No you don’t, but au pair make up about 75% of our passengers so that is why the name is au pair adventures. As long as you are between 18 and 29 and up for an adventure, you are invited to join! Usually we try to get a good mix of guys and girls…but there are often more girls!
We supply everything needed to make camping adventures comfortable and fun! We provide all the necessary camping equipment including tents, cold food storage containers, camp lights, stoves and other camp accessories. Our high quality tents are very easy to set up and take down on your own. Bring your own sleeping bag- we recommend a ‘three season’ bag during the summer months and a ‘four season’ bag the rest of the year, as some nights can be cool to cold, especially in mountainous areas. We supply a thermal pad to sleep on, but if you prefer added comfort, you are encouraged to bring your own self-inflating sleeping pad. Many campgrounds are situated in stunning settings giving our groups opportunities not found by conventional tourists. When we camp near major city destinations, nearly all the campgrounds have full facilities such as showers, pools, shops, and laundromats. Virtually all National Park campgrounds have pay showers, flush toilets and basic facilities. Occasionally, our groups will choose to stay in more isolated areas where the surroundings will quickly make you forget any lack of facilities.
A sleeping bag, your clothes and shoes, your other personal items…fit for the season; we take care of the rest. When you reserve a trip you will be sent Packing List for things we recommend you bring along for your adventure to be comfortable as we travel.
With most our adventures, we have to have a minimum number of people before we confirm that the trip is on. Once we confirm you trip we will notify you and you can get your flights. Do not buy you flight until you have received a confirmation email that the trip is Guaranteed!
Our trips all start and end in world famous cities where there is lots to do. Depending on which city you are most interested in you can plan accordingly. If you can get the time off, we say arrive early and stay late! If you have any more specific questions about any of our start or end cities, email us a quick question!
An essential part of your tour is helping with the day to day camp duties. With guidance from your tour leader and our full range of camping equipment, the team spirit makes the chores easy and enjoyable. From setting up in the evening, to breaking camp in the morning, from unloading the vehicle to shopping for food and preparing group meals, you’ll be part of the team.
All luggage is stored in a specially designed trailer or in the back of the vehicle, so bring as much as you want! We have plenty of room, even for the biggest bags! Small hand baggage may be carried inside the vehicle.
You do not have to be in excellent physical shape to hike. All hiking is optional, there is always an alternate activity for you if you don’t feel like walking/hiking. There are many scenic trails that can accommodate all levels of fitness. You can catch great views from many of the lookout points and hike trails that are flat and easy to hike. There will be plenty of time to relax and experience the parks at your own pace. Remember, these trips are about having fun and we do everything we can to make sure everyone has the best trip of their life!
In San Francisco: Best Way to get to the Hostel from San Francisco International Airport is to take the BART Train from the Airport to the Powell St. Station which is a few blocks from the hostel in Downtown San Francisco. Directions: -Take BART to the Powell st. station, hostel is 3 blocks away, walking distance. -Tickets cost less than $10, you buy them just before the train -trains run every 15 min! In Los Angeles: Best way is to take the ‘Hostel Hopper Shuttle’ van transport service. They are super cool, they can handle your luggage, and they are the cheapest company to begin with in LA. Call them to schedule a pick up or make a reservation online: 1-855-464-6777 or book online at www.thehostelhopper.com ~cost to LAX after discount $15 (a taxi will cost $35+) They can also get you to Hollywood, Universal Studios, San Diego and more after you trip is over. In Kona, Hawaii: Taxi or shuttle the best way, no reservations needed for taxi. You can get a taxi right at the airport anytime. If you are traveling with a friend Taxi is the best way because it cost about $30 total. There is a shuttle service you can book online, the cost for each person to the hotel where the tour starts currently is $18. Visit their website to book your transportation at least 1 day in advance: http://www.robertshawaii.com/konaexpress/
Before you book, please know:
You must have an email address in order to book a tour.
Your plane flight is not included.
Once you pick a trip, fill out the form and we will respond within 1 day or sooner If your trip is a Guaranteed Departure you will get a big information packet with all the tour and payment information via email.
If you are one of the first 5 people to sign up, we will save you a seat, and you don’t need to pay anything now. Once we have 6 people, we guarantee the trip and we’ll send your information packet. If you change your mind after receiving the packet, no problem...please let us know :-)