Trips and Events - Frequently Asked Questions

Where do we meet for trips?
Do I have to be a member to go on a trip?
Do we get a mailed reminder for trips?
What do I need to bring on a day trip?
Can a non-member join the Lion’s Pride newsletter mailing list?

1. Where do we meet for trips?

At the Philipps Bus Lot, corner of Main & Belleview. That’s on the east side of Main Street, and between Belleview Street and the railroad tracks. This reminder is always given on the bottom of page 3 in every Lion’s Pride newsletter.

2. Do I have to be a member to go on a trip?

ABSOLUTELY NOT! Anyone is welcome to join us; you need not be a member, or even a guest of a member.

However, you will notice that every day trip and social function has a members’ price. We also have a non-members’ price that varies per function, but is usually $8-10 higher than the members’ price. Non-members have not made the same investment in Winona National that members have, and are therefore not entitled to the same discounts for functions that are provided for members.

Please note, however, that extended trips never have a difference in price for members and non-members. It would not be reasonable to require your sister from Texas (or anywhere else) to join just so she could accompany you on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Europe. We are very happy to have your guest join us and help fill the trip.

3. Do we get a mailed reminder for trips?

Not for day trips. You can find the information needed on our Web site under "50 & Better, Calendar of Events" or in the Lion’s Pride newsletter on Page 3. Both remind you when payments are due, what time the bus leaves, and when we expect to return.

For extended trips, we will either mail you all the information you need, or hold a pre-departure meeting where we distribute documents and answer questions. Pre-departure meetings are usually held approximately 10 days before the trip departs. We have to wait for documents and airline tickets to arrive, get sorted, and make sure everything is as accurate as possible.

4. What do I need to bring on a day trip?

Nothing but a smile and a good attitude. We will bring your ticket, a guest list to help you get acquainted with your fellow passengers, and a slip to remind you what you ordered for lunch, if it was necessary to pre-select. You will find all these things in your nametag pouch that we will collect at the end of the day.

If the destination is more than an hour and a half away, we usually provide a snack and ice-cold, filtered water for the trip home. Alcoholic drinks are never allowed on the bus, but you are allowed to purchase your own drink of choice at restaurants, whether or not you choose the non-alcoholic drink included with the meal.

5. Can a non-member join the Lion’s Pride newsletter mailing list?

No. However, we will always respond to an individual request to send a non-member a current newsletter, especially if they are traveling with us on an upcoming trip. The only way to get on the newsletter mailing list is to become a Lion’s Pride member.