Further Information

Passports and visas

When travelling to the USA, British citizens require passports with an integrated chip (shown on the front by a small rectangular symbol beneath the word PASSPORT), valid beyond the return date from the USA. Visas are not normally required for entry, but visitors must apply for an ESTA online with US Immigration at least 72 hours before departure at www.cbp.gov/esta. The current charge is $21 for British Citizens. British subjects and anyone who has a criminal record or has ever been arrested should consult the US Embassy as a visa may be required. Note too that if you have visited North Korea, Iran, Iraq, Sudan, Syria, Libya, Somalia or Yemen since March 2011, or Cuba since 12 January 2021, or have dual nationality with any of these countries, you do require a US visa and cannot travel on the Visa Waiver Program.

Hotel transfer times

The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately three hours.

Foreign Office travel advice

Visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice to find out the latest Foreign And Commonwealth Office travel advice for your holiday destination, as well as information about passports and visas.

Departure dates and fall colours

This tour covers a large distance from Massachusetts to southern Virginia, and so Fall foliage will naturally vary. On early departures, leaves are more likely to have turned in the northern areas covered, whereas on later dates it is the more southern areas that will be most notable, with leaf-fall having already occurred further north.

On your flight

All outbound flights depart and arrive on the same day. All return flights leave in the evening and land in the UK the next day. On-board meals will usually include lunch and a snack on outward flights, and dinner and breakfast on flight home. Soft drinks are complimentary, but some airlines will charge for alcoholic drinks.

Luggage allowance

You are permitted to take one suitcase per person on the aircraft, which should not exceed 23kg.

Helicopter flights

Sightseeing flights by helicopter are weight controlled and balanced. Please contact us if you wish to book a helicopter flight and your bodyweight exceeds 250lb. (In such cases, a seat may have to be left empty, and some companies may charge a premium.)

Tipping

Gratuities are a way of life in North America, and it is generally accepted that they form part of a person's earnings. The customary gratuity for a coach driver or Tour Manager is about $5 per person per day. It is normal to tip 15-20 per cent of the bill for a taxi or in a restaurant, and to leave a dollar or so per drink in a bar.

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted on any coach forming part of your holiday, though regular stops will be made for your comfort en route. The majority of hotels in North America are non-smoking throughout, including in all bedrooms. In general smoking outside is acceptable, but do look out for signs prohibiting this close to public entrances or bus stops.

Special requirements

If you have notified us of any special requirements, please check that they have been noted and acknowledged. This is especially important with any dietary needs you may have.

Disabled access

The majority of our tours involve a certain amount of walking, including a short walk from the coach stop to the town, attraction or venue you're visiting. If you are bringing a wheelchair, please let us know at the time of booking so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

Itinerary changes

Occasionally, for operational reasons, we may have to change the order of the excursions on your holiday. The final day-by-day itinerary will be confirmed on your Final Travel Documents, which you will receive approximately three weeks prior to your departure.

Changes to your hotels

Should circumstances require, we reserve the right to accommodate you in alternative hotels, of a similar standard, nearby. Full details of your hotels will be sent with your Final Travel Documents. On some dates you will stay at the Courtyard Secaucus Meadowlands on nights 4-5. On departure dates in 2021, night 3 will be spent at the Doubletree by Hilton, Tysons.

Hotel rooms

Standard hotel rooms in North America will contain one or two double- or queen-sized beds, and it is not possible to add extra beds to the room. Parties consisting of more than two travellers, but who have only booked one room, will be expected to make use of the two beds provided. If this is a concern, you may wish to consider booking more than one room for your group.