grand trek · express service bus – departs every 20-30 mins from 07:00 hrs-midnight and stops...

Emergency Contact Details: For all departures in the USA & Canada call:

From the US: Toll-Free: 1 (800) 786 - 8735 or 707 523 1800From outside the US: 001 707 523 - 1800

Any QUESTIONS? Please contact our UK Sales team at: [email protected] or call +44 (0)208 682 8920




Grand Trek

Trek Tips® 2019

>> View a detailed day-by-day itinerary at: www.trekamerica.co.uk/gn

TREK INCLUDES

Locally led San Francisco tour Come face-to-face with the presidents at Mt Rushmore

Spend an evening at the Cody Rodeo (seasonal, from June to August only)

Locally guided tour of San Francisco Ride along the Las Vegas Strip in style in a party bus

Guided bike tour of Washington DC’s monuments

See the Liberty Bell and climb the ‘Rocky’ steps in Philadelphia

Breathtaking Niagara Falls Bubbling geysers in Yellowstone National Park

Visit the beautiful Lake Tahoe & take a dip in Lake Powell

Walk amongst towering granite peaks in Yosemite

Walk the Golden Gate Bridge Explore the California coast Explore Hollywood Boulevard Grand Canyon sunrise or sunset Live music in Austin, New Orleans, Memphis & Nashville

Entry to incredible national parks & monuments - Badlands, Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Yosemite, Zion, Grand Canyon & Monument Valley

ORIGINAL

DEPARTS:NEW YORK AREA to NEW YORK AREA

TOUR CODE:

GN

FLORIDA

ALABAMA

CALIFORNIA

COLORADO

ARKANSAS

GEORGIA

IDAHO

IOWA

KANSASKENTUCKY

LOUISIANA

MAINE

MICHIGAN

MINNESOTA

MISSISSIPPI

MISSOURI

MONTANA

NEBRASKANEVADA

NEW JERSEY

NEW YORK

NORTHCAROLINA

NORTH DAKOTA

OHIO

OKLAHOMA

OREGON

PENNSYLVANIA

SOUTH CAROLINA

SOUTH DAKOTA

TENNESSEE

TEXAS

UTAH

VERMONT

WASHINGTON

WYOMING

INDIANAILLINOIS

NEW MEXICOARIZONA

C A N A D A

M E X I C O

C U B A

Las Vegas

AustinNew Orleans

Grand Canyon NP

Zion NP

Monument ValleyVirginia

Washington DC

Ocoee River

East Texas/ Louisiana

North TexasSanta Fe

Philadelphia

Nashville

Memphis

New York

San Francisco

Yosemite NP

Lake Tahoe

Niagara Falls

Chicago

Los Angeles

Yellowstone NP

Lake Erie

Minnesota

Badlands NP

Mount Rushmore

CodyJackson/Grand Teton NP

Wisconsin

Santa Barbara

CaliforniaCoast

Great Basin Desert

ITINERARY:

DAY 1 START 07.30 HRS

� DAY 1 NEW YORK AREA - NIAGARA FALLS ( )

� DAY 2 NIAGARA FALLS - LAKE ERIE ( )

� DAY 3/4 CHICAGO ( )

� DAY 5 MINNESOTA ( )

� DAY 6 BADLANDS NATIONAL PARK ( )

� DAY 7 MOUNT RUSHMORE ( )

� DAY 8 CODY ( )

� DAY 9/10 YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK ( )

� DAY 11/12 GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK - JACKSON ( )

� DAY 13/14 GREAT BASIN NEVADA - LAKE TAHOE ( )

� DAY 15/16 YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK ( )

� DAY 17/18 SAN FRANCISCO ( )

� DAY 19 CALIFORNIA COAST ( )

� DAY 20 SANTA BARBARA - LOS ANGELES ( )

� DAY 21 LOS ANGELES ( )

� DAY 22/23 LAS VEGAS ( )

� DAY 24/25 ZION NATIONAL PARK ( )

� DAY 26/27 GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK ( )

� DAY 28 MONUMENT VALLEY ( )

� DAY 29 SANTA FE ( )

� DAY 30 AMARILLO ( )

� DAY 31/32 AUSTIN ( )

� DAY 33 LOUISIANA ( )

� DAY 34/35 NEW ORLEANS ( )

� DAY 36 MEMPHIS ( )

� DAY 37 NASHVILLE ( )

� DAY 38 OCOEE ( )

� DAY 39 VIRGINIA ( )

� DAY 40/41 WASHINGTON, DC ( )

� DAY 42 PHILADELPHIA - NEW YORK AREA

DAY 42 FINISH 17.00 HRS

If you are interested in visiting Alcatraz we recommend you book your tickets well in advance direct with Alcatraz Cruises. For the northbound tour you should book your ticket for day 18 after 13:00 hrs. For the southbound tour you should book your ticket for day 25 after 13 hrs.




JOINING YOUR TREK

Trek Joining Instructions Your tour will begin at 07:30 hrs at the ‘Joining point’ hotel below. Make sure

you have packed your bags, eaten breakfast and checked out of your room

before meeting your tour leader in the hotel lobby. You will spend a short

while filling out paperwork and meeting your fellow trekkers before getting

on the road.

Finishing up All good things must come to an end, and your trek will usually finish at 17:00

hrs on the final day at the ‘finishing point’ hotel. If you need accommodation

after your tour, you must book this in advance. Do not book a departure flight

that leaves before 21:00 hrs on the final day of your tour. You will be responsible

for any transportation costs if you have to arrive for an earlier flight.

JOINING POINT:

NEW YORK AREA HOTEL

Hilton Newark Airport

1170 Spring Street

Elizabeth, New Jersey,

United States 07201

Tel: 1-908-351-3900

Transfer from Newark Airport: Take the “Airtrain” to Station P4, then wait for the Hilton Newark Airport complimentary shuttle to the hotel, takes 15-20 minutes (departs every 15-20 minutes). It is customary to tip driver who helps you with your bag (US$1-US$2 bag).

Transfer from JFK or LaGuardia Airport: From the Baggage Claim Area of JFK/

LaGuardia Airport, catch a “Super Shuttle” to New York Penn Station which is located in Midtown at 31st and 7th Streets (costs approximately US$25 including tip). Then take a train from New York Penn Station to the Newark Liberty International Airport (all trains going to Newark Airport are noted as “EWR” on the board, trains depart approximately every 10-15 minutes, the journey is about 22-25 minutes, train ticket costs approximately $12.50). From Newark Airport, take the “Airtrain” to Station P4, then wait for the Hilton Newark airport complimentary shuttle to the hotel (departs approx. every 15-20 minutes).

FINISHING POINT:

NEW YORK AREA HOTEL

Hilton Newark Airport

1170 Spring Street

Elizabeth, New Jersey,

United States 07201

Tel: +1-908-351-3900

Transfer to Newark Airport: Take the Hilton Newark Airport complimentary shuttle from the hotel takes 15-20 minutes (departs every 15-20 minutes). It is customary to tip driver who helps you with your bag (US$1-2 bag).

Transfer to JFK or LaGuardia Airport: Take the Hilton Newark complimentary shuttle from the hotel (departs. every 15-20 minutes). From Newark Airport you can either take a train or taxi to New York Penn Station. Then from here you can catch a shuttle (US$19 approx if pre-booked through super shuttle website, search for Penn Station), bus (New York Airport Express Service Bus – departs every 20-30 mins from 07:00 hrs-midnight and stops are located at the ‘Express Bus Stop’.

Arrival Complications The unexpected can happen. Your plane may be delayed or you may even

miss it! If you have missed your trek departure, first check with the hotel to

see if your tour leader left you a message. If not, call the relevant TrekAmerica

emergency number and speak to our staff who will be happy to help you

catch up with the group. You are responsible for any extra travelling expenses

incurred because of a missed trek, so please be on time.

To book nights in hotels before or after your trip, contact our sales team on: [email protected] or call +44 (0)208 682 8920

PLUS...

• Professional tour leader, camping fees, equipment & private transportation

• All accommodation: See website for specific accommodation.

ESSENTIAL INFO:

• Group Size: Max 13

• Food Kitty: US$10 x 42 days

• Wi-Fi available in your van & some accommodation

• This tour links the Southern Sun and the Northern Trail

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES (paid locally)

There are loads of exciting optional activities for you to choose from during your trip giving you the flexibility to do the things you want to and leave out the things you don’t. Below are the main optional activities for this trip, these can be arranged once you are on tour via your tour leader and are paid for locally. Please note, all costs are subject to change.

29 nights 8 nights4 nights

Niagara Falls• Maid of the Mist cruise (US$19) Ohio• Cedar Point Amusement Park, Twilight Pass (US$40-$50) Chicago• Baseball game (from US$20) • Blues clubs (from US$6) • Willis Tower (US$23) • Museums (US$18-$50) Grand Teton• Ferry across Jenny Lake (US$15) Jackson• Chuckwagon dinner (US$35-$35) • White water rafting on the Snake River (US$77-$124) • Horseback riding (US$65) • Mountain biking (US$30-$70) Lake Tahoe• Sunset champagne cruise (US$50) • Kayaking/watersports from (US$25)Yosemite National Park• Bike rental (US$12-$34) • Float trip on the Merced River (US$31) San Francisco• Cable car ride (US$5-$13) • Bike Rental (US$8 per hour/$32 per day) • Baseball game (from US$20) • Sunset sailboat cruise, San Francisco Bay (US$45) • Alcatraz Prison, must be booked in advance with

Alcatraz Cruises (US$33-$40) Washington DC• Smithsonian National Museums (FREE) Ocoee River• White water rafting (US$40-$60) Nashville• Grand Ole Opry (US$32-$90)

• Country Music Hall of Fame (US$25-$40) • Country line dancing (US$10) Memphis• Sun Studio (US$12) • Tour of Elvis’ Graceland (US$35-$70) • Civil Rights Museum (US$15) • Stax Museum of American Soul Music (US$12) • The Peabody Hotel (FREE) New Orleans• Jazz clubs (US$10-$20) • Mississippi steamboat ride (US$30-$80) • Mardi Gras World (US$20) • Voodoo & Graveyard tour (US$20) • School of Cooking (US$28-$150) • Alligator swamp tour (US$23-$40) Santa Fe• Meow Wolf (US$20)Monument Valley• Navajo guided 4x4 tour (US$55) Grand Canyon National Park• Helicopter flight (US$254-$284) • IMAX Theater (US$15) Zion National Park• Western horseback riding (US$45-$90) Las Vegas• Clubs & shows (US$10+) • Helicopter flight (US$124) • Roller coasters (US$25-$40) • Gun range (US$20-$100) • VIP club tour, includes 4 clubs & limo (US$100) • Get married in Las Vegas (not legally binding) US$220

Please note: Cedar Point Amusement park is open June, July and August and on certain days during May, September and October. It may not always be possible to visit.




PACKING

Packing Tips You know what the Scouts say... BE PREPARED! North America is huge,

and you’re likely to encounter lots of different climates during your trip.

Check the weather averages for the time of year you’re travelling and pack

accordingly. Here are some of the things that should be in your case as well

as your general clothes:

• Sleeping bag (If you are travelling on an early or late season trek, we

suggest you bring a 3 or 4 season sleeping bag)

• Pillow / Thermarest sleeping mat (optional as we supply a 10mm

camping mat)

• Towel

• Casual clothes and a few ‘evening out’ options

• Waterproof jacket

• Comfortable day shoes / sandals or flip-flops

• Sensible footwear for walking, ideally walking boots with ankle support,

but trainers with good grip will suffice

• Warm sweater / fleece / warm hat and gloves

• Day bag & water bottle

• Swimwear

• Sun hat / sunglasses

• Sunscreen / insect repellent (20% DEET)

• Water bottle

• Toiletries / personal medicine

• Camera & charger

• Travel power adaptor / USB car charger and cord

• Flashlight / Head torch

WeatherWeather can be changeable so it’s wise to pack something to cover all

seasons! Here’s a guide to the average high and low temperatures in some

of the places you’ll visit to help you decide what to pack.

EMERGENCY CONTACT DETAILS

In the event of an emergency or if you wish to report a problem on tour, please contact us on the number below.

For all departures in the USA & Canada call:

From the US: Toll-Free: 1 (800) 786 – 8735 or 707 523 1800

From outside the US: 001 707 523 – 1800

READY TO GO? DON’T FORGET!R Pre & post hotel

confirmation

R Sleeping bag

R Spending money

R Flight booking confirmation

R Visa / ESTA for entry to the USA

R Travel Insurance

These Trek Tips were last updated on 10/12/2018

High/Low TemperaturesJAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

New York HIGH 6 7 9 16 20 27 29 28 24 18 12 13

LOW -3 -3 1 6 12 17 20 20 16 10 5 4

Chicago HIGH -1 1 8 15 21 27 29 28 24 17 9 2

LOW -11 -8 -2 4 9 14 17 16 12 6 0 -8

Yellowstone NP

HIGH 4 5 9 13 18 24 29 27 22 15 8 3

LOW -8 -7 -4 -1 5 9 13 12 7 1 -4 -8

Jackson HIGH -2 0 6 12 18 23 28 27 22 14 4 -2

LOW -15 -14 -7 -4 0 3 5 4 0 -4 -9 -14

San Francisco HIGH 13 15 16 17 17 19 23 22 21 20 17 13

LOW 7 8 9 10 10 11 15 14 13 12 10 8

Los Angeles

HIGH 18 18 19 21 22 24 27 28 27 24 23 19

LOW 8 8 9 10 12 13 16 16 14 12 10 8

Las Vegas HIGH 14 17 21 26 31 38 41 39 35 28 19 14

LOW 1 4 7 11 16 21 23 23 19 12 6 1

Zion NP HIGH 12 15 19 24 30 35 38 37 33 26 18 12

LOW -7 -7 -1 4 10 16 18 17 12 6 0 -6

Grand Canyon NP

HIGH 7 8 12 16 22 28 30 28 25 18 12 7

LOW -8 -6 -4 -2 2 6 10 10 6 1 -4 -8

Monument Valley

HIGH 6 10 15 20 25 32 34 33 28 21 12 6

LOW -4 -1 3 6 12 17 20 19 15 8 2 -3

Austin HIGH 16 18 22 27 30 33 35 36 33 28 22 17

LOW 5 7 11 15 19 22 24 24 21 16 10 6

New Orleans

HIGH 17 18 22 25 28 31 32 32 30 26 21 18

LOW 8 10 13 16 20 23 24 24 23 18 13 9

Memphis HIGH 10 13 18 23 27 32 33 33 30 24 17 11

LOW 0 2 7 12 17 21 23 23 18 12 7 2

Washington DC

HIGH 9 10 15 19 24 29 31 30 27 20 15 9

LOW -2 -1 3 8 14 19 22 21 17 10 6 0

C / F Conversions:-10ºC = 14ºF • 0ºC = 32ºF • 10ºC = 50ºF • 20ºC = 68ºF • 30ºC = 86ºF • 40ºC = 104ºF

Emergency Contact Details: From the US: Toll-Free: 1 (800) 786 - 8735 or 707 523 1800From outside the US: 001 707 523 - 1800

Any QUESTIONS? Please contact our UK Sales team

[email protected] or call +44 (0)208 682 8920

Program must apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) before travelling to the USA. At the time of compilation there is a US$14 fee for the electronic ESTA. The ESTA will be valid for a period of two years, or until a person’s passport expires. You should apply for an ESTA at least 72 hours before you travel, and we recommend you carry your ESTA approval with you. All travellers wishing to enter the US under the Visa Waiver Program will need to hold a passport with an integrated chip (an ePassport). New rules exclude from the VWP most people who have travelled to Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, or Yemen since 1 March 2011, and those who have dual nationality of these countries. This means that existing ESTAs could be revoked, and you will instead need to apply for a visa from the nearest US Embassy or Consulate.

You can apply for an ESTA at: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov.

Passengers that have not applied for and received travel authorisation via ESTA prior to travel may be denied boarding, experience delayed processing or be denied admission at the US port of entry. However, neither possession of a visa nor meeting the basic requirements for travelling visafree on the VWP, guarantees admission to the United States. As with most countries, the final determination of admissibility is made by immigration officials at the port of entry.

Important reminder: If you are refused boarding or denied admission at the US port of entry you will still be subject to our cancellation charges in accordance with the terms of our contract with you.

Immigration & customs On entering a country you will need to proceed through customs. As long as you have a valid passport and the necessary visa/s you should have no problems. You may be asked how you intend to support yourself during your visit, if this happens please present your return airline ticket.

Health requirements If you have any medical condition such as diabetes, epilepsy or asthma, please take prescribed medicines, or have a condition that will affect your participation in the Trek, you must tell us or your travel agent at the time of booking. Please be aware we may require a doctor’s note prior to travel for some conditions. This information is essential in case of emergency. All our vehicles carry a basic first-aid kit, but for everyday use you should bring your own medical supplies, such as, pain relievers, antibiotic cream, upset stomach relievers, in addition to sunscreen and insect repellent.

Luggage allowance & storage

The baggage allowance for your tour is one suitcase, soft holdall or rucksack (23kg maximum) per person, plus a sleeping bag. A small daypack and camera can also be carried in the van. Before you travel, please check the baggage allowance with the airline you’re flying with as this may be less than 23kg.

TrekAmerica is unable to offer luggage storage facilities however some of the pre and post tour hotels we use can provide this service. Please contact them directly.

Whilst you’re away Accommodation on Trek

TrekAmerica tours use national and state park campsites and also a wide assortment of private campgrounds. Most will have flush toilets and hot showers. Some campgrounds charge an additional fee of US$1-3 for showers. You will sleep in high quality, tents which single travellers share with one other person of the same sex.

Most camping trips also spend some nights in budget hotels or hostels during the tour, usually in the cities. This is based on multi-share or twin share. Where possible, we will keep

Before you go Pre & post tour hotels

Tours usually start early and finish after 17:00 hrs so it’s a good idea to book hotel accommodation before and after your trip. Please see page one of this document for your exact start time. Hotels are conveniently located in each of our departure and arrival cities and room rates are usually based on twin share as most people prefer to stay with other travellers at an affordable price. It’s also a great opportunity to make friends with fellow travellers! We can also offer a private room rate for single or double occupancy for people on the same booking. Make sure you book your hotel well in advance as availability is limited.

Flight arrangements

We can book flights departing from most UK airports, but cannot be held responsible for any delays, cancellations or changes to your flights. We recommend you book your flight to arrive into the gateway city at least one day prior to your Trek’s departure, this will allow you some adjustment time and opportunities for sightseeing. If possible, book your return flight for at least one day after your tour finishes. If you have to return home on the day your Trek finishes, please ensure your flight does not depart before 21:00 hrs. We’re unable to delay a tour, or finish a tour early due to your flight times.

Travel insurance It is a condition of joining any of our tours that you must be insured against medical and personal accident risks (including repatriation costs, air ambulance, and helicopter rescue service). Our insurance policy is designed specifically to cover the potential risks on our holidays-particularly the optional activities offered, and covers those residing in the EU. Contact us for more information or to get yourself covered or visit www.trekamerica.co.uk/insurance

Passports, visas & rules for entry to the USAIt is your responsibility to ensure you have a valid passport and any necessary visas for your tour. The visa requirements for your trip may vary depending on where you are going, and your nationality. It is important that you check and apply for each of the visas you need whilst in your home country and you should consult the relevant embassy if you need more information. Please bear in mind that some tours may spend time in more than one country.

RULES FOR ENTRY INTO THE USA

Travellers from the EU and certain countries are eligible to travel to the USA under the Visa Waiver Program. All eligible travellers who wish to travel under the Visa Waiver

Making the most of your trip

CITY GUIDES

Stay a few extra days in the city before or after your tour and make

the most of our free city guides. With awesome top tips, all of the

must-see sights and tour leader recommendations, there’s plenty to

keep you busy!

www.trekamerica.co.uk/city-guides

CURRENCY CARD Get a FREE FairFX currency card and top up in advance for the best rates available and no fees.

fairfx.com/refer/trekamerica

KEEP IN TOUCH As a TrekAmerica customer receive a FREE 4G SIM card when you purchase an inclusive data plan including unlimited domestic calls and texts.

trekamerica.co.uk/ekit

Emergency Contact Details: From the US: Toll-Free: 1 (800) 786 - 8735 or 707 523 1800From outside the US: 001 707 523 - 1800

Any QUESTIONS? Please contact our UK Sales team

[email protected] or call +44 (0)208 682 8920

Drinking ages / drugs The legal drinking age in the USA is 21. If you are under the legal drinking age you will be refused entry to bars and most nightclubs. Proof of age (ID) is your passport, so never forget to take your passport on nights out. The tour leader will endeavour to find alternative entertainment for those under 21, but this is not always possible. Obviously these restrictions are not within TrekAmerica’s control.

Possession of drugs without a proper medical prescription will not be tolerated. If anyone is found with an illegal drug, they will be instantly removed from the tour.

Security No matter where you find yourself in the world you need to look after your valuables. Use your common sense! While in cities, do not leave valuables in the vehicle. While camping, do not leave valuables in tents when away from camp. In general, the safest place for items such as passports, flight tickets and cash is on your person or in a hotel safe, where available. When in doubt consult your tour leader.

Travel Health

LYME DISEASE

The Lyme disease bacterium is spread through the bite of infected ticks. It can be found throughout the US but is more common in the northeastern, mid-Atlantic, and north-central United States. Ticks can attach to any part of the human body but are often found in hard-to-see areas such as the groin, armpits, and scalp. In most cases, the tick must be attached for 36 to 48 hours or more before the Lyme disease bacterium can be transmitted. Ticks can be found in any areas with deep or overgrown vegetation where they have access to animals to feed on. If you find a tick on you or suspect you may have been bitten by one, it is important you advise your tour leader and seek medical attention.

Responsible travel

You and your fellow Trekkers are sure to be really excited for your trip, but please be considerate to those around you. When you are in the campsites, especially the national parks, remember that quiet hours are in effect. Please respect your fellow campers who are there for the peace and tranquillity of camping. Have fun, but don’t forget to think first!

Please also be aware of the delicate balance that exists in the variety of natural wonders you will visit. National parks and monuments, archaeological sites and other sensitive areas should and MUST be treated with respect. TrekAmerica strives to operate tours with minimum impact on the land. So, if you see a notice to ‘stay on the path’ or ‘pick up litter’, please be a responsible traveller and understand that there is a good reason for the notice.

And the rest... Itinerary changes

We endeavour to run all tours as they are published; however, it’s sometimes necessary to alter itineraries to adapt to local conditions and park entrance regulations. We will do our best to keep you posted if that happens and your tour leader will provide a more detailed trip outline at the beginning of your particular tour.

Working hour regulations for our leadersWe would like to note that US law regulates the total number of hours your tour leader is available to work. Our trips are designed to make the most of your time in North America, but please understand that there will be certain times each day that your leader will need to be off duty from work. Our leaders take great pride in their level of customer service and will do everything they can to provide you with the trip of a lifetime. Please also respect that they need their own time to rest and recuperate in order to operate your trip safely and with great energy.

the group together but this cannot be guaranteed. Please note, there may be times where facilities will be shared rather than en suite and rare occasions when you share a dormitory with passengers travelling on different trips than your own. These night stops are shown by ( ) on the itinerary for each tour. On some occasions we will stay in cabins, guest ranches or other accommodation, as per the itinerary.

Please note, some hotels may require a debit or credit card as a deposit at check in. They may also take an amount to cover incidentals. Funds can be held until check out at which time the amount actually incurred will be charged. Please clarify with the hotel when you check out that all deposits will be refunded as promptly as possible.

Wi-Fi on the road

Whilst in the USA our vehicles are equipped with free Wi-Fi, so you can keep in touch with friends and family from the road. Free Wi-Fi will often be available at campgrounds, hotels and hostels.

In order for us to provide this service, we operate a fair usage policy to ensure everyone has equal access to Wi-Fi and is subject to a set data quota, sufficient for normal usage. This means that you are not permitted to stream films / music or to upload / download large files. If you do so, this will deplete the entire group’s data allowance. For this reason, if you reach your data limit your tour leader may need to turn off the Wi-Fi to ensure you do not run out of data in the latter stages of your trip.

Please note: In some remote areas you may not be able to pick up the Wi-Fi in the van, and only five people can be connected to the Wi-Fi at any one time.

Food kitty & meals We operate a food kitty system on all TrekAmerica camping tours. Your tour leader will collect the food kitty payment of US$10 per day in cash so please ensure you have this ready on your first day of the tour. Food kitty money will cover most meals when camping, along with other common camping expenditures such as ice and firewood. We will provide all cooking equipment and everyone will take turns to buy, prepare and cook the food. For the days that you are staying in a city, you’re encouraged to try the speciality foods that each city offers, so allow extra money for the nights you eat out in local restaurants.

Spending money

We recommend you take at least US$15 per day for drinks, snacks and other incidentals. You should also budget for tipping, as well as for the optional activities that you would like to do. Guideline prices for the most popular optional activities are listed on the tour pages on our website. Please remember, when purchasing items abroad, you may be required to pay VAT on top of the retail price.

We suggest you bring US$150 with you in cash to have with at the beginning of your trip. ATM’s and cash machines are readily available throughout North America and major credit cards are widely accepted throughout the country. All ATMs in the US charge to withdraw money (from US$1-US$5). In some off the beaten track destinations ATM’s and cash machines may be limited.

Pre-paid credit cards can be a cost effective and safe way to take funds overseas. See: www.fairfx.com/trekamerica

Tipping

Although it may not be customary in your country, it’s normal and expected in North America to tip local guides, waiters, bar staff, taxi drivers and anyone who provides a service for you. Service workers are paid a low wage and depend on tips for their livelihood.

A 15-17% tip is standard in restaurants and you should also expect to tip US$1 per drink in bars, US$1-2 per bag for porters as well 10% for taxi drivers. It’s also typical to tip around 10% for local guides who provide optional activities.

Your tour leader will work long and hard for you during your tour and we recommend a discretionary tip of US$5-7 per passenger per day if your leader’s performance meets or exceeds your expectations.

Clothes washing You will have the opportunity to wash your clothes while on Trek. This can often be done at the campsite, or in a nearby town. Ask your tour leader for local information.

Battery charging Most of our Trekkers bring mobile phones, music devices and cameras that require frequent battery charging during a tour. On camping tours it is often difficult to find a safe and secure wall outlet to recharge these devices. Our vehicles have two standard 12 volt chargers. You will need a 12 volt/cigarette lighter adapter to plug your USB charger in. Every vehicle has at least two outlets for you to use. If your tour features some nights in hotels along the way your hotel room will have an electrical outlet (don’t forget your travel plug).

The Foreign & Commonwealth Office and the NHS has up-to-date advice on staying safe and healthy abroad. For more on security, local laws, plus passport and visa information, see https://travelaware.campaign.gov.uk/

Keep informed of current travel health news by visiting www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk

For all latest travel information about your holiday, please visit us at www.trekamerica.com/travelaware

The advice can change so check regularly for updates.

grand trek · express service bus – departs every 20-30 mins from 07:00 hrs-midnight and stops...

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