A US holiday offer that sounds too good to be true

A free holiday in the United States with vehicle and accommodation thrown in? Sounds too good to be true, doesn't it - particularly with US$500 of fuel to sweeten the deal.

But on this occasion the unlikely seems to be reality - although it obviously pays to read the terms and conditions very carefully. 

Here's the deal: During April, May and June, US-based motorhome hire company Apollo Motorhome Holidays is offering up to 18 nights’ free rental for travellers in order to have a number of brand-new motorhomes re-located from the manufacturing plant in Iowa to Apollo branches in Denver, San Francisco, Las Vegas or Los Angeles. And April pick-ups also include up to US$500 free fuel. 

Travellers can relocate the motorhome of their choice from the new fleet, subject to availability and run of fleet. A maximum of four travellers and up to 4023km  free travel is allowed per vehicle. 

So if you've ever dreamed of exploring the US Midwest, getting up close with Nebraska, or maybe visiting Mount Rushmore, Yellowstone National Park and Oregon this sounds like the perfect opportunity. 

Or maybe you fancy a trip through Kansas, New Mexico and Arizona before hitting the bright lights of Las Vegas.

A minimum US$500 deposit is payable on booking and the total bond required on pick-up is US$1000. All hires include taxes and one-way fee free of charge, a kitchen kit and two bedding kits. GPS, additional bedding kits and other extras are available for hire should you require them.

The set pick up dates are: March 31-April 5, May 6-9 and June 2-6. Up to US$500 for fuel will be provided for April pick-ups only, on presentation of fuel receipts. 

OK. Now here's the snag. It's up to all participants to make their own away to the factory in Forest City, Iowa, which is pretty much in the middle of nowhere. In fact, Forest City is located approximately 240 kilometres south of Minneapolis St Paul International Airport. Which is quite a long bus ride. 

I haven't taken advantage of this offer (although I'm very tempted) so cannot endorse it. I am merely passing on the information for what it is worth - although Apollo is a massive and well-regarded organisation. 

Fees, terms and conditions and administration fees apply. Full details and pre-bookings are available at http://www.apollorv.com/factory-special, Call 1800 777 779 or email info@apollocamper.com.

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