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Sharing a Love for Travel

Sharing a Love for Travel

Why I became a trip leader

My sister and I didn’t have much while growing up. Our parents worked odd hours to make ends meet, but no matter how hard it was for them, we were able to enjoy fun family vacations. I have fond memories of going to Universal Studios and riding the Backlot Tour attraction and the E.T. Adventure. We also drove to Las Vegas in an RV. There are pictures of me as a baby riding on top of an elephant in Thailand.

I have been fortunate to travel to several states and to places like China, Thailand, and Mexico. I had the pleasure of immersing myself in different cultures. It was a privilege to be able to do these kinds of trips, especially when I had money to do it on my own. However, I realized, after working at Hammer Residences, that not everyone had the same privileges as I did. Learning about our sister company, Hammer Travel, that provides all-inclusive vacations for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, piqued my interest back in 2017. The belief that everyone should have the ability to travel is what made me apply to become a Trip Leader, because I wanted the individuals that I supported to have the same experience I had when I was young.

Steve meets Minnie

One of my greatest experiences as a Trip Leader was leading a trip to Disneyland in September 2023. There were two brothers who had never traveled before. They experienced sheer joy visiting Disneyland and doing it independently. The eldest brother wanted to see the ocean. We made his dreams come true when we took the travel group to the Santa Monica Pier. He smiled from ear to ear, feeling the warmth of the sand between his toes, and getting to dip his legs in the ocean. It brought me joy to see him experience something I have done many times in my life.

Enjoying the Disney attractions

I also led a group on a Disney Cruise to the Bahamas in March 2023. One traveler was an avid traveler with Hammer Travel, but with his decline in health, wouldn’t be able to travel much longer. During departure to Florida, one of his family members told me that the Disney Cruise may be his last trip. I made it a priority that he would have the trip of a lifetime.

Being a Trip Leader for the past five years, I have seen the impact that we have on the travelers. From novice travelers to the most experienced, Hammer Travel creates memories that keep bringing travelers back wanting more. I hear stories from individuals I support about the exciting things they were able to do, things that wouldn’t be possible without the innovation and ingenuity from two former Program Managers who saw there was a need in this population. Hammer Travel broke the barriers by creating trips that are inclusive to all.

If you would like to learn more about Hammer Travel or becoming a Trip Leader, contact Tom Ryan at tom.ryan@hammer.org.

Steve Watanaskul is a Program Manager at Hammer & NER’s Arrive apartment program in Eden Prairie.

1 Comment

  1. Jeanne Ottman

    I work with a lady who has traveled with Hammer and you! The experience is deeply enriching for her. She returns talking of her fantastic adventures! Thank you so much!

    Reply

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