Trek America
Fly drive holidays are usually about compromise. Some feel that the best way to spend your well earned break is by relaxing on a luxurious golden beach on the coast of Florida, others see it as an opportunity to break out into the open and explore parts of the world they had only seen in one of Ray Mears epic journeys to a forgotten forest in the Canadian wilderness. Both of these ideals appear very much at either side of the holiday continuum but can be fused together through a number of tailor made tours, most notably Trek America.
Trek America is an organisation that was established in 1972 and offers a whole range of tours across a country that boasts the finest landscape, nightlife and experiences this planet has to offer. Whether it is for a week’s getaway or a 64 day adventure, Trek America caters for all traveller needs and provides unique guidance from specialised tour leaders.
One of the most diverse tours on offer is the Best of the East, a 2 week trek that takes you to some of the most awe inspiring cities and national parks within eastern America. Beginning in New York, the first stop takes place at the nation’s capital, Washington D.C. Although a spectacular illuminations tour offers you a splendid view of the city at night, its essence is better appreciated throughout the day where its famous white monuments and buildings offer a better glimpse of this typified American city. From its long National Mall to its grand museums, Washington epitomises America’s short yet colourful history and is proud to pay homage to the people who made it the power house it is today. Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, Franklin D Roosevelt and even various war veterans are paid tribute in a number of beautifully constructed memorials that presents stunning tourist attractions as well as the Washington Monument which provides the centre piece of the city.
After leaving the capital it is then off to Virginia and the Shenandoah National Park which offers a number of breath taking views and hiking opportunities, none more so than the Appalachian Trail. This national scenic trail is approximately 2,178 miles long and crosses six national parks, touching 14 states. It is the first experience of the outdoors and gives you a chance to wear in your brand new hiking boots before you tackle the Mountain State of West Virginia and the mesmerising Smokey Mountains.
It is here where you gain your dose of adrenaline as you are provided with a whole range of explosive activities, such as zip lining and water rafting. Although these are not compulsory they are to be tried as the freedom and challenges you gain from zip lining tree to tree or climbing the most testing of rocks is unparallel to anything you would have experienced down in the Peak District.
The next stop is the music capital of America, Nashville and the first real opportunity to experience American nightlife. Before heading off to the cities wide array of bars and clubs, the Country Hall of Fame is a must see attraction with a number of famous memorabilia on display, such as Elvis Presley’s golden Cadillac or a merlot silk taffeta gown worn by Carrie Underwood. The country atmosphere transcends beyond the museum itself and filters throughout the city with a host of country bands playing in bars all across the city as early as lunchtime. However, Nashville comes alive at night and bars such as the Wildhorse Saloon offer a unique chance to experience a spot of good old fashioned line dancing.
With your hat and boots packed up in the trailer it is then off to Chicago. From first glance the characteristics of the city resemble many of those seen in New York yet the atmosphere appears much more relaxed. Skyscrapers such as the Willis Tower, formerly the Sears Tower, would not look out of place in downtown Manhattan and like New York it is also situated right next to a lake, this one being the famous Lake Michigan. The best way to experience Chicago is through Bobby’s bike tour which takes you to various areas of the city. The trip is not only entertaining but it gives you a real grasp of this wonderful city which has seen major renovations since the great fire of 1871 that killed hundred of people and destroyed roughly 4 square miles.
Chicago is the last of the tours city visits and the run to the finish is very open, with the Niagara Falls the only scheduled stop on the way back to New York. Before heading to one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the state of Ohio provides a nice relaxation point with the Music Hall of Fame a welcoming tourist attraction. For music fans this is the golden opportunity to admire the legends that have graced the world of music with artists from rock, pop and motown all accredited within its confines.
With the end of the trek appearing ever closer, the Niagara Falls proves to be a perfect opportunity to get last gasp pictures and memories of what is nothing short of an astounding journey. Although its authenticity has been lost over the years with the inclusion of tourist attractions such as casinos and hotels, the Falls is still a once in a lifetime opportunity with the best way to get up close and personal is with the Maid of the Mist Tour that is provided. The Horse Shoe Falls is jaw dropping in itself but the climax of the tour is the 110 foot American Falls which is undoubtedly one of the planets finest landmarks.
