STS ExpEriEncE USA

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STS Experience USA
coast to coast
New Jersey
Grand
Canyon
Las ­ Santa Fe Washing-­
Vegas
ton D.C.
New
Los ­Angeles San
Orleans
Antonio
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Our pre-departure information guide has been prepared to provide you with much of what you’ll need to
know about your forthcoming trek with STS, however, it is not a complete guide. Your STS Leader will provide you with much more detailed information en route. As you prepare for your journey, please take time
to consider some important points.
BEFORE YOUR TOUR
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EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION – STS/SUNTREK America Groups
Your STS leader will be with the group the whole time, and they will be your first point of contact in an emergency situation.
PASSPORT
It is your responsibility to obtain the proper passport for the United States of America. We recommend that you take copies of
your passport and flight tickets and carry them separately from the original documents. This will help in case of loss or theft.
New passport regulations have come into effect for the United States of America so please double check that you’re passport
conforms to the new biometric requirements for entrance to the United States of America. Make sure that each passport is
valid for six months after your planned exit from a country.
CUSTOMS
On entering the USA you will need to proceed though customs. You may be asked your destination or how you intend to support yourself. When you enter the USA you enter as part of a visa waiver scheme, make sure you keep the remaining portion
of your completed customs form in the back of you passport ready to surrender when you leave. Please make sure you have
a note of the first nights accommodation of your stay, as you will need this information for customs.
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MEETING YOUR TOUR LEADERS
Once you have cleared customs and collected your luggage you will go with the STS leader and meet the local tour leaders
who will be waiting for you in the baggage arrival hall. Please look for a sign saying “STS/SunTrek Group”.
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
If you have any medical condition such as diabetes, epilepsy, asthma, take prescribed medicines, or have a condition that will
effect your participation in the trek, you must tell us immediately. This is important information in case of emergency.
If a medical problem does arise during the trip it is best to tell your STS leader straight away so that they can alleviate the
difficulty as soon as possible. All maxi-wagons carry a basic first-aid kit, but you should bring your own sunscreen, insect/
mosquito repellent, antibiotic cream and any special medication you may require for upset stomach and so on.
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Throughout North America most prescription medicine is readily available and easily obtainable. However, we suggest that if you
use some form of medication regularly, bring a sufficient supply with you to last your entire trek (carry it on you all times).
INNOCULATIONS
We recommend that you contact a physician or travel medicine clinic at least two months before travel in order to allow
enough time for any immunizations that may be required to be completed. This is especially true for those planning travel to
tropical or developing countries.
A health professional will be able to assess your individual need for immunizations or preventative medication depending on
your health situation, previous immunization history and your travel itinerary. Information prior to your consultation with a
doctor can be obtained from the National Center for Infectious Diseases website http://www.cdc.gov/index.htm.
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EQUIPMENT CHECKLIST
As you will be traveling around and changing accommodation it is ideal, although not necessary, to have a robust hold-all, as
this is easier to pack/un pack than a suitcase. We suggest one bag, backpack or suitcase (20 kg maximum) per person plus a
sleeping bag. A small day pack and camera may be carried in the vehicle.
You should be able to carry your own luggage, as there will not be anyone to carry it for you. If you have special needs with
regard to luggage, and cannot carry it yourself for medical reasons please notify the party leader well in advance so provision
can be made.
Keep to a simple and practical selection of clothes for both hot and cool climates to suit the season, and because of the wide
variety of temperatures, altitude and weather that can be encountered en route. Travel light as there are opportunities to wash
clothes. We suggest you bring the following:
CLOTHES
OTHER ITEMS
• T-shirts/shirts/blouses
• Money & passport in money belt/bum bag
• Pair of good trainers/walking shoes
• 1–2 books to read in evening/on plan
(preferably not new to avoid blisters)
• Camera, film, batteries
• Waterproof sandals/flip flops
• Alarm clock/watch
• Comfortable day shoes
• Water bottle
• Jeans
• Small first aid kit; plasters, personal medication
• Casual trousers
• Sun block
• Dress/skirt, optional
• Biro, small notebook, small address book if you want
• Pair of shortsto send postcards
• Waterproof jacket • Sunglasses
• Warm sweater/s
• Sunhat
• Casual ‘evening out’ clothes
• Insect repellent (containing at least 20% deet)
• Underwear
• Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, comb,
• Socks sanitary protection,etc)
• Hat/gloves
• Several plastic bags for dirty clothes/boots
• Swim wear
• CD’s for use in the maxi wagon (whatever
• Small towel music you prefer).
• Night wear
• Your STS trip requires that you bring a sleeping bag
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PACKING FURTHER TIPS
• Backpack – a suitcase is anything but handy when camping (tents, loading and unloading the roof rack).
• Inflatable sleeping mat – makes camping nights so much more comfortable but a non inflatable sleeping mat will be provided.
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• Small pillow – for the nights in the tent, useful also during the long hauls in the van
• Headlight – very useful when it’s pitch dark in the tent; leaves both hands free which is essential when trying to find something in your backpack, for example
• Warm clothes (e.g. woolly socks, thermal underwear, a beanie, jogging pants, a fleece). The nights at Grand Canyon are
extremely cold but you can manage with a normal sleeping bag if you have enough warm clothes
• Light clothes – most of the time it was really hot, in San Antonio the temperature was still +30°C in the middle of the
night
• Wet towels – you never know when you have to wash your hands/face and there’s no water available
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ashing powder – there are Laundromats at many campgrounds but you need your own washing powder (of course it can be
bought when you get to the States, but might come in handy to have some with you)
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If you are traveling on an early or late season departure, the weather can be much cooler so we suggest you bring a warm
anorak, sweater, and mountain climate quality sleeping bag. Thermal underwear, gloves, and hat can also come in handy.
Better to be too warm than too cold!
INSURANCE
Trip travel insurance is NOT included in the cost of the tour. 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).
Our STS insurance policy is designed specifically to cover the potential risks on our holidays – particularly the many optional
activities offered. If you would like to enquire about purchasing STS travel insurance please contact your local STS office for
further info.
If you do not take our STS Insurance, 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 on the market, but this does not mean it may be better value – we strongly advise you check
fully what will and won’t be covered. In particular, cover provided by credit cards is often very restricted.
Any claims concerning matters for which you are insured must be directed to your insurers.
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Your STS leader will be collecting your insurance policy company name, policy number and the 24 hour emergency number
on the first day of the tour. We also require an emergency contact name for each person in their home country, with a contact
telephone number.
DURING YOUR TOUR
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YOUR TOUR LEADER/DRIVER
We understand that your STS leader and SunTrek driver is perhaps the most important ingredients in your trip. Thus we select
only the absolute best of our many applicants. They are chosen for their knowledge of their country, their ability to drive well
and, of course, for their sense of humor and leadership.
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By the time our leaders conduct their first trips, they have been trained by a team comprising both management and the best
of our senior trip leaders. Your trip leader will ensure that you have the time of your life while making sure that everything
is still safe. However, they are not supermen or superwomen and you must be prepared to keep the vehicle clean, load the
luggage and above all things participate!
TRANSPORTATION
For your tour to North America, we will use maxi-wagons. These have 15 seats (maximum 13 passengers) and are the ultimate
adventure vehicle. All have air-conditioning, tinted windows, comfortable seating with a stereo cassette or CD player, so bring
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some music with you! The maxi-wagons also have a large roofrack where we store all of your luggage, as well as excellent
suspension so we can travel off the beaten track where the crowds in coaches cannot go! All members of the group will need
to be prepared to help load and un-load luggage and equipment onto the maxi-wagon, under the supervision of the tour
leader. Please note that smoking is not permitted in the maxi-wagons.
TRIP ITINERARY
Although your tour follows a set itinerary, from time to time your trip leader may suggest a small change. This may be due to
road conditions, weather, or to visit a special attraction, like a state fair that happens to be in progress. Often a side diversion
will be a highlight of the trip. The beauty of traveling in a small group means that you have the flexibility to take advantage
of everything.
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CAMPING
If you haven’t camped before - don’t worry, we make it easy. Most of our first timers actually grow to love sleeping in the
great outdoors. We provide you with a sleeping mat for your comfort. If you wish please bring along a pillow and you will
need a sleeping bag.
We camp mostly in public campgrounds. Campsites are selected either for their scenic beauty, their convenience to places of
interest or their environment, as well as facilities, and we aim for a selection of different campsite types on each trek. Only two
people share each tent, so there’s lots of room. It’s up to you whom you wish to share with.
Previous camping experience is useful but not at all essential and your STS leader will help you. Our tents are easy to set up
and you will soon learn how to use our compact yet efficient camp kitchen equipment. You will be assigned a specific tent,
so it’s best to look after it. Camping is a group activity, and everyone is expected to help clean and take care of all equipment
during the trek. The company supplies all cooking equipment, cutlery and dinnerware.
All campsites have a quiet time from 10 p.m. after which quietness must be maintained. Please respect these quiet times, as
campsites are for everyone, and disturbances after 10 o’clock will bring complaints and unnecessary unpleasantness.
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DISTANCES & TIMINGS
In North America the distances are large. There are approximate distances given on the itinerary each day. The start times each
day will be reconfirmed with the group as the tour progresses.
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FOOD KITTY
We will operate a food kitty system on your tour when you are camping which is $ 45 per person per week this covers breakfast, lunch and dinner when we are on camping nights. An additional $ 50 per week should be needed for restaurant meals
at hotels or when cooking is not convenient. You can expect to eat cereals, fruit juices, coffee/tea for breakfast. Lunch on
the road is usually sandwiches, chips/crisps, salad and fresh fruit. The evening meal is cooked by members of the group and
is up to you!
We will provide all cooking equipment, ie: stoves, cooking utensils, plates and cutlery. Everyone will take turns being the
nightly chefs in groups of three or four, you will all take part in the buying, preparation and cooking of the food. If you have a
favorite recipe that can be cooked easily, bring it along to share with the group. Each person should bring a total of US$ 285.00
for food during the tour.
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If you are not very good at cooking, don’t worry, you can get instruction from the others in your group. For all you vegetarians, it is quite common for each trip to have people with special dietary needs, don’t worry and just mention this to your
group leader on the first day of your trip. In any case, meals are a fun part of the camping experience and many memorable
dinners have resulted from collective efforts.
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TIPPING
It is normal and expected in North & South America to tip waiters, bar staff, any type of guide and taxi drivers. These service
workers are paid a low wage and depend upon their tips for their livelihood. A minimum of 18% is standard in restaurants and
taxis. Another charge not normally listed in North American costs is the state and federal taxes, keep this in mind when your
bill comes out slightly higher than the original price listed. Your tour leader works long and hard for you. He or she may well
become your friend during the trip but they do need to pay their bills. There is no obligation to tip your trip leader however,
if the leader’s performance meets or exceeds your expectations they will gladly accept one from you. You should plan to tip
your trip leader at least US$ 3 per person per day.
DRINKING ALCOHOL
Drinking alcohol is not permitted on any STS language course. If you are caught drinking you will be sent home immediately
at your parent’s expense. The safety of our students is paramount so please refer to the ABC book for further info.
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DRUGS
Possession of drugs without a proper medical prescription will not be tolerated. If anyone is found with an illegal drug they
will be instantly excluded from the trip and sent home. Should you need to take any special medication, please inform your
driver/leader on the first day.
SAFETY
Not everyone is as honest as we’d like; therefore some precautions must be taken to safeguard your valuables. The best
place to keep cameras, passport and money is on your person wherever you go, but this is obviously impractical at times.
Campgrounds are almost always in safe locations, and those in cities are fenced or patrolled, so the best place to leave things
is in your tent, preferably out of sight. The vehicle is occasionally parked on dark city streets at night, and break-ins are an
unpleasant but real possibility. In general, the safest place for items such as passports, flight tickets and cash is on your person.
When in doubt consult your STS leader.
Never go off with a stranger, even as a group, no matter how enticing the offer to show you something especially interesting. If a
stranger approaches you with such an offer, walk quietly away as a group, keep to main paths and report the incident to staff.
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TIME DIFFERENCE
US time is calculated on Standard time, which is observed from the last Sunday in October until the last Sunday in April. To
determine US time during the remainder of the year (daylight saving time) add one hour.
The continental USA is divided into 5 different time zones
Eastern Standard Time (New York): GMT - 5
Central Standard Time (Chicago): GMT - 6
Mountain Standard Time (Denver): GMT - 7
Pacific Standard Time (Los Angeles): GMT - 8
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SPENDING MONEY
Bring about US$100 in cash and a debit card preferably issued by a major International Bank, e.g. Barclays, Visa or American Express. You will need a minimum of US$30 (or equivalent) per day for expenses (excluding food kitty), but it’s better to
bring more than you need than to run short on tour.
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CLIMATE
Please be prepared for a variety of climate changes and weather. You may encounter wet weather, along with hot sunshine,
and maybe even some snow! Please bring warm clothing for cold evenings, a water proof jacket for any rain, and a hat and
sunscreen when it’s hot.
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TREK ROUTINE
On driving days we like to be on the road by 8 a.m. This means a good day’s driving, with time to linger for sightseeing on
the way. We aim to camp at about 6 p.m. It is essential that all STS students are punctual both for morning starts and for
all other rendezvous. Delays caused by waiting for people who are late cause anguish among the group and can jeopardize
planned sightseeing. A wrist watch is essential on tour. On a few days, it is necessary to cover long distances between points
of interest for the overall enjoyment of the tour. Your SunTrek / STS leaders will forewarn you of these days and do his best
to make them as rewarding as possible.
TEAMWORK
While our SunTrek / STS leaders will do everything possible to make your holiday one of the best you’ve ever had, its full success will depend to a “real extent on your own enthusiasm and cooperation.” A Trek is a unique holiday, and much of your
enjoyment will come from the team spirit of your group and the fun you’ll have together, as well as from the local setting.
We cannot stress too strongly the importance of your own positive attitude - given which even the adversity of a rainstorm
can be good fun!
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CLEANLINESS
It is important that you and your fellow STS students keep the vehicle, tents and cooking equipment clean, as they are in regular use. At most of the campsites there are hot shower facilities. There might be a small charge at some of the camp grounds
for showers. Please ensure that you keep yourself and your clothes clean, to avoid offending others and causing unnecessary
friction amongst the group.
CULTURE SHOCK
Knowledgeable ex-trekkers advise handling ‘culture shock’ with adaptability, humour and a lot of common sense. Give yourself time to get used to culture differences, you may even find that they make a pleasant change from home. The more you
accept things as being merely different, neither better nor worse than at home, the more you’ll be able to enjoy YOUR Trek.
In other words, the less you make comparisons, the more you’ll enjoy your new experiences.
They say ‘forewarned is forearmed’- so do your homework! Read up on the areas you’ll be traveling in, or talk with others
who have already been there. Think about what you want to see and do on your holiday. The more you put into it the more
you’ll get out of it, and the less strange and different things will seem.
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Remember, too, that you will not only be discovering a different continent on your holiday - you may also have the chance
to learn from your fellow-trekkers about other countries and customs. You may discover an exotic dish to cook, or some new
card games, or you may find you have more in common with other nationalities than you thought.
COMPLAINTS
In the unlikely event that you are unhappy with an aspect of your tour, in the first instance bring it to the attention of your
STS leader.
schedule
Please see next page!
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We wish you a sunny, fun and educational time in the USA!
STS Student Travel Schools
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STS EXPERIENCE USA COAST TO COAST – schedule
Day 1 – Los Angeles
Meet the Sun Trek America driver/tour leader on arrival to America
with your STS leader. On meeting your Sun Trek America tour leader there will be a brief orientation meeting and you will be asked
for important information including insurance details, emergency
contact details and passport information. Check-in to the Los Angeles hotel for the first overnight, and enjoy dinner near by.
Day 2 – Anaheim
We spend all of today at Disneyland, “the happiest place on earth”.
A day of fun at the park, with all the rides included. We drive to
our camp in either Orange or nearby Riverside County for our first
camping night this evening.
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Day 3 – Las Vegas
We cross the Mojave Desert to the amazing Las Vegas where we
spend one night in a hotel. We will tour the famous “Strip” and visit
some of the amazing hotels. There is also time to relax by the hotel
pool, and have unique tour of “the Strip” in a limo (at own cost)!
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Days 10 & 11 – San Antonio
We turn south and into Texas and San Antonio, where we spend
the next two nights. Over the centuries, the sleepy Indian village
emerged into what is today, the nation’s 10th largest city. The old
San Antonio, with its classic Spanish missions and rustic adobe
buildings, has not been lost among the steel skyscrapers. We can
also visit the Alamo (admission at own cost), where we can relive
Texas’s struggle for independence from Mexico. For a little more
fun there are optional visits available to Sea World or Six Flags
parks (at own cost).
Days 12 & 13 – New Orleans
We finally leave Texas and arrive into New Orleans. We take a
brief orientation tour before checking into our hotel. We have the
whole day in New Orleans and we head for the French Quarter,
the heart of the cities music, food and fun times. We may also
enjoy an optional tour of the swamps, look out for crocodiles and
perhaps take a steamboat ride or have a guided ghost tour of the
city (at own cost)!
Days 4 & 5 – Grand Canyon National Park
From man-made wonders to natural ones. We cross the desert today
to perhaps the world’s greatest natural wonder, the Grand Canyon.
We go to the visitors centre and then have a chance to hike around the
rim or down into the canyon a little way. We even have the chance for
an unforgettable view of Grand Canyon from a helicopter or airplane
(at own cost). Later, we make our way to Yavapai Point, one of the
best places to see the amazing sunset. We camp just outside the park
entrance tonight, and this evening we can visit the IMAX cinema to
see a film about the history and legends of the canyon (at own cost).
Day 14 – Alabama
We cross Alabama, the heart of Dixie, where the folks are friendly
and life is slow. We camp overnight.
Day 6 – Monument Valley Tribal Lands
We cross the state of Arizona, and head for the North East corner,
home to the huge Navajo Indian reservation. Within the reservation
lies Monument Valley Tribal Park, a landscape of brilliant red-rock
mesas and towers made famous in countless old western films. Here
we have a chance to take a jeep tour with a Navajo guide to take
a closer look at this sacred land (at own cost). We camp overnight
near to the valley and perhaps watch the amazing sunset.
Days 16 & 17 – Washington D. C.
Today we arrive in Washington DC, the nation’s historic capital.
We will enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city including the central
area of government buildings, monuments and the White House.
Tonight we camp in the DC area. One more day to explore Washington DC, there is plenty to see and do. We can visit the Smithsonian Institution, the largest complex of museums in the country.
We can also visit the FBI and Arlington Cemetery. Tonight we camp
in the DC area.
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Day 7 – Mesa Verde National Park
Another state is visited today as we cross the boarder into Colorado. Our destination is Mesa Verde National Park, where a short
and easy hike rewards visitors with close up views of the ancient
Anasazi Indian cliff dwellings.
Day 8 – Santa Fe
We drive out of Colorado and into the state of New Mexico and
Santa Fe, the state capital. This is a unique American city with adobe architecture, rich Spanish and Pueblo Indian cultures, and may
art galleries. We camp in the Santa Fe area tonight.
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Day 9 – Carlsbad Caverns
A journey across the barren, wide-open spaces of New Mexico
brings us to the Carlsbad, where we have the chance to visit
Carlsbad Caverns. This amazing network of caverns is hidden deep
beneath the surface. Underground trails reveal an eerie world of
spires and tunnels. We will camp in the area tonight.
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Day 15 – Tennessee
Heading north, we wind our way through the Cherokee Indian
Reservation and travel nearby the Great Smokey Mountains National Park. The rushing Appalachian Rivers provide an excellent
opportunity for white water rafting (at own cost). We camp in the
area overnight.
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Day 18 – New Jersey
This morning we drive north through Maryland and Pennsylvania
to New Jersey, the Garden State. There’ll be time for quick swim,
before we set up camp for the final time and have time with the
group at camp. Camp will be in PA.
Day 19 – New York City
An early start this morning to arrive into the “Big Apple”. There is
free time to explore here, and we can see the Empire State Building, Fifth Avenue, Statue of Liberty and much, much more. There
may also time to enjoy the array museums, art galleries and shopping. Tonight we stay in a hostel in New York.
Day 20 – Depart New York City
Time for last minute shopping and sightseeing in New York before
we transfer to the airport for the departure flight.