ABOUT US
WE SPECIALIZE IN INCLUSIVE TRAVEL - PERFECT FOR YOUR SPECIAL NEEDS!
Trips Inc. ™ is an award-winning travel company that has provided special needs travel vacations for over 19,000 travelers from all 50 states with intellectual and developmental disabilities since 1991!
OUR MISSION
To provide travel opportunities to people of various abilities in a safe, respectful, and fun atmosphere. All of our special adventures seek to create an environment that promotes personal and emotional growth, friendship and learning.
MEET OUR NEW OWNERS
Brittaney
Owner
Chris
Owner
Trips Inc.™ is excited to welcome new owners in 2023, Brittaney and Chris. Brittaney began chaperoning with Trips Inc.™ 20 years ago. She has a master’s degree in special education and has spent her career as a teacher and school district administrator. In addition to Chris’ career in the business world, he brings years of experience as a Special Olympics coach and Trips Inc.™ chaperone. Together, they have traveled extensively across the United States and more than 19 countries, spanning 4 continents!
Brittaney and Chris are thrilled and honored to be running Trips Inc.™, a company that empowers adventure for everyone. As with the previous owners, Jim and Leslie Peterson, the focus will always be on the travelers and ensuring the same level of quality, service and care you have come to expect over the years!
MEET OUR TEAM
Our team has a strong background in supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. From Direct Service Providers, Special Olympic coaches, Special Education teachers to Autism Specialists, each member has received specialized training and exhibits a keen sensitivity to meet the unique needs of our travelers. They pay close attention to the countless logistics and details involved in special needs travel and understand the profound significance of Trips Inc. Special Adventures® to each traveler. With a commitment to providing the vacation of a lifetime, our team works diligently to ensure that every individual's experience is exceptional.
Rhonda
Travel Agent & Tour Group Leader
Apol
Travel Manager
Mai
Registration Manager
Amanda
Lead Chaperone
Leslie
Tour Group Leader
Amy
Tour Group Leader
Shirley
Tour Group Leader
Caleb
Tour Group Leader
Sidney
Tour Group Leader
Sheena
Tour Group Leader
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Rachel
Tour Group Leader
Jill
Tour Group Leader
TRIPS, INC.™ IN THE NEWS
Founder Jim Peterson spent more than 3 decades taking people with special needs and autism on special adventures. Hear more about his inspiring journey to take people on these special adventures with Trips Inc.™ on the AutismShow.org podcast.
Trips Inc.™ shows inclusive ways to have fun in this Spectrum Life article.
Apostrophe Magazine features engaged couple, Barry and Monica, and how they met on a Trips Inc.™ vacation!
The Mighty showcases Trips Inc.™ giving travelers the vacation of their dreams.
AMS Vans, Inc. blogs about how to have a perfectly planned trip for the disabled with Trips Inc.™
Trips Inc.™ facilitates growth and eliminates stereotypes as reviewed in Emerald Magazine.
FOUNDER'S STORY
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In 1982, Jim Peterson M.S., the founder of Trips Inc.™ was caring for Trent, a young man with cerebral palsy. Although there were “local” camps and destinations to visit, Jim quickly realized there was little opportunity for people with intellectual & developmental disabilities to experience the wide world of travel. This discovery altered the course of Jim’s life.
Originally from Maryland, he completed his undergraduate work at Georgetown University, and earned a Masters degree in Special Education at the University of Oregon. He later became the director of residential programs for adults with developmental disabilities in both Oregon and California.
Jim’s dream to create a business where ALL people have access to travel came true in 1991 when he started Trips Inc. Special Adventures®.
Jim won the prestigious Lisl Waechter award “in recognition of outstanding service and dedication to people with developmental disabilities in Lane County.” Jim has also been named the Direct Service Provider of the Year “for exemplary skills in working with people with developmental disabilities.”