Big Apple to Chicago

Chicago's lakefront footpaths are nearly 45 kilometres in length and run beside the stunning Lake Michigan. Free time here means you can either walk the trail or take a boat across the waters

For unforgettable scenes of rural America, take in the views along the 105 mile Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park

Washington DC was built with the blocks of American history and is great to explore by day and night. See the monuments and memorials of the capital on an optional bike tour

The flexibility of this trip allows you to do what you want, when you want and without the restrictions of a packed itinerary

This is a participatory trip. That’s a fancy way of saying you’re not just along for the ride – you’re part of a team! You know the phrase ‘the more you put in, the more you get out’. Well that’s extra true on this trip. Be prepared to roll up your sleeves and help out with camp activities like food prep and washing up. It’s all about giving your new travel mates a hand – everyone knows there’s nothing worse than trying to put up a tent on your own!

That teamwork also extends to our optional food kitty of approximately US$10 per day, run to cover the cost of meals. This kitty saves you worrying about stuff like where to get food or what exactly sales tax is, and actually helps keep your costs down. Instead of paying individually as you go, it means we can bulk purchase items and cook our own food – though there’s always the chance to use it for the occasional pizza night! The kitty is optional and for your convenience, so if you've got specific dietary requirements you can opt out and purchase (and cook) your own food.

The United States is a world of endless possibilities – that’s why our Basix trips are designed so they fit together as (not quite endless) combinations. That means while you might just be starting your trip, some of your new travel mates may have been travelling together for a week or more (and so have some great tips for you). You can see how our trips fit together and all the different possible combinations at www.intrepidtravel.com/brochures. Simply click view/download on the North America brochure and look at the combo map on page 12.

There's a large amount of driving involved in this trip and much of the time is spent in the van, which can feel quite cramped. This is all part of the adventure though and it gives you the opportunity to get to know your fellow travellers.

Some of the cities visited on this trip are quite expensive, so be prepared to pay above average prices for meals when eating out. If you do a bit of research, there are plenty of affordable options and your guides will be able to recommend some great restaurants.

Traffic in/out of the New York, Washington DC and Chicago areas can be quite hectic and busy, especially during the holiday period. There may be delays, so be prepared to take part in car games to keep you entertained.