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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

DETOURS FAQS

FAQs - General

Do you run tours every day of the year?

Historically, we do not run tours on Thanksgiving Day or Christmas Day. Other than these two days, DETOURS American West operates tours daily, so long as weather conditions provide for safe touring and our minimum guest count has been met. If inclement weather is threatening a tour, a DETOURS agent will contact you to provide alternate options for your tour.

Can you pick up and/or drop off at the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport?

No, we may be able to arrange drop off at a hotel nearby that allows guests to take the SkyTram into the airport, though. This is never a guarantee. Please reach out to our office to check availability.

Do you pick up and drop off from all hotels? What about private residences

We pick up from select hotels in Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tempe. However, we must limit the number of pick ups/drops off we do for efficiency, so there is a chance you may need to meet at another hotel, depending on the size of your party. DETOURS will contact you upon booking with more information.

For public tours, we do not pick up at private residences. For private tours, we do pick up at private residences as long as it’s within our pick up zone.

How many other people will be in the vehicle?

Our vehicles seat a maximum of 13 guests. Typically, there will be 9-13 guests.

What if my group is larger than 13 passengers?

We can accommodate large groups in multiple DETOURS vehicles or sometimes, we can outsource motorcoaches for an additional expense. Please call for details.

Do I need to bring a passport?
If you are visiting from outside the United States, we recommend having your passport with you at all times. Only for the Tombstone day tour departing from Phoenix are you required to bring your passport. This is due to the tour traveling close to the US/Mexico border and the chance of being stopped by Border Patrol. We always suggest you have your ID on you at all times regardless of which tour you are on.
Are kids allowed on your tours?
We don’t permit children under the age of 3 on our public tours. Children under 3 may be permitted on a private tour, please inquiry with our office for more information.
Are any of your tour guides bilingual?

Our tours are conducted in English. Some of our guides speak Spanish but their availability is not guaranteed. Please call for details.

Is smoking allowed on the trip?

All DETOURS vehicles are smoke-free. Smoking in our vehicles is NOT permitted.

Can I bring my personal firearm/are firearms allowed on tour?
No, we prohibit all firearms on tour.
What if I have a walker/wheelchair?

We can accommodate a folding walker or folding wheelchair. For any other type of medical equipment, please contact our office.

What if I am prone to car sickness or have any other illness?

Please let us know at the time of booking that you are prone to car sickness or have any other injuries or illness. We can only make accommodations for this if we are aware of it prior to your tour departure. Please note that there is no assigned seating and seats may be rotated anytime during the tour.

What if I am late for or miss my pick-up?

Please call our office immediately. We will do our best to get you on that day’s tour, however, we cannot guarantee our vehicle will wait for you. We recommend arriving at your pick up point 15 minutes early. If you miss your tour altogether, we cannot provide refunds or credits but will work with your schedule to try another tour date.

What if I leave something on the vehicle?

Please contact our office immediately. You will be required to pick up your belongings from our office at a pre-arranged time. Please do not show up at our office unless we are expecting you. If you have already left town, DETOURS can ship the belongings at your expense.

Can I bring my own snacks and drinks?

Yes, except for alcoholic beverages. We provide unlimited bottled water on all tours. For our public Antelope Canyon tour, a continental breakfast and lunch are included. We also make stops along the way on all tours where you will be able to purchase food/snacks, but you are more than welcome to bring your own.

How much should I tip my guide?
20% is customary and graciously accepted.

FAQs - Vehicles

What type of vehicle is used?
For public tours, we use customized Ford touring vans seating a maximum of 13 guests. Each vehicle is equipped with individual leather captain’s chairs and oversized windows, ensuring a comfortable and scenic journey. Plus, a speaker system for a clear and audible guided tour. This is also the vehicle used for private tours with six or more guests. For private tours with five guests or fewer, we use luxury Lincoln Navigator SUVs.
Is there WiFi in the vehicle?

No, and during parts of the drive there may be limited cell phone service.

Are there bathrooms in the vehicle?

No, but the guide will make multiple rest stops along the way though and can stop at the nearest rest stop at the request of a guest.

Are there charging ports for cell phones in the vehicle?

No, we recommend bringing a portable charger for your electronic devices.

Are the vehicles accessible?

Unfortunately, our vehicles were not designed to accommodate wheelchairs. Guests should be able to walk up 3 steps into the vehicle on their own or with the help of a companion.

Does my child need a car seat/booster seat?

Arizona law states that children under five must use a car seat. Children between ages 5 and 7 must use a booster seat unless they are 4 feet 9 inches tall. Once a child is 4 feet 9 inches or taller or 8 years old, they are no longer required to ride in a booster seat. You must provide your own child safety seats if applicable. DETOURS does not provide or rent out child safety seats.

How much luggage can I bring on the vehicle?

On day trips we recommend bringing no more than a day pack. On overnight tours, individual pieces of luggage must be kept to a maximum of 50 pounds. It is recommended to travel with a backpack or soft overnight bag with a small day pack for easy access to a wallet, camera, etc. If luggage exceeds vehicle storage, DETOURS reserves the right to freight excess luggage at passenger’s expense.

If you will be bringing any luggage on tour with you please notify DETOURS at the time of booking the quantity and dimensions of luggage.

FAQs - Reservations & Cancellations

How far in advance should I book my tour?

We recommend making a reservation at least two weeks in advance to ensure you have secured your spot.

When will my credit card be charged?

For single day tours, your credit card will be charged 48 hours prior to the departure of your tour. If you book a tour that departs within the next 48 hours, your credit card will be charged immediately.

For overnight and multi-day tours, a $150 non-refundable deposit that goes toward the total tour amount is due upon lodging confirmation and the tour balance is due 7 days prior to tour departure.

If you book an overnight or multi-day tour that departs within 7 days, your credit will be charge the full tour amount immediately.

What’s not included in the tour cost?

Guide gratuities, snacks, and any meals not mentioned in the tour description are not included in the tour cost. Gratuities are always appreciated!

What form of payments do you accept?

DETOURS accepts payment by any of the following credit or debit cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover. We do not accept cash or checks. For private multi-day tours, please contact us.

Can I pay cash?

At this time, we are unable to accept cash as payment. We require credit or debit cards only.

What if my flight was cancelled?

DETOURS does not offer refunds or credits for cancelled flights. We HIGHLY recommend booking your tour on a date that occurs at least two days after you arrive. Please call our office if you have any questions.

What is the cancellation policy?

Cancellation Policy for Direct Bookings:

Public Day Tours – 48 hours prior to tour date no charge
Private Day Tours – 72 hours prior to tour date no charge
Public Overnight Tours – 7 days prior to tour date no charge

**DETOURS does not offer refunds or credits for cancelled flights or illness. (unless we are notified outside the cancellation period) We HIGHLY recommend booking your tour on a date that occurs at least two days after you arrive.

**Purchasing the optional Tour Cancellation Protection at checkout allows a full refund of the tour cost if the customer should need to cancel within the cancellation period due to any reason. Tour Cancellation Protection fee is non-refundable. Tours can only be cancelled up to one hour prior to scheduled pick up time. This protection excludes Private Tours, Public Antelope Canyon/Horseshoe Bend Day Tour, Helicopter, Hummer, Pink Jeep or Hiking add-ons, and Lodging accommodations on overnight tours (some exceptions may apply).

Cancellation Policy for 3rd Party Bookings (Viator, Get Your Guide, Expedia, etc):

Please refer to the 3rd party company you booked with for their cancellation policy

Contact Us

If you can’t find the answer to your question in our FAQs, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help! Please feel free to call us or fill out the form on our Contact Us page for further assistance.

Toll Free (U.S. Only):1-866-438-6877