TRAVEL INFORMATION
Traveling to Outward Bound

Arrival Time and Location

Location: El Paso International Airport

VOBS staff will be standing outside by the flag pole with an Outward Bound sign and will meet students there. The El Paso airport is small, so our staff will be easy to find. Staff typically arrive at 11am MST (El Paso is on MST). If your student's flight arrives earlier than that, just wait in the baggage claim area until staff arrive and meet staff outside at the flagpole. Staff will also make rounds in the airport baggage claim area.

Time: No later than 1:00 PM MST. 

*If you're arriving by car, and you can get there early, please try to arrive between 10:30 - 11:30 AM.  This will help us get you checked in and avoid a rush right at 1:00 PM.  

If you cannot find a flight that arrives in El Paso by 1:00 PM MST on your course start day, you will need to arrive the night before and stay in El Paso. Please see the Pre & Post Course Accommodations Tab for information about hotels in El Paso. If you arrive the night before, you will still meet the group at the airport by 1:00 PM on your course start day. 

*Recently, we have found that there are fewer flight options overall, and far fewer connecting flights into El Paso, TX. Many families have had a more positive and stress-free travel experience if they arrive the day before the course, spend the night in El Paso, and meet the group at the airport the next day. While not required, this can be a nice option to consider as you make your travel plans.

Please eat lunch and make any final phone calls before arriving at the airport. Expect to be at the airport until your whole group has arrived, at which time they will drive the 5 hours to our basecamp in vans. 

Travel Delays and Late Arrivals

If you experience delays or cancellations on arrival day, please contact our Travel Coordinator at (432) 652-6003

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.

Additional Arrival Day Information

  • If a student tests positive on their course an alternate travel plan will need to be made. 
  • CLOTHING/DRESS ON COURSE START DAY – 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.
Mid-Course Travel

Students will fly as a group from El Paso, TX to Duluth, MN in the middle of their course. 

In 2021 VOBS will cover the cost of these flights. Your course advisor will be in touch with more details about this flight as the course gets closer. 

Traveling Home

Students will be transported back to Duluth, Minnesota at the end of their course.  If you are picking up your student you can meet them at the Duluth International Airport at 11:00 AM.  

If you are choosing to book a flight home at the end of the course, please do not book any flights departing before 11:00 AM from the Duluth International Airport. If you're having difficulty finding a departing flight after 11 AM, please speak with your course advisor and we'll work to accommodate your request.

  • It is important for you to note if a student tests positive for COVID-19 on their course, an alternate travel plan will need to be made.

 

Pre & Post-Course Accommodations

If you are unable to arrive by 1:00 PM on the first day of the course, we advise that you arrive a day early. There are multiple hotel options in Duluth near the airport. Hotels may or may not offer a shuttle to the airport. If not, students can take an Uber between the airport and the hotel. 

Days Inn and Suites. Can accommodate 18+ students, no minors. Students must have credit card in hand when they arrive to complete the payment. 

909 Cottonwood Ave. Duluth, MN

218-727-3110 - Call this direct line to make reservations. If you are staying between November and May they will offer a special VOBS rate. 

 

AmericInn by Wyndam Duluth. Can accommodate minors with parents' authorization. 

901 Joshua Ave. Duluth, MN

218-723-8607 - Call to make reservations. A VOBS discount may be available depending on the time of year. 

 

If you are over 21 years old there are many other hotels near the Duluth airport that are available to you. 

The following hotels offer great places to stay, as well as shuttle service to the El Paso airport. Make sure to ask about shuttle availability and schedule when you make your reservation.
 
6308 Montana Avenue, El Paso, TX. *(915)887-0300
Will accommodate minors. Call their direct line for reservations and ask about an Outward Bound discount. To book online, go to the corporate account section and enter this ID (#0002704640) to get the VOBS discount. 
 
Holiday Inn Express & Suites El Paso Airport:
6666 Gateway Blvd E, El Paso, TX 79915•(915) 771-6200

Radisson Hotel El Paso Airport:
1770 Airway Blvd, El Paso, TX 79925•(915) 772-3333

Wyndham El Paso Airport Hotel:
2027 Airway Blvd, El Paso, TX 79925•(915) 701-3202