How much does it cost to travel to the USA?

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.

What kind of traveler am I?

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:

Cowboy adventure trip in the USA

 

Adventure trip

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.

Active Travel

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 tour in the USA

Study 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 Tour

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.

Active trip in the USA

Private Tour

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.

Travel with a special group

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.

Attention, travel authorization!

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.

The best providers for USA travel

With these providers, you can best get to the USA in the different travel categories:

Experience/adventure trip

The best providers for experience/adventure travel to the USA are:

  • TourRadar
  • Tours4Fun
  • G Adventures
  • Adventure Life
  • Wildland Trekking
  • Austin Adventures
  • Rustic Parkways

Our tip for an adventure trip in the USA: The best of Alaska

  • Denali National Park
  • Anchorage
  • Epic nature, fantastic wildlife
  • Camping in the wilderness
  • Glacier hike

→ Book this adventure trip at TourRadar

Alaska trip with TourRadar

Active trip

The best providers for active travel in the USA are:

Our tip for an active trip in the USA: Star Spangled Banner

  • The Angels
  • San Diego
  • Grand Canyon
  • Las Vegas
  • Yosemite National Park
  • New York City

→ Book this active trip with TourRadar

USA tour with TourRadar

Study trip

The best providers for study trips to the USA are:

  • Explorica
  • Rustic Pathways
  • G Adventures

Small Group Tour

The best companies for small group tours to the USA are:

Our special tip for an unforgettable small group trip: Grand Canyon Camping Tour from Las Vegas

  • Las Vegas, Hoover Dam, Route 66, Grand Canyon
  • Guided tour with tour guide
  • Camping in nature (UNESCO World Heritage)
  • Hiking in national parks
  • Sunrise and sunset over the Grand Canyon

→ Book a small group trip with Tours4Fun

Grand Canyon trip with Tours4Fun

Private trip

The best providers for private trips to the USA are:

Our tip for an individual USA travel experience:

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.

→ Contact your Tours4Fun travel designer now!

Special Group Tour

The best providers for special group tours to the USA are:

  • TourRadar
  • G Adventures
  • Intrepid Travel
  • Trek America
  • Contiki

Our tip for a special group trip:

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.

→ Book a special group trip with TourRadar

Adventure travel in the USA at the waterfall

Costs for trips to the USA: comparison of providers

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

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.

  • Travel time: 2 - 20 days
  • Cost: $ 170 - $ 4,000 per person

TourRadar

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

Intrepid Travel is a leading adventure travel company offering trips to the United States that emphasize cultural experiences.

  • Travel duration: 8 - 14 days
  • Cost: $ 1,500 - $ 3,500 per person

G Adventures

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.

  • Travel time: 5 - 14 days
  • Cost: $ 2,000 - $ 6,000 per person

Wildland Adventures

Wildland Adventures is an adventure travel company specializing in trips to the United States that focus on immersive experiences.

  • Travel time: 5 -14 days
  • Cost: $ 1,500 - $ 4,000 per person

Backroads

Backroads is an award-winning adventure travel company specializing in trips to the United States that emphasize active exploration.

  • Travel time: 7 - 14 days
  • Cost: $ 2,000 and $ 6,000 per person

Adventure Life

Adventure Life is a leading adventure travel company offering trips to the United States that emphasize unique experiences.

  • Travel time: 8 - 14 days
  • Cost: $ 1,500 - $ 4,000 per person

EF Educational Travel

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.

  • Travel time: individual
  • Cost: from $ 1,600 per person

Trek America

Trek America specializes in active travel across the United States, offering camping, hiking, rafting, and more.

  • Travel duration: individual
  • Cost: $ 1,000 - $ 3,000 per person

REI Adventures

REI Adventures is an outdoor retailer offering guided tours throughout the United States. Options include backpacking, camping adventures, and bike tours.

  • Travel duration: individual
  • Cost: $ 500 - $ 6,000 per person

Austin Adventures

Austin Adventures is a family business offering tours throughout the United States. Options include national park tours, family adventures, and multisport tours.

  • Travel time: individual
  • Cost: $ 800 - $ 4,500 per person

O.A.R.S.

O.A.R.S. is an adventure travel company offering tours throughout the United States. Options include whitewater rafting, kayaking, and multisport adventures.

  • Travel time: individual
  • Cost: $ 1,000 - $ 6,000 per person

Travel preparation for your USA trip

As you prepare for a trip to the US, keep these things in mind:

  • You will need an ESTA or entry visa.
  • You will need a valid passport.
  • You might need special clothing, comfortable footwear, and a sturdy backpack for hiking.

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.

Vacation mistakes to avoid: USA checklist

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:

  • Apply for your ESTA on time.
  • Find out more about entry requirements for the USA.
  • Find out about the climate of each place you visit (there are five climate zones in the US!).
  • Research the areas you will be visiting and make sure you are fit enough for any hikes and aware of any hazards (e.g., snakes or alligators).
  • Familiarize yourself with local customs so you don't invade unnecessarily.
  • Prepare mentally for group dynamics if traveling with a tour group. It is best to get in touch with your fellow travelers beforehand.
  • Have an extra travel budget because even on well-planned private trips, there are activities you will have to pay for yourself.
  • If you're in the southern United States, bring a Spanish phrase book (unless you're fluent).

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.

ESTA – visa-free to the USA

With an ESTA, you can stay 90 days visa-free in the USA. Apply online now!