Travel Documents

• Travel documents: All Belgian nationals* (children and babies included) must be in possession of an international e-passport (biometric) containing min. 2 blank pages, valid at day of entry and during the entire stay. Connections recommends to let common sense prevail and to build in some slack in terms of validity. Often unforeseen circumstances (weather factors, volcanoes, and threats all kinds) are the cause of a mandatory postponed return date. A credit card is required upon check-in at the hotels and also when renting a car.Please keep this in mind. We strongly recommend you to print out the Esta- or Eta permit and to have it on you while you travel to avoid problems.

• All passengers who travel to and /or via the U.S. must apply for an electronic travel authorization at least 72 hours prior to departure. The ESTA ($ 40) procedure must be requested via the official website link https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov and paid by a personal credit card only.

• Travellers who have visited Cuba since 12 January 2021 or who wish to travel to Cuba prior to a visit to the United States are not eligible for ESTA and must apply for a US visa at a US Consulate before travelling to the US.

• Travellers with a non-Belgian nationality and / or travellers travelling on a foreign passport are invited to spontaneously report this matter to the Connections travel consultant and shall contact their respective embassy (s) or Consulate (ate) to obtain the latest updates concerning all current travel requirements and documents. They must apply for an electronic travel authorization at least 72 hours prior to departure via the official website link https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov and pay by a personal credit card only.

Insurances

Have a safe and carefree trip: travel fully insured with our Protections travel insurance! Our Protections insurance policies offer various formulas in order to offer you the widest possible cover (with even a fly-on-time, natural catastrophes and epidemics) for both single journeys or for the entire year. We guarantee you the best protection at the best price.

Tailored travel

The tours in our brochures are just a few examples of travel itineraries possible. Our trips can be tailored to suit your specific needs. If you want to book a specific destination or combine it with a mini-tour then we will gladly make you a tailor-made offer. For a personalised day-by-day program please contact our destination experts.

Would you like to travel in a group; with your entire family, friends or colleagues? (min. 10 people required). Put our know-how to the test and send us your details and wishes. We will gladly turn the blueprints of your trip into a detailed quote and a lasting memory for you to cherish. Contact our Connections’ Group Service by e-mail at groups@connections.be or by telephone on +32 (0)2/550 01 65. We would love to hear from you.

Health

No mandatory vaccinations. To verify the latest updates on health requirements, please surf to https://www.itg.be.
Medical interventions and costs can soon become outrageous in the U.S.A. Reflect before leaving and subscribe a decent travel insurance. Our protections All-in Premier insurance was especially designed specifically for travel to the U.S.A. and provides ample cover for all major calamities (fly-on-time and natural disasters included)!

Time zones

The United States span 4 time zones:

• Eastern (- 6 h)

• Central (- 7 h)

• Mountain (- 8 h)

• Pacific (- 9 h)

Payments methods

A personal credit card is required upon check-in at the hotels and also when renting a car. The most convenient method of payment is by credit card but cash euros and dollars in small amount come in handy. Inform yourself timely, as from January 15, 2015 your Visa and/or MasterCard credit card (and possibly other types of credit cards) has automatically been set to "not for use in the US, for US car rental agencies and during cruises under the American flag".

You must then apply for a release of your credit card. This may be done prior to your arrival in the U.S. (in your bank branch or via the telephone number listed on the back of your credit card or by means of a special form available for PC banking) as well as after arrival in the US (through a withdrawal at an ATM. Please note, in this case there will be a transaction fee charged to your account). The same applies to the Maestro function in your bank card.

Please request a price quote for a personalized quotation.
The mentioned as from price is per person sharing based on double occupancy.

The total price varies according to your departure date, the class available and the car category selected.

What's included?

• 14 overnight accommodations in standard hotels

• Your digital roadbook (day-by-day programme)

Not included

• Your international flight and rental car

• Optional excursions, gratuities, meals, beverages and personal expenses

The National Parks of the Southwest

The American Southwest is a true paradise for nature lovers, with no fewer than nine national parks within reach. The Grand Canyon, with its colossal gorge stretching 446 km long and up to 29 km wide, is without doubt the most impressive natural wonder. Bryce Canyon enchants you with its hoodoos – peculiar rock formations standing like soldiers across the landscape. In Zion National Park, you walk among towering cliffs and narrow canyons, while Capitol Reef surprises with its colorful rock arches. Arches National Park, with over 2,000 natural stone arches, is another must-see during your Southwest USA tour.

Touring the Southwest with a Rental Car

A rental car is the ideal way to explore the American Southwest. With excellent roads and vast distances between attractions, a car is essential for this journey. From your own vehicle, you can fully enjoy the ever-changing landscapes as you travel through Arizona, Utah, Colorado, and Nevada. Stop whenever you like at scenic viewpoints, drive at your own pace through Monument Valley, or take a spontaneous detour to hidden gems such as Valley of Fire State Park. With a rental car, you set the rhythm of your Southwest adventure.

Best Time to Visit the Southwest

The American Southwest spans multiple climate zones, but the best time to travel is from April to June and from September to October. During these months, pleasant temperatures between 20°C and 30°C make hiking in the national parks ideal. July and August bring intense heat, with Death Valley temperatures soaring above 40°C. Winters are relatively mild in Las Vegas and Phoenix, but higher elevations such as Bryce Canyon may see snowfall. Spring brings stunning desert blooms, while autumn paints the forests in places like Zion in vibrant reds and golds.

Las Vegas as the Starting Point

Las Vegas is the perfect base for your Southwest tour. This lively city not only offers endless entertainment on the famous Strip but is also strategically located near several national parks. From Las Vegas, you can reach the Grand Canyon in 4.5 hours, Zion National Park in 2.5 hours, or Death Valley in 4 hours. Start your journey with a few nights in this vibrant metropolis, where world-famous shows, luxury hotels, and dazzling casinos await you. With excellent flight connections to Europe, Las Vegas is also the most logical starting point for your Southwest USA adventure.

Route 66 on Your Southwest Tour

No journey through the American Southwest is complete without driving a stretch of the legendary Route 66. This historic highway, also known as the “Mother Road,” winds through the heart of the Southwest. Along your trip, you can drive iconic stretches between Flagstaff and Kingman in Arizona. Stop at retro diners lit by neon signs, classic gas stations, and colorful motels that bring back the golden days of the American road trip. In towns such as Seligman and Williams, nostalgic souvenir shops make time stand still – perfect for a unique memory of your Southwest adventure.