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The post Everything You Need To Know Before Your First Topdeck Trip to the USA appeared first on The Wanderlust Rose.
]]>Hey Topdeckers! So you just booked your first trip to the USA with Topdeck Travel, huh? Get ready for the trip of a lifetime. America has so much to offer from breathtaking National Parks to vibrant, one-of-a kind cities. With so many iconic stops you’ve only seen in movies- it’s time to experience this incredible country first hand. You’ve heard about the epic adventures at the Grand Canyon, you plan to try an infamous slice of New York pizza and you’ve set a limit on how much you’re willing to gamble in Vegas- you feel like you’re pretty much prepared! But before you pack your bags & board your flight- there are a few things to know before you go.
Before you book your trip, you’ll have to decide which kind of trip you’d like to book. Topdeck offers both hostel and hotel trips. For the hostel trips, be prepared to have a minimum of 4 per room. Some nights might have 6 per room. And in Yosemite National Park, we stay in an “American summer camp” style hostel complete with s’mores around the fire but with big dorms and lots of bunk beds. But don’t worry, even on the budget hostel trips- you’ll still stay in a hotel in Las Vegas and Arizona! It’s a good mix of hostel and hotels for those who still want to travel on a budget.
The other option is to book a hotel trip which means only two people per room. (Although you can pay to upgrade to a single room for the whole trip!) If you’re doing the 25 day road trip across America, there is only the option of hotels because America doesn’t have the same kind of hostel culture as Europe or other places around the world. But don’t worry! It’s a great value for money because Topdeck secures the rooms at a lower rate since they are booked in bulk. That means you’re getting to stay in some awesome hotels for a great price. Did I mention the hotel in Las Vegas has a waterslide through a shark tank? And in New Orleans we stay right on Bourbon Street! You’re going to love this trip.
Most people who book a Topdeck Travel trip in the USA come from countries where the drinking age is 18 years old. So it can be a bit of a surprise to arrive in America and realize that while you could legally go to the bars at home, you won’t be able to here if you’re not 21 years old. There will often be a few underage people each trip so if you do book the trip before turning 21, don’t worry! You won’t be able to go clubbing in Las Vegas although you can still do the party bus etc. But there will be a few nightlife activities that you won’t be able to attend- i.e. drinks on Bourbon Street in New Orleans.
If you’re used to Australian money, you will probably hate that all our money looks the same! Unlike your currency our bills are all the same color & size. Don’t worry, you’ll get the hang of our currency before the trip is out!
Most countries will carefully measure out a shot before making a drink. Well, not in the USA! Bartenders are free to make the drinks as strong as they like and often don’t measure how much alcohol is going into the drink. This tends to result in really strong drinks. Especially if you’re used to each drink having the same consistent amount of alcohol. So while you might be able to polish off 3 gin and tonics back home, that might leave you stumbling back to your hotel room. Just pace yourself so it doesn’t catch you off guard. While you might want to party in legendary nightlife stops like Vegas & Miami, no one wants to feel sick the whole next day because they accidentally got way too drunk. Consider this your warning on the free pour!
Speaking of nightlife, if you don’t have an ID issued in the USA then you’ll need your passport to get into bars and clubs. Bouncers and bartenders tend to think Australian ID’s are fake and will deny entry or service. So unfortunately, yes. This means you need to bring your passport out. Plan ahead and have a safe place to store it like a good zipper pocket etc.
If you come from Australia as many Topdeckers do, you’ll find the tipping and tax culture here BAFFLING. For some reason, the USA is one of the only countries to not include tax. So if you look at the price of something in a store or on a menu in a restaurant, it will actually cost MORE than the listed price. This can take some getting used to because the price you see, is not the price you pay. Tipping here is also confusing. Even as an American, I find our tipping culture bizarre because it can seem unclear as to when it is appropriate to tip or not. Generally, at a restaurant you should 15%-20% on your meal. No matter what. In the States, you just about never skip a tip entirely. For bartenders, expect to tip $1 a drink. If your bill is $9.23 just round up to $10 instead of leaving dimes and pennies at the restaurant. It can seem insulting to leave a server a pile of small coins. Always tip and round up. For any tour guides outside of your Topdeck included activities, expect to leave a tip as well.
One thing I love about Topdeck is that has the benefits of a structured tour but still allows you the freedom to do the things YOU want to do. Any stop with 2 nights is a day of activities followed by a free day! Your trip leader can give you lots of suggestions on what to do or see during your free day but it’s a great way to still have some freedom on a group trip. Free days will also have the option of booking additional activities known as “optionals”.
The price of your tour includes all sorts of great activities like a party bus on the Las Vegas strip, airboat tours to see alligators in the Florida Everglades and a backroads jeep tour in Monument Valley. But Topdeck also offers some additional add-on activities like a helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon or Disneyland and Universal Studios. These aren’t included in the tour and you can decide once you arrive which ones you’d like to add. Another perk of Topdeck – there is absolutely zero pressure or sales hassling to do added activities. It’s totally up to you. We want you to have the best trip possible!
The USA is a huge country. If you plan to do the road trip that goes all the way across, be prepared to spend some time on the coach. But not to worry, your trip leader will play movies and games on the coach to help pass the time. And for several days of the trip, you’ll be driving on Route 66 and the views are breathtaking! However there are a few long stretches in Florida or Texas that you might want to download a Netflix show or have a book to read. The coach does have Wifi but it won’t be fast enough to stream videos and it will drop out near the National Parks.
Whether you want to hike to glorious waterfalls in Yosemite National Park, go for a stroll in Central Park or try line dancing at a honky tonk bar in Texas – Topdeck does it all! Authentic and REAL travel moments where you can truly experience our country with local guides, local cuisines, local music & stories to tell long after you’ve returned home.
One of the best thing about traveling across the USA is the incredible amount of variety from state to state. After driving just a few hours you’ll find totally different landscapes, styles of cooking, accents, political beliefs and culture! A Texan cowboy sounds nothing like your average New Yorker! And the food in New Orleans couldn’t be more different than the food in New Mexico. Get ready for a trip of the lifetime full of culture, food, new friends and unforgettable memories.
Hopefully you found this info helpful! Enjoy your time in North America, I’d love to have you on one of my trips!
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DURANGO & SILVERTON NARROW GAUGE. The DURANGO & SILVERTON NARROW GAUGE.
Everyone knows Europe has breathtaking train routes. And maybe you’ve heard of the Orient Express? The long distance passenger train crossing multiple countries was made even more famous by Agatha Christie. But did you know North America is home to some particularly stunning train trips as well? Through national parks, mountain ranges and wine regions- train travel should not be overlooked as a form of holiday here in the United States. In particular, Colorado train trips!
Let’s take a closer look at the trip voted “One of the World’s Top Ten Train Rides” by the Society of American Travel Writers and “Number One North American Train Trip” by National Geographic Traveler.
A trip aboard the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Train will not only dazzle you with it’s breathtaking scenery but transport you back in time to the year 1882.
Book the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Train!
If you book the train round trip- it will be a full day excursion! Depending on the season, trains depart between 8:00 am – 9:30 am. You will arrive back in Durango around 5:00pm and 6:00 pm. (If you take the bus one way, it will be shorter!)
I was thrilled to take the train both ways since everything you need for a day away, you can access on board- such as plenty of clean bathrooms! The concession cart doesn’t serve full service meals but you can buy snacks for a reasonable price on your way to Silverton. Then you can have lunch at a restaurant when you arrive in town!
They also offer an insulated $9 souvenir mug with endless refills on non-alcoholic drinks. I really took advantage of this deal and tried every warm, delicious drink they offered! Spiced chai, hot mochas, warm apple cider, hot chocolate- there was no shortage of tasty drinks! A full service bar is available on board with a number of specialty cocktails, beer or wine.
The train company also sells a great DVD and book package talking about the train’s 140 years of history, footage of the route in each season and a map you can follow as you chug along through the mountains.
The trains are equipped with a variety of train cars to further personalize your trip! Deluxe Class consists of fully open train cars for unobstructed views. First Class is a parlor car. And Standard Class has the windows that fully open!
An assigned seat will be given when you purchase a ticket. However, people were walking between the train cars. And if there was an open seat- people would sit and take in the view for awhile as well! It was a very laid back, leisurely environment. However, First Class and Presidential Class were closed off to general admission.
Prices vary depending on which route you do. It is cheaper to do the train round trip than to do a bus/train combo ticket. Children under 3 are free but won’t be allowed in the 21+ cars. The cheapest ticket is roundtrip train ($94 adults & $60 kids with $5 off during non-peak times!) The most expensive option is Presidential Class for $224.
Book the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Train!
After your glorious ride up through the mountains, get out and explore the tiny little mountain town, Silverton. There are plenty of shops, souvenirs and cafes to check out! If you want to hear some old timey tunes on a western piano- head over to Lone Spur Cafe. Also be sure to check out the museum inside the old jailhouse dating back from 1902!
Lunch recommendation: Lone Spur Cafe
Keep in mind: Due to all the snow, the train doesn’t travel to Silverton in the winter months! It takes a shorter route. However if you go around Christmas, you can ride the Polar Express train.
There is a reason this train trip has been so highly ranked among travel experiences! Unbeatable views over the river, mountains and cliff sides await you. Snuggle up with some hot cocoa, feel the train chug along and soak in the sites. Overall, a day on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Train is something won’t soon forget! Perfect for families, couples, group trips or like myself, solo travelers.
Have you ridden a steam train before? Let me know in the comments!
Thank you Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Train for hosting me! As always, my thoughts and opinions are my own.
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More on train travel? BEST DAY TRIPS FROM ROME BY TRAIN
DURANGO & SILVERTON NARROW GAUGE
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]]>Companies like Topdeck do group trips for young people (18-30 somethings) all over the world with preplanned itineraries and tour leader who takes care of all the details.
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Companies like Topdeck Travel do group trips for young people (18-30 somethings) all over the world with flexible itineraries and a tour leader who takes care of all the details.
When considering a group trip, the first question people want to know is, “Is it worth it?” Could you do the same trip yourself for less? Or possibly with more freedom? Or does doing a group trip take care of the extra hassles you bump into when traveling alone? Or the inconvenience of trying to plan a trip from another country?
Before you make your decision, there are a few things to consider when deciding whether to do a country yourself or with a group like Topdeck Travel.
Maybe it’s your first time traveling solo. Or maybe you’ve always wanted to see Egypt but going without a tour group seems overwhelming. There is a lot of planning that goes into a trip overseas and some travelers would rather the details be handled for them! It makes going abroad a lot more relaxing and less work.
People travel solo on Topdeck all the time because friends back home weren’t able to join. If the idea of traveling totally by yourself doesn’t appeal to you, you can join a group trip by yourself. That way you still get the excitement of adventuring off on your own but the comfort of going to new places with friendly faces. Because after just a few days on a trip, you’ll already have made plenty of new friends.
Maybe you’ve got a busy schedule and it’s difficult to find the time to sort all the details for your trip. Some people want their trips to be a break from their busy lives. And because of that, they’d rather just be pleasantly surprised and taken along for the adventure!
Topdeck crams a lot of adventure and activities into their itineraries. If you’d like your holiday to consist of mostly relaxing at a beach and sleeping in- you’d be better off booking a cruise or a resort stay. There will be some early mornings, lots of miles driven and tons of activities to pick from! On your free days, you can choose to relax and catch up on sleep or sign up for optional activities or tours. From cooking demonstrations to ghost tours to helicopter rides- there is no shortage of things to experience!
There is no better guarantee for incredible, lasting friendships than to go on a trip with people. Something about shared experiences really brings everyone together. Inevitably romances happen, life long friendships are formed – there have even been a number of weddings thanks to Topdeck trips!
If you want to meet new people, shake up your routine and connect with other like minded travelers your age- then a group trip might be just what you’re looking for!
Little Havanna in Miami, the waterfalls of Yosemite National Park, a private jeep tour through Monument Valley and horseback riding through Colorado are all lesser known gems of the Topdeck North America itineraries. When you book a trip with Topdeck- you probably chose the itinerary based off the bucket list excursions like a night out in Las Vegas or a visit to the Grand Canyon. But often times, people end up having a favorite stop they’d never even heard of and would have never known to book on their own trip.
If some of these statements were true for you, Topdeck might be a great fit. From the social aspect to the ease having your trip planned- it makes for a nearly effortless vacation. Such a breeze! If spending a lot of time with a group of people or having some long drive days don’t appeal to you then do the trip yourself!
More on Topdeck? Keep reading:
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So you’ve either just booked a Topdeck trip or you’re debating about it… but now what? Your trip doesn’t start for awhile and you’d like some more information. Especially if it’s your first trip with Topdeck, you might have a lot of questions buzzing around your head.
*For those who don’t know, Topdeck is a travel company that does group trips for 18-30 somethings with some seriously incredible itineraries. If you haven’t heard of them before, check them out here.
So without further ado, here are ten things they don’t tell you.
The itineraries might be the same but the way a trip runs will really vary depending on your trip leader. Some will party with you, some will promptly go to bed each night. Another trip leader might let you drink on the bus- while another will make wear your seat belts the whole time. Some will dish out more history, while another will help you get all the best photos. If you’re going on a second Topdeck trip, just ditch your previously held expectations of how a trip is run and be open to leaders doing things a little differently.
The hostels are all clean and perfectly adequate accommodation. Some, like the Freehand in Los Angeles, are every bit as nice as a hotel. The only difference: shared rooms. If you’re traveling on a budget, the hostel trips are a great option. Just be prepared to share a room with 4-6 people. You might get lucky and have less but at the Yosemite Bug, you could have up to 14 in one room. But surprisingly, this ends up being a favorite accommodation for it’s “American summer camp” vibes. The majority of hostels in the North American itineraries are 4 person shared rooms max. But if the thought of sharing really bothers you- just clarify you’ve booked a hotel trip. Because it never fails on the first day, there is always someone who is surprised to find they’ve accidentally booked a hostel trip instead.
Topdeck refers to them as “sectors” but sometimes the travel agents fail to mention when you book your shorter trip, you might be a section of a larger trip. For instance, if you book the Southern Charm trip, you will be part of the larger Road Trip USA.
Sometimes people are worried to find out that the trip has been going on a for a week or more before they join up. Truthfully, I have never had this be an issue. Everyone is excited about newcomers adding on and is incredibly welcoming.
However if you find yourself having a blast on a short section of a larger trip- you can always extend and stay on for the full itinerary if it works in your schedule!
If you were going to try to recreate the trip hotel by hotel and activity by activity- it would definitely come at a higher price tag. Since Topdeck books hotel rooms and activities in such bulk, they often get them at a subsidized price which translates to savings for you! An added perk of group travel!
I always hold my breathe when two people get together or hook up right away in the beginning. Crossing my fingers, I hope we can make it through the trip without the jealousy, awkwardness or fighting that sometimes happens when two people hook up, don’t work out then have to spend the next two weeks together traveling.
The ratio tends to be more girls than guys. I’ve yet to see a Topdeck trip that had more guys than girls.
Perks: This makes it really easy to get free entry into nightclubs in places like Las Vegas! The clubs are thrilled we are bringing a big group of girls. Which sometimes means we get free drinks and free entry!
Not everyone, but A LOT of the guests tend to be Aussies and Kiwis. In part because Topdeck is owned by Flight Centre, an Australian company but also because Australians tend to travel more and have more days off from work annually!
Personally I think driving on the Topdeck bus always beats flying. You get to see the countryside and don’t have the hassle of going through security at the airport and what not. Plus you get to stop at smaller cities that make for wonderful surprises along the way. Just pack a book, headphones, a neck pillow and whatever else will help you make the most of a long drive day. Your trip leader will organize games on the coach or put in a movie. It’s all part of the road trip fun!
Topdeck goes above and beyond to ensure a trip runs smoothly but sometimes unforeseeable things happen: rainy days, a delayed flight or someone in the group is running late etc. Generally the trips go off without a hitch! But just remember to see it as an adventure you’re embarking on and not to get too ruffled if things go wrong.
People fall in love, people make friends for life… there is nothing quite like travel and the shared experience it provides to bring people close together. As a result, we have had people start dating and even end up married to someone they met on their Topdeck trip!
But when that final day of your trip inevitably comes, you might find yourself shedding a tear or two… Just make plans to travel with your new crew again soon. Topdeck reunions happen all the time!
More on Topdeck? Keep reading:
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]]>Topdeck Travel is a group travel company for young adults (18 to 30 somethings) that puts together some serious drool-worthy vacations all over the world.
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If you live in the states, you might not have heard of Topdeck. But if you live in Australia, where a Topdeck or Contiki tour is almost a rite of passage for people- you probably know a handful of fellow Aussies who have been on a trip. But for those of you not from the land down under, let me catch you up.
The work is done for you & the trip is all planned out. You have a trip leader, like myself, guiding everything to make sure the trip runs seamlessly. Meanwhile, you and a group of like-minded travelers your age get to experience all a destination has to offer.
Now Topdeck is slightly newer to North America but the company has been around since 1973 and now offers some 335 different tours in 65 countries. And the trips are EPIC. A great mix of included activities, free time and all at a great price. (Perks of group travel! Companies can secure subsidized costs since they are booking in bulk.)
So if you’ve ever dreamed of road tripping across the states- check out some of these not-to-be-missed USA locations.
Soak in some seriously incredible views before hopping on a Jeep tour that takes you off the beaten path and further into the valley! This personal day tour and unique adventure is led by local Navajo guides. Try the traditional (and tasty!) Navajo taco for the provided picnic lunch and explore the best hidden spots not open to the public without a local guide.
Live jazz music pouring out of every restaurant and bar, parties on Bourbon Street, a river cruise, freshly powdered beignets, tasty jambalaya and wild alligators in the Bayou… need I say more about why you should come to New Orleans with us??
Ahhh Yosemite, the hidden gem of American road trips. Massive waterfalls, huge scaling granite cliffs and stunning scenery- this ends up being the place no one has heard of but everyone loves. Yosemite is always a highlight!
*Pronounced “yoh-sam-ahh-tee.” Australians, love to pronounce it like their beloved Vegemite, saying it “yo-sam-MITE.”
Read more: HOW TO SPEND ONE DAY IN YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK
It wouldn’t be a trip across America without a stint in the Sin City. Topdeck kicks things off with a driving tour of the Vegas strip then a party bus after dinner. That night we’ll go clubbing so pack your Vegas best!
But you can’t sleep the whole next day if you wanna try shooting at the gun range or go down the hotel’s water slide through a shark tank. Later that day we will board the High Roller for 30 minutes of unlimited drinks and amazing views over Vegas.
Depending what trip you book, you might just be dropped off in the concrete jungle after the 25 day road trip. Which means you’ve got free time to explore Central Park, check out the views at the Top of the Rock or see a Broadway show. Be sure you grab a slice of that famous New York pizza!
Cue up that iconic 90’s Will Smith song as we drive into Miami for 2 days…
“Party in the city where the heat is on
All night on the beach til the break of dawn
Welcome to Miami…”
We’ll be staying at the Generator- check out these views of our hotel from day to night. During the day, you can ride a thriller speedboat past celeb’s homes, lay out at the beach or shop. In the evening, we’ll head over to Little Havana for some Cuban food in this fantastic neighborhood.
Walk across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, watch the playful sea lions at Pier 39 and eat clam chowder soup in a sourdough bread bowl at Fisherman’s Wharf before hopping on a historic cable car. With so much to see and do, San Fran is a must! Just be sure to pack a jacket- it’s known as California’s “air-conditioned city” – the ocean breeze and fog keep it cool year round!
An absolute must-see destination on any USA road trip! Hike down to “Ooh-Aah” point with your fellow Topdeckers or soar over the canyon in a helicopter with Maverick Helicopters. Have a picnic in the park or bike around the rim- there is plenty to see and do on a day in the canyon!
Just don’t get *too* close to the edge and beware of the notorious Grand Canyon squirrels- now listed as “the most dangerous animal in the canyon” because so many people try to feed them and guess what! They bite!
Any questions about group travel or Topdeck? Feel free to reach out 
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