Sounds as if I'm going to have to hire my own plane for my luggage! 😂  Can I just ask, do you know how much it would be to upgrade on the train?  Also, any advice on how much spending money I should take for the 12 days?

Any other advice would be much appreciated... I'm all ears!

Its reassuring to know you had such an amazing time.

Just a few questions (if you don't mind!), did you feel it was worth upgrading on the train?  Did you have a better viewing experience than those in Silver?  Also, if I was to make a booking I have no idea of how much spending money I should take.  I appreciate people have greater/lesser tastes in things but an idea would be really helpful.

Also, how big (or small!) was your group and dare I ask average age?

Apologies for the twenty questions.

Wishing you a very hapoy 2024.

Now I just need to put my big girls pants on and book! 😂

I dithered for a long time about whether to upgrade on the train but in the end decided to stick with silver and was perfectly happy...in fact, we saw a bear that the Gold people missed as they were too high up to see it! It's true to say it's probably a once in a lifetime experience but I felt it was a lot to pay for not a huge difference [larger menu choice and unlimited drinks].

I did lots of the other excursions and was glad I did....in hindsight I wish I'd done the rafting and not done the Athabascar glacier, but that's personal choice.

Take a variety of clothes and comforatble walking shoes. I didn't spend as much money whilst I was there as I thought, but do remember to have enough cash for tips at the end. 

Hope this helps,

Leonie x

Thanks so much for your informative response.  Well, I've bitten the bullet and booked today. Very excited (and slightly apprehensive!) as Canada looks amazing.  I've wanted to go for a long time but watching the celebs doing Canada on Race Across The World just firmed my resolve to go!!  

Thw tips you mention I assume you mean -

are for the TL and the driver?  Is there some kind of policy re tipping or is it down to individual choice?

Suzanne x

We had a lovely driver called Jonathan who met us in Calgary and stayed with us until Jasper and I seem to think it was recommeded to give him $10 per day.

It's then customary to tip the chamber maid a couple of dollars per night and also the Holiday Director at the airport at the end of the holiday. 

When you eat out, the card machine asks if you want to tip 10%/15%/20% and works it out automatically. I tended to go out with 3 or 4 others each evening and if you explain to the waiter when you sit down, that you're paying separately, they give you individual bills. 

L x

Thanks so much  

It looks like i'm going to have to rob even more banks (I'm joking before anyone informs the police!) before June! 😂  

Can I just ask what kind of clothes did you take?  I've already spent a small fortune on walking shoes, waterproof trousers, jacket and thermal tops.  I've never been on a holiday before where I've had to pack for every season! 

Thanow again x

I felt safe in all cities, spent money on indigenous art & jewellery but eating out is pricey and huge portions. I made a dinner pal & we divided up our pizzas etc.  hope that helps 

I felt safe in all cities, spent money on indigenous art & jewellery but eating out is pricey and huge portions. I made a dinner pal & we divided up our pizzas etc.  hope that helps 

 I've booked the gold leaf option as I figured that I'll probably be only doing this trip the once so why not go all out!! 

Very excited... roll on June! 😂

I am a young 79 is there an age stipulation

Hi Gladys

There is no age stipulation on any tours, I've been on holidays with people in their 20s and people in their late 80s. As long as you feel able to undertake the trip then go for it. I did it in 2018 and loved it, I even did the rafting which I was a bit anxious about, but loved it! If you can afford it I felt it was well worth the upgrade to gold on the train. 

Happy travels, Rose 

How exciting.  Can't believe 5 weeks tomorrow and we'll be on our way!

If you (or anyone else) would like to meet up before going through security and the whole shebang at Heathrow, let me know.  I'm feeling rather (under-statement) nervous and it would be great to not to have to do this solo!

I met someone yesterday who had done this trip last September. She said on days changing hotels, cases needed to be outside your room by 7pm the night before. It got me thinking about another sort of holdall needed for a small amount of clothes, toiletries etc for the following morning.

I think I'm also going to take a small amount of Canadian dollars and load up a card. Did you upgrade Rocky Mountaineer?