There's just something about a snowy December that makes us feel festive.

Experience the beauty of a wintery West Coast this December with a blanket of powder, bright, blue skies, and that quiet stillness that snowfall brings. Fewer tourists during this time doesn't hurt, either! Head to the Grand Canyon or the Rocky Mountains for some epic snowshoeing and cosy lodge dinners, or up north to embrace the winter wilderness in Alaska. Looking to escape the snow for the holidays? Trade your winter wonderland for a desert one and go camping in Joshua Tree to enjoy sleeping under the stars in one of the country's most surreal and dramatic National Parks. You may even see some of the iconic cacti lit up with colourful lights.

Top 10 United States Tours December 2024

Departing Days From GBP
1 Dec 2024
Winter Hiking and Backpacking in Grand Canyon: Rim to Rim
6 1825
5 Dec 2024
Georgia History Trail to Nashville
8 2615
5 Dec 2024
Best of the South: Atlanta to New Orleans
14 4950
12 Dec 2024
Tennessee Music Trail to New Orleans
7 2510
16 Dec 2024
Hiking the Best of the Grand Canyon
3 1505
17 Dec 2024
Hiking and Camping in Joshua Tree
4 1450
23 Dec 2024
Hiking in Sedona and the Grand Canyon
4 2140

 

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Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers 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 travelers 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.

Learn more about Intrepid’s COVID-19 policy

It depends 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 KingdomAustralia, New Zealand, Germany and Spain.

If you are eligible for the Visa Waiver Program, you must obtain an authorization letter confirming you have been approved to travel. Authorization letters can be obtained by submitting an application through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization, 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.

Learn more about visa requirements for the United States

Tipping is very much a part of the culture in the US. 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 are generally paid a wage that is lower than the country's minimum wage 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 for hotel staff who provide a personal service like carrying bags or cleaning your room.

Learn more about tipping in the United States

Internet access is excellent in the US, and internet cafes and Wi-Fi hot spots are easily found in most cities and major towns.

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. If you need to withdraw cash, ATMs in major cities are abundant

You sure do. All passengers traveling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their tour. 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 trip.

Learn more about travel insurance

Intrepid is committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. That’s why we do our best to help as many people see the world as possible, regardless of any physical or mental limitations they might have. However, we’re always happy to talk to travelers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them toward the most suitable itinerary for their needs and where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

Learn more about Accessible Travel with Intrepid

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