san francisco los angeles - trekamericatrekamerica.com/sites/default/files/trek-tips-w2b.pdf · san...

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




TREK INCLUDES

PLUS...

• Professional tour leader, equipment & private transportation

• All accommodation: See website for specific accommodation information.

ESSENTIAL INFO:

• Group Size: Max 13

• Wi-Fi available in your van & some accommodation.

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.

See Las Vegas on a party bus tour of The Strip

Epic Grand Canyon sunrise or sunset Stop in Seligman on the original Route 66

Explore Yosemite’s towering granite peaks

Walk the impressive Golden Gate Bridge City tour of San Francisco Travel along scenic coastal Highway One

Admission to incredible national parks - Grand Canyon & Yosemite

* 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 11 (anytime).

Westerner 2 BLT

Trek Tips® 2019

ORIGINAL

DEPARTS:LOS ANGELES to LOS ANGELES

TOUR CODE:

W2B

FLORIDA

ALABAMA

MARYLAND

CALIFORNIA

COLORADO

CONNECTICUT

DELAWARE

ARKANSAS

GEORGIA

IDAHO

IOWA

KANSAS KENTUCKY

LOUISIANA

MAINE

MASSACHUSETTS

MICHIGAN

MINNESOTA

MISSISSIPPI

MISSOURI

MONTANA

NEBRASKANEVADA

NEW HAMPSHIRE

NEW JERSEY

NEW YORK

NORTHCAROLINA

NORTH DAKOTA

OHIO

OKLAHOMA

OREGON

PENNSYLVANIA

RHODE ISLAND

SOUTH CAROLINA

SOUTH DAKOTA

TENNESSEE

TEXAS

UTAH

VERMONT

VIRGINIA

WEST VIRGINIA

WASHINGTON

WISCONSIN

WYOMING

INDIANAILLINOIS

NEW MEXICOARIZONA

C A N A D A

M E X I C O

C U B A

San Francisco

Los Angeles

Las VegasGrand Canyon NP

Yosemite NP

Route 66

San Diego

California CoastSanta Barbara Prescott

San Diego• Water sports US$10-$75• Bike rental US$5-15• Rollerblading US$5-15Grand Canyon• Helicopter flight US$254-$284• IMAX Theater US$15Las Vegas• Clubs & casino shows from US$10• Roller coasters US$25-$40• Gun range US$20-$100• VIP club tour (includes 4 clubs & limo)

US$100• Helicopter flight US$124

• Get married in Las Vegas (not legally binding) US$220

Yosemite National Park• Bike rental US$12-$34• Float trip on the Merced River US$31San Francisco• Cable car ride US$5-$13• Baseball game from US$20• Sunset sailboat cruise US$45• Alcatraz Prison* (must be booked

in advance with Alcatraz Cruises) US$33-$40

• Bike rental US$8 per hour / US$32 per day

7 nights 6 nights

ITINERARY: DAY 1 START 07:30 HRS

� DAY 1/2 LOS ANGELES - SAN DIEGO ( )DAY 3 PRESCOTT ( )

� DAY 4/5 GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK ( )

� DAY 6/7 ROUTE 66 - LAS VEGAS ( ) � DAY 8/9 YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK ( ) � DAY 10/11 SAN FRANCISCO ( ) � DAY 12 CALIFORNIA COAST ( ) � DAY 13 SANTA BARBARA ( ) � DAY 14 SANTA BARBARA - LOS ANGELES

DAY 14 FINISH 17:00 HRS

>> View a detailed day-by-day itinerary at: www.trekamerica.co.uk/w2b




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 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.

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:

• Towel

• Day pack

• 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 / gloves

• Swimwear

• Sun hat / sunglasses

• Sunscreen / insect repellent (20% DEET)

• Water bottle

• Toiletries / personal medicine

• Camera & charger

• Travel power adaptor / USB car charger and cord

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

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

Los Angeles

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

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

Grand Canyon NP

HIGH 5 7 10 15 21 27 29 27 24 18 11 6

LOW -8 -6 -4 0 4 8 12 12 8 2 -3 -7

Las Vegas HIGH 13 17 20 25 31 37 40 39 34 27 19 14

LOW 1 3 7 10 15 20 24 23 19 12 6 1

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

Yosemite HIGH 9 11 14 18 22 27 32 32 28 22 13 8

LOW -2 -1 1 3 7 11 14 13 11 6 1 -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 Spending money

R Flight booking confirmation

R Visa / ESTA for entry to the USA

R Travel Insurance

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.

JOINING POINT

LOS ANGELES HOTEL Fairfield Inn & Suites Los Angeles

LAX/El Segundo

525 North Sepulveda Boulevard

El Segundo

Los Angeles

California 90245

United States

Tel: +1 310 356 4577

Transfer: The hotel operates a free airport to hotel pickup from the international airport to the Fairfield Inn & Suites Hotel. Whilst this is a complimentary service a tip of US$1-$2 is generally expected. On arrival to the airport, please call the hotel and advise them which terminal you are at and to arrange pick up. The transfer should take approximately fifteen minutes by road depending on traffic.

FINISHING POINT:

LOS ANGELES HOTEL Fairfield Inn & Suites Los Angeles

LAX/El Segundo

525 North Sepulveda Boulevard

El Segundo

Los Angeles

California 90245

United States

Tel: +1 310 356 4577

Transfer: The hotel operates a free airport to hotel pickup from the international airport to the Fairfield Inn & Suites Hotel. Whilst this is a complimentary service a tip of US$1-$2 is generally expected. On arrival to the airport, please call the hotel and advise them which terminal you are at and to arrange pick up. The transfer should take approximately fifteen minutes by road depending on traffic.

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

These Trek Tips were last updated on 31/12/18

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

At the time of printing there is a US$14 fee for the electronic approval (ESTA). Your ESTA will be valid for a period of two years, or until your passport expires.

All travellers wishing to enter the USA under the VWP 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, Sudan or Syria 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.

Residents from countries who cannot travel under the VWP must consult their relevant embassy. For more information about who is eligible to travel under the VWP, and the eligibility requirements please visit http://travel.state.gov/visa/

Anyone that has 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 visa-free on the VWP, guarantees admission to the USA. As with most countries, the final determination of admissibility is made by immigration officials at the port of entry. We keep the above visa information up to date as much as possible, but it is important that you check this for yourself.

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 and tour documentation.

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.

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.

Luggage allowance & storageOne suitcase, soft holdall or rucksack (23kg maximum) per person. 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

On our budget lodging based Original tours we use a combination of comfortable hotels, hostels, cabins and guesthouses with a mix of twin and multi share accommodation (average four to six per room). For a true taste of America, we also include some ranch bunkhouses, trailer parks and chickee cabins. When staying in hostel accommodation, where possible we

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 tour. 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 trek 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 USA

It 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

Holders of UK, Australia, New Zealand and most EU country passports are eligible to travel to the USA under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). The VWP is open to people for travel in the USA for up to a 90 day stay.

All eligible travellers who wish to travel under the VWP must apply for an electronic travel authorisation from the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) at least 72 hours before arrival. You can apply for an ESTA at: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov. You will require your passport details and your address in the USA (you can use the starting point hotel address).

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

Battery charging Many of our Trekkers bring mobile phones, music devices and cameras that require frequent battery charging during a tour. We recommend bringing a charger with travel adaptor, and for charging on the go, our vehicles have two standard 12 volt chargers. You will need a 12 volt/cigarette lighter adapter to plug your USB charger into. Every vehicle has at least two outlets for you to use. Your budget lodging accommodation will usually have an electrical outlet (don’t forget your travel plug).

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 Trek.

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. Always use a lockable safe where available, either in your room or at the budget lodging accommodation’s reception. 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.

Responsible travel

You and your fellow Trekkers are sure to be really excited for your trip, but please be considerate to those around you.

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.

will keep the group together in single sex rooms, but this cannot be guaranteed and on rare occasions you may be roomed in dormitories with guests from outside your group.

We will try to accommodate couples, however twin rooms cannot be guaranteed and any additional upgrade costs for a private room will need to be covered by the passenger/s en route. There is no food kitty collected on our budget lodging based Original tours and meals will need to be paid for locally. However, a lunch kitty has proven a popular alternative to three meals out. This is optional and our leader will help organise it for those groups who choose this option.

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 WiFi, so you can keep in touch with friends and family from the road. Free Wi-Fi will also 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 steam 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 one time.

Spending money

We recommend you take at least US$15 per day for drinks, snacks and other incidentals, plus $35 a day for meals in restaurants. 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 for the start 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 hotels / hostels, or in a nearby town. Ask your tour leader for local information.

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