I knew when I saw the van with young people pulling out backpacks, tent supplies, and food; I had to find out what was going on.  They were having too much fun.  Then I ventured over toward their camping area and saw a young fellow giving instructions on preparing the meat for BBQ (barbeque).   Nick (tour leader) explained to me this was a Trek America tour group that had just driven in from Yellowstone National Park on their first day of touring.  Young men and women from Japan, Sweden, Canada, England, the United States, and Switzerland were putting up tents and breaking out the food to prepare for supper.

Trek America was created in 1972 with over 50 unique itineraries.  One to nine week tours became available for those ages 18 – 38 who are internationally minded travelers.  What a great age to travel in small groups and explore the earth.  With small groups, the Trek America tours can go “off the beaten path” and be flexible in the way they decide how long to stop over and explore an area.  or head off in a completely different direction depending on what the group chooses. 

Trek America has several programs which you may find interesting enough to look into.   The WinterSun tours are specifically designed for the winter season.  Plan to tour Florida beaches or hike trails in the Desert Southwest.  Trading winter blues or summer crowds for off-season adventures means really having fun in the WinterSun.  While some may think “the fun’s gone with the change of the season,” you will just be starting your own fun on these delightful trips.  Just to think breathing room and elbow space – hmmmmm!  Now that’s an itinerary!

Footloose is another tour program which offers interesting itineraries for all from ages 8 to 80 and beyond.   This includes camping tours, walking tours for all levels of fitness, and lodging tours for those who just prefer not to camp.  The Discovery tours are perfect for families with children age 8 and up.  (Special consideration may be made for younger children on a case by case basis).   Trek Adventures is a tour based on budget camping and lodging itineraries utilizing the talents of the guides and locals.   

Trek Adventures is the Latin equivalent to Trek America.  Outdoor adventure and cultural immersion while selecting budget camping and lodging itineraries.  Here, you’ll utilize the abilities and talents of your tour leader as he or she works with local suppliers arranging accommodations, food purchase, tours, and local hospitalities.  With the same purpose of planning a small group tour, you’ll be able to experience more closely the culture you’re immersed in.  A compact group helps provide the personal up close experiences you are looking for in touring another country.

Lastly, there is Let’s Trek Australia and NZ.  This itinerary tour allows for the intimate group to be flexible and stay in harmony with Mother Nature.  The Australia and NZ tours will take you through the great outdoor landscapes of the “Land Down Under”.  Look forward to sea kayaking, desert hiking, and bush camping.

In reading some of the past message boards and interviewing some of the group members on past trips, I discovered that most will agree – “there is more to see and do than what time allows!”  “Time just slipped by so fast – we were trying to see everything.”  Trek America, now beginning its fourth decade, promises you won’t leave unhappy, rather, you’ll be overwhelmed with all you’ve been able to experience.  Their mission:  staying true to the mantra of “freedom, flexibility, and fun while inviting the unknown and welcoming the unexpected, and experiencing the unimaginable!”

Trek America provides their own transportation vehicles, usually a 15 – 20 passenger van with specially equipped luggage racks on top.  With 13 people to a group maximum, and over 45 countries to explore, no wonder little time is lost and these tours jam packed.  Nick had explained to me in the interview that no two tours are identical.  The group may opt to change something mid tour which works out better for the experience and opens up new paths to travel.  All you need to do is book your tour, pay your fee, and bring your 3-season sleeping bag along with the extra “food kitty” money needed for daily grocery shopping.  $8 Canadian, or $7 US, feeds you very well on your trip.  Pack lightly and keep in mind “layering.”  Also note where and when you will be on tour.  This may mean being prepared for cold and warm temperatures while keeping in mind wool socks, hat, sweaters, gloves, walking/hiking shoes, rain jacket, and warm coat. 

Now that I’ve peaked your attention, it’s your turn to visit Trek America and choose from the many tours available.  Happy Trekking, Happy Traveling! 

Group trek photo, hiking photo courtesy of frequent trekker – Jonathan Stott Photography http://www.jstottphotography.com, desert camping, Hollywood sign photos courtesy of Trek America, all other photos by Rhonda Pipkin.