I was going to ask this on the "Monterey Peninsula GTG, June" thread, but wondered if someone else out there has wondered this same question ...

... As a GTG is prepared, and you are the 'local' for the gathering, can/should you invite some of your non-SlowTrav friends?

Certainly you (me in this case), have talked up and offered all the information you can to your friends/fellow travelers who just don't know about this great community (ST)...

By-my-way-of-thinking now is the Perfect occasion.

What do you think? How do we invite non- Slowtrav people to a ST GTG, so that maybe they will join in on our/the fun?

Wendy - I don't believe I've been to a GTG that didn't include some non slowtravel members.

Hi Wendy, I have never found this community to be unwelcoming or non-inclusive in any way. I think the fun of GTGs are to put faces with names/posts, etc., but don't most of us talk up this wonderful resource?

It seems to me, that when attending a GTG, we all just enjoy meeting like minded folks. Why not introduce friends to the mix? I am sure we would all benefit from other's travel experiences.

At a GTG in Pienza we had a member who brought a non-member friends and the same in Rome, and in Toronto. They were all welcome.

Absolutely Wendy! I'm with Jerry in that I can think of many GTG's where people brought friends.

Thanks for your answers. Please know that I know we are a very open and welcoming group and of course we can, and want to, share ourselves with others who are likeminded.

I wasn't just asking for myself, but I will use the info. to let a few people know that there might be a couple of GTG's coming up in our area.

Thanks friends. W.

Hello Wendy,

Sorry I am late to this thread. Yes, I think it is great to invite people outside of the Slow Trav "network" when a GTG is thrown.

My previous experience when inviting someone to Slow Trav GTG's is that they usually end up an avid member/participant of Slow Trav.

Also, saw your link for the Monterey GTG and wish we could make it. We lived in your area for almost two years - 13 years ago (Riley was born in Monterey). The places you mention for possible GTG's bring back a lot of memories.

Perhaps, in 2011. We are way overdue for a CA road trip.

Best,

Leslie

Thanks Leslie for your input. I agree, I think the people that I talk about ST to would love to meet some of these people I talk about, or they have read reviews by.

I have a sneaky suspision that there could/will be regular GTG's here, once I get going ... So it would be great if the three of you make your way out here and do some re-visiting of your old haunts. They're still here I am sure.