First RS Travel Meeting . . .what to bring?

Hi Tim,
I usually bring several of the most popular current RS guidebooks, depending on who's coming to the meeting. If I know of a trip someone's planning for Eastern Europe say--and I have the book already--I bring it. I also have a world map which I tape on the table as well as a couple of Rick's planning maps. Maybe bring a RS Phrase book or two just for people to browse through to see how great they are.
Sometimes we have show and tell if someone has found an item or two that works really well and sometimes a backpack and/or rolling bag but these are all extras and certainly not necessary for your first meeting.
When we first started, I would have some topics noted to make sure the conversation didn't lag. Ha! that was NEVER necessary! Sometimes I have a difficult time getting us OUT of our "backroom" when our allotted time is up! (10:30-1:00)
I also bring a notebook in case someone has questions that can't be answered at the moment.
PS: you'll find that you'll have instant friends because of your common love of travel! Enjoy!

If the location has wi-fi you might bring a laptop or tablet to look things up.

Do you call the location ahead of time to get permission in case the group lingers? Do you also put a time limit?

"I would have some topics noted to make sure the conversation didn't lag. Ha! that was NEVER necessary! Sometimes I have a difficult time getting us OUT of our "backroom" when our allotted time is up! (10:30-1:00)"

Hahahahaha.....oh gosh yes. NO problem with travelers talking. And talking. And Talking!

The map Darcy brings is really useful. We've got 2 of our core members who travel frequently to Ukraine and some of the countries in that area. My geography is tenuous for that part of the world and it's always good to see where they are talking about.

Yes to a tablet or iPad if there is WIFI. On the times that I have not had some kind of notepad with me, those are the times I needed to write something down either for myself or someone else.

Have fun! I love our meet-ups. Sometimes it's fewer folks, sometimes a bunch. We've got a core of 5 or 6 with others who come and go.

As far as the ending, we have our room booked until 1:00 and everyone usually starts gathering to go between 1230 and 1 (one bathroom for the cafe so we take turns, haha).

Yes, Claudette, we have the back room reserved for the 3rd Saturday of the month for the entire year, except December when we're too busy to meet and the roads are too icy. One World Café in Moscow starts charging for longer than 2-1/2 hours. I don't think other groups use private rooms so don't have to reserve or reserving isn't offered.

Maybe some stick-on name tags and a marker pen? Usually the organizer puts Rick Steves books on the table so people can easily identify the group. And to get the conversation started -- "where have you travelled" and "where are you going next" are about all you need.
Enjoy!

If you’ve got a photo slideshow from your last trip on your laptop it may be fun for someone to look at.

We always bring a couple of guidebooks. I like to bring my trip journal. Sometimes we'll bring other things by special request - I did a packing demo once, Kim has brought her wonderful scrapbooks occasionally.

For the first meeting I'd just bring guidebooks, maybe some photos. As Darcy and Pam noted, you will not run out of things to talk about. Even when there are only two of us at our meeting, we fill the time. This is the one time you can be sure to tell your travel tales without your interlocuters' eyes glazing over. Have fun! We love our monthly meetings.

“This is the one time you can be sure to tell you travel tales without your interlocuters' eyes glazing over. Have fun! We love our monthly meetings.”

Truth!!

The coffee cafe where we meet is often filled with students from one of 2 local universities. Often someone will be sitting in the room when we get there. I try to get there ahead and then explain we have a meeting at 10:30 but they are welcome to stay. We’ve had a couple of kids take us up on the offer!! The others quickly gather up their stuff and bolt as if being stuck in a room full of mostly seniors talking travel is a fate worse than ...whatever!!

I would think that any special travel items that you have would be nice to bring so others can have a look-see. Bags, little items one finds invaluable... those are things I would like to see and put my hands on. For instance, I just purchased some green bags last fall that fold into themselves and are small enough to tuck into a pocket of my tiny purse, or the special hangers and clips I always carry. Things that make the trip easier or more enjoyable would be high on my list of things to share.

With you in spirit.

Having lived just a mile or two from there in a former life (wife at Hughes) I almost said a bike or surfboard. But I see you will be inland a bunch and on the highway so dunno....

a smile?

Thanks so far to all the suggestions. The first turnout may be somewhat on the light side, but at least the group is starting. I am a little surprised no one has mentioned a secret handshake or decoder ring yet . . .

@Tim, good work! Even if the first meeting is small, keep going (same date, same time, same place) for several months before trying to fine-tune.

Don't forget to post an announcement about a week before each meeting. People have to repeat an action a few times before it becomes a habit. (Or an addiction...)

You get the secret handshake and decoder ring AFTER initiation. You'll get a secret email on that....the drop will be hidden in a hollowed out Blue and Yellow guide book.

hahahaha!!!

Laura B, you are so right about the addiction. Our core group loves our meetings; we start sending emails and messages weeks ahead of time.

And you're also right about it taking a while to catch on. There are three of us who have made (almost) every meeting. Some months we have one extra person - or none; This past January we had 15 people there! I don't expect that to hold, but it was encouraging.

Hope to be able to swing by! It's a longer journey for me so I might try to look up the local thrifts/antique stores and see what I can do to make a day out it :)

Don't forget to send the franchise fee to Lee or Frank. I'm sure they will take real good care of it....

natalierensink, glad you'll be able too make it. I too have a long drive, coming from Santa Clarita. But that won't deter me to talk travel!