Passport to Possibility: Inside the Travel Club at Monarch Landing

At Monarch Landing, the journey does not slow down. In many ways, it picks up speed.

The community’s resident-run Travel Club has become a driving force behind an active, connected lifestyle, ensuring that residents are not just living well, but living fully. From local outings to international adventures, the club keeps calendars full and curiosity alive, all under the thoughtful leadership of resident Nellie Lannin and her group of helpful volunteers.

A Club Built by Residents, for Residents

That resident leadership is what makes the Travel Club stand out.  Art Denklau, one of the committee members said that Nellie approaches her role with the precision and commitment of a full-time job, researching destinations, coordinating logistics, and staying closely attuned to what fellow residents want most.

“I’ve always been a planner. It comes naturally to me,” Nellie said.

Her background in travel related work is evident in every detail, from thoughtfully curated outings to well organized larger trips.

Something for Everyone

While, through the years, the club has explored destinations across the country and around the world, it has recently seen tremendous growth in local outings.

“It’s really blossomed,” Nellie explained. “We’re seeing younger residents who want to stay busy. If they were busy before they retired, we want to keep them busy. And if they tended to stay home, we’re encouraging them to get out and experience more.”

That philosophy shows up in a diverse calendar that includes theater performances, concerts, and an ever-popular lineup of restaurant outings. Unique ethnic dining experiences have become a particular favorite.

The club recently added outings to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and planned a highly anticipated concert featuring Yo Yo Ma, blending cultural enrichment with social connection.

A Thoughtful Balance

Life at Monarch Landing offers both vibrant outings and exceptional on-site programming. While the Travel Club focuses on getting residents out into the broader community, the community’s employee’s lifestyle team brings a wide range of entertainment directly to campus.

“There are residents who prefer to stay in, and the entertainment here is great,” Art said. “The way we divide it up fulfills what everyone needs.”

Seamless and Social

With approximately six outings each month, the Travel Club runs like a well-tuned operation. Residents express interest, receive personal follow up calls, and often find themselves on wait lists for popular events.

As an escort, Art helps ensure each outing he participates in runs smoothly, assisting with transportation, accommodations, and overall coordination. More than that, he helps create a welcoming, social experience.

“These outings give people a chance to connect on a more personal level,” Nellie said. “They’re out in the community, engaged, and experiencing something new together.”

Beyond Day Trips

The Travel Club also organizes larger group travel experiences. Earlier this year, residents embarked on an eleven-day Holland America cruise to Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao.

Through a partnership with American Classic Tours, residents have access to a wide range of thoughtfully designed trips. The company visits Monarch Landing twice a year to share upcoming travel opportunities, often sparking informal group travel among residents.

“If people see others are going, they get interested too,” Nellie said, noting a recent Canadian rail trip that drew a group of eight.

There are even trips with surprise destinations, adding a sense of adventure to the experience.

Powered by Passion

What makes the Travel Club truly special is its authenticity. It is not a top-down program. It is shaped by the people who participate in it.

“The fact that it’s run by residents is important,” Nellie said. “The residents are really invested in it.”

That connection has helped build a reputation for Monarch Landing as a place where residents are not only active but energized by opportunity.

“It’s healthy,” Art added. “They’re engaged, mentally stimulated, and enjoying life.”

For Art, the experience is also deeply personal. He and his late wife shared a love of music and theater, a passion he continues through the club today.

The Journey Continues

At Monarch Landing, the Travel Club is more than a calendar of events. It is a reflection of a community that values independence, curiosity, and connection.

Whether it is a night at the symphony, a new restaurant across town, or a journey across the sea, residents are not just passing time. They are making the most of it.

Monarch Landing

Monarch Landing is a Life Plan Community located on a scenic campus in Naperville, Illinois-named “one of America’s best places to live and retire” by Modern Maturity, and “the best city for early retirement” by Kiplinger. Monarch Landing offers independent living, promoting a vibrant lifestyle for active seniors.  The Springs at Monarch Landing offers memory supported assisted living, respite care, rehabilitation, and skilled nursing services, thus providing complete continuing care for seniors. Monarch Landing is owned by Senior Care Development and managed by Life Care Services®.