Western USA Family Holiday
from $4709
Duration: 8 Days
Ancient sandstone landscapes, dazzling blue waters and a look into Indigenous culture will inspire you and your family on this exploration of the USA’s Wild West. On this 7-night adventure that begins and ends in Las Vegas, you’ll discover some of the world’s most coveted national parks, kayak through crystal waters, stargaze and relive the past from Navajo history to Route 66. Walk through forested floors and discover natural pools at Zion National Park, walk the rim of Bryce Canyon, study a prehistoric past at Lake Powell, sleep in a Navajo hut at Monument Valley and try to help your kids find the words to describe the enormity of the Grand Canyon.
  • Follow an awe-inspiring, family-friendly trail through Zion National Park with incredible views and an emerald green pool.
  • Explore the otherworldly landscapes of Bryce Canyon National Park and marvel at the weird and wonderful collection of sandstone spires known as hoodoos.
  • Zipline through the oldest part of Las Vegas, which will be a hit with the kids.
  • Stay on a Navajo reservation in a traditional hut made of logs and earth and stargaze under the Milky Way.
  • Paddle your way around the clear waters of Lake Powell in kayaks.
  • Marvel at one of the nation’s greatest national parks, the Grand Canyon.
  • Zion National Park - Walks
  • Grafton - Ghost Town
  • Zion National Park - Zion Junior Ranger program
  • Zion National Park - Emerald Pools hike
  • Bryce Canyon - Leader-led Walk
  • Horseshoe Bend Visit
  • Lake Powell - Kayaking
  • Monument Valley - Navajo guided 4x4 Jeep tour
  • Navajo National Monument visit
  • Grand Canyon - Rim walk
  • Seligman - Route 66
  • Las Vegas - Fremont Street Zip Line
  • Day 1 Location: Las Vegas / Zion National Park
    Welcome to the Wild West! Your family adventure begins in Las Vegas, where you will meet your local leader for a 10am briefing with the other families. From here, you’ll make the drive to Springdale (approximately 3 hours), which is situated on the eastern border of Zion National Park in Utah. Make a pit stop at a deserted ghost town and take a short walk to find your feet in Zion National Park. Here you’ll pick up your junior ranger booklets so the kids can get ready to become junior rangers tomorrow. Arrive at the hotel in the mid-afternoon and take some time to explore the grounds. There’s so much to discover! Tonight you will join your group for an included dinner and look forward to the adventure that lies ahead!
    Day 2 Location: Zion National Park
    Wake up to the peaceful sound of birds singing, ready for an exciting day ahead. Today, you’ll make your way into the park and walk one of Zion National Park’s eye-catching trails. The initial ascent is a little steep but the trail is then fairly easy going, bringing you to expansive views of main Zion Canyon below. With a paved path and plenty of shade you can soak up the stunning scenery that surprises you at every turn whilst looking out for deer and birds. Enjoy soaking in the spectacular surroundings, including Zion’s iconic hanging gardens, before returning to the hotel for an afternoon of leisure.
    Day 3 Location: Zion National Park
    After breakfast you will make a short drive to Bryce Canyon National Park, which sits at an elevation of 8000 ft, to explore its magnificent landscapes. Take a stroll around the rim of the canyon and marvel at the epic collection of unique sandstone spires known as hoodoos. The name may sound funny, but these otherworldly geological features are truly striking, and Bryce Canyon National Park is undoubtedly the best place in the world to see them. Hike down to the hoodoos for a closer look at the weird and wonderful anomalies. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon where you and the kids can relax before enjoying an included group dinner. 
    Day 4 Location: Page
    Head south this morning, winding through more of the Southwest’s celebrated scenery before arriving at Horseshoe Bend for a gentle walk to take in the beautiful views. Then it's time to hit the water as you jump in your kayaks and work as a family to paddle your way along the clear blue waters of Lake Powell. Tonight, you will have free time to explore the town of Page, where you’ll be spending the night.
    Day 5 Location: Monument Valley
    This morning we hit the road to visit Navajo National Monument and Monument Valley, one of the most iconic sights in the world. This unforgettable landscape is the native land of the Navajo, dotted with towering sandstone buttes. Monument Valley has been the filming location for many famous Western films, so don’t be surprised if something looks familiar. Once you arrive, you’ll enjoy a Navajo-guided tour of the Valley from a 4WD vehicle to learn about the rich culture and history of the Navajo. After dinner you'll be entertained with folk tale stories around the campfire and some Navajo singing and dancing before spending the night in a hogan, a traditional Navajo hut made of logs and earth. An experience the kids won't forget.
    Day 6 Location: Grand Canyon
    Today you head west to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon (approximately 4 hours) but don’t worry, there will be stops along the way to stretch your legs! Upon reaching Desert View your family will get their first sweeping views of this gotta-see-it-to-believe-it iconic landmark. There will be plenty of time to soak in the dramatic landscape of the Grand Canyon and find the perfect spot for a family photo as well as make a stop at the visitor centre to learn about the junior ranger program. Then as the sun sets over the canyon, slowly dipping behind sandstone cliffs, your family will be treated to a sunset picnic dinner. A memorable experience that your family will be sure to treasure. 
    Day 7 Location: Grand Canyon / Vegas
    After breakfast, we take the famous Route 66 back to Las Vegas, making a stop along the way to explore the quirky and kitschy town of Seligman and its Americana gift shops and diners with a blast-from-the-past aesthetic. After lunch at a classic American diner (complete with milkshakes of course), take some free time to explore with the kids and check out some of the colourful shops before continuing the journey back to Las Vegas. You will arrive at your Las Vegas accommodation in the late afternoon and the kids will love the zipline experience at Fremont street as you take in the lights and glamour of this incredible city.
    Day 8 Location: Las Vegas
    With no activities planned today your whirlwind American adventure comes to an end. If you'd like to stay longer in Las Vegas, just speak to your booking agent.
    Dates
    Prices
    Availability
    Departure Date:
    30MAR2024
    Return Date:
    06APR2024
    5650NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    06JUL2024
    Return Date:
    13JUL2024
    5540NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    13JUL2024
    Return Date:
    20JUL2024
    5540NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    20JUL2024
    Return Date:
    27JUL2024
    5540NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    27JUL2024
    Return Date:
    03AUG2024
    5540NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    03AUG2024
    Return Date:
    10AUG2024
    5540NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    10AUG2024
    Return Date:
    17AUG2024
    5540NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    17AUG2024
    Return Date:
    24AUG2024
    5540NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    21SEP2024
    Return Date:
    28SEP2024
    5540NZD
    available
    Last modified (date)

    07 Feb 2024

    Trip title

    Western USA Family Holiday

    Trip code

    SSFP

    Validity

    Validity: 01 Jan 2024 to 31 Dec 2024

    Introduction

    Ancient sandstone landscapes, dazzling blue waters and a look into Indigenous culture will inspire you and your family on this exploration of the USA’s Wild West. On this 7-night adventure that begins and ends in Las Vegas, you’ll discover some of the world’s most coveted national parks, kayak through crystal waters, stargaze and relive the past from Navajo history to Route 66. Walk through forested floors and discover natural pools at Zion National Park, walk the rim of Bryce Canyon, study a prehistoric past at Lake Powell, sleep in a Navajo hut at Monument Valley and try to help your kids find the words to describe the enormity of the Grand Canyon.

    Style

    Original

    Themes

    Family

    Transport

    Private van

    Physical Rating

    2

    Joining point

    Alexis Park Resort

    375 E Harmon Ave

    Las Vegas

    NV 89169

    UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    Joining point description

    Alexis Park All Suite Resort is located a short 20minute walk to the strip. All rooms at the resort have flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, microwaves and coffeemakers. There are 3 outdoor pools with cabanas and towel service. And if you wanted to stay in the resort has 2 dining venues on site. .

    Joining point instructions

    The hotel doesn't offer a shuttle service however there are plenty of types of services from the airport. You can pre book a shuttle service with Super shuttle or Lasxpres. Or your other options are a cab, LYFT, or Uber. Rates will vary based on the time of day, but will typically takes 15-20 minutes and cost around $20. The hotel offers free parking for overnight guests. If you are arriving in your own vehicle, please refer to the city of Las Vegas' Parking & Transportation website for information about where to park and leave your vehicle during the tour. https://www.lasvegasnevada.gov/Residents/Parking-Transportation

    Finish point

    Alexis Park Resort

    375 E Harmon Ave

    Las Vegas

    NV 89169

    UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    Finish point description

    Alexis Park All Suite Resort is located a short 20minute walk to the strip. All rooms at the resort have flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, microwaves and coffeemakers. There are 3 outdoor pools with cabanas and towel service. And if you wanted to stay in the resort has 2 dining venues on site. .

    Finish point instructions

    A taxi to the airport will cost approximately US$20 (plus tip) and can be booked through the hotel reception. There are also shared-ride shuttle services available for approximately US$9-12 (plus tip) per person. The trip takes approximately 5 minutes in a taxi (longer if in a shared van making many stops) and transport services operate 24 hours a day.

    Important information

    1. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 10 am on Day 1 in Las Vegas. Please make your own way to the Joining Point listed in the Essential Trip Information for this itinerary. 2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights on your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information. 3. Please note that these trips are for adults and children travelling together and there must be at least one child under 18 with you. 4. Minimum age for children on this trip is 5 years old. 5. A discount of 10% applies on this trip to children 17 years and under at time of travel.

    Group leader

    All Intrepid Family trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to assist your family to take the hassle out of your travels and help you have the best trip possible. Your leader will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for fun things to do and see - for both kids and parents, recommend great local eating venues that will even get the kids trying new things, and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. Our leaders are not babysitters on this trip - we leave that to you (the experts), but they will make sure that group members of all ages are able to explore their destination safely and with as much fun as possible. Our group leaders are not responsible for looking after children at any time and children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times throughout this itinerary. Your Intrepid group leader’s role involves organising the overall operation and smooth-running of the trip, managing trip logistics and camp responsibilities. They will work to make the trip as safe and enjoyable as possible for all travellers. Intrepid's North American trips are built around the co-operation and participation of all the group members under the supervision of the group leader. On our camping trips, your leader will show the group how to set up and use the camp equipment, and form work groups to take turns cooking, cleaning and shopping. Everyone is expected participate and carry their share of the workload, making camp chores easier. If the whole group participates it will be quicker, easier and more fun. Your leader will provide basic information about the sights and cities you'll be visiting but please note that our leaders are not 'tour guides' in the traditional sense. They are adventure travel specialists and are there to organise your trip, arrange activities and help with questions or problems you may have while on your tour. Your leader will provide you with all the important information you need to embark on your own explorations. They are also responsible for driving the van and navigating across the country. The allowable driving times for drivers is strictly controlled in North America. This ensures our drivers are well rested and are not over-tired from too many hours on the roads. While your group will have a minivan for all included activities on the trip, please note that the services of the van and the driver may not be available for your use during free time, or after you have arrived for the day. If you need a special trip into town you may need to arrange transport or a taxi. We endeavour to provide the services of an experienced leader however, situations may arise where your leader is new to a particular region or training other group leaders. It's strictly forbidden for non-qualified rangers to present any information about some National Parks in North America, therefore we adopt a system (as requested by the park rangers) where our leader will encourage travellers to visit the information centres in the National Parks for details about the site.

    Safety

    https://www.intrepidtravel.com/safety-guidelines

    Visas

    PASSPORT You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date. We need your passport information to get everything ready for your trip so it’s important that the information on your booking matches your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends. VISAS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa for your trip and any countries you may transit through is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your trip. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. You can check the entry requirements for your nationality on your government's foreign travel advisories, consular websites or on our page here:  www.intrepidtravel.com/visa-entry-requirements

    Why we love it

    Follow an awe-inspiring, family-friendly trail through Zion National Park with incredible views and an emerald green pool.

    Explore the otherworldly landscapes of Bryce Canyon National Park and marvel at the weird and wonderful collection of sandstone spires known as hoodoos.

    Zipline through the oldest part of Las Vegas, which will be a hit with the kids.

    Stay on a Navajo reservation in a traditional hut made of logs and earth and stargaze under the Milky Way.

    Paddle your way around the clear waters of Lake Powell in kayaks.

    Marvel at one of the nation’s greatest national parks, the Grand Canyon.

    Is this trip right for you

    The trip involves walking through Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon, so be prepared with sturdy walking shoes, a water bottle and a daypack. Lunches will be simple and picnic-style, so perhaps bring some of your own snacks if you or the kids think you’ll get hungry between meals. We will be travelling to the desert, which means it is often very warm during the day but cold at night, so make sure you pack the appropriate clothing for all weather.

    Health

    GENERAL HEALTH All travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. For the safety and wellbeing of yourself and others, if you are unwell prior to travelling, please stay at home and contact us to make alternative arrangements. When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to manage and enjoy our style of travel. Please note that if in the assessment of our group leader or local representative a traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, we reserve the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund. You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements in their original packaging as they may not easily be obtained while travelling. If you are carrying medication, ensure you check your government's foreign travel advice for any local restrictions or requirements. 

    Food and dietary requirements

    While travelling with us you'll experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Your group leader or local representative will be able to suggest restaurants to try during your trip. To give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat, generally not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. As a rule our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. If you have dietary requirements and/or food allergies, please let your booking agent know prior to departure.

    Money matters

    SPENDING MONEY When it comes to spending money on the trip, every traveller is a little different. You know your spending habits better than we do, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals, drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry. Make sure you have read the itinerary and inclusions thoroughly so you know what is included in the trip price and what you may need to pay for while travelling. The most convenient way to access money is via ATMs, which are plentiful throughout North America. Check with your bank for information on their international fees. Most optional activities can be paid for with credit card. TIPPING Tipping is part of the culture in North America – while it may not be customary in your home country, it is an entrenched feature of many industries including the tourism industry, in North America. YOUR LEADER You may consider tipping your leader for outstanding service throughout your trip. The amount is entirely a personal preference; however, as a guideline US$10-20 per person per day can be used. Of course you are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality and the length and involvement of your leader on your trip. Tipping is always appreciated. LOCAL GUIDES During your trip you may have a local expert guide for an included activity. As a guideline we suggest $5-$10 per person per local expert as a tip. TIPPING WHILE OUT AND ABOUT Restaurants: We suggest 18% to 22% of your bill. Bars: We suggest US$1 per drink. A charge that isn’t normally listed in North American menus or pricing are the state and federal taxes. Keep this in mind when your bill comes out slightly higher than the original price listed. CONTINGENCY FUNDS We try to plan for every eventuality, but there are still some things beyond our control. We reserve the right to change an itinerary after departure due to local circumstances or a Force Majeure Event. In such emergency circumstances, the additional cost of any necessary itinerary alterations will be covered by you. Please note we are not responsible for any incidental expenses that may be incurred as a result of the change of itineraries including but not limited to visas, vaccinations or non-refundable flights. Make sure you have access to an extra US$500 for emergencies (e.g. severe weather, natural disasters, civil unrest) or other events that result in unavoidable changes to the itinerary (e.g. transport strikes or cancellations, airport closures). Sometimes these things necessitate last-minute changes to enable our trips to continue to run, and as a result, there may be some extra costs involved. The recommended amount is listed in USD for the relatability of universal travellers, however, local currency may be needed once in the country to cover these costs.

    What to take

    CLOTHING: You will need to bring a mixture of lightweight clothing, some warm items for the evenings, and long shirts and pants for protection against mosquitoes particularly if you are in a malaria zone. Clothes should be easy to wash and dry. Some people like to take jeans for evenings out but they can be tough to dry and should not be used for trekking. Avoid nylon and other synthetics, which can be very uncomfortable in hot weather. Ex-military or military style clothing and equipment is NOT recommended.

    Climate and seasonal

    USA NATIONAL HOLIDAYS The following national holidays are observed in the US, which can affect our itinerary as traffic can be extreme, and shops, restaurants and attractions can be closed: New Year's Day (01 January) Martin Luther King Jr. Day (third Monday of January) Washington's Birthday (third Monday of February) Memorial Day (last Monday of May) Independence Day (4 July) Labor Day (first Monday in September) Columbus Day (second Monday of October) Veterans Day (11 November) Thanksgiving Day (fourth Thursday of November) Christmas Day (25 December)

    A couple of rules

    We like to think our Intrepid travellers are all connected by a love of adventure and passion for seeing the world in a different way. We've laid down a few non-negotiable rules to ensure everyone feels connected, comfortable and safe on our trips. We ask that you respect your fellow travellers, group leader or local representative, and local people and places we visit in all circumstances. We don't tolerate any forms of violence and expect that you follow the local laws, customs and regulations in any destination we travel to. Any behaviour contrary to the above, including any behaviour that prevents our staff from performing their duty of care or continuing the itinerary as planned, may result in travellers being removed from the trip. If you consume alcohol while travelling, we encourage responsible drinking and expect you to abide by local alcohol laws. To ensure the well-being of everyone on the trip, all decisions made by group leaders or local representatives and ground staff are final. Romantic relationships between travellers and group leader or local representative are not permitted while on trip. By travelling with us, you agree to comply with these rules and the laws and customs of all countries visited. If something is concerning you during your travels with us, please speak to your group leader or local representative immediately. Alternatively, contact us on the emergency contact number detailed in your Essential Trip Information’s Problems and Emergency Contact section.

    Feedback

    Can’t stop thinking about your adventure? Tell us all about it! We read each piece of feedback carefully and use it to make improvements for travellers like you. Share your experience with us at: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/feedback/

    Emergency contact

    While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip. We recognise that there may be times when your group leader or local representative may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the group leader or local representative to speak to their direct manager. You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still travelling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time. For general contact details please use the following page: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/ourtrips/contact/ In case of a genuine crisis or emergency, you can reach our local office on the numbers below: Intrepid local operator : Available for phone call on +001 435 767 0002

    Responsible travel

    Our Responsible Travel Policy outlines our commitment to preserving the environment, supporting local communities, protecting the vulnerable, and giving back to the places we travel. All our trip group leaders or local representatives, suppliers, and staff are trained on these principles and are core to us delivering sustainable, experience-rich travel. Explore the different parts of our Responsible Travel Policy by visiting: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/responsible-travel

    The Intrepid Foundation

    We created our not-for-profit, the Intrepid Foundation because you – our travellers – told us you wanted to make an even greater impact in the communities you visit. The Foundation works by teaming up with partners around the world so that together we can deliver greater positive impact at scale. Partners are identified by our local staff who live and work in our destinations. They harness their powerful community connections to determine the issues that matter most and select local partners who can deliver real solutions. Since 2002, the Intrepid Foundation has raised more than $14million dollars and supported more than 160 communities worldwide. Now, with over 40 partners all over the world, your donations are helping to restore forests in Kenya, empower women in Honduras and promote elephant welfare in Laos, to name just a few. For more information about the Intrepid Foundation, please ask your group leader or local representative or visit our website: http://www.theintrepidfoundation.org/

    Accommodation notes

    GENERAL ROOMING CONFIGURATIONS: Family of two: All family groupings of two will be accommodated in a twin room. Family of three: Wherever possible we will put you in a triple room. Please be aware that in some places triple rooms are in short supply. This means that a triple room will often be a twin room with a rollaway bed or mattress on the floor. Where triple rooms aren’t available it will be at your discretion which of your family takes the single room. Family of four or more: You will most likely be accommodated in two twin rooms. Where possible, we will accommodate your family in a quadruple room. While we do our very best to ensure that family groups are roomed close together (in some cases, we can arrange adjoining rooms), we can’t guarantee this. Most family holidays occur during peak season and we sometimes have little to no control over the exact placement of rooms within a hotel. Please be understanding if we are unable to room your family in immediate proximity of one another.

    Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips for those travelling internationally. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. If you are travelling within your home country or region please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your group leader or local representative. If you have credit card insurance your group leader or local representative will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country. For travellers who reside within the European Union, Switzerland or USA the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory. However the purchase of travel insurance is still highly recommended, and travellers from these regions who decline travel insurance when travelling outside of their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form at the Group Meeting, recognizing personal responsibility for emergency medical and repatriation costs should they arise. For assistance with travel insurance or other services, please visit the link below:

    Your fellow travellers

    You will travel in a group with other like-minded families who may have come from all over the world. We find that the kids of all ages usually bond well and act as a catalyst for the rest of the group. If you are keen to know the ages of other children on the trip, then please ask your booking agent. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part.

    Itinerary disclaimer

    ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway.

    Accommodation

    Hotel (6 nights),Hogan (1 night)

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