California 10 - 14 Day Escorted Tour Sept 2010

emmahip

Hi folks - looking to take DH on this trip for our 10th wedding anniversary - can anyone recommend a company?

Dont want to pay more than about 1700 each (inc flights) and would really like to stick to California if there is such a tour - most of the ones I've seen do the Grand Canyon and Las Vegas as well.

I did think of doing a fly drive but I think it would be too stressful and would rather just be driven around instead.




Thanks for any advice!

isplumm

Hi,

Why do you think that a fly-drive would be too stressful?

Back in 2000 we went to California / Las Vegas / Grand Canyon - drove everywhere - but we met people who had done a tour - similar to what we did, but in less time & only stopping for short times @ each place - they were knackered.

If you do a tour, you will be limited in what you can do.

Have you looked @ greyhound buses? I found driving fairly easy - just don't drive straight away - also if you fly into San Fran - don't have a car for 1st few days - just visit city.

Mark

dmg24

Have you looked at Travelsphere?

ferf1223

I would hate a tour - no flexibility, you're stuck with their itinerary...driving in the US for the most part is a piece of cake compared to driving in the UK. Get US maps for your own satnav and bring it with you...you can go see what you want at your own pace rather than being stuck with an organized tour.

As for greyhound buses - it depends on the person - but in general unless money is very tight or your quite happy meeting a lot of...hmm...characters, shall we say, I'd avoid them...in general in the US, people drive. If they aren't driving, they probably can't afford a car or can't get a licence..sure, there are people travelling as well - but in my experience, it's not the nicest crowd to be in in general terms.

isplumm

ferf1223 wrote: »

I would hate a tour - no flexibility, you're stuck with their itinerary...driving in the US for the most part is a piece of cake compared to driving in the UK. Get US maps for your own satnav and bring it with you...you can go see what you want at your own pace rather than being stuck with an organized tour.

As for greyhound buses - it depends on the person - but in general unless money is very tight or your quite happy meeting a lot of...hmm...characters, shall we say, I'd avoid them...in general in the US, people drive. If they aren't driving, they probably can't afford a car or can't get a licence..sure, there are people travelling as well - but in my experience, it's not the nicest crowd to be in in general terms.

Hi,

My opinion of greyhound buses is similar to yours - I would much prefer to drive - always found it easy & safe!!

Mark

cubegame

In September it would be a breeze to do a fly drive and generally the standard of American drivers is far higher than here. My OH and I did a 14 day trip from Seattle to San Diego this year at that time and had no issues whatsoever in finding day to day accommodation (even when we turned up in a town without a booking at 10pm and after).

The problem with a tour would be that you won't be able to look at the things YOU want to look at for as long as YOU want to look at them. Additionally many coaches will not be able to handle the terrain of the most beautiful parts.

luci

We have used Jetsave and liked them, although it is many years ago. My brother and auntie have both used Travelsphere and highly recommended them.

Mich81

I've used trekamerica, and believe their sister company footloose is very good too.

However if I went back to California would definitely drive, didn't look stressful at all and there's loads of really nice places to stop along the Pacific Coast Highway that you'd miss on a regular organised tour.

WolfSong2000

I'd either drive or greyhound...in the past I've just used greyhound, and whie, yes, you wont get the creme de la creme of American society, people for the most part are friendly...still, wouldn't recommend it unless you're really trying to save money or are particularly adventurous. I've met some lovely people on greyhound trips, but also some who were less savoury.

Driving is much more relaxed in the USA, and as others have pointed out, you'll be able to do things at your own pace. I did a day coach tour when I was staying in San Fran to the National Park (name escapes me...must be having a blonde day. lol) and the tour guide actually left two people who didn't make it back to the bus in time. I was totally shocked - am guessing they managed to get back somehow, but it's put me off coach tours. lol.

torbrex

You hire the car and I will do all the driving, I have been through California twice and love driving there.
I was going to go to Kentucky in May but would have no problem being your chauffuer for 10 days or so in September.