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USA ROAD TRIP WITH AVIS

By Steve Aldridge for Silver Travel Advisor

Our road trip began in Nevada, as we overcame our jet lag with a few days in Las Vegas. Sing along now, “...give ‘em the old razzle dazzle, razzle dazzle ‘em, give ‘em an act with lots of flash in it...”. Whilst the words might come from the musical Chicago, the description pretty much defines Sin City (as Las Vegas is often known).

Yes, it’s brash and sometimes outrageous, but there’s plenty to admire and so much that is exceptionally well done. Caesars Palace has much to marvel at and we took our time to take in its treasures, particularly its Roman Forum streetscape (with a magnificent sky ceiling which mimics the sky outside), the great hall, spiral escalator, aquarium, and the animatronic Fall of Atlantis show. The Bellagio Hotel treated us to a show of 1,200 dancing fountains, whilst the Mirage hosts an erupting volcano each evening. There are an astonishing number of shows to entertain visitors and we took in KA by Cirque de Soleil at the MGM Grand. It was a marvellous combination of acrobatics, special effects and stage manipulation that is all alleged to have cost $165 million to stage. Worth every penny in our opinion and hats off to the skill and strength of the performers.

No human creation can match nature’s own though and our helicopter ride and landing in the Grand Canyon was wow moments heaped upon wow moments. It’s an extraordinary experience to get up close and personal with even a relatively small section of a canyon that is 277 river miles long and measures a staggering 18 miles at its widest point.

AVIS conveniently delivered our hire car to the MGM Grand hotel (to save us travelling out to the airport pick up depot) and whilst it didn’t quite have the power of the helicopter the previous day, the Chrysler 300 packs a decent punch. Its 3.6 litre V6 would give us plenty of pulling power for the mountainous roads ahead, whilst the boot (I know they call it a trunk) could accommodate our 3 medium/large holdalls. Inside we were cosseted in leather seated luxury, with a built-in satnav to help guide

our way. We’d gone for the full package, zero excess insurance, breakdown cover etc. Preferring to know that whatever happened AVIS had us covered and no unexpected bills awaited us on return. , the road trip began and where better to test out the efficiency of the car’s air conditioning than the driest desert and hottest place in the world, Death Valley. This truly had to be one of the best drives of our life.

From the heights of Dante’s View at 5475ft we could see Mt Whitney & Badwater with spectacular views over the whole basin. This location was used in Star Wars, Episode IV, A New Hope for the view looking down on Mos Eisley (may the force be with you). Driving down to the basin, we marvelled at the moonscape scenery of the devil’s golf course. Here we could literally hear the salt crystals popping in the heat (bit like a bowl of Rice Krispies - snap crackle pop). At the salt flats of Badwater (the lowest point in North America at 282ft below sea level) it is eerily beautiful, but a hike out into the basin at 43.4C/110F to see the salt formations (which take the shape of large polygons), left me gasping to get back to the car’s air-conditioned coolness. Perhaps the best aspect of the valley (from a driver’s perspective) is Artists Drive, a one way scenic route which shows off some of the best geological aspects of the park and had us gawping around every turn.

We spent the night at Stovepipe Wells, within the boundary of the Death Valley National Park, relishing our day. Our accommodation was close to the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes (also used in Star Wars as the sand dunes of Tatooine) but otherwise in the middle of absolutely nowhere! Could our next stop have been a greater contrast? I think not! We stayed alongside June Lake, which has a scenic loop we drove around. Along the way we saw cascading waterfalls and stopped at some some truly tranquil spots alongside the various lakes (Silver, Grants) where fishermen bob about the lakes in small boats hoping to catch one THIS BIG! From there an interesting and scenic drive (with views of snowcapped mountains) took us to the south side of Mono Lake. Here the underground streams have bubbled up from below the surface for centuries and created calcium deposits called Tufas. These deposits create strange other worldly towers, some in the water and some on land due to the reducing level of the lake. It’s quite a site to behold and well worth the trip out here.

Some quick driving tips for USA

At crossroads (without lights) you proceed in the strict order of arrival. Takes a little getting used to but locals are very disciplined, so it works well.

Petrol (gas) stations mostly require pre-payment prior to filling. Double check that they will give you change/refund if the car takes less than you think, particularly if you use a credit card.

Gas prices vary greatly, the more remote your fill up, the higher (rule of thumb). Google Maps often gives you gas prices in the reviews section of the app.

For more information visit www.avisworld.com or call 0808 284 5566. Silver Travellers receive a 10% discount. Avis offer a Safety Pledge to ensure minimal contact with Covid-safe procedures at every stage. Their all-inclusive car-hire packages ensure that there are no hidden extras and fully transparent pricing.

Open weekends, bank holidays & school holidays April - Sept The Boating Lake quack quack

Miniature Railway Open Sundays & Bank holidayschoo choo Paddling Pool

splish splosh filled on sunny days in summer! THOMPSON PARK

GREAT DAYS OUT 2019 Moving PEOPLE Bus and Coach Services Local company Travel insurance Value for money GREAT DAYS OUT 2019 PEOPLE Bus and Coach Services GREAT DAYS OUT 2019 Moving PEOPLE Bus and Coach Services GREAT DAYS OUT 2019 PEOPLE Bus and Coach Services GREAT DAYS OUT 2019 Moving PEOPLE Bus and Coach Services GREAT DAYS OUT 2019 PEOPLE Bus and Coach Services GREAT DAYS OUT 2019 Moving PEOPLE Bus and Coach Services Full financial security Book with confidence Personal friendly service 2021 DOOR-TO-DOOR HOLIDAYS Local company Travel insurance Value for money Full financial security Book with confidence Personal friendly service Moving PEOPLE in style DOOR-TO-DOOR COACH HOLIDAYS 2021 Warner’s Sherwood Forest £649 5 DAYS Warner’s Sherwood Forest £649 5 DAYS Warner’s Sherwood Forest £649 5 DAYS Thoresby Hall is set near beautiful Sherwood Forest and is one of Nottinghamshire’s most important houses. new for 2021 incLUded Door-to-Door pickups All coach travel 2 full day excursions 4 nights half board Entertainment in the hotel Porterage Meal stops on outward and our choice of hotel: THoresBy HaLL - Adults only A stunning Grade 1 listed house set in beautiful grounds bordering Sherwood Forest. The Warner’s hotel is the ultimate luxury break. The hotel is exclusively for adults and has an unrivalled welcoming atmosphere. There are a wide range of activities, from fencing to falconry, swimming, sauna or steam room. There is entertainment each evening. There is a lift in this hotel. itinerary Thoresby Hall is set near beautiful Sherwood Forest and is one of Nottinghamshire’s most important houses. Thoresby’s original features are still enjoyed by Warner’s guests. There are deep armchairs in the vaulted splendour of the Great Hall, and the house’s broad terrace overlooks a croquet lawn and acres of classic parkland. new for 2021 £525 5 DAYS Idyllic Bournemouth Thoresby’s original features are still enjoyed by Warner’s guests. There are deep armchairs in the vaulted splendour of the Great Hall, and the house’s broad terrace overlooks a croquet lawn and acres of classic parkland. return journeyWe travel from our pickup point on our journey to Nottinghamshire where we stop en route for refreshments. We arrive at our hotel with plenty of time to explore the hotel and its grounds before our evening meal. We have 2 full day excursions with our first being a day in Lincoln. There is so much to see and do including the Cathedral where you can spend hours admiring the architecture and history. Close by is the castle with its Medieval our choice of hotel: Wall Walk where you can enjoy spectacular views across Lincolnshire, or there are plenty of shops, cafes, and restaurants for you to choose from. We also visit the market town of incLUded new for 2021 THoresBy HaLL - Adults only A stunning Grade 1 listed house set in beautiful grounds bordering Sherwood Forest. The Warner’s hotel is the ultimate luxury break. The hotel is exclusively for adults and has an unrivalled welcoming atmosphere. There are a wide range of activities, from fencing to falconry, swimming, sauna or steam room. There is entertainment each evening. There is a lift in this hotel. itinerary Date Days Cost Supplements Single Insurance Boston, where the open-air market has been held for over 450 years and boasts up to 172 stalls. Don’t fill up on the local produce just yet, as our next stop includes a ploughman’s lunch! We visit the Bubble Car Museum where we enjoy our lunch before we travel back in time to explore a fascinating era of history, with over 50 microcars on display and a row of recreated shops to pick up some memorabilia. *Please note that due to Covid-19 restrictions, porterage and entertainment may not be available. Idyllic Bournemouth Door-to-Door pickups All coach travel 2 full day excursions 4 nights half board Entertainment in the hotel Porterage Meal stops on outward and £525 5 DAYS new for 2021 Thoresby Hall is set near beautiful Sherwood Forest and is one of Nottinghamshire’s most important houses. return journeyWe travel from our pickup point on our journey to Nottinghamshire where we stop en route for refreshments. We arrive at our hotel with plenty of time to explore the hotel and its grounds before our evening meal. We have 2 full day excursions with our first being a day in Lincoln. There is so much to see and do including the Cathedral where you can spend hours admiring the architecture and history. Close by is the castle with its Medieval 01254 872000 Monday 14th to Friday 18th June 5 £649 NIL £24 11 Thoresby’s original features are still enjoyed by Warner’s guests. There are deep armchairs in the vaulted splendour Wall Walk where you can enjoy spectacular views across Lincolnshire, or there are plenty of the Great Hall, and the house’s broad terrace overlooks a croquet lawn and acres of classic parkland. of shops, cafes, and restaurants for you to choose from. We also visit the market town of Boston, where the open-air market has been held for over 450 years and boasts up to 172 Bournemouth was voted the home of the UK’s best beach for 2 years in a row. Set on the beautiful south coast of stalls. Don’t fill up on the local produce just yet, as our next stop includes a ploughman’s England on 15 glorious miles of idyllic coastline and blue flags. There is plenty of seafront to choose from to help 01254 872000 www.movingpeopleltd.co.uk incLUded Door-to-Door pickups All coach travel 2 full day excursions 4 nights half board Entertainment in the hotel Porterage Meal stops on outward and return journey our choice of hotel: THoresBy HaLL - Adults only A stunning Grade 1 listed house set in beautiful grounds bordering Sherwood Forest. The Warner’s hotel is the ultimate luxury break. The hotel is exclusively for adults and has an unrivalled welcoming atmosphere. There are a wide range of activities, from fencing to falconry, swimming, sauna or steam room. There is entertainment each evening. There is a lift in this hotel. itinerary We travel from our pickup point on our journey to Nottinghamshire where we stop en route for refreshments. We arrive at our hotel with plenty of time to explore the hotel and its grounds before our evening meal. We have 2 full day excursions with our first being a day in Lincoln. There is so much to see and do including the Cathedral where you can spend hours admiring the architecture and history. Close by is the castle with its Medieval Wall Walk where you can enjoy spectacular views across Lincolnshire, or there are plenty of shops, cafes, and restaurants for you to choose from. We also visit the market town of Boston, where the open-air market has been held for over 450 years and boasts up to 172 stalls. Don’t fill up on the local produce just yet, as our next stop includes a ploughman’s lunch! We visit the Bubble Car Museum where we enjoy our lunch before we travel back in Thoresby Hall is set near beautiful Sherwood Forest and is one of Nottinghamshire’s most important houses. Thoresby’s original features are still enjoyed by Warner’s guests. There are deep armchairs in the vaulted splendour of the Great Hall, and the house’s broad terrace overlooks a croquet lawn and acres of classic parkland. 01254 872000 11 Date Days Cost Supplements Single Insurance Monday 14th to Friday 18th June 5 £649 NIL £24 incLUded Door-to-Door pickups All coach travel 2 full day excursions 4 nights half board Entertainment in the hotel Porterage Meal stops on outward and return journey our choice of hotel: THoresBy HaLL - Adults only A stunning Grade 1 listed house set in beautiful grounds bordering Sherwood Forest. The Warner’s hotel is the ultimate luxury break. The hotel is exclusively for adults and has an unrivalled welcoming atmosphere. There are a wide range of activities, from fencing to falconry, swimming, sauna or steam room. There is entertainment each evening. There is a lift in this hotel. itinerary We travel from our pickup point on our journey to Nottinghamshire where we stop en route for refreshments. We arrive at our hotel with plenty of time to explore the hotel and its grounds before our evening meal. We have 2 full day excursions with our first being a day in Lincoln. There is so much to see and do including the Cathedral where you can spend hours admiring the architecture and history. Close by is the castle with its Medieval Wall Walk where you can enjoy spectacular views across Lincolnshire, or there are plenty of shops, cafes, and restaurants for you to choose from. We also visit the market town of Boston, where the open-air market has been held for over 450 years and boasts up to 172 stalls. Don’t fill up on the local produce just yet, as our next stop includes a ploughman’s lunch! We visit the Bubble Car Museum where we enjoy our lunch before we travel back in time to explore a fascinating era of history, with over 50 microcars on display and a row of recreated shops to pick up some memorabilia. *Please note that due to Covid-19 restrictions, porterage and entertainment may not be available. 01254 872000 11 Date Days Cost Supplements Single Insurance Monday 14th to Friday 18th June 5 £649 NIL £24 lunch! We visit the Bubble Car Museum where we enjoy our lunch before we travel back in time to explore a fascinating era of history, with over 50 microcars on display and a row of recreated shops to pick up some memorabilia. *Please note that due to Covid-19 restrictions, porterage and entertainment may not be available. £525 5 DAYS Idyllic Bournemouth £525 5 DAYS Idyllic Bournemouth £525 5 DAYS Bournemouth was voted the home of the UK’s best beach for 2 years in a row. Set on the beautiful south coast of England on 15 glorious miles of idyllic coastline and blue flags. There is plenty of seafront to choose from to help Idyllic Bournemouth incLUded Door-to-Door pickups All coach travel 2 full day excursions 4 nights dinner, bed & breakfast Entertainment in sister hotels Porterage Meal stops on outward and return journey Bournemouth was voted the home of the UK’s best beach for 2 years in a row. Set on the beautiful south coast of England on 15 glorious miles of idyllic coastline and blue flags. There is plenty of seafront to choose from to help you find that beautiful slice of heaven. our choice of hotel: ocean BeacH Located on the sea front overlooking Bournemouth Bay, with some of the best views in town. Only 7 minutes’ walk from the sandy beaches and close to the town centre, a great place to explore from. The hotel offers good quality comfortable accommodation with a mix of décor from standard to modern. You also have the opportunity to use the leisure facilities at the sister hotel. There is a lift in the hotel itinerary We head to our hotel with meal and refreshment stops en route. We arrive in time to freshen up before our evening meal. Our itinerary includes 2 full day excursions. Our first is a drive to the Old town of Portsmouth where there is so much of interest, the Portsmouth Cathedral, Spice Island, haunt of smugglers and press gangs from many years ago, a good choice of pubs to relax in, and more recently the Spinnaker Tower. Marvel at the views over the South Coast, Isle of Wight and Portsmouth. We have free time in Gunwharf Quays with its seafront bars, shops and restaurants. We also spend the day in Yarmouth, riding the 12 01254 872000 incLUded Door-to-Door pickups All coach travel 2 full day excursions 4 nights dinner, bed & breakfast Entertainment in sister hotels Porterage Meal stops on outward and return journey Date Days Cost Supplements Single Insurance Monday 21st to Friday 25th June 5 £525 NIL £24 you find that beautiful slice of heaven. our choice of hotel: ocean BeacH Located on the sea front overlooking Bournemouth Bay, with some of the best views in town. Only 7 minutes’ walk from the sandy beaches and close to the town centre, a great place to explore from. The hotel offers good quality comfortable accommodation with a mix of décor from standard to modern. You also have the opportunity to use the leisure facilities at the sister hotel. There is a lift in the hotel itinerary We head to our hotel with meal and refreshment stops en route. We arrive in time to freshen up before our evening meal. Our itinerary includes 2 full day excursions. Our first is a drive to the Old town of Portsmouth where there is so much of interest, the Portsmouth Cathedral, Spice Island, haunt of smugglers and press gangs from many years ago, a good choice of pubs to relax in, and more recently the Spinnaker Tower. Marvel at the views over the South Coast, Isle of Wight and Portsmouth. We have free time in Gunwharf Quays with its seafront bars, shops and restaurants. We also spend the day in Yarmouth, riding the Wightlink ferry from Lymington. We have a tour around the island, taking in Ryde, Sandown, Shanklin, Ventnor and the South Coast, to Freshwater and the Needles before returning to Yarmouth for the return sailing across to the mainland. We also have a free day to explore ourselves before our final day when we leave the hotel after breakfast for our return journey to Lancashire with meal and refreshment stops en route. *Please note that due to Covid-19 restrictions, porterage and entertainment may not be available. time to explore a fascinating era of history, with over 50 microcars on display and a row of you find that beautiful slice of heaven. Wightlink ferry from Lymington. We have a tour around the island, taking in Ryde, Sandown, recreated shops to pick up some memorabilia. Shanklin, Ventnor and the South Coast, to Freshwater and the Needles before returning to Yarmouth for the return sailing across to the mainland. We also have a free day to explore 14 TRAVEL INSURANCE AND FULL FINANCIAL SECURITY SO BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE Our Door-To-Door Holidays Include: Date Days Cost Supplements Single Insurance Monday 14th to Friday 18th June 5 £649 NIL £24 *Please note that due to Covid-19 restrictions, porterage and entertainment may not be available. Bournemouth was voted the home of the UK’s best beach for 2 years in a row. Set on the beautiful south coast of England on 15 glorious miles of idyllic coastline and blue flags. There is plenty of seafront to choose from to help you find that beautiful slice of heaven. Bournemouth was voted the home of the UK’s best beach for 2 years in a row. Set on the beautiful south coast of England on 15 glorious miles of idyllic coastline and blue flags. There is plenty of seafront to choose from to help you find that beautiful slice of heaven. incLUded Door-to-Door pickups All coach travel 2 full day excursions 4 nights dinner, bed & breakfast our choice of hotel: ocean BeacH Located on the sea front overlooking Bournemouth Bay, with some of the best views in town. Only 7 minutes’ walk from the sandy beaches and close to the town centre, a great place to explore from. The hotel offers good quality comfortable accommodation with a mix of décor from standard to modern. You also have the opportunity to use the leisure facilities at Date Days Cost Supplements Single Insurance Monday 21st to Friday 25th June 5 £525 NIL £24 ourselves before our final day when we leave the hotel after breakfast for our return journey to Lancashire with meal and refreshment stops en route. *Please note that due to Covid-19 restrictions, porterage and entertainment may not be available.

2021 DAY EXCURSIONS

ILKLEY & HARROGATE

Travelling over the Ilkley Moor with its beautiful views that provide the stunning backdrop to the traditional spa town of Ilkley with its highly recommended shops situated along ‘The Grove’. After Ilkley we travel the short journey to Harrogate with its handsome and historic buildings and verdant gardens.

Thursday 24th June

Adult: £19 Senior: £18 Child: £5 First pickup point & time Blackburn 8:30am LEVENS HALL

Levens Hall is located at the gateway to the Lake District National Park. Levens Hall has grown from a stark, imposing Pele Tower built c1250-1300, into a warm and welcoming family home. Marvel at this beautiful privately-owned house and gardens, home to the world’s oldest topiary gardens and centre of a thriving 9,500-acre agricultural estate. Includes entrance and

guided tour.

Tuesday 29th June

Adult: £35 Senior: £34 Child: £10 First pickup point & time Barnoldswick 08:00am SOUTHPORT DURING THE AIRSHOW

We are travelling to Southport for you to spend the day as you please. Enjoy shopping on Lord Street, Pleasureland or Waterpark for the kids or, we will be there for all you aircraft enthusiasts, during the airshow. Tickets to the Air show are NOT

included.

Sunday 4th July

Adult: £16 Senior: £15 Child: £5 First pickup point & time Barnoldswick 8:00am

SHREWSBURY EXPRESS

Explore Shrewsbury’s picturesque, cobbled alleys and squares. Be astounded by the exceptional number of interesting, independent shops that make it so special. Enjoy a drink by the river or take a river boat cruise from Victoria Quay. There is so much to do in this medieval town.

Tuesday 6th July

Adult: £23 Senior: £22 Child: £5 EXPRESS SERVICE Barnoldswick 8:00am Matalan 8:45am ENDEAVOUR WHITBY EXPRESS

The Endeavour Experience is the only life-size replica of Captain Cook’s HM Bark Endeavour in the northern hemisphere, and Whitby’s newest family tourist attraction. Climb aboard and experience two decks of interactive features and displays that will help you imagine what life was like for the 95 crew members during the three-year voyage.

Saturday 10th July

Adult: £41 Senior: £40 Child: £16 EXPRESS SERVICE Matalan 7:15am Barnoldswick 8:00am SOUTH LAKES SAFARI ZOO

South Lakes Safari Zoo is home to over 1,000 of the rarest and most endangered animals in unique natural environments which enable you to get as close as physically possible to experience the amazing creatures with which we share our planet. Participate in animal feeding experiences or be a zookeeper for a day. Includes tickets to the Zoo

Thursday 22nd July

Adult: £37 Senior: £36 Child: £25 First pickup point & time Blackburn 7.30am