From
From Discovery and CruisingTo Challenging
We have provided answers to many of the common questions about our trips below. If you have a question that isn't covered here, please contact us.
Our wide range of self-guided itineraries across the USA has been designed to afford you as much freedom as possible to explore what interests you, at your own pace. We take care of the logistics: we supply you with lodgings in charming inns and B&B’s, mountain huts, and 2, 3 and 4-star hotels chosen for their location and local flavour; we provide route maps and information about sites you can visit; we generally include daily breakfast, packed lunches during remote hikes, and often dinner; we organise for your luggage to be transferred daily; and, if cycling, we supply rental bikes – typically modern 21-speed bicycles, with the option to upgrade to electric-assisted (ebike) models.
When you choose one of our guided trips, you’ll enjoy the company of an expert guide and a small group of like-minded travelling companions from around the world. The group size ranges from 4 to 12 participants, depending on your chosen trip. Travelling in the safety and camaraderie of a small group is a great way to explore North America.
Fitness is an important aspect of our trips, with each itinerary carefully graded for ease of selecting the trip that best suits you. Detailed information, including suggested pre-trip training, can be found in the trip notes and pre-departure information. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with the physical requirements of your trip and speak to our staff if you have any questions. View our trip grading system for more detail as to how we grade the activity levels on our adventures and the suggested physical preparation.
If the specified departure dates are not suitable, or if you would like to vary the itinerary, we would be happy to develop a program to suit your travel interests. We regularly organise tailor-made holidays for families, groups of friends, schools and charities. Learn more about planning your own private group departure.
We have carefully selected a range of charming inns, guest houses, bed and breakfasts, and hotels, based on their charismatic nature and the fact that they epitomise the region in which you are travelling. Most smaller properties are family-run, so expect a healthy dose of local charm and insights while you're there. When on wilderness hikes, expect to stay in rustic cabins (dorm style) or in tents.
What about the food?
Our trips generally include daily breakfast and many may also include lunch or dinner - please refer to the specific inclusions on the trip page of your chosen itinerary or download our detailed trip notes. We introduce you to restaurants that feature local flavours and traditional specialties unique to the region. Food is an integral part of any active travel experience - the many culinary delights are yours to savour. Where possible, we are able to cater to most dietary requirements, provided you let us know in advance.
Tips and gratuities are not included in the trip cost, unless listed under the trip-specific inclusions. Tipping is customary in the USA, but is a completely personal thing. Guidelines are provided in our pre-departure information upon booking.
It is our aim to ensure that we incorporate as many inclusions as possible in your trip to minimize any out of pocket expenses while you are away. It is important that you refer to our trips notes for the exact inclusions. On most trips, all meals and arrangements are included from the start of the trip right through until the end.
Each family is unique in their interests, abilities, and composition. Many of our self-guided tours are appropriate for families with up to two or three children who are physically active and are experienced with the outdoors. Child discounts are listed, where this is possible given the exact tour itinerary and are generally based on a maximum of 2 children sharing a room with 2 full paying adults. Our guided, small group adventures are typically geared toward adult travellers, but we sometimes make exceptions for mature, exceptional children (12 and older) who are accompanied by an adult. Bottom line: Please ask! If our advertised itineraries and pricing do not suit your family, we are happy to customize a tour just for you.
You are welcome to bring your own bike if you are up for the challenge of transporting it to your tour destination. If you choose to bring your own bike, be sure you notify us well in advance of your trip and we will let you know if any discounts are possible for that specific tour. We do recommend using the bicycles that are included in the tour package, as they are good quality bicycles suited for the terrain on which you will be cycling. The majority of our bicycle rentals are replaced each season and we are always sure to tune them up between uses, so you can feel confident in their performance.
On a number of our self-guided tours, transfer services are shared, so you will meet others along the way and need only pay the cost of covering single room accommodations. On select self-guided tours which operate using private transfer services, we offer Solo Friendly departures; Solo travellers can sign up on these departure dates and we will match them up with other solo travellers. And, for those who are happy to go it alone, there is an option to pay a solo traveller supplement for private transfer services and accommodation throughout. Please check the trip notes or ask one of our agents for more details.
Group tours are perfect for solo travellers looking to join like-minded individuals, meet people from around the world, and benefit from the safety and expertise of our local guides. On many of our group tours, there is no forced single supplement for those willing to share accommodations with other same-sex solo travellers. Please check the pricing details on our detailed trip notes to verify if a single supplement is applicable or if one is available on your desired tour.
You will receive a pre-departure kit via email, which includes your trip notes, pre-departure information document (PDI) and any other trip specific information. The PDI is a useful resource that includes region-specific information and more details regarding trip logistics, a recommended gear list, and advice for preparing physically for your adventure. Closer to departure, you will receive final documents which will provide more specifics such as meeting points and times, and contact information. On self-guided trips, we will also provide maps and a custom information package specific to your adventure. These will either be sent to you prior to departure or will be waiting for you at the destination.
Soak in the ambiance of the picturesque Maine coast by bike.
Soak in the sunshine visiting the beloved towns of Central Oregon.
Spend 4 days immersed in the beauty and heritage of Canyon De Chelly
Your ultimate Grand Canyon adventure weekend
Everyone who works with us, from our office staff, ground staff and guides is the ‘’real deal’’. Our team is comprised of actual hikers and cyclists who have explored or live in the region in which you will be traveling. Our entire network is highly-specialised in active travel.
Quality services at the best price make our active trips great value for money. Having essential items included like National Park fees, accommodations, most meals, bikes for cycling trips, maps and support for peace of mind. Our inclusions allow you to better budget for your big adventure.
We look beyond the horizon to find new and exciting adventures. We’re passionate about shaping the next generation of outdoor travel in North America, and constantly seek different ways, routes and alternatives to exceed our clients’ dreams.
We are committed to responsible travel and true sustainability, formed when the company was established, and in the face of a multitude of threats to the environment, our commitment is stronger than ever. We aim to "leave no trace" in both an environmental and cultural sense.