Let's Go Explore the Northland!

Frequently Asked Questions

How soon do I need to register ahead of time?
The more in advance the better for planning purposes.  Has the 3 week ahead of time period passed? Give me a call or send an email  - there may be space available.  Trips with theater events especially need advanced registrations. 

Can I sign up on my own? 
Certainly!  The trips are to be community events and people will meet other folks.  Sign up solo is just fine.  You may meet a new friend. 

What should I bring?
Bring an attitude to sit back and enjoy the day.  Bring your own food or $ for food, especially on trips that don't have a scheduled meal included.  You might want to bring a coat or even blanket for the outdoor events.  Bring water.  Bring a camera/phone if you wish.   

What if I have a suggestion for a trip?
Email wendyupnorth@yahoo.com or call me at 218-525-5098.  Perhaps more trips will be added this year or put in mind for a future year.

Is there a discount for youth?
Not typically but you can ask. 

Are the trips for seniors only? 
The trips have tended to have mostly retired people participate.  The minimum age is 10.  The maximum age is 110  :-)

Are these big bus tours?
No. You won't be herded around with 45 or so people in a 55 passenger bus.  These day trips are smaller group outings.  With a minimum of 22 participants registered by the deadline a 28 passenger bus will be the vehicle used. We do bathroom stops half-way on the longer trips.  Smaller vehicles may be used for smaller groups.

Are there discounts for groups?
 Does a group from a club you're in or a group from a workplace want to attend a day trip, let me know.  Groups of 10 or more may receive a discount or a special treat.  The group needs to pay all at once - one check (or PayPal).  Some events are excluded from this special.  Rittenhouse is not part of this special.

Where do we meet for a pickup?
The departure location often is Perkins West, 4005 Michigan St.  We have also done a pickup in Scanlon when the trip is heading south or in Superior if we head east.  Some trips are on too tight of a schedule for the extra pickup locations.  Sorry extra stops can not be made for one person.  

Who should go on a trip? 
Sign up on your own.  These day trips are opportunities for a short outing.  Sign up with a sibling or child/grandchild. The trips will be fun adventures for all.   Sit back - you won't need to drive or park.  
You might meet a new travel buddy, too and have some laughs.  

Are the trips wheel-chair accessible?  Sorry but the trips are not wheel-chair accessible.  We have had people with good stability but using walkers come.  Trips vary on how much walking is part of the trip.  We are always dropped off as close to the event/place as possible but within the museum/festival/performance theater there may be a fair amount of walking and steps. 

Are there discounts for low-income people?  This depends if enough people have signed up already.  Most of the fee goes to the place/event, transportation, and advertising.  I put in time making the trip arrangements, publicity and registration and handling inquiries.  I don't want cost to get in the way of someone attending.  Let's talk.  

What is the cancellation policy?
There is a refund less $20 processing fee for any trip with at least three weeks notice.  If it's less than 3 weeks there is no refund. You may find your own replacement for the seat. Note: If a theater or admission ticket has already been purchased for your seat your processing fee will be $20 plus the cost of the theater/admission ticket.  Please call 218-525-5098 if you need to cancel your trip seat. If you don't know if you can go on a trip it's best to wait to pay.  However, a trip may fill up and then no seats will be available.  

Should I bring money for tips?
The driver and tour host welcome tips.  An envelope may be passed for tips at the end of trips.  Thank you! 

Why was Up North Excursions created? 
I love to travel and to learn new things and share what I learn and learn from others.  I also am pretty good at organizing events (I've organized over 60 local art and gift fairs, 16 dulcimer festivals, multiple educational fairs, and research, develop, and deliver programs on local history, biographies, and travel.  I love to support arts/music/history/nature in the Northland.  Most events have admission fees to the theater performance/museum/zoo/festival.  These trips are bringing people to special places and events and supporting them.  In 2018, over $3600 went directly to the arts/music/history/nature places.  I'll continue as a list format because I like to make lists!
  1. Saves gas/reduces vehicles on the road/less parking of vehicles at the places/events.  This is a green activity. 
  2. Lets people go places to have a pleasant day out enjoying the Northland. (I could say I'm a community enhancement organizer - CEO)
  3.  Enables people to visit with family, friends/ fellow participants. 
  4.  No need to worry about directions. 
  5. Supports arts/music/history/nature places. 
  6.  Learning opportunities -  sometimes on the ride over on the trip I pass out questions to learn more about the place/events we are headed to. 
  7.  Traveling is uplifting and refreshing - it keeps us young.   I've been to all 50 states and several countries. These trips take people to places they may not have been to (because they don't drive, don't have anyone to go with,didn't know about it).  Come enjoy the region - throughout the year. 

Your Input is Welcome - where else should I promote the trips?  
Thank you for sharing the day trip announcements with others!