
What we’re about
Bringing back fun . . . and you are included!!
Join us!
This group is about getting out with other people and being social while doing it.
This group is about real life. So online messaging of people you have not met in real life is not allowed.
For the rest of any rules of conduct . . . they pretty much run along the lines of your average cabin group for a sleep-away Summer Camp.
Think of this group as . . . Summer Camp For Adults.
With that . . .
. . . Here are the basics of group rules.
- Do NOT contact members who you have not met in real life. (see above)
- Avoid Put Downs.
- Speak For Yourself.
- Listen To Others.
- You Have The Option To Pass.
- Expect Unfinished Business.
Attendance rules: Try to always update your RSVP.
Photo and Name: You are allowed to join with whatever name and whatever photo. HOWEVER the main organizers may request you change either name or photo a their discretion.
Names that are products, promotional, advertisements are red flags that will be requested to change or be removed.
If you are using a photo that is not your face, a current face photo may be requested.
Here is the rule of thumb.
Fake name and fake photo will be requested to change to a real photo and a real name or face removal.
Real photo and fake name is usually fine. Fake photo and real name is usually fine.
IF you need to maintain privacy of both then contact the main organizers and just ask. That's all it takes usually.
Can't stress this enough . . . As a guideline do not message people you have not met in person. This is not an online dating place.
Ladies: If a guy messages you please contact me. There have been problems with that happening over meetup in general.
It's just not cool.
Meetup is about real life and not virtual.
Guys, . . . get off your computer and come to an event. Say hello in person. Smile, . . . be personable and decent.
And just be there to get to know people and make friends of whatever gender.
You can always use new good friends.
And this is one way to make/meet them.
Wingman tactics and and Pickup artist tactics are similarly not allowed in this group.
Organizers of another group that are not an organizer or host here are also not allowed to solicit members.
The rest of the rule are just good ways to live and be.
All organizers on the group do have different set of rules.
The (organizer) rules simplified.
- No Emailing (do not use the bulk email feature in any way)
- Do NOT use the "discussions box" on the main page of the group (it's spammy).
- No outside links
- Great Copy
- Great Pix
- 4 weeks notice is best.
- List any money costs in the first 2 or 3 lines.
Not too many rules.
Not too complicated.
They all have to do with respect for the membership.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Sunday Eve w Joe: Seattle Waterfront Hike + Eats-n-Drinks + Hot Air Balloon GlowOlympic Sculpture Park, Seattle, WA
Hello all. Join me on this one-off SPECIAL EVENT! Spend 2+ hours hiking all along the Seattle Waterfront, then we'll stop for eats-n-drinks-n-socializing, then walk to Seattle Center for a special 9 pm Hot Air Balloon Glow.
Meet at 5 pm sharp at the fountain at the Olympic Sculpture Park (Corner of Broad Street and Alaska Way). We will walk along the Elliott Bay Trail, enjoying the sun, scenes, pocket parks, and the Expedia HQ. Then back along the Seattle Waterfront to the new stairs at the Aquarium that lead up to Pike Place. Then, back to near where we started for dinner at PUB 70. After dinner, we will walk to the Seattle Center which is closeby to watch the spectacular Hot Air Balloon GLOW!
More about the Hot Air Balloon Glow:
https://seattlecenter.com/events/event-calendar/seattle-center-hot-air-balloon-glow-up
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.Be aware, there is a Seattle Storm game at 4 PM at Climate Pledge Arena. Many going to that game will be getting downtown around 3 PM and parking in all the lots around the area. Lots may be full??
So, consider taking public transportation, or allowing extra time to park..
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ORGANIZER:
Joe Staiano 206-305-2200BRING:
A friend!
Water bottle
Snack
Hat
Sunscreen
Warm Sweater/Jacket for evening
$2 for organizer, and money for dinner
Camera for sure!OTHER INFO:
- Cross-posted w other Meetups and Facebook Group.
- As always, my events are open to all races, religions and identities.
- NO Smoking/Vaping. NO DogsPARKING
Even though its Sunday, allow PLENTY of time to find parking and get to meeting spot. Never leave any valuables in your car.
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DISCLAIMER:
SOA, 50+ Active and Awesome, Internation Travel and Adventures, and GUGOO Meetups are not professional guide services. Event leaders function as facilitators only to enhance your outdoor experience. You join this active event at your own risk and hold harmless Meetup leaders in the event of injury or loss.
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DREAMING of TRAVEL?
Organizer, Joe Staiano, is also a travel and tour professional with 28 years experience.. and for last 6 years has taken Seattle Meetup members on awesome tours to Baja, Costa Rica, Portugal, Iceland, Italy.
**JOIN US! Email organizer to get your name on the Adventure Tour email list. joe@meaningfultrip.com**
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2025 -
ITALY DOLOMITES - 9 days, Sept 13 - 21, 2025 .. SORRY, FULL
Classic hiking tour in the Dolomite mountains near the Italy / Austria border. Start and end in Venice, and enjoy multiple 3-night stays in quaint mountain towns. enjoy great hikes of 6 - 8 miles daily.
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2026
BAJA ADVENTURE WEEK
7 days, late February 2026.
Our 6th year running this popular tour.. kayaking, SUP, snorkeling w sea lions, swimming w whale sharks, and getting up close to momma and baby gray whales. 2 nights camping, 4 nights comfy hotel.
https://meaningfultrip.com/trips/north-america/mexico-baja/
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ICELAND NORTHERN LIGHTS QUEST
7 days, early March 2025
Our 3rd year running this tour. Last year's group had an absolute blast! Soaking in hot nature baths, hiking volcanic cones, exploring lava tunnels, glacier trekking.. and yes.. Northern Lights.
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New! PORTUGAL's CAMINO De SANTIAGO HIKING
9 days, late May 2026
We love Portugal and strong hikers will love this too! Enjoy Porto, then hike 12 - 14 miles per day following the famed 'Camino de Santiago' through a mix of urban and natural landscapes.
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New! NORWAY ULTIMATE ADVENTURE
14 Days, 3rd week of July, 2026
This is THE one you have all been asking for... NORWAY! Join this perfect 2 week blend of nature, culture, activities such as hiking, kayaking, and glacier trekking as we wind our way through art-filled cities, dramatic fjords
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**For detailed info, inquire at: joe@meaningfultrip.com**
And please visit https://www.meaningfultrip.com - Kayak Lake Union w Joe, Mon 5:30 pm. 70 degrees. Beginners Welcome.NWOC public dock on South Lake Union, Seattle, WA
One of Meetup's most popular events - Kayaking on Lake Union with Joe! Hey 'Men/Guys'.. we could use more.
You LOVE kayaking or want to try.. You CRAVE warmth & sunshine..
You DELIGHT in meeting new friends.
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Gorgeous, 70-degrees weather this Monday. Get out of work early.. it’s worth it!Great for BEGINNERS and experienced paddlers!
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Cross-posted w 50+ Active & Awesome and PNW Hiking & Adventures.
STRICT MAXIMUM GROUP SIZE of ONLY 14.KAYAKERS, Meet at NWOC, right at 5:20- 5:30pm.
BE ON TIME!Free parking after 4 pm.
As typical in Seattle, allow for extra time for traffic.
(Or, Metro Bus #40 stops right in front.)
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ORGANIZER:
Joe Staiano, 206-305-2200. (not avail after 5:30 pm, while kayaking)
joe@MeaningfulTrip(dot)com
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STRICT MAXIMUM OF 14 People. Cross-posted w other meetups. Only RSVP if you know you will make it.
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We have mix of double & single kayaks. We always pair any first-timer with a more experienced paddler in a double kayak.
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ANSWERS TO FREQUENT QUESTIONS:
OK for first-timers, YES
Is there a BATHROOM... YES
Is there changing room?.. YESSorry.. No SUP or inflatables
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APPROX COST FOR Hour & Half:
Approx $27 per person sharing double. $35 for single.
(pay when finished, NWOC takes cash or credit card).- Bring $3 cash per person for us to tip the NWOC Kayak staff
WHAT IS PROVIDED:
- Kayak, paddle, lifejacket
WHAT TO WEAR:
sneakers or sandals
shorts or pants that are OK to get a little wet
t-shirt and or long sleeve shirt.WHAT TO BRING:
Water bottle
sun hat
sun screen
sun glasses
dry shorts or pants to change into after
$3 cash to give to Joe to distribute tips to kayak staff
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OTHER IMPORTANT ITEMS:
-All my Meetups are always inclusive to all races, religions and identities
-Never leave any valuables visible in your car.
-Folks will give, wallets, car keys to joe, which are kept safely inside NWOC office. (never want to risk a wallet or keys falling into the lake)
.
DISCLAIMER:
50+ Active & Awesome, SOA, and International Travel and Adventures Meetups are not professional guide services. Event leaders function as facilitators only to enhance your outdoor experience. You join this active event at your own risk and hold harmless Meetup leaders in the event of injury or loss.***
***
***
DREAMING of TRAVEL?
Organizer, Joe Staiano, is also a travel and tour professional with 28 years experience.. and for last 6 years has taken Seattle Meetup members on awesome tours to Baja, Costa Rica, Portugal, Iceland, Italy.
JOIN US! Email organizer to get your name on the Adventure Tour email list. joe@meaningfultrip.com
..
..
2025 -
ITALY DOLOMITES - 9 days, Sept 13 - 21, 2025
(Sorry, all full)
Classic hiking tour in the Dolomite mountains near the Italy / Austria border. Start and end in Venice, and enjoy multiple 3-night stays in quaint mountain towns. enjoy great hikes of 6 - 8 miles daily.
.
2026
BAJA ADVENTURE WEEK
7 days, late February 2026.
Our 6th year running this popular tour.. kayaking, SUP, snorkeling w sea lions, swimming w whale sharks, and getting up close to momma and baby gray whales. 2 nights camping, 4 nights comfy hotel.
https://meaningfultrip.com/trips/north-america/mexico-baja/
.
ICELAND NORTHERN LIGHTS QUEST
7 days, early March 2025
Our 3rd year running this tour. Last year's group had an absolute blast! Soaking in hot nature baths, hiking volcanic cones, exploring lava tunnels, glacier trekking.. and yes.. Northern Lights.
.
New! PORTUGAL's CAMINO De SANTIAGO HIKING
9 days, late May 2026
We love Portugal and strong hikers will love this too! Enjoy Porto, then hike 12 - 14 miles per day following the famed 'Camino de Santiago' through a mix of urban and natural landscapes.
.
New! NORWAY ULTIMATE ADVENTURE
14 Days, 3rd week of July, 2026
This is THE one you have all been asking for... NORWAY! Join this perfect 2 week blend of nature, culture, activities such as hiking, kayaking, and glacier trekking as we wind our way through art-filled cities, dramatic fjords
.
.
For detailed info, inquire at: joe@meaningfultrip.com
And please visit https://www.meaningfultrip.com - Portugal and Spain with Running of the Bulls! Gaudi, Paella, Sintra & more..Location in Seatac, WA, Seattle, WA
Dine at the oldest restaurant in the world, visit iconic museums such as Prado and Guggenheim, be amazed at Gaudi's architecture, taste pinxtos, sip good Spanish wine and view the Running of the Bulls from your own private balcony! To top this off...visit Portugal with its rich history, vibrant culture and breathtaking views!
This is just a little taste of what awaits us on this awesome culinary and cultural adventure!
Spain is truly a magical and fascinating country - full of history, culture and oh...so much good food and fun time!!! Portugal's history is intertwined with Spain's, so it makes perfect sense to combine these two destinations and be amazed at the similarities and the differences.
We get to travel as locals, mostly by trains between the cities AND at the best time of year to be able to experience in person The Running Of The Bulls in Pamplona.CLICK HERE to see the photos from our 2022/2023 amazing adventures!
We visit:
- Lisbon (with Sintra an Unesco World Heritage)
- Porto
- Madrid
- Bilbao
- Pamplona RUNNING OF THE BULLS
- Barcelona
Guided tours in each city, breakfast daily and several dinners, museum entrances, tasting menus, Running of the Bulls w/balcony view, transportation throughout the trip and much more!
We travel as a group, and also have the flexibility of hop-on, hop-off tours and museum passes with "skip the line" so you enjoy a complete independence. You can take our organized tours or do your own thing, cater to your special interests, visit other sites and locations in the cities, while still being guided and aided with arrangements. You can do it independently, or you can join new friends traveling with you, and do it together. The idea is come alone, meet new like-minded people and make lifelong memories, without the "one size fits all" tour formula.
Price per person, double occupancy: $4850
(we match roommates for those wishing to share)
Price for single room: $6450Included:
- 13 nights in first class hotels with central locations
- Breakfast daily
- Dinner at Casa Botín in Madrid, founded in 1725, is the oldest restaurant in the world according to the Guinness Book of Records https://botin.es/
- Authentic Basque Foodie Tour in Bilbao
- Transportation between the 6 cities
- Arrival and departure transfers from airport to hotels and train stations
- City Sightseeing tours in Lisbon, Madrid and Barcelona
- Entrance tickets and guided tours at Sintra, Prado and Guggenheim museums, La Sagrada Familia, Park Guell and more
- Front Row Private Balcony to view (safely from above) the Running Of The Bulls in Pamplona
In addition to the services listed above, what's included mostly comes down to creating an awesome trip at a great value and balanced logistics, making new friends and lifelong memories.
Not Included:
x Transatlantic Airfare (we can help you arrange that)
x Meals not listed above
x Tips and any personal and accidental expensesThe only way to secure your spot is a $500 deposit
Click Here for Secure Deposit Link
Deposit is refundable up to 90 days before the departure (less PayPal fees).
Click Here and Fill out this Form if you are making a Deposit
Click Here to fill out our google info request form and receive detailed itinerary and inclusions.
Limited capacity of 24 total. This trip will fill up extremely quickly.We have designed this to include all the "must see" locations.
Click Here to Message Direct to Anna with any questions.
She can help you arrange the airfare and answer any logistics questions.
Click Here to see all our other fun eventsSOT 2000318-10
- Featured International Meetup Trips for 2025 & 2026Link visible for attendees
This group has some great local outdoorsy/adventure events.
As the main group leads for the group we do have some more involved adventures that take more planning than your average weekend hike or camping trip.
These are treks or adventure trips to epic places around the world.
Bucket List Experiences if you will.Here is what's ahead:
Aug 10-20, 2025 EPIC MACHU PICCHU! vis Short Inca Trail or Train!!
Aug 10-20, 2025 The Salkantay Trek EPIC MACHU PICCHU!
Oct 12-23, 2025 Jordan: Dana to Petra Trek with bonus of Wadi Rum
Jun 05-14, 2026 Costa Rica Eco Adventure
Jun 18-27, 2026 Mt Kilimanjaro Trek! One of the 7 Summits
Jul 05-14, 2026 Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda
Mar 06-16, 2027 Galapagos Islands Expedition
Apr 25-May 11, 2027 Everest Base Camp Yoga TrekWe have other overseas events, which are not that adventurous, but more refined and cultural.
How to learn more about the itinerary and prices?
What to do next?
How to attend?
What to pack?
What's included and not included?
Or any question you might have!!!You can send a direct meetup message:
https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=273063881In your message say which one and we can get the ball rolling from there and get you info.
The other easy way is to fill out our form. You can check-box several events that way.
https://forms.gle/cQdqYw74gAYqphXX8ALSO . . .
We have a monthly Q & A video conference call to answer it all!
Rsvp on this event and join us on the listed date at 6pm Pacific time.
Here is the link to join https://meet.google.com/irp-rnyi-fgbRSVP here and we will send you a reminder too!!
What's that? You want to see what the events look like?
pix Pix PIX . . . everybody lives pix!! Here are some galleries of past Treks
Everest Base Camp Trek Photo Album
https://photos.app.goo.gl/jtHi3tTjVhYGjtc19
Machu Picchu Salkantay Trek Photo Album
https://photos.app.goo.gl/1cveVTS54VkziKba6
Kilimanjaro Trek Photo Album
https://photos.app.goo.gl/xxemRMegDqTHHi4UA
Galapagos https://photos.app.goo.gl/chQ3swWt4jGiAabx5Take a look at the pix. Send us a note. Fill out the event form. RSVP here . . . whatever!! Get the ball rolling on your next adventure. Come and join us!!
The posted date and time of this event is a zoom call.
Here is the video call link to join https://meet.google.com/irp-rnyi-fgb