West Coast America-Escorted Tour.

S

Socialwhirl

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My first time in America and am planning on travelling alone so thought a guided tour would be the best option.There are so many itineries with different companies, difficult to know which one to go for. They all mostly start from LA or San Franc, some going inland to Las Vegas, Death Valley and Yesomite.Others going to Grand Canyon.One of the cheapest options Im considering does not go to Grand Canyon - would I be missing out a lot if I didnt see it? Have been to Uluru in Oz, and Petra, Jordan - would it be more of the same. Am more interested in seeing the lifestlye and visiting smaller towns etc; though I know I will be restricted on a coach tour.Im considering spending a few extra days in Santa Monica to chill out after tour-Anyone been there. I would be greatful for any advice on any of the above, or recommendations for a particular escorted tour that might suit a 30something female travelling solo.
 
I am a 40 something female and took a very trip last year with Slattery's visiting California and the the Grand Canyone (included la, san franscio, grand canyone, bryce canyon, death valley, las vegas etc) - was very enjoybale.
 
Hi Sue, thanks for reply - it was Slatterys I was looking at, however the 10-day Best of the West as its the cheaper option, as the California&Grand Canyon Tour (16 days)is is nearly £2500, and I thought it might be a bit too full-on with all the travelling? .Would it be worth the extra 500euro to see the Grand Canyon? Glad to see you enjoyed the trip- I take it the accomodation was of a good standard too?
 
I did this holiday but drove myself - fantastic - but I can understand if you are on your own why you would prefer to go on an escorted tour I think whether you go to The Grand Canyon is very much up to yourself. It was the highlight of my holiday because I always wanted to see it but others in the family just looked and went back in the car so I think it probably comes down to a gut feeling within yourself and it's a place in your list of 'must sees in your lifetime'. I think you should not miss out on Death Valley and Yesomite. What ever you chose enjoy one of the best holidays of my lifetime.
 
Socialwhirl said:
Hi Sue, thanks for reply - it was Slatterys I was looking at, however the 10-day Best of the West as its the cheaper option, as the California&Grand Canyon Tour (16 days)is is nearly £2500, and I thought it might be a bit too full-on with all the travelling? .Would it be worth the extra 500euro to see the Grand Canyon? Glad to see you enjoyed the trip- I take it the accomodation was of a good standard too?
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Definitely DO NOT leave out the grand canyon. Amazing.
 
Thanks Hans and Minnion, sounds like I MUST go to the Grand Canyon. Am now trying to decide on Santa Barbara or Santa Monica for 3 nights R&R at the end of the tour. Does anyone have info on either?
 
santa barbara is a nice place. small. i wasnt in santa monico but regretted not goign as people told me after that it is fab. very gay though
 
i CHOOSE the California and Grand Canyon mainly becuase of the lenght and amount of places it visited. The one I went on was the 1st Oct one - the persnaly escorted one. Was a great trip -only downside was that didn't get to Yoesmite Park as after driving a long distence end up in the snow and the pass was closed the next moring into Yoesmite so had to drive all the way back around. They warn you of this in the brochure so maybe a better idea to go a bit earlier
 
I stayed in Santa Monica and stopped over in Santa Barbara I didn't like Santa Monica I stayed across the road from the famous beach and at night all the homeless came and slept on the grass verge along the road in the morning I found my kids throwing muffins from breakfast out the window and realised that all these men were scavaging in the bins and grabbing these muffins - then you had some very upmarket Restaurant with big Chauffeur driven cars pulling up with the rich and famous stepping out I found it a little hard to take. I think it was one of the first times I saw to ends of society so close and yet so far - I have seen extreme poverty in other countries but I think because of where it was it hit me more.
The only positive is if you dont have a car you will be able to get around to see more places like travel to beache areas further south on transport system and travel into L.A. If you stay in Santa Barbara it will be more peaceful relaxing stay.
 
Im now booked up to go with Trailfinders, flying from Dublin as it worked out much cheaper than Slatterys. Also booked 3 nights in New York on the connecting flight home. I am so excited about going - Thanks Guys so much for all your help and advice.
 
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