Whether you travel to the USA with a handful of other adventurers, as part of an organized group, or on your own affects not only your vacation experience but also your wallet! We explain USA group travel, adventure travel, private travel, and more, including the expected costs.
Are you more of a laid-back person on vacation? Or can't traveling be wild enough for you? Before you sign up for a group or individual trip to the USA, make sure you understand your needs. We will introduce you to the different types of USA tours:
Adventure travel is a trip that focuses on exploring the most inaccessible corners of the United States. Prepare for challenges such as rappelling in the Grand Canyon, rafting in the Smokies, dog sledding in Alaska, horseback riding in Kentucky, or climbing in Yosemite National Park. Depending on the operator, your adventure trip may include extreme sports such as skydiving or bungee jumping.
Unlike adventure travel, active travel is also available for USA fans with athletic talents limited to brisk hiking or biking. Active trips often include an overnight camp in one of the USA's beautiful national parks, and the group atmosphere is similar to a school trip.
Study trips are less physical and more intellectual. You will learn about American culture and explore the United States at a moderate pace. However, you can expect a busy itinerary that will take you to historically significant places in the United States and include all kinds of educational activities, such as lectures and seminars.
Small group tours are a great way to explore the United States with like-minded people without breaking the bank. On a small group tour, you and 10 to 15 other people visit several cities or regions of the United States on a set itinerary. The itinerary includes sightseeing, outdoor activities, leisurely meals, and many hours in a shared motorcoach or boat.
The Private Tour is the most luxurious way to travel the United States as you have your own personal guide driving you around the country. A personalized itinerary includes accommodations in the hotels of your choice, visits to your favorite sights, and all sorts of spontaneous ideas to incorporate into your tour.
Specialty groups travel to the United States with a specific goal in mind. It may be a cultural exchange, a research trip, or a challenge such as a choir performance or language study.
For a vacation in the USA, you can almost always apply for the simple ESTA permit, which allows you to enter the United States quickly, cheaply, and easily for up to 90 days at a time.
However, if you are traveling with a special group or on a study trip, this may be different. For example, if you are traveling to the United States for a research assignment, a performance, or an official school visit, you will likely need a special US visa.
With these providers, you can best get to the USA in the different travel categories:
The best providers for study trips to the USA are:
Let our partner Tours4Fun put together a tailor-made trip for you! Tours4fun Handcrafted Vacations are perfectly tailored to you and include every aspect of your dream trip, from transportation to hotels to activities.
The best providers for special group tours to the USA are:
TourRadar is an experienced specialist for individually organized group travel. On request, an offer for a group trip of 10 or more people (e.g., for your university, your school class, your association, your adult education center, your community, your choir, or your company) will be prepared for you.
Do you already have your USA dream trip in mind but don't know how much budget you need to plan for? We introduce you to the best travel providers, including their price ranges.
Tours4Fun is a global travel booking agency with a wide range of tours, activities, and complete holiday packages. The travel website offers detailed filter functions and special services for your travel search, e.g., free cancellation and 24/7 customer support.
TourRadar is a renowned travel booking platform with a diverse selection of tours, activities, and tailor-made holiday packages. The website offers detailed filter functions to make it easier for you to find the perfect adventure.
Travel time: 1 - 38 days
Cost: from $ 700
Intrepid Travel is a leading adventure travel company offering trips to the United States that emphasize cultural experiences.
G Adventures is a global adventure travel company offering unique trips to the United States, focusing on sustainability. Options include family-friendly trips, wildlife safaris, and active adventures.
Wildland Adventures is an adventure travel company specializing in trips to the United States that focus on immersive experiences.
Backroads is an award-winning adventure travel company specializing in trips to the United States that emphasize active exploration.
Adventure Life is a leading adventure travel company offering trips to the United States that emphasize unique experiences.
EF Educational Tours offers customizable US tours to a variety of destinations, including Washington D.C., New York City, and Los Angeles. Prices start at $ 1,599.
Trek America specializes in active travel across the United States, offering camping, hiking, rafting, and more.
REI Adventures is an outdoor retailer offering guided tours throughout the United States. Options include backpacking, camping adventures, and bike tours.
Austin Adventures is a family business offering tours throughout the United States. Options include national park tours, family adventures, and multisport tours.
O.A.R.S. is an adventure travel company offering tours throughout the United States. Options include whitewater rafting, kayaking, and multisport adventures.
As you prepare for a trip to the US, keep these things in mind:
You should also find out what challenges your type of travel presents. For example, if you are packing for a study trip, you may want to include writing materials and a laptop. On a train trip, a backpack may be better than a suitcase. And on an adventure trip, a compass might come in handy.
Are you ready for the trip of a lifetime? Great! Then make sure you have thought of everything to avoid falling into the typical vacation pitfalls. Here is our checklist:
Need more help planning your trip? Then look at our guides on credit cards for USA vacations, booking a rental car or mobile home, or our travel health insurance for the USA.
With an ESTA, you can stay 90 days visa-free in the USA. Apply online now!