GRAND AMERICAN ADVENTURES 16-17 Grange Mills, Weir Road, London SW12 ONE UK & Worldwide Sales and Reservations TEL: +44 (0)20 8682 8921 USA Sales TEL: 1 (800) 873 5872 Email: [email protected]www.grandamericanadventures.com ABTA No.Y0696 6576 Accredited Agent 91-2-74330 TOUR AT A GLANCE: 4 US States: Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine Length: 11 days Departs: Boston Trip code: GNE Group size: Maximum 12 Accommodation: 9 nights camping and 1 hotel night Meals: 9 breakfasts, 10 lunches and 8 dinners Staff: Two professional tour leaders Transport: Private vehicle Appalachian and New England Walk Camden Hills SP MAINE MASSACHUSETTS NEW YORK PENNSYLVANIA VERMONT NEW HAMPSHIRE Boston White Mountain NF Stowe Baxter SP Acadia NP TRIP OVERVIEW Your chance to walk and travel along sections of the Appalachian Mountains and trail system, travelling through four stunning American states. With a combination of National Parks, Forests and State Parks, this tour is packed full of history and sure to impress. Using Stowe as your base for two nights, hike the trails around here including a full day (11.4 mile) hike on the Worcester via Skyline Trail. Hike above the timberline for impressive views of the White Mountains, the ‘backbone’ of the northern Appalachians. Mount Washington (1917m), one of the range’s highest points, is known for its stunning scenery and constantly changing weather. Home to Mount Katahdin, Baxter State Park is the northern terminus of the 2,200 mile-long Appalachian Trail. Explore the forest, lakes and streams of northern Maine amidst the largest and best preserved wilderness in eastern USA. Explore the lesser known Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island. Blessed with towering mountains, islands and ocean, it has become the crown and glory of Maine. With over 125 miles of trails, there are two different trails you hike to really explore this area. HIGHLIGHTS: Two night stay in Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island Charming backroads and small towns of New England Wildlife viewing and birdwatching opportunities Scenic day walks and hikes in and around Stowe, White Mountains, Baxter State Park and Acadia National Park Drive up Mount Battie for 360-degree views over Camden Outstanding New England fall foliage (Sept-Oct) 2019 Trip Dossier WALKING CAMPING Please see our website for detailed destination information and insider tips. 100% Guaranteed Departures Whilst this is a dedicated walking tour with two tour leaders, please appreciate that the group will need to drive from point A to B so you will not be hiking all day, every day. Our tour leaders are trained to provide as many hiking opportunities as possible, as well as revealing the beautiful scenery along the way.
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TRIP OVERVIEW - Grand American Adventures · 2019. 1. 4. · amidst the largest and best preserved wilderness in eastern USA. Explore the lesser known Acadia National Park on Mount
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GRAND AMERICAN ADVENTURES 16-17 Grange Mills, Weir Road, London SW12 ONE
UK & Worldwide Sales and Reservations TEL: +44 (0)20 8682 8921
4 US States: Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine
Length: 11 days
Departs: Boston
Trip code: GNE
Group size: Maximum 12
Accommodation: 9 nights camping and 1 hotel night
Meals: 9 breakfasts, 10 lunches and 8 dinners
Staff: Two professional tour leaders
Transport: Private vehicle
Appalachian and New England Walk
Camden Hills SP
F L O R I D A
A L A B A M A
C A L I F O R N I A
C O L O R A D O
A R K A N S A S
G E O R G I A
I D A H O
I O W A
K A N S A S K E N T U C K Y
LOUISIANA
M A I N E
MASSACHUSETTS
M I C H I G A N
M I N N E S O T A
MISSISSIPPI
M I S S O U R I
M O N T A N A
N E B R A S K A
N E V A D A
N E W Y O R K
N O R T HC A R O L I N A
N O R T H D A K O T A
O H I O
O K L A H O M A
O R E G O N
P E N N S Y L V A N I A
S O U T H C A R O L I N A
S O U T H D A K O T A
T E N N E S S E E
T E X A S
U T A H
VERMONT
V I R G I N I A
W E S T V I R G I N I A
W A S H I N G T O N
W I S C O N S I N
W Y O M I N G
I N D I A N AI L L I N O I S
N E W M E X I C OA R I Z O N A
NEW HAMPSHIRE
C A N A D A
M E X I C O
C U B A
Boston
White MountainNF
Stowe
Baxter SP
Acadia NP
TRIP OVERVIEW
Your chance to walk and travel along sections of the Appalachian Mountains and trail system, travelling through four stunning American states. With a combination of National Parks, Forests and State Parks, this tour is packed full of history and sure to impress.
Using Stowe as your base for two nights, hike the trails around here including a full day (11.4 mile) hike on the Worcester via Skyline Trail.
Hike above the timberline for impressive views of the White Mountains, the ‘backbone’ of the northern Appalachians. Mount Washington (1917m), one of the range’s highest points, is known for its stunning scenery and constantly changing weather.
Home to Mount Katahdin, Baxter State Park is the northern terminus of the 2,200 mile-long Appalachian Trail. Explore the forest, lakes and streams of northern Maine amidst the largest and best preserved wilderness in eastern USA.
Explore the lesser known Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island. Blessed with towering mountains, islands and ocean, it has become the crown and glory of Maine. With over 125 miles of trails, there are two different trails you hike to really explore this area.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Two night stay in Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island
Charming backroads and small towns of New England
Wildlife viewing and birdwatching opportunities
Scenic day walks and hikes in and around Stowe, White Mountains, Baxter
State Park and Acadia National Park
Drive up Mount Battie for 360-degree views over Camden
Outstanding New England fall foliage (Sept-Oct)
2019 Trip Dossier
WALKING CAMPING
Please see our website for detailed destination information and insider tips.
100% Guaranteed Departures
Whilst this is a dedicated walking tour with two tour leaders, please appreciate that the group will need to drive from point A to B so you will not be hiking all day, every day. Our tour leaders are trained to provide as many hiking opportunities as possible, as well as revealing the beautiful scenery along the way.
GRAND AMERICAN ADVENTURES 16-17 Grange Mills, Weir Road, London SW12 ONE
UK & Worldwide Sales and Reservations TEL: +44 (0)20 8682 8921
When asked, “what was the best part of the tour”, previous
travellers said:
“Climbing like I’ve never done before. The companionship, friendship and
the beautiful scenery. Brilliant guides who felt like friends, I have had pushy
guides and laid-back guides in the past, but these two pitched it just right.”
– Jane Bailey from England
Please see our website for more customer reviews from independent
reviewer Feefo.
BEFORE YOU DEPART
FLIGHT ARRANGEMENTS
For anyone leaving from the UK we would be pleased to book your flight
in conjunction with your tour. Please contact us for competitive prices on
flights departing from most UK airports.
If you are booking your own flights, you are free to arrive at any time on
day one but it is advisable that you arrive in plenty of time to reach your
joining hotel and attend your welcome meeting. We also suggest that you
book your return flight the day after your tour finishes. If you do have to
return home on the day your tour finishes, please make sure that your
flight does not depart before 21:00 hrs.
Please note that we cannot be held responsible for any delays, cancellations,
changes to your flights, or any missed flights. We are unable to delay a tour,
or finish a tour early due to your flight times.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
It is a condition of joining any of our tours that you must be insured against
medical and personal accident risks (to include repatriation costs, air
ambulance and helicopter rescue service). You will be asked to provide
details of your insurance policy, including insurer, policy number and
phone number before embarking on the trip.
We offer an insurance policy that is designed specifically to cover the
potential risks on our tours - particularly the many optional activities
offered. If you do not take our policy, you must ensure that the policy you
do take offers an equivalent level of protection and covers you for the
activities involved - be aware that some policies do not include, or restrict,
coverage for this type of travel. There may be cheaper policies available,
but this does not mean it may be better value - we strongly advise you
check fully what will and won’t be covered. Any claims concerning matters
for which you are insured must be directed to your insurers.
Please note: We can only offer cover for passengers residing within the
European Union.
PASSPORT AND VISAS
It is important that you apply for your American visa (ESTA) while in your
home country. For specific visa information, please consult the relevant
embassies. Please note it is your responsibility to ensure you have valid
passport and the correct visas for your tour.
VISA AND RULES FOR ENTRY TO THE USA
Travellers from the EU and certain countries are eligible to travel to the
USA under the Visa Waiver Program. All eligible travellers who wish to
travel under the Visa Waiver Program must apply for an ESTA (Electronic
System for Travel Authorisation) before travelling to the USA. At the time of
compilation there is a US$14 fee for the electronic ESTA.
The ESTA will be valid for a period of two years, or until a person’s passport
expires. You should apply for an ESTA at least 72 hours before you travel,
and we recommend you carry your ESTA approval with you. All travellers
wishing to enter the US under the Visa Waiver Program will need to hold a
passport with an integrated chip (an ePassport). New rules exclude from the
VWP most people who have travelled to Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan,
Syria, or Yemen since 1 March 2011, and those who have dual nationality
of these countries. This means that existing ESTAs could be revoked, and
you will instead need to apply for a visa from the nearest US Embassy or
Consulate.
You can apply for an ESTA at: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov
Passengers that have not applied for and received travel authorisation
via ESTA prior to travel may be denied boarding, experience delayed
processing or be denied admission at the US port of entry. However,
neither possession of a visa nor meeting the basic requirements
for travelling visa-free on the VWP, guarantees admission to the
United States. As with most countries, the final determination of
admissibility is made by immigration officials at the port of entry.
Important reminder: If you are refused boarding or denied admission at
the US port of entry you will still be subject to our cancellation charges in accordance with the terms of our contract with you.
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
If you have any medical conditions, take prescribed medicines, or have a condition that will affect your participation in the tour, you must inform Grand American Adventures or your travel agent at the time of booking. Please be aware we may require a doctor’s note prior to travel for some conditions. This information is essential in case of emergency. All of our vehicles carry a basic first-aid kit however, our leaders are not legally allowed to administer medicine. For everyday use, you should bring your own medical supplies, such as pain relievers, antibiotic cream and upset stomach relievers, in addition to sunscreen and insect repellent.
LYME DISEASE
The Lyme disease bacterium is spread through the bite of infected ticks. It can be found throughout the US but is more common in the northeastern, mid-Atlantic, and north-central United States. Ticks can attach to any part of the human body but are often found in hard-to-see areas such as the groin, armpits, and scalp. In most cases, the tick must be attached for 36 to 48 hours or more before the Lyme disease bacterium can be transmitted. Ticks can be found in any areas with deep or overgrown vegetation where they have access to animals to feed on. If you find a tick on you or suspect you may have been bitten by one, it is important you advise your tour leader and seek medical attention.
WHAT YOU NEED FOR YOUR TOUR
SPENDING MONEY
We recommend you take at least US$30 dollars per day for any meals not included in the tour, drinks, snacks and other incidentals. You should also budget for expected tipping, as well as for the optional activities that you would like to do.
We suggest you bring USD$150 with you in cash to have with at the beginning of your trip. ATM’s and cash machines are readily available
The Foreign & Commonwealth Office and the NHS has up-to-date advice on staying safe and healthy abroad. For more on security, local laws, plus passport and visa information, see https://travelaware.campaign.gov.uk/ Keep informed of current travel health news by visiting www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk For all latest travel information about your holiday, please visit us at www.grandamericanadventures.com/travelaware The advice can change so check regularly for updates.
GRAND AMERICAN ADVENTURES 16-17 Grange Mills, Weir Road, London SW12 ONE
UK & Worldwide Sales and Reservations TEL: +44 (0)20 8682 8921
throughout North America and major credit cards are widely accepted throughout the country. All ATMs in the USA charge to withdraw money (from $1-$5). In some off the beaten track destinations ATM’s and cash machines may be limited. Please ensure that your credit or debit cards have international access and a PIN number to access your funds at the start of the tour. It is important you advise your bank prior to leaving your home country of your intended travel, so they do not block your card citing
the reason as fraud.
PRE-PAID CURRENCY CARDS
It is personal preference as to how you take your money and it’s
recommended to take some cash with you for arrival. Grand American
Adventures recommend FairFX prepaid credit cards, as these can be a cost
effective and safe way to take funds overseas. Please ask one of our sales
consultants or visit www.fairfx.com/refer/grandamericanadventures to
find out how to receive a FREE currency card, worth a retail value of £9.95.
TIPPING
Although it may not be customary in your country, it is normal and
expected in North America to tip local guides, waiters, bar staff, taxi drivers
and anyone who provides a service for you. Service workers are paid a
low wage and depend on tips for their livelihood. It can be embarrassing if
you’re confronted by a local who is expecting a tip and you are not aware
of how much to offer. For this reason we have listed guideline prices below.
A 15-17% tip is standard in restaurants and you should also expect to tip $1
per drink in bars, $1-2 per bag for porters and 10-15% for taxi drivers. It’s also
typical to tip around 10% for local guides who provide optional activities.
Your tour leader will work long and hard for you during your tour and
we recommend a discretionary tip of US$5-$10 per passenger per day if
your leader’s performance meets or exceeds your expectations. This is of
course entirely optional.
LUGGAGE ALLOWANCE
One suitcase, soft holdall or rucksack (23kg maximum) per person, plus a
sleeping bag. A small daypack and camera can also be carried in the van.
Before you travel, please check the baggage allowance with the airline
you’re flying with as this may be less than 23kg.
We are unable to offer luggage storage facilities however, some of our
pre and post tour hotels will provide this service although there may be a
charge. Please contact the hotels directly for further information.
SLEEPING BAGS
You will need to bring your own sleeping bag for this tour, we will provide
you with a self-inflating mattress (Thermarest) to sleep on. If you are
travelling on an early or late season tour or a winter tour, you might want to
consider bringing a mountain climate sleeping bag as the weather can be
much cooler. If you prefer extra comfort you are welcome to bring another
mattress but this is a personal choice. For Summer trips, it is recommended
to bring a three season sleeping bag incase of inclement weather. Grand
American Adventures do not provide pillows on camping tours.
TEMPERATURE CHART
HIGH / LOW TEMPERATURES IN CELSIUS (ºC)
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
Boston HIGH 2 4 7 13 19 24 27 26 22 16 11 5
LOW -5 -4 0 5 10 15 19 18 14 8 3 -2
Acadia HIGH 0 2 5 12 18 23 26 26 21 15 9 3
NP LOW -10 -11 -4 2 7 12 15 15 11 6 1 -6
White HIGH -10 -10 -7 -2 5 10 12 12 8 3 -3 -8
Mtns. LOW -19 -19 -15 -9 -2 3 6 6 2 -4 -10 -17
C / F Conversions: -10ºC = 14ºF 0ºC = 32ºF 10ºC = 50ºF 20ºC = 68ºF
30ºC = 86ºF 40ºC = 104ºF
PACKING TIPS
CLOTHING
Please keep in mind that our dress tends to be informal. It is advised that
you take a practical selection of clothes for both warm and cool climates to
suit the season. Please see the temperature guide showing the highs and
lows that can be expected in key locations that your tour visits. However,
please remember that this is just a guide and you may encounter a wide
variety of temperatures en route due to altitude and unforeseen weather
conditions - so it’s best to be prepared!
Besides your essential clothing, here’s a checklist of other items you may
wish to take:
• Small day pack
• Warm sweater / fleece
• Sleeping bag / sleeping bag liner
• Hiking shoes / boots
• Thick walking socks
• Blister packs and plasters
• Hiking poles
• Comfortable day shoes
• Sandals or flip-flops
• Warm hat / gloves
• Swim wear
• Sun hat / sunglasses
• Camera / binoculars
• SD memory card / spare camera batteries
• Water bottle
• Dry bag
• Small flashlight / head torch
• Sunscreen / insect repellent
• Travel power adaptor
• Toiletries / personal medicine / towel
Please note airlines have various rules on what can be carried in your
luggage - if in doubt check with your airline before travelling.
FOOTWEAR
We recommend walking shoes/boots, as comfortable shoes with good
ankle support will make all walking more enjoyable. It is recommended to
bring thick walking socks for comfort.
CLOTHES WASHING
You will have the opportunity to wash your clothes whilst you are on tour,
and this can often be done at the campsite or in town. Ask your tour leaders
for local information.
GRAND AMERICAN ADVENTURES 16-17 Grange Mills, Weir Road, London SW12 ONE
UK & Worldwide Sales and Reservations TEL: +44 (0)20 8682 8921