Explore the World with Hammer Travel: Adventure Awaits Near and Far!

Photo: Chris Emeott; Printed images: Hammer Travel

Swimming alongside dolphins, enjoying the skyline from the summit of the Empire State Building, or experiencing the London Eye—while numerous individuals often overlook travel experiences, the team at Hammer Travel recognizes that certain people require additional assistance to explore the globe, and they are dedicated to providing just that—one excursion at a time.

Hammer travelers unite for amazing experiences at Universal Orlando Resort. Photos: Hammer Travel

Tom Ryan is the visionary behind Hammer Travel based in Wayzata. Fifteen years ago, he founded the travel division for the nonprofit service organization Hammer. After the successful initiation of fishing trips for Hammer’s clients, Ryan contemplated whether they could elevate their offerings while broadening the nonprofit’s purpose to “empower individuals with disabilities to lead purposeful, self-directed lives.” He envisioned taking budding cowboys to Deadwood, South Dakota, and fans of Mickey Mouse to Walt Disney World. He dreamed of days at the beach, attending baseball matches, and trolley rides throughout the streets of San Francisco.

Spring training is where it all begins for baseball aficionados.

“I didn’t really have faith in anything until I ventured into group homes,” he reflects. “I came to understand that my role is to enhance the quality of life for individuals,” states Ryan, who leads travel and community life operations.

Currently, Hammer Travel presents all those adventures Ryan first dreamed about, along with numerous others, facilitating as many as 30 excursions each year. Each travel excursion includes committed and skilled volunteers—most of whom are Hammer personnel—working at a 1-to-4 ratio to guarantee that travel proceeds seamlessly, and that travelers feel secure and are cared for. (Travel costs are covered for the volunteers.)

A journey to Alaska presented breathtaking mountain vistas.

Every expedition accommodates a maximum of 12 participants, and numerous special outings tend to sell out rapidly after their announcements. The most favored excursions often involve anything associated with Walt Disney World or Minnesota sports teams. All expenses associated with the trips are included in the total cost, apart from personal purchases and transportation to the airport or designated pickup points. Hammer Travel is committed to providing a variety of destinations and is mindful of including driving trips for those who prefer not to fly. “The locations are significant, but we have discovered that what individuals appreciate the most is escaping from the usual routine,” Ryan observes.

Las Vegas is a favorable choice for this group of travelers.

Through experience and adjustments, the staff has established strategies to guarantee that the excursions proceed without issues. “We fit in as much as possible, yet there must be equilibrium,” Ryan notes. “A period for rest, hydration breaks, and moments to relax and snack is essential.”

Theresult is contented travelers—again and again. “We receive numerous remarks like, ‘Wow, I never imagined I could do this,’” Ryan shares. That’s harmonious to his ears. “What’s occurring
now is precisely what we imagined.”

Prepared for Adventure

Ryan Russell from Plymouth estimates that he has participated in 15 Hammer Travel excursions, which encompass five Disney cruises, two Alaskan cruises, a voyage to Mexico, and a trip to London, marking Hammer Travel’s inaugural venture across the ocean. “London was my dream journey,” he reflects, nostalgically recounting the sightseeing at Tower Bridge, the London Eye, and a scenic drive through the countryside.

Ryan’s initial trip occurred in Los Angeles back in 2013. “I enjoy meeting new individuals, and I appreciate the trip leaders,” he remarks. “I become so thrilled. It’s the finest travel organization.”

Ryan Russel enjoys a Western Caribbean Cruise.

Ryan’s mother, Diane Russell, mentions that they previously tried another travel organization with “awful” outcomes, but as soon as they met the Hammer personnel, she felt assured her son would be in skilled care. “They are all so friendly, so compassionate,” she states. “It gives me a sense of reassurance.” Diane particularly enjoys witnessing all the joy on the travelers’ faces when she collects Ryan from the airport after a Hammer Travel trip. “It’s so pleasant that he travels with his own peers,” she says. “He adores it, relishes all the excitement.”

“The group leaders are outstanding,” states Pam Wright of Excelsior. “It’s been such a wonderful experience.” Wright’s daughter Sarah Lundquist has been enrolling in Hammer Travel excursions since the very start. The 48-year-old participates in two to three trips annually. “She’s employed at Trader Joe’s and allocates her earnings for the excursions,” Wright shares.

Sarah Lundquist visits a Nashville, Tennessee, museum.

Lundquist has traveled to Albuquerque, New Mexico; Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee; Sedona, Arizona; and the Wisconsin Dells. Her most cherished journey was to the Minnesota Twins’ spring training in Fort Myers, Florida, where the travelers are often granted field access to meet the players. Wright, who confesses she’s not an avid traveler, says the excursions have expanded her daughter’s perspectives. “I can’t express enough fantastic things about Hammer Travel,” she remarks.

Craig Wencl has been involved in several trips with Hammer Travel, covering destinations like California, Hawaii, and Jamaica. He enrolled to visit Iceland. Wencl mentions that the affordable rates and the personnel ensure his return for more. “I enjoy the tour leaders,” he states.

Craig Wencl takes in the sights in Iceland.

This is exactly what Edina’s Cindi Laurent and Excelsior’s Diane Klimowicz take pleasure in hearing. Laurent has volunteered for over 20 trips throughout the last six years and enjoys “sharing in the thrill of exploration” with clients. “It has been my joy and honor to have this volunteer opportunity,” she states. “I love to travel with intention. This gives me a sense of purpose.”

“It’s very rewarding,” shares Klimowicz, a former team member who is now a volunteer. She has acted as both a tour leader and a volunteer for the excursions and values making a traveler’s day brighter, even in minor ways. “There are individuals who have never stayed in a hotel before, people who have never witnessed the ocean before, and they are incredibly thankful for the opportunity,” she mentions. “It’s such an uplifting experience.”

Hammer Travel
1909 Wayzata Blvd., Wayzata; 952.277.2461
Facebook: Hammer Travel
Instagram: @hammertravel