Recently updated on August 13th, 2024 at 11:42 am
There’s nothing quite like immersing yourself in the great outdoors, and in the USA you’re spoilt for choice with incredible landscapes across the country’s National Parks. From strolling beneath towering giant Sequoia trees in Yosemite to the burnt terrains of the Canyonlands, and even spotting wildlife in Theodore Roosevelt National Park, you won’t be short of memorable moments in these majestic places. With Trafalgar, the great outdoors is just at your fingertips, with everything taken care of – you just need to bring your best self (and maybe some sturdy shoes).
At Trafalgar, we’re interested in unlocking the human side to travel, even in more rural areas. Our Be My Guest experiences help you unlock the real, authentic side to each destination, seeing life through a local’s eyes. Get ready to meet the locals who have made the great outdoors their home in some of the USA’s most epic and iconic landscapes.
Discover the USA through a Trafalgar tour.
Take a walk in the woods of Yosemite National Park
After spending the day in the iconic Yosemite National Park putting your hiking boots to good use, you’ll wind down in the evening with a one-of-a-kind Forest Bathing experience. This immersive practice uses all your senses to connect with your surroundings, led by your host Susan Madden, certified meditation instructor, labyrinth facilitator and forest bathing guide. You’ll begin with a simple meditation before learning the fundamentals and science behind Forest Bathing, shown to improve health and assist in creating a more peaceful life. Following the presentation, refuel as you sit down for a meal at Tenaya Lodge, surrounded by conversation and storytelling with Susan.
On California High Country Adventure
Witness traditional storytelling near Badlands National Park
Discover the future of the Lakota Oyate “Lakota Nation”, as you visit Lakota Youth Development on the outskirts of the Rosebud Indian Reservation, a lush, green terrain covered in pine forests and grassland. You’ll meet Marla C. Bull Bear, Executive Director of Lakota Youth Development, and the Rosebud tribal youth members for a traditional storytelling and a traditional meal – this is a chance to experience a true taste of the prairie and everything Grandmother Earth has to offer. You’ll come away full of knowledge about their mission to reclaim their language, culture, and spirituality, and how this experience supports local youth.
On National Parks and Native Trails of the Dakotas
Meet a dog sledding expert in Alaska
After basking in the magnificent Alaskan wilderness of Denali National Park (and maybe spotting a few native caribou), you’ll have a special opportunity to visit the home of Dave Monson, a local Dog Mushing (also known as Dog Sledding) celebrity. Who better to learn the history of Alaska’s state sport from? Join Dave and his dogs for an unforgettable Be My Guest dinner experience before you take a scenic journey through this rugged state, spotting snow-capped summits of the Alaska Range and expansive glaciers en route.
Dine under the stars near Canyonlands National Park
Enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience in the great outdoors at Shash Diné Eco Retreat on the Navajo Nation, surrounded by desert landscapes and dramatic rock formations. Meet your hosts Baya and Paul for a traditional meal of mutton stew, frybread, vegetables, melon, coffee and Navajo tea, savored under the stars. Your dinner is enhanced by traditional Diné (Navajo) storytelling from storyteller and award-winning Diné recording artist Eli Secody, whose fun and fascinating stories are steeped in his Diné roots. Cap off the evening with a walk up to a remarkable vista on the very land where Baya can trace her lineage back over 20 generations.
On Utah’s Mighty Five National Parks
Savor a 3-course Western dinner near Yellowstone National Park
After exploring the vast and varied landscapes of Yellowstone, one of the world’s oldest national parks with over 500 geysers, you’ll move on to Montana’s Big Sky Country for a Be My Guest experience at the historic Billings Depot. Built in 1903, learn about Billings’ railroad history as you’re hosted by a historian from the nearby Western Heritage Center, accompanied by local Chef Stephen Hindman’s three-course menu featuring local, seasonal produce.
Taste local produce across Hawaii, from Maui to Big Island
On the lush, fertile lands of Maui, Hawaii, you can explore the great outdoors with dormant volcanoes, black sand beaches and whale watching – and with Trafalgar, you’ll get to dine at O’o Farms on a Be My Guest experience. On this diversified natural farm, immerse yourself in the ways of regenerative farming as you help gather fresh produce for your al fresco lunch, looking out over the farm’s 3,500-foot elevation. A truly unique farm-to-fork experience.
For another Be My Guest experience in Hawaii, hop over to the Big Island, a huge part of which is made up of the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Not only can you summit two of the world’s most active volcanoes, but you’ll also learn about the importance of salt in Hawaiian culture during a visit to a deep ocean salt farm. So much more than just a seasoning, at Kona Salt Farm you can watch the salt production process and taste different salts to explore the varied flavor profiles over some delicious local food.
On Hawaii Four Island Adventure
See the USA’s great outdoors for yourself with Trafalgar. Explore our USA guided tours here.