Globe Trotters

After a long wait, the travel club of LHMCAANA was launched in 2023 under the banner of LHMCAANA Globe Trotters.

Our VISION

To travel the world with fellow Hardonians.

Our MISSION

• Enjoy fun-filled vacations with and without families
• Network with local Hardonians
• Bond with and support one another during travel

An organizing team was formed under the leadership of Vimla Bhooshan ’66 and Radha Ramarutham ’81, with supporting members: Sanjukta Mitra ’70, Sangita Nagpal ’77, Anupama Masand ’80, Shikha Shukla ’09, and Kumkum Sood ’70.

A WhatsApp group was created with 68 members initially and continues to grow every day. The club is open to all dues-paying Patron, Life, Annual, and Student members of LHMCAANA. It also welcomes non-members, including family, friends, and non-member Hardonians, under special consideration.

The organizing committee’s goal is to identify exciting destinations, well-planned itineraries, and reliable tour operators. The world is beautiful, and everyone is eager to explore it with stress-free arrangements and in the company of friends—strengthening old bonds and building new ones. We are committed to making this happen.

We plan to organize 2–3 exciting trips each year, giving members the opportunity to choose their preferred destinations. Get ready to bring out the globetrotting, fun-loving, adventure-seeking Hardonian in you!

Please contact us at infolhmcaana@gmail.com for information about joining the club — we would love to have you with us.

Globe Trotters policy and Procedure Document

Drafted by Vimla Bhooshan-- 4/16/26

Approved by Board -- 5/25/26

Purpose: 

·         To establish guidelines for organization and function of Globetrotters club (GTC)  of LHMCAANA. 

·         To  educate members about the complexities of trip planning and hard work done by trip leaders .

·         To establish the value of having larger groups to secure better deals with tour operators.

·         To establish a plan of shared responsibilities of  the organizers.

·         To bring sustainability to the club. This document shall be reviewed and revised as needed.

·         To keep the Board informed and involved.

Mission: To bring fun-filled vacations worldwide to LHMCAANA dues paying members with an opportunity of networking and bonding during travels.

1. Organizers Committee (GTOC): The Committee shall consist of 10-12 members with Lead chair and co-chair.

At present  lead chair is Vimla Bhooshan'66 and co chair is Radha Ramamrutham'81. The members are: Sanjukta Mitra'70, Sangita Nagpal'77, Anupama Masand '80, Kumkum Bhasin '70, Archana Maini ‘81,Neeru Chopra’81 ,Hema Kapoor’76, Archna Aggarwal’74, Asha Mishra’72 and Aarti Gupta'99.

2. Responsibilities of Organizers Committee members: 

·         Attend at least two meetings in one year.

·         Bring new ideas, information and resources to the meetings to improve the functions and operation of Globe Trotters Club.

·         Encourage and recruit new members to expand the organizers committee. 

·         Each member leads at least one trip which shall be rotated among organizers .

3. Meetings: GTOC  shall have at least two meetings in a year . 

·         The first meeting must be done in January with a priority agenda to pick two destinations for the following year and to designate leader and co-leader for the trip.

·         The second meeting should be held after the second trip of the year and before December  to discuss experiences of  both trips, to review the survey data and to do any changes/modifications for improvement. 

·         Any additional meeting shall be held if needed and called at the discretion of the chair of the GTOC.

4. Groups: The groups are defined by the number of travelers.

·         Large group consists of  25-40. 

·         Small group consists of 15 or less.

·         Buddy group consists of 8 or less.

4. Number of trips:  GTOC's goal is to arrange two trips in a year in USA or Abroad  for the large  group of  25-40 travelers. 

Additional small groups ( 15 or less) can be arranged occasionally if there is  enough interest  and willingness to arrange it by another member( other than lead for large group) or large group trips do not happen. 

Buddy group trips are arranged on a personal level basis. GTOC  will only allow a dues paying member to publish her interest on the WA page of Globe Trotters Club  to invite fellow members to accompany her on a trip of her choice and will have full responsibility thereafter. The trip shall be approved by GTOC Chair.

5. Trip planning process :

GTOC acknowledges that the trip planning process is very complex, time consuming and labor intensive. Therefore, GTOC strives to make this process simple and stress free as much as possible. The process outlined and summarized below is based on the  past experiences and feedback from GTOC members. GTOC shall review the process  in the second meeting of the each year and  shall make changes as needed.

GTOC recommends a team of two persons both during planning and traveling phases of trip and designated as a trip leader and trip co- leader, both working together from the start to finish ( from planning process to end of the trip). The trip leader shall be the one from the GTOC   and shall have primary responsibility of arranging the trip. Co-leader ideally should be from GTOC also but if it is not possible for whatever reason, it can be  a person who is travelling with the group on this trip.

On the trip, there shall be a team of two persons ( out of three mentioned above) responsible for day to day function including sharing information in coordination with tour operator. A group WA page created by lead is suggested a useful resource to share information. In a very unusual situation if two of three are not available, GTOC shall make all possible efforts to recruit another person from the touring group to assign this responsibility. Both leader and co-leader shall work as a team to keep the experience pleasant , smooth and fun filled for the group.

A trip requires almost a two year time frame from start to finish. Trips shall  be decided  at least one year in advance if feasible. For example for year of 2027, trip destinations  should be decided in Jan- March 2026 and further details like dates, vendor and itinerary should be finalized as soon as possible. A preliminary plan is outlined under the time table.

Time table ( using year 2026 and 2027 as example)

Destination Survey poll Dec25--- Survey poll shall be posted on club's WA page first week of December for  dues paying members to express destinations of their interest.

Club meeting #1 Jan 26 -- Two destinations are chosen for 2027. Trip leaders and co-leaders assigned. Interest poll put out on the WA page of the club to estimate size of group.

Jan-April 26---  Leaders and co-leaders to do 2027 trips due diligence for vendors, itinerary and pricing. At least three bids should be obtained for comparison and  for the best deal. Leader and co-leader send their recommendation to GTOC, get final decision  and publish date, price and itinerary on WA page.

May-June26-  Leaders and co-leaders to finalize the group's committed travelers for 2027 for each trip by publishing a final poll, vendor agreement signed, deposits paid.

Club meeting #2 - Anytime Sept-Nov 2027. Review post trip surveys, discuss experiences and suggested changes.

Dec 26--Survey poll for 2028 trips to be done first week of December.

Summary of trip planning process: 

·         approximately two year process starting with poll of interested destination.

·         select destination in first GTOC meeting, assigning trip leader and co-leader.

·         put selected destination on GTC WA page to list interested people to get preliminary idea of group size. 

·         search vendor for itinerary and price, get minimum of three quotes. 

·         finalize the  itinerary and price.

·          publish itinerary and price on WA page. 

·         ask for final commitment from interested members to finalize head count. 

·         sign up the vender and deposits paid

·         Travelers to Follow vender's time table for information and final payment , trip preparation, meal selection, airfare booking etc.

·         Enjoy and have fun on the trip.

·         Fill out and submit Post trip Survey before end of the trip

6. Timings for the trips: The trips should be spaced to avoid conflict with the Annual LHMCAANA event. At least one trip should be chosen to accommodate  young families . The other criteria to consider is mobility of senior members and ideal weather in a touring country.

7. Selection of Destinations: Each year destinations are selected based on majority interest of dues paying members collected through destination poll conducted in first week of December. This poll is published on Club's WA page.

 

8.Marketing: All marketing shall be done in collaboration with the Communication Committee who shall be preparing posters for publication and circulation. Trip leader shall publish it on Globe trotters WA page and All Club Leader shall publish it on other clubs WA pages .  All trips shall be offered to the dues paying members of LHMCAANA on a priority basis.

 

Information shall be published on LHMCAANA members only WA page when this page is established.

 If enough head count is not achieved, leads have the option to publish the information to entire alumni by posting it on  the general LHMCAANA page , LHMCAANA website , RCDs, SCDs and local groups page within a time frame to meet vendors deadline.

9. Eligibility to participate :

·         All dues paying members of LHMCAANA are eligible.

·         Family members and friends of dues paying members either residing in the USA or other countries are eligible

·         Non dues paying LHMC alumni residing in USA full time or partially can travel as a friend or family at the regular rate but should be encouraged to become a member by the host dues paying member.

·         Non dues paying alumni traveling alone is allowed but suggested to become a member.

·         Any special case can be decided on a case to case basis by GTOC organizers.

10. Ticket pricing:

GTOC strives to bring affordable family friendly medium range price trips through reputable tour operators. An exceptional once in life time experience luxurious trip may occur once a while with GTOC's special permission.

Ticket pricing shall be one and same for all dues paying members and for family and friends( including non dues paying friend) traveling with them. 

A non dues  paying  LHMCAANA alumni wishes to join a trip and is not joining as a guest of a dues paying member,  MUST sign up for LHMCAANA membership  by going to LHMCAANA website.

 

11. Family and Friends Groups: GTOC welcomes the family and friends traveling together. A group of 4 to 5 travelers is allowed including the host dues paying member and others living anywhere in the world. Group of 5 is defined and restricted to two adults and three children and group of 4 is defined as 4 adults and/or adults+children. Host dues paying member shall be responsible for obtaining necessary travel protection insurance and enforcing GTOC's trip cancellation policy.

12. Freebee distribution: Any freebee or discounts shall be equally distributed to all travelers including friends and family. Leader shall inform  all travelers the calculated full amount at the beginning of the trip and be prepared to disburse it through Zelle, cash or checks, whatever convenient to her ( vendor usually credits the freebee amount to designated lead on first day of trip) and lead must confirm it before handing out any money. 

13. Donation to LHMCAANA: Voluntary donation with suggested amount of $50 or more per person per trip is recommended by Executive Committee. It can be donated directly to LHMCAANA using LHMCAANA web page and donation tab  or it can be left  in  the "tip box" put out by the leader during the last dinner at the end of the trip. Suggestion for Voluntary donation shall be published ( with the link ) on the poster of the trip information and leader should announce about tip box but holds no further responsibility to collect from everyone. The leader shall send the collected money( Cash or checks ) to LHMCAANA as soon as possible.

 

14. Travel Insurance: Reasonable travel insurance coverage is highly recommended  for each traveler. It is the individual's  responsibility to obtain it.  GTOC or LHMCAANA shall  not be responsible for any mishappenings.

15. Travel liability for LHMCAANA: LHMCAANA holds no responsibility for any type of damages to the travelers. A waiver form (appendix C) shall be made available to all travelers at the beginning of the trip by the leader.

16. Room sharing Policy--Most of trips are twin occupancy. It is the responsibility of the person signing for the trip to find her roommate. It is advised to determine your room partner either before signing up or choose from the sign up list ,connect and confirm early. For any leftover single traveler, lead will offer any possibilities but will not assume any responsibilities to find a room partner.

17. Trip cancellations: GTOC abides by the cancellation policy of the trip vendor/operator and has no options or rights to change it. 

In case of cancellation due to any circumstances including medical emergency, a person shall contact the vendor directly and individually and follow their policy. It is advised to inform the vendor in a timely manner. GTOC or LHMCAANA  is not responsible for any losses or inconvenience, and/ or communicating with the vendor

In case of room sharing, trip cancellation may cause additional financial burden to room partner in having to pay for a single supplement. GTOC considers this as the responsibility of individual cancelling the trip for reconciliation of such issues. The person canceling the trip should recoup the money from their Travel Insurance or credit card if applicable. Otherwise, they forgo the money as in any other trips. In that case, the room partner will not have to pay the single supplement  and is not penalized.

18. Payments  for trip and Tipping:

All payments including deposits are to be paid directly to the vendor/tour operator. GTC or LHMCAANA shall not collect or be responsible for any payments.

If approved, the donation of $ 50 shall be paid to LHMCAANA directly

Tipping to the tour guide is individual's own responsibility. Tipping guideline recommended by the tour operator  will be published  by the leader at the beginning of the trip.

19. CME: LHMCAANA is in process to line up travel CME vendors which shall be offered to anyone interested at additional cost and at their own time. 

GTOC and the trip leader hold no responsibility to arrange space , change itinerary or  arrange equipment for such activity.

20. Website updates: This document shall be published on the GTC page on LHMCAANA website after the board has voted on it.

GTC website page shall be updated from time to time and possibly after each trip.

Website shall be used for publication and announcement of present and future trips.

21. Communication to Board: It is the responsibility of GTOC to keep Board informed. Currently, there are  three board members ( Kumkum, Hema and Sanjukta)  on the Organizers Committee . Sanjukta shall be the primary liaison for GTOC while others can share it in her absence.

22. Implementation of Policy: This policy shall be implemented on the date it is approved by the Board. This shall apply to any modifications as well in the future.

23. Post Trip Survey: A survey form (a) shall be completed by all travelers . The form shall be made available to trip leader by GTOC. The form shall be revised if needed.  To get feedback from trip leader and co-leader a separate survey form (b)  shall be completed by them. Forms shall be reviewed by GTOC for any further action. See Appendix B

Appenndix A

Past and future trips assignments:

2024---(1)Costa Rica --- Sanjukta

2025-- (1)Croatia-- Vimla,Sangita and Radha , (2)Rhine River Cruise-- Vimla ,(3)African Safari--- Sangita Nagpal and Archana Maini

2026--Vietnam (1)Archana Maini, (2) National parks-- Vimla 

(3)Canadian Rockies-- Sangita Nagpal

2027--(1)South India Temples-- Anupama and Sanjukta, (2) Alaska -- Radha and Archna Aggarwal

Future assignments;

2028--Neeru Chopra and Hema Kapoor

2029-- Kumkum Bhasin and Archna Aggarwal

2030-- Aarti Gupta and Asha Mishra

This is a suggested list and any changes due to unforeseen circumstances shall be addressed by GTC. Chair and members of Organizing Committee  shall provide full support and guidance to the leads.

Appendix B

Form A---Post Trip Survey Form for the group TBD

Form B--Post trip feedback from leader and co-leader TBD

Appendix C

Waiver form for travel liability for  LHMCAANA

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Updates (1/18/2026)
(Submitted by Vimla Bhooshan)

The Globe Trotters Club has experienced substantial growth since its inception and now has 134 members.

The club organizers have worked diligently to create wonderful travel experiences for all travelers. Kudos to Sangita and Sanjukta for their extraordinary efforts.

Update 4/10/26

Trip to Vietnam: Small group trip ( 13 members)to Vietnam done in March 2026. Few members had extended trip to Combodia. Group had wonderful experience.

Here is what Neeru Chopra says"  I have travelled a lot but this was an epic trip. Being with all my Harding friends, made me feel as if I was back in the hostel. My advice: go on one trip and I can say it will not be your last."

Update 6/12/26

Trip to National Parks: Small group of 10 ( 7 hardonians and 3 spouse/family members) had a fantastic trip to Yellowstone National Park, Bedlands National Park, Mount Rushmore and Grand Teton with Gate one. We experienced amazing landscapes and sighting of so many animals ( bison, elks, black bear and grizzly bear) and all-time favorite --eruption of Old Faithful Geyser.