American Voyageur 40 Days
The American Voyageur summer travel program is our original itinerary and is still as popular as ever! If “life is a highway,” then it had better pass through every stop on this incredible teenage road trip. So much more exciting than summer camp, this trip loops through the Western USA and Canada in 40 action-packed days. Participants will tour San Francisco, whitewater raft in Wyoming, sea kayak in Santa Barbara, surf in San Diego and so much more. We see time and again how much everyone grows over the summer by stepping out of their comfort zone with the support of our staff and feeling socially at ease.
An adrenaline-filled program with the coolest activities, picture-perfect landmarks and a close group bond.
Hotels & resorts.
Includes breakfast and dinner daily. Enjoy excellent food choices at popular restaurants.
Includes all recreation & activities listed.
Chartered deluxe motor coach with a professional driver, plus a flight from Seattle to San Francisco.
Separate departure dates are assigned to create compatible co-ed age groups.
Varies from 28 to 48 participants.
We can accommodate most dietary preferences and allergies.
Fly to Salt Lake City. We then make the short drive to Park City where your orientation officially begins with some of our favorite icebreakers and “get to know you” activities.
With breathtaking Park City in the background, experience Extreme Tubing as you launch down the landing hill of an Olympic Park ski jump, at up to 50 mph. Head out to dinner in SLC before an evening of bowling with your new friends. Lounge in the lazy river or get soaked on one of Lagoon-A-Beach’s tubes. Ride the evening away on one of over 45 rides at Lagoon Amusement Park, including the state of the art roller coaster, Cannibal.
Whitewater raft the Snake River conquering rapids named Lunch Counter, Big Kahuna, Champagne and Ropes. Snap a photo underneath the elk antler arches in the center of town. Enjoy thrilling rides down Snow King Mountain on the Alpine Slide and Cowboy Coaster. Gaze at the snow-capped mountains in Teton National Park.
Watch Old Faithful shoot 3,700 to 8,400 gallons of boiling water between 106′ and 185′ into the air. Discover the Fountain Paint Pots named after the reds, yellows and browns of the mud found in that area and keep your eyes peeled for bison and elk.
Visit Canada Olympic Park, site of the 1988 Winter Olympics. Speed around 50 twists and turns and covering a distance of over 1800 meters (5905 feet) on a continuous downhill gravity-fed trajectory. Take in “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth” at the Calgary Stampede*.
*Stampede depends on dates
In the heart of the Canadian Rockies, marvel at the glacial-fed, emerald-colored Lake Louise. Hike past Mirror Lake on your way to the famous Lake Agnes Teahouse for stunning views of the area. Take a Giant Snowmobile tour to the Athabasca Glacier on the Columbia Icefield in Jasper National Park, sip glacier water, and throw a snowball in July. Browse the shops in the quaint town of Banff. Cross scenic Roger’s Pass on your way to BC.
Soak up some sun at our lakeside resort and watch the sunset over Okanagan Lake. Make a splash on a Banana Boat ride and hang out on the beach with your new friends!
Experience the record setting PEAK 2 PEAK gondola that connects Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. Clip into Via Ferrata, a network of steel cables that run the length of a mountain face and cross built-in steps, handles, beams and bridges while you are surrounded by spectacular mountain views. Explore the shops in the pedestrian friendly village. Chill in your incredible condos and lounge in the condo’s whirlpool.
View downtown Seattle from the top of the Space Needle, a landmark you may recognize from Grey’s Anatomy scenes. Watch out for the fishmongers throwing fish at Pike Place, the oldest continually operating public farmers’ market in the USA. Stick your gum on the Market Theater gum wall. Imagine playing in a rock band in a packed stadium at the MoPOP (Museum of Popular Culture). Prepare your Whirlybug for intense competition at Whirlyball, it’s like basketball, lacrosse and bumper cars combined.
Vancouver, British Columbia
On your way to Seattle, check out trendy Granville Island and enjoy street performers and a marketplace lunch before we head back to the USA.
Jet over to the City by the Bay and see it all – Alcatraz, Pier 39, Fisherman’s Wharf, Ghirardelli Square, Lombard Street, and the Golden Gate Bridge. Take a ride on an iconic San Francisco cable car.
*As per the National Park Service, we disclose that Alcatraz tour has a retail value of $45.25 included in the program tuition.
Water-ski with professional instructors or go tubing or wakeboarding across beautiful Lake Tahoe. Enjoy beach time football, Frisbee, volleyball, music, mountaintop roller skating, and tanning in the most reliable weather Tahoe enjoys all summer. End the day sailing around the lake on a private charter.
Enjoy the perfect stay on the California Coast. Santa Barbara features small-town charm, miles of beaches and the beauty of the surrounding mountains at your fingertips. Ride a quad-bike along the coastal bike path, sea kayak the Pacific Ocean, and check out Stearns Wharf and State St. Enjoy a beach day, go for a swim or play a pickup game of soccer in the sand… don’t forget the sunscreen!
Experience the brand new Universal Studios’ SUPER NINTENDO WORLD ™! Tour the world’s most famous backlot at Universal’s Studio Tour, explore the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Jurassic World - The Ride!
Look for your favorite celebrities on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and compare handprints with the stars outside of TCL Chinese Theater. Check out Venice Beach, watch for celebrities on Rodeo Drive, and laugh out loud at the IMPROV comedy club. Spend the day at the happiest place on earth, Disneyland, featuring ‘Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge’.
Sample delicious treats at the Original Farmers Market on Fairfax & 3rd, choose from over 100 different cuisines to try. Take a stroll in Downtown Santa Monica on Third Street Promenade and enjoy live performances. Then, hop over Ocean Avenue to the Santa Monica Pier and soak up the beautiful views of the California coast from the world-famous Ferris Wheel. Learn from professional chefs at a private cooking school.
After a busy time in LA, we take a day trip, by ferry, to stunning Catalina Island to snorkel, chill, and enjoy some time off the mainland. Then, on to San Diego, also nicknamed “America’s Finest City”. Take surfing lessons with professional instructors. Go on a guided tour of the San Diego Zoo to see some of the over 4,000 animals. Explore Seaport Village and spend an evening at San Diego’s iconic beachfront boardwalk, Belmont Park. Be sure to take a ride on the Giant Dipper or Tilt-A-Whirl while overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Cheer on the Padres at Petco Park!
Check into the Egyptian-themed Luxor hotel and experience the Las Vegas strip with its incredible sites including the dancing fountains at the Bellagio and the charm of Venice at the Venetian. Ride the Big Apple Coaster at New York-New York before exploring M&M World and the Coca-Cola store. Finally, realize the excitement of seeing one of Las Vegas’ world-renowned Cirque du Soleil shows!
The beginning of your time in Canyon Country! Be awed by sculptured canyons, soaring cliffs and dramatic landscapes against a beautiful blue sky in Zion National Park. Marvel at the orange and red hoodoos of Bryce, formed from wind, water, and ice erosion.
Walk the rim of the Grand Canyon and take in the incredible scenery around you. You'll quickly see why it's considered to be one of the 7 natural wonders of the world. Stand atop the uniquely pink-hued dunes at the Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park and then race your friends back down again.
Enjoy a rugged Pink Jeep tour on the Broken Arrow Trail, with the iconic backdrop of Sedona’s famous red-rock formations such as Bell Rock, Chapel Butte or the Rock of Gibraltar. See the views from Submarine Rock or Chicken Point and hold on tight as you go around Mushroom Rock and descend down the Road of No Return! Feast on brunch at the Cheesecake Factory. Back at the resort; workout, swim or tan before your farewell banquet that celebrates a lifetime’s worth of adventure!
Return Flight Home from Phoenix, Arizona
Head to Phoenix and say farewell to your new friends as you part ways for your return home. The summer might be over, but all the memories you’ve made will last a lifetime!
Park City, Utah
Enjoy your stay at the luxurious AC Marriot Park City hotel after a day of fun adventures. Relax in modern, comfortable rooms, go for a dip in the pool, and hangout with your new friends!
Jackson, Wyoming
Cowboy Village Resort is nestled in a beautiful forest only a few minutes from the heart of Jackson Hole, and close to the area’s National Parks. All cabins of this charming resort boast modern comforts and amenities. Resort facilities include a swimming pool and fitness center.
Great Falls, Montana
The Heritage Inn hotel offers great mountain views. Enjoy your spacious room, the outdoor heated pool or the two outdoor whirlpools.
Calgary, Alberta
Enjoy a comfortable stay at the Delta Hotel, which features a fitness center, indoor pool, whirlpool, and waterslide.
Banff, Alberta
The Silver Creek Lodge is a luxury condo property located in the Bow Valley of the Canadian Rockies! Spread out in the one and two-bedroom suites appointed with everything you will need for a chill home base while you explore Banff and beyond!
Penticton, British Columbia
The Penticton Lakeside Resort offers a relaxing resort-type location on a private beach along the shores of Okanagan Lake. Rooms are comfortably equipped with modern amenities. The hotel also offers a fitness center, pool, and hot tub.
Whistler, British Columbia
Blackcomb Springs Suites is an all-suite, condo-style hotel at the foot of Blackcomb Mountain. Suites include full kitchens and spacious rooms. Enjoy an outdoor pool and hot tub as well.
Seattle, Washington
Embassy Suites Bellevue offers newly renovated and remodeled two-room suites with an indoor heated pool and fitness center.
San Francisco, California
Located on San Francisco Bay, the newly renovated Embassy Suites Burlingame – Waterfront hotel features stunning bay views, Spanish-style architecture, a tropical koi pond and is set alongside a waterfront jogging trail. Accommodations are spacious with living areas and the amenities include an indoor pool and gym.
Lake Tahoe, California
Located in the Olympic Valley of Palisades Tahoe, this property is a spectacular year-round vacation destination. The condominium suites combine all the comforts of home with the finest of hotel service and amenities. The Palisades Tahoe Lodge includes a fitness center and spas, swimming pool and patio, sauna and steam room.
Santa Barbara, California
Enjoy your stay in the beautiful Santa Barbara area at either the Hilton Garden Inn or Hampton Inn. Work out at the fitness center and have fun with your friends at the outdoor pool.
Los Angeles, California
After a full day of exciting Los Angeles highlights, stay at the centrally located Marriott. You will enjoy this comfortable modern hotel which features a resort-style, outdoor pool.
La Jolla, California
Located just minutes from the beautiful seaside village of La Jolla, the Embassy Suites San Diego – La Jolla hotel is an all-suites hotel, with each two-room suite offering plenty of space to lounge and relax. When not out playing in San Diego, take advantage of the indoor swimming pool and hot tub, or Fitness Center, fully-equipped with cardio machines and weights.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Located on famous Las Vegas Boulevard, “The Strip”, the pyramid-shaped Luxor hotel offers a unique way to experience the over-the-top decor for which Vegas is famous! The pool deck is one of the largest in Las Vegas, with a choice of 4 pools to enjoy – the perfect place to cool off from all the excitement and bright lights of the city!
Bryce, Utah
Come back and relax at the comfortable Best Western Plus Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel after a day of exploration in Utah. Enjoy spacious rooms with top-notch amenities including a pool, hot tub, and fitness center.
Flagstaff, Arizona
The SpringHill Suites in Flagstaff is a great place to relax after an awe-inspiring day at the Grand Canyon. The hotel’s stylish suites feature modern decor. Enjoy the on-site fitness center and indoor pool!
Scottsdale, Arizona
The Hilton Phoenix Resort at the Peak is a luxurious all-suite resort-style hotel. The resort features spectacular desert mountain views, spacious rooms, and an on-site waterpark for you to enjoy.
Flight to Salt Lake City, Utah
We help you coordinate your flight to arrive within designated times so that we may greet you upon arrival. For participants from the New York area, we offer a chaperoned flight that leaves early morning. One of your summer leaders and staff from our office will be at the airline counter to greet you, introduce you to fellow travelers, help you to check-in and the leader will be with you from check-in onward.
Return Flight Home From Phoenix, Arizona
Our leaders help you to check-in and remain in the airport until flights in designated times have departed. For those from the New York area, we offer a chaperoned flight.
Food and Meals
Experience the greatest food in teen travel at our top-notch restaurant selections. Our North American Active Teen Tours visit teen-approved restaurants, handpicked for their excellence. We raise the bar for teen dining experiences with our group dinners at hibachi-style grills, authentic local BBQ, and popular Italian eateries. Depending on the itinerary, you may find yourself dining at the Cheesecake Factory, Eataly, Hard Rock Cafe, a popular upscale food hall with local gourmet options or a happening area where you will have many cuisines to choose from. For lunch, you will enjoy eating in smaller groups and choosing from local cafes and other restaurants. We make a point to balance incredible food choices that teens love with trying great local favorites. Cap off some meals with dessert at delicious establishments such as Cow’s Ice Cream Parlor, Crumbl Cookies, Voodoo Donuts, Matsumoto’s Hawaiian Shave Ice and Diddy Riese for their famous fresh baked cookie ice cream sandwiches.
We have satisfied the choosiest of eaters and gladly accommodate most special dietary requests including vegetarian, food allergies, lactose intolerance, celiac disease, and kosher style. We welcome discussing your individual requirements with you and have extensive experience in this area.
Rooming
You will stay in the finest hotels and resorts, which are chosen based on safety, security, amenities, comfort and location. Rooms vary from doubles to triples. Triples may contain two beds and a rollaway or be a suite style with a sofa bed. Each participant has their own bed.
Laundry
You will only need to bring one week’s worth of clothing as outlined in the packing list that will be sent to you prior to departure. We visit local laundromats weekly and we will supply the detergent and dryer sheets. Don’t worry if you’ve never done laundry before, we’ll show you the ropes. Parents, we know the thought of your children doing laundry is making you smile!
What’s Included
Included in your program tuition is all lodging, breakfast and dinner daily, recreation & entertainment listed, airport transfers in designated times, internal flight from Seattle to San Francisco, gratuities & taxes.
Not included is transportation to and from the program, lunches, snacks, personal spending money for souvenirs, and laundry. We also make available optional travel insurance that is not included, but highly recommended.
Please contact us with any questions. We are happy to hear from you!
Do you separate different age groups?
It depends on the program, so it’s always best to contact us. On some programs, we assign a specific departure date by age group to create the best possible social dynamics. For example, if grades 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 are listed on a program, note they will not all be traveling together on the same departure.
To find the programs with exclusive age-specific departures, look for tags saying “middle school” for students completing 7th and 8th grades, or “ON TOUR” for students completing 11th and 12th grades.
Who are the staff and what are their qualifications?
Our staff are educators, guidance counselors, coaches, college and university students, former camp counselors, residence life coordinators, community volunteers, world travelers, and other leaders with diverse backgrounds. Many are former participants themselves who couldn’t get enough of the Westcoast experience! Learn more about our summer leaders.
What is the difference between an Active Teen Tour and a Global Adventure program?
Our Active Teen Tours offer larger group sizes (generally 35-48 participants) and travel in deluxe motor coaches. Accommodations include quality hotels and occasional fun college residences.
Global Adventures are smaller group experiences (generally up to 26 participants on all itineraries other than the 17, 20 or 25-day Greece & Italy, 20-day Greece & Portugal or 10-day Greek Islands, which varies from 24-36 participants.)
Groups travel by private motor coaches and occasional public transportation internationally, and use passenger vans in the USA. Select European programs travel exclusively by train and public transportation. While these programs have a slightly bigger focus on adventure travel, we stay in quality hotels and lodges, always ensuring a good night’s rest.