Gap year reassurance for parents

Tour operator TrekAmerica has developed a ‘Parent Charter’ to help reassure those mums and dads whose children are heading off to travel for the first time.

Parents may feel the urge to track their children with GPS technology as they embark on their first overseas adventure but TrekAmerica wants to respond to their concerns and highlight how booking with a reputable tour company can help ensure their child is well looked after

TrekAmerica’s adventure tours last from seven to 64 days and are specifically aimed at 18-38 year olds, so its customers include a high proportion of school leavers and young people on Gap years, extended travels or holidays.

The company’s ‘Parent Charter’ outlines the top concerns for parents and why booking an organised group tour might bring them peace of mind.

TrekAmerica’s Parent Charter – A response to the top concerns for parents

My child hasn’t travelled alone before…

That’s fine - they won’t be alone on a TrekAmerica tour. Our group departures take up to 13 passengers - just the right number to find like-minded friends without being lost in the crowd. A lot of our passengers are solo travellers, so it’s unlikely your child will be the only one in the group. They’ll still find plenty of time for independent exploration though – we don’t herd our passengers around like cattle.

How does my child meet up with the group?

TrekAmerica passengers fly in from all over the world so tour groups are asked to congregate at one of our gateway hotels at a set time. Most US airport websites contain detailed information on how to reach the city centre, but for extra reassurance, TrekAmerica has secured competitive rates with Book a Limo so airport transfers can be pre-booked.

Some passengers like to contact their fellow travellers before they go, which they can do via the online message board at TrekAmerica.co.uk or via our Facebook group (Join Team TrekAmerica).

My 18-year-old hasn’t had a driving licence for long, so I’m not confident about them driving in a foreign country

Don’t worry – they won’t be. Our tours operate in North America, where many of the best sights can only be reached by private vehicle but where it’s difficult for any driver under 25 to rent a car anyway. TrekAmerica’s passengers travel by minibus, which is only ever driven by the tour leader. Tour leaders check the vehicles daily whilst on the road and each vehicle is also thoroughly inspected by a trained mechanic after every tour. Minibuses are all fitted with seatbelts which passengers must wear at all times the vehicle is being driven.

That’s fine, but can we trust the tour leaders to be safe drivers?

TrekAmerica’s recruitment process for new tour leaders includes specific in-house driving training and driver performance whilst on tour is monitored using an engine management chip that records how the vehicle has been driven. This will register speed and whether there has been excessive acceleration or breaking. All tour leaders possess a Commercial Driver’s License which may only be obtained after passing a rigorous series of state controlled written and driving tests.

How can I get hold of my child to check that they’re OK?

Many passengers nowadays travel with their mobile phones, although parents should remember that our tours do travel to remote areas where phone reception and internet access may not be available. TrekAmerica has teamed up with ekit to offer passengers special rates on North American SIM cards and handsets which are a good option for staying in touch. Day-by-day itineraries for our trips are available online, so parents can follow their child’s route and anticipate when they might be in wilderness areas and when they’re due a city stop.

What if my child gets ill or something goes wrong?

At TrekAmerica, safety and enjoyment are the most important parts of the holiday. Therefore travel insurance is mandatory and we ensure that all passengers have adequate coverage for baggage and medical expenses. If passengers do not already have insurance, TrekAmerica can provide a policy underwritten by AXA Insurance. In addition to this, all our tour leaders are CPR and First Aid certified.

What equipment will my child need?

You can find a suggested packing list on the Trek Tips section of the TrekAmerica website. This contains items like hiking shoes, an alarm clock, insect repellent, a torch, a sleeping bag. There is no need to bring any larger camping equipment such as a tent, ground mat, or cooking utensils - all of these items will be provided by TrekAmerica.

How much money will my child need?

The trip cost does not cover the food kitty (allow US$10 per day), en route hotels or the cost of optional activities in certain locations. The trip pages on the Trek website give approximate costs of these activities so travellers have an idea of what to budget in advance. Trek recommends allowing at least US $35 per day to allow for extra costs, but there is no need to bring the full amount in cash. Cash machines are readily available throughout North America and credit cards are also widely accepted.

For more information on the tours operated by TrekAmerica, visit TrekAmerica.co.uk.