FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Click on the questions below to reveal the answers to our most frequently asked questions.

If you have any further questions about our tours please e-mail us at info@trekamerica.co.uk specifying your home country.

  • > When Should I Book?

    Book early! Many tours fill quickly so you should contact us as soon as possible. We would be happy to help you choose the trip that is right for you. Many of our sales representatives are tour leaders and can give you first hand information about any of our trips. Real-time availability and online booking is available from each tour page. Alternatively, contact us to hold a provisional seat on option for up to three days with no obligation.


  • > How Do I Book?

    Wherever you are in the world, you can book your Grand American Adventures tour through our website safely and securely. Online bookings can easily be made using our secure online booking engine available from each tour page on this website. For more details on how to book online click here. Grand American Adventures is bonded by ABTA (Association of British Travel Agents) which protects and guarantees the money you pay to us. This security covers bookings received from anywhere in the world.

    Alternatively, you can contact our worldwide reservations office by phone, fax or by email where our experienced tour consultants are waiting to help you.


  • > Why Should I Travel With Grand American Adventures?

    In 2010 our open age Footloose program has been renamed Grand American Adventures, and celebrates 15 years of delivering some of the finest small group adventures throughout the Americas. To us, travel is more than just getting from here to there; it's about the journey itself, the people you meet and the incredible discoveries along the way. Our local tour leaders will take you beyond the guidebooks and off the busy tourist trails, introducing you to some of our favourite destinations on the map. We know where to go and what to do; all that's left is for you to explore to your heart's content. We hope that you enjoy choosing your next adventure from over 45 unique itineraries throughout North, Central and South America, and we look forward to you travelling with Grand American Adventures.


  • > Are There Any Age Restrictions?

    Grand American Adventures Camping, Lodging and Walking Tours are designed for adults over 18 years old. While most passengers are 25-55, we get many people both above and below this range who prefer to travel in a small group unrestricted by age. On our Family Discovery Tours the average age of children is 13 years old and the minimum age (accompanied by their parents) is 8 years old. For safety reasons, travellers over 55 will be asked to complete a self-declaration of fitness, although experience has shown us that our senior travellers are often in the best shape!


  • > What's Included In The Price?

    1)Professional tour leader
    2) All transportation (excluding flights)
    3) On camping tours, all necessary equipment, including tents, cold food storage containers, camp lights, stoves and other camp accessories.
    4) On lodging tours, all accommodation is included. There are also no local or single supplements.
    5) Admission to all National Parks and Monuments as per the itinerary.


  • > What Do I Need To Bring On Tour?

    Prior to your departure, we will e-mail you additional pre-departure information which will provide you a list of suggested items you may want to bring on your tour. Of course an enthusiastic, fun loving attitude is always welcome! For more information see our Pre-Tour Info section.


  • > What If I Haven't Camped Before?

    Don't worry... we make it easy and fun! Camping provides you with unsurpassed access to the best scenic, natural surroundings and the opportunity to sleep under the open star-filled sky. Many of our first timer campers find that they appreciate the peaceful environment so much that they return year after year.

    You will sleep in top quality camp tents that you share with only one other passenger of the same sex, so there is plenty of room to make yourself comfortable. We provide you with a thick, thermal sleeping pad (typically a ThermaRest style air/foam mattress) for added comfort. Feel free to bring your own inflatable pillow.


  • > What Facilities Are At The Campsite?

    All our trips use both National and State Park campsites and also a wide assortment of private campgrounds. Almost all will have hot showers and flush toilets; some will have swimming pools, bars and laundry facilities on site while others will accentuate the natural beauty of the area and thus tend to be more rustic. We keep "roughing it" to a minimum. Camping with Grand American Adventures is easy and fun... you'll love it!


  • > How Fit Should I Be To Join A Tour?

    Grand American Adventures tours are open to anyone with reasonably good fitness. While we include many activities and guided day hikes on our trips, there are often a variety of trails to choose from so that you can choose according to your mood and/or fitness level. One day you may choose a longer 4-5 hour moderately strenuous hike, while the next you may choose an easy walk or to take a scenic cycle ride. We also offer a variety of optional activities on each tour, so you can choose them according to your taste and budget. Whether you are experienced or a novice, feel free to try out some new adventures such as white water rafting, kayaking, cycling or horse riding whilst on holiday with us.


  • > How Much Money Do I Need To Bring On Tour?

    Firstly, it is essential that you carry local currency or U.S. dollars on tour for optional activities, souvenirs or restaurant meals. Cash points may not be readily available, and credit cards will not be accepted for local activities. You should also bring some US dollar traveller's cheques to be sure that you can access funds during your trip. That said, an average budget of US$40-$45 spending money per day should enable you to join the group on most activities. On our lodging tours you should also budget more for meals in local restaurants.


  • > How Much Luggage Can I Bring?

    All luggage is carried in trailers or inside the vehicle, so please don't bring more than one medium sized suitcase or rucksack (maximum 20kg) and your sleeping bag. Your suitcase/rucksack may get some rough handling, so make sure it's a tough one. Small hand baggage may also be carried inside the vehicle.


  • > When Do The Trips Begin And End?

    Grand American Adventures tours begin and end at our gateway hotels. You will normally arrive at your leisure the day before the tour starts and then meet the group at approximately 7.30 am on day 1 (check your tour voucher/itinerary for exact details). On the final day your tour will normally arrive at the hotel at approx 6.00 pm (1800 hours). However, some tours vary from these times - please check specific itineraries. If you require hotel accommodation this night, you must buy an accommodation voucher at the time of booking. Please do not book a flight on the last day of your tour that departs prior to 9pm for international flights.


  • > How Do I Reserve Hotel Rooms Before And After My Tour?

    We can pre-book additional nights before and after the trip in twin-share accommodation (or single rooms upon request). We encourage you to make your hotel requests at the time of booking to avoid amendment fees once your trip is booked. Hotels cancelled within 5 weeks of the tour departure are non-refundable. Feel free to contact our sales team with any questions.


  • > Can Grand American Adventures Arrange Flights?

    If you are in the United Kingdom we can provide a quote and book your flights for you. For a flight inclusive quote please call 0845 330 6095. Grand American Adventures is a registered ATOL member authorised to sell flights as part of a package. If you are outside the UK we will be happy to recommend a travel agent in your area who can help you arrange transportation to your destination.


  • > Do I Need A Visa To Travel To Any Destinations?

    You should check exact visa requirements within your home country. Passport holders from countries that qualify for the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) are now required to obtain an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authority) which is free and can be applied for online.

    > Click here for more information on the Visa Waiver Program


  • > Do I Need Travel Insurance?

    YES. Insurance is compulsory on all Grand American Adventures tours. We recommend you take our policy which has been specially created to cover all activities on our tours. If you decide to arrange your own travel insurance please ensure your policy covers all optional activities you may wish to participate in.