Pre-departure Info

Every traveler is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travelers may drink more than others while other travelers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping, participating in optional activities, and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.

If you’re happy with the service you receive during your travels, providing a tip—although never compulsory—is a thoughtful way to show your appreciation. Tipping may not be customary in your home country, but it is a common and important part of the tourism and service industries in the United States.

The following amounts are based on local customs and feedback from past APA travelers:

Restaurants: We suggest tipping approximately 13%–15% of your bill for table service.

Bars: We recommend tipping $1 for each drink ordered.

Your APA Group Leader: Your group leader works incredibly hard throughout the trip—driving, organizing each day, managing the campsites and equipment, helping with meals, answering questions, and keeping the adventure running safely and smoothly.

APA works hard to keep our tours affordable while including an incredible amount of travel, activities, and unforgettable experiences. If you feel you received great value from your trip and your leader helped make it special, a tip of approximately $20–$40 per traveler, per week is a meaningful way to show your appreciation for all their hard work.

As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of traveling in a group. Your fellow travelers will probably come from all corners of the world and likely a range of age groups too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group – patience with your fellow travelers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone’s travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don’t keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well – this takes just a little effort on your part. Due to privacy reasons we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow travelers booked on your trip prior to departure.

Solo Travelers Are Always Welcome Most of our travelers join an APA trip on their own, making it a fun and easy way to meet new people and make friends from around the world. There is no required solo traveler supplement like other companies, you’ll simply share accommodations with other travelers in twin, triple, or multi-share rooms. Solo travelers are typically placed with roommates of the same gender. If you’re traveling with a friend or partner and would like to share accommodations, just let us know when booking and we can place you together.

Camping “APA Style” Camping is one of the things that makes an APA trip so special. It allows us to stay close to the incredible places we explore, spend evenings together under the stars, and experience the American West in a way you simply can’t from a hotel room. No camping experience is needed! We provide easy-to-pitch tents, sleeping pads, cooking equipment, and other essential group gear. Tents are shared by two travelers, and your leader will show you how everything works. Sleeping bags are not provided, so remember to bring your own. Our campgrounds always have proper toilets and showers, usually offer laundry facilities, and some even have swimming pools and hot tubs. Camping means being prepared for changing weather and embracing a little adventure! If conditions become extreme, the group may agree to stay at a nearby hotel or hostel at their own expense.

Your tour leader keeps the adventure running safely and smoothly, managing the itinerary, driving, navigating, organizing activities, and overseeing camp life. They’ll share helpful information about each destination while also giving you what you need to explore independently during free time. Camping with APA is a group experience. Your leader will show everyone how to use the equipment and organize small teams to help with cooking, cleaning, and shopping. Everyone is expected to participate, a little teamwork makes camp easier, faster, and much more fun! Driver rest and safety requirements are taken seriously. Once the group arrives for the day, the van and driver may not be available during free time or for activities that aren’t included in the itinerary.

We have plenty of luggage space in our custom trailer, so large suitcases are welcome! Bring as much as you want. Your main luggage will be stored in the trailer while we travel. Bring a small daypack for anything you’ll want during the day, such as water, snacks, sunscreen, a jacket, and your phone or camera. Keeping personal items in one small bag helps make the van more comfortable for everyone. Once you join a trip, you’ll receive a detailed information packet that includes an official packing list tailored to your adventure, along with all our recommendations to help you pack.

Our trips travel through a variety of climates, and nighttime temperatures can be surprisingly cold—even during the summer. Be sure to pack appropriate layers and choose a sleeping bag that will keep you warm in the expected conditions. A sleeping bag is required for all camping nights and is not provided by APA. Basic sleeping bags can usually be purchased online for around $20. We can also stop at a store on the first day if needed, although prices may be higher and the available selection can be limited.

Before departure, check your government’s latest travel advice for the areas included in your trip. Keep your passport, money, and other valuables secure, leave unnecessary valuables at home, and consider bringing a small luggage lock. Your leader will accompany the group during all included activities, but you’ll also have free time to relax or explore independently. Please use good judgment and remain aware of your surroundings. For everyone’s safety, your leader may change or cancel part of the itinerary when necessary due to weather, road conditions, closures, or other safety concerns. We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance that includes trip cancellation, trip interruption, medical emergencies, travel delays, and lost baggage. Unexpected situations can happen, and insurance may protect you from losing the money you’ve paid toward your trip. Coverage can be purchased through your preferred insurance provider or online through Travelex Insurance.