Start the year the adventurous way...
If you're thinking about traveling to the USA in January, you probably enjoy the snow and the coziness of winter. Well, we have just the ticket: Alaska! January in the USA's northernmost state is the definition of a 'winter wonderland'. Feel the satisfying crunch of fresh powder on a snowshoe hike through the stunning Denali State Park. Try your hand at dog sledding (the official state sport) with a local musher. And enjoy some well-deserved R&R at the steamy Chena hot springs. If you're lucky, you might catch the northern lights while staying at the remote Sheep Mountain (with no light pollution, the odds are pretty good).
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United States FAQs
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.
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 Kingdom, Australia, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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