The American Dream
Excellent trip thanks to authentik USA
(Translated by Google) We loved the services provided by the agency. Especially the incredible roadbook with all the necessary information: map of each stage, recommended restaurants and a guide to recommended activities. You can leave with peace of mind without having to prepare anything and it avoids unnecessary conflicts on site due to lack of organization. I highly recommend this agency!
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Magical journey... we were blown away
(Translated by Google) The helicopter flight over the Grand Canyon, the 4*4 excursion with the Navajos, Antelope Canyon are options not to be overlooked...it was a superb experience.
US West Coast road trip
(Translated by Google) Very beautiful trip in the American West. We recommend planning a minimum of 3 weeks of road trip because the distances are long and there are a lot of sites to visit. We couldn't do them all, especially the parks which are very numerous and varied. We regret only having one day in Las Vegas, it required an extra day to visit all the hotels. Los Angeles wasn't really a favorite except for Universal Studios which is a must-see for families. Our favorite city was San Francisco where there are lots of beautiful things to visit. In conclusion, a very beautiful family memory and we can't wait to go back. A big thank you to Virginie who was great before, throughout our trip and after, we recommend this agency which is very attentive to its clients, very responsive and knows its stuff.
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Exceptional and magnificent trip
Perfect organization, exceptional trip
(Translated by Google) From the very first video meetings with Alexandra, we could feel her mastery of what she was offering. She understood our expectations and guided us towards choices we might not have made if I had organized this road trip on my own.
Once there, everything went perfectly, check-ins took no more than 30 seconds, while other travelers struggled a bit to get checked in.
In short, we only have good memories, we can say that the cost of the service is well worth the added pleasure we experienced.
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Road trip WEST USA
Magnificent road trip with Authentik
(Translated by Google) To begin, before our trip the various video calls with our specialist Alexandra were very useful as she gave us very good advice.
Positive points: the cities and parks we visited were all magnificent and really worth exploring. The different stages proposed by Alexandra were perfect (number of km traveled per day/visits/accommodation/number of days). The hotels were generally all of good to very good quality. The complete guide to our road trip received in advance is really well done and provides very useful information. The Authentik blog is also very useful for finding information, even if some information could be updated. Possibility to take all or part of the hotels and excursions with Authentik. The 2 excursions carried out with Authentik (4x4 at Monument Valley and helicopter at the Grand Canyon) were really of high quality. The car rental with Alamo went very well despite a crack in our windshield during our trip (no additional cost, it was covered by the warranty).
Points for improvement: after confirming our trip we had to change several accommodations as they were no longer available and we had to manage to find a visit to Antelope Canyon as it was no longer available either. Our hotel for Yosemite was far from the park and required re-entering through checkpoints every day (loss of time).
Negative points: our hotels in LA and San Francisco have exorbitant parking rates. We thought we saw nearby parking lots with more advantageous rates, it would be interesting to provide this type of information to your customers. In San Francisco, in addition to the parking the hotel charged us "Guest Amenities Fees" for the wifi and outdoor games (a total of $324 to pay for 3 nights for parking and amenities). The hotels systematically require deposits which are sometimes refunded at check out but sometimes much later.
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Road Trip "the American dream" from July 27, 2024 to August 18, 2024
(Translated by Google) We had a wonderful family trip discovering the Great American West with its vast and splendid landscapes.
Mission accomplished for this family trip, which will remain etched in our memories.
A big thank you to Caroline Dion who accompanied us on this project, for her advice and responsiveness.
Great experience
The real American dream
(Translated by Google) We return from our trip very satisfied. The selection of stops made with the help of Authentik allowed for a very good balance of the days, and the advice for accommodations was truly valuable in making the experience memorable. Only one hotel convinced us less, it was the Pioneer Hotel Lodge in Zion. The reception, the amenities, and especially the breakfast were not up to standard. Otherwise, everything was perfect. The responsiveness of the Authentik team is excellent. [...]
A trip forever etched in our memories!
(Translated by Google) A long-planned trip where everyone had to find their place. We left as a group of 3, two adults and a teenager. Our goal was to do as much as possible at the important stops and to find moments of rest. We prioritized the parks and decided to spend little time in the big cities (San Francisco, LA, and Vegas). We chose a few hikes in the parks so we wouldn't just be driving. The route was defined with Virginie; a more precise roadbook was created, step-by-step, with things to do and see during the drive and at each stop. This was important for getting off the beaten path suggested in the standard roadbooks. This work takes a lot of time but saves time once you're there. It's a huge country and unfortunately you can't see and do everything.
We especially loved the Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Monument Valley, Antelope Canyon, and Arches. Zion was quite crowded and is a park for hikers. The Narrows are a must-do, early in the morning to avoid the crowds. Yosemite is immense, Tioga Road is a must-do, the landscapes are magnificent and grandiose. You quickly end up driving a lot to get from one point to another; plan your objectives well, and check that it's worth it... for example, 1.5 hours to get to the start of the Mirror Lake trail, only to arrive and be told it's dry! The Pacific Coast, when the mythical Highway 1 is open, offers magnificent landscapes. Monterey wasn't very interesting and if I were to do it again, I would skip it. Los Angeles: one night is perhaps a bit short, but by arriving early, we were able to do the essentials, walk on Hollywood Blvd, and enjoy a sunset and a stroll on Venice Beach.
Route 66... mythical, sometimes not easy to follow and a bit monotonous, but an essential step towards the parks. Stopping in Kingman avoids a stage of more than 800 km to the Grand Canyon, and allowed us to make a few extra stops along the way. 1.5 days at the Grand Canyon, helicopter activity canceled due to wind, but replaced by walks on a magnificent site, one word: wow! Lake Powell, especially for Antelope Canyon, magnificent and relatively uncrowded with a great guide. Due to lack of space, we did the Lower Antelope Canyon and we didn't regret it. Monument Valley and a 4x4 ride in the evening off the Scenic Drive paths, a must-do!
Arches: 1.5 days, a park that allows you to see the main sights by car or with short walks, but we hiked to admire Delicate Arch in the evening upon arrival and the Devil's Garden Trail the next day. Two accessible walks despite the heat. Relatively uncrowded as soon as you get away from the roads. Bryce Canyon: small but magnificent park! You absolutely must do one of the hikes that goes down into the canyon, the Navajo Loop for example. Las Vegas: we decided to spend only one night, and to spend that night wandering the Strip from casino to casino and on Fremont Street, using the bus with the DEUCE 24-hour pass ($8), crazy city... Death Valley... way too hot for hiking... we had 52°C which reduced the possibilities. We couldn't explore this park as we would have liked. Mammoth Lakes: a bit of coolness in a mountain setting with superb lakes, a short hike above the resort to enjoy these magnificent lakes.
That's the gist of it, 22 days, 6000 kilometers, a lot of fatigue but memories galore and more than 2000 photos to sort :)
Regarding the hotels suggested, nothing to complain about, standard to superior comfort, perhaps prioritize hotels with breakfast included, the most important meal of the day. We had no bad surprises. If I can figure out how to post reviews by hotel... I will.
While the price of gas is attractive, we found that life remained expensive, particularly food. So we favored picnics at lunchtime. Some hotels being well equipped, we cooked some evenings.
There would be so much to say!
We greatly thank Authentik and especially Virginie for the help provided in planning this trip, as well as her availability before and during the trip.
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A great family trip
(Translated by Google) We spent 17 days almost exclusively in California: SF - Monterey - Morro Bay - LA - LV - Mammoth (via Death Valley) - Yosemite - SF.
During our stay in LV, we visited the Grand Canyon by helicopter and Red Rock Canyon by car (we really recommend this park very close to LV).
We rented a full-size SUV that was really comfortable.
Our advice:
* Buy a cooler upon arrival and some ziplock bags; there are ice machines in all the hotels, this allows you to have cold drinks all day or to take sandwiches.
* Don't try to see too many sites and therefore spend too much time in the car.
* Budget a substantial amount for activities and food.
* Include the coast between SF and LA in the trip if possible, it's magnificent.
* Take a guided tour in LA and SF, you see lots of places you wouldn't have thought to visit.
* And of course choose Authentik to assist you during the creation of your trip.
Our only complaint, these "Resort Fees" charged on-site by some hotels, not corresponding to anything specific, but Authentik is in no way responsible for this practice and warned about it in the Road Book.
Thanks to Alexandra for her professionalism and good advice.
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Magnificent
(Translated by Google) Everything was magnificent. Certainly a lot of kilometers but it was worth it. For us, the most beautiful city was San Francisco. You just have to expect to see a lot of "homeless" people. Regarding the national parks, they were all very beautiful, but if we had to make a first choice not to miss, it's Yellowstone, then Bryce Canyon. Regarding the hotels, they were all very clean and well located. Just that the Best Western chain hotels serve a somewhat limited breakfast in terms of quality and choice. The proposed excursions were also great. So in summary, all very good.
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An unforgettable experience
(Translated by Google) The suggestions for the stages allowed us to realize a long-standing dream due to the diversity of choices. I would describe it as a natural Disney because of the breathtaking beauty of the places. The road, the parks fulfilled us completely. We were also surprised by the ease in the 9 parks of very diverse visits from one another. Even on the road, it was a spectacle. There is also the welcome of the Navaros guides who impressed us during the excursions to Monument Valley and Powell Lake... I recommend you. Finally, the information and customer service from Mrs. St-Laurent who proved to be very precise and helpful for these 21 days. The APP and the paper road book for the main visits are a must. This trip was on point across the board as explained before departure. We only had to manage the movements...everything else was booked in advance! Thank you very much to your team, we will return. J P Synnett. [...]
Our dream has come true!!
(Translated by Google) We realized our dream thanks to authentikusa and their service, a big thank you to Virginie Alessi and the program she created for us was magnificent!!
Always present at our side before, during and after our trip!
We will keep an eternal memory of our superb trip!
We recommend authentikusa to all those who want to realize their dream!!
Thanks again
Emilie and Laurent
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the American dream: a magnificent journey to take in a lifetime
(Translated by Google) We had a wonderful 3-week stay as a couple on the American west coast, in October 2023. We sincerely thank Virginie who accompanied us before, during and after the trip. Everything was organized to the highest standard and if we had any problems on site, we knew that we were not alone thanks to Authentik USA.
We put the only downside on "Dollar" the company where Authentik USA decided to rent the car. Indeed, unfortunately we are coming away from a mediocre experience with this franchise. The staff was anything but friendly. When picking up the vehicle, they forced us to take an electric car, which was hell once we left the big cities. Fortunately we were able to make a change mid-way and have a thermal car. The cars were not clean (dog hair and foul smell). Taxes added when returning the car without any explanation.
Fortunately, to overcome this bad experience, we had the help of our advisor, whom we thank.
Despite the automobile mishap, we strongly recommend Authentik USA for an American stay.
THANKS :)
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Amazing !
(Translated by Google) We loved our west coast road trip!
We highly recommend it, the landscapes are magnificent, the people are adorable, it’s worthy of a dream!
Special mention to Arizona which was our favorite of this road trip!
However, we liked San Francisco less, which is a city that has changed significantly since Covid, it is dirty and there are a lot of people on the streets. However, the Fisherman neighborhood is very nice.
American roads are super easy to drive so don't panic.
We therefore thank Alexandra who always put us in very good quality hotels with charm and great hosts.
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Thank you Authentik USA!
(Translated by Google) This is the second time we have gone via authentik USA and we are not disappointed.
We recommend authentik USA to everyone.
In terms of quality/price ratio, organization, advice, everything is perfect.
Émilie listened to our needs and desires, she helped make this trip go smoothly, thank you to her!
Excellent trip!
(Translated by Google) Very well organized trip, no problem with accommodation or rental car (we even got an upgrade)
An unforgettable road trip thanks to Authentik USA!
(Translated by Google) We rented a motorhome from San Francisco to Las Vegas via Yosemite or Mammoth Lakes, then a large loop in the canyons and nature reserves (Bryce, Zion, Antelope, Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, etc.) for finish our trip by car (more practical in cities than a campervan and also for Death Valley where large vehicles are prohibited) from Las Vegas to San Francisco via Los Angeles and the coast (US1)! All for 7 people including a baby!
It wasn't easy to organize (especially since booking campsites is a bit technical) but not insurmountable for Authentik USA who orchestrated this whole trip very carefully: support full of advice in advance, no constraints or obligations (for example, we were able to book the hotels ourselves during the car part) and also follow-up during the trip with always the same person (Emilie) from start to finish, always very available and responsive.
We recommend with your eyes closed to go through them to organize your trip!
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Road trip West USA - great family trip
(Translated by Google) Fabulous trip of 3 and a half weeks in the western USA as a family with 2 adults and 2 teenagers.
What we liked the most:
The national parks are very beautiful, well laid out (parking and free shuttles); you have to take the time to stay there for a full day to hike there. The ideal would even be to be there 2 full days for Yosemite, Bryce Canyon/Zion Canyon and the Grand Canyon. There is a charge for admission to the parks, but with the America the Beautiful pass at $80, this expense pays for itself very quickly.
Our 2 teenagers really liked Las Vegas, a city that is not very ecological, but the contrast with the parks is quite impressive. We feel in another world and everything seems possible.
The duration of 3 1/2 weeks was the minimum for us. Indeed, it allowed us to take the time such as: visiting the main cities over 2 days (Los Angeles, San Francisco and Las Vegas), hiking in the parks over the full day, sleeping in a Hogan in Monument Valley, doing car journeys of only 2 to 3 hours on average (less tiring).
Regarding the hotels, almost all are equipped with a coffee maker, fridge and microwave, which is appreciable for either having breakfast or dinner there because the bill for 4 people in a restaurant can quickly rise when the meal is not is not necessarily exceptional.
What we disliked:
Antelope Canyon even if it is a beautiful site, it is too touristy, the groups of tourists follow each other in the Canyon with a length of barely 400m, it is expensive for what it is. It is better to go see Peek-a-boo which is a little touristy canyon, longer and just as beautiful, the guide is passionate and fascinating.
Los Angeles: this step is not unavoidable; this city has no tourist attractions compared to San Francisco or Las Vegas. Hollywood boulevard is not exceptional. The city is so big that you have to do everything by car because there is little or no public transport. It often takes 1 hour to go from one tourist site to another without counting the traffic jams.
Beware of the price of hotel car parks in large cities, especially in San Francisco, it is very expensive (on average 40€ per day) so you have to plan for it in the travel budget because parking in the street is just impossible. in the city center.
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AWESOME
(Translated by Google) We are very satisfied with our trip with Authentik USA. We were very well advised and the excursions offered are excellent, especially our experience in Monument Valley with the Indians and the city tour in San Francisco with Eric.
Thanks to Caroline who challenged us during the trip and reorganized our route following the vagaries of the weather. This is a service that we would not have had if we had organized our trip on our own.
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A very nice trip, without a hitch and well prepared
(Translated by Google) The trip was beautiful. Impeccable support from Authentik: discreet but present when we needed it (especially before our departure). The roadbook, as well as information on hotel facilities, was very helpful.
Wonderful trip to the western USA
(Translated by Google) The roadbook is complete and full of good ideas, we also spent a lot of time on Google to organize the trip as well as possible, already that there are quite a few miles to do it is better to avoid unnecessary detours.
The hotels proposed and chosen were very good overall, some a little simpler but it was our choice.
Do not neglect the miles to be covered between two destinations, with photo stops it quickly takes up the day.
Taxes not being included, good management of your calculator can help you.
No worries with service providers, guides, surfing, Navajo, hotels...
A plus to Sylvie our French guide in San Francisco, full of anecdotes and good corners to reveal to us.
Eric from Frogcuter in SF was also perfect, a little extra for trying to speak French to us when the tour was in English, congratulations to the great class.
Nice welcome to the Navajo in Monument Valley, the night in a Hogan (under the stars for us, personal choice) was a great experience.
A big thank you to Pierre-Louis for taking the time by email and telephone to help us in our choices.
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Good but...
(Translated by Google) Customer service is top notch. Always answers to my questions. He is also very responsive.
Regarding the trip, everything went well, no surprises regarding the reservations.
But:
Some hotels are not up to standard. That of Death Valley in particular, we spent a sleepless night. An air conditioning that makes the noise of a plane taking off, and, it is obvious that with 53 degrees outside, impossible to turn it off... In addition, we fought with crickets in the room, in total, there were 6...
For a trip over 10,000 euros, I expected better. There is too much difference between hotels, day and night with the Hilton culver city in LA. Unfortunately parking costs $43 per day, out of budget. Brief. Improvements to be made on certain hotels
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The American dream with the family
(Translated by Google) An unforgettable trip, full of memories, … in short, we only enjoyed every moment of this stress-free trip thanks to Authentik USA.
Thanks again Emily!
Superb trip
(Translated by Google) This trip was extraordinary.
The discovery of this country, its inhabitants and its landscapes will remain etched in our memories.
Preparing it with Authentik is reassuring when, like us, you are not frequent travellers.
A few clarifications are sometimes necessary on the operation of the various taxes and deposits.
National Parks Tour
(Translated by Google) Very nice road trip without major problems
We had planned a tense program which we carried out in full except Tioga road which was closed, 3920 miles traveled with a Ford escape SUV from Thrifty which did not disappoint us even on the few unpaved tracks taken, The hotels were at lived up to our expectations.
Many clichés about Americans have fallen but we are used to this after almost 300,000 kms of road trip in Europe and South East Asia. So a positive assessment because this three-week road trip is a prelude to a longer trip with our van fitted out on the American continent in the near future.
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21 days of varied and breathtaking discoveries
(Translated by Google) The traveling formula with car is perfect for discovering the American West given the number of exceptional sites to admire and their geographical distribution: California, Nevada, Utah and Arizona. I strongly recommend 21 days given the road and the time needed to appreciate. Nature is a wonder there every time. However, I pinpoint Yosemite Park, Monument Valley and Zion Canyon. The city of San Francisco is worth the trip on its own. For the monument valley, I really enjoyed the 4x4 tour guided by a Navajo Indian. He made us discover inaccessible places and the memory of his song still resonates in me. If you like authenticity, avoid spending too much time in Las Vegas. [...]
Road Trip West USA
(Translated by Google) 05/29/2023
We chose Authentik USA for this road trip in the western United States, and we are delighted. Our contact person Virginie gave very good advice, and was always available, with ultra-fast responses during the preparation phase, which allowed us to adjust the trip to our liking.
During the trip we did not contact Authentik again because everything went as planned, without any difficulty.
We came back delighted with this trip, which allowed us to discover the west coast and the great national parks of the American west.
It is difficult to say what struck us the most, because day by day, we traveled from discovery to discovery, in breathtaking landscapes.
Thanks again to Virginie, for her help with the preparation, her advice, and her great availability.
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