UPCOMING TRIPS

Come with an open-mind, and the world will open to you.
These trips focus on connections with locals, fellow travelers, self, the natural world, and fun.

Double occupancy $3,290; single occupancy $3,490

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Cuba

February 22-28, 2026

PRICE

Double occupancy $ 3,290

Single occupancy $ 3,550

WHAT TO EXPECT

Cuba is the closest completely-different-world you can find from the States. Shaped by colonialism, communism, isolating U.S. policy, years of hardship, incredible arts & culture, an environment of astounding Caribbean beauty, and an ethic of human
connection, this island is unlike anything else..

We will likely visit some of the foundational sites of Havana—El Museo de la Revolución, Old Havana, etc—but our largest focus is understanding Cuban life through meaningful exchange with Cubans themselves.

We might learn something about Cuban food and cooking, hear and/or dance to live music, talk to people about how their country has changed in their lifetimes, and meet neighbors. Past trips have included activities that vary from visiting farms and schools to learning about the Orishas (spirits that play a key role in the Yoruba religion) to enjoying meals with Cuban families in their homes. We sometimes visit Soroá, about 90 minutes outside Havana, to see a variety of Cuban flora & fauna. This trip is likely to include similar delights along with some new ones.

A NEW ADDITION is a 2-night trip to the Bay of Pigs, the southern coast of the island. Roughly 2-2.5 hours from Havana, this area offers hiking, the Zapata National Park, one of the largest swamplands of the country, the opportunity to enjoy a rich history based around the 1961 invasion, a more rural feel, and of course, fresh seafood.

• Lodging for all nights--in Havana we stay at Kerida Guesthouse or another similar property neaby: https://en.kerida-cuba.com/.
• Breakfast every morning
• Welcome Party & dinner, along with at least 2 other meals
• Entrance fees/admission to main activities
• Transportation to and from activities, including Bay of Pigs
• The expertise of our local partners

Contact Bridget with any questions or to make payment arrangements: bridgetmhardy@hotmail.com
574.876.7786

Cuba: Havana

Summer Dance Camp

May 29-June 3, 2026

PRICE

Before March 31:

Double occupancy $ 1,395

Single occupancy $ 1,495

After March 31:

Double occupancy $ 1,495

Single occupancy $ 1,595

WHAT TO EXPECT

The birthplace of Salsa, a city of music & dance, great instructors, always the beat of drums & the pulse of life, and so much more...

Cuba is the closest completely-different-world you can find from the States. Shaped by colonialism, communism, isolating U.S. policy, years of hardship, incredible arts & culture, an environment of astounding Caribbean beauty, and an ethic of human connection, this island is unlike anything else.

INCLUDES:

5 nights lodging in Kerida guesthouse or guesthouse nearby--in the Vedado neighborhood of Havana
(https://en.kerida-cuba.com/)

Breakfast every morning

2-4 hours group dance instruction daily (except Beach day) which will include Afro-Cuban movement, Salsa, and more--all of it with inescapable rhythm & musicality

Daily individual work with a dance instructor

Welcome Party--Dinner & Dance
at Cimarron w/ Christa & Alexis & Friends

Goodbye Party--Dinner & Dance
at Elo's House

Beach day bus/van transport

Guidance on how to book your flight and purchase your travel Visa (but does NOT include price of those things)

We will also contribute to a wonderful community project and will only support Cuban-run business/initiatives (rather than government sponsored facilities)--because we'd want to anyway--but also to stay within the confines of our Support for the Cuban People licensing category

They'll be plenty of time outside of these events to explore Old Havana on your own or with friends, get extra dancing or music in at nearby venues, catch a taxi to the beach for a little extra ocean time, relax, see art, etc...recommendations and suggestions for extra adventures a part of the trip.

Contact Bridget with any questions or to make payment arrangements: bridgetmhardy@hotmail.com
574.876.7786

PRICE

Double occupancy $2,250

Single occupancy $2,500

• 5 nights lodging at either an 1882 Historic Guest Ranch of 10 bedrooms and 9 bathrooms, patio and spacious grounds (pending full group) or smaller Animal Rescue Ranch with goats & donkeys

• Light informal breakfast every morning at the Ranch

• All lunches on hiking days (we'll pack 'em before we go)

• Other activities that may/could include horseback riding/a fry bread cooking lesson/a visit to a rodeo family's farm; (Activities determined by group interest ahead of time)

• At least one dinner--remaining dinners will be a mix of what we prepare together at the Ranch and restaurants in downtown or nearby Tucson

• All transportation to and from trailheads and required park fees

Contact Bridget with any questions or to make payment arrangements: bridgetmhardy@hotmail.com
574.876.7786

Tucson:

Trails & Tranquility

December 3-8, 2026

Enjoy the Sonoran desert!

This trip is a mix of hiking and simple enjoyments--Mexican food, some desert solitude, perhaps a scenic horseback ride, watching a road runner here or there...

We'll do at least three different day hikes, savor the sunshine and time to relax at our spacious ranch near the Santa Catalina mountain range of northeast Tucson. Hikes will be based on weather and group capability, but vary in terms of desert elevation and scenery.

Many activities will be shaped by group interest, from live music to fry bread cooking lessons to visiting a rodeo family farm to Pilates and Yoga. This trip is about the Southwest and individual restoration in many forms, from good times over communal meals, to physical activity, to quiet connection with the big night sky or the peaks, valleys and people surrounding us

Our group will be 5-12 folks.
Please make sure you're in good physical shape, starting with the ability to walk 5+ miles fairly easily.

Additional Information:

General Travel Article:
https://places.travel/.../tucson-an-oasis-in-the-sonoran...

The Desert Museum (an optional excursion):
https://www.desertmuseum.org/

Barry Morenz, one of our hiking guides:
https://content.sierraclub.org/outings/staff/barry-morenz

WHAT TO EXPECT

WHAT'S INCLUDED

PRICE

Double occupancy $2,290

Single occupancy $2,550

• 5 nights lodging at the ranch

• Light informal breakfast every morning at the Ranch and some lunches + one brunch

• Two additional meals out--our time together will mix eating out and communal meals at "home"

• Most group activities & transportation to and from activities

Contact Bridget with any questions or to make payment arrangements: bridgetmhardy@hotmail.com
574.876.7786

Tucson:

Paws, Plants & Play

December 10-15

Stay on an Animal Rescue Ranch with a view of the mountains, enjoying time with nature, & humans & animals alike.

Walk the donkeys. Fill the hay bags. Brush the goats. Volunteer opportunities at the ranch offer us the chance to interact with new animal friends and help the mission to rescue and care for more animals.

We'll also enjoy plant-based food at local Tucson restaurants and have at least one communal dinner where we each make a simple plant-based recipe of our own choosing or assist another participant in bring their recipe to life.

Many activities will be shaped by group interest, from live music to wildlife walks in the foothills to strolling 4th Avenue in downtown Tucson, an eclectic mix of galleries, restaurants & novelty in general.

Other activities determined by group interest (Outdoor Desert Museum? Live music? Mural Tour? Desert Botanical Gardens? Art Walk? Cooking Class? The Maverick Country Western Bar/Line Dancing?)

Our group will be 5-12 folks.
No need to be a total plant-based eater to enjoy, but you'll probably appreciate the food more if you're able to appreciate plant-based cuisine. Some of the restaurants we go to will have meat options, most will have dairy options, and all will have vegan (totally plant-based options). Being curious and open always helpful when traveling, in terms of food and everything else!

Additional Information:

General Travel Article:
https://places.travel/.../tucson-an-oasis-in-the-sonoran...

The women-owned Animal Rescue Ranch:

https://www.facebook.com/p/Tucson-Animal-Rescue-100083711836925/

Our brunch spot:

https://delcielotamal.com/

WHAT TO EXPECT

WHAT'S INCLUDED

SHORT & SWEET TRIPS

PRICE

$70

PRICE

Double occupancy $625

Single occupancy $530

Held annually in September, the Michigan Irish Music Festival is a world-class celebration of Irish culture & heritage.

It features 6 stages of live music, culture, dance, and more. The Celtic Kitchen, The Tavern, & Craic Alley offer food & of course, Guinness, and activities abound (ex: Celtic Canines! Highland Games!)

Over 20,000 people attend the Festival every year--2017 saw a record 35K!--and a large portion of festival proceeds benefit local non-profits.

Check out: michiganirish.org

Includes Airbnb lodging with other fun folks (rooms private; common space shared) for Friday & Saturday.

Music Festival Ticket for Friday Night & All-Day Saturday

Basic Airbnb supplies---Snacks & Coffee

Sunday we'll enjoy optional Lake Time or a return to the Festival (10:20 AM-Noon admission free on this final day)

Plenty of options for free time throughout the weekend/autonomy, but also a good dose of community/group fun if you want it.

Contact Bridget with any questions or to make payment arrangements: bridgetmhardy@hotmail.com
574.876.7786

Gorgeous Goshen:

Biking Day Trip

June 14, 2026

Depart from Abshire Park at 9:30 AM
Return to Abshire Park around 2 PM (rough estimate)

Cycle around the Goshen southern and western boundaries. See the current state and future developments of the Maple City Greenway. Experience bicycling route options for food and fun. See brew pubs and other local points of interest.

Our guide is Evan “the Am-Bad-Ass-Ador” Bontrager and Andrea Milne (pictured L), Goshen pedestrian activists who know bikes, trails & drinks as well as the fine folks of their fair city.

Must have a bike & legs suitable to go 21 miles tota (a couple bikes avail for borrowing)l; broken into four sections 6 miles or less in this day trip.

You’ll bring water and appropriate clothing, but breakfast, route, lunch, leadership, and entertaining Goshen anecdotes provided.

Approximately 21 miles over 3.5 - 4 hours

Contact Bridget with any questions or to make payment arrangements: bridgetmhardy@hotmail.com
574.876.7786

WHAT TO EXPECT

Irish Music Festival & Lake Time in Muskegon

September 18-20, 2026

WHAT TO EXPECT

Pumpkin Vine Perfection:

Biking Day Trip

August 13, 2026

Another bike trip--added by popular demand!

Enjoy the Pumpkin Vine Trail and adjoining bike paths near and around Goshen, as well as scenic stops, snacks and lunch.

Must have a bike & legs suitable to go 25-30 miles total with plenty of breaks. You’ll bring water and appropriate clothing, but breakfast, route, lunch, leadership, and entertaining anecdotes provided

Our guide is Evan “the Am-Bad-Ass-Ador” Bontrager and Andrea Milne (pictured below), Goshen pedestrian activists who know bikes, trails & drinks as well as the fine folks of their fair city.

You’ll bring water and appropriate clothing, but breakfast, route, lunch, leadership, and entertaining Goshen anecdotes provided.

Contact Bridget with any questions or to make payment arrangements: bridgetmhardy@hotmail.com
574.876.7786

PRICE

$75

CONTACT US

Contact Bridget Hardy to Learn whether HardynessTravel Adventures are right for you!