Recently updated on August 13th, 2023 at 03:38 pm
Just as the summer travel season hits full swing, The United States has some very good news for travellers wanting to experience the best USA trips again.
As of 00.01am on Sunday 12 June, the Biden administration ended all COVID testing entry requirements – meaning fully vaccinated foreign travellers can enter the US without showing a negative COVID test on arrival.
The change comes with the backing of ‘data and science’ from The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Plus pressure from US airlines and economic concerns, as well as the knowledge that most of Europe dropped their entry testing requirements for fully vaccinated arrivals in the spring.
‘This step is possible because of the progress we’ve made in our fight against COVID-19.‘
United States Health Secretary – Xavier Becerra
*Please note that ‘fully vaccinated’ requires having had two doses of Pfizer, Moderna or AstraZeneca (or single Janssen dose). Plus an additional booster dose if these were over nine months ago. Unvaccinated US citizens can still travel domestically and enjoy their staycations.
Where should I travel in the United States?
The breaking news is music to the ears of travellers, whom can now plan their much-anticipated US adventures. But this is often easier said than done. With countless National Parks, soul-stirring cities and different cultures making you feel like a kid in a sweet shop.
But relax. Now that we can talk about vaccinated travellers entering the US without taking a test – here are six American trips our Trafalgar guests rate as simply the best.
RELATED CONTENT: USA Destination Guide
6 USA trips too good to miss
Majestic Alaska (10 Days)
Head northwest to majestic Alaska for Trafalgar’s most popular trip, where you’ll find a picturesque playground begging to be explored. Here, you can hike through heavenly glaciers, try fly-fishing and learn about native cultures. You’ll get to know Denali National Park (home to North America’s highest peak) and can choose to hop on a helicopter ride to explore it all. Alternatively enjoy 8 zip lines over the Denali guaranteed to take your breathe away. Or for a slower heart rate… unwind on a cruise in Kenai Fjords National Park – spotting humpback whales and icebergs as you glide. One thing’s for sure, you’ll never forget Alaska.
Northern California (8 Days)
Get comfortable in ‘the Golden State’ of California. You’ll start in free-spirited San Francisco, where you can soak in every step of the 1.7km walk across Golden Gate Bridge (plus roam Golden Gate Park at leisure). Elsewhere? Taste world-class wines in Napa Valley vineyards and tuck into a meal in Monterey made with the best local ingredients. Cruise Lake Tahoe on boat, admiring bright blue waters no photo can do justice to. Explore Yosemite National Park (‘the Incomparable Valley’) and the Bridalveil WaterFall. To finish, take a scenic 17-mile drive down the sun-kissed California coast. It would be rude not to.
Tastes and Sounds of the South (10 days)
Step into a world of smooth jazz, brilliant blues, country music and a whole lot of Rock ‘n’ Roll in America’s south. With home cooking from local Southerners, a sprinkling of history and friendly locals at every corner, this is the perfect tour to enjoy the eclectic cultures of Memphis, Nashville, Natchez, and New Orleans. Plus explore Elvis Presley’s Graceland on this most iconic of USA trips.
Hawaiian Discovery (11 Days)
Say ‘aloha’ to tropical paradise in Hawaii. Where postcard-perfect islands and a blissful pace of life greet you. Here you’ll visit Punalu’u Beach Park (famous for its black sand and green sea turtles). And stroll through seaside villages alive with the smell of fresh fish. You can also learn how molten earth shapes volcanic islands at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Or why not join in a traditional LÅ«Ê»au celebration in Maui or choose a helicopter flight over the Na Pali Coast and Manawaiopuna Falls? The world is your oyster here – just don’t forget your camera.
East Coast USA end New York (14 Days)
History lovers take note – this East Coast USA and Canada tour is for you. Take this opportunity to explore Washington D.C.’s White House and Lincoln Memorial, a simpler Amish way of life, Canada’s Ottawa, Toronto, and French-inspired Montreal and the thunderous Niagara Falls. Plus explore the idyllic Boston Harbour and soaring skyline on your own terms. Yes please.
5 Epic National Parks (9 Days)
Feel Mother Nature at her glamorous best on Trafalgar’s 5 Epic National Parks tour. From the peaks of the Grand Tetons to the bubbling mud pots on a Yellowstone National Park and jaw-dropping Grand Canyon – once visited America’s National Parks never leave your heart. You’ll admire fairytale castles, cathedrals and secret hideaways amidst an amphitheatre of rusty red limestone spires at Bryce Canyon, float down the Snake River and take a train ride into the heart of the Grand Canyon. Nope, we’re not kidding.
Are you feeling excited about the USA entry restrictions easing? Tell us which of our USA trips peaks your interest in the comments below?