Enjoy a bus trip together.
The Van Wert Council on Aging offers several day trips throughout the year. In order for us to provide a safe trip, each attendee will need to fill out the Bus Trip Emergency Contact Form, Payment Policy, Cancellation Policy & Assumption of Risk form.
2024 COA Day Trip Schedule
Friday, June 7, 2024 Hartville Marketplace
Price $130.00 cash or check $134.00 credit or debit card. If you like unique shopping this trip is for you. We will be heading to Hartville, Ohio for shopping at the Hardware. We will enjoy lunch at the Kitchen then more shopping
at the flea market that has indoor and outdoor vendors. Walking level 4. Price includes travel, driver tip, and lunch. All shopping on your own. Please note some places at the flea market only accept cash.
Thursday, July 25, 2024 Blue Gate Shipshewana and Dixie Boat Ride
Price $115.00 cash or check $119.00 credit or debit card. We will start the day with a little bit of shopping downtown Shipshewana. Buffet lunch at the Blue Gate. After lunch we will travel to North Webster Indiana for a ride on
the Dixie Sternwheel. This is a 75 minute cruise on Lake Webster. Built in 1929 the Dixie is the oldest sternwheel excursion boat. Price includes travel, driver tip, lunch at the Blue Gate and Dixie Boat Ride. Walking level 3
Wednesday, October 2, 2024 When Calls the Heart Shipshewana Blue Gate Theater
Price $130.00 cash or check $134.00 credit or debit card. We will travel to Shipshewana for a delicious buffet lunch then enjoy the afternoon musical play of When Calls the Heart. When Calls the Heart is based on
the beloved series by Janette Oke. Elizabeth Thatcher is from a very wealthy family in Toronto, Canada. At the beginning of a promising teaching career, but deep down inside, she is feeling a bit “restless.” When her older brother
writes to ask if she might consider taking a teaching job in the great Canadian west, she decides that this is the opportunity she has been waiting for! Saying goodbye to family and everything she has ever known, she sets off on
the adventure of a lifetime! Mishaps, challenges, and new experiences ensure as the captivating story and enchanting music take you on a journey you will never forget! Walking level 2. Price includes travel, driver tip, lunch, and
show.
Each trip has a walking level. Level 4 being the most walking and level 1 being the least walking. All trips are subject to change. Ask about payment plan. If you want to travel with us, please stop by to fill out a 2024 release form.
For further questions, please call the Council on Aging at 419-238-5011.
Frequently Asked Questions
YES, it is required that you sign a COA’s liability waiver, emergency contact & cancellation policy information sheet.
6:30 am at the Senior Center located at 200 Fox Road, Van Wert, OH 45891.
Due to a full day’s schedule, the buss will leave at 7:00 am. Unfortunately, it will not be delayed for late travelers.
There is no smoking allowed on any Excursions Trailways Motorcoach.
In most cases, you can bring your own food and drink on board. We do ask that you do not bring sunflower seeds or glass bottles.
Excursions Trailways charter buses do have bathrooms on board, but there are no sinks. We do supply sanitizer on most of our buses, but you are welcome to bring your own hand cleanser or wipes.
No, you are allowed to sit wherever you would like on the charter bus.
For safety reasons, we prefer that everyone remains seated with seatbelts on, but you are allowed to stand and walk around if needed.
On long trips do you have more than one driver in case of fatigue? Yes, our drivers stop every two hours to rest and take a break for at least 15 minutes. On long trips, we usually only have one driver per bus. If the trip requires more driving than the legal limit, we assign two drivers per motorcoach. The safety of our drivers and passengers is always important to us.
Our drivers will call 911 to have emergency services notified.
Most buses have Wi-Fi and electrical supply to charge electronics.
We suggest comfortable clothing with a light jacket or blanket, in case the air conditioning is too cold for some passengers.
No animals are permitted on the bus unless they are a registered service animal. Please contact the COA for more information about service animals and handicap accessibility questions.
No but we do ask that you wear earphones. Travelers must bring their own earphones.
The Bus Company will advise the COA of incoming bad weather and recommend postponing or canceling the trip. If this occurs, the COA will contact participants. SAFETY IS THE #1 PRIORITY.
The driver’s tip is included in your travel price and will be paid by the COA to the driver. It is at your own discretion if you want to provide an additional tip to the driver.
Travel Tips
Water and Snacks
This is the number one item you should bring on your charter bus trip to make sure that you’re comfortable. While there are stops for breaks, why spend money on extra items you could bring from home? Dried fruits, nuts, granola bars, chips and dry goods are all good choices for the charter bus. We ask that you do not bring glass items or sunflower seeds. These can spill or great and be dangerous and difficult to clean up. Consider plastic reusable bottles or other snacks. Plus when you bring snacks on the bus, you won’t have to wait until the next stop when you’re very hungry. Just make sure you have some to share.
Pillows and Blanket / Jacket
The next item that will keep you comfortable on the charter bus are a pillow and blanket or jacket. A pillow will be great for taking a nap on board. Whether you choose a small “travel” pillow or a neck pillow that you may use on airplanes, there’s no wrong choice as long as you’re comfortable. A blanket or jacket are great for when the A/C is a little bit too cold for you , or if there are stops in locations where the weather is colder than where you’re coming from. You don’t want to step outside in short sleeves when it’s 30 degrees outside! Make sure you’re packing appropriately for your bus trip.
Things to Do
While there is always the option to chat with friends or watch a movie on one of the in-bus screens, you might also want to bring some other entertainment options. Some ideas for things to bring might include travel sized games (available in most stores or online), tablets, handheld gaming systems, mobile phones or music players, books, crosswords, or something else that you enjoy. However remember that you are in a shared space so must use earphones and pick appropriate materials. Additionally, remember that you will need to pack this in your board bad so pick only what you need.
Assistive Devices
The bus lines will do their best to accommodate reasonable requests. Many of these devices such as canes, walkers, wheelchairs, and folding power scooters can be accommodated. For answers regarding specific devices, please contact the COA.
Walking Definitions
For your convenience, the COA provides basic guidance regarding the trip and walking that may be necessary during the dray trip. This added benefit will help you understand how much walking may or may not be needed on a trip or tour.
The trips will be rated (1 through 4). This indicates the level of walking as described below. Please understand these are simply estimates based on information provided to us by the specific locations we will be visiting/touring.
Walking Level 1 – this tour involves minimal physical activity. It requires climbing some stairs, boarding the motor coach and walking from a parking lot area to the attraction.
Walking Level 2 – This tour requires that you be able to climb stairs and walk reasonable distances, possibly over uneven ground, paths, roadways and cobblestone type streets/
Walking Level 3 – This tour includes moderate physical activity. The itinerary blends some longer tours with shorter tours and more leisure time. This includes walking tours, as well as walking slightly longer distances, upstairs, or uneven walking surfaces should be expected.
Walking Level 4 – To truly experience the program and destination, you need to be able to participate in physical activities such as longer walking tours, walking over uneven terrain, climbing stairs and periods of standing. Some of the tour days may be longer with select included activities that may require greater physical stamina.