USA Tours & Holidays

With coastlines, forests, deserts and mountains, the United States is an explorer's paradise.
Magical moments are waiting around every corner in The States. From the rugged wilderness and glacial fjords in Alaska to the winding coastal highways in California, the wide array of national parks to the musical streets of New Orleans, this country is simply sprawling. So whether you're hiking, biking, toe-tapping or road-tripping, you can't go wrong exploring the USA the Intrepid way.
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USA at a glance
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CAPITAL CITY
Washington DC (population, 712,816)
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POPULATION
331.9 million
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CURRENCY
USD
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LANGUAGE
English, Spanish (although the US has no official languages)
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TIME ZONE
(GMT-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada)
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CALLING CODE
+1
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ELECTRICITY
Type A (North American/Japanese 2-pin) Type B (American 3-pin)
Learn more about USA
Best time to visit United States
Being such a large country, the weather in the US is different depending on which area you are in. Summer (June to August) is the peak travel season due to school holidays, but it can be uncomfortably hot in the desert areas and the south.
The shoulder seasons of spring and autumn are generally considered to be the best times to visit, but the weather is still highly variable and these may be the wettest times in some parts of the country (such as the Pacific Northwest). Winter can be cold and snowy in the northern states, and many people head south in search of warmer temps.
Culture and customs
With immigration playing a major part in the development of America, today the country is made up of many different cultures. It’s no wonder modern America is rich with a variety of cultural traditions, cuisines, religions and festivals. Because of this, a large diversity of holidays are celebrated in America. Annual holidays like Independence Day and Thanksgiving are usually celebrated by all regardless of religion or political persuasion, and give people a chance to reconnect with family and friends around the dinner table or grill.
From sports to soul music, popular culture to philosophy, and fine art to folk art, the tastes and desires of Americans vary around the country. A love of sport unifies the nation - it doesn’t matter if you live in a city loft or out in the country, sports like ice hockey, basketball, baseball and football all attract a strong following.
Many Native Americans live on reservations and fight to retain their traditions and preserve their heritage, although when visiting reservations don’t be surprised to see Native Americans wearing modern clothing. With much of the language and many of the customs lost over the years, Native Americans strive to live a life of deep spirituality and in connection with the earth, as their ancestors did for centuries.
Check out our range of experiences in the United States that amplify BIPOC cultures.
Eating and drinking
Intrepid believes that one of the best ways to experience a country is by eating! Whether you're sampling street food, savouring cheap eats or indulging in a banquet, there are endless options to choose from wherever you are in the world.
With a variety of international influences, try Creole cuisine in New Orleans, traditional Jewish fare like bagels and pastrami sandwiches in New York, and barbecue in Texas. America’s got everything, from burger joints to taco shacks, organic cafes to refined Michelin-starred restaurants.
Geography and environment
From the lush everglades of Florida, through the red-hot deserts of Nevada to the urban jungles of New York and Philadelphia, the United States has many different environments and ecosystems within its boundaries. Sharing borders with Canada in the north and Mexico in the south, the United States has deserts, glaciers, freshwater lakes, rapid-filled rivers, mountain ranges, sprawling plains, forested national parks, beaches and bays.
The major national parks of America – Yellowstone, Zion, Yosemite, Bryce Canyon, Denali and Joshua Tree offer a glimpse into what much of America looked like before development. Lush vegetation, majestic mountains and sparkling lakes give deer, moose, bears, bison and many other species of wildlife a fertile home to live in.
When travelling, you’re likely to see modern cities filled with traffic, skyscrapers and high-density housing, as well as sleepy towns, and Native American reservations. A complex network of highways connect the major cities, making overland travel a popular choice with visitors and locals alike. The great American road trip is still alive and well.
History and government
As one of the world’s most influential nations, major moments and events in American history ripple throughout the rest of the world. The American people are known for their resilience and irrepressible nature, and it is this spirit that allows them to continue to contribute to the world economically, scientifically and creatively.
In recent history, America has enjoyed the historic highs of the moon landings and the devastating lows of Hurricane Katrina. The world has seen American companies like Apple, Facebook, Microsoft and Starbucks change the face of the world. And people like Steven Spielberg, Lance Armstrong, Maya Angelou and Sidney Poitier create masterpieces, break records and win countless awards.
Top 10 must-see cities in the US
1. New York
You can be anyone you want to be in NYC. Indulge your artistic side at MoMA, mingle with the Gordon Geckos on Wall Street, cheer like a pro at a Yankees game or kick back at a bar with a Manhattan and a new pair of Jimmy Choos.
2. San Francisco
San Francisco is made of sunshine, seafood and a whole lot of hills. This is the place to embrace your inner (or outer) bohemian. But it's not all 'flowers in your hair' and free thinking, be sure to take a ferry to Alcatraz and scoff down a clam chowder at Fisherman's Wharf.
3. New Orleans
The Caribbean meets France and Africa in New Orleans. Music is everywhere, and so are the friendly faces. The city comes to life after dark so have an afternoon nap, get some comfortable shoes on and get ready to bar hop the night away.
4. Las Vegas
Hello Lady Luck! Days somehow disappear in the hedonistic blitz of colour, light, showgirls, casinos and offers too good to refuse. Try to escape the endless buffets to catch a real Las Vegas show; there's everything from death-defying acrobats to Elvis on offer.
5. Chicago
The financial and political powerhouse of Chicago has been the home of two of the most influential people in the world - President Obama and Oprah. Famed for its distinctive architecture, booming performing arts scene and sports-mad locals, the 'Windy City' shouldn't be missed.
6. Miami
The air is warmer, the clothes smaller and the colours are somehow brighter in Miami. Jewish, Latin and Caribbean cultures blend to make a heady mix of great food, even better music and a nightlife filled with the spirit of fiesta. Hang out on perfect beaches, spot classic cars and gaze at the beautiful people as they strut their stuff.
7. Los Angeles
Search beyond the stardust of Hollywood and the excessive price tags of Rodeo Drive, to find the true essence of Los Angeles. Home to a melting pot of cultures, uber-cool restaurants, a hip art scene and the eclectic vibe of Venice Beach, LA is so hot right now!
8. Seattle
The birthplace of grunge music and iconic super-companies like Microsoft, Boeing and Starbucks, Seattle offers so much more than great coffee. Markets packed with fresh produce, a harbour perfect for boating, vibrant public art and a thriving live music scene combine to make Seattle a must-see city.
9. Memphis
History comes alive in the heritage-filled streets of Memphis. Whether it's at Elvis Presley's Graceland, the lively blues clubs and restaurants of Beale Street or the moving Civil Rights Movement Museum, it could be said that the soul of America lives in Memphis.
10. Boston
One of America's oldest cities, Boston is evolving. Working class neighbourhoods are being gentrified, the industry is giving way to tech start-ups and modern architectural treasures sit alongside brown-stone buildings. Despite the change, get chatting to locals about the Red Sox and you'll soon find you're definitely in Boston.
Shopping
It’s no wonder many people choose to do their clothes shopping in the United States. With iconic department stores offering a wide range of labels, and vintage/charity stores stocking American fashion classics like distressed denim jeans and leather cowboy boots, shopping in America is fun. Known for having great sales and even better customer service, it’s well worth leaving room in your backpack for a few extras. Please note that unlike in many other countries, tax isn’t included in the ticketed price.
It's a good idea to check with your local customs officials to ensure that you are able to bring certain items back into your home country. Australia and New Zealand generally have strict quarantine laws.
Festivals and events
Burning Man Festival
This unique event held in the Black Rock Desert of Nevada is based on the theme of radical self-expression. Festival-goers are expected to bring something to share with everyone, so trading is used as a form of currency. Expect to see art, music, nudity, body painting, tarot, dance and performance art before the ‘Burning Man’ statue is set alight, signifying the end of the festival.
Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday, marks the end of the Carnival season in New Orelans. Witness a chaotic collision of lively music, colourful costumes, masquerade masks, soul food and joyful 'krewes' at the parades, parties and masquerade balls in late February every year.
Coachella
Tens of thousands of people flock to this iconic Californian music festival to see the hottest rock, electronica and folk acts from around the world. Art installations, camping and a karaoke lounge add to the fun.
Miami F1 Grand Prix
Turn your excitement levels all the way up at the Miami Formula One Grand Prix. Watch the race from the stands, meet your favourite drivers, walk the iconic pit lane, have a couple of drinks in the newly created Hard Rock Beach Cafe, and so much more at this adrenaline-pumping, fun-filled event.
Similar destinations
We have a variety of similar destinations, trips, and routes that you could consider! Tie another trip into your holiday, or, see how we can help you get from A to B. We have tours departing from all major cities in the United States. The options below may be of interest:
Tours from Los Angeles to San Francisco
Top USA travel highlights
1. Venture to the wilds of Alaska
Alaska may be part of the USA, but it feels like another world. With stunning mountain ranges, eclectic wildlife, immense glaciers and an interesting history, this off-track destination is well worth the journey north. Whether you want to go hiking in Denali, snowshoe across Matanuska Glacier, kayak in Kenai Fjords or see the northern lights, adventure awaits.
Explore the Last Frontier on our 10 day Best of Alaska tour.
2. See San Francisco through local eyes
With vibrant, multi-cultural neighbourhoods and iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco is a city you could spend weeks exploring. But to really get a feel for the place, you need to explore with a local. Sample the freshest seafood in Fisherman's Wharf, discover the North Beach and Little Italy districts, and dine at some of the locals' favourite spots for dinner.
Roam around Northern California and beyond on our 9 day San Francisco to Seattle trip.
3. Explore phenomenal national parks
From larger-than-life Yosemite to the great gaping chasms of the Grand Canyon, national parks in the States are big, bold and beautiful. Escape the hustle of everyday life and uncover the natural beauty, diverse wildlife and Native American history in the likes of Bryce Canyon, Zion and Yellowstone. Whether you want to hike or cycle, stay in comfy lodges or camp in the wilderness, US national parks offer something for all kinds of adventurers.
4. Track wolves in Yellowstone National Park
The world’s first national park positively brims with more hot springs, mud pots and geysers than you can possibly see in one trip. But one of the most memorable things you can do is rise before dawn to join a wolf-tracking excursion with a local guide. As well as learning about one of nature's most intriguing animals, if you're lucky, you may see multiple wolves playing together, eating, or looking after young cubs.
Try your hand at wolf tracking on our 6 day Yellowstone and Grand Teton Adventure or our Yellowstone and Grand Teton Family Holiday.
5. Visit the legendary Sun Studio in Memphis
Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins… what legend hasn’t recorded here? Sun Studio in Memphis is one of the pinnacles for music lovers travelling in the States. It’s where rock and roll was born, and where soul music hit the big time via Stax Records. After checking out the studio, head to Beale Street to grab a drink and have a boogie in traditional blues clubs.
Scoot your boots on our 6 day Tennessee Music Trail to New Orleans tour.
6. Take a Navajo jeep tour of Monument Valley
Learn about the cultural heritage and sacredness of Monument Valley from those who know it best. After a jeep adventure with a local Navajo guide, join the locals for an authentic Navajo dinner around a campfire and listen to traditional songs and stories passed down through the generations.
Discover the American West's most iconic landscapes on our 5 day Western USA National Parks Loop tour.
Further reading
Title | Author |
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Ticket to Ride | Sarah Darmody |
America Unchained | Dave Gorman |
Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee | Dee Brown |
On the Road | Jack Kerouac |
Travels with Charley: In Search of America | John Steinbeck |
Into the Wild | Jon Krakaeur |
The Autobiography of Malcolm X | Malcolm X and Alex Haley |
Gone With the Wind | Margaret Mitchell |
USA travel FAQs
Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards
From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).
However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.
Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.
The answer is maybe – depending on where you’re from. Many countries now operate under the United States Visa Waiver Program, meaning a visa isn't required for stays of up to 90 days for travel purposes. There are 40 participating countries including the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and Spain.
If you are eligible for the Visa Waiver Program, you will need to obtain an authorisation letter that confirms you have been approved to travel. Authorisation letters can be obtained by submitting an application through the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation, also known as ESTA. It takes roughly 20 minutes to apply, and you'll need to complete the application before you travel to the States.
Tipping is very much a part of the culture in the United States. Tips are expected at restaurants, cafes and diners, as well as by taxi drivers, valet attendants, porters and hotel maids. People working in the service industry generally receive low wages and therefore rely upon tips as a major source of their income. In general, leave 15-20% of the bill at places serving food and a few dollars to bartenders and hotel staff who provide a personal service like carrying bags or cleaning your room.
Internet access is excellent in the US, and internet cafes and Wi-Fi hot spots are easily found in most cities and major towns.
Mobile phone coverage is excellent in most parts of the US although coverage may be patchy in remote, mountainous areas like national parks and canyons. Ensure global roaming is activated before you arrive.
Western-style flushable toilets are the norm in the US.
Prices can vary between states, but on average, here's what you can expect to pay for a:
- Cup of coffee = USD $2-5.00 for a regular cup, up to $8.00 for a specialty coffee
- Hotdog from street cart = USD $4.00
- Dinner at a mid-range restaurant = USD $20-40 per person
- NYC one-way subway ticket = USD $3.00
Drinking water from taps in the US is considered safe unless otherwise marked. For environmental reasons, try to use a refillable water bottle rather than buying bottled water.
Major credit cards are widely accepted by stores in the US. Smaller cafes and shops may not accept credit cards, so ensure you carry enough cash to cover small purchases.
ATMs are common in the US, so finding one won't be a problem in most towns and cities.
Intrepid believes half the fun of experiencing a new country is getting there, and getting around once there! Where possible, Intrepid uses local transport options and traditional modes of transport - which usually carry less of an environmental impact, support small local operators and are heaps more fun.
Depending on which trip you're on while in the US, you may find yourself travelling by:
- Ferry
Be amazed by enormous glaciers and stunning, icy landscapes while travelling on a ferry in Alaska.
- Bicycle
Use pedal power to see the best of Venice Beach and Santa Monica. Cycling is a great way to see the sights and be active at the same time.
- Streetcar
Take in the sights while enjoying a ride on one of San Francisco’s icons – the streetcar.
Travelling with Intrepid is a little bit different. We endeavour to provide travellers with an authentic experience to remember, so we try to keep accommodation as unique and traditional as possible.
When travelling with us in the US you may find yourself staying in a:
- Hogan
Spend a night sleeping in a hogan – a traditional Navajo structure made of logs, mud and stone and built with an open roof to view the sparkling night sky.
- Cabin
Reconnect with nature and enjoy staying in quaint log cabins throughout the country's beautiful national parks. Fall asleep to the rustling of trees and wake up to the sounds of birds.
Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.
For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance
Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. In fact, we make a donation on behalf of every traveller. Trips to the United States directly support our foundation partners, Cultural Heritage Economic Alliance (CHEA) and the Grand Canyon Conservancy.
Cultural Heritage Economic Alliance (CHEA) create inclusive, equitable opportunities for small Black, Indigenous and People of Colour (BIPOC) tourism businesses in the USA. Donations from our trips help CHEA provide access to industry-specific technical assistance, capacity building, and industry networks for small BIPOC travel and tourism businesses through their Diversity Tourism Academy (DTA).
Find out more or make a donation
The Grand Canyon Conservancy is on a mission to protect the Grand Canyon National Park for future generations. With almost 6 million visitors to the park annually, the Grand Canyon Conservancy runs educational programs and immersive experiences that teach people about the park's cultural and environmental significance. Donations from our trips support trail restoration and maintenance, conservation and preservation of native vegetation and wildlife, and educational programs.
- 1 Jan: New Year's Day
- 16 Jan: Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday
- Last Monday in May: Memorial Day
- 4 Jul: Independence Day
- First Monday in Sep: Labour Day
- 2nd Monday in Oct: Indigenous Peoples' Day
- 11 Nov: Veterans Day
- Fourth Thursday in Nov: Thanksgiving Day
- 25 Dec Christmas Day
Please note: United States public holidays may vary.
Intrepid takes the health and safety of its travellers seriously, and takes every measure to ensure that trips are safe, fun and enjoyable for everyone. We recommend that all travellers check with their government or national travel advisory organisation for the latest information before departure:
From Australia?
Go to: http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/
From Canada?
Go to: https://travel.gc.ca/
From the UK?
Go to: http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/
From New Zealand?
Go to: http://www.safetravel.govt.nz/
From the US?
Go to: http://travel.state.gov/
The World Health Organisation
also provides useful health information. Go to: http://www.who.int/en/