Q: When is the best time to travel to the national parks?

A: The peak travel season is May through September. The summer months of June - August being the hottest time in these areas.

Q: What should I pack?

A: This will depend on your personal preferences, where you are traveling, and on the time of year. It is advisable to bring at least one ‘smart’ outfit for special evenings. Please note that some churches/places of worship require covered shoulders and in some cases, knee length shorts/skirts. Always pack enough clothes and wear pieces that you feel comfortable in. Items that are casual and lightweight, requiring little or no ironing are recommended.

Q: What National Parks do you offer tours to?

A: Here is an overview of the parks covered in the tour itineraries that we offer on our site to help you decide which areas interest you the most.
 
Arches National Park - Utah
Arches National Park preserves over two thousand natural sandstone arches, including the world-famous Delicate Arch, in addition to a variety of unique geological resources and formations. In some areas, faulting has exposed millions of years of geologic history. The extraordinary features of the park, including balanced rocks, fins and pinnacles, are highlighted by a striking environment of contrasting colors, landforms and textures.
 
Bryce Canyon National Park - Utah
At Bryce Canyon National Park, erosion has shaped colorful Claron limestones, sandstones, & mudstones into thousands of spires, fins, pinnacles, and mazes. Collectively called "hoodoos," these colorful and whimsical formations stand in horseshoe-shaped amphitheaters along the eastern edge of the Paunsaugunt Plateau in Southern Utah.
 
Canyonlands National Park - Utah
Canyonlands National Park preserves a colorful landscape of sedimentary sandstones eroded into countless canyons, mesas and buttes by the Colorado River and its tributaries. Located in southeast Utah, the park sits in the heart of a vast basin bordered by sheer cliffs of Wingate Sandstone. The Colorado and Green rivers divide the park into four districts: the Island in the Sky, the Needles, the Maze and the rivers themselves. While the districts share a primitive desert atmosphere, each retains its own character and offers different opportunities for exploration and the study of natural and cultural history.
 
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area - Arizona, Utah
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area (NRA) offers unparalleled opportunities for water-based & backcountry recreation. The recreation area stretches for hundreds of miles from Lees Ferry in Arizona to the Orange Cliffs of southern Utah, encompassing scenic vistas, geologic wonders, and a panorama of human history. Additionally, the controversy surrounding the construction of Glen Canyon Dam and the creation of Lake Powell contributed to the birth of the modern day environmental movement. The park offers opportunities for boating, fishing, swimming, backcountry hiking and four-wheel drive trips.
 
Grand Canyon National ParkGrand Canyon National Park - Colorado
Located entirely in northern Arizona, the park encompasses 277 miles of the Colorado River and adjacent uplands. One of the most spectacular examples of erosion anywhere in the world, Grand Canyon is unmatched in the incomparable vistas it offers to visitors on the rim. Grand Canyon National Park is a World Heritage Site. Expect crowds during the spring, summer, and fall months. During these months reservations for camping and lodging are essential. When visiting the South Rim, be sure to go to Canyon View Information Plaza, there you will find information to help plan your Grand Canyon visit.
 
Grand Teton National Park - Wyoming
Towering more than a mile above the valley of Jackson Hole, the Grand Teton rises to 13,770 feet. Twelve Teton peaks reach above 12,000 feet and support a dozen mountain glaciers. The west side of the range slopes gently, showing the angle of tilt of the Earth's crust. The Teton Range is the youngest range in the Rockies and displays some of North America's oldest rocks.
 
Mesa Verde National Park - Colorado
Mesa Verde, Spanish for "green table", offers an unparalleled opportunity to see and experience a unique cultural and physical landscape. The culture represented at Mesa Verde reflects more than 700 years of history. From approximately A.D. 600 through A.D. 1300 people lived and flourished in communities throughout the area, eventually building elaborate stone villages in the sheltered alcoves of the canyon walls. Today most people call these sheltered villages "cliff dwellings". The cliff dwellings represent the last 75 to 100 years of occupation at Mesa Verde. In the late 1200s within the span of one or two generations, they left their homes and moved away. The archeological sites found in Mesa Verde are some of the most notable and best preserved in the United States. Mesa Verde National Park offers visitors a spectacular look into the lives of the Ancestral Pueblo people. Scientists study the ancient dwellings of Mesa Verde, in part, by making comparisons between the Ancestral Pueblo people and their contemporary indigenous descendants who still live in the Southwest today. Twenty-four Native American tribes in the southwest have an ancestral affiliation with the sites at Mesa Verde.
 
Rocky Mountain National Park - Colorado
Established by Congress on January 26, 1915, the park exhibits the massive grandeur of the Rocky Mountains. Trail Ridge Road crosses the Continental Divide and looks out over dozens of peaks that tower more than 13,000 feet high. Longs Peak, the highest peak in the park, is 14,259' in elevation. The high point on Trail Ridge Road is 12,183'. The road is closed from late fall, to the Memorial Day weekend. Because of the high elevation of the park (8,000' to over 14,000') visitors need to take time to acclimatize. People with various medical problems should check with their physician before coming to the park. Elk, mule deer, big horn sheep, moose, coyotes and a great variety of smaller animals call the 416 square miles (265,769 acres) of the National Park home. During the winter months snowshoeing and cross country skiing are very popular. Hiking is available on 355 miles of trails. Many trails can be hiked any time of the year. June and July are the best months for seeing the wild flowers. Weather conditions determine when and where flowers bloom; call 970-586-1206 for up to date information. In the fall, viewing the elk rut (mating season) is a wonderful opportunity to see and learn about these magnificent large animals. Almost 90% of the park is managed as wilderness, making it a great place to enjoy solitude and the natural beauty of the Rocky Mountains.
 
Yellowstone National Park - Idaho, Montana, Wyoming
Yellowstone ElkEstablished on March 1, 1872, Yellowstone National Park is the first and oldest national park in the world. Preserved within Yellowstone are Old Faithful Geyser and some 10,000 hot springs and geysers, the majority of the planet's total. These geothermal wonders are evidence of one of the world's largest active volcanoes; its last eruption created a crater or caldera that spans almost half of the park. An outstanding mountain wildland with clean water and air, Yellowstone is home of the grizzly bear and wolf, and free-ranging herds of bison and elk. It is the core of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, one of the largest intact temperate zone ecosystems remaining on the planet. The human history of the park dates back 12,000 years. The events of the last 130 years of park history are reflected in the historic structures and sites associated with various periods of park administration and visitor facilities development.
 
Zion National Park - Utah
Zion is an ancient Hebrew word meaning a place of refuge or sanctuary. Protected within the park's 229 square miles is a dramatic landscape of sculptured canyons and soaring cliffs. Zion is located at the junction of the Colorado Plateau, Great Basin and Mojave Desert provinces. This unique geography and the variety of life zones within the park make Zion significant as a place of unusual plant and animal diversity.

Q: How far in advance should I make my travel plans?

A: Reservations including airfare must be made at least 21 days prior to travel. Land only bookings can be made up to 10 days prior to travel. Because the peak travel season is so limited, tours and cruises sell out quickly, so we recommend booking at least 3 to 4 months in advance.

Q: How do I check pricing & availability of a package listed on the site?

Q: What is the difference between the different tour types?

A: Make the most of your money & purchase a tour package for your next vacation. We are pleased to offer a variety of tours to fit all budgets & desires. The tour companies we work with have tours that range from the budget category with basic sightseeing and some meals, to luxury tours where everything is included. Escorted tours offer better rates than if you were to travel on your own, and the local guides with years of experiences help you discover more sights and understand the culture more than you could by traveling on your own.

The list continues through companies that will include nearly every conceivable activity as preplanned and prepaid. The deluxe tours which feature unique itineraries, most meals and sightseeing. We offer tours with a specialty focus such as hiking, biking, cruising, Oktoberfest, Christmas Markets and tours for the 18 - 35 year old. Each of the tour types have their own unique features and benefits and each meets the needs of a variety of travelers.

Budget Tours
The budget tours are offered by the large tour companies: Each company offers slightly different itineraries, but the general features are the same. The budget tour is best suited to the traveler who wishes to have a good basic introduction to travel in Europe but who also wishes to have option of selecting some of the sights to see while traveling. A budget tour will include basic sightseeing, some meals and hotels which are Tourist or Superior Tourist class, with rooms that offer private baths.

Please note that hotels in Europe are normally smaller than U.S. hotels. Hotel locations will not always be in the center of the major cities you will be seeing. Buses normally carry over 55 passengers on sold out tours. There is no wash room on-board the busses, but the tour makes frequent stops.

Budget tours appeal to all age ranges & are a great way for single travelers who are willing to share a room to not have to pay a single supplement. These tours allow you to see the real Europe for a down to earth price. The itineraries are similar to, but do not come in the extensive variety that the first class tours come in. A list of optional tours are included with your documents so that you will know what is offered and the cost in advance to traveling.

Budget tours typically run from $95 to $135 per person, per day for the land portion of the tour.

First Class Tours
The first class tours are offered by the sister companies of the budget tours. Each of these companies offers slightly different itineraries, but the general features are the same. First call operators travel to more than 70 countries, with escorted tours, independent hotel packages and leisure style vacations.

The first class tour is best suited to the traveler who wishes to have more of the activities preplanned and prepaid and includes more meals in the tour cost. The host hotels for the first class tours will have more features & be more similar to U.S.-style lodging.

These tours still allow for free time to explore on your own but allow the semi-adventurous traveler to see a great deal of Europe. In many of the cities your regular tour guide will be joined by a local guide who will bring the specialized knowledge that only a local can have.

Quite often the first class tours include two night stays at many locations to allow for maximum time in the location. While Globus offers perhaps the widest variety of tours, Trafalgar and Insight offer popular tours with different dates and stops. Hotel accommodations are always first class. The buses feature less passengers than the budget tours, to provide more comfort for the traveler. Washroom facilities are located on the busses. First class tours include more meals, normally providing buffet breakfast daily and 3 course dinners on selected nights. Optional excursions are available on these tours as listed in the individual itineraries. A comprehensive list of these tours are provided with your tour documents. Travel bags are given as part of package.

First class tours typically run from $165 to $275 per person, per day for the land portion of the tour.

Deluxe Tours
The deluxe tours offer the discerning traveler the opportunity to partake of an escorted tour that is not your usual tour. Deluxe tours offer smaller, quaint lodging that has modern features, including most if not all meals at fine restaurants. Deluxe tours offer inclusive sightseeing and features that are not available on the first class tour. On a deluxe tour you will experience a tour like you imagine in your dreams.

These tours include entertainment such as folklore shows, concerts & special events, no need for tipping and a good balance of unscheduled leisure time. These tours feature the concept of "lifeseeing," which focuses on the lifestyles and culture of Europe.

You will see the famous and sought after destinations, but also experience the delights of the small inn, quaint restaurant and culture of Europe. Dollar for dollar these tours will provide an excellent return on your purchase. These tours are for the travel lover, helping to make special memories to savor before the next experience. Even more than the first class tours, the deluxe tour will offer a variety of modes of transportation, including mountain railroads and river cruises to supplement the first-class motor-coach travel.

Deluxe tours typically run from $375 to $575 per person, per day for the land portion of the tour.

Young Adult Travel
For the young adult (ages 18 - 35) who wishes to travel with others. These tours are an alternative to the Eurail/Youth Hostel travel and feature many unique stops and activities.

For those in that age range we can also recommend a variety of other tours, should a specific itinerary be of interest. Do not feel that you will be surrounded by older people on many of those tours. The young adult tours appeal to those who want the piece of mind not possible with a youth hostel style trip. These tours stay in special villages and hotels as well as modest inns and pensions. Most of the rooms are twin rooms but occasionally there will be four to a room. These tours feature all breakfasts and about half of the dinners. Optional excursions, similar to those available on the other tours (like folklore dinners and lake cruises), are available as well as a few options of interest to young adults like white water rafting.

These tours typically run from $105 to $195 per person, per day for the land portion of the trip.

No matter which style or length of tour you wish to use, a tour specialist will provide you with information so that you are best prepared to make the right choices for your travel. Airfare is always available for tours and we will research all avenues to find the lowest available fare from your chosen city to your destination.

Q: When & how will I receive my travel documents for my trip?

A: Your travel documents will arrive approximately two weeks prior to your departure date via FedEx or Airborne Express.

Q: Is there a fee a fee to book with our agency?

A: We do not assess any fees or charges for services. The rates quoted are those established by the suppliers. In many cases, there will special discount offers available when booking through us. Please call for details.

Q: Is the transportation included between the airport and hotels?

A: In most instances if the airfare is booked with the package transfers are complimentary. If you make your own air arrangements, there may be a charge incurred to use the group transfers.

Q: Do you offer travel insurance with your packages?

A: Each supplier offers travel insurance with their itineraries. We also offer separate coverage through outside companies offering a broad range of protection for situations such as medical emergencies, weather, luggage loss or delays, and other coverage. Both options will be discussed with you prior to booking to see which would provide the best coverage, at the best price.

Q: Do you handle group travel?

A: Yes. Please call our office with group travel inquiries. We will assist you in booking the best price for your group. Group leaders receive travel benefits. Call at 1-866-475-7023.

Q: What are the Tour Directors like?

A: Tour Directors come from a variety of backgrounds and include former teachers, sales managers and lecturers who all share the passion for travel. They have a minimum of five years experience as Tour Directors behind them, and have all been thoroughly trained, making them the best of the world’s elite travel professionals.

Q: Will I be traveling with people from other countries?

A: We sell tours to more than 38 countries around the world. It is therefore quite typical to find 6-10 different nationalities on any one tour. You'll forge new friendships with other guests from Australia, America, Canada, Europe, New Zealand, South Africa, Singapore, Japan, UK etc.