Escorted Tours USA
Language: English
Currency: US Dollar
Time Zone: There are several time zones across the USA. The East Coast (New York, Boston and Atlanta) (EDT/GMT-5) The West Coast (San Francisco and Los Angeles) (PDT/GMT-8) The time zones for central USA fall in between and these are CDT/GMT-6 and MDT/GMT-7.
Tipping: Whilst tipping is not mandatory, it is expected in many cases. As a general rule when tipping 15% is standard, 20-25% is for exceptional service.
If there's one thing you'll notice about the USA it's that everything is super-size. From the food portions and the greetings to the diversity of experiences that escorted tours here can offer, America doesn't do things by halves. This is a country that is larger than life, too large in fact for words, offering one fantastic holiday after another.
America's popularity speaks for itself and frequently dominates the list of most-desired long haul destinations no matter what the chosen travel type. There really is something here for everyone, from the striking colours of New England in the Fall and the adult playground of Las Vegas where anything seems possible, to infinite canyons and cities that never sleep. The Deep South, Golden West, Route 66, Hawaiian islands, Graceland, Mount Rushmore, Texas, Washington, Blue Ridge Mountains, Florida...the list reels off longer than a history of Disney films.
Navigating such a vast country and organising itineraries independently can be a daunting and costly task, and it's hard to know what to include especially if you're limited for time. The beauty of escorted tours USA is that they cover the very best of every area or theme, with key sights (on and off the beaten track) internal flights and trips to amazing places you didn't even know existed all taken care of within the price. You'll also have the piece of mind that comes with travelling in a group, but with all the freedom and flexibility to explore alone.
All touring holidays to the USA feature departures via local or national UK airports, return flights, internal flights as stated, accommodation (room only), the services of a tour manager, any government taxes or service charges, full touring itinerary, transfers whilst in America and listed excursions. It's worth noting that meals aren't usually included on a USA holiday down to the fact that there is simply so much choice on the doorstep.
Weather
Thinking of travelling to USA? Check out the average temperatures for when you plan to visit courtesy of BBC Weather
| |
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
| Los Angeles |
13°C |
13.5°C |
4°C |
15.5°C |
17°C |
18.5°C |
21.5°C |
22°C |
20.5°C |
18°C |
16.5°C |
13.5°C |
| New York |
0°C |
0°C |
3°C |
10°C |
16°C |
20.5°C |
23.5°C |
23°C |
21°C |
15°C |
7°C |
1°C |
Things to do
With the sheer size of the USA, it is hardly surprising that there are so many attractions and cities to explore. Here's a selection of key places visited on USA escorted tours.
New York
Take a bite out of the Big Apple by exploring the bright lights and hustle and bustle of Times Square, view New York from the top of the Empire State Building or the Rockefeller Centre - on a clear day you will be able to see for miles. Be sure to visit the Statue of Liberty on Liberty Island and take a stroll through Central Park and spot all those sites you see so frequently on the TV. Take a trip to South Street Seaport, Brooklyn Bridge or observe the building works on the New World Trade Center. The only problem is you'll wish you had longer to explore!
Chicago
Affectionately known as the 'Windy City', Chicago is a great city to visit and explore for a short break. When there be sure to visit the Sears Tower (Chicago's tallest building), plus Millennium Park which features stunning architecture and has become an urban sanctuary for Chicagoans. Navy Pier is a 50-acre playground of museums, entertainment, restaurants, activities and shops and is definitely worth a visit. You can also catch a boat tour which gives you more insight about the Chicago River and Lake Michigan.
Las Vegas
Described as the Disney for adults, there are so many things you can see and do in Las Vegas that the list is almost endless. Visiting each of the hotels is like visiting a different country, especially the themed ones! You can take a gondola ride at the Venetian, eat a bagel at New York New York, enter a pyramid at the Luxor or watch the Tournament of Kings at Excalibur. Each of these hotels has its own casino so try your luck on one of the tables. Whilst in Las Vegas, you should also try and fit a visit into the Grand Canyon, one of the world's most awe-inspiring natural wonders.
Los Angeles
This city has so much to offer a visitor from the beaches and Hollywood to theme parks. This really is a city where dreams are made. Thrill seekers will make a visit to Universal Studios or Disneyland and film and TV buffs can do a studio tour to find out how your favourite show is made. See the Walk of Fame and try to find your favourite celebrities or why not do star spotting in Beverley Hills.
To help you have an enjoyable holiday in the United States of America take a look at these useful tips and advice provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO):
Health and Travel Insurance
Medical treatment in the USA can be very expensive and there are no special arrangements in place for British visitors. Before you leave make sure you have the correct travel and health insurance and that you also have access to funds which will cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and also repatriation.
To contact an ambulance whilst in the USA you should dial 911.
Local Laws and Customs
Laws do vary from State to State. When you are in a State, even it is temporary, you are subject to that State's individual laws.
You must always carry a passport showing that you have are allowed to enter or remain with you at all times. Some States such as Utah, Arizona, Georgia, Indiana, South Carolina and Alabama have introduced a new legislation which allows police officers to detain suspected illegal visitors to the United States. It is very important that you carry your passport with you when you are in these States.
Entry Requirements
Your passport should always be valid for the proposed duration of your stay. You will not need any additional period of validity beyond this.
You will need either an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) visa waiver or a visa to enter or transit the USA as a visitor.
Further Information
To find out more about foreign travel advice to the USA, please click here