for Steppin' Out, not much nightlife or
town, but great skiing.
Comment:
_____
Vail: Vail Cascade.
Luxury Accommodations, ski in/ ski out, but a
little further away from
Downtown Vail
Comment:
______
Vail : Another place in
town, probably not ski in/ski out, but maybe.
Looking at Lion Square Lodge
again
Comment:
______
Park City : To get ski
in ski out may have to do condos instead of
hotel
Comment:
______
Telluride: The Peaks again.
Comment:
______
Snowmass: Silvertree
Hotel: Ski in ski out. Great fun, close to Aspen,
hotel nice, but not as nice as The
Peaks
or Vail Cascade . Snowmass
great all level mountain with access to Aspen Mt
(harder mountain)
Comment:
_____
Aspen: Not really
considering this unless a core mass want it. Ski
in ski out is probably $1000 more than what our
trips have run in the past
Aspen mountain though is
not
Comment:
_____
Aspen: Further away from
the mountain. But since Aspen
mountain is pretty much for advanced intermediate
and above, the others may not mind because they'd
have to shuttle to Snowmass anyway.
_____
Jackson Hole: Staying on the mountain (bus to town
is about 25 minutes and not that much to do on
mountain)
_____
Jackson Hole: Staying in town with all the bars
and restaurants and taking the bus to the
hotel
Comment:
7)
Pricing: Our ski in ski out trips
last year for a week without air were
approximately $1800. Would you
a) be willing to pay this ?
b)
be willing to pay up to $_____
more for really good accommodations
c)
prefer to pay less for not as great
accommodations.. it's all about the
skiing. | |
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WE HAVE A
TWITTER ACCOUNT....
Just
getting started..
Follow us
@STEPPINOUTADV 
(More videos coming)
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WHAT ARE WE UP
TO?
HOW CAN YOU CAN
INVOLVED?
if you're
in the DC area, we are looking for volunteers, have a
wine tasting event and a biking event.
Jefferson Awards for Public Service National Gala
Event:
Steppin' Out is coordinating
certain aspects of the National Gala event in DC
including a service project for 130 high school students
who were awarded for
their community service.
We are also
overseeing volunteers. If anyone wants to help out on
either June 20 or 21 (particularly helping people get
around Capitol hill), we could still use
some help. Form with explanation is
here.
Arlington County Adventure Travel and Civic
Engagement Program for Baby
Boomers:
Arlington County, VA hired Steppin' Out to
develop and market an unique program geared toward baby
boomers and those about to be retired. It's
exciting to have another opportunity to combine
volunteerism and event planning. If anyone knows
anyone in Northern VA who this might fit,
here's the flyer.
Lymphoma
Research Foundation Bike Ride: As
in year's past, Steppin' Out has developed and managed a
50 mile (25 option) bike ride for the Lymphoma Research
Foundation in a beautiful part of Montgomery
county, Maryland.
June
26th in DC. BIke/Hike and/or WIne Tasting
The Lymphoma Research Foundation is hosting a
wine tasting event at Sugarloaf Winery. 1:00 p.m.
- 5:00 p.m (18125 Comus Road Dickerson, MD
20842)
The afternoon will feature three tastings
of the Vineyard's wines, as well as food provided by
Allos Therapeutics, great raffles, entertainment,
and a chance to gather to celebrate our past success
while kicking off the upcoming anniversary
Ride.
Prior to the wine tasting we are organizing a
bike ride and/or hike at Sugarloaf mountain (depending
on preference and numbers.
Cost of the event is $25 (unless you sign
up to be part of the Steppin' Out team for the bike ride
on Sept. 18.. then its is free). Sign up on the
website.
If you want to be part of the Steppin' Out Bike
Team for the Bike Ride on Sept. 18, 2011, that would be
great (or just help us volunteer)
www.lymphoma.org/ride2011
Marketing for
the WashingtonDCJCC We're
helping the JCC reach out to new families and developing
a Lamaze class with a Jewish twist. We're
developing the promotional campaign, but if anyone knows
where to reach young new Jewish families, blogs, tweets)
let me know.
World Academy for the Future of
Women On a persnoal note, I am
planning on being a facilitator at the Future Academy of
Women in China. See below. They are looking for people
to share life experiences. The facilitation is 5
weeks. There is a training June 24-26 in DC
for those who are interested and want to learn
more.
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IMAGINE THE DIFFERENCE YOU COULD
MAKE
BECOME A FACILITATOR AT THE WORLD ACADEMY FOR
THE FUTURE OF WOMEN
This
Academy was started to advance and accelerate Women's
Leadership Worldwide. They are seeking women to serve as
facilitators for this program. You don't need a
teaching degree.. you will be facilitating and coaching
women in China who are committed to acquiring skills and
confidence to become campus community, national and
global leaders. Everyone has something to share no
matter what you do as long as you can support young
women as they discover their passion and purpose.
If
you want to be a facilitator in China and can commit 5
weeks to working with amazing women from the West and
teaching young women from the east, you can have an
awesome experience. Everything is covered except for
your airfare.
visit
www.globalinteractions.org
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ABOUT US
Steppin' Out
Adventures is well known for hosting excellent group
travel and crafts its trip itineraries for those who
want more than a vacation. For over 16 years, we
have designed
trips primarily, but not exclusively, for Jewish
singles, who want to discover places
and cultures that you won't explore on an average
tour. Our
reputation of offering superb service has led us to
doing corporate events, custom trips, and now a focus on
families through our DO GOOD
ADVENTURES.
Our often off the beaten
track itineraries have us participating in activities
that gives us a chance to get to know the people of the
country we are visiting. Whether it's biking the hard to
reach villages in Thailand, hunting with the bushman in
Tanzania, living on a family ranch in Brazil or
working on a lion conservation project in South
Africa, we always put a bit of a twist to our
trips. We're not hard core, though we do have
challenging trips like climbing Kilimanjaro, but
we'll have weekends at local camps, wine tastings
and of course our legendary ski trips out west, as well
as cooking adventures in Crete or Peru.
But it's
not only the unique itineraries that make us different,
it is also our desire and success at facilitating a
bonding experience for participants both on our trips
and after (and we're humble as we mention that over 60
marriages and countless friendships and partnerships
have formed from our trips).
Try
one of our trips to see what we mean and learn why
people keep coming back
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Caribbean Culinary Tours Spring week-end
getaway's
To Jamaica, Antigua, Barbados St
Lucia
enjoy 4 days 3 nights of luxurious
accommodations
spa treatments, local cruise, cooking
lessons, and tropical dining
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