Cassie’s Top 10 Close-to-Home Adventures for 2021

"Where do you recommend that's not too far away?"

Oddball has been asked about our favorite locations close-to-home, either here in the United States or in Canada. With so many places to consider, each with its own personality, this was a difficult Top 10 list of close-to-home tours for 2021 to put together. We’ve based it on destinations, logistics, length of trip, and budget-friendliness. Let us help you find the ideal tour for you, or customize the adventure of your dreams.

Oddball's suggestions...

These pre-planned departures are perfect for individuals or a small group of friends. Tours allow you to do more & see more, without worrying about the logistics! The dates are set, the details are in place. Simply pick a trip and enjoy your vacation! Prefer to customize a similar roadtrip for yourself? Talk to Cassie – as a former Tour Guide, she knows how to tackle the logistics and customize a trip that fits your pace and budget.

Early Birds! For travel in 2021, book a luxury tour by December 4th & save 10% per person. (Tours # 1, 4, 5, 9, 10.)
Early Birds! For travel in 2021, book an affordable tour by November 4th & save $100 per person. (Tours # 2, 3, 6, 7, 8.)

#10 Newfoundland + Labrador, Canada

Canada is close to home but offers unique scenery, small towns, and several UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In addition to amazing scenery and wildlife, you’ll visit historic sites throughout Newfoundland & Labrador. MORE is included on this 12-day luxury tour! You’ll be accompanied by an expert Tour Director who will bring this region to life with in-depth knowledge and local insights into the region’s culture, history, and secrets. All of this – and much more – awaits you on this marvelous tour! Highlights include:

Rocky Harbour - scenic cruise on Bonne Bay!
L'Anse Aux Meadows - a visit to this Viking settlement.
Trinity - historic walking tour with a Local Guide.
St. John's - traditional screen-in ceremony.

Estimated departures available from mid-June to mid-September.
Estimated tour rate $2,769 per person, a $230 per day average.
Too long? A 7-day adventure is available to only Newfoundland.
2021 Early Birds! Book by December 4th & save 10% per person.

#9 Pacific Coast from Seattle to San Fransisco

Don’t forget about the northern section of the famous Pacific Coast! This picturesque 9-day luxury tour finds itself in Cassie’s Top 10 Itineraries due to the unique scenery that’s special to this region, including snow-capped mountains, coastal sand dunes, and towering Redwoods. Plus, with 2-night stays in both Seattle and San Francisco, you’ll combine the scenic beauty of this region with two iconic American cities. A perfect combination!

Seattle - Space Needle, Pike Place Market & Pioneer Square!
Elbe - features a scenic train ride on Mt. Rainier Railroad!
Multnomah Falls - see the stunning 611-foot-tall waterfall!
Oregon Coast - take a dune buggy ride on huge sand dunes!
Gold Beach - offers a fun-filled jetboat ride.
Redwood NP - marvel at these iconic coastal giant trees!
San Francisco - visit the Sierra Silver Mine!

Estimated departures available from end-June thru September.
Estimated tour rate $2,939 per person, a $327 per day average.
2021 Early Birds! Book by December 4th & save 10% per person.

#8 Cross-Country Canadian Train Journey

What’s not to love about this cross-country journey across Canada, including a 3-night journey on The Canadian, VIA Rail’s premier transcontinental train? This 15-day affordable train+tour combo itinerary features a cross-country train experience that brings you to the western side of Canada. The tour portion of your trip through the Canadian Rockies begins in Jasper. Highlights include:

Toronto & Niagara Falls - visit these gems of eastern Canada!
Train! - a 3-day, 3-night journey on The Canadian!
Columbia Icefield - enjoy a thrilling Ice Explorer Ride!
Banff - outdoor scenery & optional horse drawn wagon ride!
Yoho & Glacier NP - visit 2 national parks in one day!
Victoria - visit Butchart Gardens & city sightseeing!

Estimated departures available from mid-May to mid-September.
Estimated tour rate $3,827 per person, a $255 per day average.
Rates may vary based on exact departure date. Ask us for details.
2021 Early Birds! Book by November 4th & save $100 per person.

#7 West Coast: California, Grand Canyon + Vegas

This 14-day adventure is a MUST if you’re looking for the perfect blend of iconic cities and beautiful landscapes! This 14-day affordable tour can start from Los Angeles (as shown) or San Francisco. Not quite what you’re looking for? There are several itinerary options in this region! Luxury tours are also available, with nice accommodations and more inclusions already built into the itineraries. Talk to Cassie, as she has led tours through each of these destinations. Highlights include:

Los Angeles - visit Hollywood & the Santa Monica Pier!
Scottsdale - feel like you've traveled to the Old West!
Grand Canyon NP - opt for a once-in-a-lifetime helicopter ride!
Las Vegas - this 2-night stay will keep you entertained!
Yosemite NP - granite domes & cascading waterfalls!
San Francisco - so much to see in the "City by the Bay!"
Pacific Coast Drive - enjoy stops along this stunning coast!

Estimated departures available from end-March thru October.
Estimated tour rate $2,339 per person, a $167 per day average.
2021 Early Birds! Book by November 4th & save $100 per person.
Not quite what you want? Additional itineraries in this region are available!

#6 Canadian Rockies + Via Rail

The majestic Canadian Rockies are calling! With several itineraries to choose from in this area, we’re showing a 9-day “affordable” tour with an overnight on a train. There are also two luxury itineraries as well – an 11-day luxury tour without the train, and a 13-day luxury tour with the train. The itinerary shown combines perfectly with the Calgary Stampede extension package in July, or a 7-night cruise to Alaska’s Inside Passage. Highlights include:

Calgary - visit Olympic Park & Stampede Park!
Banff - outdoor scenery & optional helicopter ride!
Columbia Icefield- enjoy a thrilling Ice Explorer Ride!
Jasper NP - unspoiled beauty of Maligne Lake!
Train! - an overnight journey on The Canadian!
Victoria - visit Butchart Gardens & city sightseeing!

Estimated departures available from May thru September.
Estimated tour rate $3,230 per person, a $359 per day average.
2021 Early Birds! Book by November 4th & save $100 per person.
13-day luxury tour estimated $5087pp. Book 2021 by Dec.4th, save 10%!

#5 National Parks of Utah + Arizona, plus Vegas

A must-see region of the United States, this itinerary is a classic! This 8-day luxury tour takes care of all the logistics so that you can relax and enjoy the National Parks and cities! You will experience 3 featured “local favorites” and experience MORE with this tour! So if Cassie loves it so much, why isn’t it ranked #1? Highlights include:

Scottsdale - feel like you've traveled to the Old West!
Grand Canyon NP - opt for a once-in-a-lifetime helicopter ride!
Monument Valley - off-road excursion with a Navajo Guide!
Lake Powell - lake cruise & slot canyons!
Bryce & Zion NP - two iconic & extremely scenic parks!
Vegas - tack on an extra night to explore the city!

Estimated departures available from end-April to mid-October.
Estimated tour rate $2,539 per person, a $317 per day average.
2021 Early Birds! Book by December 4th & save 10% per person.
A similar 11-day loop from Vegas is available at $3599 per person.
A 7-day “affordable” loop from Vegas is offered at $1429 per person.

#4 Nova Scotia + Canadian Maritimes

This makes the Top 10 because it came highly recommended from previous travelers who visited here last Fall! After this 9-day luxury tour ends in Halifax, you can choose to add an optional overnight train ride from Halifax to Montreal! Highlights include:

Halifax - get MORE with MORE inclusions!
Peggy's Cove - 1 of Canada's most charming villages!
Lunenburg - traditional UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Hopewell Rocks - witness the wildest tides in the world!
Prince Edward Island - Green Gables & folk music party!
Cape Breton Highlights - enjoy the scenic beauty of this park!
Train to Montreal - optional ride on VIA Rail's "Ocean" train.

Estimated departures available from mid-June thru September.
Estimated tour rate $2,307 per person, a $256 per day average.
2021 Early Birds! Book by December 4th & save 10% per person.

#3 Texas Highlights + New Orleans

This was almost raked #1. This 12-day affordable itinerary steals Cassie’s heart with 4 of Texas’s biggest cities, a swamp tour in Louisiana, and quite possibly her favorite scenic drive in America! This makes the Top 3 because each city is so unique! Highlights include:

Dallas - Southfork Ranch & Sixth Floor Museum!
Ft. Worth - see the cattle drive & Hall of Fame!
Austin - "Keep it Weird" & local music!
San Antonio - the Alamo & River Walk cruise!
Fredericksburg - visit the Texas White House!
Houston - included sightseeing of this southern city!
Lafayette - guided visit of plantations and gardens!
Swamp tour - this may be the highlight of your trip!
New Orleans - Bourbon Street & the French Quarter!

Estimated departures available from end-April to mid-October.
Estimated tour rate $2,029 per person, a $169 per day average.
2021 Early Birds! Book by November 4th & save $100 per person.

#2 Chicago, St.Louis, Nashville, Memphis + NOLA

Yes please! Having done this route twice myself, Oddball can vouch that this must-see, must-do 10-day affordable tour is jam-packed with iconic cities & music! Let your professional driver and Tour Director take care of the logistics so that you focus on sightseeing and nightlife! We particularly love that this itinerary includes 2 nights in Chicago, as well as 2 nights in New Orleans. Highlights include:

Chicago - Willis Tower, Grant Park & more!
St. Louis - ride the Gateway Arch!
Nashville - music, music & music history!
Memphis - Graceland, Elvis, blues & Beale Street!
Train - ride the famous train of story & song!
New Orleans - spend 2 nights in this fantastic city!

Estimated departures available from end-March to early-November.
Estimated tour rate $1,889 per person, a $189 per day average.
2021 Early Birds! Book by November 4th & save $100 per person.
Ask about similar luxury tour options from Nashville to New Orleans.

#1 Classic Fall Foliage

Our #1 pick due to the unique scenery during September and October! Yes, the fall foliage is colorful and marvelous at this time of year in New England, but it’s not all you’ll see. You’ll visit historic sites that were key in our nation’s history, and you’ll experience the iconic Acadia National Park. MORE is included on this 9-day luxury tour! You’ll be accompanied by an expert Tour Director who will bring this region to life with in-depth knowledge and local insights into the region’s culture, history, and secrets. Highlights include:

Boston - a city steeped with interesting history!
Portland, Maine - cobblestone streets, boutiques & cafes!
Acadia NP - enjoy scenery, a carriage ride & a lobster bake!
New Hampshire - take in the wildlife & White Mountains!
Vermont - visit Woodstock, a farm, and a living museum!
Stockbridge- visit Norman Rockwell Studio & Museum.
Atlantic Coast- learn about historic coastal towns.

Estimated departures from end-September thru mid-October.
Estimated tour rate $2,879 per person, a $320 per day average.
2021 Early Birds! Book by December 4th & save 10% per person.