adventure/travel programs
Any adult can join The Wayfaring Band on tour!
Our trips are open to adults who experience intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), as well as caregivers, students, teachers, professionals, activists, retirees, and interested community members. Many of our virtual offerings are now open to the whole family… not just adults.
No matter your desire for exploration, growth, and transformation, The Wayfaring Band has an adventure in store for you. Be a part of it!
All members of the band have access to the same experiences on tour: adventurous activities, recreation and relaxation with friends, and a chance to increase life and leadership skills by participating in our vigorous social leadership program.
We limit each tour to approximately 16 travelers including staff, which helps ensure an intimate, customized experience. Unless otherwise noted, fees listed are all-inclusive, covering all meals, tips, activities, lodging, and transportation originating from Denver.
Our programs are best for travelers who can be successful with a 1:4 staff-to-client ratio. If you have more questions about if our programs are a fit for you, check out the FAQ sections of our various Traveler pages, or feel free to contact us to learn more. Ready to register? Shoot us an email!
Upcoming Tours!
Cocoa Beach, Florida
(Full, accepting signups for waitlist)
February 11th - 16th [6 days | 5 nights]
$4,000 all inclusive
Let’s escape the cold and dive into the laid-back charm of Cocoa Beach, where sun-kissed shores meet thrilling adventures. We’ll stroll along the iconic Cocoa Beach pier, savor local eats in colorful downtown, and soak in stunning sunsets over the Banana River. We’ll visit the nearby Port Canaveral and Kennedy Space Center, kayak through mangrove tunnels looking for manatees and dolphins. We’ll eat key lime pies, relax at the beach, and maybe eat key lime pies on the beach. Every moment is infused with a sense of wonder and Cocoa Beach promises an unforgettable getaway filled with relaxation and discovery. Pack your sunscreen and let’s head to the beach!
This trip is best for travelers who enjoy swimming/water activities and beaches.
Pacific Coast Highway, California
(Full, accepting signups for waitlist)
March 25th - 30th [6 days | 5 nights]
$4,000 all inclusive
Soak up the sun and surf of Southern California on our Pacific Coast Highway Tour.
We’ll hop on the PCH with stops at some of the area’s most famous beaches. Huntington, Newport, and Laguna beaches, oh my! We’ll catch professional surfers riding the waves, search for sea life in tide pools, and stroll along the area's many boardwalks and piers. Did we mention beaches? We’ll picnic on the beach at Crystal Cove State Park, follow the coastline in group pedal bikes and cozy up on the beach for a movie under the stars. If the stunning views of the PCH and smell of ocean air are calling your name, this is the perfect tour for you!
This tour is great for those with a sense of adventure, but at a slower pace and are okay with a bit of travel each day.
Louisville, Kentucky (accessible)
(Full, accepting signups for waitlist)
May 13th - 18th [6 days | 5 nights]
$4,200 all inclusive
Let’s head south to the “Derby City”, Louisville, Kentucky! We’ll stroll through Cherokee Park (designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the creator of Central Park), delve into baseball history at the Slugger Museum, home of the world’s largest baseball bat, and savor the rich flavors of Kentucky bourbon on a tasting tour. We’ll visit Churchill Downs and go underground to explore Mammoth Cave National Park. We’ll wander through downtown’s charming shops adorned with public art, then unwind with a scenic riverboat ride on the Belle of Louisville. At sunset, we’ll watch the magical light show at the Big Four Bridge and eat all the soul food our bellies can handle. Louisville, here we come!
This tour is best for travelers seeking a mixture of city life and outdoor exploration who don’t mind some bustling days and ground transportation.
Olympic National Park, Washington
(Full, accepting signups for waitlist)
June 17th - 23rd [7 days | 6 nights]
$4,500 all inclusive
It’s time for a tour of the Pacific Northwest, so it's off to Olympic National Park we go! We’ll make our way from Seattle to Forks (calling all Twilight fans!) and head north to Port Angeles through the captivating rugged coastline and crashing waves that define the region. We’ll hop in kayaks to row our way through the crystal blue water of Lake Crescent, look for steelhead trout at the Salmon Cascades on the Sol Duc River, and feel the misty ocean breeze at Second Beach. And for the pièce de résistance, the Hoh Rainforest. This spectacularly temperate rainforest is known to be one of the quietest places on earth. The symphony of birdsong and rustling leaves invites us to pause and breathe in the magic of this vibrant ecosystem. Get ready to feel inspired, rejuvenated, and in awe of the natural world!
This trip is best for travelers who enjoy road trips and the great outdoors.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (accessible)
(Full, accepting signups for waitlist)
July 15th - 20th [6 days | 5 nights]
$4,400 all inclusive
Join us on an exhilarating journey through Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, a city brimming with hidden gems and vibrant culture. Starting at Point State Park, the confluence of three rivers creates a lively gathering spot filled with locals. We’ll explore the elegant Frick Campus and the bustling Strip District, and feel the warm and fuzzies at the Mr. Rogers Memorial. What will we eat in the Burgh? Primanti Brothers sandwiches, Pierogies, Pittsburgh salad, and Pamela’s Hotcakes, of course. We can’t forget the art scene - it’s off to the Mattress Factory and the Andy Warhol Museum. This city’s charms and quirks are around every corner - let’s dive in!
This trip is perfect for travelers who like a bustling city with a side of charm.
Palisade Peach Tour, Colorado
(Full, accepting signups for waitlist)
August 14th - 18th [5 days | 4 nights]
$3,350 all inclusive
All Coloradans know what happens in August - it’s Palisade peach season. So let’s celebrate the right way, by going to the Annual Peach Festival! We’ll hit the road to Palisade and visit the Fruit and Wine Byway’s many orchards and vineyards, tasting the local fare at each stop. Peach jam, peach tea, peach wine, peach pie, and oh there's a peach eating contest for those who dare. We’ll celebrate the 140 year-long journey of peach farming in the Grand Valley by dancing to live music at the base of Colorado’s famous Grand Mesa. This journey is not just a getaway; it’s a celebration of flavor, nature, and history in the heart of our beautiful state!
This tour is perfect for travelers looking for an adventure close to home and traveling by car.
Ireland and the wild atlantic way
(Full, accepting signups for waitlist)
October 7th - 17th [11 days | 10 nights]
$6,800 all inclusive
Let’s journey across the pond to the Emerald Isle! Starting in Dublin, we’ll immerse ourselves in the striking Irish culture, from pubs to public markets, live music and brilliant local food, and get the tour of a lifetime at The Little Museum of Dublin. From Galway to Dingle to the many towns in between, we’ll explore castles on remote countrysides, ancient stone formations, miles of rolling green hills and stone fences, and sheep - we’ll see lots of sheep. We’ll hope for blue skies at the Cliffs of Moher and sip on Irish Whiskey when it’s cool and rainy. Order up for Shepherd's Pie, soda bread, Irish stew, seafood chowder, and heaps of potatoes in every form. Are the green rolling hills, warm culture, and delicious accents calling your name?! Erin go Bragh
Passport required. This trip is best for travelers who are okay with long travel days and excited to experience a different culture.
Mini Magazine: I’ve Been Not Going Anywhere Since I’ve Been Here
A Handmade Zine Chronicling Nearly A Year in the Lives of Some Waylaid Wayfarers
The records and reflections compiled in this zine include activities, memories, conversations, collaborations, and celebrations of our collective efforts to resist loneliness and fear during a time of extreme change and uncertainty. By centering the lived experiences of people with Down syndrome, autism, developmental delays, genetic differences, and other intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), we aim to capture the vital voices of our community, preserving and uplifting them for future generations.
You can enjoy the zine online by downloading the digital viewing version below. If you’d like to print your own copy at home, download the printable version instead, and then be sure to print on both sides of the paper for the best results.
It’s free to enjoy our zine, but we invite you to make a tax-deductible online donation to help keep our engine running until we’re back on the road again. Thank you!
BIPOC Caucus POSTER: How do race and disability intersect?
A Graphic Recording of Discussions between Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color (BIPOC) with and without Disabilities
On May 25, 2020, George Floyd, a 46-year-old Black man, was killed in Minneapolis, Minnesota while being arrested for allegedly using a counterfeit bill. In the weeks that followed, protests in support of Black lives and against police brutality erupted around the world. Within our local community, we wondered how Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color (BIPOC) with and without disabilities were being affected. We created a discussion group that included both program participants and staff members of color from the band so they could discuss the intersection of race and disability in a safe space among peers. The caucus met weekly through July and August and included 19 members of The Wayfaring Band. For the final three sessions, the caucus members were joined by a graphic recorder who bore witness to their conversations and recorded the highlights, designing a poster in four parts. The poster poses three essential questions:
How has racism harmed me?
What does belonging mean to me?
How can you help?
People with disabilities make up a third to half of all people killed by law enforcement officers. Disabled people of color, in particular Black and Native people with disabilities, experience the highest risk. We invite our community to spend some time reflecting on the suggestions outlined in the lower section of the poster, titled “How Can You Help?” We all play a role in dismantling white supremacy culture and embodying anti-racist ideals.
Feel free to download a copy of the poster so it’s easier to view on your computer. You may also print the poster to hang in your home or office.
NEED SOME FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE?
The Wayfaring Band offers need-based scholarships to all our travelers. Please reach out to us if you require financial assistance. We are motivated to help all individuals access our services.
Covid Policy:
Up to date, Covid-19 vaccination is required to participate in travel programs with The Wayfaring Band. This includes COVID-19 boosters for those who are eligible. Participants must be able to correctly and independently wear a face mask during times when the group occupies public spaces including gas stations, hotel lobbies, and restaurants. Throughout the duration of the program, Wayfaring staff will follow safety and cleaning guidelines that meet or exceed those recommended by the Center for Disease Control (CDC). The Wayfaring Band regularly updates our health and safety protocols according to guidance provided by our Nurse Consultant, as well as the wisdom and recommendations from other health professionals.
Even when completely vaccinated, breakthrough cases can occur. If a participant or staff member begins to show symptoms of Covid-19 while engaged in one of our programs, that person will be isolated and their symptoms monitored for 24 hours. The participant’s parent or guardian will be notified at that time. If the participant’s symptoms show no change or worsen during isolation, the participant’s parent or guardian will be required to come to pick them up from the program location so they can receive appropriate medical attention.