Tour Trips - USA

Riq · 6 February 2008 at 2:08PM

I have an urge this year to go on holiday (as I haven't been away for 4 years) and I don't want it to be a beach holiday as I get bored after about 3minutes of lying on a beach or near a pool. So my idea was to go on one of those trips across America.

I was thinking of doing a tour of Western America, California, Nevada etc etc.

I have checked out STA Travel but was wondering if anyone could recommend a company who could put this holiday together for me. I would do it myself but I probably just don't have the time to do it.

This is what I am looking at really, I think this should work anyway.
http://www.statravel.co.uk/cps/rde/xchg/uk_division_web_live/hs.xsl/toursandtreks.htm

Just looking at the moment, no intention of booking. I am going to be going with my friend though, so I wont be alone.

bairn7 · 6 February 2008 at 2:41PM

This probably won't help you at all as I cant recommend any planned trips! But I did a road trip through Nevada/California/Arizona last summer (and it was so good I'm doing the same thing this summer!). I found it very easy and cheap to make my own plans, plus its kinda fun!There are a couple of things I would recommend though:- If you do it on your own, book flights ASAP as they are only going up, and fly into Vegas or LA as they are the cheaper than other cities in the area (use Kayak link on this site to get cheapest faires).- Must visits in the area are the Grand Canyon, death valley and in particular visit Yosemite NP in California, it is the most beautiful place I have ever been to (but watch out for accommodation, its already filling up fast, and don't stay inside the park itself as prices are double for everything there.Enjoy!

Riq · 6 February 2008 at 2:58PM

That's great stuff.
That is pretty much exactly where I want to go and you have also confirmed my first querstion I was going to ask the travel agent (i.e. the airports!)

Much appreciated.

simonSE15 · 6 February 2008 at 5:20PM

Can you or your friend drive? If so Id recommend hiring a car and doing it yourself. If you pay someone to sort it out for you it has to cost more right? We did a tour of the South (Texas, Louisiana, Tennessee etc) last year. You can get motels for around $40-$70 a night for the room and theyre normally pretty good. Perhaps treat yourself to somewhere a bit nicer like a B&B for a few nights too :-)

Id prefer to have to choice of where I stay, the amount of time I spend there etc.

Borrow the itinery from a tour you like if necessary and visit thse places.

Nobjocki · 6 February 2008 at 5:22PM

If you really want a classic US road trip then I recommend this company.
https://www.autodriveawaydc.com who have offices throughout the States.
I've used them half a dozen times to drive all over the country.
You drive other people's cars - you only buy gas.
They give you plenty of time to complete journeys so you can hammer through the boring bits and spend time in the good places.
Wake up early in the back of beyond ,pour yourself a coffee and hit the road - tune into a country and western station and watch the sun rise over a classic American landscape.
Yehaa !

Murphy_The_Cat · 6 February 2008 at 8:26PM

Riq wrote: »

I have an urge this year to go on holiday (as I haven't been away for 4 years) and I don't want it to be a beach holiday as I get bored after about 3minutes of lying on a beach or near a pool. So my idea was to go on one of those trips across America.

I was thinking of doing a tour of Western America, California, Nevada etc etc.

Hi Riq

I've just finished planning & bookng my road trip to Nevada/Arizona & California.
Whilst my holiday is very much 'family' orientated, rather than going with my mate, there may be some good stuff in there for you (quite a few people posted some cracking suggestions)

or, if you'd like to pick my brains on what I found/know from previous trips, just holler.

p.s. this holiday could be as cheap or as expensive as you want. getting the flights right/wrong could cost you several hundred quid before you take off :eek:

p.p.s after looking at the STA link, its quite a different holiday to what I'm taking.
Whatever you decide to do, have a great time.

Murphy_The_Cat · 6 February 2008 at 8:32PM

Riq wrote: »

I have an urge this year to go on holiday (as I haven't been away for 4 years) and I don't want it to be a beach holiday as I get bored after about 3minutes of lying on a beach or near a pool. So my idea was to go on one of those trips across America.

I was thinking of doing a tour of Western America, California, Nevada etc etc.

Hi Riq

I've just finished planning & bookng my road trip to Nevada/Arizona & California.
Whilst my holiday is very much 'family' orientated, rather than going with my mate, there may be some good stuff in there for you (quite a few people posted some cracking suggestions)

or, if you'd like to pick my brains on what I found/know from previous trips, just holler.

p.s. this holiday could be as cheap or as expensive as you want. getting the flights right/wrong could cost you several hundred quid before you take off :eek:

Riq · 7 February 2008 at 9:03AM

Great stuff, many thanks for the advice from everyone.
Will look into booking it this weekend.

Just to answer a question, I am 23, but will be 24 by the time I go, my friend is 24 too and we have both had our driving licence for 6 years, we would be able to hire a car wouldn't we? Not like you have to be 25 or anything is it?

Will also check out that thread too

stu_iow · 7 February 2008 at 9:19AM

RE: Organised trips. STA travel are probably the cheapest but as I remember prices don't include flights, they are also more basic i.e. cheaper accommodation, food not always included (we found breakfast to be important as it was not always included and a faff to find each morning). Also, STA travel is popular with students, being a recent ex-student myself this is great to meet like minded people, going out etc, but not great if you want peace and quiet.

Other companies in the area are Explore, Exodus and Guerba. We are booking with www.adventurecompany.co.uk this summer.

Enjoy

bairn7 · 7 February 2008 at 9:58AM

RiqI was 24 last year and I hired a car in Vegas. It all depends on your starting state as they all have different requirements for age (I couldn't rent a car in Illinois when I went last xmas) but I think at least for Arizona/California/Nevada the min age is 21-23. It is more than likely that you'll have to pay a young driver surcharge as you are under 25...if I remember correctly mine was $10 per day. One thing I would recommend it you are getting a car is to take out the full insurance. I was lucky I did the last time as some guy pranged my rental while it was parked. The driving is absulutely crazy over there!Check out sites like uscarhire.co.uk for good rates.

Murphy_The_Cat · 7 February 2008 at 10:07AM

Riq wrote: »

Great stuff, many thanks for the advice from everyone.
Will look into booking it this weekend.

Just to answer a question, I am 23, but will be 24 by the time I go, my friend is 24 too and we have both had our driving licence for 6 years, we would be able to hire a car wouldn't we? Not like you have to be 25 or anything is it?

Will also check out that thread too

You can hire a car if you are under 25 in the US, but a lot of the hire companies spank your wallet for the privilledge. This company seem to be a bit more enlightened.

p.s. Riq there is a booklet that you can pick up from nearly anywhere that will give you access to hotel rooms at a very much discounted rate - if you area walkin. But I can't for the life of me remember what it is called !!! Once I have, I'll post again, as it will save you a small fortune.

Tour Trips - USA

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