Participants may travel to/from course by personal vehicle or commercial transportation; however, personal vehicle travel is encouraged. We want those choosing to fly to be aware of our expectations surrounding commercial travel:
When booking your flight, and while you travel, we expect you to do the following:
If you are driving to your course start, check out this fun video our staff made for ways to travel safely: Traveling to your Course
Location: El Paso International Airport
Time: No later than 1:00 PM
We have planned this arrival time to minimize time spent in the El Paso airport. Students will meet our staff and depart as soon as possible.
You will need to meet at the El Paso Airport "Arrivals Lounge" on the day your course starts. After departing your gate, please take the escalators down to the lower level to the Arrivals Lounge. At the bottom of either escalator, look for an Outward Bound Staff member.
Once all students arrive they will drive the 5 hours to our basecamp in vans.
With so many people traveling on the same day, we anticipate some hiccups. If your arrival is delayed, don’t worry too much. Contact our Travel Coordinator and we will do our best to coordinate an alternative plan with you.
Students will be transported back to the El Paso International Airport at the end of their course. If you are picking up your student you may meet them there between 12:00 and 1:00 PM.
If you are choosing to book a flight home at the end of the course, please do not book any flights departing before 1:00 PM from the El Paso International Airport.
Participants may travel from course by personal vehicle or commercial transportation; however, personal vehicle travel is encouraged. We want those choosing to fly to be aware of our expectations surrounding commercial travel:
COMMUNICATION WITH YOUR TEEN ON ARRIVAL DAY – It’s a good idea to send a phone with your teen for use during travel days (don’t forget to include a charge cord). All electronics are stored in a secure location during the expedition and will be returned to your teen on departure day.
Please remind your teen to call/text you when they’ve arrived and met the Outward Bound representative. There will be time for this communication. If there are any problems or your teen doesn’t arrive as scheduled, we will contact you right away. Otherwise, no news is good news! Your teen’s course director will accompany your teen’s group to the start of their wilderness expedition and will contact you within 2-3 days to introduce themselves and share an update.
MEALS AND MONEY ON ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE DAYS - Please bring a little cash for meals during your travel days. Outward Bound will provide dinner on the first day, breakfast on the last day, and some snacks on both of these days. There are minimal food options once you exit the security gate at the airport so plan to get something before you arrive or before you exit security. Remember to drink plenty of water throughout travel days!
MEDICATIONS – If you take a prescription medication, please ensure that you have enough to complete the entire course, and bring a back-up set if possible. If you use an inhaler or carry an Epi-pen, please bring 2 sets.
Remember to pack your medications and other important items (contacts, glasses, travel documents, money) in your carry-on luggage in case your checked bag is delayed or lost.
CLOTHING/DRESS ON COURSE START DAY (DAY 1) – Please arrive at the meeting place already dressed in your expedition clothes. Your boots or tennis shoes, wool socks, quick-dry pants, underwear, t-shirt and warmer long-sleeved layer (accessible) work best on the first day. Please see the provided packing list for further information about appropriate luggage, clothing and layering principles.
Best Western Plus El Paso Airport Hotel
6655 Gateway West, El Paso, TX
Phone: (915) 778-6411
Discount Rate: To receive a discounted rate of $75/ night (standard room) you can use the discount code VOYA when booking.
Shuttle Service: While making your reservation ask about the free airport shuttle to the hotel.
Radisson Hotel El Paso Airport
Phone: (915) 772-3333
Reservations: (800) 333-3333
Holiday Inn El Paso Airport
Phone: 915-772- 4008
Reservations: (888) 465-4329