Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are the answers to the most frequent questions. Call us with your specific inquiries.

butterflyQ: Can I plan a trip for my family and friends, or my club?
A: Yes! We would be happy to customize a tour if you have 10 or more interested participants (for less than 10 participants with an up-charge). We can even plan a tour specifically to your interests- from hiking and adventure to bird watching and rock hounding and everything in-between. Please see our Custom Group Tours page for more information.

Q: Will I be comfortable as a single traveler on these tours?
A: Yes. These tours are a great way to get around and experience the western U.S. in a small group of like minded individuals. Our tours are designed to be comfortable for singles, couples and friends. Because we never take more than 9 – 12 participants per tour, you will make new friends. If you wish to share your accommodation with another single traveler let us know. It is possible that we can pair you up with another single of the same sex. All our hotel rooms are large enough to comfortably accommodate two people. If you prefer a single room there is an additional charge – please review our dates and rates – single occupancy.

Q: How long and how strenuous are the hikes planned on these tours?
A: Our tours offer a diverse and active program with many stops, walks and hikes during the day. Most of our hikes are no longer than 2 hours, while one or two per tour are 3-4 hours. They are all optional. You can choose anytime to stay with the driver and relax reading a book or plan a shorter walk. This rule does not apply to the tours that are specifically named as hiking tours. On these tours you will hike each day between 4 and 6 hours.

Q: What is the age group of the participants?
A: Our guests are between 30 and 80 years old and adults. The majority of the participants is between 45 and 65. For families, we are happy to offer custom tours.

Q: How do I make reservations?
A: Please see our Reservations page for detailed instructions on how to make reservations. If you want to check on the prices and dates for all our tours they can be found at Rates, Dates and Terms.

Q: Where can I find the terms and conditions for the tours?
A: Please take a look at our Terms and Conditions page.

Q: Are there any discounts available to me?
A: We have a “refer a friend” travel credit incentive program. If you refer a friend and he/she decides to book a trip through us you will receive a $100.00 credit towards any of our tours. Each referral must be a first time traveler with Travel Dream West and cannot be sharing accommodation with you. Make sure your friend mentions your name when making their reservations. Contact us for more information on this rewards program.

We also offer early sign-up discounts. Please contact us for more information.

Q: I have young children- are these tours suitable? What would be an alternative?
A: Our tours are aimed primarily at adults and there are long drives and activities that may not be suitable for young children. If you are interested in a specific tour please contact us for further information. We encourage you to take advantage of our customized tours if you are traveling with a group of families. We offer a wide variety of custom tour arrangements specifically designed with children in mind.

Q: I have a medical condition that prevents me from doing certain things. Can you accommodate me?
A: We will do everything in our power to accommodate you. Due to the nature of our tours it may not be possible to accommodate certain conditions. Please contact us directly with questions related to medical issues or disabilities.

Q: What kind of accommodation is offered on these tours?
A: Our tour groups stay at a variety of accommodations within the range of two and three star hotels, many including breakfast and swimming pool facilities. A selection of our accommodations are chosen for their unique location or ambiance. Please see each individual tour page for further information about accommodations, or contact us if you have any questions.

Q: What form of transportation is used on these tours?
A: Comfortable, customized 14 or 12 passenger vans / mini-busses are used for the majority of our tours. These vehicle are equipped with individual reclining high back seats and some with arm rests for each passenger, some with a DVD player, air conditioning and luggage space. Some tours are planned with a 15-passenger van. Depending on the passenger number we will have a luggage trailer or separate cargo vehicle.

Q: How long in advance should I make my reservations?
A: We encourage you to make your reservations as soon as you know your vacation plans. Generally, we do not accept reservations after 8 weeks before the tour start date, but please contact us anyway as it may be possible that we have additional space available.

Q: How do I make reservations for a specific tour?
A: Please see our Reservations page for booking information, or send us an e-mail at info@traveldreamwest.com for more information.

Q: What happens if I need to cancel my trip?
A: Cancellations result in costly charges from hotels and travel providers. Cancellation fees are imposed depending on how long ahead of the tour date you cancel. Regardless of reasons, cancellations received will be charged with $200 per cancellation for administration fees. Charges apply in addition of non-refundable expenses including hotels, carriers and other out-of-pocket expenses as follows: 60-30 days 20% of the tour price, 30-15 days before tour 50%, 14-8 days before tour 70% and 7-0 days before tour 90% of the total tour price. Non-appearance at the tour site without previous notification, 100% of the price will be retained. Cancellation insurance is highly recommended. In case fewer participants than 5 will sign up for tour we will ask for an additional small group surcharge. For more detailed information please see our Terms and Conditions page. Please consider buying a trip cancellation or interruption insurance ahead of time. Contact us for more information.

Q: Where and how should I buy my plane ticket?
A: Our tour rates do not include air transportation. See your travel agent for flight reservations and airline tickets. It is your responsibility to meet our tour guides at the tour start location on the date and time indicated on your travel documents. Please contact us for help.

Q: What kind of information will you provide for me once I’ve made my reservation?
A: Latest three weeks before your tour starts you will receive a finalized schedule, instructions on how to get to the tour start location, and information on what to bring. If you are coming from outside of the USA we are happy to help you with visa information, etc.

Q: Am I covered with any kind of insurance through your organization?
A: Travel Dream West has all required liability and auto insurances for USDOT passenger transportation. Please contact us for further information regarding a travel and cancellation insurance and available options.