How was your Explore Tour Leader?

"The tour leader was the driver, tour manager, cultural guide, walk leader & shopper.
She was an excellent, safe driver with a good personality. I feel that was a great deal of responsibility for one person. It was a good job that she wasn't taken ill, especially as the temperatures were over 100F all three weeks. "

What tips would you give to someone else booking this tour?

"Check the itinerary for Alcatraz, as we only had a 2 hour gap to visit and you need a full half day, (3-4 hours), including the boarding times & ferry journey across the bay .  
There is an addtional local payment of $100 cash per person to cover some of the picnics, but not all. This is not mentioned in the brochure.  "

Do you have anything else to add?

The trip notes did not always match the actual itinerary.  This was possibly due to a lack of time as the driver was also the tour manager, cultural guuide and walk leader. I suggest that either the trip notes are modified or additional support is given.

How was your Explore Tour Leader?

"He was an excellent driver, the smoothest we have travelled with in 30 years. He was a fine man, courteous, very obliging and made every attempt to meet everyone's requirements.
However he was also our tour leader and the two jobs should not be combined.
He rightly concentrated on safe driving and was therefore not able to keep us informed during the journey.   This is the first trip in 30 years where the tour leader was also the driver and it does not work.  Don't do it please.  If it is part of your cost cutting it was a stupid idea."

What tips would you give to someone else booking this tour?

Don't book it.  Look elsewhere .  The tour business is very competitive and some companies move with the times.  The standards expected by clients on a trip to the USA in 2012 are high. On a trip to, say ,Pakistan 20 years ago one expected low standards and to rough it to some degree.  On a  trip to the USA in 2012 one does not.

Do you have anything else to add?

"The vehicle used for these trips is simply too small.  It is cramped, uncomfortable and viewing is difficult because the windows are low and cut off the angle of view.
We had a great group and got on with it but a lot of people we have travelled with on Explore trips would not have been so accommodating.
The trip requires a tour leader and  also a driver.
The trip requires a larger vehicle.
The standard of accommodation was generally satisfactory but in several towns was relatively bottom end and there were alternatives in those towns.
Take a long hard look at pre-booking administration.  It is well below par.  I can give more detail if youy are really interested."