What's included?

• 22 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

Rental car

The estimated total price for a rental car of type Nissan Versa (or similar) via Sunny Cars (all-in, including insurance and unlimited mileage) is approximately €1299.

This is a guide price based on the annual average and when booking at least 4 months before departure. The price may vary depending on availability, departure period, and when you book.

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 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.

The National Parks of the American Northwest

This tour of the American Northwest takes you to some of the most impressive national parks in the United States. In Badlands National Park, you’ll find yourself face to face with a surreal lunar landscape of eroded rocks and deep canyons. Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota offers a perfect combination of prairie landscapes and colorful canyons where wild horses and bison roam freely. When you visit Yellowstone National Park from Cody, you’ll discover the famous geysers and hot springs that make this oldest national park in America so special. The national parks form the beating heart of this tour and showcase the unspoiled natural beauty you won’t find anywhere else in the world.

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse

During your road trip through the American Northwest, the monumental faces of Mount Rushmore are an absolute must-see. These iconic depictions of four American presidents, carved into the granite mountainside, symbolize American history and leave a deep impression on every visitor. Not far from there is the Crazy Horse Memorial, an even larger rock monument that pays tribute to Native American culture. This tribute to the Lakota leader Crazy Horse has been under construction since 1948 and demonstrates this region’s deep connection to its indigenous roots. Together, these two impressive sculptures tell the story of America’s complex history and are cultural highlights you definitely shouldn’t miss during your trip.

Yellowstone National Park

If you’re staying in Cody during your road trip through the Northwest, you’re just a short drive away from the legendary Yellowstone National Park. As the oldest national park in the world, it offers a spectacular collection of natural wonders you won’t find anywhere else. The iconic Old Faithful geyser erupts approximately every 90 minutes, shooting water up to 56 meters high, while the rainbow-colored Grand Prismatic Spring will amaze you with its vibrant shades of blue, green, and orange. The park is home to numerous animal species, including grizzly bears, wolves, moose, and large herds of bison that sometimes bring traffic to a complete standstill. The dramatic waterfalls and canyons of the Yellowstone River provide the perfect backdrop for breathtaking photos. A visit to this natural wonder is an unforgettable experience during your Great Western journey.

The Cowboy Culture of the American West

During your road trip through the American Northwest, you’ll immerse yourself in the authentic cowboy culture that’s still very much alive in this region. In towns like Cody and Deadwood, you’ll experience the atmosphere of the Wild West, where the legacy of legendary figures like Buffalo Bill remains strong. Visit rodeos where cowboys showcase their skills in spectacular competitions that date back generations. In Cody, you can visit the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, a world-class museum that brings the history of the American West to life. In the evening, enjoy cowboy dinners with live music and Western shows that transport you back to the days of the pioneers. These authentic Western experiences offer a unique cultural contrast to the natural wonders you’ll visit during your trip.

Best Time to Visit the Pacific Northwest

The ideal time for a road trip through the Pacific Northwest is from May through September. The summer months of July and August offer the warmest temperatures, with pleasant daytime highs between 25–30°C, perfect for exploring national parks and enjoying outdoor activities. Want to avoid the crowds while still enjoying excellent weather? Then opt for early fall in September, when temperatures are still pleasant (20–25°C) but the tourist crowds are already thinning out. Moreover, the fall colors during this period create spectacular landscapes. Spring (May–June) also has its advantages, with nature in bloom and increasing wildlife activity. Keep in mind that some mountain passes in the higher elevations may be closed until late May due to snow. Avoid the winter months (November–March), when many attractions are closed.

Practical Tips for Driving in the U.S.

A road trip through the Northwest U.S. involves covering a lot of miles, so thorough preparation is essential. Make sure you have an international driver’s license in addition to your U.S. driver’s license. Traffic rules in the U.S. differ from those in Europe; for example, you can often turn right on a red light unless otherwise indicated, and at four-way stops, everyone has the right of way in order of arrival. Fill up regularly whenever possible, as gas stations can be far apart in some remote areas. Be aware of the long distances between destinations and plan for sufficient rest time. In national parks, animals often wander onto the road—slow down and maintain a safe distance. Avoid driving after dark in rural areas. All-inclusive insurance is highly recommended for your rental car, and a GPS or offline maps app makes navigation much easier.