OTP Travel Buddies

We currently have OTP Travel Buddy Members in 36 cities and 7 states!

Trusted Referral-Only Travel Community

OTP Travel Buddies is a unique and intimate part of the Ocean To Peak Adventures community, a referral-only travel network built on trust, respect, and meaningful human connection. This group connects like-minded adventurers who want to explore new cities, towns, cultures, and landscapes with trusted hosts and friends, not strangers.

Imagine arriving in a new place and being welcomed by someone who truly wants you there, someone who shares your passion for adventure, community, and authentic experiences. That’s what Travel Buddies is all about.

Whether through shared meals, insider local knowledge, cozy accommodations (optional), or meaningful time spent exploring together, hosts and travelers create unforgettable memories and friendships that last far beyond the trip.

This group reflects the same core values that define OTP as a whole: purpose, connection, exploration, inspiration, community, and respect.

How OTP Travel Buddies Works

Members travel to visit one another in their hometowns or favorite destinations.

When hosting, members may offer:

Local sightseeing or guided outings
A spare room, couch, guest space (optional)
Insider local tips, restaurant recommendations, and hidden gems
Hospitality that feels like visiting a close friend

When traveling, members connect with trusted hosts who help them explore like a local — not a tourist.

This creates safe, warm, genuine travel experiences that are difficult to find anywhere else.

Membership Requirement

The group is referral-only and requires verification through an existing OTP member.

Administrator approval is required for entry.

Locations & Members

All members of the network submit their info into the official OTP Travel Buddies Spreadsheet. The submission form is located in the "Featured" section at the top of the group. Addresses and personal information is kept private and not shared with members, however a generalized spreadsheet is available for members to view the cities and states that hosts are in.

Benefits of Joining the Travel Buddies Community

Discover new places with trusted hosts and travel partners
Enjoy authentic experiences beyond tourist areas
Share your hometown, culture, and favorite spots with visitors
Create meaningful friendships across the country
Travel more easily, safely, comfortably, and purposefully
Become part of a respectful, close-knit travel family within OTP

OTP Travel Buddies elevates travel from something you do to an experience you share.

Group Rules & Expectations

To maintain a safe, respectful, and trustworthy community, members must follow these guidelines:

Trust & Respect

Treat hosts and travelers with kindness, integrity, and care as if they were close friends or family visiting your home.

Clear Communication

Before arrival, all details must be mutually agreed upon:

Accommodation (if offered)
Duration of stay
Itinerary ideas
Boundaries & expectations

Safety First

Verify profiles and communicate thoroughly before meeting in person.
Never share personal addresses without proper communication and comfort.

Host Responsibilities

Optional: offer a room, couch, or guest space
Share local knowledge and guidance
Provide a welcoming, respectful environment

Traveler Responsibilities

Respect host’s home, rules, time, and privacy
Be adaptable, courteous, and mindful
Honor local customs and host lifestyle

Reciprocity Encouraged

Members are encouraged to both host and travel, when possible, to keep the community balanced and thriving.

Confidentiality

All personal details and experiences shared within this group remain private.

Administrator Notification

Members must notify admins of any concerns, safety issues, or conflicts.

Zero Tolerance Policy

Harassment, discrimination, or inappropriate behavior will result in immediate removal.

Accommodation Terms & Guest Limits

Hosts determine stay length, house rules, and guest limits. Travelers must request approval before bringing others.

OTP Traveler Stories

These stories help potential members understand the kind of meaningful experiences OTP Travel Buddies creates.

PORTLAND — Traveler Story

A heartfelt narrative about Sarah welcoming a traveler with flowers, exploring Portland’s hidden gems, hiking Forest Park, sharing meals, dancing to live music, and forming a lasting friendship.

As I stepped off the train in Portland, Oregon, I was excited to meet my OTP Travel Buddies host, Sarah. She welcomed me with a warm smile and a bouquet of fresh flowers from her garden. Our 4-day adventure began with a stroll through her charming neighborhood, filled with street art, boutique shops, and cozy cafes. Sarah shared insider knowledge about the best coffee spots and local eateries, making me feel like a true Portlandian.

Over the next few days, Sarah took me on a journey through Portland's natural beauty – hiking through lush Forest Park, exploring the stunning Japanese Garden, and watching the sunset over the Willamette River. We shared laughter and stories over delicious food truck meals and craft beers, forging an unforgettable bond. Sarah even introduced me to her friends at a local music venue, where we danced the night away to live music.

What struck me most about this experience was the authentic connection I made with Sarah and her community. OTP Travel Buddies isn't just about sightseeing – it's about immersing oneself in local culture, building meaningful relationships, and creating lifelong memories. As I prepared to leave Portland, Sarah handed me a handmade gift – a beautiful pendant featuring a symbol of our shared adventure.

My experience with OTP Travel Buddies was truly transformative. I returned home feeling inspired, refreshed, and already planning my next host/traveler adventure.

LAKE TAHOE — Traveler Story

A summer escape with kayaking in turquoise waters, climbing Mount Tallac, biking Tahoe trails, listening to live music, and forming a friendship symbolized by a pinecone gift.

Summer Bliss and Endless Adventure at Lake Tahoe

As I arrived in South Lake Tahoe, California, my OTP Travel Buddies host, Maya, welcomed me with cold lemonade and a warm smile. Our 4-day summer escape began with a kayak paddle across crystal-clear Lake Tahoe waters, surrounded by majestic Sierra Nevada peaks. Maya shared stories about Tahoe's natural history and pointed out hidden coves like Emerald Bay and Secret Harbor.

Over the next few days, Maya took me on a journey through Tahoe's endless summer adventures – hiking to the top of Mount Tallac for breathtaking views, mountain biking down Tahoe City trails, and swimming in the refreshing waters of Sand Harbor Beach. We even spent an evening watching live music at Kings Beach, sharing laughter and stories around a beach bonfire. Maya introduced me to her friends at a local brewery in Truckee, where we enjoyed craft beers and live music together.

What struck me most about this experience was Maya's infectious enthusiasm for Tahoe's outdoor playground – from sunrise hikes to sunset paddleboard cruises. OTP Travel Buddies creates opportunities for authentic connections like this – where hosts and travelers become fast friends and share unforgettable summer memories.

As I departed Lake Tahoe, Maya gifted me a small pinecone from our hike, symbolizing our newfound friendship and the promise of future Tahoe adventures together. My heart remained in Tahoe, filled with gratitude for Maya's hospitality and the joy of our summer escape!

OTP Host Story

SAN FRANCISCO — Host Perspective

A host welcoming a guest into their home, sharing local secrets, hiking across the Golden Gate Bridge, sailing on the Bay, exploring neighborhoods, exchanging stories, and rediscovering their own city through the visitor’s eyes.

I'll never forget the day my OTP Travel Buddies guest, Rachel, arrived in San Francisco. Her eyes sparkled as she took in the Golden Gate Bridge views from my living room window, and I knew we were in for an unforgettable adventure together. As a native San Franciscan, I loved sharing my city's hidden gems with her – from the colorful street art in the Mission District to the serene Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park.

Over the next four days, Rachel and I explored my favorite San Francisco spots like locals. We hiked across the bridge to Marin County, enjoying breathtaking views of the city skyline and Alcatraz Island. We sampled delicious food in Chinatown and Fisherman's Wharf, and even took a sunset sail on the Bay. Rachel's curiosity and enthusiasm were infectious – I found myself seeing my city through fresh eyes and appreciating its beauty all over again.

What touched my heart most was the connection Rachel and I formed along the way. We shared stories about our lives, laughter over coffee in Haight-Ashbury, and even exchanged book recommendations at City Lights Bookstore.

As Rachel prepared to leave San Francisco, I realized that hosting her through OTP Travel Buddies had not only enriched her trip but also my own life. I had rediscovered favorite spots, made a new friend, and felt grateful for this community that fosters meaningful connections between travelers and hosts.

Now I'm excited to plan my own trip as a traveler with OTP Travel Buddies – who knows what new connections and adventures await!