April 18, 2003 -- Some of us really don't want to drive our cars long distances across the country, but we don't want to fly, either. You see more at ground level, you can stop more often, and it can flat out be cheaper than the plane most of the time. If this sounds like you, consider Moment's Notice. Until now, the firm has concerned itself mostly with cruises and overseas vacation packages, but it's recently been branching out into bus tours -- or "motor coach" in industry travel parlance.
The majority of tours cover the USA only, but a few throw a bit of Canada in as well, with the lowest-priced packages starting from $86.25 a day per person. Included in each package are hotel lodgings, air-conditioned motor coach, an escort for the entire tour and a complete sightseeing program for each itinerary. On some tours (such as the transcontinental routes), flights and airport/hotel transfers are included, but it varies so be sure to check with the company first.
There are 14 different east coast tours, ranging from four to 16 nights, and starting from $345 per person, double occupancy. Departures are from New York City, Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Miami, Orlando and New Orleans. Depending on the tour, you could experience one of these themes: Blues & Jazz, Dixie Magic, Florida Adventure, Eastern Wonders, or Southern Charm. The 16-night tour takes in New York, Niagara Falls, Toronto, Washington, D.C. (White House exterior only, the Capitol exterior, Washington Monument), Nashville (Grande Ole Oprey), Memphis, Natchez, New Orleans (Preservation Hall), South Walton FL (pristine white beaches), Orlando (Disney World, Universal Studios), Savannah, Charlotte and Atlanta.
Thirteen different west coast tours range from two nights to 13, starting at $239, and depart Los Angeles, San Francisco and Salt Lake City. You could see these themes: Western Canyons, Western Parks, or California Express. One 9-night tour visits Los Angeles, Scottsdale, Grand Canyon, Lake Powell, Bryce Canyon, Las Vegas, Fresno, Yosemite, San Francisco, Carmel, and Monterey before returning to Los Angeles.
There are also six escorted transcontinental tours of from 10 to 15 nights, starting at $999. Departure points are Boston or New York City. On one such tour, you visit Boston, Salem, Gloucester, Bangor, Bar Harbor, Acadia National Park, Portland, Cape Cod, Kennebunkport, Plymouth, Martha's Vineyard (then fly to Los Angeles) and visit the cities and places outlined in the paragraph above.
For more information or to make reservations, contact Moment's Notice at www.moments-notice.com/allied/escorted.html, e-mail info@moments-notice.com or phone 888/241-3366.
