travel by caravan

Mexico’s Ancient Civilizations

Dear Traveler, Welcome to a great vacation at an affordable price. Your Mexico’s Ancient Civilizations tour is fully guided and includes most meals, all hotels, and all activities. Happy Travels! Caravan

Mexico: All-Inclusive, Escorted Holidays Tours of Colonial Cities Or The Ruins of Ancient Civilizations

Copper canyon mexico train ride holidays, mexico’s ancient ruins & civilizations tour.

Ancient Civilizations Mexico Copper Canyon Mexico Holidays

2024 Hotels

Days 1, 2 • mexico city, barcelo mexico reforma, day 3 • veracruz, gran hotel diligencias, days 4, 5 • palenque, hotel y spa mision palenque, days 6, 7 • mérida, courtyard by marriott mérida, day 8 • cancún, fairfield inn and suites by marriott cancún airport, airport transfers, arrival transfers, departure transfers, passports & visas, weather & clothing, temperature °f (high/low) rainfall (inches), clothing tips, travel tips & faqs, my tour price includes, preparing for the tropics, are meals included, children on tour, family trips, my tour price does not include, age of travelers on a caravan tour, forms of payment, many tours sell out each year, fully guided tours since 1952, size of tour group, a well-paced itinerary, caravan’s $129 travel protection, customer reviews.

"We had a wonderful time! This was our first experience with “group travel” and it was fantastic. The hotels, the food, the staff at the hotels, entertainment at lunch were all very good. We would travel with Caravan again and probably soon!" Mr. & Mrs. D.S., Oshkosh, Wisconsin

"The meals were delicious and well presented, and we enjoyed every bite. Often there were entertainers giving us an opportunity to sample the delightful Mexican music. Breakfasts, with lots of fruit, lunches and dinners with tasty desserts were all great!" Mr. & Mrs. T.B., Belgrade, Montana

"The price of hotels was a good value! They were in great locations, near city centers. The ruins, markets and music were all beyond expectation. We will be back for other tours. Palenque was incredible!" Mr. M.D., Cape Elizabeth, Maine

"This is our second tour with Caravan. We went to Costa Rica last summer. We plan to go to Guatemala with Caravan next summer. You have an excellent company. I highly recommend your tours." Mr. & Mrs. M.S., Chula Vista, California

"I will recommend Caravan Tours to anyone. They do a great job and offer the most to their customers. I was never dissatisfied on my vacation in Mexico. Thank you for a wonderful vacation. It was an excellent trip. For the value of the trip, we never expected such a great service. You got us hooked and we will travel with Caravan Tours again. We just loved it. Thank you for a great trip." Mr. & Mrs. D.T., Winter Springs, Florida

"I enjoyed the whole trip. I will be back for others, Costa Rica perhaps or Copper Canyon maybe. Thanks for a great trip." Mr. J.W., Vacaville, California

"Bravo Caravan! I don’t know how you manage to offer such great tours at a great price. The sightseeing and activities were excellent. The guides were also wonderful. The tour director was excellent, far beyond our expectations. It was like having a walking encyclopedia with us." Mr. & Mrs. N.P., Clear Lake Shores, Texas

Why Travel with Caravan?

Excellence since 1952, caravan care, caravan's proud history, great hotels, complete sightseeing, fully guided by tour directors, all-inclusive, shopping freedom, great value, book early, how does caravan tours sell these tours for such a low cost, trade association memberships.

Caravan Tours

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Trip prices

$1,295 — 1,695

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Age Range: 50+

Average Tour Price: Under $2,000

Average Tour Duration: 8-10 days

Travel Style: Sightseeing at natural attractions

• Group Tours
• North America
• Central America & Caribbean

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Caravan tours reviews & ratings, fantastic tour don't hesitate, just go.

Fantastic tour!! I cannot recommend it more highly. Everything was great. We had a good group, our tour director Jose was wonderful and our driver Viktor was great. ...

Joan from NYC

It was wonderful!

I can’t even describe how wonderful our trip is, since we are still here in Costa Rica. Never again will you have the opportunity to learn so much history by their ...

I have travelled all over and this tour will stay with me forever. Our historian, Giovanny, is the best of the best and the Jose, our driver was able to drive the narrow roads effortlesslyl

THis is without a doubt, one of my nicest tours. We were fortunate and the valcano was active! We also saw so many wild animals. Remember this is not a zoo. Some ...

Disappointed

They promised to accommodate Vegitarians but with fixed menu policy no veg choices. While generally 2 meats and fish offered to the rest. Restaurants mede up what th...

Have taken the Canadian Rockies trip twice and loved it both times.

Everything was perfect!

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Editoral Review of Caravan Tours

Caravan Tours Quick Facts

Age Range:  50+

Average Tour Price:  Under $2,000

Average Tour Duration:  8-10 days

Travel Style:  Sightseeing at natural attractions

Caravan Tours, founded in 1952 and based in Chicago USA, provides escorted group tours to countries in the Americas. They are one of the oldest group tour operators and focus on value vacations with a no-frills.  

What Makes Caravan Tours Stand Out?

• Competitive prices
• No additional expenses
• Complete sightseeing

Caravan Tours offer affordable prices for the avid budget traveler . These competitive prices are possible because of the volume of their suppliers who offer the best prices to Caravan. In turn, Caravan passes these budget friendly prices onto their travelers.

Tours are kept reasonable and transparent. Caravan doesn’t include any optional activities that travelers can have for an additional price. They include all activities within the initial price instead of forcing travelers to pay hundreds of more dollars to make their tour more enjoyable.

Caravan Tours is the complete sightseeing experience. Travelers will get to visit many tourist attractions and sites with more included features. Local guides will offer a rich insight into the destination. These guides are hand picked by Caravan for their knowledge, friendliness and command of English so you can rest assured that you will be in good hands the entire time.

Who Will Enjoy Traveling With Caravan Tours?

• Budget travelers

Caravan is not the most flashy or inventive tour company. Tours visit standard sites, groups are generally large - transportation in comfortable yet basic motorcoaches. If you are looking for an immersive cultural experience, you will probably won’t find what you’re looking for with Caravan. 

However if you are looking for an affordable trip to some of the most incredible natural attractions and national parks in the USA , Canada , and Latin America - this could be a great fit.

Caravan’s tours tend to attract a slightly older crowd, primarily Americans. They are a well known budget brand for 50+ and senior travelers. Families looking for an easy, relatively comprehensive, and inclusive tour will also enjoy the Caravan experience.

Top Destinations

Caravan Tours operates exclusively in North America and Central America , including trips to the United States , Costa Rica , Guatemala and Canada . They offer nine tours in total.

Caravan Tours Travel Style

Caravan Tours handles all accommodations. Travelers will stay in hotels centered in cities as well as park lodges and scenic resorts.These accommodations are chosen based on ambience, service and location to the entirety of the tour.

Meals are included on most trips although some excursions offer flexibility for dining out at restaurants of your choosing. In Latin America , Caravan includes airport transfers in the tour price. Flights are not included in the price of most trips, but Caravan does provide resources to popular airlines with affordable airfare to the destinations they travel to. Accommodations are in basic lodges and hotels, often with large national chains such as Hilton. 

When traveling with Caravan, expect a more slow travel pace. They know the value of a balance between seeing exciting sights and relaxing in a beautiful destination. Their itineraries are specifically paced so you never feel overwhelmed or underwhelmed.

Why Choose a Tour with Caravan?

Caravan has many years of perfecting their itineraries to specific destinations, such as Yosemite National Park , the California coast , and Costa Rica . 

Their escorted vacation packages truly offer great value for the money and you are assured to see the highlights in any destination you visit. If you want an all-inclusive tour experience and don’t mind traveling with a larger group, Caravan is perfect for you.

Caravan Tours Covid Safety Precautions

Caravan has cancelled all tours scheduled for 2020 and states that they will be providing full refunds. They are now accepting pre-registration for those wishing to travel in 2022.

Some countries are beginning to reopen to international visitors with entry restrictions while others have remained closed. See a full updated list  »

Want more information about travel safety and the coronavirus?  Read about where it's safe to travel to in 2020  »

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About the company.

Caravan Tours began selling fully escorted tours in 1952. We have been under the same management and ownership ever since. In 1965, Roger Mudd hosted a two hours CBS TV special on Caravan Tours. This TV production took about one month to make and was so successful it inspired the 1968 romantic comedy movie “If it’s Tuesday this must be Belgium.” In the early 50’s the Mayor of Dublin presented Caravan with the Key to Dublin for bringing the first American tour to the city after WWII. Since then Caravan has been recognized as a pioneer in travel.

Great Value, Book Early

Caravan’s strong buying power gives you great vacations at prices much lower than you can find anywhere. Last year many of our tours sold out quickly. Book early for the date you prefer and the best airfare.

How does Caravan Tours sell these tours for such a low cost? Caravan delivers volume to our suppliers, who in turn reward us with their very best  prices we, in turn, pass these savings on to you, and you reward us by buying our tours.  As volume continues to rise, we then receive even better prices from our suppliers, and  we pass even greater savings on to you. This year our tours are better than ever. How satisfied are Caravan clients? The short answer is “very.” Our surveys are uniformly very positive. However we  continually strive to improve our tours, (they are often updated several times in the  course of one year), we study all client surveys and suggestions for improvement very  carefully. Pitch-Free Travel : Caravan includes all activities listed in the tour itinerary page. Caravan does not  sell any optional activities which can add hundreds of dollars to your tour price. Your  free time is scheduled in great settings where there is no need to buy additional  expensive activities.

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Want a tailor-made trip instead, your trip, your way, planned by an expert:.

• You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
• Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics

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The 8 best destinations for an RV or camper van adventure

Mar 21, 2023 • 8 min read

Camper van travel is a great way to explore the world © Getty Images

Whether you’re cruising in a chrome-plated RV or sputtering along in a vintage VW, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of hitting the road in a camper van, where you’re beholden to no timetable and limited only by your ambitions.

Most travelers set their satnavs for the smooth highways of the old dependables – North America , Australia ,   New Zealand – and with good reason (not least the savings offered on pricey accommodation), but those willing to navigate the potholes of roads less traveled may find richer rewards elsewhere. These are the 8 best destinations for an RV trip. 

1. Scotland's North Coast 500

Best camper van travel in europe.

It was billed as Scotland ’s Route 66, but the North Coast 500 is of course nothing like its US counterpart. Cutting a course through sodden carpets of heather in the bleakly-beautiful Highlands, the 516-mile route joins the dots between crumbling castles, weather-beaten fishing towns and middle-of-nowhere distilleries.

Lined with campsites, the road itself incorporates the meandering mountain pass of Bealach na Bà – the highest highway in Scotland – and swings by John o' Groats, the most northerly point in mainland Britain. Bring your bathers in case the weather behaves: Scotland has some surprisingly beautiful beaches .

Most campers start and end their trip in Inverness – the largest city in the Highlands – whose cosy pubs, a 19th-century cathedral and a lofty castle bookend the journey nicely.

Where to hire: Local rental companies include Highland Coastal Campers , Loch Ness Motorhomes and Inverness Campervans Rental costs: Campers from around £110/US$130 per day

2. Route 1 in California, USA 

Best for beaches.

Romanticised by beat writers and Hollywood film directors, the American road trip is practically a sub-genre of its own. From Grapes of Wrath to Vanishing Point , Thelma & Louise to Sideways , the nation’s highways are littered with great plots.

Given the profusion of road movies that have come out of Hollywood, California is an apt place to (wheel) spin your own 4WD narrative. The Golden State offers a handful of iconic itineraries, from Highway 101 to the dirt tracks of Death Valley , but if you only drive one road, make Route 1, well, the one.

Lined with campsites, this feted highway hugs the rugged Californian coast for 143km between San Simeon and the Carmel Highlands. All plunging cliffs and wave-lashed beaches, it is the longest stretch of undeveloped shoreline in the US.

Where to hire: Local rental companies include Escape Camper Vans , Outdoorsy and Jurnii Rental costs: From around US$55/£45 per day

3. East Coast Australia 

Best for partying.

Like koala bears to eucalyptus trees, road-trippers have long been drawn to Australia’s East Coast , where hedonistic surf towns, colorful coral reefs and paradisiacal beaches provide the pretext for camper van capers.

Buckle up in Sydney , where the booming market in used camper vans should produce a reliable set of wheels for those looking to buy. As the Opera House disappears in the rear-view, the East Coast unfurls to reveal impressive national parks, offbeat islands and hard-partying cities such as Brisbane , Cairns and Surfers Paradise . It’s not all boisterous beach jamborees, though. Quiet camping grounds can be found along the East Coast, including many free sites, which often include public barbecues for the obligatory shrimp tossing.

There are all kinds of East Coast road trip routes to take depending on the amount of time you want to spend and which stunning Australian sites you most want to see. The only hard part will be narrowing it down, or deciding where to begin.

Where to hire: Local rental companies include  Hippie Camper and Travellers Autobarn . Rental costs: From around AU$79/US$52 per day

4. Overlanding in Namibia

Best for wildlife.

You’ll need a 4WD to tackle the otherworldly landscapes of Namibia , where buzzing cities, stark desert scenes and wildlife-rich national parks are among the highlights.

Most self-drive trips begin in Windhoek , whose Bavarian-style boozers are the perfect place to pore over maps and finalize routes. Be sure to set the GPS for Etosha , a Belize -sized national park where self-drive safaris and in-park camping are permitted, offering early morning sightings of rhinos, elephants and lions before other tourists have finished funnelling through the gates.

Top off your tour with spectacular drives through the shape-shifting sand dunes of the Namib Desert and a stop-off to eyeball the colossal rusting shipwrecks along the Skeleton Coast . A word of caution: Namibia’s roads are mostly loose gravel and there are often large distances between towns, so forward planning is essential, including camp-site bookings. If you enjoy the ride, however, you might find yourself hungry for more opportunities for overlanding in Africa .

Where to hire: Local rental companies include Bobo Campers , Namibia 4x4 Rentals and Caprivi Rental costs: From around NAD1650/US$90 per day

Best for culture

The idea of driving in Japan might seem terrifying, but a road trip here is surprisingly serene: aside from the odd racer, Japanese motorists are generally courteous, whilst modern satnavs mean there’s now no need to worry about translating signs. Having a mobile home here also saves on hotel costs – some of the most expensive in Asia .

Wending their way from snow-capped peaks to palm-fringed beaches – via limpid lakes and primeval forests – Japan’s highways offer a privileged perspective on parts of the country that many visitors don’t get to see. Fill up on culture as well as gas in pulsating cities, middle-of-nowhere temples and traditional villages.

With views of Mount Fuji and Lake Ashinoko, the Hakone Skyline Course is one of Japan’s most scenic drives , and is conveniently lined with handy rest stops. No less stunning is the Mikuni Pass, which tiptoes above primeval forest in Tokachi Subprefecture.

Where to hire: Local rental companies include Japan Campers , Camgo Campervan and Rental Camper Rental costs: From around ¥5900/US$45 per day

6. New Zealand 

Best for hikers.

Travelers often proclaim New Zealand to be the best destination for a camper van holiday – and it’s hard to argue otherwise. From glistening glaciers to wave-lashed shores, its landscapes bring a certain grandeur to road trips, while its hiking trails and legion of campsites make the scenery eminently accessible.

If you like lofty peaks then chart a course through the North Island’s volcanic heartland, stopping off at the hiker’s paradise that is Tongariro National Park. For rugged seashores take the ferry to the South Island and drive the windswept West Coast, past Franz Josef Glacier to Milford Sound .

Buying a camper van is practically a rite of passage for travellers in New Zealand. Trusty steeds can be purchased at Auckland ’s famous car fairs, though there are plenty of places to rent if you don’t want the hassle of haggling. Another plus is the 200 or so campsites run by the Department of Conservation ; spread throughout the country, these spots offer low prices and excellent facilities amid some unbeatable rural settings.

Where to hire: Local rental companies include Maui Rentals and Wilderness . Rental costs: From around NZ$48/US$30 per day

7. Chile's Pan-American Highway 

Best for adventure travel.

It’s hard to lose your way on a camper van holiday in Chile , where the foolproof Pan-American Highway runs almost straight down the spine of the country, dispatching road trippers to colorful colonial cities, arid deserts and verdant national parks.

The sheer variety of landscapes is staggering. It seems hard to believe that the Atacama Desert – supposedly the driest place on Earth – is found in the same country as the vineyard-carpeted Elqui Valley and the ice-blue glaciers of Patagonia .

It’s not all about natural wonders. The 3364km-long Pan-American also serves up swaggering seaside cities in the form of Iquique , La Serena and Valdivia, and, of course, the capital, Santiago , behind which loom the lofty peaks of the Andes.

Where to hire: Local rental companies include Wicked South America , Condor Campers and Andes Camper Rental costs: From around CLP$40,000/US$50 per day

8. Alberta, Canada 

Best for families.

Icefields Parkway manages to distil almost everything that’s epic about the Canadian wilderness into a brisk 230-km camper van route. From sparkling glaciers to wildflower meadows, snow-capped mountains to cascading waterfalls, this highway packs in some serious scenery.

Calling at Banff and Jasper National Parks , the route hits a sweet spot in May, when spring makes its presence felt in the flowery foothills, but skiing is still possible on higher ground for those who have packed their boots and poles. Come a little earlier – in April – and you can even skate on Lake Louise .

Before you return the RV, take a detour to the sandstone hoodoos of Alberta ’s Badlands, an alien-looking landscape where some of the rarest dinosaur fossils known to humanity have been found. Dinosaur Provincial Park , a Unesco World Heritage site has a brilliant family-friendly campsite alongside an excellent visitor center where children can learn about the area's prehistoric inhabitants.

Where to hire: Local rental companies include Canada RV Rentals , North Campervans and Wicked Campers Calgary Rental costs: From around CA$200/US$145 per day

This article was first published August 2019 and updated March 2023

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An Introduction to Traveling by Caravan

by tbales | Feb 19, 2014 | resources | 1 comment

It’s no secret that we love road trips. Our very own honeymoon was an eight-week road trip around the United States. Ever since those memorable months, we’ve been trying to find a way to get back on the highway. Since being in Mexico, we have met numerous intrepid travelers who set out from Canada and drove in a caravan down to San Pancho. Along the way they slept where they wanted, met amazing people, and made memories of a lifetime. Though we enjoyed our first-class flights down here, we missed that raw and adventurous element of travel. Their stories have inspired us once more to get back to the drawing board and make our ultimate road trip a reality.  So we’re thinking, why not travel by caravan?

What is a Caravan?

by suziesparkle via Flickr

A caravan is essentially a road vehicle that you can sleep and live out of comfortably. Typically the living components are towed behind a car or other vehicle. Some caravans are very basic while others might be more inclusive than your house! Caravans have been a trusted way to travel since the late 1800s, and continue to be popular today, whether you’re a budget vagabond or luxury traveler.

Why Travel by Caravan?

We could go on and on about the benefits of traveling by caravan, but we’ll start with the basics. For one, you can save a ton of money. By having the ability to sleep and live out of your car, you don’t have to worry about finding an affordable hotel at the end of a long day of travel. Also, you can trade in an expensive mortgage for the simplicity of traveling with all your belongings with you. Whether you’re going near or far, this is a huge plus. Finally, traveling by caravan gives you ultimate flexibility. After all, it’s about the journey, not the destination. Traveling by caravan let’s you meet memorable people and stop in off-the-beaten-path towns that you wouldn’t otherwise have access to.

What do I need?

Well, you’re going to need a caravan. Your best option is to purchase the caravan that’s right for you. It is a bit of an investment, but it will easily pay for itself in the long run. Caravan Club has caravans for sale here to satisfy all budgets and styles. Personally, we’re really attracted to the ones with fixed double beds, heating, and showers.

Keep in mind that insurance is an absolute priority. We would also recommend investing in a good GPS system (if your phone’s technology isn’t smart enough). Finally, consider equipping your Caravan with the correct amenities to save you money in the long run. You’ll never regret purchasing that good set of cookware.

Where do I go?

There’s not a limit to where you can caravan these days. We have lots of plans that vary depending on our mood. Sometimes we talk about driving from Alaska to Patagonia, though it will be a bit difficult to get the caravan across the Darien Gap. We’ve also talked about traversing Europe and Asia, perhaps beginning in Portugal and ending in Russia. A road trip through Africa would be legendary, while of course we can’t forget about New Zealand and Australia!

We like to dream big, but don’t feel like you have to travel to a distant country to caravan. Caravans are great for full-time living if you want to trade in the clutter of your home for simplicity and flexibility; they’re also a great choice for your two-week vacation to an all-inclusive resort. Really, you can’t go wrong!

Have you traveled by Caravan before? Where would you go in a caravan if you had no limitations on time or money? As always, we love to hear from you in the comments below!

Related posts:.

I hadn’t thought about how caravans can allow you to stay in towns you wouldn’t be able to otherwise. When you don’t need to look for a place to stay ahead of time, you’re able to stop wherever you want. I’ll have to look into buying a caravan for our future family trips so we can have more flexibility. Thanks for the article!

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3 Benefits of Caravan Costa Rica Travel Packages

Fully guided, all-inclusive Costa Rica travel packages by Caravan Tours continue to be a favorite of American and Canadian travelers.

Costa Rica is a beautiful little country that has earned its place as one of the world’s best vacation destinations.

This eco-friendly Central American country attracts visitors from around the globe who come to enjoy the pristine beauty of Costa Rica’s rainforests, white sandy beaches , active volcanoes, and exceptional wildlife sanctuaries and reserves.

In addition to the natural beauty of Costa Rica, here are three reasons why Caravan’s Costa Rica travel packages are so popular!

• Ideal travel for all ages (age 5 and up)
• Affordably priced for the “Budget Conscious” (plus all-inclusive)
• Incredible itinerary and attractions

1. Suitable Travel Tours for All Ages

Our Caravan Costa Rica itinerary has been carefully constructed to offer something for people of all ages and interests. Because of this, Caravan Costa Rica tours are our most popular all-inclusive vacations.

Caravan’s travel packages are designed to accommodate travelers of all ages including group, senior and family travel.

• Bottled water is provided at all meals and during ground transportation.
• Air-conditioned comfort aboard restroom equipped Mercedes motor coaches.
• Comfortable pace throughout the tour with plenty of stops and rest periods.
• Resorts & Hotels included with two-night stopovers and ample time to explore on your own.
• Local tour directors who are professional, friendly, and fluent in English will stay with your group the entire time.

To inquire about a Costa Rica travel package for a large group call  1-800-CARAVAN (227-2826)

2. Travel Packages for the Budget Conscious

While Caravan Tours is an all-inclusive Costa Rica  tour operator , we are also one of Costa Rica’s favorite tour companies. Our reputation has helped to give us access to some of the best attractions, resorts, and hotels at great discounted prices.

In turn, we pass the savings on to our customers and have designed our eco-friendly Costa Rica travel packages to accommodate the vacation goals of the most budget conscious traveler.

Our Costa Rica 8-day travel tours are affordably priced and yet, fully guided by highly knowledgeable local tour guides.

Come travel with Caravan and experience all the natural wonders that this tiny Central American country has to offer without breaking your budget!

3. Incredible Itinerary with “Must See” Attractions

The exceptional natural beauty of Costa Rica is the focus of Caravan Tours’ fully escorted Costa Rica tour. We’ve carefully selected tour activities and destinations to maximize your time in this beautiful central American country.

Here are just a few of the must see attractions our Caravan Costa Rica travel packages have to offer.

San Jose,   Costa Rica – the Capital

Your first stop on our Costa Rica tour is San Jose , which is both the capital of Costa Rica and the most populated city in the country. This vibrant city has intertwined modernity with colonial charm and must be experienced to be fully appreciated.

Top attractions in San Jose include:

• The National Museum
• Mysterious ancient stone spheres
• The Gold Museum
• The National Theater
• Central Park
• And the San Jose Plaza de la Cultura

Costa Rica is a democratic country that enjoys a peaceful existence with a lifestyle that ranks near the top as one of the best places in the world to live. There are two international airports near San Jose Costa Rica and about 19 other regional airports conveniently located around the country.

Costa Rica   Volcanoes & Cloud Forest

In the coffee growing region of Costa Rica are two of the country’s best attractions including Poas Volcano and National Park and the lava flows of Arenal Volcano with its massive mile-wide crater. Both volcanoes can be viewed from a safe distance.

The Escallonia Cloud Forest Trail near Poás Voclano is another must see Costa Rica attraction. Here you’ll enjoy rare orchids, ferns, epiphytes, exotic wildlife, and an abundance of hummingbirds. There’s even an amazing butterfly garden in the area. Costa Rica is home to over 3,000 butterfly species – more than all of Africa.

National Parks, Refuges & Plantations

Caravan’s Costa Rica  tour packages  also include an escorted coffee tour plus a scenic drive through the country’s pineapple and banana growing region. Other tour attractions include:

• Butterfly Gardens
• Caño Negro wildlife refuge & rescue center
• Carara Biological Reserve
• Tarcoles River cruise through mangrove forests
• Hanging Bridges nature hike
• Sea Turtle Nesting Beaches (Playa Tambor)
• Volcanic Hot Springs (Fortuna)

Additional popular attractions for Costa Rica tourists include cascading waterfalls and rainforest nature hikes where you can see (up close) the indigenous rainforest wildlife.

Generally, rainforests have more rain, and a cloud forest has more humidity. Howler monkeys, white faced monkeys and green iguanas join the tropical exotic rare birds in these unique rainforest jungles.

If you look carefully, you can probably spot a Scarlet Macaw.

Endangered Sea Turtle Nesting Beaches

See Mother Nature at her finest during your  stay at  Barcelo Tambor Beach Resort .

Playa Tambor beach is the ideal place to explore and learn about endangered sea turtles, their nesting habitats, eggs, and young hatchlings. Costa Rica travel packages also include a visit to the Pacific coast sea turtle nesting beaches where turtles return annually to lay their eggs.

Other turtle species found on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica include black turtles, Hawksbill turtles, and of course, the Giant Leatherback turtles.

Tarcoles River Cruise

Cruise through the mangrove forests along the Tarcoles River and experience a wild variety of wildlife found in Carara National Park.

On your Tarcoles river cruise you’ll have a chance to see many exotic migratory birds plus web footed lizards, crocodiles, spider monkeys, caimans, and a variety of other animals.

Book A Caravan Costa Rica Travel Package!

Costa Rica travel packages by Caravan Tours are fully escorted and include most of the attractions and excursions contained in this article.

Please refer to our site pages for current tour information on Caravan’s  Costa Rica Natural Paradise Tour .

Caravan’s Costa Rica travel packages are all-inclusive vacations, exceptionally priced considering that all hotel accommodations and itinerary activities, meals, and gratuities are all included.

Call toll-free at  1-800-Caravan (227-2826)  to learn more.

• Book Caravan Costa Rica Travel Package
• Read our Caravan Costa Rica tour  Reviews
• Check out our Costa Rica  Travel Tips  page

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Wagonmaster

Most RV caravans have a Wagonmaster who heads out first ensuring all reservations for RV Parks or excursions are ready for their customers when they arrive.  The RV owners are given advice as to what direction, the best route, sights to see along the way and given a suggested arrival time at that days destination.

Following the group is a tail gunner who follows along to ensure anyone with any difficulty whether it is regarding breakdowns or accidents are given the services they need to continue with the tour.  The tail gunner is most often an experienced mechanic or Rver with tools and skills to assist as much as possible.  This ensures no one in the group is left sitting along a highway with a breakdown and not able to communicate their need to the group.

Price Includes

Of course each RV caravan tour company is different but for the most part RV Park fees and reservations are included in the tour price.  Some other features usually included are:

• Trip logs (maps)
• Services of Wagonmaster and Tailgunner
• Emergency medical assistance insurance
• Fees for border crossings and visas
• Side excursions (pre-arranged)
• Organized social hours at the end of each day
• Trip preparation packet and check list

They do NOT include the cost of the RV if you are renting one, fuel, food and personal expenses.  When booking your trip ask questions and be sure you know exactly what you are getting for your money.

Although we have not utilized the services of the following companies my research has indicated that they are reputable and reliable.  Do your own research also and see if they offer what you may be looking for.

Adventure Caravans – USA, Alaska, Canada, Mexico, Central America, Overseas

Fantasy RV Tours – Alaska, USA,  Canada, Mexico, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Europe

Baja and Back RV Caravan Tours – Mexican Baja –  No longer in business

Baja Amigos RV Caravan Tours – Mexican Baja

Happy travels,

19 thoughts on “RV Caravan Tours”

Very good post. I will be experiencing some of these issues as well..

how or where do I get information on renting a motorhome for a trial run for retirement and join a caravan for an initial experience

Hi Joel, Thanks for your inquiry – here’s a link to a few articles I’ve written on renting an RV. I hope you find them helpful. If not, please email me again with specifics and I’ll do my best to help you. Renting an RV Carol Ann

We are planning to travel to New Zealand to rent motorhomes with another couple in March 2016. Tracks to Adventure no longer seems to exist as a separate entity and that leaves only Fantasy, however their tour includes Australia, not a problem for us but our friends have not shown any interest in that part.

Are you aware of any NZ only caravan packages offered there that we might look into. Web search is daunting as there are so many offers that it is confusing. As an alternative we might consider just doing it the way we travel the US – on our own.

Hi Paul, Nice to hear from you. I am not aware of specific caravan companies in NZ but will see what I can come up with. Maybe one of our readers may be able to help us. Will let you know if I find anything.

Paul, my husband and I rented RV’s in New Zealand for 6 weeks and traveled both islands on our own. Even though we had never experienced a motorhome before, we found it very delightful. The people there are so very friendly and helpful, and we felt very safe. I had written an extensive blog on the journey if you care to read it http://www.TravelTalesOfNormAndAlison.com Click the Tab on New Zealand 2009, then Click on the down arrows on the right, and read the blog from the bottom up. ( The blog is posted most recent entries on top ). Don’t be afraid to do this on your own.

Are you still traveling? If you are interested in writing a post about your travels I may post it on my blog with a link within your bio to your own blog. If interested let me know. Thank you.

We are planning 2 longer (54 days & 82 day)Mexican caravans this season (2014/2015), both will include Copper Canyon & the Monarch Butterfly preserve. Itinerary is at http://www.mexicorvbuddies.com/itinerary.php

Thanks for the information Paul, I would be interested in learning more about your tours – why don’t you put together something telling us about Mexico and we can share it with those readers who are interested in learning more. To everyone, I have not participated or have any affiliation with this tour group but am willing to learn more. Anyone else?

First of all, Baja & Back is now out of business. Barry Monkman tragically died of a heart attack, & his wife, Vonda, decided not to carry on.

This spring a new company is doing a 71 day tour of Mexico’s west coast as far as Puerto Vallarta. It includes tours of Copper Canyon & much more. Starts Jan 12, 2013. See http://www.mexicorvbuddies.com . The caravan will be escorted by The Green Angels and led by an experienced Wagon Master couple. Since this is the first trip for this company (They have organized caravans in Quebec for 25 years), the price is only $3350 per rig, about 1/2 the cost of other competitors.

Thanks for the update Paul. I knew that Barry had passed away and am really sorry for his wife and family. I will remove their link from my list since Vonda has decided not to continue with the business.

Thanks for the link to your site – I have no problem sharing it with my readers. Good luck with it and please keep in touch and let us know how it is doing.

Yes it was a shock, Vonda & I grew up in the same small town in northern BC (Smithers) and I knew both of them well.

Do you have a catalogue of the travels planned for the next few years. If so I would like to have one mailed to me.

Gloria Macdonald 4842 Highway 215,R.R.# 1, Noel, Nova Scotia, B0N 2C0.

Hi Gloria, Not sure if I understand your request but I am a travel writer and not an agency. If you are interested in learning more about my travels or the RV Lifestyle please sign up on the right hand side of the home page on my site and I will definitely keep you up to date on whats happening. Sorry I can’t help you more than that. Happy travels, Carol Ann http://roamingrv.com or visit my other travel site –

Sorry I missed read your article and thought you offered catalogues.

Have you ever visited eastern Canada in the Atlantic Provinces in particular Nova Scotia.

I know the folks at Adventure Caravan-Ron and Juanita Khon-the owners.They do a beautiful job of advertising the Atlantic Provinces with their tours.

Everyone in this area of Canada are always welcoming to those folks and any others that visit.

In this area in particular there is a new campground coming to life -Parkville Campground,Noel, Nova Scotia-with very enthusiastic young owners.I am trying to spread the word and be of any assisstance that is possible.

Happy Travelling

Appreciate your response. Have been traveling the loop this summer and are gathering a lot of good information for the benefit of the RVers joining our caravans. Have signed up to follow your tweets and will continue to follow the website as you provide insightful information.

We are a new RV company. This summer we are traveling our proposed route, lining up campgrounds, activities and adventures. In other words, putting together our package. As our website says, we will be covering a specific route in the southern Colorado Rockies and are only interested in small caravans so more personal attention. We will be offering our tours starting in May 2012 and hope to run 5 tours a season.

Think you sum up RV caravan touring perfectly. These are the things we hope our customers realize are important. Can you offer any ideas for marketing or any general suggestions?

Thanks Sheryl, I visited your site and your caravans definitely sound interesting. I like the idea of smaller caravans for some because of the personal attention and there are people who are more comfortable in a smaller group. Good luck with your new company – I look forward to hearing from you again. Please feel free to sign up for new updates on my blog – I try and update it often and will be putting out a newsletter in the near future.

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• Destination: Alaska RV Tours, Canada RV Tours
• Duration: 48 days

This Alaska tour – is designed for those who would rather travel by another route to depart from Dawson Creek, BC, bypassing the Canadian Rockies.

You are greeted in Dawson Creek by Adventure Caravans staff and join the rest of the caravan who started their 61-day tour in Great Falls, MT. You will be welcomed at a get acquainted social and orientation as you meet your new traveling companions, and your rig will get a mechanical and safety inspection for any last-minute details that might need attention before starting your tour. The next day is spent in Dawson Creek and at Milepost ‘0’ of the Alaska Highway. The following day the entire caravan will head to Fort Nelson and the rest of the stops on our awesome Alaskan adventure.

  Itinerary

Tour highlights.

– Visit Milepost ‘0’ – Pan for Gold – Sternwheeler Cruise – Guided Tour of Denali National Park – Glacier & Wildlife Cruises – Whale Watching & Puffin Experience

– Professional Adventure Caravans Staff – 47 Nights RV Camping – Tickets, Admissions and Gratuities for Shows, Events, and Activities Listed – 14 Meals Provided and 40 Events – 2 Days of Motorcoach Transportation – Milepost Travel Guide – End of Alcan Highway Certificate & Pin – AVC Apparel, Name Badges & Tour Pins

Additional Tour Details

– Comfortable Walking Shoes Recommended – Total Miles 4,524 – Longest Travel Day 306 Miles – Frequent Caravan Miles Earned Upon Completion of Tour $200

  Tour Route

Experience the adventure.

Travel insurance may cover your travel investment should the unexpected illness of you, a traveling companion or family member force you to cancel your vacation. To learn more about or purchase Travel insurance, click on the image below.

Ron & Martha M.

Marvin & dee – gaspe 2019, adventure caravans guest, randy h – civil war 2019, rick h. – civil war 2019.

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ALASKAN DISCOVERY RV TOURS RV Caravans to Alaska - the Last Frontier

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    2024   35 day Tour dates are:    

  (Tour 1) June 1th to July 5th     (3 spots still available)

  (Tour 2)  July 27th to August 30th   (2 spots just came available) Contact us to be put on a waiting list

We ask you to arrive two days early so our mechanic can inspect your rig and put mesh over your radiator. We also have group meetings each afternoon as an orientation and Q&A time. The spots are reserved for you, so just come on in.

Highlights of Tour 1 & Tour 2:

  Tour One:  SPRINGTIME/SUMMER...View the Midnight Sun. Plenty of baby animals, Less Bugs, Arctic Flowers, Spawning Salmon, Best Fishing for Halibut & Salmon, Northern Lights, Warms Quickly under the Midnight Sun & More Time to Explore Alaska after the Tour, Plus enjoy the 4th of July in Homer, Alaska.

  Tour Two :  SUMMER/FALL.... Arctic Flowers, Midnight Sun, Northern Lights, Lots of Animals, Active Bear Viewing Stand, Alaska State Fair, Fall Leaves & Tundra, "a Carpet of Beautiful Changing Colors", Spawning Salmon, Fabulous Fishing

Historic & Educational.............Caravan Leader & Lectures by Associate Professor & Research Historian, Gilbert "Spike" Fortier.  Chairman for the:  Institute for the Study of Glacial Retreat and Global Warming.  Author of Numerous Books & Narrator of over 20 Travel Tapes on the History of:   "Alaska and the Yukon" including "Fishing in Alaska".

Featured in:  "Trailer Life Magazine", "Alaska Magazine", RV Life Online Magazine & Truck Camper Magazine"

Alaskan Discovery RV Tours   are 35 days long, beginning in Hazelton, British Columbia and ending in Homer, Alaska.    Our routes are carefully planned and organized to show you the most attractions at a comfortable pace.   You will see all the sights British Columbia, Yukon and Alaska have to offer.  By the end of the 36 days, you will have seen all of RVing in Alaska. You may then choose to continue exploring and re-visiting your favorite places in Alaska (as many do) before going home in small friendly groups right down the Alaska Highway following our easy and informative return trip planner.  Or, for no charge you may follow us back down the ALCAN to the starting point where we will meet our next tour.

Our 2024 RV Caravan Tour Price is only $11,587 for one rig, two people and includes:     All RV Parks, starting Hyder, Alaska our first day, all 118 Tours & Events listed on the "Itinerary" Page, Research Historian Wagonmaster with full narration while driving and lectures, Health-care BLS, CPR & AED trained personnel, Pet sitting/walking, Bulk Fuel Discounts, Certified RV Tech, Tailgunner couple, free Wi-Fi available at most RV parks we attend & Satellite Phone for emergencies, 4 Group Dinners, Alaskan Owned & Operated since 1991, plus so much more.   We have more fun than anyone else.......  Call us if you have any questions or would like to sign-up for the Caravan... Call our office 800 842 7764 or email [email protected] we will hold your spot while you mail in the $500 deposit and registration.  Don't miss out on the Adventure of a Lifetime.  See you soon, Spike

Explore Alaska's stunning Interior & Coastlines this summer.   You will return to nature with breathtaking scenery, dramatic waterfalls, stunning Glaciers and the freshest of mountain air.   You will be amazed at the wonderful places we stay, the historic cities, charming villages, local cuisine and fantastic hospitality.   Alaskan Discovery RV Tours operates under a permit from the USDA Forest Service. In addition, we are a member of the Alaska State Chamber of Commerce, the Alaskan Travel Industry Association. We have been accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) for years and were approved as meeting BBB Online standards. We have been nominated for BBB "2018 & 2019 Business of the Year" Torch Award. We hope you find the information on this web site helpful but please do not hesitate to call us at 800-842-7764 if you have any questions.

Why Choose Alaskan Discovery RV Tours?

We limit our caravans to 20 rigs which allows us to make your tour a dream vacation. Our groups form friendship bonds that last a lifetime and we are known for seeing and doing much more than most other caravans as we travel throughout Alaska. Because everything is planned in advance, you know what to expect and so you can sit back, relax and enjoy the sights, adventures and friendships caravan travel brings. Plus, we truly do have more fun than anyone else!

Please Compare

While we believe our tours are the best, you should look around to find the caravan company that best suits your interests and needs.   We are not the most expensive nor the cheapest, but the best with what we offer and the tours we visit.  When you compare us and what we provide; places we visit and tours we take you will see a big difference between us and all other caravans to Alaska.  Most other Caravans have one time hired Wagonmasters and round-trip itineraries.  They lack the experience in Alaska and count going home as part of the tour to make the trips seem longer and more worthwhile. 

Meet our past customers at our Florida rally and hear directly from them how wonderful and educational our Caravans to Alaska are.  Our photo section goes back 3 years and covers all tours each summer.  Visit them to see where we go and what we do in photo album style.

Explore our Website

To learn more about our RV tours to Alaska, please use the links on the left to explore our website.  Be sure to take a look at the wonderful Testimonials from some very happy customers!

Our Business Relationships

We are proud to do business with the following organizations & encourage you to explore what they have to offer – click on their logo to visit their web site.   We recommend GOOD SAM ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE they can respond to anywhere we travel on the tour and can always be reached by our wireless or international phone systems.

Alaskan Discovery RV Tours 645 G Street, # 542   ▪  Anchorage  ▪   Alaska 99501  ▪   800-842-7764 Small caravans see and do more… plus, we have more fun!

This site and photographs are protected under the Copyright law, United States of America

Panama Tropical Adventure 8 Day Tour from USD $995 #1 In Value

Dear Traveler, Welcome to a great vacation at an affordable price. Your Panama tour is fully guided and includes most meals, all hotels, and all activities. Happy Travels! Caravan

2024 Daily Tour Itinerary

Day 1 • panama city, panama, day 2 • old panama, miraflores locks, day 3 • embera village, fort san lorenzo, day 4 • bird watching cruise, sloth rescue center, day 5 • panama canal boat ride, day 6 • playa bonita, day 7 • handicrafts, day 8 • panama city, 2024 hotels, days 1, 2 • panama city, westin panama, days 3, 4 • gamboa, gamboa rainforest resort, days 5, 6 • playa bonita, westin playa bonita resort, day 7 • panama city, intercontinental miramar panama, airport transfers, arrival transfers, departure transfers, passports & visas, weather & clothing, temperature °f (high/low) rainfall (inches), clothing tips, travel tips & faqs, my tour price includes, preparing for the tropics, are meals included, children on tour, family trips, my tour price does not include, age of travelers on a caravan tour, forms of payment, many tours sell out each year, fully guided tours since 1952, size of tour group, a well-paced itinerary, caravan’s $129 travel protection, customer reviews.

"Amazing. This was our first trip with Caravan and we will be taking another adventure with you. Couldn’t ask for better accommodations, the hotels were all topnotch. Enjoyed all the meals, something for everyone. Friends told us about Caravan and they were 100% right. We will be telling all my other friends about Caravan Panama." Mr. & Mrs. G.S., Ormond Beach, Florida

"This was our third Caravan tour and once again, it was wonderful. The detailed schedules and activities allow us to enjoy the tour with no concerns about logistics. Wonderful job of providing background and history. Every meal offered tremendous variety and diverse regional cuisine of Panama. Thanks to our Director and the many people helping with the tour, we learned a lot, experienced wonderful opportunities, and enjoyed local culture." Mr. & Mrs. M.L., Brussels, Wisconsin

"Panama is a spectacular place. The hotels were beautiful, the last one being the best I’ve ever stayed in. The food and drink was great. We had such an informed director, he knew history and current affairs. Very helpful and always there if needed. This was a wonderful tour that I will remember." Ms. M.N., Buffalo, New York

"Panama: a WONDER of the world! A fantastic week - expertly planned and executed! From history, observation and riding through the canal, with additional side events...awesome!! A most memorable experience." Ms. P.M., Winnetka, Illinois

"This was my fifth tour with Caravan. They have all provided wonderful opportunities to see spectacular scenery, enjoy the cuisine, and interact with local culture. The guides are professional, personable, competent and enhance the tours. Our canal transit was great." Mr. J.D., Upton, Massachusetts

"I selected this trip as an alternative to taking a cruise which visited the canal. What’s not to like about this trip? It totally went beyond my expectations. It provided so much more than the cruise we were considering. I am glad I found Caravan to give you a try. Our party of four would at dinner each night, review and evaluate the day, giving each other a high point or low point of the day. This was the first time trying to come up with a low was extremely difficult. Caravan has got traveling down to an artform." Mr. & Mrs. D.G., Rockville, Maryland

"We have fallen in love with guided tours. We don’t know how Caravan does it. We wanted to see the Panama Canal and we got to see every angle. Everything planned perfectly. The entertainment at night was very interesting, showing pride in the Panama culture. There is not enough space about our amazing tour director. His heart and soul was into the tour and travelers, his experience shows. Not only did we learn from the trip, we learned from fellow travelers. They became our family for a week." Mr. & Mrs. D.M., Tampico, Illinois

Why Travel with Caravan?

Excellence since 1952, caravan care, caravan's proud history, great hotels, complete sightseeing, fully guided by tour directors, all-inclusive, shopping freedom, great value, book early, how does caravan tours sell these tours for such a low cost, trade association memberships.

• Best Road Trips in Australia for Campervans

Australia Road Trip Planner

18 of the best road trips in australia.

Australia Road Trip Map : Click on the route for a link to the itinerary, or browse below.

East Coast Australia Road Trips

These east coast Australia road trips combine two or more of the above road trips. Itineraries range from 1 to 7 weeks.

Cairns to Airlie Beach Drive 348 km | 7 hrs drive  | 1 - 2 weeks 4 days for the road trip plus 10 days to explore the Whitsundays, Great Barrier Reef, Daintree, Port Douglas, Undara Lava Tubes and the Atherton Tablelands. 

Brisbane to Cairns Drive 2, 177 km | 26 hrs drive | 3 - 4 weeks Explore the tropical northern stretch of the East Coast. 11 days for the road trip, plus 10 days to explore Brisbane, the Gold Coast, the Great Barrier Reef, the Whitsundays, Atherton Tablelands, the Daintree and Port Douglas. 

Melbourne to Brisbane Drive 2,930 km | 54 hrs drive | 5 weeks 28 days for the road trip, plus 6 days to explore Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and the Gold Coast. 

Sydney to Cairns Drive 3,487 km | 55 hrs drive  | 5 weeks Nearly all of the east coast. 26 days for the road trip, plus 10 days to explore Sydney, Brisbane, the Gold Coast, the Whitsunday and Cairns. 

Melbourne to Cairns Drive 4,787 km | 55 hrs drive | 6 - 7 weeks Explore the entire East Coast of Australia from end to end. 30 - 40 days for the road trip, plus 10 days to explore Sydney, Brisbane, the Gold Coast, the Whitsunday and Cairns.

Road Trip Around Australia

We have three key routes for a road trip around Australia. 

• The first route is a simple circumnavigation of the continent, but this misses the important central desert region with Uluru, the Olgas and Coober Pedy. 
• The second route includes central Australia and can either start in Cairns and end in Adelaide, or start in Adelaide and end in Cairns. 
• The third route builds upon the second route by looping in Broken Hill, Mungo National Park and rural New South Wales. Its start and end points are Cairns and Sydney.

Road Trips by State

• NEW SOUTH WALES
• SOUTH AUSTRALIA
• WESTERN AUSTRALIA
• NORTHERN TERRITORY

Driving in Australia

Australia is larger than you might think - as large as the USA without Alaska and three quarters the size of Europe. It is also extremely diverse with everything from snow-capped mountains to lush tropical forests, the outback desert and rolling green pastures. If you jet set from city to city, you'll miss all this.

The best (and cheapest) way to experience Australia is to hire a campervan and take a road trip. That way you have the freedom to can set your own itinerary, be spontaneous, take the road less travelled, and stop where you want for as long as you want.

With a kitchen in the back seat, you can pull into a stunning location, make lunch and soak in the views. It's the most convenient, affordable and memorable way to dine. And at the end of an adventure-filled day, your home is where ever you park it. 

You will soon discover the camaraderie of the campervan community - kindred spirits who like to get off the beaten path, who appreciate the beauty of Australia, and are eager to share a few tips and their favorite camping locations with you. As Edith Wharton once said  "One of the great things about travel is you discover how many good, kind people there are."

In this Road Trip Planner we detail some of the best road trips in Australia to help you plan your campervan self-drive itinerary.

• Cairns day trips
• Atherton Tablelands & Wooroonooran National Park
• Kuranda and Barron Falls
• Cairns to Hinchinbrook Is.
• Cairns to Cooktown
• Cairns to Townsville  
• Townsville day trips
• Townsville to Cairns
• Townsville to Airlie Beach
• Queensland Outback  (Townsville - Cunnamulla - Brisbane)
• Airlie Beach to Townsville  (and Cairns)
• Airlie Beach to Brisbane  (and Gold Coast)
• Brisbane to Gold Coast
• Brisbane to Airlie Beach
• Gold Coast to Sydney
• Gold Coast day trips
• Brisbane day trips

New South Wales

• Sydney's National Parks
• Sydney's Top Walks
• Hunter Valley wine region
• Central Coast
• Port Stephens
• Blue Mountains
• South Coast
• Southern Highlands
• The Snowy Mountains
• Sydney - Melbourne Coast
• Sydney - Canberra - Melbourne
• Sydney - Gold Coast
• Broken Hill
• Canberra 
• Grampians | Murray River
• Great Ocean Road
• Mornington Pensinsula
• Phillip Island
• Wilsons Promontory
• Victorian Alps | High Plains
• Yarra Valley | Dandenongs
• Melbourne - Sydney coast
• Melbourne - Canberra - Sydney
• Melbourne - Adelaide

South Australia

• Barossa Valley wines
• Murray River
• Kangaroo Island
• Mt. Gambier
• Coonawarra wine & Naracoorte Caves
• Adelaide Hills & Hahndorf
• Adelaide Hills Activities 
• Fleurieu Peninsula & Coorong
• Adelaide to Melbourne
• Outback: Adelaide to Sydney
• Adelaide to Darwin Road Trip
• Adelaide to Perth Road Trip
• Coober Pedy
• Eyre Peninsula

Western Australia

• 3 days in Perth - things to do
• The Perfect WA Roadtrip (South of Perth)
• Yanchep National Park
• Pinnacles Desert
• Bunbury and Busselton
• Margaret River
• Pemberton Forests
• The Kimberley - Broome to Darwin in 6 days
• Broome to Perth in 19 days
• Perth to Adelaide in 16 days

Northern Territory

• Litchfield National Park
• The Pilbara
• Nitmiluk National Park (Katherine Gorge)
• Mataranka Hot Springs
• Alice Springs
• Uluru and the Olgas
• Macdonnell Ranges

Other Blogs & Relevant Information

• Driving Distances and Petrol Prices
• Oz Parks Australia's Newest National Caravan & Tourist Park Chain
• Top Islands to visit in Australia
• Top Australian cultural experiences
• Top Australian animal experiences
• 7 reasons why Cairns is the adventure capital of Australia
• 10 movie locations to visit in Australia

Itineraries

Sign up for amazing offers exclusive access for offers and promotions

Campervan hire depots, airlie beach.

Heart of Reef Shuttles, 48-50 Carlo Drive, Cannonvale, Queensland 4802 Phone: 1800 216 223

20 Noble Avenue, North Gate, Queensland 4013 Phone: 1800 216 223

440 Sheridan Street, Cairns, Queensland 4870 Phone: 1800 216 223

273 Elizabeth Street, Coburg, Victoria 3058 Phone: 1800 216 223

23-25 Erskine Rd, Caringbah, Sydney, NSW 2229 Phone: 1800 216 223

Do you have any questions or need additional information?

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Drivers warned of two hour bank holiday delays on major roads as 'crescendo of cars' get ready to travel

WATCH: 'Can't go any slower!' Bev Turner SLAMS 'war on motorists'

By Hemma Visavadia

Published: 29/04/2024

M5 expected to have delays of more than two hours

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Drivers have been warned of huge traffic delays on the May bank holiday weekend as more than 16 million cars hit the road.

Between Friday 3 May and Monday 6 May roads are expected to be busier than normal as drivers set off for the long weekend.

The RAC predicts roughly three million journeys on Saturday heading in and out of the capital, a further 2.3 million on Sunday and 2.6 million on Monday.

To avoid the peak traffic points, one experts advised drivers to avoid setting off between 1pm and 7pm on Thursday, 11am and 6pm on Friday, 9am and 2pm on Saturday, and 10am and 3pm on both the Sunday and Monday.

Do you have a story you'd like to share? Get in touch by emailing [email protected]

Saturday May 3 is predicted to be worse day for traffic

For drivers who are unable to avoid the peak times, they have been warned of delays on major routes expected to take 13 per cent longer than usual.

In particular, the M53 southbound from Liverpool to Chester is expected to be hit by mid-morning delays of up to 45 minutes.

The busiest route will be the M5 southbound between Bristol and Taunton on Friday afternoon where travel is expected to take nearly two hours longer.

Meanwhile, most major routes across the South and South West of the country will experience a 50 per cent increase in delays on Friday afternoon.

On bank holiday Monday, parts of the North West, East Anglia and South West will be hardest hit by returning traffic.

The M55 eastbound between Blackpool and Preston will be busy from 11am while Cornwall to Exeter eastbound on the A30 and A38 will be hit with traffic from 11.30am and Norwich to Thetford on the A11 southbound from 12.15pm.

Alice Simpson, spokesperson for RAC Breakdown, said: “With Covid travel restrictions a thing of the past, catching up with friends and family is still the first priority for nearly half of drivers making leisure trips over the bank holiday.

“Since 2022 – the first full year since mobility restrictions lifted – drivers appear to be much more eager to make the most of the May Day weekend, with the total number of getaway trips this year far exceeding the average since 2017.

“We’re anticipating a ‘crescendo of cars’ on the road over the weekend with as many as three million motorists making leisure trips on Saturday alone.”

The planned rail strikes by ASLEF Union taking place on Tuesday May 7 until Thursday May 9 are also expected to contribute to more cars and replacement buses on the roads.

On top of strikes, National Highways announced major roadworks will be taking place on the M25 between 9am on Friday, May 10, and 6am on Monday, May 13 affecting J9 (A243 Leatherhead) and J10 (A3 Wisley).

Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX, added that while the delays won’t be as severe as Easter, drivers should expect the “lengthiest hold-ups” on major roads.

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Traffic delays expected to be as much as two hours

Delays will likely peak on Friday afternoon with some areas seeing usual travel times double as holiday drivers vie for space on the roads with commuters, he warned.

Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead and to stay up to date with the latest travel advice and information on the National Highways website and socials.

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Autism makes travel a challenge. Here’s how I learned to cope

Busy places and unexpected events used to send me into meltdown on holiday. An autism diagnosis helped me to adapt my plans and rediscover the joy of travelling

W andering hand-in-hand through the medieval streets of Bologna, my boyfriend and I were in awe of the sweeping porticoes and distinctive rust-red brickwork of the city. It was our first holiday together. We’d wanted to find somewhere beyond the obvious that would marry our respective interests in architecture and history. Bologna was the perfect fit.

We admired the Church of Santa Maria della Vita , with its imposing baroque interior, lavishly decorated in colourful frescoes and marble carvings. We caught a little red and blue express train up into the hills to the Santuario della Madonna di San Luca , and climbed the bell tower of the Basilica di San Petronio for panoramic views across the city.

But after one particularly long, hot day on our feet, with our stomachs clamouring to be fed, my mood began to shift. With the setting of the sun came the rising of my rage, as we struggled to agree on where we wanted to eat. In a city nicknamed La Grassa (“the fat one”), we weren’t lacking in options; in fact, it was the sheer number of well-reviewed eateries that was overwhelming.

Eventually we decided on pizza, and my boyfriend anxiously led us through sun-dappled alleyways, seeking out a little hole-in-the-wall spot with stellar reviews on Google. Looking back now, I’m ashamed of my reaction once we arrived. Instead of excitedly tucking into the steaming, cheese-drenched deliciousness before me, I burst into tears, refusing to order. And why?

Because they were slices .

In my mind, getting pizza meant that we’d be presented with a whole pizza. The idea of just grabbing a slice or two felt abhorrently wrong. It truly felt to me, in that moment, like I was being asked to do the impossible. Instead, we had to find a standard bistro and get me the right kind of pizza. Scrolling through photographs from that trip for this article, I find a snapshot of my boyfriend opposite me at the table, looking as if he’d just (barely) survived the fury of the Visigoths during the sacking of Rome.

It wasn’t until three years later – in spring 2020, when I was diagnosed as autistic – that this fragment of my life story, and many others like it, finally began to make sense.

B eing autistic means that life is a challenge, every day, in myriad tiny ways most others cannot see. Autistic people often grapple with sensory, social and communication challenges that manifest differently in each of us. As a toddler, for instance, I couldn’t stand the touch of grass on my skin. My parents could pop me down on a blanket by our tent during camping trips, safe in the knowledge that I wouldn’t stray. The same went for sand – putting me down to build a sandcastle on the beach only led to banshee-esque wailing until someone picked me up. When I got older, I preferred to stay by the tent and read my books than risk the chaotic din of the campsite playground. I’ve also always found it difficult when confronted with the unexpected. That could be anything, from a last-minute change of plans to something simply not turning out the way I’d pictured it in my head.

Relentlessly busy places are a terrifying prospect for those of us predisposed to sensory overwhelm. The best way I can describe how I experience this sensation is to ask you to imagine that the whole world has climbed into your chest. It then sits there, heavy and loud and bright, thrumming with energy, too much energy, more than any one person could hold within themselves. And yet, that’s what’s expected of us, day in, day out.

Fortunately, societal awareness of how autistic people interact with public spaces has grown over the past few years, thanks to the rise of lived experiences shared on platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. The thriving autistic creator communities online were a lifebelt for me when I was first diagnosed, providing both insights into my own behaviour and suggesting coping mechanisms.

Initiatives such as the sunflower lanyard scheme are also having a real impact on how employees in train stations, airports, bus terminals and so on are trained in making these places more accessible to those with hidden disabilities. What I have learned is that many challenges can be overcome with sufficient planning and support from those around me. Through much trial and error over the last four years, I’m making real progress towards learning how to adapt my holiday plans to accommodate my needs. I now have a self-made kit for mitigating sensory overwhelm that I take with me whenever I travel: sunglasses, noise-isolating earplugs, noise-cancelling headphones, a fidget toy or two and a safe food to snack on (a favourite cereal bar, for example). Having avoided meltdowns by using these items in the past, I now can’t imagine travelling without them.

The process of writing my book, The Autistic Guide to Adventure , has provided many useful insights too. Designed to introduce younger readers from the autistic community to a variety of different outdoor activities, the book suggests how to best approach them from sensory, social and communication perspectives.

Take kayaking, for instance, a popular holiday activity in the UK thanks to our miles upon miles of public waterways and easily accessible coastline. I’ve kayaked on family holidays since a young age. Before I knew I was autistic, however, I’d never have thought to give myself extra time to get used to sitting in a new boat in a new location, testing the feel of a buoyancy aid or holding the paddle properly. Yet something as simple as taking the opportunity to do that – on dry land, before the kayak even gets near the water – can make a real difference to how comfortable and confident an autistic person might feel about trying this new activity. Most activity providers are understanding and would be happy to facilitate this, if you let them know in advance.

Other simple adaptations to recreational activities include using walking poles for all levels of hiking – not only on mountains – and bringing an inflatable for wild swimming. These help to maintain balance, something that many autistic people find hard because of difficulties regulating their vestibular system.

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There will never be one single trip or destination that’s perfect for every autistic person, because our individual strengths, struggles and support needs are so different. But if we each plan ahead and choose what to do or where to go based on our known sensory sensitivities, communication preferences and social battery life, every trip has the potential to be perfect just for us .

M ost recently, my boyfriend and I took a much-anticipated trip to the Arctic Circle, visiting Tromsø. There’s a key difference between this holiday and our stay in Bologna five years earlier: the weather. It’s common for autistic people to have strong preferences when it comes to temperature – in my case, I’ll always choose cold over hot.

That’s why Tromsø in December was a sensory dream for me. Plunged into polar night, the light was never brighter than a muted lilac haze for a few short hours around midday. The temperature was consistently below freezing; the snow lay piled in marshmallow-soft heaps along pavements and roadsides. It was as far a cry from the lively streets and humid air of summer in Bologna as you could get, and it was perfect.

Learning from previous experience, we planned exactly where we wanted to eat during the trip. We spent several cheerful mealtimes huddled by the fire pit at Raketten Bar and enjoyed Pølse , a hotdog stand in a sunshine-yellow kiosk dating back to 1911.

Autistic people often prefer the company of animals to other humans, but it’s not something I’d ever thought to factor into my travel plans before. In Tromsø, we ended up spending three out of our five days on activities involving animals: huskies, whales and reindeer. It was, without a doubt, one of the best decisions we could have made.

The joy of losing myself in a frenzied pack of newfound canine friends radiates from my face in photos from the day we went husky sledding.

Given that travel is something I treasure, it’s a relief to realise that my ability to do it is not limited by being neurodivergent. On the contrary, I truly believe some of my many travel experiences have been – and will continue to be – enhanced by the fact that my brain works on a different wavelength. When I close my eyes, I can still see the play of lavender light on the snow-capped mountains surrounding Tromsø. I’m immediately transported back to a place that felt like home to my soul, soothed without having to take even a step outside.

The Autistic Guide to Adventure by Allie Mason is published by Jessica Kingsley (£14.99 ). To support the Guardian and Observer, buy a copy at guardianbookshop.com . Delivery charges may apply

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China’s Golden Week Holiday: What’s Driving Outbound Travel

Peden Doma Bhutia , Skift

April 24th, 2024 at 3:30 AM EDT

Understanding what Chinese travelers want is crucial for stakeholders in the tourism industry to tailor offerings and experiences that match these changing preferences.

Peden Doma Bhutia

Destinations in the Middle East are emerging as favorites for China’s upcoming May Day holiday, commonly known as Golden Week.

Overall outbound travel from China during this year’s holiday is still lagging behind 2019 levels by 13%. But travel to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has surged by 66%, and Turkey has experienced a significant growth of 56%, according to ticket sales data from ForwardKeys.

Increased seat capacity from Africa and the Middle East, which is set to expand by 75% in the second quarter, has led to this surge in travel.

Corresponding increases in seat capacity to China have backed the travel growth rates of 56% to Turkey, 19% to Italy, and 12% to the UK.

Last month, Trip.com, China’s biggest online travel agency, announced record bookings in Abu Dhabi, exceeding 57,000 room nights over the past 12 months. From 2022 to 2023, outbound travel orders across all products from Chinese travelers to the UAE surged by more than threefold.

Chinese outbound travel to Middle East had already reached pre-pandemic levels during the Chinese New Year period in February.

Pre-Pandemic Travel Patterns

ForwardKeys anticipates that the May holiday will witness notable travel peaks around April 27 and May 1, closely resembling pre-pandemic travel patterns.

In the Asian region, Malaysia has emerged as the top-performing destination for Chinese travelers, with flight bookings currently 42% ahead of 2019 levels. Because of more lenient visa policies, including visa-free travel to Malaysia and Singapore, and streamlined procedures for South Korea, travel to these destinations is expected to surpass 2019 levels in May.

These findings align with insights from Dragon Trail’s Chinese Traveler Sentiment Report , releasing later on Wednesday. According to the report, visa-free policies, direct flights, and simplified application procedures are also making outbound travel more appealing and accessible.

According to ForwardKeys, a notable shift in passenger profiles is the decrease in group travellers, which has dropped by 53% compared to 2019 levels. In contrast, solo travellers are showing a strong interest in exploring Asian destinations, with a 9% increase.

The Dragon Trail report also highlights growing preference for independent travel among Chinese tourists. Travelers also prefer, semi-self-guided travel and boutique groups of 6-10 people, which offer flexibility and convenience.

Value-Oriented Approach

Along with flexibility and convenience, Chinese travelers are also seeking relaxation and comfort in their trips.

Amidst the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic and China’s economic downturn in 2023, Chinese travelers are prioritizing relaxation and comfort in their trips.

The economic pressures have led to a value-oriented approach to travel planning, with a majority carefully considering their spending to maximize value and opting for affordable travel options.

Around 20% of respondents who said they would not travel outbound in 2024 cite limited income as a barrier. Only a small percentage (11%) are willing to pay a premium for superior products and services.

Most travelers allocate less than 20% of their income for travel, with budgets typically ranging from RMB10,000 to RMB30,000 for upcoming trips.

Despite budget-consciousness, shopping remains an integral part of outbound travel, with more than two-thirds of travelers spending a minimum of RMB2,000 (US$276) per trip. Local foods and souvenirs are the primary shopping categories, followed by cosmetics, clothing, shoes and bags.

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Tags: asia monthly , budget travel , china , china outbound , golden week , middle east , shopping , turkey , uae

Photo credit: Overall outbound travel from China during this year's May holiday is 13% behind 2019. Florence Lo / Reuters

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Golden Week crowds greeted with high temperatures as holiday period kicks off

Temperatures soared Sunday across a broad swath of the country, as Japan marked the second day of the Golden Week holiday period, with millions of travelers venturing to both international and domestic destinations.

Meanwhile, Osaka and central Tokyo reached 28 C, well above averages for this time of year, while Nagoya hit 28.3 C. The mercury in the cities of Maebashi, Gunma Prefecture, and Fukushima also hit 30 C.

As Japan began its Golden Week holidays, which last until May 6, crowds of travelers headed to airports and train stations for trips to visit their hometowns or resorts, with families carrying hefty suitcases forming lengthy lines at airline counters.

Around 835,200 people were projected to travel through Narita International Airport in Chiba Prefecture for international flights and 263,300 people for domestic flights during the busy holiday period.

An estimated 23.3 million people in Japan, about 90% of pre-pandemic levels, were expected to travel during the 11-day period, according to a report from travel agency JTB.

The Golden Week holidays this year are the first since the government downgraded the classification of COVID-19 to match that of the seasonal flu last May, lifting all remaining travel guidelines due to the virus.

Destinations consistently favored by Japanese tourists such as Hawaii and Guam were popular, while nearby South Korea and Taiwan were choices for those mindful of the weak yen, as reported by NHK.

A total of 2.96 million seats were booked for bullet trains and other reserved trains from Friday up until the end of the holiday period, a 16% increase from last year, according to the nation’s six Japan Railway operators.

But rain could put a damper on plans in some areas on Monday, when a low-pressure system is expected to approach western Japan, with rain likely drenching the Kyushu region from the morning and spreading to the Chugoku and Shikoku areas around noon. Some areas are expected to experience heavy rain and thunderstorms.

In the Kinki region, rain is expected starting in the evening, but the Tokai, Kanto and Hokuriku regions may see some sun with a chance of rain at night. In Okinawa, rain and thunderstorms are likely until around noon, mainly in the southern islands.

Tokyo, Nagoya and Naha, the capital of Okinawa Prefecture, were forecast to see temperatures of 27 C, 25 C and 29 C, respectively.

On Tuesday, rain is anticipated from the Kyushu to Kanto areas, mainly in the morning. In the Tohoku region and Hokkaido, showers are likely to continue into the afternoon, possibly turning into heavy rainfall.

Wednesday will see scattered rain in Okinawa, Kyushu, extending to Kanto, but the skies are forecast to clear on Thursday from Kyushu to Hokkaido, potentially creating ideal conditions for Golden Week outings next weekend.

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Brits warned over bank holiday travel chaos as 16m drivers to hit the road on Friday – while rail strikes add to misery

• Jonathan Rose , News Reporter
• Published : 23:03, 28 Apr 2024
• Updated : 1:27, 29 Apr 2024
• Published : Invalid Date,

BRITAIN faces early May Bank Holiday travel chaos with 16million cars set to clog roads on "Frantic Friday" and rail strikes.

Sunny spells with highs of 20°C at the weekend after a wet week will make jams even worse, as millions dash for day trips to fairs and coasts.

Friday is set for a tea-time meltdown as a holidaymakers' rush clashes with office workers and after-school traffic .

Around 16million drivers are expected on roads that day, data trends show.

RAC spokesman Rod Dennis said: "It's looking like a Frantic Friday, with getaway, school and commuter traffic building into the evening.

"Major trunk routes will be congested, with Saturday also busy.

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Hundreds of airport workers to walk out for an entire WEEK in row over jobs

"And after such miserable cold temperatures recently, drivers are ready to make the most of any better weather.

"Expect many more people on roads on days temperatures rise."

The AA warned of Friday snarl-ups at hotspots including the M25 at J11 in Surrey , the M1 at J11 near Luton, the M5 at J18 near Bristol , the M6 from J4a to J8 around Birmingham , and the M60 at J9 and J10 near the Trafford Centre.

The RAC said Bank Holiday Monday's train drivers overtime ban – set to see hundreds of services cancelled – will force more people into their cars.

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Mr Dennis added: "People are concerned about rail strikes , so some of those rail journeys planned for Monday will end up on the road instead."

Meanwhile 487 rail engineering schemes costing £75million will also see major disruption.

The west coast mainline – the busiest route in Britain – will have no trains from London or Glasgow on Sunday, with services slashed on Saturday and Monday.

Other works will hit journeys near Liverpool, Crewe, Wigan, Coventry, Cambridge and Southampton.

Network Rail 's Anit Chandarana said: "We're investing in making the railway more reliable."

10,000 trains and two million passengers' journeys are set to be cancelled by ASLEF train drivers' strikes at 16 operators on May 7, 8 and 9, analysis of rail industry figures indicates.

And an overtime ban, which sees services axed at the last minute, runs from Bank Holiday Monday on May 6 until May 11.

Network Rail said: "Some operators will not run any services on strike days, and the overtime ban may lead to short-notice cancellations."

Heathrow passengers face passport control delays in the run-up to the holiday weekend as 300 Border Force staff strike from Monday to Thursday.

Heathrow said: "Longer queue times may be experienced."

Ferry passengers are set for 60-minute queues at Dover as up to 15,000 cars sail to France over the extended weekend.

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It comes after Ryanair was forced to cancel hundreds of flights due to French Air Traffic Control (ATC) strikes.

The budget airline's CEO  Michael O'Leary  said in a statement that the EU Commission needs to protect routes flying over France while such walkouts are taking place.

What should I do if my Ryanair flight is cancelled?

The Sun's Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey explains what passengers affected by the Ryanair cancellations should do.

"Thousands of passengers are facing delays and cancellations this week, due to strike action by French ATC workers.

"And as many as 300 flights after being affected with Ryanair alone.

"Anyone who has been affected will be offered a full refund or change their flights on the same route, either with Ryanair or a different airline.

"However, it is unlikely you will be able to claim any compensation.

"This is because the strike is likely to be deemed an 'extraordinary circumstance' and out of the airline's control, due to it being an ATC strike, not a Ryanair staff strike."

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Heathrow Airport bank holiday flights under threat as refuellers announce strike, warns union

A similar 72-hour walk-out was called by the unite union involving the same group of workers in july 2022, article bookmarked.

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Fifty aircraft refuellers working at Heathrow airport will strike for 72 hours from 4 May , meaning potential chaos on one of the busiest travel periods of the year.

The action, part of a dispute over terms and conditions for new staff, has been timed to hit travellers over the early May bank holiday .

Those taking part are members of the Unite union working for AFS Aviation. The union says they refuel aircraft for 35 airlines at Heathrow, including Emirates, Virgin Atlantic and Air France, and warns the strikes “are likely to lead to severe disruption to airline services for passengers”.

AFS Aviation also services the three biggest US airlines – American, Delta and United – as well as Air Canada and Singapore Airlines.

The dispute is over reduced pension and sickness benefits for new staff recruited since the start of the year, leading to what the union calls a “two-tier workforce.”

The Unite general secretary, Sharon Graham, said: “AFS is behaving appallingly by attacking the T&Cs of new members of staff – those it views as the easiest to intimidate.

“But Unite will not stand for such bully-boy tactics and we will be backing our members in their fight for improved pensions and sick pay for all staff.”

Unite regional officer Kevin Hall added: “Our members recognise that if they allow this attack on their conditions to take place, before long this will become the norm. Unite won’t allow that to happen and is standing firm with our members on the picket line.

“AFS will have to answer directly to the airlines and passengers for the disruption caused by their unmerited actions.”

Sources at Heathrow say contingency planning is taking place. British Airways, which operates more than half the flights from Heathrow, has its own fuelling service and is unaffected.

The Independent has asked Virgin Atlantic and Emirates for comment.

A similar 72-hour strike was called by the Unite union involving the same group of workers in July 2022, over a peak summer weekend. But the dispute was settled before the action started after an improved pay offer was made.

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