Frquently Asked Questions
If you have any further questions about our tours please e-mail us at sales@trekamerica.co.uk specifying your home country.- Why should I travel with TrekAmerica?
- How do I book my Trek?
- How and when do I receive my confirmation and documents?
- When should I book my Trek?
- I am travelling on my own. Will I be the only one?
- What if I haven't camped before?
- What's included in the price of the trek?
- What do I need to bring on tour?
- Are there any age restrictions?
- What facilities are at the campsite?
- How fit should I be to join a Trek?
- How much money do I need to bring on tour?
- Why do I have to pay locally for some accommodation on tour?
- How much luggage can I bring?
- When do the trips begin and end?
- How do I reserve a hotel room the night before and after my Trek?
- Are flights included in the price?
- Do I need a visa to travel to North America?
- Do I need travel insurance?
Why should I travel with TrekAmerica?
TrekAmerica has been the premiere small groups' adventure tour specialist in North America since 1972. We have the experience and the commitment to provide you with the trip of a lifetime. We can offer you a quality holiday at an affordable price and we will show you places you could not see while travelling alone or on a large coach tour.
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How do I book my Trek?
TrekAmerica tours can be booked from anywhere in the world. Bookings can be made online or by contacting our worldwide sales office by phone or email. Please use the links below. You can hold your place on a trek with a deposit and final payment is due 8 weeks before departure. The final payment due date will be printed on your invoice. Bookings made within 8 weeks of departure are subject to full payment at the time of booking. Please phone or email us if you need any assistance or have any questions.
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How and when do I receive my confirmation and documents?
If you book directly with us we will email you a confirmation, invoice and Trek Tips within 24 hours of receiving your booking. Once final payment is made you will also receive vouchers. Final documents are resent by about 6 weeks before departure. If you book with an agent you should receive all documents and information from your agent.
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When should I book my Trek?
Book early! Many tours fill quickly so you should contact us as soon as possible. We would be happy to help you choose the Trek that is right for you. All of our sales representatives have first hand knowledge and information about our treks. Call us anytime to check availability or hold a seat on option for up to three days with no obligation.
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I am travelling on my own. Will I be the only one?
No. The majority of the people travelling with us are on their own. Our trips are a great way to travel safely and meet other like minded, adventurous people from all over the world and we do not charge single supplements.
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What if I haven't camped before?
Don't worry... we make it easy! Our tour leaders will teach you how to set up your tent and how to use all the camping equipment. Most of our first timers actually grow to love sleeping in the great outdoors. You will sleep in high quality, heavy duty four person tents which you share with only one other trekker. Single travellers will be matched with someone of the same sex. We provide all passengers with a thermal sleeping mat. For those passengers who want added comfort, you can bring your own self-inflatable air mattress.
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What's included in the price of the trek?
1) The services of a professionally-trained tour guide.
2) Transportation: A 15 passenger air-conditioned maxi van.
3) All necessary camping equipment including tents, cold food storage containers, camp lights, stoves and other camp accessories.
4) Admission to all National Parks and Monuments as per the "Flexible Night Stops."
5) Special Included Activities unique to each Trek.
Our Grand American Adventure camping treks include all meals, higher quality camping equipment and custom built vehicles with more space and larger windows for maximum comfort and visibility.
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What do I need to bring on tour?
On our USA, Canada & Alaska tours all you need to bring is a sleeping bag and your personal items. Sleeping bags are not required on our Northeastern BLT, Western BLT, Westerner 2 BLT or any Grand American Adventure lodging trek. Prior to your departure, we will e-mail you a copy of our "Trek Tips" document which will provide you a list of suggested items you may want to bring on your trek. Of course an enthusiastic, fun loving attitude is always welcome! For further information see our Technical Details page in our Pre-Tour Info section.
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Are there any age restrictions? Our TrekAmerica tours are designed for trekkers aged 18 to 38 years of age. Consequently, they tend to focus on activities and nightlife that appeal to that age range.
Our Grand American Adventures tours cater for all ages & focus on multi-activity camping tours, multi-activity lodging tours, walking holidays and family adventure tours.
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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 even 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 TrekAmerica is easy and fun... you'll love it!
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How fit should I be to join a Trek?
Anyone in reasonably good health can join our Treks. Many activities on tour are optional, so you can choose them according to your fitness level. Most National Parks offer a variety of hiking trails that suit all levels of adventure and fitness. Many other activities do not require previous experience and are not fitness related.
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How much money do I need to bring on tour?
For TrekAmerica camping tours you will need to budget for the Food Kitty. This is usually at a cost of only US$10 a day however see individual tour pages for specific details. This will cover all of your meals while camping but does not cover meals during hotel stops or when the group chooses to sample regional cuisine.
Depending on the tour you choose, there may be en-route hotel nights paid locally and the cost will be shown on the itinerary. You should budget for each of these night stops.
Meals are included on all of the Grand American Adventures camping tours and all hotels are included on lodging tours.
In addition to the activities included in the Trek price, there are plenty of others you might want to participate in while on tour. An average budget of US$30-$35 per day should enable you to participate in most of these activities and cover general spending money.
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Why do I have to pay locally for some accommodation on the TrekAmerica tours?
The reason many TrekAmerica en route hotels are paid locally is due to fluctuation of hotel prices throughout the year. Instead of getting 'locked' into a contract with one hotel for an entire year, we are able to choose one that has the most reasonable price for that time of year. This saves you money in the end.
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How much luggage can I bring?
One suitcase or rucksack with a maximum weight of 20 KG, plus your sleeping bag and one carry on bag for the van. Be sure to check the weight allowance of your luggage with your airline as well.
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When do the trips begin and end?
Most Treks depart from our gateway hotels at 7:30am on the day of departure and generally end between 5:00pm and 6:00pm on the final day of the tour. Exact start times will be shown on your trip voucher. For your convenience, we suggest you book the pre night hotel in our gateway hotel. You can also arrange the final night in our gateway hotel where the tour will finish. If you must leave that evening, we recommend that you book a flight departing no earlier than 9:00pm to allow for enough time to make it to the airport on time.
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How do I reserve a hotel room the night before and after my Trek?
We can book a hotel room for you at any of our gateway cities. Don't worry if you are travelling alone as there is no single supplement. Rooms are based on a twin share basis and we will arrange for you to share a room with another TrekAmerica passenger of the same sex. Reservations can be made on your booking form or by calling our office anytime up to one month before tour departure. If you are booking within one month of the departure twin share rates can not be guaranteed and are on request.
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Are flights included in the price?
No, however 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. TrekAmerica 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.
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Do I need a visa to travel to North America?
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.
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Do I need travel insurance?
YES. Insurance is compulsory on all TrekAmerica 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 as well as air rescue and repatriation. We strongly recommend cancellation and baggage coverage also.
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