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.

• Low season from € 1439 p.p.

• High season from € 1669 p.p.

Please request a price quote for a personalized quotation.
The mentioned as from price is per person sharing based on double occupancy.
For this tour with camper(van) we offer personalised quotations.

What's included?

• 14 nights' accommodation in STANDARD hotels.

• Your digital road book (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 American West

The American West is famous for its impressive collection of national parks, each with a unique character and landscape. On this journey, you will discover no fewer than five of these natural wonders. From the deep gorges of the Grand Canyon to the surreal rock formations of Bryce Canyon, and from the majestic sequoias of Yosemite to the red monoliths of Monument Valley. These natural treasures form the heart of your trip and offer endless opportunities for hiking, photography, and unforgettable experiences in the pristine American wilderness. The national parks are perfectly spread along your itinerary, ensuring you can look forward to a new natural spectacle at every stop.

Road Trip Along the West Coast

A road trip along America’s West Coast becomes a dream come true during this journey. With your rental car, you enjoy maximum freedom to stop whenever and wherever you like. The famous Highway 1, winding from Los Angeles to San Francisco, offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and is one of the highlights of this trip. You’ll drive through picturesque coastal towns, along pristine beaches, and across iconic bridges such as the Bixby Creek Bridge. This self-drive formula lets you experience the best of California, Nevada, and Arizona at your own pace, while staying comfortably in selected hotels along the way. A road trip is simply the most authentic way to explore the American West.

Vibrant Cities in the West

In addition to the impressive nature of the American West, this tour also takes you to three iconic cities, each offering a unique experience. Begin in Los Angeles, where Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and the famous Santa Monica beaches welcome you. Midway through your journey, Las Vegas awaits – the Entertainment Capital of the World – where you can marvel at the extravagant hotels on The Strip and enjoy world-class shows. Your trip concludes in charming San Francisco, known for the Golden Gate Bridge, its characteristic cable cars, and lively neighborhoods such as Fisherman’s Wharf. These urban experiences create the perfect contrast to the natural wonders you encounter along the way.

Best Travel Period for the American West

To fully enjoy the stunning national parks and vibrant cities of the American West, choosing the right season is essential. Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) offer the most pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds in popular parks such as the Grand Canyon and Yosemite. In summer (June–August), it can get extremely hot in desert areas around Las Vegas and Monument Valley, but higher-altitude parks are fully accessible. Winter can be challenging due to snowfall in Yosemite and Bryce Canyon but offers a unique chance to experience these wonders in a serene winter atmosphere. Plan carefully to get the most out of your West Coast adventure.

Practical Tips for Your Tour

Good preparation makes your West Coast journey even more enjoyable. Make sure to have an international driver’s license to rent a car. Reserve popular activities such as a helicopter flight over the Grand Canyon or a visit to Alcatraz in San Francisco well in advance. In the national parks, bring plenty of water and wear sturdy hiking shoes. Keep in mind the long distances between destinations and plan regular stops. Wi-Fi is not always available in natural areas, so download important information or maps beforehand. For Las Vegas, it’s wise to book show or attraction tickets in advance. With these practical tips, your West Coast road trip will run smoothly, allowing you to enjoy every moment without worry.