contiki tours grand southern

• North America
• Coach tours (worldwide)

Grand Southern

21 Days Starting in Los Angeles (CA) and ending in Miami (FL)

Visiting: Los Angeles, Mojave Desert, Las Vegas, Seligman, Grand Canyon, Oljato-Monument Valley, Durango, Santa Fe, Amarillo, Fort Worth, Memphis, New Orleans, Panama City Beach, Orlando, Miami

Tour operator:

Recommended for:.

18-30 somethings

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

Special diets catered:.

Vegetarians, Please contact Contiki with specific dietary requirements

Tour operated in:

Trip styles:.

Adventure Tours , Coach tours (worldwide)

Beach Tours , Cultural

Activities:

Sightseeing

NB: Prices correct on 08-Jun-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour overview.

Travel through the USA doesn't get any grander than this. This sprawling adventure takes you from the glitz of Vegas through the gob-smacking Grand Canyon, the smooth jazz and intoxicating charm of New Orleans to the sun-soaked party scene of Miami. Welcome to the Great American Road Trip - the open road has never felt so good

See Beverly Hills

See Mann's Chinese Theatre, Walk of Fame and drive along the famous Sunset Strip

Visit Santa Monica & Venice Beach

Visit Fort Worth Stockyards

Visit the Legendary Sun Studios

One-way transfers to the amusement parks

Cuban dinner

7 Dinner (D)

17 Breakfast (B)

Los Angeles: This needs no introduction. See the palm-lined playground of the rich and famous with 30 of your new BFFs.

Los Angeles: Follow the lead of music icons through the decades and hang out on this infamous stretch of Sunset Boulevard.

Los Angeles: Photo op! Ramble around the iconic pink stars and hunt down your favourite celebs.

Los Angeles: A trip to Cali isn’t complete without seeing this boho beach town. Complete with its famous skate plaza and bodybuilders.

Los Angeles: Soak up those cool Cali vibes with your new Contiki fam. Explore the iconic pier and array of boutiques, bars and eateries.

Las Vegas: Where else would you find the Eiffel Tower and a Sphinx on the same street? See all the weird and wonderful Vegas highlights.

Las Vegas: This rainbow of rocks in the Nevada desert is cool AF and guaranteed a spot on our Insta page.

Las Vegas: Just when you thought Vegas couldn’t get any crazier, this nightly light show comes along and proves you wrong. Intense!

Grand Canyon: Don’t just believe the hype. See it IRL. Tick this incredible natural wonder of the world off your bucket list.

Monument Valley: You’ll instantly recognise the red landscape from the movies. Plus, you’ll get a glimpse into the Native American way of life.

Amarillo: A rainbow-coloured art installation. Made from Cadillacs in the desert. That glows in the dark. Why the heck not?

Dallas: Always wanted to know what it was like to live in the Wild West? Welcome to cowboy town.

Memphis: This iconic block of clubs and restaurants is a melting pot of blues, jazz, R&B, rock and gospel. And every muso’s dream.

Memphis: Visit the birthplace of rock ’n’ roll. Where Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash recorded their major records.

New Orleans: Get to know New Orleans on foot, with an orientation tour including the French Quarter – and the chance to sample the doughy and delightful New Orleans beignets.

New Orleans:

Orlando: Can you handle this level of excitement? All of your childhood dreams are about to come true...

Miami: Mojitos all round! It’s time to relax with your new buddies and sample some sizzling Cuban fare.

New Orleans: Sample the delicious doughy goodness that is a staple of the city's food culture.

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Day 1: Start Los Angeles

Location: los angeles, accommodation: kawada hotel (or similar), meals included: dinner.

Get into the city that mixes up glamour, grit and the American Dream: Los Angeles. It’s packed with legends, full of energy and there are loads of things to do. Head to mythical Hollywood and walk across the holy ground for stars. Check out the Kodak Theatre, where the Oscars are held every year and Mann's Chinese Theatre, where so many greats have pressed their hands into the cement. Cruise down the hottest shopping street in LA, Melrose Avenue, and one of the best areas for nightlife, the Strip (Sunset Boulevard), with its billboards, clubs and eateries, before getting a glimpse at one of the world’s wealthiest suburbs in Beverly Hills. A little further west discover Santa Monica, LA’s oldest beach resort. Known for its liberal vibes, art galleries and wide sand beaches, Santa Monica is all about the California coast lifestyle. See the famous pier, which serves as a permanent amusement park, complete with a solar powered Ferris wheel. Maybe later travel out to LA’s quirkiest suburb where anything goes: Venice Beach. A favourite hang out spot for locals, colourful Venice Beach attracts all sorts of people. Get a feel for street life when you hit the buzzing boardwalk, where performers, tattoo artists, hair braiders, musicians and roller bladers gather. Make sure you check out the markets and stalls, as well as the greased-up body builders pumping iron at the famous open air gym, Muscle Beach. Later head out and hit the town's hottest bars and clubs.

Day 2: Los Angeles

Meals included: breakfast.

The day is yours to explore the City of Angels. Opt to visit Universal Studios or Disneyland or check out LA Live entertainment venue.  The shopping goes off, so look for deals in the garment district. Visit the Grammy Museum and for the foodies among us there's a downtown LA food tour to taste all of the wonders of the multicultural food Mecca.

Day 3: Los Angeles To Las Vegas

Location: los angeles, mojave desert, accommodation: tropicana hotel (or similar), meals included: breakfast, dinner.

We'll kick things off today in the famed City of Angels, where we'll set off through the Mojave Desert, marveling at the majestic Joshua Trees, before reaching the one and only Las Vegas. On arrival we'll cruise the iconic strip & check out the Vegas sign. Tonight, choose to hang out around Fremont Street or opt for a VIP nightclub experience for the kind of glitzy night out that only Vegas can provide.

Day 4: Las Vegas

Location: las vegas.

You're in Vegas, baby! And the city's weird & wonderful charm isn't going to uncover itself. Experience the grandeur of the city's opulent casinos as we stroll down the strip and dance the night away, this is the perfect way to bond with your Contiki family, Vegas style.

Day 5: Las Vegas To The Grand Canyon

Location: las vegas, seligman, grand canyon, accommodation: under canvas grand canyon (or similar).

Today we'll leave the glittering lights of Vegas behind for something even more jaw-dropping. Cruising the historic route 66, we'll stop for some photo ops before reaching the Grand Canyon National Park (entrance included, naturally). We've arrived at another one of our jaw-dropping highlights of this trip... The Grand Canyon!

Day 6: The Grand Canyon

Location: grand canyon.

You will be contemplating life, existence, and the immense size of the Grand Canyon with a free day to spend in Grand Canyon National Park. You can spend your day feeling a part of the wilderness as you go hiking through the exposed rock, but by far the most spine tingling experience at this natural wonder is one of our optional chopper rides through the UNESCO World Heritage site. Indulgent sure, but one of those life moments you deserve to treat yourself to. Tonight settle in to watch the sunset on the rim - the image will plaster a wide grin on your face for years to come.

Day 7: Grand Canyon To Durango

Location: grand canyon, oljato-monument valley, durango, accommodation: days inn by wyndham (or similar).

With the beauty of the Grand Canyon imprinted on our brains forever, we'll journey past some Wild Western landscapes towards... This monumental place has an iconic cluster of sandstone buttes, and we'll get a chance to visit the Monument Valley Tribal park as we wind our way through the Rocky Mountains We've arrived in our home for the evening, Colorado's adventure capital: Durango

Day 8: Durango To Santa Fe

Location: durango, santa fe, accommodation: the lodge at santa fe (or similar).

The great outdoors is a way of life in Durango with adrenaline pumping river rafting on offer to you and your fellow thrill seekers. This afternoon it’s a total change of scenery when we enter New Mexico, where sun-baked earthen brick buildings stand out against the bright blue sky. Boasting influences from Mexico, Spain, and Native American cultures, historic Santa Fe is a true melting pot of culture. Take a walk around town to see interesting styles of architecture, shop for beautiful turquoise jewellery in the market and  sample all of the different types of regional food on offer.

Day 9: Santa Fe To Amarillo

Location: santa fe, amarillo, accommodation: big texan inn (or similar).

Rise and shine! Does anyone know the way to Amarillo? We're headed to this larger than life city this morning. In true Americana Style, we'll visit Cadillac Ranch, a unique art exhibit celebrating the golden age of Cadillacs. Our accommodation tonight even has a Texas shaped pool and a hotel for your horse if you thought to bring it along. Tonight, try your hat at the "Big Texan Steak Challenge" for a true man vs food moment. Eternal glory awaits anyone who can finish this Texas sized meal in one hour or less.

Day 10: Amarillo To Fort Worth

Location: amarillo, fort worth, accommodation: holiday inn express & suites fort worth downtown (or similar).

We'll say farewell to Amarillo and sweet Marie today as we head towards a Texan icon. Here in the land of leather boots & Cadillacs, you'll soon learn that ‘bigger is better' is a way of life. An overnight stay in the cowboy town of Fort Worth will give you the full Texan experience.

Day 11: Dallas/Fort Worth

Location: fort worth.

Today we'll dive deep into the Texan way of life. We'll see a cattle drive, visit the Dealey Plaza and have options to tour the iconic home of the Dallas Cowboys or see the 6th floor museum.

Day 12: Dallas/Fort Worth To Memphis

Location: fort worth, memphis, accommodation: crowne plaza memphis downtown (or similar).

Swinging past Little Rock High School, a historic site of the Civil Rights movement, we'll head to a place with a big rock heritage. We'll get a city orientation of musical Memphis this afternoon, with a whole day of sightseeing awaiting us tomorrow.

Day 13: Memphis

Location: memphis.

Today's the day to get into the history of music your way. We'll start with a visit to Sun Studios where Elvis recorded his very first song. Want more? Why not check out Graceland, the home of the King, or the Rock and Soul Museum.

Day 14: Memphis To New Orleans

Location: memphis, new orleans, accommodation: la quinta inn and suites new orleans downtown (or similar).

We'll say farewell to Memphis today as we head to somewhere with a meaty musical heritage of its own. This city will romance you with its soul and have you swooning over its spiritual heart - the French Quarter. The main drag culminates at Jackson Square with the iconic wrought iron balconies lining the streets. You'll be hard pressed to pick which you find more enchanting, the European/Caribbean fusion food or the non-stop jazz festival vibe. No matter which, tonight we turn up the volume and hit Bourbon Street to sample the live music and bar culture that New Orleans has to offer. This evening, why not opt for a Taste of New Orleans dinner, to taste all the melting pot of flavours this fascinating place has to offer?

Day 15: New Orleans

Location: new orleans.

Now that you know New Orleans like one of the locals, it's your day to do your own thing. Stroll down Frenchmen street for the sounds of jazz and funk, head to the vast grassy oasis of the city park or check out the New Orleans museum of art for an extensive collection of gorgeous French masterpieces. Our recommendation? Head to the SoFAB – Southern Food & Beverage Museum for some classic gumbo, or experience your own Airboat adventure.

Day 16: New Orleans To Panama City Beach

Location: new orleans, panama city beach, accommodation: baymont by wyndham panama city beach (or similar).

Leaving New Orleans won't be easy, but knowing we're bound for one of the “world's most beautiful beaches” helps. There's only one way to test the rumours, so we'll take a dip in the crystal clear waters and kick back on the pure white sands of Panama City Beach.

Day 17: Panama City Beach To Orlando

Location: panama city beach, orlando, accommodation: baymont by wyndham universal blvd (or similar).

Tear yourself away from the beach, there are exciting times ahead! We arrive in Orlando today with a trip to Universal Studios on the cards. We hope you budgeted for butterbeer.

Day 18: Orlando

Location: orlando.

Today is your opportunity to visit the epic Universal Studios, where you can visit Diagon Alley, splash around in the vast water park or visit the islands of adventure. There's something for everyone in this dizzying spectacle of rides, film and entertainment.

Day 19: Orlando To Miami

Location: orlando, miami, accommodation: catalina hotel (or similar).

We'll venture south to glamorous Miami today. A little mouthwatering Cuban cuisine will get us in the mood with a delicious regional group deal setting the scene for two full days of art deco & celeb-spotting in this tropical paradise.  For anyone looking for an adrenaline rush, the option is there for a Thriller Speedboat across the bay.

Day 20: Miami

Location: miami.

It's time for some magical Miami sightseeing today. We'll head downtown and of course the South Beach. Options for a bike down the beach or party in the city where the heat is on.

Day 21: End Miami

Time to say goodbye to your crew. It's been a blast, but all good things must come to an end. With our sun-kissed skin and eyes on the next horizon, it's time to plan our next Contiki. Peru, anyone?

What's Included

You can expect to refuel with hearty breakfasts and delicious dinners from us but we'll also give you the opportunity to sample some of the best local cuisine. You'll taste it all - from simple street eats to gourmet fare.

Professional, insightful and fun, our Trip Managers, Drivers and Local Guides in the USA & Canada are highly trained and ready to show you this incredible part of the world. Armed with their little black books of must sees, dos and eats, they'll help you avoid the tourist traps and show you the time of your life.

Check out our Q&As

How long has the tour company been trading.

In 1961, a guy called John Anderson founded Contiki in New Zealand. Whilst later bought by The Travel Corporation, the tour company had already been using the name ‘Contiki’ since its inception.

Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

Contiki trips are designed & operated exclusively for those aged 18-35 years. Your travelling companions will be like-minded adventurers within that age range. The age range is adhered to strictly.

What policies are in place for Covid-19?

Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

What ethical travel credentials does the tour company have.

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® is our commitment to protect people, wildlife and the incredible planet we all share. Powered by The TreadRight Foundation, a non-profit organisation and Contiki’s guiding hand when it comes to making travel matter.

What documents will I receive before I travel?

All documentation will be sent via email around 21 days prior to your trip departure. You can also access information on your trip by signing up to My Contiki via the top right icon of the homepage.

Reviews of this operator

Northern choice plus kaikoura.

The trip ran so smoothly and was well organised! The extra add ons were amazing and all the services were spot on. Food places were reasonable. I'm definitely booking my next contiki trip again soon!

Exceptional customer service

Contiki were exceptional in providing customer service. They provided me with lots of information and were quick in responding to all my questions. I found that they were super helpful.

First time traveling with Contiki. Highly recommend! You’ll have a blast

First time traveling internationally since Covid and glad I spent the trip with Contiki. The travel, lodging, meals, activities everything was planned effortlessly. Going to Greece in may with contiki. Highly recommend

Amazing trip. Made great friends and memories. Can’t wait for my next trip

I had 24 people on my contiki and I think it was the perfect number, we all got to know each other well and got along great. Our tour guide was fun and knowledgeable, the hotels were nice and in great locations.

My amazing trip to Africa

Sherif was an excellent tour guide. He was extremely knowledgeable about every single small detail at each site that we visited. In addition to his great service, he has a glowing spirit that made me feel like I had family with me the entire trip. Anything that I was concerned about, he always had an answer and was there to help. I truly enjoyed my experience and will purchase a tour with him in the future

1 Dates & Availability

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Thursday - Wednesday

Operator discount: -$482

Exclusive Members Discount: -$195

Operator discount: -$241

Exclusive Members Discount: -$206

Operator discount: -$724

Exclusive Members Discount: -$185

Exclusive Members Discount: -$179

Tuesday - Monday

Exclusive Members Discount: -$182

Exclusive Members Discount: -$180

Book with Confidence

Transfer as credit to future tours.

Contiki allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform contiki, 60 days before departure.

Low Deposit

Contiki requires a minimum deposit of 200 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

Cancellation Policy

We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of contiki charges.

Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 25% of booking price.

At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.

At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

Terms and Conditions

Click here to read our full terms and conditions

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USA: LA to Miami | 2024

Tour description:.

Travel through the USA doesn't get any grander than this. This sprawling adventure takes you from the glitz of Vegas through the gob-smacking Grand Canyon, the smooth jazz and intoxicating charm of New Orleans to the sun-soaked party scene of Miami. Welcome to the Great American Road Trip - the open road has never felt so good.

Dates & Pricing

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Request a Galapagos Quote for 11/1/2020 – Galapagos Inner Loop – 7 Nights Roundtrip Baltra | From $8,512

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Request a Galapagos Quote for 8/11/2019 – Galapagos Inner Loop – 7 Nights Roundtrip Baltra | From $9,380

All fares are in US dollars, per person, based on double occupancy, and reflect promotional savings, are for new bookings only, are subject to availability, and must be booked by September 1, 2019. Promotional savings in categories F-B on the December 21st sailing and categories C-D on the December 27th sailing only. *Included roundtrip airfare from Los Angeles or San Francisco is based on availability in class of service. Offer may be combined with applicable 3rd guest in stateroom offer but may not be combinable with other offers. Port, security, and handling charges of $149 per person are additional. Additional terms and conditions may apply. Call for details. Ship’s registry: Bahamas.

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The ULTIMATE Contiki Q&A session! (Grand Southern Adventure)

It's been two weeks since I got back from my trip and I still have #noregrets ✌️@Contiki @statravel_uk #contiki #grandsouthern #america #USA A post shared by Jess Buck|JourneyswithJessica (@jessica16_x) on Jul 22, 2016 at 10:34am PDT

Hey everyone,

So last week on social media I asked you to put your Contiki Grand Southern questions across to me and I promised to answer each and every one of them! I’ve been receiving tonnes of messages lately from people who have booked trips in the next 12 months asking what to pack, how much to budget for and other general queries so I thought it would be fun to do a Q & A session! This post is tailored to the Grand Southern Adventure I have just come back from (and many of you are booking the same trip by the sounds of it!) but some of the answers will be useful if you are planning a Contiki trip anywhere in the world.

I have to say I wasn’t expecting this amount of interaction and my inboxes have been absolutely FLOODED with messages from people on Twitter, Instagram & Facebook with loads of fab questions. So here are all my answers for you – if you’re thinking of going on a Contiki trip, or if you already have one booked, I hope this will help a little to ease your first time travel nerves or will help with your packing woes! Lets get this show on the road….

Question: How strict are Contiki on their luggage limits, and would you recommend a suitcase or a backpack?

Answer: According to the paperwork in the Contiki Welcome Pack, the standard luggage allowance per person is 1x 20kg bag in hold (under the bus) and 1x small day bag on board. The official Contiki size guide is 1x suitcase or bag measuring a max of 73cm x 50cm x 25cm although some of the people on our tour did have bigger cases! I guess it depends on your driver and how lenient they are, but this is the recommended size for all luggage. Oh and I would 1000% recommend a suitcase over a backpack ANYDAY of the week! Suitcases are sooo much more convenient in terms of wheeling them to and from the bus each day, and to and from each hotel!

One more sleep!!!!! 🇺🇸✈️🇺🇸✈️ @contiki #noregrets #USA A post shared by Jess Buck|JourneyswithJessica (@jessica16_x) on Jun 6, 2016 at 2:14pm PDT

Question: How often do you get chance to do laundry?

Answer: The choice of hotels on the Grand Southern is so good, most of them have free WIFI and laundry facilities and they’re all in great locations. Not every hotel had laundry, but I’d say about every 4th one did, so there was a chance to do some washing at least once a week. I pitched in with some of my tour mates and did washing together so we got usage out of the washing powder and saved some of our pennies!

Question: Did you need to buy a separate US sim card for your phone, or did you just use WIFI?

Answer: The States is notoriously expensive for non US residents so, naturally, I was a little worried about using my phone over there! Contiki actually provide you with a USA and Canada sim card which is pre activated and ready to use on your trip. You’ll get this in your little Welcome Pack which is posted out to you before you fly – cute! Most people bought sim cards from the nearest Walmart though and used these as I think it gave you a bit more value for money. I was fortunate enough to switch phone providers just before I flew out, so Three Network allowed me to use my phone in the same way I would if I was at home, and I was texting and phoning home normally without having to pay any extra – AMAZING!! If however you can’t take advantage of this, or you’re not keen on getting a sim card, then I’d just stick to the WIFI, there’s plenty of it in the restaurants, hotels, shops and bars at each of the Grand Southern destinations so you should be fine!

Ahhh my last day at home before my big American adventure tomorrow!! ✈️🇺🇸@contiki #noregrets A post shared by Jess Buck|JourneyswithJessica (@jessica16_x) on Jun 6, 2016 at 4:27am PDT

Question: Is there anything you brought that you thought you’d need but didn’t end up using?

Answer: This is a GREAT question – I wish I’d asked someone this before I went on my trip! I took quite a few clothes that I thought I’d use but didn’t; I wore tops and shorts over and over again just cos it was easy and I was too lazy to root through my suitcase. I brought magazines in case I had some downtime and was bored – I didn’t read them, they were chucked out in Miami as they were weighing down my day bag (sorry OK mag). I also brought about 20 pairs of socks which I didn’t use AT ALL! I guess it depends what type of shoes you wear, but I was in flip flops and pumps most days so didn’t need them.

Question: Did you have the same roommate the whole tour?

Answer: Yes I did have the same roomie the whole tour, and I wouldn’t have had it any other way! My roomie Poppy was so amazing, she was like me in the sense that she likes to party but doesn’t want to roll home with a random stranger at 5 o clock in the morning! We got on really well the entire trip and I was so lucky to have her as my roomie – miss you Pop!! <3 Some people did switch roomies midway through the Grand Southern, as those who left/joined in New Orleans affected the pairings. If you’re reeaaally unhappy with your roomie you could always ask your Tour Manager if you can switch with someone, it messes up the hotel names but other than that it doesn’t really matter.

I miss my #Contiki roomie too much 😭😭 @poppy_sparrow #noregrets #roomies #girls #love 💖💖 A post shared by Jess Buck|JourneyswithJessica (@jessica16_x) on Aug 17, 2016 at 8:56am PDT

Question: How strict are Contiki with their age policy and can someone over 35 travel if they are with someone under 35?

Answer: I actually contacted Contiki for the answer to this as I wanted to get it 100% correct! Here’s their official statement: “We are proud to be the best in class and like to uphold our promises to our travelers, one being our 18-35 year policy. We would not be able to accommodate anyone over 35 travelling with us.” I think that’s pretty clear!

Question: Did you bring a beach towel with you and did you need to use it?

Answer: Yes, I brought one with me. No, I didn’t use it! I did want to use it on the beaches we stopped at in Florida, but we were able to take the hotel ones which I guess made it easier as I didn’t have to wash my towel before we left etc. If I were doing another trip I wouldn’t bring a beach towel with me. Don’t forget your swim stuff though, there’s plenty of opportunities for pool parties whilst on Contiki!

Pool party 👙💦 #Dallas A post shared by Jess Buck|JourneyswithJessica (@jessica16_x) on Jun 16, 2016 at 7:20pm PDT

Question: How many outfits did you bring?

Answer: TOO MANY is the answer to that! I’m a typical over packer anyway, I once went to Spain for a week and took 8 bikinis :O What can I say, I like to have a bit of choice!! You really don’t need to take too many clothes though, especially as you can do laundry every few days and you can reuse lots of things. The Grand Southern lasts for 27 days so I took 5-6 pairs of shorts, 12 tops (vests & t-shirts), a couple of skirts, a few day dresses and 2 evening dresses. Oh and don’t forget your essentials like pants etc (I literally took about 30 pairs of knickers!) and footwear, like I said before I was mainly in flip flops and pumps but you can wear whatever you’re comfy in.

Question: How many ‘going out’ clothes do you need? ie for clubbing etc

Answer: I actually only bought two going out dresses, one for Vegas and one for Miami, but I forgot that we had two nights in each (duuhh Jess) so I went and bought a few other dressy outfits at various shops and outlet centres so I could wear them to go clubbing! The big cities we stopped at on the Grand Southern are pretty laid back when it comes to night time attire, especially for the ladies, but for boys it’s a bit stricter – think shirts, trousers and shoes, not vests, shorts and sandals! The only thing I WISH I took more than anything was one pair of heels! Clubbing in Vegas & Miami without my heels on just didn’t feel right – who’s with me girls?!

Miami rooftops 🎉🇺🇸 #saturdaynight A post shared by Jess Buck|JourneyswithJessica (@jessica16_x) on Jun 25, 2016 at 10:41pm PDT

Question: Are there any mobile device charging points on the bus?

Answer: I think it depends which bus you get; our first one had just a handful of charging points at the rear of the bus only, but we swapped buses towards the end and there were chargers on every seat!

Question: Does the bus have free WIFI?

Answer: Yes and no, again it depends on which bus you get. Our first one did have WIFI but it was very limited, and my phone would never connect to it! The second bus had no WIFI at all. The bus is a place to chill and relax though (and sleep, like I did constantly) and it’s fun to join in with group games instead of being on the internet all the time!

Question: Do the hotels have free WIFI?

Answer: Yes, most of the ones on the Grand Southern had some sort of free WIFI, either in the rooms or downstairs in the reception area. There were often computers in the lobby to if you wanted to make use of them. I actually used one of the PC’s in our Washington hotel to write a blog post for all you lovely lot! 🙂

Question: What optional extras would you do, and what ones would you skip? (Grand Southern only)

Answer: If you can, do them ALL!! I did pretty much all of them bar a few, just because of money etc. I made sure I took enough spends with me though so I could enjoy myself and be fully immersed in the Contiki spirit! Must do’s (in my opinion) are the Cirque Du Soleil in Vegas, the Grand Canyon helicopter, white water rafting in Durango, speed-boating in Miami, baseball games in Memphis & Washington, swamp boating in New Orleans, Universal/Disney in Orlando & parasailing on Daytona Beach. I also saw the hot air ballooning in Albuquerque was pretty special, although I didn’t take part in this. Make sure you take part in the group surprise and the group photos too, such lovely memories of your time together! If I was to skip any I’d say the Dallas Cowboy stadium tour is the least exciting – especially as I thought I was going to see a Dallas RODEO show instead of some football stadium! #oops – but yeah, if you’re into American sports then it’s cool but otherwise it’s a bit boring.

Ticked soooo much off my #bucketlist when I was on tour!! From helicoptering across #grandcanyon to speedboating in #Miami I'd do it all again in a heartbeat 💖 @contiki @statravel_uk #contiki #grandsouthern #USA #america #noregrets A post shared by Jess Buck|JourneyswithJessica (@jessica16_x) on Jul 18, 2016 at 4:13am PDT

Question: Do I need a US VISA for a Contiki trip?

Answer: Yes, you will need a US VISA for the Grand Southern, or any other US & Canada trip if you are not a US resident. I think this costs around £25 and your travel agent can sort this for you, or you can do it yourself online.

Question: How many nights pre/post tour would you recommend to stay?

Answer: I would definitely stay for at least 3 nights pre trip and 3 nights post trip, if you can afford it! I literally landed in LA the night before the tour started so unfortunately didn’t have chance to see ANYTHING of La La Land which I was pretty gutted about. If you’re an avid reader of my blog you’ll know that I paid a lot of money to change my flights and stay an extra night in New York at the end of the trip, but that’s because it was 4th July and I wanted to celebrate with my new Contiki family! If I were to go again I’d 100% stay a couple of nights extra at either end of the trip so you can make the most of your time in both LA and NYC as you don’t get any included time at these destinations on the Grand Southern.

L.A L.A L.A ✈️🇺🇸✈️🇺🇸 A post shared by Jess Buck|JourneyswithJessica (@jessica16_x) on Jun 7, 2016 at 8:54pm PDT

Last day on tour 🇺🇸🎉 #NYC #timessquare #america #USA @contiki @statravel_uk #contiki #noregrets A post shared by Jess Buck|JourneyswithJessica (@jessica16_x) on Jul 5, 2016 at 1:11pm PDT

Question: Did you meet anyone from your trip online before you went? How do the Contiki MeetUps work?

Answer: Yep, I found the online MeetUps fairly easily via the Contiki website, and more and more people started to join in the run up to the trip starting. We also then made a group Facebook page and added everyone to it as it was a much easier way of keeping in touch with everyone. I found that this group really helped us to bond, I spoke to quite a few people quite a lot before the trip started so it felt as if I knew them before we even met on that first night in LA!

Question: Did you get to stop off much on long drive days?

Answer: You’re driving on average around 8 hours a day on the Grand Southern, sometimes a little longer, sometimes a little shorter, and there were plenty of opportunities to stop. We’d stop at Walmarts, or large retail parks, to do some shopping and to grab some proper lunch and stock up on snacks etc. The stops were interesting and varied, one was Monument Valley, Utah (INSANE!), one was Seligman, Arizona- an official Route 66 stop, and one was Little Rock High School, Arkansas; a museum/exhibiton about the desegregation of public schools in the US. We also made longer stops at Santa Fe (New Mexico), Charleston (South Carolina) & Philadelphia (Pennsylvania) where we had plenty of free-time to explore. The stops really help to break up the driving days and allow you to visit lots of new states before you reach your destinations.

🇺🇸🇺🇸 A post shared by Jess Buck|JourneyswithJessica (@jessica16_x) on Jun 12, 2016 at 7:57pm PDT

Question: How much do you recommend to tip your tour manager/driver?

Answer: The recommended suggestion from Contiki is $3 per day for driver and for your TM, or more if you think they’ve gone above and beyond. I tipped both John, our TM and Ray, our driver, $100 each for the full 27 days as I thought they were truly amazing and they looked after me during my time on tour. It really depends how generous you’re feeling, but they do a dam good job and I felt they really earned their tips so I was happy to pay a little extra! Miss you guys! X

Missing #NYC and my @contiki team John & Ray-Ray! 🎉 @jnavarro467 #tbt #contiki #noregrets A post shared by Jess Buck|JourneyswithJessica (@jessica16_x) on Aug 18, 2016 at 2:11am PDT

So there we have it! I feel EXHAUSTED but not in a bad way, in a good way. Like a really, really good way and hopefully this may have helped those of you who are going on Contiki in the not too distant future. Dammm I wish I had seen this blog post before I did my first Contiki trip 😉 Just kidding, hindsight is a wonderful thing!

So you should now be ready to jump on to your first Contiki bus fully armed with knowledge and able to survive your trips! Please tell me where you are going as I’d love to hear all your fab itineraries (and cry myself to sleep because I won’t be joining you) – tell me your travel plans! Oh and if you think I’ve missed aaaaanything at all (I bloody hope not!) then just shout, I’m honestly here to help!

Love Jess x

So after 28 amazing days the time has come for me to leave the US of A and travel home from my first solo adventure! I've white water rafted in Durango, helicoptered over the Grand Canyon, parasailed on Daytona Beach, been speed boating in Miami and celebrated Independence Day in New York! I've had the time of my life with the most amazing people making 52 new friends as well as hundreds of new memories that will last a lifetime! Honestly the best thing I've ever done and I'd do it all again in a heartbeat. Now it's time for me to fly home from NYC in my contiki top and cowboy boots in true tourist style! Til next time America… Mum I'm coming homeeee 🇺🇸🎉💖 #noregrets @contiki @statravel_uk @travelstarwarsjoe A post shared by Jess Buck|JourneyswithJessica (@jessica16_x) on Jul 5, 2016 at 4:45pm PDT

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Hi there, I am planning on doing the Grand Southern next summer, but I will have only just turned 18. Were there any people that young on your trip and were they able to get in to the bars/clubs. I dont mind about not drinking but i still want to be able to go out dancing etc! Thanks x

Hey Maddy, thanks for your comment! There actually wasn’t anyone as young as 18 on our trip, although there were a couple of 20 year olds who were just under the 21 age limit for drinking! It’s tricky if you’re not over 21 as a lot of the clubs and bars in big cities (NYC, Vegas, Miami etc) won’t even let you in even if you aren’t drinking! But you’ll be fine in the local bars in smaller areas such as Durango, Amarillo, Savannah etc – it really depends how you feel but the bouncers in clubs in big cities are super strict and you definitely won’t be allowed in to those places! I hope this helps – let me know if you have any more questions at all! Jess x

Hi jess, This page is amazing so glad i came across it thank you 🙂 x Me and my best friend are doing the grand southern this summer, and i was wondering how much spending money you took or how much you would recommend? We are interested in doing quite a few of the add ons as well and wanted to make sure we have the correct funds so we don’t miss out on anything. Thanks xx

Hi Olivia, thank you for your lovely comment! So glad you found this post useful, I made it for people just like you who are going on the same tour! I took 3000 US Dollars and ended up spending it ALL! I didn’t really intend to spend that much, but when you add up the optional extras (came to over $550 in total, plus the amount you spend on going out, meals, drinks, souvenirs etc etc it goes pretty quickly especially if you’re staying in LA/NY for a day or two before/after the tour starts. I think $3000 works out around £2200 so I found that to be a good amount for me, it should give you enough but maybe take a little extra if you want to do all the options, I skipped quite a few and didn’t do the hot air balloon in Albuquerque as that was $180 in itself but I’d say between $3000-$3500 is about right. How exciting – hope you have the best time, I LOVED my tour! Feel free to ask any other questions that I haven’t covered in this post – happy to help! 🙂 JEss x

Hi Jess, Amazing blog, it is so helpful considering I am going on this tour in a couple of weeks !! I actually had a question with regards to luggage, I have really been struggling to find the correct dimensions for my suitcase as they all seem to be about 30 cm deep instead of the 25cm as set by contiki. What dimensions was your suitcase and do you have any suggestions of whether a soft case of hard case is better ?? Thank you in advance! Alice x

Hey Alice, thanks so much for your lovely comment – I’m glad you found the post helpful! Re the suitcase dimensions, I really wouldn’t worry too much about it, they don’t measure the case at all! As long as it’s not absolutely enormous it’s not an issue as will still fit under the coach, and I think those dimensions are guidelines rather than restrictions. Some people were staying on in America for a month after the tour and had a suitcase and a large holdall and even that was fine, so honestly don’t worry too much about it! Hope this helps – feel free to ask any other questions you might have as I’d be more than happy to share my tips with you – have the most amazing time 🙂 Jess x

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City Bus Tours, Hop-On Hop-Off and amazing local tours

Contiki USA tours

The United States is a vast and diverse country with a wide range of attractions, from vibrant cities to stunning natural landscapes. Here are some of the best destinations to explore on a Contiki USA tour:

• New York City, New York : Experience the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple in New York City. Explore iconic landmarks like Times Square, Central Park, and the Statue of Liberty, and immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant culture and nightlife.
• Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona : Marvel at the breathtaking beauty of the Grand Canyon, one of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders. Take in panoramic views from the rim, hike scenic trails, or experience the canyon from above on a helicopter tour.
• Las Vegas, Nevada : Experience the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas, the entertainment capital of the world. Explore the famous Las Vegas Strip, catch a world-class show, and try your luck at the casinos.
• San Francisco, California : Discover the eclectic charm of San Francisco, known for its iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and Fisherman’s Wharf. Explore vibrant neighborhoods like Chinatown and the Mission District, and ride a cable car through the city’s hilly streets.
• Yosemite National Park, California : Explore the stunning natural beauty of Yosemite National Park, home to towering granite cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and ancient sequoia trees. Hike scenic trails, rock climb in the Yosemite Valley, or relax by the Merced River.
• Los Angeles, California : Experience the glitz and glamour of Hollywood in Los Angeles. Visit famous attractions like the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Griffith Observatory, and Universal Studios Hollywood, and relax on the beaches of Santa Monica and Venice.
• Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming : Discover the natural wonders of Yellowstone National Park, America’s first national park. Explore geothermal features like Old Faithful and the Grand Prismatic Spring, spot wildlife like bison and grizzly bears, and hike scenic trails through the park’s diverse landscapes.
• Miami, Florida : Relax on the beautiful beaches of Miami and soak up the city’s vibrant culture and nightlife. Explore art deco architecture in South Beach, visit the colorful neighborhoods of Little Havana and Wynwood, and cruise along Biscayne Bay.
• New Orleans, Louisiana : Experience the unique blend of cultures in New Orleans, known for its jazz music, Creole cuisine, and lively festivals. Explore the historic French Quarter, enjoy live music on Bourbon Street, and indulge in delicious beignets and gumbo.
• Washington, D.C. : Explore the nation’s capital and discover iconic landmarks like the White House, Capitol Hill, and the National Mall. Visit world-class museums and monuments, and take in panoramic views from the top of the Washington Monument.

These destinations offer a diverse range of experiences, from cultural immersion to outdoor adventures, making them perfect for a memorable Contiki USA tour.

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Everything you need to know to attend the Grand Canyon's 2024 Star Party

E ver wondered what a party for the stars might look like? Look no further, the Grand Canyon's got you covered: the 2024 Star Party is here!

No, we're not talking about celebrities. We're talking about the shining stars in the sky. Grand Canyon National Park is hosting a weeklong party for attendees to enjoy a pristine view of the night sky. 

Each night from June 1 through June 8, partygoers will have the opportunity to attend evening programs from guest speakers, go on a constellation tour with a park ranger, and test their amateur astronomer skills. 

The event begins at sunset, although the best viewing is after 9 p.m. and many telescopes come down after 11 p.m. But on nights with clear, calm skies, some astronomers continue sharing their telescopes into the night, GCNP said on its website. 

Skies will be starry and dark until the moon rises the first night. The moon will rise progressively later throughout the week of the Star Party.

Sound like a party you want to attend? Here's everything you need to know to take in the celestial show all week long. 

Where is the 2024 Star Party?

The star party will be hosted at both rims, with slightly varying activities and times. 

At the South Rim, nightly programs are hosted at 8 p.m. in the Visitor Center's Theater. Space is limited, so get there early. GCNP suggests on their website. Theatre doors open at 7:40 p.m. 

After the evening programs on the South Rim, there will be telescope viewing in the large lot behind the Visitor Center. Park rangers will offer constellation tours at 9 p.m., 9:30 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. For a full schedule events, head to the website.

At the North Rim, telescopes will be set up on the porch of the Grand Canyon Lodge each evening. The programming at the North Rim will be presented at 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium of the Grand Canyon Lodge each day, and, much like the South Rim, there will be constellation tours given throughout the evening. Check out the full schedule here.

How can I get involved?

Calling all amateur astronomers, GCNP has a job for you! From telescopic outreach and visual and imaging to laser-guided constellation tours and demonstration toolkits, GCNP has roles for everyone. 

• Sign up for the South Rim Star Party with the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association .
• Sign up for the North Rim Star Party with the Saguaro Astromomy Club.

How much does it cost?

To get into the Grand Canyon National Park, you need to buy a Standard Entrance Pass, which can be bought online or at the entrance to the park for $20-35. If you have an America the Beautiful Pass or a Grand Canyon Annual Pass, you can use those as well. The standard pass is good for all seven days of the 2024 Star Party.

Camping or lodging reservations are recommended, GCNP said. To check out options for camping or lodging , head to the park's website.

Preparing for the party

Even though it is hot in Phoenix, it will likely be cool at the Grand Canyon, especially at night. That's why GCNP recommends you dress warmly to view the celestial show. 

While it's tempting to use your phone flashlight or a lantern, GCNP suggests attendees use a red flashlight. If you don't have one already, never fear: You can make one at home!

To DIY a red flashlight, try one of the following methods:

• Cover your flashlight with red cellophane (a limited quantity of cellophane and rubber bands will be available at the canyon).
• Paint your flashlight with red nail polish or a red magic marker.

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Blow into one of the pipes of Sibelius Monument

A monument of music built in 1967, Sibelius pays homage to the Finnish composer Jean Sibelius. An abstract representation of organ pipes, it has drawn much controversy over the years, since the musician was known for his violin skills and composed very little music for the instrument supposedly standing in his honour. Nevertheless, the 600 steel pipes make for an impressive attraction to visit, weighing 24 tonnes and standing almost 10-metres high. Casting your own musical beat into the monument has grown to be one of the essential things to do in Helsinki.

Visit the Market square and get some fresh fish and seafood

Though traditional Finnish food is usually thought to feature gamey meats and sweet delights, seafood has become a big part of the national culture. Venture to Helsinki's Market Square by the ferry terminal where a daily market serves up freshly caught seafood and local delicacies like fish soup with crusty bread. After strolling the markets brimming with local handicrafts and produce, you can walk a few hundred metres and find yourself on the city's giant harbour front Ferris wheel.

Chill on the stairs of Helsinki Cathedral

The steep ascent to Helsinki Cathedral has made the stairs an attraction all of their own, with visitors often taking breaks half way, making the space look like something of a picnic spot. In 2015 the steps were covered in a thousand cardboard cutouts of Nicki Minaj to salute her attendance at Summer Up festival, proving the Finnish have as much love for pop-culture as they do ancient monuments. Seeing the views of the city from the stairs and admiring the cathedral are both must dos of Helsinki sightseeing.

Chill in a Finnish sauna

5 million humans, 3 million saunas. That's the rough statistical proof that Finland likes a wooden warm-up. You can find decedent and traditional saunas all over Helsinki, such as the picturesque antique setting of Kaurilan Sauna. The traditional Finnish sauna experience could be as toasty as 100°C, and will likely involve a shower and a leafy ensembles known as vihtas used to stimulate and massage the skin. If the immense heat gets too much you can do as the Finnish do, rolling in the snow or submerging in a nearby lake.

Enjoy the acoustic at the Temppeliaukio Church

The Lutheran church of Temppeliaukio is not just for the faithful, built directly into a rock it is also an architectural masterpiece. Its stony walls and copper roof create a dynamic acoustic experience, often used for musical events, cultural affairs and special events. Near to many of Helsinki's best museums such as the Finnish Museum of Natural History and the National Museum of Finland, it can be teamed up and turned into a great day out when you're left wondering what to do in Helsinki.

Walk around the giant maritime fortress of Suomenlinna

A toy museum, a brewery, a prison, and a public library to name a few. There are a lot more sites than expected on the rugged fortress island cluster of Suomenlinna. Easily accessible from Helsinki via ferry it has become a popular tourist attraction, particularly since it became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1991. The Suomenlinna Museum and Military Museum are essential visits on the island, as is the cute and cozy lemon Bastion Bistro.

Things to do in Helsinki

Flow festival.

Kendrick Lamar, Lauryn Hill and Patti Smith are the kind of names that entertain hordes of festive Finnish folk at Flow Festival. For 3 blissful days during the summer month of August, Flow takes over the historical former power plant area of Suvilahti.

Helsinki Samba Carnival

Dance & Music

Bring a serious dose of Brazilian bravado to the streets of Helsinki is the Samba Carnaval held on a weekend of early June around Helsinki Day. Colour, parades, and flamboyant feathered costumes are always present, with more people joining in to dance the streets of the city every year.

Walpurgis Night (Vappu)

A Christian cultural affair recognised across many parts of Europe, Walpurgis Night of April 30 is a Helsinki festival worth timing your trip with. Visitors will likely find themselves sipping sparkling wine or the sweet honey alcohol of sima, and witnessing the peculiar capping of the naked Havis Amanda statue in the city's centre.

Baltic Circle Festival

For almost a week in November Helsinki becomes a playground of contemporary theatre for Baltic Circle Festival. Using the arts as a vehicle for change and radical inspiration, the festival offers a progressive program of events much-adored by both locals and travellers.

Helsinki Festival

Music, Dance & Theatre

Contemporary dance performances, live world music, circus tricks and giant art instillations are just some of the elements that come together for the annual Helsinki Festival. Held at various venues across the city over August and September, it's a favourite on the Finnish calendar that draws in almost half a million visitors.

Top 5 Festivals in Helsinki

The festivals of Helsinki say a lot about the Finnish, equal parts traditional and open-minded. Bringing in some of the world's biggest music acts and taking contemporary arts to new heights, this calendar of events is one to seriously ponder before confirming the dates of your trip.

National Museum of Finland

Stepping from the stone age to the present day through artefacts and interactive exhibitions. From antique jewellery and weaponry to a gallery of prehistoric archaeological findings, the National Museum of Finland is a must do when you visit Helsinki.

Kiasma contemporary art museum is found in an eccentric glass building, designed to provoke encounters and opinion exchanges whilst redefining art and culture. A short walk from the waterfront park of Kaisaniemi and Finland's Parliament House, it should be squeezed into your agenda of Helsinki sightseeing.

Boasting the largest classical art collection in the country, the Ateneum museum sits within an intricately decorated 1887 building in central Moscow. In the months of winter, the museum's neighbouring railway square of Rautatientori transforms into an ice-rink, making for a grand day out combining culture and snow fun.

National Tram Museum

You need not be a transport enthusiast to appreciate 'Ratikkamuseo,' Helsinki's National Tram Museum. Showcasing ornate forest green and gold carriages whilst unveiling the city's unique history, it is found in the Töölö's Korjaamo Culture Factory amidst many other Helsinki attractions.

Design Museum

From graphics to bicycles and artists to inventors, the Design Museum of Helsinki is an all-encompassing pool of inspiration. Housing 45,000 drawings, 75,000 objects and 125,000 photographs, it deserves a full day split by a Finnish 3-course lunch and cocktails at the nearby restaurant of Juuri for those feeling indulgent.

Top 5 Museums & Galleries in Helsinki

From ornate tram carriages to eccentric modern art, the museums in Helsinki hold a world of diversity and wonder. Start with progressive Kiasma before stepping back through time to Ateneum, making time for the Design Museum somewhere in between.

Karelian Pasty

Finland's favourite snack is made from a thin crust of rye pastry with a delicious rice-based filling. You'll find them at bakeries throughout the country and clustered through Helsinki, with Konditoria Hopia being a renowned favourite.

Best eaten at Konditoria Hopia, Pohjoinen Hesperiankatu 9

This creamy fish soup originated in Lapland but is popular all over the country. Simple and hearty, it's made from chunks of salmon with potatoes and leeks, flavoured with a generous helping of diced dill - perfect for a cold day of Helsinki sightseeing.

Best eaten at Ravintola Aino Pohjoisesplanadi 21

Lihapyörykät

Meatballs are a standard feature of Scandinavian cuisine, but the Finnish take are bigger and heartier than most in the region. They can be made from beef, pork or reindeer and are commonly served with potatoes, lingonberry jam and creamy gravy.

Best eaten at Kahvila Suomi, Pursimiehenkatu 12

Fried Baltic Herring

If there's one thing the Finns love, it's a herring. Smoked, salted, baked or pickled, it's a Finnish favourite and is enthusiastically consumed throughout the country. Try it fried with plenty of potatoes on the side, dished up to perfection at Helsinki's Kosmos.

Best eaten at Kosmos, Kalevankatu 3

Poronkäristys

Sautéed reindeer is a typical food of the Sami people, and can be readily found in restaurants across Helsinki. It's thinly sliced then fried and usually served with mashed potatoes, lingonberry jam and pickled cucumber. One to sample if you can block out your fairy-tale image of Christmas.

Best eaten at Lappi Ravintola Annankatu 22

Food in Helsinki

A melting pot of international cuisine and Finnish favourites, the Helsinki food scene is one you'll want to devour. Ladle up comforting soups and experiment with dried fish before diving into the heavenly offerings of a local bakery.

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