Hood River Valley Adult Center goes traveling

HOOD RIVER — The Hood River Valley Adult Center (HRVAC) has long served as a place in the community for seniors and retirees to find community, receive support, and now organizes local and international trips for members (and non-members when space allows). In the past, Executive Director Amy Mallet had been able to take seniors to a few events, but transportation has been a problem. However, the center recently received a grant which allowed them to purchase a 14-passenger van. “It opened the door to something bigger,” said Mallet. Soon after, Ken Payan joined as their travel director. “His role is to ensure everyone has a great time, schlep bags, and make sure no one feels alone on any of our trips,” said Mallet, speaking about how they goal of the travel club is more than just the destinations:

“As we grow older, it’s easy to feel isolated — especially when the thought of going somewhere alone keeps us at home. The Travel Club was created to break down that barrier, giving seniors the chance to share experiences, form friendships, and discover new places together,” Mallet continued.

They’ve done some incredible trips, both locally and internationally. “Our goal is simple: if they dream it, we do our best to make it happen.” Recently they visited Costa Rica (three days in the jungle) and Portugal, but “Italy remains the trip we still talk about most,” said Mallet. “We traveled with a large group and were paired with fellow travelers from Chicago and Nashville. By the end of the journey, it felt as though we had all been friends for years. Our home base was a charming hotel in Montecatini Alto, from which we took day trips to Florence, Siena, San Gimignano, Luca and the breathtaking Cinque Terre. It was difficult to say goodbye, especially to the gelato.” They made pasta and other activities, did tours of the surrounding area, and enjoyed each other’s company.”

Though Italy was their furthest adventure, their “local” trips have gone far too, as far as Leavenworth Washington, a lovely, Bavarian style town, where they enjoyed plays, shopping, and a river float. “Our trusty van squeezes in 14 passengers — though it can feel a bit like a game of Tetris on shopping days. Luckily, our travel manager, Ken Payan, has turned bag-stashing into an art form.” They are currently saving up for a ladder and roof rack that will allow them “some breathing room” on overnight trips to places like the coast, Leavenworth and Ashland. “Thankfully, airplanes come with much bigger luggage compartments,” said Mallet, so there aren’t the same limits on the number of participants. 

This month, they’ve already had their end-of-summer barbeque at Lost Lake, have made their way up to Cooper Spur, and have visited Maryhill Museum and Stonehenge Memorial in the Gorge. There is an upcoming National Parks tour in Utah, and a tour of European Christmas markets though Prague, Dresen, Austria, and Budapest. 2026 has trips to Greece, Nordic isles, and both Ireland and Northern Ireland. 

The travel club is open to both members and non-members of HRVAC and prices vary based on the costs of the trips, with members paying $10 less than non-members. Members of HRVAC also receive other perks, like one free mystery day trip per year, travel swag, and inclusion in the planning process for future trips. Membership costs $25, and seniors can participate in meals, resources and other activities along with the travel club. 

“At its heart, the club is about more than travel — it’s about making sure no one has to feel alone. That commitment reflects the Hood River Valley Adult Center’s mission as a whole: to ensure every senior knows they have a place to belong,” concluded Mallet.