The American Dream
Amazing trip with all the highlights, city's and natural beauty
We had a very complete trip that includes all the west America highlights. Adjusted to our preferred travel tempo, which was a little bit slower. We really liked the different accommodations and the flexibility and advice Authentik offered in designing our trip.
Very Good Tour plan but some Limitations
The trip specialist was generally very helpful and supportive. However, in several locations the only accommodation offerred was an hours drive or more away from the site of the attractions. Eg. Zion, Monument Valley, Yosemite and Grand Canyon. This would be very inconvenient.
Also, just before our planned visit, Death Valley was flooded. We did not hear any warnings from Authentik until after I contacted them 2 days before our visit and even then they told us we "COULD NOT ACCESS DEATH VALLEY" at all. However, when we rang Death Valley visitor office we found that we COULD ACCESS IT (including our booked accommodation) with a slight detour to a different entrance. So thankfully we did not rely on the advice from Authentik.
Some of the accommodation booked for us by Authentik were below expectations, especially the "Elan Hotel" in Los Angeles. It was a bit run down and tyhe carpets were worn and dirty. On top of that they want $40 per night for parking which seemd excessive even for LA. Then our room was right on the road so even with ear plugs in the noise was totally unbearable. (When we complained they did move us to another room which was much quieter for our next night).
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Beautiful journey
UNFORGETTABLE
(Translated by Google) The trip was perfect for 3 weeks.
The hotels and motels were very good and very well located for visiting.
The paper and digital roadbooks were used all the time.
The responsiveness during the vehicle change was quick and efficient.
This is the second time we have used your agency, and we are truly delighted.
Thank you, Virginie!
(Translated by Google) I had already gone through Authentik USA on a previous trip 8 years ago, so it was natural that I decided to turn to the agency again for the organization of my last trip to the United States! We were very satisfied with Virginie's support and responsiveness before, during and after the trip! Thank you. I will not hesitate to call on you again for future trips to North America.
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Amazing trip in the American West.
(Translated by Google) We took a road trip in the American West, from 10/17 to 11/1/2025, a fabulous trip organized to perfection with Authentik, thank you because we lived our "American dream", fabulous trip, and we will not hesitate to ask you for a new project in the USA, we were blown away, thank you again for your responsiveness to our slightest questions, we have many beautiful memories in our heads.
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American West Road Trip
(Translated by Google) Our exchanges with Véronique in preparation for this trip allowed us to do this road trip without any worries. The relevant information during the stay served us well in not wasting time. This trip has a significant driving portion, but the definition of the stages meant that no stage seemed long to us. The accommodations and organized visits fully met our expectations. The visit partners were top-notch, special mention for the Monument Valley tour with our Navajo female guide and LAS VEGAS by Mallorie. The visit confirmations via WhatsApp are really a plus.
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Going through that agency brought us nothing but setbacks.
(Translated by Google) We booked a family road trip in the United States (August 2025) through Authentik USA, including several activities, a rental vehicle, and domestic flights. Despite the high cost of the service, we were left to our own devices with every problem, with disastrous consequences for our trip.
1. No preparation or useful advice
Poorly explained activities: For the boat trip on the Colorado River, no practical information was given to us (e.g., bring water and a snack for a 5-hour excursion in sweltering heat). Result: children in difficulty, a ruined experience.
Local specificities ignored: As Europeans, we relied on their expertise to alert us to the typical pitfalls of traveling in the USA (e.g., strict rules for domestic flights). No briefing before departure.
2. Major problems unresolved (and sometimes caused) by the agency
Missed domestic flight (Las Vegas to San Francisco, 08/18/2025):
My wife's maiden name (used on all our trips in Europe without any problem) was not on the reservation. Result: denied boarding, a day lost at the airport with three children, and unforeseen costs to reorganize our itinerary.
Authentik USA's response: "It's written in our terms and conditions, it's your responsibility." But where was the warning beforehand? An agency "specializing in the USA" should anticipate and prevent this type of error, not hide behind small print.
Technical problem with the rental vehicle:
Air conditioning broken down in the middle of the desert. Their "customer service"? A switchboard that referred us to the rental company, without any help to speed up the resolution. Zero support, even though we had paid for assistance.
Medical emergency for our 12-year-old daughter:
Need to see a doctor urgently. Their response: "We don't handle medical problems." But who manages what, then? We had to organize everything ourselves, stressed and lost in a foreign health system.
3. A "service" that boils down to an online form
No real assistance: In case of a problem (even related to their own bookings), you are on your own. Their team just keeps repeating: "We only do bookings."
Time difference = total abandonment: Impossible to get effective help in an emergency. We spent more time fixing their mistakes than enjoying our vacation.
4. Conclusion: an agency to avoid
Don't rely on their supposed expertise: they do nothing more than a basic booking site, with the added bonus of costly mistakes.
Alternative: Organize your trip yourself (even with ChatGPT, you will be better advised) or choose an agency that fulfills its role to the end.
Our advice:
Avoid Authentik USA if you don't want to turn your vacation into an obstacle course. For the price, you deserve better than an online form and excuses.
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Very beautiful trip in the American West
(Translated by Google) The Grand Canyon is truly incredible, a helicopter flight is an absolute must. San Francisco is a very beautiful city, Las Vegas is worth the detour. Route 66 a little disappointing, except between Kingman and Oatman. A little disappointed by LA, too big a city, few really great things to see. However, Universal Studios is an absolute must-do in LA, Santa Monica is very nice too.
Very good support from Virginie to establish the trip and help determine what was possible to do or not, especially in terms of time/distance between stages.
Only downside to Authentic USA: once the trip is booked, modification requests have a very significant financial impact, better flexibility would be welcome.
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Great
(Translated by Google) Fantastic 4-week trip (Los Angeles / San Diego / Joshua Tree / Route 66 / Grand Canyon / Monument Valley / Lake Powell / Zion / Las Vegas / Death Valley / Mammoth Lakes / Yosemite / San Francisco / Monterey / California Coast / Santa Barbara). So many discoveries!
Alamo rental without any problems.
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Unforgettable
(Translated by Google) Our "American Dream" trip will remain etched in our memories: it was simply sublime! We loved every step, even if it was sometimes frustrating to have to leave such beautiful places.
The providers chosen for the car rental, flights, and hotels were overall very satisfactory. Some accommodations could perhaps be reviewed, but they had the advantage of being close to our points of interest and therefore very practical.
A big thank you to Virginie for her support and excellent organization, which largely contributed to the success of this unforgettable trip.
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Simply breathtaking every day
(Translated by Google) The parks are magical and the immensity is always surprising. 4551 photos in our album. Everything is so beautiful that we never stop taking pictures. Memories for life.
Precise organization and corresponding in every way to our expectations. Thank you Authentik
Top Discovery
(Translated by Google) A contact person who listens to us both to establish the itinerary and the quote and is available during the trip.
Quality service
The American dream!
(Translated by Google) This trip was very well organized by Virginie, whom we thank again. We had a reluctance about not having a GPS but the roadbook was very useful and reliable. All the hotels were very comfortable and the sites magnificent!
Great trip
(Translated by Google) We had a wonderful trip! We were able to customize the itinerary to our liking, a big plus because we wanted to add stops. And especially San Diego which we loved and which we recommend in a 3-week itinerary.
I recommend Authentik and particularly Virginie who helped us organize the trip. The hotels they booked were very good.
The roadbook is a real asset too, we took it with us throughout the trip.
Thank you!
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Fantastic!!!
(Translated by Google) Extraordinary trip with lots of memories in our heads and our phones. Many km traveled but there was so much to see... From the madness of Las Vegas to the must-sees that are Monument Valley and Grand Canyon. Zion and Yosemite parks are fabulous and very well laid out.
Excellent, no surprises
(Translated by Google) Everything was perfectly prepared, just one small oops in Las Vegas, I'm not saying it was authentik's fault but it was very quickly resolved by their team.
The great American dream
(Translated by Google) Trip beyond my expectations both in terms of organization and discoveries. The pace was perfect with 2 teenagers and we will keep wonderful memories.
Memorable family trip
(Translated by Google) We had a wonderful family trip for three weeks. The balance between visiting cities and parks was perfect. The three days in Moab allowed us to fully enjoy the parks. Every day was a beautiful discovery. We thank the Authentik team who listened to our desires and needs.
Very nice trip and very well prepared
(Translated by Google) We found our trip incredible. It met all of our requirements. We were well supported so as not to miss any of the experience. During the trip, we had to contact Authentik who was very responsive.
Excellent stay!!
(Translated by Google) Perfect stay in every way, as always when we go through Authentik (USA or Canada). Excellent car with Alamo, great hotels and 3 activities not to be missed (Antelope Canyon, dinner with the Navajos and the 4x4 in Canyonlands).
A magnificent trip, perfectly organized
(Translated by Google) Everything was perfect in the organization, the itinerary allowed us to discover the wonders of the American West, the chosen hotels were all of very good quality. Thank you to Virginie for the organization, and her responsiveness when we had questions before the trip.
Wonderful trip.
(Translated by Google) Everything was well organized. Very good choice of hotel locations. However, please ensure that the hotels properly record the reservations. Remove the LA Hilton which overcharges with prices too high in relation to the services. The actual room views don't always match the presentation in the Roadbook.
Very successful road trip
(Translated by Google) In summary, the trip went well and we are very satisfied.
Nevertheless, we would like to point out some areas for improvement to help you offer a better service to future customers.
Hotel choices:
We have rated the hotels used below. Note that our rating takes into account comfort, location, soundproofing, etc. Since we do not know the price for each hotel (the invoice shows the overall price), the hotel's services may be justified (or on the contrary, it may be too expensive for the services offered). Another important point, why do some hotels offer breakfast and others don't? Even if this information is indicated, it would be better to give an explanation to the customers.
Rating:
San Francisco: Executive Hotel Vintage Court (4/5)
Morrow Bay: La Serena Inn (4/5)
Los Angeles: Best Western Dragon Gate (3/5) Location, very poorly frequented area, to be avoided.
Kingman: Best Western Plus King's Inn (4/5)
Grand Canyon: Grand Canyon Plaza Hotel (4/5)
Monument Valley: Goulding's Lodge (5/5)
Lake Powell: Clarion Inn Page (3/5) Poorly soundproofed room
Bryce Canyon: Bryce View Lodge (2/5) It's very basic, a roadside motel, view of a campsite (see photos), breakfast in a shed…
Zion: Driftwood Lodge (5/5)
Las Vegas: Luxor Hotel & Casino (5/5)
Activities,
The proposed activities were very well organized, we really appreciated the quality of the service as well as the welcome and the guides.
Grand Canyon Helicopter Flight (5/5)
Monument Valley 4x4 (5/5)
Antelope Canyon Excursion (5/5)
Rental Car (4/5)
The reception to pick up the car in San Francisco was very good. However, returning the vehicle in Las Vegas was very complicated. It would be necessary to explain better to customers where the parking lot is located to drop off the vehicle and how to leave the keys (rental agency office or key drop box).
Airline Tickets (4/5)
For airline tickets, to obtain them, it would be necessary to explain the procedure to customers better from the outset.
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Fantastic, a trip not to be missed
(Translated by Google) Very nice trip, good organization, some visits could have been scheduled in French, they were available (corrected on site).
Very enriching trip
(Translated by Google) Hotel and location choices great, just some info and advice on visits not always up-to-date.
Very well organized road trip. No problems during our stay.
(Translated by Google) We greatly enjoyed this trip. The roadbook is very well done. As for the hotels, we did not encounter any difficulties; our reservations were taken into account. We had a few surprises, particularly at the Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles, where we had to pay $94 for our parking. However, we had a 70 m2 suite at the Platinum Hotel in Las Vegas. This hotel is very well located in relation to the Strip. Some hotels are really isolated (Stovepipe Wells Hotel and Yosemite View Lodge) and have only one restaurant. We found Death Valley disappointing. The other parks we visited were much more interesting to us. Our first view of the Grand Canyon left us speechless, it is so magnificent; moreover, we discovered it at sunset. Antelope Canyon has magnificent colors when the sun enters the canyon; it is magical. We clearly preferred San Francisco to Los Angeles, and as for Las Vegas, we ultimately had a great time despite our initial reservations about the city. We would like to thank Virginie for her professionalism. [...]
Fabulous, it cannot be told, it must be lived.
(Translated by Google) Despite the long distances at times, we discovered beautiful landscapes what a journey.
Hotel room allocation
(Translated by Google) The downside of this wonderful trip was the room allocation in 8 out of 10 hotels. We ended up with rooms overlooking parking lots, rooftops (Caesar Palace), roads, and the highway! We were often disturbed by the noise of trucks leaving early in the morning and buses loading passengers. The worst was room 601 in the Eldorado building at the Le Garland hotel in Los Angeles. The room overlooked Highway 101, a very busy road, three nights being woken up from 4/5 in the morning!! If you like to rest, avoid this hotel. Moreover, we paid 120 dollars for parking for these 3 days. In Page, a beautiful place, we asked for a view of the lake instead of the usual parking, and they asked for 40 dollars more, which we refused. We had nice rooms during our stay but felt like we were non-priority travelers coming with Authentik. [...]
Wonderful trip with perfect organization
(Translated by Google) Magnificent trip completed in total relaxation thanks to flawless organization. We had only one problem with a hotel that had mistakenly charged our credit card for the room, after contacting Virginie, the problem was solved and the hotel reimbursed us. Thanks to Virginie for her responsiveness.