J
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Not the "fully guided" tour it's sold as: overpriced for what it is.
I booked this 11-day tour (13-23 Sept 2026, Camp/Lodge mix) through TourRadar for about £3,000, based on a listing that describe…Not the "fully guided" tour it's sold as: overpriced for what it is.
I booked this 11-day tour (13-23 Sept 2026, Camp/Lodge mix) through TourRadar for about £3,000, based on a listing that describes it as "Fully Guided" with an "Expert Tour Guide", including guided hikes and a "fully guided city tour of San Francisco". That is not what I got.
In practice the guide was a driver and camp organiser. He cooked, helped with tents and luggage, and drove us between stops. At most sights we got a 15-20 minute photo stop or were dropped off to walk on our own. At Jenny Lake we were left to hike alone while the guide went to set up camp. In Salt Lake City we were left to explore by ourselves. The only hike he joined was in Yosemite, and he stayed with the slowest walkers. We were told he wasn't permitted to guide hikes for licensing reasons, which raises the question of why guided hikes are advertised as included.
The "expert" part didn't hold up either. Our guide was on only his second run of this tour. I regularly saw him searching on his phone for information to relay to us, as well as for navigation, rest stops and parking. On the last day he told us he knew nothing about San Francisco, so the "fully guided city tour" was a stressful drive around the city with rushed photo stops and no commentary. I had to look up basic information myself, such as the Jenny Lake ferry schedule and details about Mono Lake.
To be fair to the guide, he was friendly and worked hard, and I don't blame him personally. This is a company staffing and marketing problem.
I raised a formal complaint with Bindlestiff and asked for a partial refund. Their reply was that "fully guided" only means a guide is present throughout, not that they accompany you, and that no compensation would be offered. If that is what the label means, travellers should know it before paying £3,000 for it.
The route is spectacular, and I'm sure the scenery is why the reviews are good. But if you want an actual guide who explains and accompanies you, this isn't it. You'll get a van, a campsite and a lot of unguided time. I wouldn't book this tour at this price.
J
Had an incredible experience on the 7-day Vegas area parks tour! Awesome variety of iconic hikes and other activities, along with a super friendly, fun, and informative atmosphere thanks to our guide,…Had an incredible experience on the 7-day Vegas area parks tour! Awesome variety of iconic hikes and other activities, along with a super friendly, fun, and informative atmosphere thanks to our guide, Joe!
S
Just back from a fab 7 day camping tour of the big 5 national parks. The tour is well planned, taking in the amazing natural wonders. Got some good hikes in. Some upto about 3 miles, others shorter. B…Just back from a fab 7 day camping tour of the big 5 national parks. The tour is well planned, taking in the amazing natural wonders. Got some good hikes in. Some upto about 3 miles, others shorter. But no pressure for anyone in the group to do more than we felt comfortable with. 9 of us on the tour from age 38+. 2 UK, 3 Australians, 4 USA, a fun crowd. We chose to camp, the other 7 chose hotel accommodation. The camping was great fun & closer to nature!! And our tour guide & driver Joe was brilliant! Informative, fun, a fabulous chef, prepping great lunches and campfire breakfasts for those of us camping. Always happy to try to fulfil any requests on route and sharing great tips to get the best out of each park visit. For anyone looking to visit national parks in the USA remember there are the new park fees/pass fees. Thankyou for an unforgettable trip, definitely one we would recommend.
Just back from a fab 7 day camping tour of the big 5 national parks.
The tour is well planned, taking in the amazing natural wonders. Got some good hikes in. Some up to about 3 miles, others shorter. …Just back from a fab 7 day camping tour of the big 5 national parks.
The tour is well planned, taking in the amazing natural wonders. Got some good hikes in. Some up to about 3 miles, others shorter. But no pressure for anyone in the group to do more than we felt comfortable with.
9 of us on the tour from age 38+.
2 UK, 3 Australians, 4 USA, a fun crowd.
We chose to camp, the other 7 chose hotel accommodation. The camping was great fun & closer to nature!!
And our tour guide & driver Joe was brilliant! Informative, fun, a fabulous chef, prepping great lunches and campfire breakfasts for those of us camping. Always happy to try to fulfil any requests on route and sharing great tips to get the best out of each park visit.
For anyone looking to visit national parks in the USA remember there are the new park fees/pass fees.
Thank you for an unforgettable trip, definitely one we would recommend.
The tour was beyond our expectations. Joe Rickardson was a marvelous tour guide. the drive through the Southwest desert landscape was as engaging as the National Parks we visited. My wife and I are …The tour was beyond our expectations. Joe Rickardson was a marvelous tour guide. the drive through the Southwest desert landscape was as engaging as the National Parks we visited. My wife and I are in our 70's and the hiking was a challenge. But for seasoned hikers the experience is not to be missed.
L
I did the National Parks Winter Tour (Grand Canyon area) in February 2025 run by Bindlestiff. It was excellent. The tour was small - around 12 people and the tour guide, Joe, was fantastic. The gro…I did the National Parks Winter Tour (Grand Canyon area) in February 2025 run by Bindlestiff. It was excellent. The tour was small - around 12 people and the tour guide, Joe, was fantastic. The group gelled together really well and we benefited from Joe's knowledge and easy going nature. The itinerary ran smoothly and everything was as advertised. I'd have no hesitation booking with this group again.
C
Joe is a wonderful tourguide and the different nationalparks are just amazing!
R
Everything was perfect. The guides,(we had Joe as lead and Craig Justin in training), were knowledgeable, friendly and always helpful in all respects. The sights we saw were all well chosen and we wer…Everything was perfect. The guides,(we had Joe as lead and Craig Justin in training), were knowledgeable, friendly and always helpful in all respects. The sights we saw were all well chosen and we were given enough time to enjoy the experience. Also, happened to enjoy the trip with a great crew of other guests. Would tour with Tour Radar another time.
L
N
I loved every minute of our tour. Excellent tour guide, very informative, and educated. It was an action packed 7 days
T
Our Southwestern tour was amazing! The scenery was just like you see in magazines or travel brochures. Joe, our tour guide, was the best. He went above and beyond what was expected to make sure everyo…Our Southwestern tour was amazing! The scenery was just like you see in magazines or travel brochures. Joe, our tour guide, was the best. He went above and beyond what was expected to make sure everyone had the best experience possible. Can’t wait for the next adventure to Yellowstone.
M
Our Guide Joe was experienced and fun! He had everything organized for our group, including 2 campers that he also had to help with setting up and breakfasts.
Joe also ensured that he bought food to …Our Guide Joe was experienced and fun! He had everything organized for our group, including 2 campers that he also had to help with setting up and breakfasts.
Joe also ensured that he bought food to suit our needs.
Our small group of 5 was great and the small van comfortable.
I would recommend that this is the way to travel, rather than car or big bus as you can see all the sites and focus on the scenery!
S
The tour was great, good itinerary/ good food/ guide was super nice and camping grounds were good.