OC Travel Buddies & Local Events!

Colorful Cuba
January 14th - January 22nd, 2026

Our friends at PhotoFly Travel Club (https://www.photoflytravel.com/) are going back to Cuba. This small group tour is the ideal way to get up close and personal with this colorful country's people, food, culture, and incredible scenery. From the rural Viñales Valley with its gorgeous landscapes and friendly locals, to the romantic sea wall in Cienfuegos, to Trinidad with its colorful buildings and cobblestone streets, we're just scratching the surface of these unforgettable experiences that await us. Learn about Cuba’s proud and patriotic culture, its tumultuous history, its thriving arts scene, and its burgeoning entrepreneurial spirit.

It is an excellent program full of surprises, fun, and off the beaten path sights - and it is 100% legal! Take this once in a lifetime trip to this undisturbed Caribbean gem!

• 8N/9D throughout the best of Cuba with amazing off the path experiences!
• One-of-a-kind "casa particulares" (small converted homes & guesthouses!)
• Privately guided adventures and local experts throughout
• Breakfast every day
• 4 Dinners, 6 Lunches INCLUDED
• Legal, licensed & permitted program with all USA compliance requirements met under the SCP Program

Join Here: https://photoflytravel.org/tour/cuba-small-group-tours/
Email us at joinus@photoflytravel.com for the daily itinerary!

Havana

• Old Havana: Privately guided walking tour including many of the historical sites
• Fusterlandia & Jaimanitas Fishing Village: Colorful fishing village made famous by local artist, Jose Fuster, outside Havana

Soroa

• UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
• Callejon de Hamel: Street art project where resident Salvador Gonzáles Escalona has decorated and painted in vibrant colors a pedestrian alleyway with scrap objects
• Las Terrazas: Mountain community was built as a reforestation project in the 1960s and is now part of the same UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
• Orchid Garden: Specialized botanical garden, with a collection of 20,000 specimens and more than 350 species of orchids

Viñales

• Sustainable Farm Discovery: Cuban farmer and his family who'll show us around their organic farm and explain the methods they use to grow their produce without pesticides or artificial fertilizers
• Valley Walking Tour & Tobacco Plantation: A beautiful walk through the valley to a local tobacco farm to learn about the making of Cuba’s famous cigars
• Cuban Cooking Class: Learn to cook Cuban-style with a cooking demonstration of 'platos tipicos'.

Cienfuegos

• Bay of Pigs: Scenic drive along the site where the Bay of Pigs occurred in 1961.
• Sinkhole or Ocean Snorkel: Stop for a swim and snorkel in the ocean or by a sinkhole which resembles a huge natural tropical fish tank.
• Guided Orientation Walk & Palacio de Valle : A short walk to see and learn the local landmarks followed by a visit to the Palacio de Valle, an "Arabian Nights" like aspiring restaurant with a fantastic terrace bar.

Trinidad

• Guided Trinidad Walk: Cultural tour of numerous churches, museums, and many colonial buildings
• Learn to Bartend: Bartending demonstration and discussion of the history behind Cuba’s most popular cocktails.
• Salsa Lesson: Visit a local dance school for a demonstration and lesson in the dances of Cuba
• Salto de Javira Waterfall: An easy hike to this beautiful waterfall, perfect for photos and a dip to cool off.
• Dinner on the Beach: Weather permitting, we'll celebrate this amazing journey together with a feast on the beach!

Email us at joinus@photoflytravel.com for the daily itinerary!

Price: $2,549
Single Supplement: $795

Check out our club's official trip page: https://photoflytravel.org/tour/cuba-small-group-tours/

SATURDAY 10:00 BIKE OCEAN TRAILS – SOCIAL EXERCISING
Newport Beach Ocean Trails to Huntington Beach and back.. Great for first timers, shy people, and expert riders. Are you ready for a beautiful fun day? Open for all levels and should have a basic level of fitness and be willing and able to ride as part of a supportive group. Well organized, informal, and fun exercising while socializing. We have scheduled stops along the way to ‘Group Up’ and hydrate. Bring any kind of bike or rent one. Rentals are EZ - see end of this post.
JUST SHOW UP
Haven’t ridden a bike in a while? New to Meet Up or if this seems too challenging or uncertain – just come and do the first part. This is how the ride is designed. The point is to get out and show up for social exercise in the beauty of where we live. (EZ Bike Rentals – see end of post)
A MICRODOSING LIFE RIDE.
If you are in a hurry to get somewhere – this is not the ride for you because the journey IS the destination.
LEADER
Roz – 714-728-2033
Text with questions.
If motivated to support these rides the Zelle is aeroebizdev@gmail.com
HISTORY OF OCEAN BIKE TOURS
We have led over 475 bike tours over recent years on bike paths, side roads and paved trails (No PCH) along the ocean from Laguna Beach to the Queen Mary. Meet new friends, like-minded people, exercise and enjoy the beauty of where we live. Please read the entire post.
PARKING
There is free, safe, and easy parking at the start. It is a dead-end street. If you are renting a bike, Liam the rental shop owner will deliver the your rental to the start at the Galley Cafe.
SELF REGULATED FUN
We ride as a safe, supportive group for casual exercise in well-organized rides and everyone is Self-Responsible. You should have a basic level of fitness and show up with a bike in good working order or rent a bike. You are responsible for You. Helmets HIGHLY recommended.
START
10:00 sharp! – Saturday - Leaving from the Galley Cafe - 829 Harbor Island Dr in Newport Beach 92660. Come early and relax.
RETURN BY
3:00+/- Route is designed to be individually shortened as needed.
BIKE RENTALS – WHERE TO PARK
If you are bringing your bike park at the start – Galley Café.
If you do not have a bike SEE THE END OF THIS POST for Where to Park for Rentals and Directions for EZ Rentals.
THE RIDE
Plan for 4+/- hours and 22+/- miles. Leave from the Galley Café to Bob Henry Park and - Newport Heights to Hoag Ridge and then to the bike trail all the way to Huntington Beach. We turn around at Dog Beach and come back to Newport Beach for a picnic on the water. After lunch we come back through Newport neighborhoods to overlooking the back bay and then return. We plan the ride you bring the enthusiasm. On this ride you will see Pirates, Cowboys & Indians, you will ride all the way across the USA and go places you’ve never been
PICNIC LUNCH
Back into Newport Beach, we will pause for a picnic at Channel Park. Pack your lunch or there are several places to buy food. We break for lunch and complete the ride.
RELEASE OF LIABILITY
Bike outings are rewarding and pleasant activities, but there are certain dangers you should be aware of including Covid 19. Those include, but are not limited to, impact or fall injuries, broken or dislocated bones. By signing up for this bike trip, you assume the risks of the outing and agree to release the organization, the trip organizer, and other participants from claims for any and all injuries or other losses sustained during this trip. HELMETS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
BEHAVIOR
Please! – No creepy, negative types, anger issues or controlling behavior invited. This is always a supportive group of like-minded people, and it is important that people feel safe. Some adventurous people are trying Meet Up and a bike ride for the first time and we plan with this in mind.
THE NO’s
No boom boxes
No politics
No using a phone while riding
No complaining
THE YES’s
Helmets
Shoes – Protect your toes and feet
Pump your tires before you come.
Positive Attitude
EZ BIKE RENTALS DELIVERED TO THE START
CALL LIAM (owner) before FRIDAY at 12:00 to schedule a rental.
Liam brings the rental to our starting place at the Galley Café.
What Service!
Sports Rents – Liam: 714-600-9941
Balboa Island
www.sportsrentsonline.com

March 2nd- 11th, 2026

Join here: https://photoflytravel.org/tour/thailand-small-group-tours/

Email us at joinus@photoflytravel.com for the daily itinerary!

Our friends at PhotoFly Travel Club have created a brand new adventure to the Kingdom of Thailand! From Bangkok’s buzzing street food scene to the peaceful mountain temples of Chiang Mai, and finally to the island calm of the Phi Phi archipelago, this adventure unfolds in three vibrant chapters.

• 9 nights/10 days throughout Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phi Phi Island
• 5-star accommodation
• Elephant sanctuary experience
• Private transportation and private tours
• Breakfast daily
• Numerous optional activities
• Two domestic flights - $400 value!

Email us directly at joinus@photoflytravel.com to receive a detailed daily itinerary!

Bangkok

• Grand Palace Tour: Explore Bangkok’s iconic royal complex, home to ornate temples and halls since 1782.
• Emerald Buddha: Visit Thailand’s most sacred temple to see the revered 14th-century statue.
• Wat Pho: Tour one of Bangkok’s oldest temples, famous for its massive reclining Buddha and rich symbolism.
• Ayutthaya Day Trip: Discover the UNESCO-listed ruins of Thailand’s former capital, once a thriving cultural and trade center.

Chiang Mai

• Elephant Nature Park: Visit a renowned sanctuary to learn about ethical elephant rescue and conservation.
• Doi Inthanon Tour (Optional): Hike scenic trails and visit the Karen hill tribes in Thailand’s highest national park.
• Chiang Mai City Tour: Explore historic temples like Wat Pa Pao and Wat Lok Moli, showcasing exquisite Burmese-style architecture.
• Tuk Tuk Ride: Enjoy a fun, breezy ride through the city from your 5-star hotel.
• Free Time: Relax with a massage, shop local markets, or experience the lively night scene in this walkable city.

Phi Phi Islands

• Luxury Koh Phi Phi Escape: Stay at a 5-star boat-access resort away from the crowds, featuring private bungalows, pools, a spa, restaurants, a dive shop, and a serene beach.
• Optional Snorkel Safari: Spend a full day exploring hidden beaches, sea caves, coral reefs, and remote islands - with chances to spot sea turtles.

Email us at joinus@photoflytravel.com for the daily itinerary!

Price: $3,895
Single Supplement: $1,095

Go here to sign up: https://photoflytravel.org/tour/thailand-small-group-tours/

March 2nd – March 11th, 2026

Optional Red Sea Extension: March 11th – March 14th, 2026

The small group travel community PhotoFly Travel Club (https://www.photoflytravel.com/) has a brand new trip to Egypt – check this out! Every accommodation offered is 5-star, including an overnight Nile River cruise. Here, ancient history pulses beneath your feet, and each sunrise illuminates 5,000 years of stories. Begin in Cairo at the awe-inspiring Pyramids of Giza and the timeless Sphinx. Explore the Grand Egyptian Museum, home to the full Tutankhamun collection and countless treasures. A Nile River cruise isn’t just transit—it’s a voyage through the cradle of civilization. From Aswan to Luxor, drift past sun-drenched villages, palm-fringed shores, and colossal desert monuments. In Luxor, Egypt’s magic peaks. Walk the towering Karnak Temple on the East Bank, then cross to the West to witness the Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut’s Temple—sights that will leave you speechless. There’s also an optional extension on the Red Sea at a luxury resort for ultimate relaxation!

• 9N/10D throughout the best of Egypt
• 5-star accommodation throughout
• Privately guided adventures and local Egyptologist at all times
• Breakfast every day
• 5 Dinners, 3 Lunches
• Included domestic flight ($200 value!)

Join Here: https://photoflytravel.org/tour/egypt-small-group-tours/

Email us at joinus@photoflytravel.com for the daily itinerary!

Cairo

• Grand Egyptian Museum: Explore on your own and with a guide the largest collection of Egyptian artifacts on the planet
• Pyramids of Giza and Sphinx: One of the Seven Wonders of the World!
• Day trip to Memphis and Saqqara: Ancient city of Memphis with stunning statues of powerful pharaohs and near to the oldest pyramid in the country
• Old Cairo: The Hanging Church built by the Romans, the Citadel of Saladin built in the 12th century, and the picturesque Alabaster Mosque

Nile Cruise

• Luxury boat: Cabins with luxurious finishes, gourmet restaurant, elevated service, sun deck, entertainment, and multiple stops along the way.
• Abu Simbel: An ancient marvel carved into sandstone, this grand temple honors Ramses II with four colossal statues welcoming visitors at its entrance.
• Temple of Horus: Among Egypt’s best-preserved temples, its interior features original hieroglyphics and 2,000-year-old carvings honoring the falcon-headed god.
• Temple of Kom Ombo: Uniquely dedicated to two gods, this symmetrical temple has twin halls, entrances, and sanctuaries—reflecting the fusion of Greek and Egyptian traditions.
• Traditional Felucca Ride: Sail the Nile aboard a classic wooden felucca, drifting past palm-lined banks with views of the hilltop Aga Khan Mausoleum.
• Philae Temple: Rising from the Nile, this elegant temple to goddess Isis features colonnaded courtyards, detailed reliefs, and Roman-era shrines—its setting on the water is breathtaking.

Luxor

• Temple of Karnak: One of the largest religious sites ever built, this vast complex of sanctuaries and columns was constructed over 2,000 years, honoring the gods of Thebes and showcasing ancient Egypt’s architectural might.
• Valley of the Kings: A desert necropolis on Luxor’s West Bank where pharaohs like Tutankhamun and Ramses II were buried in richly decorated tombs, offering deep insight into ancient beliefs about the afterlife.
• Temple of Hatshepsut: Carved into the cliffs at Deir el-Bahari, this elegant temple honors Egypt’s first female pharaoh with terraces and colonnades that reflect her reign and divine legacy.
• Colossi of Memnon: Two massive statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III that have stood for over 3,000 years, once guarding a lost temple and famed in antiquity for emitting mysterious dawn sounds.
• Optional Hot Air Balloon: Soar above Luxor at sunrise for panoramic views of the Nile, temples, and tombs—an unforgettable and tranquil way to take in Egypt’s timeless beauty.

Email us at joinus@photoflytravel.com for the daily itinerary!

Price: $4,095
Single Supplement: $1,195

Check out our club's official trip page: https://photoflytravel.org/tour/egypt-small-group-tours/

Optional Red Sea Extension: March 11th – March 14th, 2026

Nestled along the Red Sea, just 15 miles north of Hurghada, El Gouna is no ordinary resort town. Designed as a sustainable, upscale escape, it blends laid-back luxury with eco-conscious living. Saltwater lagoons wind through sun-washed villas, and mornings start with the scent of Arabic coffee carried on the sea breeze. Kitesurfers glide across turquoise waters, divers explore vibrant coral reefs, and tucked-away galleries and food trucks offer everything from falafel to fusion sushi beneath lantern-lit skies.

• 5-Star All-Inclusive Resort: Relax at a luxurious beachfront resort and spa on a Red Sea peninsula in El Gouna, with stunning views of turquoise waters, lagoons, and lush gardens. Enjoy modern comforts, exceptional service, and a serene setting.
• Daily Activities: Savor diverse dining, unwind at the private beach or pools, and recharge at the spa or fitness center. Optional activities include kitesurfing, diving, golf, biking, or exploring town.
• Optional Snorkel Adventure: Take a full-day snorkeling trip to Giftun Island from Hurghada. Explore vibrant coral reefs, swim with colorful marine life—and possibly dolphins—and relax on idyllic beaches.

Email us at joinus@photoflytravel.com for the daily itinerary!

Extension Price: $1,275
Extension Single Supplement: $240

Check out our club's official trip page: https://photoflytravel.org/tour/egypt-small-group-tours/