U.S. Explorer 40 Days
This summer teen tour is the ultimate American road trip, literally taking you “from sea to shining sea.” This 40-day adventure begins in New York and ends in California. Along the way, teens will experience the awe of natural wonders like Niagara Falls and the Grand Canyon, the hustle and bustle of cities like Chicago, and the excitement of California. This summer program brings teens together in a welcoming group environment to connect and share unforgettable experiences. You might think the “U.S.” before “Explorer” stands for United States… but actually it means Unforgettable Summer!
An adrenaline-filled program with the coolest activities, picture-perfect landmarks and a close group bond.
Hotels, resorts & college residences.
Includes breakfast and dinner daily.
Includes all recreation & activities listed.
Chartered deluxe, air conditioned motor coach with a professional driver.
Separate departure dates are assigned to create compatible co-ed age groups.
Varies from 28 to 48 participants.
We can accommodate most dietary preferences and allergies.
This trip begins with a few of our favorite icebreakers and "get to know you" activities as we head upstate to Ithaca together. Ithaca is gorges and gorgeous and a great place for our bonding and orientation to begin. Experience the ultimate team building at the Hoffmann Challenge Course including the centerpiece high element, a 64′ high replica of Cornell’s McGraw Tower featuring a tree fort platform, rappelling stations, a 400′ double zip line, and a 40′ Giant Swing. Visit the Cornell campus including the bookstore. Browse the shops in the college town of Ithaca and enjoy a night of mini golf with your new friends.
Get ready to see over 100,000 cubic feet of water falling nearly 165′ over the Horseshoe, American and Bridal Veil Falls. Grab a poncho and head onto the Maid of the Mist to feel the spray inside the curve of Horseshoe Falls before getting soaked on a Whirlpool Jet Boat tour down the Niagara River.
Turn up the volume at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame; learn about recent inductees including JAY-Z and Eminem. Hit up the “Roller Coaster Capital of the World,” Cedar Point with 18 coasters voted as one of the “Best Amusement Parks in the World”! Top rides include Magnum XL-200 (Hypercoaster), Millennium Force (Giga coaster), Top Thrill Dragster (Strata coaster) and the record-breaking, Steel Vengeance!
Check into the University of Michigan, and tour The Big House, home of the Wolverines. Grab a bite to eat on State Street in the heart of Ann Arbor. Buckle up for Whirlyball – lacrosse, bumper cars and basketball mixed into one wild game. Try the World Famous Chipati at Pizza House, a popular college hangout.
Enjoy the Blue Man Group at the Briar Street Theater. Venture to the top of the Willis (Sears) Tower, one of the tallest buildings in the United States and stand 1,353′ above Wacker Drive on the glass Skydeck. Explore Chicago’s number one tourist attraction, Navy Pier and take a ride in a surrey along the lakefront biking path. Visit the Museum of Science and Industry to walk inside Apollo 8 which first flew humans to the moon. Enjoy browsing the stores on The Magnificent Mile - Michigan Avenue! Laugh it up at the famed Second City’s comedy improv that has produced comedy legends such as Keegen-Michael Key and Jason Sudeikis!
Welcome to Minneapolis – the larger of the Twin Cities. Check out the Mall of America, one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world! While at the mall, get set for the amazing FlyOver America, an aerial tour of some of the greatest landmarks and regions throughout the United States! The attraction is a fully immersive experience including wind, mist and even scents. Finally, enjoy one of the state's 10,000 lakes by diving in or hanging out on the shore while joining a game of beach volleyball!
Hike through Badlands National Park. Sample the 5¢ coffee and get a bumper sticker from the world famous Wall Drug.
Hang out with Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt and Lincoln at Mount Rushmore. Venture deep into the earth at Jewel Cave National Monument, the second-longest cave in the world, to see chambers and passages decorated with crystal formations. Browse the Reptile Gardens, home to more species of reptile than any other zoo or park in the world.
Yee haw from the wild-west, and the town named after “Buffalo Bill” Cody. Spend some time browsing the quaint shops in this western town. Embrace the beauty of the Shoshone National Forest on horseback. Participate in (yes, participate in!) or watch the Cody Rodeo.
Journey through America’s oldest National Park, Yellowstone, and watch Old Faithful erupt. Check out the geothermal features including the Fountain Paint Pots and keep your eyes peeled for wildlife such as bison and elk. Travel through Grand Teton National Park on your way to zip down the 2,500′ alpine slide track. Browse the shops of downtown Jackson Hole after whitewater rafting the Snake River for an adrenaline rush and great laughs!
Explore this resort ski town and the incredible hotel amenities including an indoor/outdoor pool, hot tub and fitness center. Visit the Olympic Park and whiz down the landing hill of a ski jump in an Extreme Tubing ride at up to 50 mph! Ride the tube, body and drop slides at Lagoon-A-Beach. Brave Cannibal, Lagoon’s newest state of the art roller coaster that includes vertical lifts, plunging free falls, break-over angles, underground tunnels, and three inversions.
Greetings from Canyon Country! Experience Zion National Park, named Zion by western pioneers meaning a place of peace and relaxation. Hike the Queen’s Trail in Bryce Canyon, known for its breathtaking red rocks. Walk the Rim Trail at the Grand Canyon, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World! Roll down the coral-hued sand dunes located beside red sandstone cliffs at the Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park.
Check into the Egyptian-themed Luxor hotel and experience the Las Vegas strip with its incredible sites including the dancing fountains at the Bellagio and the charm of Venice at the Venetian. Ride the Coney Island roller coaster at New York-New York before exploring M&M World and the Coca-Cola store. Finally, realize the excitement of seeing one of Las Vegas’ world-renowned Cirque du Soleil shows!
Head to the O.C. to kick off our time in the Golden State! You’ll stay just steps away from Disneyland Resort and enjoy a dinner at Downtown Disney. Spend a fun-filled day together at the happiest place on earth, enjoying everything Disneyland has to offer! Explore ‘Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge’, ride Space Mountain, and enjoy a classic parade through the park.
Learn to ride the waves with professional surfing instructors. Play Frisbee, make a sandcastle or lounge on an incredible SoCal beach. Enjoy a guided tour on an open air bus throughout the San Diego Zoo! Explore Seaport Village on San Diego Bay. Spend the evening at San Diego’s iconic beachfront boardwalk, Belmont Park, and take a ride on the Giant Dipper or Tilt-A-Whirl while overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Beverly Hills – That’s where I want to be! Pick up a hoodie or other souvenirs at the UCLA bookstore. Stroll along the famous Hollywood Walk of Fame, browse the shops at Ovation Hollywood, and check out the imprints outside TLC Chinese Theater. Survive a flash flood, experience an earthquake, come face to face with Jaws, watch King Kong battle dinosaurs, see the Bates Mansion, and journey into the Mummy’s tomb on the Studio Tour at Universal Studios. Additionally, explore Universal Studios’ Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Enjoy an evening at the IMPROV Comedy Club on Melrose Avenue. Indulge your sweet tooth at Diddy Riese. Check out Venice Beach and the stores on Rodeo Drive. Take a stroll in Downtown Santa Monica on 3rd Street Promenade and enjoy live performances. Then, hop over Ocean Avenue to the Santa Monica Pier and soak up the beautiful views of the California coast from the world-famous Ferris Wheel.
Enjoy the perfect stay on the California Coast. Santa Barbara features small-town charm, miles of beaches and the beauty of the surrounding mountains at your fingertips. Sea kayak the Pacific Ocean, and check out Stearns Wharf and State St. Enjoy a beach day, go for a swim or play a pickup game of soccer in the sand… don’t forget the sunscreen!
Relax on the shore of Tahoe, play beach volleyball, listen to music and perfect your tan. Learn to waterski with professional instructors or go tubing or wakeboarding. Sprawl on the deck of a sailboat as you cruise around the lake.
Welcome to the City by the Bay! Ride one of San Francisco’s iconic cable cars, visit “the Rock” (Alcatraz*), explore Pier 39 and see its famous resident sea lions, sample fresh seafood near Fisherman’s Wharf, taste chocolate in Ghirardelli Square, wobble down the most crooked street in the world, and marvel at the Golden Gate Bridge.
*As per the National Park Service, we disclose that Alcatraz tour has a retail value of $45.25 included in the program tuition.
Ithaca, New York
Just minutes from downtown Ithaca, the Hampton Inn Ithaca Hotel provides a great home base for the start of your adventure! The hotel has an indoor pool and fitness center.
Niagara Falls
The Hyatt Place Niagara Falls features a rooftop outdoor patio with views of Niagara Falls State Park.
Cleveland, Ohio
Enjoy great comfort at the Hyatt Place Lyndhurst after a fun-filled day at Cedar Point amusement park.
Ann Arbor, Michigan
One of the nation’s most desired universities, the University of Michigan is located in beautiful Ann Arbor. You will love your stay at this Big Ten Campus. Check out The M Den on State Street for great Wolverine clothing. Go Blue!
Chicago, Illinois
Located steps from the Magnificent Mile on Michigan Avenue, the AC Hotel Chicago Downtown is equipped with everything you need, including an indoor heated pool and fitness center.
Bloomington, Minnesota
We stay at the newly renovated Embassy Suites Bloomington hotel located close to the famed Mall of America. All rooms are spacious suites with separate living areas. The hotel has an indoor pool and fitness center.
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
The Hyatt Place Sioux Falls – South provides you with a convenient place to rest and refresh en route to Rapid City.
Rapid City, South Dakota
Enjoy your stay at the comfortable Home 2 Suites By Hilton Rapid City hotel, equipped with a fitness center and spacious suites. Set against the Black Hills of South Dakota and less than 35 minutes from Mount Rushmore.
Cody, Wyoming
Known as the rodeo capital of the world and not far from the east gate of Yellowstone National Park, get the full cowboy experience while in Cody. Stay at Buffalo Bill Village where every cabin has a rustic Wild West exterior while still offering the services of a full service hotel.
Jackson, Wyoming
Cowboy Village Resort is nestled in a beautiful forest only a few minutes from the heart of Jackson Hole, and close to the area’s National Parks. All cabins of this charming resort boast modern comforts and amenities. Resort facilities include a swimming pool and fitness center.
Park City, Utah
Enjoy your stay at the luxurious AC Marriot Park City hotel after a day of fun adventures. Relax in modern, comfortable rooms, go for a dip in the pool, and hangout with your new friends!
Kanab, Utah
After exploring the spectacular scenery of Bryce and Zion Canyons, return to the Hampton Inn and reflect on the wild beauty of Southern Utah!
Las Vegas, Nevada
Located on famous Las Vegas Boulevard, “The Strip”, the pyramid-shaped Luxor hotel offers a unique way to experience the over-the-top decor for which Vegas is famous! The pool deck is one of the largest in Las Vegas, with a choice of 4 pools to enjoy – the perfect place to cool off from all the excitement and bright lights of the city!
Orange County, California
The Embassy Suites by Hilton Anaheim South, otherwise known as the Disneyland® Good Neighbor Hotel, is 10 minutes from Disneyland Park, in the Anaheim Resort district. Enjoy an outdoor pool and fitness center.
San Diego, California
Stay at Homewood Suites Hotel Circle, an all-suite accommodation that offers plenty of space to hang out and relax after exciting days in San Diego.
Los Angeles, California
After a full day of exciting Los Angeles highlights, stay at the Embassy Suites LAX North.
Santa Barbara, California
Enjoy your stay in the beautiful Santa Barbara area at the Hyatt Place Hotel, Santa Barbara. This hotel's amenities include a hot tub and a gym.
Lake Tahoe, California
Surrounded by breathtaking scenery, we’ll stay at the Hampton Inn & Suites Tahoe-Truckee and enjoy the comfortable rooms and outdoor pools after activity-packed days in Tahoe.
San Francisco, California
After a day of seeing all the San Francisco sights, enjoy spacious accommodations in this all-suite hotel where a separate living area and bedroom are standard features. The Embassy Suites San Francisco also has an indoor heated pool and fitness center.
Arrive in New York
For participants on this trip, transport by motor-coach leaves in the morning of the first day and is included from New York to the trip starting point in Ithaca. For our travelers from outside of NY, NJ, CT or PA, we are happy to assist you with arranging flights into New York for the afternoon before the departure and to provide chaperoned accommodations. You may also choose to meet us in Ithaca and we help you to coordinate your travel times to meet the group at the hotel.
Return Flight Home from San Francisco, California
Our leaders help you to check-in and remain in the airport until flights in designated times have departed. For those from the New York area, we offer a chaperoned flight.
Food and Meals
Eating well while away from home is an important part of a summer’s success. We understand how it helps our travelers feel secure, happy and looking forward to their day. Our North American Active Teen Tours visit great restaurants. Depending on the itinerary, you may be dining at the Cheesecake Factory, Hard Rock Cafe, a popular upscale food hall/marketplace with local gourmet options or a happening area where you will have many cuisines to select from. We make a point to balance great food choices that teens love with trying great local favorites like the sourdough bread from the Boudin Bakery in San Francisco.
We have satisfied the choosiest of eaters and gladly accommodate most special dietary requests including vegetarian, food allergies, lactose intolerance, celiac disease, and kosher style. We welcome discussing your individual requirements with you and have extensive experience in this area.
Rooming
You will stay in the finest hotels, resorts and college residences, which are chosen based on safety, security, amenities, comfort and location. Rooms vary from doubles to triples. Triples may contain two beds and a rollaway or be a suite style with a sofa bed. Each participant has their own bed.
Laundry
You will only need to bring one week’s worth of clothing as outlined in the packing list that will be sent to you prior to departure. We visit local laundromats weekly and we will supply the detergent and dryer sheets. Don’t worry if you’ve never done laundry before, we’ll show you the ropes. Parents, we know the thought of your children doing laundry is making you smile!
What’s Included
Included in your program tuition is all lodging, breakfast and dinner daily, recreation & entertainment listed, airport transfers in designated times, gratuities & taxes, and motor coach transportation from New York to Ithaca.
Not included is transportation to and from the program, lunches, snacks, personal spending money for souvenirs, and laundry. We also make available optional travel insurance that is not included, but highly recommended.
Please contact us with any questions. We are happy to hear from you!
Do you separate different age groups?
It depends on the program, so it’s always best to contact us. On some programs, we assign a specific departure date by age group to create the best possible social dynamics. For example, if grades 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 are listed on a program, note they will not all be traveling together on the same departure.
To find the programs with exclusive age-specific departures, look for tags saying “middle school” for students completing 7th and 8th grades, or “ON TOUR” for students completing 11th and 12th grades.
Who are the staff and what are their qualifications?
Our staff are educators, guidance counselors, coaches, college and university students, former camp counselors, residence life coordinators, community volunteers, world travelers, and other leaders with diverse backgrounds. Many are former participants themselves who couldn’t get enough of the Westcoast experience! Learn more about our summer leaders.
What is the difference between an Active Teen Tour and a Global Adventure program?
Our Active Teen Tours offer larger group sizes (generally 35-48 participants) and travel in deluxe motor coaches. Accommodations include quality hotels and occasional fun college residences.
Global Adventures are smaller group experiences (generally up to 26 participants on all itineraries other than the 17 or 25-day Greece & Italy or 10-day Greek Islands which varies from 24-36 participants.)
Groups travel by private motor coaches and occasional public transportation internationally, and use passenger vans in the USA. Select European programs travel exclusively by train and public transportation. While these programs have a slightly bigger focus on adventure travel, we stay in quality hotels and lodges, always ensuring a good night’s rest.
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