Trip Montréal - New York avec Wonder Voyages
by Mattrobin
This discussion is in French, the community’s main language.
Original post
Nous avions choisi Wonder Voyages pour un trip de 4 jours à New-York en partant de Montréal du 17 au 20 mai 2013. Quelle erreur !
Cette société devait nous contacter pour préciser l'heure du départ (initialement fixée à 4h00 du matin). Nous avons dû appeler deux fois pour finalement avoir l'heure de départ, soit 6h00.
Au départ, des personnes non prévenues attendaient depuis 3h00 !
Première surprise une fois dans le car, nous sommes mélangés entre personnes partant pour 4 jours, et personnes partant pour 3 jours. Le guide, Taïwanais, ne parlant pas français, mais un anglais approximatif, nous dit que nous aurons un autre car pour les deux derniers jours.
Je passe sur les choix de vidéos du guide, (entre films violents-un père de famille a dû lui dire de changer à un moment-, karaokés de musiques vieillottes reprises par des orchestres asiatiques, etc), l'interdiction par le chauffeur du car d'utiliser l'unique cabinet, le guide qui nous raconte sa vie, sa naissance à Taïwan, sa vie à Hawaï, sa rencontre avec sa femme, et leur chanson (un vieux truc des Everly Brothers) qu'il nous chante !?!
Le midi, repas proposé dans une gargote chinoise du côté d'Albany, à nos frais, heureusement nous avions prévus le pique-nique. Après-midi à New-York, très bien. On retrouve le car le soir, direction l'hôtel à East Hanover, NJ, environ 1h00 de route. Hôtel très bien (Ramada), personnel très sympa.
Le lendemain, départ pour New-York, puis retour à l'hôtel le soir. Là, le guide dit qu'il souhaite parler aux personnes ayant payées pour 4 jours. Il attend que les personnes pour 3 jours soient remontées dans leur chambres, et il nous annonce que le bus qui devait nous prendre en charge pour les deux prochains jours est tombé en panne à la frontière. Nous avons donc deux choix : partir le lendemain avec eux, ou nous débrouiller seuls pour aller à New-York le lendemain, et rentrer à Montréal le surlendemain ! Incapable de bien s'expliquer, il nous présente un "ami", qui nous redit la même chose en français, en souriant comme si cela était une bonne blague ! Le guide prend son portable, semble avoir un interlocuteur, reviens vers nous et nous annonce que pour le surlendemain, nous aurons un bus pour rentrer à Montréal, mais que pour le lendemain, nous devons nous débrouiller pour aller à New-York et en revenir. Et que bien sûr, Wonder nous remboursera tous les frais supplémentaires.
Finalement, n'ayant pas confiance du tout dans cet oiseau là, nous sommes rentrés le lendemain avec les personnes ayant opté pour le trip 3 jours. Nous avons eu la surprise de voir dans le bus l'ami du guide, ainsi que sa femme et ses deux enfants. Si tout le monde avait décidé de rentrer, il n'y aurait pas eu assez de place !
Certains sont restés, on dû payer un bus pour aller de l'hôtel à New-York le dimanche matin, puis pour le retour le soir. Et le pire est qu'il n'y a jamais eu de bus le lundi pour rentrer à Montréal. Il ont dû s'inscrire en catastrophe la nuit pour avoir un bus Greyhound qu'ils ont dû aller prendre le lendemain à New-York !
Tout ce petit monde s'est retrouvé le mardi soir dans les locaux de Wonder Voyages pour le remboursement, et là, cela a été la foire d'empoigne pendant 3 heures. Ils ne voulaient pas nous rembourser, puis ils voulaient bien mais avec des coupons pour de futurs voyages, ce que nous avons tous refusé, puis ils ont proposé de créditer nos cartes bancaires, mais cela n'a marché que pour une personne (!?!), pour enfin nous faire à tous un papier certifiant que nous serons remboursés le lendemain, ce qui a été fait en cash. Ouf !
Ce mardi soir, nous avons rencontré des personnes, venant se faire rembourser pour d'autres voyages : Bus tombé en panne entre Montréal et Toronto (7 heures bloqués dans le bus !), et d'autres qui étaient dans le car que nous aurions dû voir arriver le samedi soir : il n'est pas tombé en panne, ce sont les douaniers qui ne l'ont pas laissé passé vu son état lamentable.
En conséquence, pour tout voyage partant de Montréal, NE CHOISISSEZ PAS WONDER VOYAGES, cette société, qui n'en a que le nom, est une vaste arnaque : Guides incompétents, Bus à l'état d'épaves, Non respect des contrats établis.
Je confirme, Wonder Voyages était une agence pas trop mal (pour le prix payé) y'a 4-5 ans.
J'ai une amie qui est partie aussi a NYC avec ses parents pour 4 jours. Ils sont restés 10h à la frontière américaine parce que la guide avait commencé a faire son petit scandale parce qu'elle voulait que SON bus passe avant tout le monde. Les douaniers ont dit "premier arrivé premier servi", du coup elle les a plus ou moins insulté
Bref, au bout de 9h, ils ont changé de shift, et les douaniers ont dit au chauffeur, ta guide si tu lui fermes pas sa gueule, le bus passe pas la frontière...
Le voyage a donc duré 16h soit finalement 1 journée sur place a NYC
A déconseillé effectivement !!!!
J'ai une amie qui est partie aussi a NYC avec ses parents pour 4 jours. Ils sont restés 10h à la frontière américaine parce que la guide avait commencé a faire son petit scandale parce qu'elle voulait que SON bus passe avant tout le monde. Les douaniers ont dit "premier arrivé premier servi", du coup elle les a plus ou moins insulté
Bref, au bout de 9h, ils ont changé de shift, et les douaniers ont dit au chauffeur, ta guide si tu lui fermes pas sa gueule, le bus passe pas la frontière...
Le voyage a donc duré 16h soit finalement 1 journée sur place a NYC
A déconseillé effectivement !!!!
Quand vous choisissez une agence avec des prix imbattables...attendez-vous a ce genre de problemes...des fois pour sauver un 20 ou 30$ ...on part d un autobus neuf ultra-moderne avec des toilettes hi-tech...si vous payer 20-30$ de moins attendez vous a avoir un vieux bus...et un guide qui parle mandarin,50% anglais et 5% francais!!!
Malheureusement ...en 2013...les gens regardent...le prix...le prix ...et le prix...ils ne regardent pas c est quoi ont as pour tel prix...il ne regardent pas qu es ce qui fait que c est 30$ de moins!!!
La concurence entre les agences de voyages au quebec est tres feroce ...alors si il y a 30$ de difference ...tu aurais surement un meilleur bus et meilleurs hotel ... a toi d y voir.... c est bien que tu en parles ici car ca va eviter a un autre personne de vivre une autre histoire comme celle-ci.
il y a une grosse augmentation de touriste qui vient d asie(chine, korée, inde, etc..)...et la seul chose qu il leur importe c est cheap cheap cheap ...le moins cher possible... c est comme dans la vrai vie ...si tu payes le prix d une vieille Toyota tercel attend toi pas a avoir une belle Cadillac lolll...
Pour ce qui est de la securité des bus inquiete toi pas ...Transport Canada et la SAAQ sont tres stricte et doivent passer regulierement des inspections mecaniques.
Un bus neuf va jamais tomber en panne, ses sieges sont hyper-Confo...tout est hyper prore.
Quand le bus est vieux ...et bien il peut tomber en panne, les sieges sont applaties et sont dur ...pas tres confo sur de longue distance.
Au lieu de prendre des agences comme Wonders et Sinorama ...payer un peut plus (Club voyage, Vasco, Carlson wagonlit etc..) ...par exemple Club voyage ne va pas salir sa reputation si ils ont 300 agences au QC.
Bonne Chance :)
Malheureusement ...en 2013...les gens regardent...le prix...le prix ...et le prix...ils ne regardent pas c est quoi ont as pour tel prix...il ne regardent pas qu es ce qui fait que c est 30$ de moins!!!
La concurence entre les agences de voyages au quebec est tres feroce ...alors si il y a 30$ de difference ...tu aurais surement un meilleur bus et meilleurs hotel ... a toi d y voir.... c est bien que tu en parles ici car ca va eviter a un autre personne de vivre une autre histoire comme celle-ci.
il y a une grosse augmentation de touriste qui vient d asie(chine, korée, inde, etc..)...et la seul chose qu il leur importe c est cheap cheap cheap ...le moins cher possible... c est comme dans la vrai vie ...si tu payes le prix d une vieille Toyota tercel attend toi pas a avoir une belle Cadillac lolll...
Pour ce qui est de la securité des bus inquiete toi pas ...Transport Canada et la SAAQ sont tres stricte et doivent passer regulierement des inspections mecaniques.
Un bus neuf va jamais tomber en panne, ses sieges sont hyper-Confo...tout est hyper prore.
Quand le bus est vieux ...et bien il peut tomber en panne, les sieges sont applaties et sont dur ...pas tres confo sur de longue distance.
Au lieu de prendre des agences comme Wonders et Sinorama ...payer un peut plus (Club voyage, Vasco, Carlson wagonlit etc..) ...par exemple Club voyage ne va pas salir sa reputation si ils ont 300 agences au QC.
Bonne Chance :)
La presse canadienne relate ce périple : http://virtuel.24hmontreal.canoe.ca/doc/24hrsmontreal/24heuresmontreal20131106_opt/2013061001/#2
Oubliez les agences de voyage et les circuits clé en main!
Pour avoir souvent fait Montréal - NYC, voici ce que je préconise:
Partir de nuit depuis la gare d'autocars de Berri, avec Greyhound par exemple, pour arriver à la fraîche sur la grosse pomme: on ne perd pas de temps, on est au cœur de Manhattan et on a toute la journée pour visiter.
Pour dormir, vous aurez préalablement réservé chez l'habitant: c'est moins cher que l'hôtel et les personnes qui vous accueillent seront ravies de vous faire découvrir leur ville (testé à Chinatown et Brooklyn, parfait).
Quant aux guides, privilégiez ceux en papier, il en existe d'innombrables sur New York. Alors oui, c'est moins interactif, c'est moins vivant que quelqu'un de bien réel, mais dites vous que vous avez la liberté d'aller où bon vous semble et d'y rester le temps que vous souhaitez... personne ne vous rappellera à l'ordre pour rejoindre le groupe ;)
Expérience Canadienne sur http://www.houston-macdougal.com/
Bien d accord avec toi houston ...aller au terminus Berri...achetez-vous un billet pour NY ...il y a plusieurs depart par jour...pas de niaisage c est des beau autobus Greyhound ...
suivre un groupe comme a la maternelle c pas la meilleur chose.
hehe j avais lu l article dans le journal a propos de Wonder...c est pire que je pensais...personne ne parlait francais a l agence...MERDE ON EST AU QUEBEC!!!comment peut tu avoir 6 ou 7 employées dans ton agence et personne ne peux s exprimer en francais??!!!!...Mandarin, Cantonnais...et...un peu d anglais wow!!!..
suivre un groupe comme a la maternelle c pas la meilleur chose.
hehe j avais lu l article dans le journal a propos de Wonder...c est pire que je pensais...personne ne parlait francais a l agence...MERDE ON EST AU QUEBEC!!!comment peut tu avoir 6 ou 7 employées dans ton agence et personne ne peux s exprimer en francais??!!!!...Mandarin, Cantonnais...et...un peu d anglais wow!!!..
Quand vous choisissez une agence avec des prix imbattables...attendez-vous a ce genre de problemes...des fois pour sauver un 20 ou 30$ ...
C'est pas vraiment 20-30$... la différence avec les agences québécoises sont plus de l'ordre de 100$-200$ par personne (NYC avec Beltour pour 4 jours c'est 339$ par personne avec wonder c'est 139$, y, a juste pas photo !).
Et quand tu pars a 4, on parle plus de l'ordre de 300 à 800$ de différences. Parce que si c'était 20-30$ crois moi, personne irait chez les chinois sauf les chinois !
Alors oui du coup on peut tomber sur un voyage merdique, mais des fois ca marche (jamais eu aucun problème avec Sinorama par exemple et les prix sont supers bas aussi. Ils parlent pas bien francais, mais au moins on a visité comme il fallait).
Donc faut aussi comprendre que y'a des gens qui se retournent vers eux pour gagner 500$ sur un voyage !
C'est pas vraiment 20-30$... la différence avec les agences québécoises sont plus de l'ordre de 100$-200$ par personne (NYC avec Beltour pour 4 jours c'est 339$ par personne avec wonder c'est 139$, y, a juste pas photo !).
Et quand tu pars a 4, on parle plus de l'ordre de 300 à 800$ de différences. Parce que si c'était 20-30$ crois moi, personne irait chez les chinois sauf les chinois !
Alors oui du coup on peut tomber sur un voyage merdique, mais des fois ca marche (jamais eu aucun problème avec Sinorama par exemple et les prix sont supers bas aussi. Ils parlent pas bien francais, mais au moins on a visité comme il fallait).
Donc faut aussi comprendre que y'a des gens qui se retournent vers eux pour gagner 500$ sur un voyage !
Si on appellent a 30 agences de voyages different on risque d avoir 20 prix different...mais chacun n offre pas les meme chose ...la situation geographique de l hotel et sont nombre d etoiles.Des meilleurs bus et des vrai guide francophone.
c est comme magasiner un garagiste ...pour la meme réparation on en appelent 10 et on a 10 prix different...mais bon..a la fin ...les derniers concurant la difference de prix ne devient pas significatif.
Il faut faire beaucoup d appel et voir c est quoi la difference entre X et Y .
Et je suis entierement d accord avec toi que en general ...meme l agence qui a les meilleurs prix ...en general ca se passe bien meme si ils parlent pas vraiment francais...les chances de foiré sont haute...mais bon ...comme souvent c est le prix qui decide.
Un autre probleme...et c est dommage...les gens payent des prix ridicule et s attendent a un voyage princier...quand des truc ne fonctionne pas a l hotel faut pas en faire un plat ...il faut se rappeler le prix qu on a payé :)
Beltour, CAA, Sears etc....sont plus cher que les autres...mais leur niveau de plainte est presque nul ...car en cas de probleme ont te rembourse ou dedommage sans faire d histoire. :)
Pour ce qui es de sauver 30$ pour aller chez les chinois ...moi je rencontre souvent des gens en voyage qui prennent le bus pendant 21 heures a 38$ au lieu de prendre l avion a 95$ qui prend 55 minutes!!! ...
A+ :)
c est comme magasiner un garagiste ...pour la meme réparation on en appelent 10 et on a 10 prix different...mais bon..a la fin ...les derniers concurant la difference de prix ne devient pas significatif.
Il faut faire beaucoup d appel et voir c est quoi la difference entre X et Y .
Et je suis entierement d accord avec toi que en general ...meme l agence qui a les meilleurs prix ...en general ca se passe bien meme si ils parlent pas vraiment francais...les chances de foiré sont haute...mais bon ...comme souvent c est le prix qui decide.
Un autre probleme...et c est dommage...les gens payent des prix ridicule et s attendent a un voyage princier...quand des truc ne fonctionne pas a l hotel faut pas en faire un plat ...il faut se rappeler le prix qu on a payé :)
Beltour, CAA, Sears etc....sont plus cher que les autres...mais leur niveau de plainte est presque nul ...car en cas de probleme ont te rembourse ou dedommage sans faire d histoire. :)
Pour ce qui es de sauver 30$ pour aller chez les chinois ...moi je rencontre souvent des gens en voyage qui prennent le bus pendant 21 heures a 38$ au lieu de prendre l avion a 95$ qui prend 55 minutes!!! ...
A+ :)
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I’m almost done planning our September road trip. After our 3-night visit to Sequoia, we’ll have a stopover night in Coalinga (to break up the drive). We’ll be staying two nights in Monterey and would like to stop along the way to visit one side of Pinnacles National Park. We’re torn between the West entrance and the East entrance, and we’d like to do a short hike of no more than 2 hours since we don’t want to arrive too late in Monterey.
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I had planned a trip to Colorado in 2021 but canceled due to COVID, so with time passing and my eldest’s high school graduation approaching fast, I figured it was now or never!
Anyway, the itinerary has been modified and extended to please everyone (I’m no longer the only one making decisions!!)
Here’s our final route: Day 1 - 7/12/2026 - Brussels / Los Angeles Day 2 - 7/13/2026 - Los Angeles Day 3 - 7/14/2026 - Los Angeles Day 4 - 7/15/2026 - Los Angeles Day 5 - 7/16/2026 - Los Angeles Day 6 - 7/17/2026 - Los Angeles / Kingman Day 7 - 7/18/2026 - Kingman / Grand Canyon Day 8 - 7/19/2026 - Grand Canyon / Page Day 9 - 7/20/2026 - Page Day 10 - 7/21/2026 - Page / Monument Valley Day 11 - 7/22/2026 - Monument Valley / Durango Day 12 - 7/23/2026 - Durango Day 13 - 7/24/2026 - Durango Day 14 - 7/25/2026 - Durango Day 15 - 7/26/2026 - Durango / Glenwood Springs Day 16 - 7/27/2026 - Glenwood Springs Day 17 - 7/28/2026 - Glenwood Springs / Moab Day 18 - 7/29/2026 - Moab Day 19 - 7/30/2026 - Moab Day 20 - 7/31/2026 - Moab Day 21 - 8/1/2026 - Moab Day 22 - 8/2/2026 - Moab / Vernal Day 23 - 8/3/2026 - Vernal / Grand Teton Day 24 - 8/4/2026 - Grand Teton Day 25 - 8/5/2026 - Grand Teton / Cody Day 26 - 8/6/2026 - Cody / Yellowstone Day 27 - 8/7/2026 - Yellowstone Day 28 - 8/8/2026 - Yellowstone Day 29 - 8/9/2026 - Yellowstone Day 30 - 8/10/2026 - Yellowstone / Salt Lake City Day 31 - 8/11/2026 - Salt Lake City / Bryce Canyon Day 32 - 8/12/2026 - Bryce Canyon / Zion Day 33 - 8/13/2026 - Zion Day 34 - 8/14/2026 - Zion Day 35 - 8/15/2026 - Zion / Las Vegas Day 36 - 8/16/2026 - Las Vegas Day 37 - 8/17/2026 - Las Vegas / Los Angeles Day 38 - 8/18/2026 - Los Angeles Day 39 - 8/19/2026 - Los Angeles / Brussels Day 40 - 8/20/2026 - Brussels / Home
We’ll be alternating between house swaps, motels, and campgrounds. I’ve booked all the accommodations (except the campground at Bryce since sunset bookings open only 14 days in advance) and the first activities, as well as the most touristy ones.
I’m currently putting together my day-by-day roadbook and having some trouble planning certain days, like in LA or Las Vegas. Choosing hikes isn’t easy either—it’s tough to decide!
We’re really excited but could definitely use your help with choices and optimizations!!
I had planned a trip to Colorado in 2021 but canceled due to COVID, so with time passing and my eldest’s high school graduation approaching fast, I figured it was now or never!
Anyway, the itinerary has been modified and extended to please everyone (I’m no longer the only one making decisions!!)
Here’s our final route: Day 1 - 7/12/2026 - Brussels / Los Angeles Day 2 - 7/13/2026 - Los Angeles Day 3 - 7/14/2026 - Los Angeles Day 4 - 7/15/2026 - Los Angeles Day 5 - 7/16/2026 - Los Angeles Day 6 - 7/17/2026 - Los Angeles / Kingman Day 7 - 7/18/2026 - Kingman / Grand Canyon Day 8 - 7/19/2026 - Grand Canyon / Page Day 9 - 7/20/2026 - Page Day 10 - 7/21/2026 - Page / Monument Valley Day 11 - 7/22/2026 - Monument Valley / Durango Day 12 - 7/23/2026 - Durango Day 13 - 7/24/2026 - Durango Day 14 - 7/25/2026 - Durango Day 15 - 7/26/2026 - Durango / Glenwood Springs Day 16 - 7/27/2026 - Glenwood Springs Day 17 - 7/28/2026 - Glenwood Springs / Moab Day 18 - 7/29/2026 - Moab Day 19 - 7/30/2026 - Moab Day 20 - 7/31/2026 - Moab Day 21 - 8/1/2026 - Moab Day 22 - 8/2/2026 - Moab / Vernal Day 23 - 8/3/2026 - Vernal / Grand Teton Day 24 - 8/4/2026 - Grand Teton Day 25 - 8/5/2026 - Grand Teton / Cody Day 26 - 8/6/2026 - Cody / Yellowstone Day 27 - 8/7/2026 - Yellowstone Day 28 - 8/8/2026 - Yellowstone Day 29 - 8/9/2026 - Yellowstone Day 30 - 8/10/2026 - Yellowstone / Salt Lake City Day 31 - 8/11/2026 - Salt Lake City / Bryce Canyon Day 32 - 8/12/2026 - Bryce Canyon / Zion Day 33 - 8/13/2026 - Zion Day 34 - 8/14/2026 - Zion Day 35 - 8/15/2026 - Zion / Las Vegas Day 36 - 8/16/2026 - Las Vegas Day 37 - 8/17/2026 - Las Vegas / Los Angeles Day 38 - 8/18/2026 - Los Angeles Day 39 - 8/19/2026 - Los Angeles / Brussels Day 40 - 8/20/2026 - Brussels / Home
We’ll be alternating between house swaps, motels, and campgrounds. I’ve booked all the accommodations (except the campground at Bryce since sunset bookings open only 14 days in advance) and the first activities, as well as the most touristy ones.
I’m currently putting together my day-by-day roadbook and having some trouble planning certain days, like in LA or Las Vegas. Choosing hikes isn’t easy either—it’s tough to decide!
We’re really excited but could definitely use your help with choices and optimizations!!
Hello.
I’d like to travel along I-15N from San Diego to Las Vegas with my mom, who’s 67. We’ve explored Northern California and the California Coast over the past two years and now want to continue through the desert.
There are several attractions along the way: - Mormon Rocks - Desert Discovery Center and visit the Old Woman meteorite - Joshua Tree National Park - Mojave Desert - Mojave National Preserve - Anza-Borrego Desert State Park - Silverwood Lake
My mom has back issues that prevent her from hiking or walking on trails with elevation changes. Is it possible to visit these places by car, or are the routes flat enough?
I’d love for her to experience the desert with an itinerary adapted to her condition. I’m also open to other points of interest that aren’t mentioned. We have 3-4 days for the trip, so we’re not in a rush—just want to explore.
Thanks so much. The trip would be in fall 2026
There are several attractions along the way: - Mormon Rocks - Desert Discovery Center and visit the Old Woman meteorite - Joshua Tree National Park - Mojave Desert - Mojave National Preserve - Anza-Borrego Desert State Park - Silverwood Lake
My mom has back issues that prevent her from hiking or walking on trails with elevation changes. Is it possible to visit these places by car, or are the routes flat enough?
I’d love for her to experience the desert with an itinerary adapted to her condition. I’m also open to other points of interest that aren’t mentioned. We have 3-4 days for the trip, so we’re not in a rush—just want to explore.
Thanks so much. The trip would be in fall 2026
Hi there,
I’d love to take a road trip and visit Nova Scotia. I’d appreciate some info on the best cities to see and the most interesting spots. The trip should last about 10 to 15 days, staying in hotels or motels. Thanks in advance!
I’d love to take a road trip and visit Nova Scotia. I’d appreciate some info on the best cities to see and the most interesting spots. The trip should last about 10 to 15 days, staying in hotels or motels. Thanks in advance!
Hi everyone,
Quick question—I’m heading to New York soon and I’d love to know if you guys have any recommendations for websites where I can buy concert tickets?
Quick question—I’m heading to New York soon and I’d love to know if you guys have any recommendations for websites where I can buy concert tickets?
Hi there,
We’re being relocated to Saint Pierre and Miquelon. We’ll be taking the flight from Nantes to Montreal and then from Montreal to Saint Pierre. Could you recommend a hotel near the departure terminal that allows dogs?
Thanks!
We’re being relocated to Saint Pierre and Miquelon. We’ll be taking the flight from Nantes to Montreal and then from Montreal to Saint Pierre. Could you recommend a hotel near the departure terminal that allows dogs?
Thanks!
Hi,
My 16-year-old son is flying to Grand Rapids with other kids his age. There’s a layover in Detroit. There’s no unaccompanied minor service available. Is it pretty easy to navigate Detroit Airport to catch the connecting flight to Grand Rapids (domestic flight)? There are several of them who speak English well.
Thanks for your replies,
Good evening, everyone! 🙂
Just a few last questions to wrap up our Lake Tahoe visit plans.
**Parking:** We’d like to walk to Eagle Falls and then Eagle Lake. I’ve spotted two parking lots that seem close to each other and give access to the trailhead. Where and how do we pay for entry to Emerald Bay State Park and Inspiration Point?
**Viewpoints on the East Side:** Are most of the viewpoints (Balancing Rock, Granite Cave, Bonsai Rock, etc.) right by the road, or do you have to hike to reach them?
**Donner Memorial State Park:** Is it worth making a detour to Truckee to visit this park and the Truckee historic downtown?
Thanks in advance for your tips! 🙂
**Parking:** We’d like to walk to Eagle Falls and then Eagle Lake. I’ve spotted two parking lots that seem close to each other and give access to the trailhead. Where and how do we pay for entry to Emerald Bay State Park and Inspiration Point?
**Viewpoints on the East Side:** Are most of the viewpoints (Balancing Rock, Granite Cave, Bonsai Rock, etc.) right by the road, or do you have to hike to reach them?
**Donner Memorial State Park:** Is it worth making a detour to Truckee to visit this park and the Truckee historic downtown?
Thanks in advance for your tips! 🙂
Hi there. I'm shocked by the price of the Upper Antelope Canyon tour—$175 for less than an hour… You might say, "if you can’t afford it…" But the real question is whether it’s really worth it, because $350 for two makes me feel like I’m getting ripped off. For those who’ve done both Lower and Upper, can you tell me if the price difference is really justified? Thanks
Hi everyone! 🙂
As you can see, we're heading back from September 6th to the 27th.
Everything’s booked for September—flights, accommodations, and the car. As I plan, I’ll be asking the experts for help. This is our second trip to California, but most of the stops are new to us.
We’ll start directly from San Francisco to our first overnight stop, Davis, before heading to Lassen Volcanic Park for 4 nights. Our flight lands at 12:50 PM.
Here’s our itinerary: Day 1: Davis – overnight stop Day 2: Red Bluff – exploring Lassen Volcanic Park (scenic drive to Lake Helen) Day 3: Susanville – scenic drive through the park via the South Entrance, points of interest, and hikes Day 4: Susanville – Cinder Cone and Painted Dunes hike Day 5: Susanville – Warner Valley (hikes) Day 6: South Lake Tahoe Day 7: South Lake Tahoe Day 8: Mammoth Lake Day 9: Mammoth Lake Day 10: El Portal via Tioga Road Day 11: El Portal Day 12: El Portal Day 13: Oakhurst Day 14: Miramonte Day 15: Three Rivers Day 16: Three Rivers Day 17: Coalinga Day 18: Monterey Day 19: Monterey Day 20: San Francisco Day 21: San Francisco Day 22: Departure
For hikes in Lassen Volcanic Park, I’ve planned: Bumpass Hell, Cold Boiling Lake (Day 2) Paradise Meadow (maybe not going all the way), Devastated Area, and the loop around Reflection and Manzanita Lakes (Day 3) Cinder Cone and Painted Dunes (Day 4) Devil’s Kitchen and Boiling Spring Lake (Day 5)
I’ve read there are trails to access the trailheads for Cinder Cone (11 km) and Warner Valley. Are these easy trails for an SUV? Are there any other must-see spots or things we shouldn’t miss?
That’s where I’m at for now. Thanks for your replies, and have a great evening! Marcalamar 🙂
Here’s our itinerary: Day 1: Davis – overnight stop Day 2: Red Bluff – exploring Lassen Volcanic Park (scenic drive to Lake Helen) Day 3: Susanville – scenic drive through the park via the South Entrance, points of interest, and hikes Day 4: Susanville – Cinder Cone and Painted Dunes hike Day 5: Susanville – Warner Valley (hikes) Day 6: South Lake Tahoe Day 7: South Lake Tahoe Day 8: Mammoth Lake Day 9: Mammoth Lake Day 10: El Portal via Tioga Road Day 11: El Portal Day 12: El Portal Day 13: Oakhurst Day 14: Miramonte Day 15: Three Rivers Day 16: Three Rivers Day 17: Coalinga Day 18: Monterey Day 19: Monterey Day 20: San Francisco Day 21: San Francisco Day 22: Departure
For hikes in Lassen Volcanic Park, I’ve planned: Bumpass Hell, Cold Boiling Lake (Day 2) Paradise Meadow (maybe not going all the way), Devastated Area, and the loop around Reflection and Manzanita Lakes (Day 3) Cinder Cone and Painted Dunes (Day 4) Devil’s Kitchen and Boiling Spring Lake (Day 5)
I’ve read there are trails to access the trailheads for Cinder Cone (11 km) and Warner Valley. Are these easy trails for an SUV? Are there any other must-see spots or things we shouldn’t miss?
That’s where I’m at for now. Thanks for your replies, and have a great evening! Marcalamar 🙂
Here's a tip for future visitors!
https://www.foxnews.com/travel/3-national-parks-slash-red-tape-americans-boldly-transforming-visitor-entry
https://www.foxnews.com/travel/3-national-parks-slash-red-tape-americans-boldly-transforming-visitor-entry
Hi everyone,
I’m a total USA addict. I’ve already done several road trips, including the East Coast and West Coast. I’m here today because I’m planning to go back for another road trip on the West Coast. Possibly with one of my sisters and a couple of friends. It’s still just a plan for now, but I’m working on an itinerary in the meantime. Ideally, I’d leave in 2026, but I don’t have the exact dates yet—maybe April-May or September-October. My last trip to the West Coast was in September 2014. We went for 2 weeks, but this time it’d be 3 weeks. What made me want to go back was simply a colleague who just left today. As I’m writing this, he’s on the plane. I’m so happy for him, but now all I can think about is going back.
Since I recently went to NY, I noticed that prices have really gone up. I assume the same is true for the West Coast? For 2 people over 3 weeks, what budget should I expect? We’re the type to watch our spending and find great tips. I think we’ll arrive in San Francisco like the first time and leave from either Los Angeles or Las Vegas.
Thanks to everyone for your advice and help.
I’m a total USA addict. I’ve already done several road trips, including the East Coast and West Coast. I’m here today because I’m planning to go back for another road trip on the West Coast. Possibly with one of my sisters and a couple of friends. It’s still just a plan for now, but I’m working on an itinerary in the meantime. Ideally, I’d leave in 2026, but I don’t have the exact dates yet—maybe April-May or September-October. My last trip to the West Coast was in September 2014. We went for 2 weeks, but this time it’d be 3 weeks. What made me want to go back was simply a colleague who just left today. As I’m writing this, he’s on the plane. I’m so happy for him, but now all I can think about is going back.
Since I recently went to NY, I noticed that prices have really gone up. I assume the same is true for the West Coast? For 2 people over 3 weeks, what budget should I expect? We’re the type to watch our spending and find great tips. I think we’ll arrive in San Francisco like the first time and leave from either Los Angeles or Las Vegas.
Thanks to everyone for your advice and help.
Thanks for advising me on the booking—should I reserve a room in the hotel or go for a cabin for the best view?
Should I get breakfast or not?
What do you think of the restaurant?
Hello, if the off-the-beaten-path enthusiasts are still around 😉, I’d love some info on tackling these trails. I’m not super familiar with the rules, risks, or what to expect—I’m looking for firsthand experience from folks who’ve done it on their own once or multiple times.
Hi everyone!
I’m planning a week-long family trip to NYC in October 2026. The focus is on museums and soaking up the New York vibe. I’ve been checking Airbnb, but the prices in Manhattan are through the roof. Since I don’t know NYC well, is it "wise" to look outside Manhattan? Any neighborhoods you’d recommend?
Hello,
After our first trip to the West, we’d love to go back to see other must-see spots!
The stay would be from May 11 to 20, 2026—it’s short, but hey...
M11: Lyon to Las Vegas (overnight in Vegas) T12: Route 66 – overnight in Grand Canyon (GC) W13: Visit GC – overnight in Page Th14: Visit Antelope Canyon / Horseshoe Bend – overnight in Monument Valley (MV) F15: Visit MV – overnight in Moab Sa16: Visit Arches / Dead Horse Point – overnight in Bryce Su17: Visit Bryce – overnight in Zion M18: Visit Zion / Valley of Fire – overnight in Vegas Tu19: Return flight
What do you think? Could we add one more night somewhere? We’re not big hikers, so we’ll mostly explore the parks using shuttles.
Also, we’re all set—passports are good. Do you think one classic Visa card and one premium Visa card will be enough for coverage?
Thanks so much for your feedback, and happy holidays!
Christophe
After our first trip to the West, we’d love to go back to see other must-see spots!
The stay would be from May 11 to 20, 2026—it’s short, but hey...
M11: Lyon to Las Vegas (overnight in Vegas) T12: Route 66 – overnight in Grand Canyon (GC) W13: Visit GC – overnight in Page Th14: Visit Antelope Canyon / Horseshoe Bend – overnight in Monument Valley (MV) F15: Visit MV – overnight in Moab Sa16: Visit Arches / Dead Horse Point – overnight in Bryce Su17: Visit Bryce – overnight in Zion M18: Visit Zion / Valley of Fire – overnight in Vegas Tu19: Return flight
What do you think? Could we add one more night somewhere? We’re not big hikers, so we’ll mostly explore the parks using shuttles.
Also, we’re all set—passports are good. Do you think one classic Visa card and one premium Visa card will be enough for coverage?
Thanks so much for your feedback, and happy holidays!
Christophe
Hi North America forum crew,
Just a little post that might interest some of you:
Travelers to the United States | Photo Now Mandatory Upon Entry and Exit | La Presse
Hi everyone.
I assume many of you already know, but the America the Beautiful annual pass, which was $80, will increase to $250 starting January 1, 2026.
So if you're planning to travel before the end of December 2026, it's in your best interest to buy your pass in December 2025, since it will still cost $80 and be valid until the end of December 2026 if you purchase it in December 2025.
This price increase only applies to non-U.S. residents.
Additionally, for those who planned to visit just one park, a $100 surcharge per person will apply to access a list of 11 national parks... For example, if there are 4 of you in a car, you’ll have to pay $35 + $400, which comes to $435 to visit one of the 11 parks on the list (I don’t have all of them... Bryce, Zion, Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Grand Teton, etc.). Total madness.
The goal is to push people who only visit one park into buying the annual pass.
Last point: free entry days are over for non-residents!
That’s all for now.
I assume many of you already know, but the America the Beautiful annual pass, which was $80, will increase to $250 starting January 1, 2026.
So if you're planning to travel before the end of December 2026, it's in your best interest to buy your pass in December 2025, since it will still cost $80 and be valid until the end of December 2026 if you purchase it in December 2025.
This price increase only applies to non-U.S. residents.
Additionally, for those who planned to visit just one park, a $100 surcharge per person will apply to access a list of 11 national parks... For example, if there are 4 of you in a car, you’ll have to pay $35 + $400, which comes to $435 to visit one of the 11 parks on the list (I don’t have all of them... Bryce, Zion, Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Grand Teton, etc.). Total madness.
The goal is to push people who only visit one park into buying the annual pass.
Last point: free entry days are over for non-residents!
That’s all for now.
Hi everyone, I’m traveling to Los Angeles and would like to rent a vehicle at the airport. However, I have a Boursobank Ultim deferred debit card, so I’d love to know if it’s possible for those who’ve experienced this recently. Thanks for the info!





