Q: In the USA
how does contiki explore the national parks?
A:
In most cases the national parks are explored. The coach drives you
around and you stop at various points for picture opportunities, or
you may do a short hike. You get plenty of time to explore the area,
you may see animals around as well. There will be also time to go to
the visitors centre. If you are in the park for more then 1 day, then
you may get to use the park shuttles to get around and explore as
well.
Q: Is it easy
to do washing in the USA while on a tour?
A:
It is actually very difficult as not all places have washing
machines, when you do get to a place that has a washing machine then
there may only be two or more machines available among the whole
group. Also you are always doing something, so there is not much time
to do it. However it is cheaper when compared with Europe to do it.
The other alternative is sink washing or shopping for new stuff.
Q: In the USA
are the prices that are seen, the final prices?
A:
In the USA and Canada the price on display is not the final price.
You need to include the tax on the item, then if you are in a
restaurant you need to add on tips. That being said, what you get is
still cheaper then a lot of places in Australia. It is just a pain to
work out the tax.
Q: In the USA
what are Walmart stops like?
A:
Walmart has everything that you could ever want and some things that
you don't. Contiki tours stop here every 3 – 5 days. You get about
45 mins to 1 hr to get what you need and get back on the bus. The are
toilets inside and you can get fresh food. They are also a chance to
pick up supplies or stuff for themed parties.
Q: How often
do contiki tours meet other Coniki tours in USA?
A:
This is very rare, as there are not as many tours going through the
USA as in Europe. The places where you may meet other tours are Las
vegas, Grand canyon and new york. Of course you may meet top deck
tours on the road. It is mainly your group and any locals.
Q: On a
contiki in the USA, do you need to tip people in bars and restaurants
still?
A:
Yes, you do. Tipping at a bar is ok, just $1 per drink, no problems,
but you still need to add on tips at restaurants and for taxis. Also
tipping for the tour manager and driver.
Q: In Las Vegas and Miami, is it
true that you have to dress up to go to the clubs?
A:
This is true, or else you won't get in. Guys need nice shoes, dress
pants and long sleeved shirt, girls just need to look their best. Unfortunately you also need to bring passports along with you. However
if you don't do clubs or don't like them, there is no need to dress
up.
Q: In the USA,
does Contiki offer you the chance to try some food challenges?
A:
Yes. In Amarillo, at the hotel is a steak and side challenge. You go
to the restaurant for dinner and there are always people trying for
the challenge. People from Contiki do it as well and some are
successful. Your tour manager will ask if anyone wants to do it. The
other challenge is in Memphis – a big burger challenge at one of
the restaurants that contiki goes to for an included dinner. It is
just a massive burger, but not many people attempt this.
Q: Where in
the USA can you drink on the street?
A:
Generally in the USA you can't drink on the street or in parks, but
in Las Vegas, Miami and New orleans you are able to drink on the
street. Usually in the areas where there are bars.
Q: What is a
typical travel day with contiki like in the USA and Canada?
A:
Much the same as a travel day in europe, except a lot of the rest
stops will either be at small towns or at a Walmart. You pretty much
do the same things on the bus and there will be a city orientation
tour when you arrive in the city.
Q: On a
contiki tour, how do you choose your roommate in USA?
A:
Like doing a hotel tour in Europe, your roommate is chosen for you.
In this case it is done by the contiki office. You can ask your tour
manager to change roommates, but they have to go through their
office.
Q: Is doing
the grand southern in reverse (starting New york) any different from
starting in LA?
A:
The only differences would be what time you get into each city. You
still see the same cities and do the same things. It is just done in
a different order.
Q: In the USA
when travelling in the route 66 area, how much do you get to see?
A:
The coach drives for a bit on the actual road. You do make a stop to
pick up souvineers and to take pictures. You get to see some of the
touristy things on the road. However it is only a short stop to get
souvineers and take pictures of the sign.
Q: How fit do
you need to be for a usa trip with a tour company?
A:
Like Europe, there is lots of walking around cities, but there is
also walks in the national parks, so for some of the national parks,
you need to be fit, for the rest, just being able to walk is fine.
Q: On a Contiki tour in the USA is
there much in the way of drinking in the hotel rooms?
A:
Usually this is not allowed, however in locations where there is not
much nightlife, this is the best place to hang out. It is done most
often on the grand northern tours, in the national park areas or very
small towns.
Q: What are the hotels that contiki
uses in USA generally like?
A:
They are usually chain hotels. They have large rooms, usually serve a
good breakfast, have some sort of wifi. Contiki usually stay in
hotels that are a bit far from anywhere, but there are some
exceptions. The staff are usually good. In some cases there is
laundry facilities.
Q: In the USA, what sort of
breakfasts are on offer at the hotels.
A:
Mostly the usual American style, hot food, some cereal, toast and a
bunch of sweet things. Lots of coffees and juices as well. Breakfasts
are usually good.
Q: On a contiki tour in USA and Canada, what other nationalities will be on my tour?
A:
There will be Aussies, New Zealand and people from Great Britain
and Ireland. There may be some people from south Africa, but that is
usually it.
Q: In the USA,
can i drink the tap water?
A:
Yes there is no problem with this.
Q: When is the
best time to go to the USA for the weather?
A:
April and may, end of august through to mid October is the best time
as it is not to hot and not too cold and things are still open.
Q: Is it easy
to buy weed in Colorado, Washington state or California?
A:
In the first two, it is legal, in California it is easy. There are
always people around offering it to you, but that does not mean that
you should buy, always check.
Q: When
booking a tour to the usa for next year, when do the dates come out?
A:
The dates for most tour companies for a tour around the USA for the
following year come out sometime between July and august.
Q: Are bed
bugs a problem in the USA?
A:
Besides new York, they turn up in other cities, just be sure to look
at current reviews to see if your hotel has them.
Q: In the USA,
on a tour ending back in LA, what time do you get back?
A:
Depending on the tour and depending on traffic, you get to LA and the
hotel between 4pm and 5pm
Q: If im under 21, should i go to
the USA on a contiki tour?
A:
If you are under 21, you will not be allowed into some bars and clubs
or some places won't serve you alcohol. They are strict about this,
especially in Vegas. But apart from that, you will have a great time.
Q:
What is the hotel that contiki uses at panama city beach like?
A:
This is like a motor inn, rooms on 2 stories, breakfast area at
reception. However it is close to the beach and has a pool area.
Q: With
contiki, what is the difference in rest stops between national parks
and city areas?
A:
In a city area the coach will stop at a walmart or big shopping
centre area. Here you can pick up anything that you may need
including lunch. In a national park area the coach will stop at a
rest stop or resting area and you might be lucky to have a selection
of food choices
Q:
In the USA, is the voltage any different to what is used in Australia
in terms of power adaptors?
A:
Australia uses 240 volts, usa uses 120 volts, the only difference is
the length of time for charging and the power adapter itself. It is
slightly different to what is used in Australia.
Q: What are Atm fees like in USA?
A:
Fees vary right across the usa and canada. Some atms may be free, the
usual price is about 2 usd, however in some places like Vegas they
can be as high as 7 usd. It depends on the city and the bank.
Q: In the USA trips, what happens at
a walmart stop?
A: Generally you park, you might have
45 mins to 1hr to do what you need to do. Inside there are toilets
and fast food, but the whole place has food and other things, so go
explore and pick up what you may need, then head back on the coach.
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