Most people get the post-vacation blues… when you’re back to work and the routine of ‘real life’ settles back in after a whirlwind trip. However, having an amazing new group of friends around the globe to message and post pictures of makes a world of difference! When you share a life-changing experience and form lasting bonds with your fellow travelers, it only makes you excited for your next adventure. I had a massive case of post-trip blues after my recent Contiki Rock Around the World trip, and I wouldn’t trade my epic experience for anything!
I had such a blast in California and Nevada, that after returning home, reflecting on the whole experience has elevated it to a higher level. I’ve been asked a few times to pinpoint my favourite part, which is so difficult to choose considering the vast number of activities we were treated to! In Los Angeles we had free time to shop, took a driving tour of Rodeo Drive “Pretty Woman” style, enjoyed a clear view of the Hollywood sign and saw Beverly Hills and strolled down the Walk of Fame
In Palm Springs we soaked up three long days of beautiful sun and rocked out to incredible music at the famous Coachella Festival, with excellent accommodation and invaluable transportation to and from the festival grounds.
In Paso Robles wine country, we sampled delicious local fare at an art gallery wine tasting before a scenic drive to majestic Lake Tahoe and our unforgettable American-themed costume/karaoke party!
I’ve wanted to revisit San Francisco for years, and enjoying fresh seafood, a tour of Alcatraz and a private breakfast cruise on San Francisco Bay under the Golden Gate Bridge, this stop was even better than I remember.
Las Vegas was the last stop, and no city is better to go out with a bang. A flight over the Grand Canyon, VIP treatment to Vegas nightlife, time to shop and hit the casinos – I definitely felt like a rock star!
Nothing can replace the Contiki road team – our tour leader Andy and driver Ray were excellent hosts – talented, reliable and fun. They gave life to each city and neighborhood we visited, and shared a drink with us at night only to work tirelessly the next day while we all napped on the coach. You can’t help but bond with your fellow travelers, becoming a new family on the road, sharing laughs and making memories along the way.
This life-changing adventure completely surpassed my expectations, and I would recommend it to anyone in a heartbeat. After all the fanfare and excitement, I think one of the best sentiments to sum up my Coachella Contiki trip actually came from my mom. She’s been picking me up from the airport since I was 8 years old, and she said this was the first time I stepped off the plane looking like a million bucks!
Contributed by Renee Langevin from our Adventure Travel Company Calgary office formerly of Travel CUTS University of Calgary email Renee to find out more at RLangevin@atcadventure.com