One of the most common questions we get before a tour is about meals. "Do we need to bring food?" "How much extra money should I budget?" It's a practical concern, and we want you to have all the information upfront so you can plan comfortably.
This guide covers the food situation for our flagship 2-night, 3-day Grand Canyon tour. The principles are similar for our 1-night Grand Canyon tour and other multi-day trips.
1. What's Included in Your Tour Price
Your tour fee covers transportation, guide services, hotel stays, and a few specific meals. According to our tour page, the following food items are provided:
- One hotel breakfast: This is included with your one night of hotel accommodation (in Page City for the A course, in Williams City for the B course). It's typically a simple breakfast provided by the hotel.
- One In-N-Out Burger lunch: This is included on Day 1 for the A course (LA to Vegas) and on Day 3 for the B course (Vegas to LA). We stop at Barstow for this classic California fast-food experience.
- Drinking water: We provide water throughout the tour.
2. Meals You Pay for Yourself
The majority of your meals are not included in the base tour price. This allows you flexibility in choosing what and how much you want to eat based on your preferences and budget. You will pay for these directly at the restaurants.
Here's a typical breakdown of the meals you'll need to cover:
| Meal | Typical Cost Estimate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lunch (Day 2) | $15 - $30 | A local meal during the canyon tour day. |
| Dinner (Day 2) | $15 - $30 | Dinner in Page City after the day's activities. |
| Lunch (Day 3) | $15 - $30 | Lunch on the final day, often near the Grand Canyon or on the return route. |
| Vegas Hotel Dinner (A Course Day 1 / B Course Day 2) | $20 - $50+ | You have free time in Vegas. Cost varies widely based on your choice. |
These estimates are based on average spending at the local restaurants we stop at. You can certainly spend less or more.
TIP_BUDGET: A safe rule of thumb is to budget about $15 - $30 per meal for the lunches and dinners you'll pay for. For the 3-day tour, planning for 3-4 such meals means bringing an extra $60 - $120 for food is a comfortable estimate. Remember, this is separate from the entrance fees and guide tip.
3. Payment Method for Meals
All meals you pay for yourself are settled directly at the restaurant. We recommend:
- Carrying small bills: It makes splitting bills with fellow travelers easier.
- Using a credit/debit card: Most restaurants we visit accept cards.
- Inform your guide: If you have specific dietary restrictions (vegetarian, allergies, etc.), please let your guide know early so they can help suggest suitable options.
4. A Sample Day's Food Schedule
Let's look at the A course itinerary to see how meals fit into the flow of the day.
Day 1 (LA to Las Vegas):
- Morning departure from LA.
- Lunch: In-N-Out Burger in Barstow (INCLUDED).
- Evening arrival in Vegas. Dinner in Vegas is on your own.
Day 2 (Las Vegas to Page City):
- Early departure from Vegas (around 4 AM).
- Lunch: Local meal during canyon tours (NOT INCLUDED, pay at restaurant).
- Dinner: In Page City after activities and before stargazing (NOT INCLUDED, pay at restaurant).
Day 3 (Grand Canyon to LA):
- Morning: Simple hotel breakfast (INCLUDED).
- Lunch: On the return journey after Grand Canyon visit (NOT INCLUDED, pay at restaurant).
- Return to LA around 6-7 PM.
The B course simply reverses this order, with the included In-N-Out lunch happening on the final day.
5. What About Other Tours?
The meal structure is similar across our multi-day tours. For example, our Grand Canyon Day Tour from Las Vegas includes no meals. You pay for breakfast ($10) and any other food you choose during the long day.
Our shorter tours, like the LA City Tour, typically do not include meals, allowing you to explore local eateries at your own pace and preference.
6. Final Checklist Before You Go
- Confirm included meals: One hotel breakfast, one In-N-Out lunch.
- Budget for extra meals: Plan for ~$15-$30 per meal for 3-4 lunches/dinners.
- Bring payment: Cash (small bills) and/or card for restaurants.
- Communicate dietary needs: Tell your guide at the start of the tour.
- Pack snacks: While not essential, having some snacks for the long drives is always a good idea.
The goal is to eliminate uncertainty. We include the essentials to keep the tour moving smoothly, but leave you the freedom (and responsibility) to choose your other meals. This balance keeps the base tour price manageable and lets you enjoy the local food scene.
If you have any specific questions about meals on your upcoming tour date, the best way to get a precise answer is to message us on KakaoTalk. We're happy to clarify.
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