United States Tours

Visa requirements may change, so for the most up to date information we recommend using our Entry Requirements tool. Alternatively, check the United States embassy website in your country of departure.

There aren’t any specific vaccinations needed for travel to the United States. As advice can often change, you can check out Entry Requirements tool for the most up-to-date details on vaccination requirements.

There’s no bad time to visit the United States per se, though we’d recommend coming here during the shoulder seasons (late March to late May and mid September to late October) for the best weather and to beat the crowds. You’ll be able to avoid the heat and crowds of the Summer months and the sub-zero temperatures of November, December and January. Arguably, you’ll also get to see the country at its most photogenic, with floral blooms in Spring and contrasting colours in Autumn.

Mobile phone coverage is usually excellent in large cities and towns. However, it may be patchy in remote spots like national parks and in mountainous areas. Make sure that global roaming is on and be aware that you may be charged — contact your phone provider for further information.

It’s customary in North America to tip service providers such as waiters, bartenders and taxi drivers, at approximately 18-20%, depending on the service. Tipping is an expected — though not compulsory — component of your tour programme and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your tour. There are times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip any local guides used. Recommendations for tipping local guides would range from USD $2-8 per activity depending on the quality and length of the service. Ask your CEO for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture. Plus, at the end of each trip if you felt your G Adventures Chief Experience Officer did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference; however as a guideline USD $5-10 per person, per day can be used as a guide.

You can find great internet access all over the United States, and if you’re looking for Wi-Fi, there are plentiful hotspots available in towns and cities.

Even if you’re in a tiny town, the chances are that you’ll find an ATM in the US. Both Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted credit cards. Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money. A combination of USD as cash (preferably smaller bills), traveller’s cheques and credit cards is best. Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere in the US too and can be used to purchase small and large items. When purchasing products or services with a foreign credit card in the USA, you may be charged additional fees by your credit card company for foreign purchases. As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com.

Same-sex marriage is legal within the United States, and LGBTQ+ people tend to be welcomed — especially within large cities. However, some states are fairly religious — particularly within the south — so we’d recommend being discreet within these areas. As part of their commitment, all CEOs receive LGBTQ+ inclusion training so every traveller feels respected and welcomed on all of our tours. We commit to making our tours a safe and inclusive place for people to express their authentic selves without judgement, free from any discriminatory language or harassment. While travelling with G Adventures, all travellers must treat each other with dignity and respect to create an environment that is positive, safe, and where everyone feels welcome. You can find out more via our LGBTQ+ travel page.

Yes, you can drink the tap water in the whole of the US as a general rule. We recommend you bring a reusable water bottle for environmental reasons.

In a word yes — the majority of the US is safe. However, as with everywhere else in the world, petty crime does exist — particularly in larger cities. Gun crime does exist here too, but it rarely affects travellers. You should also be aware that hurricanes and storms sometimes make landfall in the southern states during the months of June through October. Take heed of local warnings. This goes for tornado season too. G Adventures takes all reasonable measures to ensure your safety and enjoyment while travelling with us. All of the included activities are properly vetted and regularly checked by us, and we take great care in choosing the right transportation, stays throughout your trip, and guides to lead your tour. However, there are always inherent risks when travelling — you can find out more via our travel safety page.