trek tips - trekamerica · day 11/12 philadelphia - new york city ( ) ... day 67 monterey,...

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




The Great 48 Trek Tips® 2019

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

ITINERARY:

DAY 1 START 07.30 HRS

� DAY 1 MIAMI - BILLIES SWAMP SAFARI ( )

� DAY 2/3 SAVANNAH, GEORGIA ( )

� DAY 4 CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA ( )

� DAY 5 ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA ( )

� DAY 6/7 GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS, TENNESSEE ( )

� DAY 8 WEST VIRGINIA ( )

� DAY 9/10 WASHINGTON DC ( )

� DAY 11/12 PHILADELPHIA - NEW YORK CITY ( )

� DAY 13/14 BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS ( )

� DAY 15/16 ACADIA NATIONAL PARK, MAINE ( )

� DAY 17/18 WHITE MOUNTAIN NATIONAL FOREST, NEW HAMPSHIRE ( )

� DAY 19 GREEN MOUNTAINS, VERMONT ( )

� DAY 20 NIAGARA FALLS, NEW YORK STATE ( )

� DAY 21 CLEVELAND, OHIO ( )

� DAY 22/23 VAN BUREN STATE PARK, MICHIGAN ( )

� DAY 24 INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA ( )

� DAY 25 MAMMOTH CAVE NATIONAL PARK, KENTUCKY ( )

� DAY 26/27 NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE ( )

� DAY 28 BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA ( )

� DAY 29/30 NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA ( )

� DAY 31 TUPELO, MISSISSIPPI ( )

� DAY 32/33 CLARKSDALE - MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE ( )

� DAY 34 ST LOUIS, MISSOURI ( )

� DAY 35/36 CHICAGO, ILLINOIS ( )

� DAY 37 WISCONSIN DELLS, WISCONSIN ( )

� DAY 38 MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA ( )

� DAY 39 DES MOINES - KANSAS CITY, KANSAS ( )

ORIGINAL

DEPARTS:MIAMI to SEATTLE

TOUR CODE:

GRT

FLORIDA

ALABAMA

CALIFORNIA

COLORADO

ARKANSAS

GEORGIA

IDAHO

IOWA

KANSAS

LOUISIANA

MAINE

MICHIGAN

MINNESOTA

MISSISSIPPI

MISSOURI

MONTANA

NEBRASKANEVADA

NEW JERSEY

NEW YORK

NORTHCAROLINA

NORTH DAKOTA

OKLAHOMA

OREGON

PENNSYLVANIA

SOUTH CAROLINA

SOUTH DAKOTA

TENNESSEE

TEXAS

UTAH

VERMONT

WASHINGTON

WYOMING

INDIANA

ILLINOIS

NEW MEXICO

ARIZONA

VIRGINIA

C A N A D A

M E X I C O

CUBA

Kansas City

New York

Yosemite NP

Buffalo

Chicago

Los Angeles

Santa Barbara

Yellowstone NP

Cleveland

Minneapolis

Theodore Roosevelt NP

SeattleLittle Bighorn Battlefield NM

Redwood NP

Portland

Black HillsMount Rushmore NM/Crazy Horse

Las Vegas

New Orleans

Grand Canyon NP

Washington DC

Carlsbad Caverns NP

Santa Fe

Miami

Savannah

Great Sand Dunes NP

Monument Valley

Arches NP/Moab

Everglades

Craters of the Moon NM

Route 66

Monterey

Salt Lake City

Rocky Mountain NP

Oklahoma City

West Virginia

Des Moines

Wisconsin Dells

St Louis

Memphis

Clarksdale

Tupelo

Birmingham

Nashville

Mammoth Cave NP

Indianapolis

Van Buren SP

White Mountains NF

Acadia NP

Boston

Great Smoky Mountains NP

Asheville

Dead Horse Point SP

Philadelphia

Niagara Falls

Charleston

Green Mountains

Dallas

San Francisco

� DAY 40 OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA ( )

� DAY 41/42 DALLAS, TEXAS ( )

� DAY 43 CARLSBAD, NEW MEXICO ( )

� DAY 44/45 SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO ( )

� DAY 46 GREAT SAND DUNES NATIONAL PARK, COLORADO ( )

� DAY 47/48 ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK, COLORADO ( )

� DAY 49/50 MOUNT RUSHMORE ( )

� DAY 51 THEODORE ROOSEVELT NATIONAL PARK, NORTH DAKOTA ( )

� DAY 52 LITTLE BIGHORN BATTLEFIELD NATIONAL MONUMENT, MONTANA ( )

� DAY 53/54 YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, WYOMING ( )

� DAY 55 CRATERS OF THE MOON NATIONAL MONUMENT, IDAHO ( )

� DAY 56 SALT LAKE CITY - HOMESTEAD CRATER UTAH ( )

� DAY 57/58 MOAB/ARCHES NATIONAL PARK - DEAD HORSE POINT, UTAH ( )

� DAY 59 MONUMENT VALLEY, UTAH ( )

� DAY 60/61 GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK, ARIZONA ( )

� DAY 62/63 ROUTE 66 - LAS VEGAS, NEVADA ( )

� DAY 64/65 LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA ( )

� DAY 66 SANTA BARBARA, CALIFORNIA ( )

� DAY 67 MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA ( )

� DAY 68/69 YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, CALIFORNIA ( )

� DAY 70/71 SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA ( )

� DAY 72/73 REDWOOD NATIONAL PARK, CALIFORNIA ( )

� DAY 74 PORTLAND, OREGON ( )

� DAY 75 SEATTLE, WASHINGTON STATE

DAY 75 FINISH 17.00 HRS




TREK INCLUDES

Enjoy a party bus tour of Las Vegas

See Niagara Falls on a ‘Maid of the Mist’ cruise

Spend the night in a chickee at Billies Swamp Safari in the heart of the Everglades

Hike the Appalachian Mountains, the ‘Backbone of America’

Delve into the nation’s history & food in the Deep South

Party in New York, Vegas & San Francisco

Run down or board white sand dunes

Explore one of 400 caves at Mammoth Cave National Park

Check out the live music scene in Nashville, New Orleans, Memphis & Austin

Search the southern state swamps for alligators

Explore gnarly cave systems & see bats in Carlsbad Caverns

Spot Black Bear & eagles in the Rocky Mountains

See the faces of the presidents at Mount Rushmore

Watch Old Faithful blow its top in Yellowstone National Park

Explore the wind-carved landscapes of Arches & Monument Valley

Tour The Strip on an included party bus

Watch the sun set over the Grand Canyon

Spot sea lions off the California coast

See Giant Sequoias & Half Dome’s granite profile in Yosemite

Experience the buzz of Pike Place Market, Seattle

Admission to 18 incredible national parks, state parks, national monuments and national forests

PLUS...

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

• All accommodation See website for specific accommodation information.

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 although you’ll find more online, 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.

61 nights 2 nights11 nights

Key West• Airboat ride US$25Savannah• Historic Savannah Theatre US$37• First Africa Baptist Church FREE• Trolley tour US$32• Ghost tour US$20Charleston• Ghosts of the South tour US$20• Watertaxi US$10• Rickshaw ride US$6• Magnolia Garden US$15• Mavericks Kitchen Store cookery lesson

US$62-$69West Virginia• Tree canopy zip lining US$80• White water rafting on New River US$75-$90Washington DC• Smithsonian National Museums FREE• Bike rental US$16-$75Philadelphia• Philly cheesesteak US$10• Walk the Brooklyn Bridge FREE• Century 21 department store FREENew York• East River & Hudson River Waterfront

Parks FREE• Ellis Island US$26• Historic Battery Park FREE• South Street Seaport tall ships US$12• Statue of Liberty US$26-$29Boston• Walk the Freedom Trail FREE• Visit the famous ‘Cheers’ bar FREE• Faneuil Hall & Quincy Market FREE• Baseball game from US$20Acadia National Park• Bike rental US$20-$25• Sea kayaking US$45-$50

• Whale watching US$59White Mountain National Forest• Cog railway US$69-$75Niagara Falls• Cave of the Winds tour US$17Nashville• Country line dancing US$10• Country Music Hall of Fame US$25-$40• Country western saloons US$varies• Grand Ole Opry US$32-$90• Johnny Cash Museum US$19• Ryman Auditorium tour US$20-$30 Birmingham• Civil Rights Institute US$15New Orleans• Jazz clubs US$10-20• Mississippi steamboat ride US$30-$80• Mardi Gras World US$20• Voodoo & Graveyard tour US$20-$40• Preservation Hall US$15-$20• School of Cooking US$28-$150Tupelo• Elvis birthplace tour US$8-$17Memphis• Delta Blues Museum US$10• Elvis Experience US$58• Civil Rights Museum US$19• Sun Studio US$14• Gibson guitar factory US$10• Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum US$12• Graceland entrance only US$39• Stax Museum of American Soul Music US$12• Visit the Peabody Hotel FREEChicago• Willis Tower US$23• ‘Bobby’s Bike Hike’ US$35• Baseball game from US$20• Blues clubs from US$6

Wisconsin Dells• Water parks US$45-$55Dallas• Sixth Floor Museum US$16• Heritage Center US$9• Reunion Tower US$16• The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden

US$15Santa Fe• Meow Wolf US$20Salt Lake City• Mormon History Museum FREE• Drive-in movie US$9• Salt Lake Connect Pass (full day) US$32Arches National Park• Mountain biking US$100• Float trip on the Colorado River US$60-$91• Extreme off-road hummer tour US$90-$100 Grand Canyon National Park• Helicopter flight US$254-$284• IMAX Theater US$15 Monument Valley• Navajo guided 4x4 tour (day) US$55 Las Vegas• Clubs & casino shows from US$10• Helicopter flight US$124• Roller coasters US$25-$40• Gun range US$20-$100Santa Barbara• Stand-up paddleboarding (2 hr lesson) US$90Yosemite 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 / US$32 per day• Sunset sailboat cruise US$45• Alcatraz Prison (must be booked in advance

with Alcatraz Cruises) US$33-$40

ESSENTIAL INFO:

• Group Size: Max 13

• Food Kitty: US$10 x 75 days

• Wi-Fi available in your van & some accommodation

If you are interested in visiting Alcatraz we recommend you book your tickets well in advance direct with Alcatraz Cruises. For this tour you should book your ticket for day 71 (anytime).




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:

MIAMI HOTELGenerator Hostel Miami3120 Collins Avenue Miami Beach Miami Florida 33140United States

Tel: +1 786 496 5730

Transfer: If you are flying into Miami, take a Super Shuttle (link sends e-mail)service for approximately US$22 per person which operates 24 hours a day. You can pre-book your transfer on

the Super Shuttle (link sends e-mail) website by searching for the “Generator Hostel Miami” as your drop off point. If you wish to take a taxi, you can find one outside the terminal and should cost approximately US$35 and take 35 minutes depending on traffic.

FINISHING POINT:

SEATTLE HOTELClarion Hotel

Seattle International Airport

3000 South 176th Street

Seattle

Washington State 98198

United States

Tel: 1-206 242 0200/

Fax: 1-206 242 1998

Transfer: The hotel is located one mile from the airport and they provide a free 24-hour airport shuttle service (a nominal tip of approx. US$2 per person is recommended). When you arrive at the airport, go to the courtesy hotel phones in the baggage area and dial #38 to request a pick-up. To meet your shuttle follow the signs to the shuttle pick up area. Head up the escalators, over the sky bridge and back down ground level and wait at island 1 or 3.

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

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 and water bottle

• Swimwear

• Sun hat / sunglasses

• Water bottle

• Sunscreen / insect repellent (20% DEET)

• Toiletries / personal medicine

• Camera & charger

• Travel power adaptor / USB car charger and cord

• Flashlight / Head torch




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

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

Miami HIGH 26 26 28 29 31 32 33 33 32 30 28 26

LOW 16 16 18 20 22 24 25 25 25 23 20 17

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

New York City

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

Ohio HIGH 5 6 12 19 24 29 30 30 26 20 13 6

LOW -5 -5 -1 5 10 16 18 17 13 7 1 -4

Nashville HIGH 8 11 16 22 26 30 32 32 28 22 16 10

LOW -2 0 4 9 14 18 21 20 16 9 4 -1

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

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

Oklahoma City

HIGH 10 13 17 22 27 31 34 34 29 23 17 11

LOW -2 1 5 10 16 20 22 22 17 11 4 -1

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

Salt Lake HIGH 3 7 12 16 22 28 32 32 26 18 10 4

City LOW -3 -1 3 6 11 16 21 19 14 8 2 -3

Monument Valley

HIGH 10 14 18 22 28 33 35 33 30 23 16 10

LOW -6 -4 -1 3 8 12 17 16 11 4 - 2 -7

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

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

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

Yosemite HIGH 7 9 1 4 20 24 29 31 30 27 21 14 8

NP LOW -4 -3 1 6 12 16 19 18 14 8 2 -3

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

Seattle HIGH 7 9 11 14 18 21 24 24 20 15 10 7

LOW 2 3 3 5 8 10 12 13 10 7 4 2

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

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

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.

These Trek Tips were last updated on 28/01/2019




You’re thinking about embarking on a 75 day, epic road trip... so what should you expect?!

Holiday or adventure?If you’re looking for a relaxing holiday, this may not be the right trip for you and here’s why…

• The Great 48 is not your typical holiday, it’s an active trip where you’ll be expected to participate fully in camp life and explore. Sure there’s down time, but there’s a lot to pack in too so think of it as an adventure above all.

• You’ll have new experiences every day, some of which will need you to step out of your comfort zone; whether it’s dealing with unexpected weather, tackling an activity you’ve never tried before or simply adjusting to life on the road.

• Joining The Great 48 tour is an awesome way to learn more about yourself and develop your skills. Whether it’s learning to cook, confidence building or teamwork, the potential rewards from a trip like this are huge... but they take some work too so be prepared.

Travelling in a groupYou’ll be on the road with up to 12 international travellers from all over the world; all with different backgrounds, opinions and lifestyles. This is an amazing way to make new, life-long friends, but also comes with challenges when you’re on the road for a long time.

How to make the most of 75 days with your new Trek family…

• Have fun and be adventurous! Your fellow travellers are aged 18-38 so the trip and style of travel is aimed at this age group.

• Talk to each other. You’ll share the highs of the trip as well as the tired mornings, travelling days and everything in between! If someone is feeling down or missing home, help to perk them up and they’ll do the same for you!

• Have a positive, can-do attitude and work together as a team. A bit of team spirit will go a long way!

• Arrive with an open mind and willingness to chip in and this will be one of the most amazing experiences you’ll ever have.

• Don’t be afraid to go solo for a while. There is free time and flexibility built into the itinerary for you to spend your time how you want to, so bag yourself some ‘me time’ if that’s what you need.

Pace & route Crossing all ‘Lower 48’ US states in just 75 days is no mean feat, so this will be a fast paced tour at times. This trip has been designed to not only to cross all the states but to spend the most time in the top locations.

Chloe Wild (2017) - “Doing the Great 48 was truly life changing, it wasn’t for the faint hearted but it was an incredible way to see the whole of America. Would HIGHLY recommend to anyone looking for an adventure. Made some memories and friends for life.”

A few things to remember…

• We’ve tried to include as many two night stops as possible, but there will be some one night stops and long periods of time on the open road, through areas without those classic American highlights. The US is a huge place and we’ve got a lot of ground to cover.

• Time on the road is ideal for getting to know your fellow Trekkers, grabbing some extra sleep or simply chilling out and watching the world go past your window. Put together the ultimate road trip soundtrack, stock up on snacks and you’ll be winning!

A GUIDE TO

‘The Great 48’! Camping and participation

Camp life can take some time to get used to, but embrace it and you’re guaranteed to miss it when you get home. After all, nothing beats sitting under starry skies around roaring campfire! So, what else do you need to know?

• You’ll be required to put up and take down your own tent, help prepare and cook meals, wash up, help load and unload the van, shop for groceries and generally look out for each other.

• Your tour leader will create a rota to ensure jobs are distributed between everyone so you won’t end up doing the dishes every night!

• Sometimes the best conversations and funniest stories come from working together. Do your bit and this will soon become one of the most rewarding parts of your trip.

If you’re worried about how you’ll sleep when camping there are a few things you can bring with you to make you as comfy as possible.

• We’ll provide you with roll matt (100mm thickness) to sleep on but if you think that won’t cut it, it’s worth investing in a self-inflating Therm-a-Rest mat for a bit of extra padding.

• If you’re a light sleeper then come prepared and bring ear plugs and an eye mask.

• The weather can be unpredictable in the USA so make sure you have clothes for all weather and a warm sleeping bag.

As this is a long trip it’s definitely worth considering whether you’re happy to

camp for 70 days before you book.

Spending money & food kitty This is a trip of a lifetime so you definitely need to think about how much spending money you’ll need. Things to consider when budgeting…

• Which of the optional activities are you going to want to do? You can find all the prices for these on our website.

• US$10 a day for the Trek food kitty which is payable at the start of your trip

• On budget lodging nights you’ll eat in local restaurants, so you can get a taste of American cuisine. You can buy food to suit your own budget, but make sure you’ve got enough set aside.

• Don’t forget spending money for all those souvenirs you may want to buy your friends and family back home. Snack stops can also mount up with US treats hard to resist, so build something in here too!

You definitely don’t want to run out of money half way through your trip - in our experience people always spend more than they think they will so it’s best to over estimate. You certainly don’t need buckets of cash but a bit of planning will make sure you have what you need, so you can just

concentrate on having a good time.

Why the food kitty works so well… • Breakfast in a café after a tip and tax would otherwise set you back

approx. $10 for one meal alone – the cost of your daily kitty.

• You’ll buy food from local shops and supermarkets along the way.

• It’s a great way to eat fresh, healthy food with little waste.

• You can be as creative as you like. Bring a few ideas with you or pick up some new recipes on the road. Oh, and be prepared for some friendly camp meal competition!

• The kitty will also cover the cost of campfire wood and ice to keep food fresh and cool.

• Your tour leader will keep track of how the kitty has been spent so any

time you want to see a record of where your money has gone, just ask.

Want to know more?This information has been provided from our past experience and feedback from previous travellers, to give anyone considering this trip a better idea about what to expect. If you’re not sure about something or have any questions at all, give us a call and our team will be happy to talk through the trip in more detail.

“Freedom at its finest” – Jill Haworth

“ If I had the chance I would do this trip again in a heartbeat.” – Emily Cardus

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.

trek tips - trekamerica · day 11/12 philadelphia - new york city ( ) ... day 67 monterey,...

Documents