I'm 50+ female booked on tour 16/09/2006 and have already done a couple of Europe tours so this is my first visit to US.
However, this time I'm travelling alone and was wondering about the age group? I have also booked the single supplement and want to know if this was a good idea or should I "risk" a room mate?
Thoughts??

Hi Turnbo,

As for sharing, if you can afford it I would recommend paying the single supplement. Admittedly, rooms in the US are usually of a decent size and put a bit of space between you and a roommate, unlike the small rooms in Europe. However, unless you are a bit apprehensive in a room on your own, I’d pay the extra money for your privacy and being able to do what you like without having to be considerate to another person. There is no guarantee that you would be matched with a person of a similar age/similar interests and you may well have to sit with them all day on the bus as well as share their company at night. There is also no guarantee that you can pay the single supplement once the tour has started if matched with someone incompatible.
Having said that, when I was younger I did share when travelling solo with no major dramas. But over the years I’ve seen sharing go wrong on too many occasions that I would never consider it now. After all, its my holiday and I want to maximise my chances of a positive experience. Personally, if I was a bit short of money, I’d rather cut a few days off my holiday than share with a stranger.

As for the tour, I have done a similar tour to Western Discover. The NP’s are fantastic, it’s a great trip. You’ve also chosen a nice time of year to travel, I’m sure you’ll have a wonderful time.

Yaya

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Yaya:
Hi Turnbo,

As for sharing, if you can afford it I would recommend paying the single supplement. Admittedly, rooms in the US are usually of a decent size and put a bit of space between you and a roommate, unlike the small rooms in Europe. However, unless you are a bit apprehensive in a room on your own, I’d pay the extra money for your privacy and being able to do what you like without having to be considerate to another person. There is no guarantee that you would be matched with a person of a similar age/similar interests and you may well have to sit with them all day on the bus as well as share their company at night. There is also no guarantee that you can pay the single supplement once the tour has started if matched with someone incompatible.
Having said that, when I was younger I did share when travelling solo with no major dramas. But over the years I’ve seen sharing go wrong on too many occasions that I would never consider it now. After all, its my holiday and I want to maximise my chances of a positive experience. Personally, if I was a bit short of money, I’d rather cut a few days off my holiday than share with a stranger.

As for the tour, I have done a similar tour to Western Discover. The NP’s are fantastic, it’s a great trip. You’ve also chosen a nice time of year to travel, I’m sure you’ll have a wonderful time.

Yaya

Cheers Yaya, yes I thought I would rather pay the supplement. As you say it's a long way to go only to be disappointed by a travelling companion!
Can I ask you another question? I am travelling to New York after the tour and plan to stay there for 2 nights do you have any tips on where to stay. I like to get out and walk so I guess somewhere central would be good.
Pardon my ignorance, but what does NP stand for?
Turnbo

NPs means National Parks.

Hi Turnbo,

The argument on sharing does tend to be black and white. Not sure if I’m black or white Many others on the board think its wonderful and you may like to “search” alternative views before making your final decision.

I’ve travelled a fair bit but have never been to New York, either something happening or its winter! but its certainly on my short list now. So I can’t help you with hotel suggestions. Perhaps some of our other board members can. There is a thread a bit below this one called “I want to be part of it! New York” which has info on New York. I often use the Lonely Planet guides for accommodation suggestions as they recommend places from budget through mid range to top end accommodation. I’ve always been happy with their suggestions for accommodation and eats.

Have a wonderful trip
Yaya

Hi Turnbo
My wife and I are booked on the same tour, this is our first TT but have been on other America and Canada tours. We will have spent 8 weeks in England and this tour will be on our way home to Australia. We are a little older than you as we are in our 60's. I sure it will be a great tour.
Hope to see you then.
Cheers
Graham

Good News! I have convinced a friend to travel with me so I can now spend the single supplement on the "extras". Thanks to those who replied.
Great to know Graham that you will be on the tour and look forward to meeting you and your wife. See you then!
Carolyn

oooh i hope u guys have fun, i am doing this next july

Belinda,

I'm looking forward to hearing what Turnbo thought of this tour - hope he/she does a report.
I am considering this tour for next May as an addition to my Canadian trip.

Hi Collen,

I just returned from the costsaver version of this tour (in fact I felt the itinerary was better because it had more 2 night stays). The tour was fantastic and the TD agreed it was the better tour (over Western Discoverer) because of the itnierary - she has directed both. The hotels and food went from good to fabulous (above my expectation for a CS tour). The sights were great and there were plenty of optionals. My highlight was a flight over the Grand Canyon and also walking acoss the Golden Gate bridge. Whatever you choose I hope you have fun.

Sorry Colleen my tour was American West Adventure.

Welcome back Rainbow19....hope you had a wonderful trip. Would be interested to hear which flight over the Grand Canyon you opted for, there's three different ones listed on our option sheet. Only 8 days until we leave on our Route 66 tour

Hi Scottie,

We did the more expensive helicopter trip (the E130 I think - all forward facing seats). It was worth it as it travelled along the canyon in a full circle rather than just across it. Some complained because it only ended up being 45 minutes (we were told up to 60 minutes) but I wasn't worried as I know that weather conditions etc. play a big part in the length of a flight (the person who complained pretty much complained about everything). It was a fantastic experience - one everyone should do before they die!

It was the Imperial Tour.

I took the Imperial helicopter ride. It is only supposed to be about 45 minutes so not sure why people thought it would be an hour. When I did it two years ago it was $175US per person. The difference in price between the 45 minute tour and the 25 minute tour is not enough of a difference. If you're going to do it, take the longer one. And don't forget it takes about 5 minutes to GET to the grand canyon and another 5 minutes to GET back to the landing point. The 45 minute tour goes all around the eastern rim of the Grand Canyon.

Here's more information: www.papillon.com