California Dreaming: Yosemite, Death Valley & Coastal Camping - 7 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What is the minimum and maximum age for participants on this tour?

  The minimum age for this tour is 18, and the maximum age is 35.

• What is the maximum group size for this tour?

  The maximum group size for this tour is 13 participants.

• What type of accommodation is provided on this tour?

  Accommodation will primarily be camping for 5 nights, with one night in a hotel. Camping equipment, including comfortable camp mattresses and durable 2-person dome tents, is supplied (excluding sleeping bag and pillow). Campgrounds vary between private sites with full services and public park-run sites with basic facilities. Some public campgrounds may have pit toilets and potential shower fees ($2-6/shower).

• What meals are included during the tour?

  The tour includes 5 breakfasts and 4 lunches.

• Is travel insurance compulsory for this trip?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory. You must be covered for medical expenses, including emergency evacuation and repatriation, with a minimum coverage of USD200,000. It's also strongly recommended to cover personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, and loss of luggage and personal effects.

• Is there an extra cost for traveling solo?

  No, there is no single supplement for solo travelers on group trips, as accommodation is designed for shared rooms. Solo travelers will be paired with someone of the same sex.

• What transportation methods are used during the tour?

  The primary mode of transportation is an air-conditioned private 15-passenger van, which accommodates up to 14 people plus the CEO/Driver. Hiking and walking are also integral parts of exploring the destinations.

• What are the main highlights of this California Dreaming tour?

  Highlights include visiting hot-spot neighborhoods in Los Angeles, camping under the stars in Yosemite National Park, driving over the scenic Tioga Pass, exploring the unique landscapes of Death Valley, and enjoying free time in vibrant Las Vegas.

• What optional activities are available on this trip?

  Optional activities include free hikes within Yosemite National Park, renting a bike in Yosemite (30-40USD), additional hikes like the Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls, visiting the Vegas Strip (free), and attending a Las Vegas Show (60-200USD).

• What currency is used and how should I handle money on the trip?

  The United States currency is the US Dollar (USD). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's recommended to carry a combination of US Dollars in cash (preferably smaller bills), traveler's cheques, and credit/debit cards. ATMs are common, but check with your bank about 4-digit PIN compatibility and foreign transaction fees. Currency exchange can be difficult in the USA, so it's best to arrange it before travel or at the airport.

• Is tipping customary in North America during the tour?

  Yes, tipping service providers like waiters, bartenders, and taxi drivers is customary (approximately 18-20%). Tipping local guides is also expected, with recommendations ranging from $2-8 USD per activity. For your Chief Experience Officer (CEO), a guideline of $10-15 USD per person, per day is suggested if you feel they did an outstanding job.

• What are the safety and security guidelines for this trip?

  For safety and security, it is strongly recommended to use a neck wallet or money belt for valuables, leave valuable jewelry at home, and utilize hotel safety deposit boxes. A lock for luggage is also advised. Your group leader (CEO) can amend the itinerary for safety concerns. During free time, exercise good judgment for optional activities and consider staying in small groups and taking taxis at night in cities. Water-based activities should only be done with a guide.

• What are the rules regarding illegal drugs and exploitation of the sex trade?

  Illegal drugs are not tolerated on any trips and contravene local laws and put the group at risk. The exploitation of people in the sex trade is also completely contrary to the tour philosophy. Chief Experience Officers (CEOs) have the right to expel any group member found with drugs or utilizing the services of paid sex workers.

• When can I do laundry during the trip?

  Some private campgrounds and most cities have laundromats with coin-operated machines. Your CEO will advise you on locations where you can do your laundry during the trip.

• Who will be leading the tour group?

  The tour group will be led by one Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout the trip.

• Are international flights included in this trip?

  No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour.

• What is the physical rating for this tour?

  This tour has a physical rating of 3.

• What are the highlights of the Yosemite National Park portion of the trip?

  In Yosemite, you can expect to see famous waterfalls, giant sequoia trees, and climbers scaling El Capitan. There are several hiking options, including The Mist Trail, Yosemite Falls, or Nevada Falls, or you can opt to rent a bike to cruise the valley floor.

• What can I expect to see and do in Death Valley?

  You will drive through Death Valley, exploring its unique landscapes known for salt flats, colorful rocks, and high temperatures. Key spots include Furnace Creek, Badwater Basin, and Zabriskie Point.

• What is the travel style of this tour?

  This tour is under the 'Roamies by Hostelworld & G Adventures' travel style.

• What is the maximum group size for this tour?

  The maximum group size for this tour is 13 people.

• What type of accommodation is provided on this tour?

  Accommodation includes 5 nights of camping and 1 night in a hotel. All camping equipment, except sleeping bags and pillows, is supplied, including comfortable camp mattresses and oversized 2-person dome tents with two separate doors.

• Which meals are included in the tour price?

  The tour includes 5 breakfasts and 4 lunches. Dinners are not included.

• What modes of transportation are used during the trip?

  Transportation between destinations and for included activities will be in air-conditioned 15-passenger vans, accommodating up to 14 people plus the CEO/Driver. Hiking and walking are also modes of transport for exploration.

• What are the main highlights of the "California Dreaming" tour?

  Main highlights include visiting hot-spot neighborhoods of LA, camping at Yosemite National Park under the stars, driving over the Tioga Pass, exploring the landscapes of Death Valley, and experiencing the nightlife of Las Vegas.

• Are international flights included in the tour package?

  No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour. You should contact your airline for the most up-to-date information regarding check-in and baggage allowances.

• Will there be opportunities to do laundry during the trip?

  Yes, some private campgrounds and most cities will have laundromats with coin-operated machines. Your CEO will provide guidance on where to do laundry.

• Are there any specific rules or codes of conduct for participants?

  Yes, illegal drugs are not tolerated, and the exploitation of people in the sex trade is against the tour philosophy. The CEO has the right to expel any group member violating these rules.

• What are the general safety and security guidelines for this trip?

  It is recommended to check your government's travel advice, use a neck wallet or money belt for valuables, leave expensive jewelry at home, and use hotel safety deposit boxes. A lock for luggage is advised. The CEO can amend the itinerary for safety. During free time, use good judgment, stay in small groups at night, and consider taxis. Water-based activities should ideally be accompanied by a guide.

• Is there a single supplement fee for solo travelers?

  No, solo travelers on group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex, so there is no single supplement.

• Is travel insurance mandatory for this trip?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory. You must have at least USD 200,000 coverage for medical expenses, emergency evacuation, and repatriation. It is also recommended to cover personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, and loss of luggage.

• What should I know about currency and managing money on this trip?

  The local currency is the US Dollar (USD). Credit cards are widely accepted but check for foreign transaction fees. ATMs are available, but ensure your card has a 4-digit PIN. It is recommended to carry a combination of US Dollars in cash (small bills), traveller’s cheques, and credit cards, and to have an additional USD $200 as an emergency fund. Currency exchange can be difficult in the USA.

• Are there any optional activities available on this trip?

  Yes, optional activities include free hikes in Yosemite National Park, Yosemite bike rentals (30-40USD), the Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls hike, a free visit to the Vegas Strip, and Las Vegas shows (60-200USD).

• Who will be leading the group during the tour?

  The group will be led by one CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout the trip.

• What is the physical rating of this tour?

  This tour has a physical rating of 3.

• What is the age range for participants on this tour?

  The minimum age for participants is 18 and the maximum age is 35.