On The Road Bus Adventures
A new startup based out of Iowa by the name On The Road Bus Adventures has announced a series of road trips across America in the summer and fall of 2014, which will mark its first full season. The owners and operators, Brian and Lesley Triplett, are a young couple from Davenport, Iowa, and Highland Park, Illinois respectively, and consider themselves to be expert travelers, having explored over 50 countries on six continents. After realizing that they weren’t aware of a fun, affordable way for travelers from around the globe to experience their country, they decided to create one. In 2013, the couple led a pilot trip with a group of seven travelers from three continents.
“This trip has been one of the most fantastic experiences I’ve had,” said 26-year-old Australian, Taylah Smart, according to On The Road’s website. “You check off some of the American ‘bucket list’ items but, more importantly, you get to see places and things you wish you had added to your bucket list a long time ago. This trip has definitely shown me a side to America I never knew existed and given me memories that I’ll keep forever.”
Each of the six trips being offered in 2014 are 25 days/24 nights in duration and include camping in Nat’l Parks, big city fun, small charming towns, festivals, and anything that epitomizes the American experience. Four of the trips go via a southern route between San Francisco and New York City, and two will feature a new northern route to connect the coasts. Each trip costs $2,900 and includes all accommodations (hotels, hostels and campgrounds with gear provided), breakfast, lunch and snacks, National Park entry and en route entertainment like games and movies.
“These aren’t tours, they are road trips,” said co-founder Brian Triplett. “With our small groups of 12 travelers, we are able to have a good balance of plans and spontaneity along the way. On our first trip it became clear quite quickly that we were really onto something special. We have gotten very positive feedback and are expecting the seats to fill quickly for next year.”