TRAVEL INFORMATION
Traveling to Outward Bound

Arrival Time and Location

Location: Duluth International Airport. 

VOBS staff will meet students in the baggage claim area. The Duluth airport is very small, so our staff will be easy to find. 

Time: No later than 1:00 PM
*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 Duluth by 1:00 PM on your course start day, you will need to arrive the night before and stay in Duluth. Please see the Pre & Post Course Accommodations Tab for information about hotels in Duluth. 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 Duluth, MN. Many families have had a more positive and stress-free travel experience if they arrive the day before the course, spend the night in Duluth, 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.

Shuttle services are available between the Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport (MSP) and Duluth, which may be a good option for some travel plans. Services available include Landline Shuttle Services and Groome Transportation. While Groome does not run directly to the Duluth airport, our staff can pick up students at the Groome office in Duluth on the course start day. 

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 we will transport you an additional 2-3 hours to your course-start location.

Travel Delays or Late Arrivals

If you experience delays or cancellations on arrival day, please contact our Travel Coordinator at: (218) 491-6799.

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.

Other Arrival Day Information

  • 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.
  •  CLOTHING/DRESS ON ARRIVAL 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.

 

 

Traveling Home

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.

  • 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