Touring the States should be on everyone’s agenda, whether it’s on an organised tour or just 'freewheeling' around the country. Both options will be a great way to see a truly great country! However, there are some points you should remember if you are thinking about an organised tour. The two main touring companies we use are TREK AMERICA (www.trekamerica.com.au) & CONTIKI (www.contiki.com.au).

• Both have very different concepts of travel. TREK travel around in minivans, with group size of about 14 and it's camping/lodging whereas CONTIKI travel around in a coach and stay mostly in hotels.
• The TREK experience is a more cultural one and you will get to see a lot more of the country than traveling on a CONTIKI tour who, in my experience, are more aimed at the nightlife side of things. Also, this is important, if you are under 21 then CONTIKI won't be for you as you will not have much to do at night as you won't be allowed access to most establishments that serve alcohol. Remember this, some people think it will be ok and you will sneak in. That's not the case 99% of the time!
• TREK always sell out so you need to plan before you leave Australia and try to stick to the plan….very hard to change!

Here is what Julia Doeven said about TREK last year:

I thought TREK was just FABULOUS! Our tour guide was fun and approachable and went beyond his duties to give us a trip to remember, especially when he organised for us to bring our sleeping bags and watch the sunrise over the Grand Canyon at 5.30 am. It was really awesome. Having that mix of people from all over the world on your trek just made it even more enjoyable as there was never a dull conversation and I learnt heaps about not only America but from all other countries as well. If I was to improve the trek I would have only spent one night in Yosemite so we could enjoy at least another half or full day in Las Vegas. The Western Wonder tour was no doubt the highlight of my travels after camp and I couldn't think of a better way to see so many of America's amazing sights in such a short time frame and I think you also get so much more out of what you pay for. I'm even organizing now to catch up with some of the friends I made on my trek and it's great because now its like I have a place to stay in every country. Trek America was awesome and you'd be silly not to do it.

Don't forget. 10% discount on any TREK America and 5% on any CONTIKI tour booked through HWT Manly. CALL NOW!