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.
But if you’ve already booked, there are a few key things you should know that they might not have told you.
So without further ado, here are ten things they don’t tell you.
10. Every trip leader is really different.
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.
9. You might not realize you booked a hostel trip.
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.
8. If you book a short trip, you might be a section of one larger trip.
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!
7. Topdeck can secure cheaper prices making it more affordable for you.
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!
6. Beware of an early romance, you’ve got a long trip ahead of you
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.
5. Typically, there will be more girls than guys on the trip.
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!
4. Most passengers will be from Australia or New Zealand.
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!
3. Depending on the trip you book, there might be some long drive days.
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!
2. Like any trip, be flexible if things go wrong.
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.
1. It might be tough to say goodbye at the end of your trip.
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!
Curious what type of trips I guide? Check out the USA Road Trips I lead:
More on Topdeck? Keep reading:
I love this! I just might consider a Topdeck trip for when I’m in Europe.
i loved the way you explained. I am 54 so cant enjoy such out of box but I can ask my kids 19 & 24 to explore…..this sounds like a plan…..