Canadian residents pay in Canadian funds at the current exchange rate of 1.27
U.S. Explorer 40 Days
This summer teen tour is the ultimate American road trip, literally taking you “from sea to shining sea.” This 40-day adventure begins in New York and ends in California. Along the way, teens will experience the awe of natural wonders like Niagara Falls and the Grand Canyon, the hustle and bustle of cities like Chicago, and the excitement of California. This summer program brings teens together in a welcoming group environment to connect and share unforgettable experiences. You might think the “U.S.” before “Explorer” stands for United States… but actually it means Unforgettable Summer!
An adrenaline-filled program with the coolest activities, picture-perfect landmarks and a close group bond.
Hotels, resorts & college residences.
Includes breakfast and dinner daily.
Includes all recreation & activities listed.
Chartered deluxe, air conditioned motor coach with a professional driver.
Separate departure dates are assigned to create compatible co-ed age groups.
Varies from 28 to 48 participants.
This trip begins with a few of our favorite icebreakers and "get to know you" activities as we head upstate to Ithaca together. Ithaca is gorges and gorgeous and a great place for our bonding and orientation to begin. Experience the ultimate team building at the Hoffmann Challenge Course including the centerpiece high element, a 64′ high replica of Cornell’s McGraw Tower featuring a tree fort platform, rappelling stations, a 400′ double zip line, and a 40′ Giant Swing. Visit the Cornell campus including the bookstore. Browse the shops in the college town of Ithaca and enjoy a night of bowling with your new friends.
Get ready to see over 100,000 cubic feet of water falling nearly 165′ over the Horseshoe, American and Bridal Veil Falls. Grab a poncho and head onto the Maid of the Mist to feel the spray inside the curve of Horseshoe Falls before getting soaked on a Whirlpool Jet Boat tour down the Niagara River.
Turn up the volume at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame; learn about recent inductees including JAY-Z and The Foo Fighters. Hit up the “Roller Coaster Capital of the World,” Cedar Point with 18 coasters voted as one of the “Best Amusement Parks in the World”! Top rides include Magnum XL-200 (Hypercoaster), Millennium Force (Giga coaster), Top Thrill Dragster (Strata coaster) and the record-breaking, Steel Vengeance!
Check into the University of Michigan, and tour The Big House, home of the Wolverines. Grab a bite to eat on State Street in the heart of Ann Arbor. Buckle up for Whirlyball – lacrosse, bumper cars and basketball mixed into one wild game. Try the World Famous Chipati at Pizza House, a popular college hangout.
Enjoy the Blue Man Group at the Briar Street Theater. Venture to the top of the Willis (Sears) Tower, one of the tallest buildings in the United States and stand 1,353′ above Wacker Drive on the glass Skydeck. Explore Chicago’s number one tourist attraction, Navy Pier and take a ride in a surrey along the lakefront biking path. Visit the Museum of Science and Industry to walk inside Apollo 8 which first flew humans to the moon. Enjoy browsing the stores on Michigan Avenue! Laugh it up at the famed Second City’s comedy improv that has produced so many comedy legends.
Welcome to Minneapolis – the larger of the Twin Cities. Check out the Mall of America, one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world! Get set for the amazing FlyOver America! Its special effects including wind, mist and scents combine with the ride’s motion to create an unforgettable experience. Dive into one of the state’s 10,000 lakes and hang out on the shore or join a game of beach volleyball!
Hike through Badlands National Park. Sample the 5¢ coffee and get a bumper sticker from the world famous Wall Drug.
Hang out with Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt and Lincoln at Mount Rushmore. Venture deep into the earth at Jewel Cave National Monument, the second longest cave in the world, to see chambers and passages decorated with crystal formations. Browse the Reptile Gardens, home to more species of reptile than any other zoo or park in the world. Score a hole in one on a black light mini-golf course.
Yee haw from the wild-west, and the town named after “Buffalo Bill” Cody. Spend some time browsing the quaint shops in this western town. Embrace the beauty of the Shoshone National Forest on horseback. Participate in (yes, participate in!) or watch the Cody Rodeo.
Journey through America’s oldest National Park, Yellowstone, and watch Old Faithful erupt. Check out the geothermal features including the Fountain Paint Pots and keep your eyes peeled for bison and elk. Travel through Teton National Park on your way to zip down the 2,500′ alpine slide track. Browse the shops of downtown Jackson Hole. Whitewater raft down the Snake River for an adrenaline rush and great laughs!
Explore this resort ski town and the incredible hotel amenities including an indoor/outdoor pool, hot tub and fitness center. Visit the Olympic Park and whiz down the landing hill of a ski jump in an Extreme Tubing ride at up to 50 mph! Ride the tube, body and drop slides at Lagoon-A-Beach. Brave Cannibal, Lagoon’s newest state of the art roller coaster that includes vertical lifts, plunging free falls, break-over angles, underground tunnels, and three inversions.
Greetings from Canyon Country! Experience Zion National Park, named Zion by western pioneers meaning a place of peace and relaxation. Hike the Queen’s Trail in Bryce Canyon, known for its breathtaking red rocks. Make your way into the largest canyon in the world and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the Grand Canyon. Roll down the coral-hued sand dunes located beside red sandstone cliffs at the Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park.
Stroll Las Vegas Boulevard and its incredible sites – an erupting volcano at the Mirage, the dancing fountains and hand-blown glass sculptures at the Bellagio, the charm of Venice in the Venetian, the talking statues in the Forum Shops at Caesar’s Palace and more. Ride the roller coaster at New York-New York. Explore M&M World and live on the edge, literally, as you choose from Big Shot, Insanity or X-Scream 1000′ up the top of The STRAT Hotel’s observation tower.
Learn to ride the waves with professional surfing instructors. Play Frisbee, make a sandcastle or lounge on an incredible SoCal beach. Travel on the Skyfari for an aerial view of the San Diego Zoo. Explore Seaport Village on San Diego Bay. Spend the evening at San Diego’s iconic beachfront boardwalk, Belmont Park, and take a ride on the Giant Dipper or Tilt-A-Whirl while overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Beverly Hills – That’s where I want to be! Pick up a hoodie or other souvenirs at the UCLA bookstore. Pose with celebrities in Madame Tussauds. Stroll along the famous Hollywood Walk of Fame, browse the shops at Hollywood & Highland, and check out the imprints outside Mann’s Chinese Theater. Ride the three mountains (Space, Splash and Big Thunder) at Disneyland and explore ‘Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge’, and end the day with a spectacular fireworks display over the castle. Survive a flash flood, experience an earthquake, come face to face with Jaws, watch King Kong battle dinosaurs, see the Bates Mansion, and journey into the Mummy’s tomb on the Studio Tour at Universal Studios. Additionally, explore Universal Studios’ Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Enjoy an evening at the IMPROV Comedy Club on Melrose Avenue. Indulge your sweet tooth at Diddy Riese. Check out Venice Beach and the stores on Rodeo Drive. Take a stroll in Downtown Santa Monica on 3rd 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.
Relax on the shore of Tahoe, play beach volleyball, listen to music and perfect your tan. Learn to waterski with professional instructors or go tubing or wakeboarding. Sprawl on the deck of a sailboat as you cruise around the lake.
Greetings from the City by the Bay! Ferry over to Alcatraz*, meet the sea lions that call Pier 39 home, browse Fisherman’s Wharf, sample chocolates in Ghirardelli Square and take the cable car over to Chinatown. Wobble down Lombard Street, one of the most crooked in the world, ride across the Golden Gate Bridge and grab lunch in the small fishing town of Sausalito. Enjoy a farewell banquet to commemorate one Unforgettable Summer!
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!
*As per the National Park Service, we disclose that Alcatraz tour has a retail value of $41 included in the program tuition.
Ithaca, New York
Just minutes from downtown Ithaca, the Hampton Inn Ithaca Hotel provides a great home base for the start of your adventure! The hotel has an indoor pool and fitness center.
Niagara Falls
The Great Wolf Lodge is part of an indoor water park resort minutes from Niagara Falls.
Cleveland, Ohio
After the nation’s top amusement park-Cedar Point, enjoy great comfort at the Hyatt Place Cleveland/Independence.
Ann Arbor, Michigan
One of the nation’s most desired universities, the University of Michigan is located in beautiful Ann Arbor. You will love your stay at this Big Ten Campus. Check out The M Den on State Street for great Wolverine clothing. Go Blue!
Chicago, Illinois
Located in the heart of the Magnificent Mile on Michigan Avenue, the Omni Hotel is an all-suite hotel equipped with everything you would expect from a four-diamond accommodation, including an indoor swimming pool and two sundecks.
Bloomington, Minnesota
We stay at the newly renovated Embassy Suites Bloomington hotel located close to the famed Mall of America. All rooms are spacious suites with separate living areas. The hotel has an indoor pool and fitness center.
Mitchell, South Dakota
The Ramada Hotel and Conference Center by Wyndham provides you with a convenient place to rest and refresh en route to Rapid City.
Rapid City, South Dakota
Enjoy your stay at the comfortable Home2 Suites By Hilton Rapid City hotel, equipped with a fitness center and spacious suites. Set against the Black Hills of South Dakota and less than 35 minutes from Mount Rushmore.
Cody, Wyoming
Known as the rodeo capital of the world and not far from the east gate of Yellowstone National Park, get the full cowboy experience while in Cody. Stay at Buffalo Bill Village where every cabin has a rustic Wild West exterior while still offering the services of a full service hotel.
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.
Park City, Utah
This mountain, modern hotel is a stylish take on a ski lodge. During your stay at the Park City Peaks Hotel, enjoy the indoor/outdoor pool and chill in the hot tub with a view of the surrounding mountains.
Kanab, Utah
With comfortable rooms, a heated indoor pool, fitness center and more, the Holiday Inn Express hotel will make your stay as memorable as the magnificent scenery around you!
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!
San Diego, 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 space to spread out 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.
Los Angeles, California
The UCLA campus is so amazing that after your stay in the UCLA Residence, you might not be able to wait to send in your application. Enjoy their unmatched facilities and check out the bookstore in the Ackerman Union (the perfect place to pick up a great hoodie). You know you can wear it with pride, as UCLA was the first US College to win 100 team championships.
Lake Tahoe, California
Located at the base of Heavenly Mountain Resort, Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel is a breathtaking lodging option. The property features a heated outdoor pool, whirlpool, and a fitness center.
San Francisco, California
After a day of seeing all the San Francisco sights, enjoy spacious accommodations in this all-suite hotel where a separate living area and bedroom are standard features. The Embassy Suites San Francisco also has an indoor heated pool and fitness center.
Arrive in New York
For participants on this trip, transport by motor-coach leaves in the morning of the first day and is included from New York to the trip starting point in Ithaca. For our travelers from outside of NY, NJ, CT or PA, we are happy to assist you with arranging flights into New York for the afternoon before the departure and to provide chaperoned accommodations. You may also choose to meet us in Ithaca and we help you to coordinate your travel times to meet the group at the hotel.
Return Flight Home from San Francisco, California
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
Eating well while away from home is an important part of a summer’s success. We understand how it helps our travelers feel secure, happy and looking forward to their day. Our North American Active Teen Tours visit great restaurants. Depending on the itinerary, you may be dining at the Cheesecake Factory, Hard Rock Cafe, a popular upscale food hall/marketplace with local gourmet options or a happening area where you will have many cuisines to select from. We make a point to balance great food choices that teens love with trying great local favorites like the sourdough bread from the Boudin Bakery in San Francisco.
We have satisfied the choosiest of eaters and gladly accommodate most special dietary requests including vegetarian, anaphylactic 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, resorts and college residences, 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, gratuities & taxes, and motor coach transportation from New York to Ithaca.
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 fun college residences.
Global Adventures are smaller group experiences (generally up to 26 participants). Groups travel by private motor coaches and occasional public transportation internationally, and use passenger vans in the USA. 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.
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