FAM Trips

FAM applications are NOW OPEN for April 2022 Event

Travel Creators who are registered to attend the conference are welcome to apply for one of the following post-conference FAM trips that showcase all Tri-Cities and surrounding areas have to offer!
Participation in these Creator FAM TRIPS is by invitation only.
Please note the following in submitting your application:
  • You will have an opportunity to select a first, second, and third FAM trip choice when completing your application.
  • If you are selected, you will be invited to participate via email (approximately one month after the application process closes). 
  • Questions please email donna@tbexcon.com
PLEASE NOTE: WASHINGTON IS A BIG STATE. NOT ALL FAM TRIPS RETURN TO TRI-CITIES.
FAM TOUR logistic support provided by the state of Washington’s official tourism office, the Washington Tourism Alliance, and the Port of Seattle, owner, and operator of the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and two downtown cruise terminals with 8 major cruise lines providing 7-day round-trip sailings to Alaska

Experience the Heart of Washington Wine Country-Tri-Cities

Destination: Tri-Cities
Number of guests – 5
Number of nights – 2
FAM start time/location –  The Lodge at Columbia Point in Richland – Friday, April 22nd, 2022 9am
FAM end time/location –  The Lodge at Columbia Point in Richland/Tri-Cities Airport in Pasco TBD

Transportation: Transportation provided from The Lodge at Columbia Point; transportation provided for all activities on the agenda from April 22-24; transportation provided to departure flights on April 24

Located in the heart of Washington Wine Country, the Tri-Cities offers a sun-drenched retreat for exploration and rejuvenation. Nestled at the confluence of the Columbia and Snake Rivers with a desert climate, easy access to these mighty waterways provides world-class recreation, majestic natural beauty and irrigation for the world-class wineries. Enjoy creature comforts such as carefully crafted fare from local eateries and farmers’ markets, outdoor activities, award-winning wine and more. Learn more about the Tri-Cities at visittri-cities.com @Tri-CitiesWashington on Facebook @Tri-CitiesWA on Instagram and Twitter.

Note: This tour is not wheelchair accessible.

Sample of Itinerary:

  • Taste award-winning wine while exploring Red Mountain vineyards and Washington State’s only barrel caves.
  • Achieve inner bliss with standup paddle-board yoga in the Columbia Point Marina in Richland. (Don’t worry, you won’t fall in!)
  • Cruiser bike ride along the Columbia River with stops at local favorite eateries and activities.
  • Enjoy a spectacular Tri-Cities sunset over dinner from the deck of a luxury yacht cruising along the Columbia River.
Apply For This Trip Now

Come to the Source: Where Wine Country, Hop Country and Farm-Fresh Flavors Come Together

Destination: Yakima Valley Adventure featuring Yakima and Union Gap
Number of guests – 5
Number of nights – 4
FAM start time/location –  Three Rivers Center, Tri-Cities – April 22, 2022- 10am
FAM end time/location –  Tri-Cities Airport PSC Departure Terminal – April 26th – 2pm
This FAM Trip is ADA Accessible

Come raise a glass where Washington wine was born and discover the one and only craft beer trail in the heart of hop country. The Yakima Valley produces 50% of the state’s wine grapes and 75% of the nation’s hops – with exceptional wines and craft brews to show for it! Rich agricultural traditions and cultural influences create an exciting and diverse food scene to explore. An array of cultural attractions gives a glimpse into the West’s past and native heritage. Adding to the flavors of the Valley, you’ll find outdoor adventures in every direction, from volcanic rock walls and desert landscapes to sub-alpine mountain trails and accessible waterways.   

Apply For This Trip Now

Journey to the Land Where River and Ocean Collide

Destination: Columbia River Gorge and Long Beach Peninsula
Number of guests – 5
Number of nights – 3
FAM start time/location – Three Rivers Convention Center, Tri-Cities, April 22, 2022 10am
FAM end time/location –  SEATAC Departure Terminal,  April 25th,  2pm (or nearby lite rail station)
This FAM Trip is ADA Accessible

Follow the Columbia River to the Pacific Ocean, where powerful colliding waters have created one of the longest beaches in the world. Beyond the 28 miles of silver sand are boardwalks and trails through dunes and ancient forests, fishing villages and beach towns, and delicious local eats and drinks — think craft ales and spirits, oysters any which way, rockfish & chips, seared albacore tuna tacos, wild mushroom pizza. We’ll spend a day in the Gorge and two more in the iconic Pacific Northwest destination: The Long Beach Peninsula.

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Catch the Magic of the Kitsap and Olympic Peninsulas

Destination: Kitsap Peninsula (2 nights) and Olympic Peninsula (2 nights)
Number of guests – 4
Number of nights – 4
FAM start time/location – Three Rivers Convention Center, Tri-Cities – April 22nd, 8am
FAM end time/location –  SEATAC Departure Terminal, Monday, April 26th at 2pm
Transportation: Transportation will be provided from Tri-Cities to the Kitsap Peninsula and on to the Olympic Peninsula, returning attendees to Sea-Tac (SEA). Guests for this trip need to have departure flight reservations for 2pm and later
Guest who would like information about accessibility should contact Donna at donna@tbexcon.com

Description: Surrounded by water on three sides yet connected by a bridge crossing the Hood Canal, these two peninsulas are known for their spectacular beauty. Here you’ll visit charming seaside towns, experience stunning panoramic views of Puget Sound, the Cascade and Olympic Mountains, indulge in the burgeoning food scene, marvel at trails that lead to cascading waterfalls, delight in pristine lakes, learn the area’s history dating back to the earliest tribes and delight in the fall foliage at every turn. The Kitsap Peninsula National Water Trail is the only natural saltwater trail in the US and Olympic National Park is one of America’s Top 10 national parks. Catch the magic of these two peninsulas.

 
www.visitkitsap.com
www.visitbainbridgeisland.com
www.olympicpeninsula.org
 
A sampling of items on the agenda:
 
    • Explore Gig Harbor – Tour Gig Harbor including Skansie Park, take a Waterfront Stroll, ride on an authentic Gondola then conclude at Heritage Distillery’s tasting room.
    • Take the Mosquito Fleet foot ferry, designated as a floating museum, from Port Orchard to the Bremerton Waterfront.
    • Explore historic Poulsbo, known as “Little Norway,” with its walkable downtown where you can enjoy museums, galleries, shopping and eateries in a friendly Norwegian setting.
    • Discover the small-town charm of historic, picturesque Port Gamble, a 120-acre National Historic Landmark with turn-of-the-century buildings and breathtaking views.
    • Visit the Suquamish Museum and learn about Seattle’s namesake, Chief Seattle.
    • Tour Bainbridge Island and visit Bloedel Reserve, a public garden of Pacific Northwest designed landscapes and the Japanese American Exclusion Memorial.
    • Check out the 35 totem poles carved by the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe gracing the tribal campus and surrounding 7 Cedars Resort and Casino.
    • Experience the drama of one of the Olympic Peninsula’s most iconic waterfalls–Sol Duc Falls as it cascades 48 feet down a rocky, narrow canyon. (Weather dependent)
    • Explore spectacular Lake Crescent, a glacially carved lake with pristine waters and spectacular natural beauty.
    • Indulge in the panoramic vistas of the mountain citadel of Hurricane Ridge, part of Olympic National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (Weather dependent)
    • Shop, eat and delight in historic Port Townsend, one of America’s three Victorian seaports, boasting two National Historic Landmark Districts.
    • Enjoy farm-to-table cuisine from local growers and harvesters at Port Ludlow
Apply For This Trip Now

Jet Boat Tour of Hells Canyon, North America’s Deepest River Gorge, Nez Perce Tourism Tour and Wine Tasting in the Lewis Clark Valley AVA

Destination:  Visit Lewis Clark Valley, Lewiston, ID/Clarkston, WA
Number of guests – 6
Number of nights – 2
FAM start time/location – Three River Convention Center – April 22, 2022 9am – Ground Transportation to Lewiston, ID/Clarkston, WA
FAM end time/location – April 24th –  times are flexible-  Lewiston, Idaho – Airport Code LWS – Delta or United Service or Pullman/Moscow Airport (PUW) Alaska Airlines to Seattle.
You can fly out anytime , transportation will be provided either by hotel at LWS or other to PUW.

Enjoy a jet boat tour of Hells Canyon, North America’s deepest river gorge with a professional guide. You will learn the legends and lore of early settlers, and the Nez Perce people in the canyon. The tour will include a guide from Nez Perce Tourism to learn more about their history. See abundant wildlife in some of the most rugged and spectacular wilderness on earth. The tour will also include wine tasting in the award-winning Lewis Clark Valley AVA. Home to the 2020 Pacific Northwest Winery of the Year, and the 2015, 2020, 2021 Idaho Winery of the Year.     

Apply For This Trip Now

The Pacific Northwest’s Home Base: Explore the Many Sides of Seattle Southside

Destination: Seattle Southside
Number of guests – 10
Number of nights – 3
FAM start time/location – Three Rivers Convention Center, Tri-Cities, April 22, 2022 10am. (look for the big blue “Seattle Southside” van)
FAM end time/location –  SEATAC Departure Terminal April 26th,  2pm
Guest who would like information about accessibility should contact Donna at donna@tbexcon.com

Get to know this new side of Seattle and uncover the best place from which to explore the Pacific Northwest. In Seattle Southside you’ll experience comfortable accommodations, unique attractions, hidden gems and an international dining scene. Surrounded by mountains, Puget Sound, the urban downtown and incredible outdoor activities, come experience the best of Seattle Southside in this 4-day, 3-night experience. Combo: Explore the Pacific Northwest from two vantage points. From Seattle Southside, you’ll experience comfortable accommodations, new attractions, hidden gems and an international dining scene. From Bellevue you’ll experience high end shopping, world class dining and a unique urban landscape close to nature. Both locations feature amazing views of mountains, waterways and forests combine in this 4-day, 3-night experience.

Apply For This Trip Now
Apply For This Trip Now

Surprising Spokane: Culture, food, Spring Foliage
and Spirits

Destination: Spokane
Number of guests – 3
Number of nights – 3
FAM start time/location – Three Rivers Convention Center, Tri-Cities – April 22nd, 2022 10am
FAM end time/location –  Monday, April 25th – Spokane International Airport Departure Terminal,
Guests who would like information about accessibility should contact Donna at donna@tbexcon.com

Spokane–Washington’s 2nd largest city is full of surprises. Pulling grapes from the adjacent Columbia Valley, 20+ wineries in the city are pumping out some of the most delectable, intriguing wines. We’re landlocked, but you’ll find some of the best ceviche and lobster (lob-stah?) rolls in the West. We’re not rainy like Seattle. We have a mind- blowing arts and music scene. We have history and jewel hotels. Don’t get us started on the parks and outdoor activities. Spend a few days having your mind blown while you sail through the tree tops for a bird’s eye view of budding spring colors, and sip craft beer made in the “Spokane-Style” on top of a mountain. We promise, you’ll discover plenty of stories to tell. We are Spokane, but we’re not what you’d expect.

Visit Bellingham-Whatcom County

Destination: Bellingham
Number of guests – 2
Number of nights – 3
FAM start time/location –  Three Rivers Convention Center, Tri-Cities – Friday, April 22, 2022
FAM end time/location – Dropoff – April 24th  Bellingham International Airport (BLI), or the Amtrak Train station with daily service (Cascade Line – Vancouver BC to Eugene, OR)  and in between locations. The train runs about 90 minutes to downtown Seattle, which is typically faster than driving. 

From the shorelines of the Salish Sea to the alpine vistas of Mt. Baker and North Cascades National Park, you can lose yourself (or find yourself) in Bellingham & Whatcom County. An April fam tour to this region will include the tulips of Skagit valley, some time out on the water, and a taste of Whatcom County’s incredible outdoor opportunities, farm-to-table menus, craft brews, and vibrant arts scene!

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Walla Walla, Beyond the Vine

Destination: Visit Walla Walla
Number of guests – 8
Number of nights – 2
FAM start time/location –  Three Rivers Convention Center, Tri-Cities – Friday, April 22, 2022 10am
FAM end time/location – Tri-Cities Airport – April 24th  11am

Walla Walla is known for its award-winning wines and vibrant culinary scene. Join us as we take you “Beyond the Vine” to show you the rest of what Walla Walla offers. From the rolling hills of lush soil to the diverse wildlife that resides in it, explore the glowing landscape that creates this scenic valley in the Blue Mountains. Enjoy world-class sculptures on a morning art walk, and visit with local historians to learn about the early settlements, the native American tribes, and the Lewis and Clark expedition. At the end of each day, savor this small town with an inspiring meal and world-class wine

Apply For This Trip Now