Hey everyone — quick housekeeping note to keep this community safe, respectful, and comfortable for all. One of our core values here is trust. Because of that, unsolicited DMs between members are not allowed inside this community. What that means: - Please don’t DM other members to pitch, promote, recruit, or sell anything - Please don’t cold-message members unless they’ve clearly invited you to do so - Genuine conversations are welcome inside the group, where everything stays transparent If you ever receive a DM from another member that feels: - Unexpected - Salesy - Pushy - Or just “off” Please feel free to message me directly. You won’t be in trouble — my goal is simply to protect the integrity of the space and the people in it. This community works because people feel safe asking questions, exploring ideas, and showing up at their own pace. Keeping boundaries clear helps everyone. Thanks for helping keep this a high-trust space 🤝— Michael

A small Skool update that helps keep this space comfortable 🧳💙 Skool is rolling out a new feature over the next few weeks that helps flag spam or sketchy DMs before they become annoying. What you’ll start seeing: - When someone messages you, Skool may show a risk indicator (low risk vs higher risk) - It’s there to help you quickly tell the difference between a genuine message and spam Translation in plain English:➡️ Fewer random pitches➡️ Less awkward or uncomfortable messaging➡️ More peace of mind using the platform This group is meant to feel safe, friendly, and low-pressure, and anything that reduces noise helps keep it that way. You never have to respond to messages you don’t want to — and this feature just adds another layer of protection. Out of curiosity: What helps you feel most comfortable and confident in an online travel community? It could be: - Clear boundaries - Friendly conversation - Useful info without pressure - Or something else entirely - Feel free to share — or just read along. 💬

👋 Welcome @Dr. Marvin Parker, DBA Marvin, welcome to the Travelers group! Great to have you here. We’re glad you found your way in and hope this community brings you connection, clarity, and some great travel inspiration along the way. Looking forward to having you participate when you’re ready.

🌴 Welcome @Cynthia Bivens Cynthia, welcome to One Step Away Travelers! A beach-loving music fan with five parrots listening to 94.9 The Surf daily already brings great energy to the group 😄. We’re glad to have you here, and Murrells Inlet sounds like the perfect place to soak up that coastal lifestyle. Jump in anywhere that feels comfortable.

📌 Worth Pinning (Community Feature) We’re introducing a new ongoing community feature called Worth Pinning. It’s simple, intentional, and designed to highlight real contributions — not noise. 🗓️ First Round (Special Start) For this first time only, you’ll have 2 weeks to post something original related to travel, planning, or your travel mindset. After that, Worth Pinning becomes a monthly feature. 💡 What to Post Anything that helps others think more clearly about travel, such as: - A destination that keeps calling you (and why) - A hesitation or question you’re working through - A lesson from a past trip - A planning win, mistake, or realization - An honest question you wish someone would answer If it adds clarity, perspective, or momentum — it counts. 🏆 How Selection Works (Ongoing) This is not a like-based contest. Each month: - I’ll quietly observe posts throughout the month - I’m looking for clarity, usefulness, and contribution - During the first week of the following month: 💬 Bonus: Conversation Contributor Each month, I’ll also select one member who added value through thoughtful comments on others’ posts. They’ll receive the same worksheet, sent privately. Good conversations matter just as much as good posts. 🔎 What This Is (and Isn’t) - Not about likes - Not about posting the most - Not about being loud or polished It’s about sharing something that actually helps someone else think or decide. If nothing stands out in a given month, nothing gets pinned. That’s intentional. 🤝 Why We’re Doing This This community works best when members share ideas, experiences, and honest questions — not just consume content. Some of the most helpful insights come from members. This is a way to quietly highlight those. Post when it feels right. If it adds value, it’ll be seen.