TrekAmerica

WHITEWATER rafting in Tennessee. A stretch limo down the Vegas strip. A helicopter over the Grand Canyon. Throw in some campers and an all-American tour guide. Welcome, cowboys, to TrekAmerica.

TrekAmerica has been tempting young travellers away from the package holiday for 35 years. Make your way around the States and experience the sights, sounds and smells of Americana. From the 7-day Western Wonder to the 64-day Trailblazer, there is something to suit everyone.

Size matters to Trek. With just 13 people on each tour, it’s more of a group of like-minded friends. Trek’s motto is ‘fun, freedom and flexibility’. No-one wants to be dragged around a visitor’s centre. They are ‘tours for non-tourists’ and encourage you to explore your own interests whenever the chance arises.

Toby Butland, Marketing Manager, talks about the advantages of TrekAmerica.

“Travelling with Trek is by far the most affordable mode of travel. You get value for money and that is incredibly important for students.

“Our passengers always tell us that it's more like travelling with a group of friends. You don't waste time waiting for buses and trains. You get much further off the beaten track with Trek. You discover all the secret places that you wouldn’t even know existed if you were on your own.”
Toby explains the importance of a tour leader.

“With you tour leader doing all the driving you'll arrive fresh at your next destination ready to get stuck in. Having a leader who knows the in's and out's means you won't miss a thing. You’re guaranteed to get the best deals on activities and places to eat too.”

Toby believes TrekAmerica will offer a better adventure than their rivals.“Travelling with a coach tour company means bigger groups and you'll be staying in major cities for the most part. Travelling by bus can be dangerous as they drop you off in dodgy downtown bus stations with long waits.

“Our main competitor does not maintain the same standards as we do. You could be shown around by a British tour leader, whereas we maintain a 100% American tour leader policy. You’re introduced to the States by a real American whose local knowledge is invaluable.”I first discovered Trek when my older cousin suddenly announced she was off to America for a fortnight. Two weeks later I went to collect her from the airport. She had a cowboy hat, the biggest smile and the best stories. I knew I had to do it.

So I’ve booked the Grand Trek. A loop-de-loop of the States, from New York to LA and back again. I’ve never been travelling on my own. Before University, I was scared to catch a bus on my own. But graduation is looming and soon I’ll be unleashed into the real world. I suppose I want to do something radical before I settle down, something to let off steam after three years of my head in the books. A six week trek across America, I rather fancy.

The benefits for graduates are endless. Not only will it give you the confidence to engage with new people but it will give you the patience to deal with them on a daily basis. It will show your employer that you have initiative. You’ve chosen your tour, you’ve saved like crazy and you’ve gone and done it. It takes guts and determination and your boss will acknowledge that. You will learn many lessons on tour, not least how to mount a horse or light a fire. It is the worldly knowledge that you will gain that is the most valuable.

Katy Lawrence, a Human Resource Management graduate, describes the highs and lows of her Southern Sun tour.

“I was excited to visit the cities but the highs were the unexpected bits. Things like looking at the stars in Yosemite, going to a drive-in movie and experiencing a real rodeo in Wyoming.

“The early mornings were not the best. We travelled across country so we went through three time changes. We were also in the van for a long time. A six hour drive was not considered long.
“We were constantly doing things, from the stuff in the itinerary to the ‘priceless’ experiences, like getting lost in Wal-Mart or having a game of ‘I Have Never’ around the campfire. They added so much to the trip”.

She explains what she gained from the experience.

“I have more confidence when meeting new people. I feel I understand different cultures and personalities a lot more. We had Australian, Taiwanese, South Korean, German and English people from Oxbridge to Essex.

“Finding common ground and having a conversation with these people was a challenge but I made some amazing friends.

“If your aim is to get a taste of America and you want fun along the way then TrekAmerica is perfect. Just be prepared to go with the flow and you’ll love it!”

Tours start from £480. Prices include entrance to the national parks, activities, attractions, overnight accommodations, local transportation and camping equipment. Don’t forget your flights and spends.

Folks, this is my best kept secret and I am passing it on to you all.

Go forth and Trek America.

Get 10% off any TrekAmerica tour by mentioning discount code 800003 at time of booking. Enter the code into the Special Request Box when booking online or mention to reservations staff when booking by phone.