Who can travel with Empowered Events and Exploring?

We specialize in providing support for adults age 18+ with varying abilities. Unlike with other travel companies, individuals DO NOT have to be fully independent to travel with us. We want to do everything possible to make travel and exploring accessible for individuals with additional needs and are happy to discuss what needs your traveler has.

Are you a senior citizen who wants to explore the world but need some assistance? No problem, we can help! Are you an explorer with an intellectual or developmental disability? Great, let’s get planning! We offer group trips where you might not know the people traveling with you, but you’ll make some great friends on your trip! 

What makes your staff qualified to travel with those with a wide range of needs?

Our team has extensive experience working with individuals of all abilities. Between all of us, some have worked in the group home settings as mangers, supervisors and direct support staff for 24+ years, some have worked with other travel companies doing trips for the past 20+ years, and some are licensed in adult foster care. We’ve also been involved with Special Olympics Minnesota for decades and have done multiple week-long trips taking groups/teams of athletes to participate in various sports for Special Olympics USA Games national events in Los Angeles, Seattle and Orlando. Others from our team have worked for several years supporting campers for week-long trips to Young Life Capernaum’s summer camp at Castaway Club in northern Minnesota. Some of our team members are also parents of individuals with disabilities, so we know first-hand the day-in and day-out needs and challenges on a very personal level. The EEE team is well-equipped with a wide range of experiences and knowledge - we’re extremely qualified to care for and support your traveler, we promise!

What if I have an idea of a trip I’d like to take?

Good news - we also offer custom trips! For example: Do you have a family member in another state but need help getting there for a visit? Ask us, we can help! Feel free to reach out with any questions. If you have a 1:1 explorer, the cost increases, so please reach out to discuss pricing.  We’re always open to ideas of other group trips you think we should add, too.

What’s included in trip packages?

Most trips (some custom trips may vary) include Shelter, Food, Transportation, and all the attractions specified in the trip description are covered. Personal souvenirs and snacks are not covered. For every trip, we will send out a recommendation of how much spending money to bring to help with planning and budgeting.

How do I pay for my trip?

On the trip application form there is a minimum amount due which will need to be paid for a deposit to hold your spot on a trip. The specific amount that needs to be put down will depend on what kind of trip you’ll be joining us on. If you need to spend down funds but do not know what trip you want to go on yet, we can help! We can save your deposit money for a future trip!  Waiver funds are not an option to pay for trips.

Can I pay with a credit card?

Unfortunately, at this time since we are a small business, we can only take personal checks or cashier’s check. We’re checking into options for accepting online/mobile payments, so stay tuned!

What staffing options do you offer?

Our standard staffing ratio is 1:4, however, we do offer 1:2 and 1:1 options depending on traveler’s individual needs. Pricing will reflect the level of support needed.

What staff will I be traveling with?

Jodi, Liz or Aimee will be on most trips! Most of the additional staff we work with are social workers, direct service providers (DSPs) in group homes, registered nurses (RNs), teachers/administrators, and other experienced individuals who love to help people of all abilities see the world and have the best vacation possible. Your explorer will be well cared for traveling with any of our staff!

What if I want to bring my own staff?

We are definitely open to individuals bringing their own staff. If this is something you’re interested in, please contact us and we’ll talk through details and logistics.

Since you’re women-owned, do you have any male staff?

Yes, we do have some male staff ready and willing to join trips as needed!

Do you accept travelers with wheelchairs and/or walkers?

Yes, we most certainly do! If your traveler has specific accommodations needed to make a trip possible, please let us know. We’d love to chat and determine the best way to make your traveler’s experience as comfortable and seamless as possible.

What if my traveler wants to deposit money to be used for future trips?

Please contact us if your traveler has funds they would like to deposit for future travel and experiences. We are definitely open to assisting however we can and welcome the opportunity to talk through your traveler’s interests and needs to determine what trip/experience would be the best fit.

Are you insured?

Yes! Rest assured, we are fully insured.

What if I have more questions?

We are always happy to help answer any questions you might have. Please use our contact us form to connect with any additional questions!