Encounter sprawling cities and a wealth of national treasures on a road trip from Denver to New York.
Get ready to meet the friendly people, vibrant landscapes and rich history that make up this great land. Cross the northern ridge of the United States, taking in the metropolises of Chicago, Detroit, New York, and the natural wonders of Niagara Falls and Yellowstone, on a road trip through the country’s man made and natural highlights. Learn the stories of the Native Americans and meet real cowboys, come face to face with the granite presidents of Mount Rushmore, and spend a night on the plains of the Old West – camping in the shadow of the Devil’s Tower and swapping tales by the fire.
Spend an evening on the banks of the Mississippi, Huckleberry Finn style, and rent a canoe to paddle along the famous river
Spend two nights in Yellowstone and keep your eyes open for bison, bears and even rare grey wolves
Take a scenic drive through the spectacular snow-capped mountains, valleys, lakes and rivers of Grand Teton National Park, one of America's natural treasures
Sandusky is a place for the child and thrill seeker inside you. Feel your stomach drop on one of the world’s best rollercoasters at Cedar Point Amusement Park
Worship at the sublime altar to Mother Nature that is Niagara Falls, taking an optional wet and wild boat cruise
Waterfalls and wine tastings await in the incredible Fingers Lakes, home to some of New York state's most prized wineries
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.
Please note that this is a fast-moving trip with a lot of driving. There aren't many two night stops and there are a few long drive days. The destinations are worth it, but you need to be mindful that it isn't a 'relaxing' holiday.
The weather in the north can be unpredictable at times and you need to be prepared for all weather conditions. It can get surprisingly hot in summer, but it could also be quite cold. We suggest you bring layers.
Summer is mosquito season, especially in areas such as Minnesota and Wisconsin, where they are jokingly referred to as the State bird. It's a good idea to bring repellant.
Traffic in and out of the big cities can be hectic, especially during holiday periods. There may be delays, so be prepared to take part in car games to keep you entertained.
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There are currently no scheduled departures on our North USA Highlights trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.
1. This trip finishes on arrival into New York in the afternoon on day 16.
Our North USA Highlights trips score an average of 4.5 out of 5 based on 2 reviews in the last year.
An incredible way to see a lot of places in a short time, whilst doing so safely and cheap! A great way to make friends, work as part of a team and learn about the wonderful world we live in!
Review submitted 26 Sep 2017
