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FAQ About My XO Adventures

Quick answers about private tours, planning help, pickup, what’s included, and how the day works

FAQ About My XO Adventures: use the sections below to get clear answers fast, then reach out if you want help choosing the right tour.

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Table of Contents

Booking and Planning

Most people don’t need more information, they need fewer decisions. This section answers the questions that come up before you book, like how private tours work, how we help you choose, and how customization actually happens.

Are your tours private or do we join a group?

All tours are private. It’s just your group and your guide, so the pace, stops, and focus can match what you care about most.

 

Can you help me choose the right tour if I only have one day?

Yes. If you tell us your dates, where you’re staying, and what you’re most excited about, we’ll recommend the best fit. If you want a strong starting point, begin with Plan Your Trip to the Black Hills and Badlands and Tours.

How far in advance should I book?

As early as you can for peak months, weekends, and sunsets. If you’re planning a summer trip, booking ahead helps you lock in your preferred date and start time.

Do you offer fully customized itineraries?

Yes. We customize within what’s realistic for a day in the Black Hills and Badlands. After you book, we coordinate details like timing, walking levels, photo focus, wildlife hopes, and must see stops.

What if I’m staying in Rapid City but visiting Mount Rushmore and the Badlands in one trip?

That’s common. We’ll help you sequence your days so driving makes sense and your best light time lands in the right place. Start here: Best day trips from Rapid City.

FAQ About My XO Adventures: What’s included

This is the your clarity section. People want to know what’s handled for them, what they need to bring, and what the day will feel like in real life.

Are park admissions included?

Yes. Our tours include admissions for the parks, monuments, and memorials visited. You don’t have to buy separate entry tickets for those stops.

What’s included on a typical tour day?

You can expect a private guide, private vehicle, planned scenic routing, photo help, and thoughtful pacing. Most tours also include snacks and drinks. Each tour page lists the exact inclusions.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, a light jacket, sunscreen, and your camera or phone. If you’re visiting spring or fall, layers matter because conditions change quickly.

Do you provide food?

We provide snacks and drinks, and we plan smart stops for meals. If you have dietary needs, tell us and we’ll work around them.

Can you accommodate allergies or dietary restrictions?

Usually, yes. Let us know what you need and we’ll adjust snacks and meal stops accordingly.

Not sure which tour fits your trip? Start with Plan Your Trip.

Pickup and timing

great place designee faq about my xo adventures

Timing is everything out here. This section covers where we pick up, how start times work, and how we coordinate your day to avoid stress and make the most of light, wildlife movement, and road reality.

Where do you pick up?

We coordinate pickup based on your tour. Many tours include pickup in Rapid City, and some include nearby areas like Keystone. If you’re outside the standard pickup area, we’ll tell you the options.

 

What time do tours start?

Many tours have a default start time, then we coordinate based on your goals, the season, and crowd patterns. For example, some days benefit from an earlier start, and some benefit from a later start.

 

Can we start earlier or later to avoid crowds?

Yes. We’ll talk through your priorities and adjust timing when it improves the experience, especially for popular sites.

How long are your tours?

Tour length varies by experience. Most full day tours run around 8 to 9 hours. Sunset focused experiences depend on season and return time changes across the year.

Do you build the route for us, or do we choose every stop?

We build the route and guide the flow. You can be as hands on or hands off as you want, and we’ll keep the day moving without feeling rushed.

Comfort, walking, and accessibility

You shouldn’t have to wonder if a tour will feel like a hike. This section explains walking levels, comfort, vehicle setup, and how we adjust the day for different mobility levels.

How much walking is involved in your tours?

Most stops involve short walks on paved paths, boardwalks, or packed surfaces. If you want very little walking, we’ll tailor the day so you can enjoy the views with minimal steps.

 

Are your tours good for older guests or families?

Yes. Because tours are private, we can pace the day around your group, include more comfort stops, and choose overlooks and short walks that fit your needs.

 

What vehicle do you use?

We use a comfortable Ford Transit XLT van, GMC Yukons and Chevy Tahoes. We keep the experience calm and spacious. Vehicle details can vary based on the day and tour type.

 

Will we have bathroom stops?

Yes. We plan regular stops, and we’ll always prioritize comfort and practicality, especially with families.

Can you include more hiking if we want it?

Yes. Tell us your preferred difficulty level and we’ll suggest options that fit your tour area. 

Weather, flexibility, and seasonal reality

The Black Hills and Badlands can change fast. We plan for real conditions so your day stays enjoyable, safe, and meaningful even when weather, visibility, or crowds shift.

What happens if the weather changes?

We adapt. That can mean shifting timing, swapping stops, changing the order, or choosing a more sheltered option. The goal is still a great day, not forcing a plan that no longer makes sense.

Will you change the plan for crowds or road issues?

Yes. We monitor conditions and adjust to protect your time and keep the day flowing.

What’s the best time of year to visit?

It depends on what you want most, like fewer crowds, warmer days, wildlife activity, or fall color. If you want a practical overview by month, start with Plan Your Trip to the Black Hills and Badlands.

Is winter touring possible?

Yes, we love to tour in the winter months. It is important to have the right expectations, however. Road conditions and closures matter more, so we’ll guide you toward what’s realistic and safe.

Do sunset tour return times change by season?

Yes. Sunset times shift a lot through the year, so return time shifts too. Summer evenings can return later than spring or fall.

Safety and wildlife

Wildlife is one of the best parts of this region, and also the part that deserves the most respect. These answers help you feel prepared without turning the experience into a list of warnings.

Is it safe to be near wildlife?

Yes, when it’s done responsibly. We keep a respectful distance, follow park rules, and choose viewing situations that are safe for you and for the animals.

Will we see bison or other wildlife?

Wildlife sightings can’t be guaranteed, but we plan around the best habitats and times of day. If wildlife is a priority, check Wildlife of the Black Hills and Wildlife of Badlands National Park.

What should we do if we see bison near the road?

Stay in the vehicle unless your guide says it’s safe to step out. Bison can move fast and unpredictably, so distance matters.

Are your tours suitable for people who are nervous around wildlife?

Yes. We can keep wildlife viewing more comfortable and controlled, and we’ll avoid situations that feel stressful for your group.

Do you carry safety equipment?

Yes. We take safety seriously and carry key gear such as an AED and first aid kit for typical touring conditions.

Reviews, permits, and trust

If you’re trusting someone with a once in a lifetime day, you deserve proof. This section makes it easy to verify reviews, understand how we operate, and see why guests choose us.

Where can I read your Google reviews?

You can read verified reviews on Google. Here’s the direct link: Google reviews.

Are you permitted to operate on the Black Hills National Forest?

Yes. We operate under a US Forest Service special use permit on the Black Hills National Forest.

What makes My XO Adventures different from standard tours?

It’s private, paced for real people, and designed around timing and decision support. We focus on helping you get the best experience, not rushing you through a checklist.

Do you take photos for guests?

Yes. We help with photos throughout the day, and we can suggest the best angles and timing. If photography is a priority, explore Photography Tips.

Do you visit hidden gems or less crowded places?

Yes, when it makes sense for your route, season, and time. We like the classic icons, but we also love the quieter places that make the day feel personal.

Policies, payments, and gratuities

Clear expectations make everything feel easier. This section covers booking policies, payments, and tipping norms so there are no awkward surprises.

What is your cancellation policy?

Your specific cancellation policy is shown during booking for your tour. If you want it in writing before booking, contact us and we’ll send the policy details.

How do I pay?

Payment is handled securely through the booking system. If you have a special situation, contact us and we’ll help.

 

Do you offer discounts?

Sometimes for larger groups or special circumstances. The simplest way is to contact us with your group size, dates, and what you’re considering.

Do you run promotions?

Occasionally. If you want to know what’s available for your dates, reach out and we’ll tell you what applies.

What’s standard for gratuities on private tours?

Gratuities are never required, but they’re appreciated and they’re a meaningful part of guide compensation. Many guests tip based on the experience and the effort involved, especially on full day and multi day trips. Guides accept Venmo, Cash App, and PayPal. If needed, the home office can also process gratuities of any amount and add them to the guide’s paycheck.

Ready to choose your day? See all tours.

Where we tour

My XO Adventures offers private, guided day tours based in Rapid City, South Dakota. Most of our experiences explore the Black Hills and Badlands, including places like Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park, Iron Mountain Road, Needles Highway, Sylvan Lake, Badlands National Park, and nearby highlights depending on your day and interests.

If you’re staying outside Rapid City, we can often coordinate pickup options or help you plan the best meeting point.

Need help choosing the right tour?

If you’re deciding between a few options, you’re not alone. We’ll help you choose based on timing, crowds, weather, driving reality, and what you want your day to feel like, not just a list of stops.

If you tell us your travel dates, where you’re staying, and your top priorities, we’ll point you toward the best fit and make it easy.

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