Our equestrian tours in USA

Visas

Visa Note

Types of Visa and Cost

Validity

Applications to:
Embassy or consulate.

Working Days Required
Usually five after interview. Some cases may take up to 12 weeks – check with embassy/consulate

Passports

Passport Note

Money

Currency

US Dollar (US$) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of US$100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1. Coins are in denominations of US$1, and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 cents.

Currency Exchange

Hotels do not, as a rule, exchange currency and only a few major banks will exchange foreign currency, so it is advisable to arrive with US Dollars.

Credit/Debit Cards and ATMs

Most major credit cards are accepted throughout the USA, including American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa. Visitors are advised to carry at least one major credit card, as it is common to request prepayment or a credit card imprint for hotel rooms and car hire, even when final payment is not by credit card.

Traveller's Cheques

Widely accepted in hotels, stores and restaurants, provided they are US Dollar cheques; Pound Sterling traveller's cheques are not acceptable and few banks will change these. Change is issued in US Dollars. It should be noted that many banks do not have the facility to cash traveller's cheques and those that do are likely to charge a high commission. One or (in some cases) two items of identification (passport, credit card, driving licence) may also be required. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in US Dollars.

Banking Hours

Variable, but generally Mon-Fri 0900-1700.

Health

Vaccinations

Other Risks

Rabies may be present in wildlife. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay. For more information, consult the Health appendix.

Health Care

Medical insurance providing cover up to at least US$500,000 is strongly advised. Only emergency cases are treated without prior payment and treatment will often be refused without evidence of insurance or a deposit. All receipts must be kept in order to make a claim. Medical facilities are generally of an extremely high standard. Many medications available over the counter in other countries require a prescription in the US. Those visiting the USA for long periods with school-age children should be aware that school entry requirements include proof of immunisation against diphtheria, measles, poliomyelitis and rubella throughout the USA, and schools in many States also require immunization against tetanus, pertussis and mumps. HIV-positive visitors must apply at the Embassy for a waiver of inadmissibility before entry.

Getting There

Getting There by Air

The principal US airlines operating international services are: American Airlines (AA) (website: www.aa.com), Continental Airlines (website: www.continental.com), Delta Air (website: www.delta.com), Northwest Airlines (website: www.nwa.com) and United Airlines (website: www.ual.com).

Flight Times

From London to Miami is 9 hours 45 minutes, to New York is 7 hours 50 minutes, to San Francisco is 11 hours 10 minutes, to Seattle is 9 hours 50 minutes and to Washington DC is 8 hours 25 minutes (all times are by non-stop flight).

Note

Return flights to Europe from the east coast of the USA take approximately 30 to 40 minutes less than outward westbound flights, and from the west coast of the USA approximately 60 minutes less. Visitors arriving in the USA via international airports may be subject to serious delays. A stringent new security system, which requires all visitors with visas to be photographed and fingerprinted upon entry, was put into operation in January 2004, as part of US anti-terrorism measures. Experts warn that this heightened state of alert could prevail for the next few years.

Main Airports

The busiest airports in the USA include Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (ATL) (website: www.atlanta-airport.com), Chicago O'Hare International (ORD) (website: www.ohare.com/ohare/home/asp), Los Angeles International (LAX) (website: www.lawa.org/lax), Dallas/Fort Worth International (DFW) (website: www.dfwairport.com), and Las Vegas McCarran International (LAS) (website: www.mccarran.com). For further details, consult the individual State sections.

Departure Tax None.

Getting There by Water

Main ports: Port of Anchorage (website: www.muni.org/port), Honolulu, State of Hawaii, Harbor Division (website: www.state.hi.us/dot/harbors), Port of New Orleans (website: www.portno.com), New York, The Port Authority on NY & NJ (website: www.panynj.gov/aviation.html), and Tampa Port Authority (website: www.tampaport.com).

Numerous cruise lines sail from ports worldwide to both the east and west coasts.

Getting There by Rail

The US and Mexican rail networks connect at Yuma, El Paso and Del Rio, with limited scheduled passenger services. There are several connections with the Canadian network, including New York–Montréal, Chicago–Toronto and Seattle–Vancouver services. For further information, contact Amtrak (tel: 1800 872 7245 or (212) 582 6875; website: www.amtrak.com). In the UK, contact Leisurail (tel: 0800 698 7545 or 0870 750 0222).

Getting There by Road

There are many crossing points from Canada to the USA. The major road routes are: New York to Montréal/ Ottawa, Detroit to Toronto/Hamilton, Minneapolis to Winnipeg and Seattle to Vancouver/Edmonton/Calgary. There are road links to Mexican destinations from El Paso, San Diego, Tucson and San Antonio.

Bus: Greyhound offers services to many destinations in Canada and some destinations in Mexico (tel: 1800 231 2222; website: www.greyhound.com).

Getting Around

Getting Around by Air

The USA may be crossed within five hours from east to west and within two hours from north to south. Strong competition between airlines has resulted in a wide difference between fares. Categories of fares include first-class, economy, excursion and discount. Night flights are generally cheaper.
Cheap fares: Money-saving schemes for overseas visitors include discounts on internal flights with the Visit USA (VUSA) Airpass, offered by the principal US airlines (often in conjunction with British Airways) and can be purchased in advance. (Delta offers a similar scheme branded as Discover America.) These passes are offered as a minimum of three and a maximum of 10 coupons entitling the passenger to that number of flights within the USA at a discounted fare; price is based on the number of flight segments. A number of restrictions usually apply, including: (a) the pass must be booked in conjunction with a round-trip flight to the USA (although this can, in some cases, be on a different carrier); (b) tickets must be purchased outside North America and are not available to US, Canadian and some Caribbean residents; (c) tickets must often be purchased before a specified time (eg 21 days in advance); (d) the traveller must utilise the first coupon within a specified time period (usually within 60 days of arrival in the USA) and use all the coupons within 180 days of arrival. Agents are advised to contact the offices of individual airlines once a basic itinerary has been organised, as terms may vary.
Note: Baggage allowance is often determined by number and size in addition to weight.

Getting Around by Water

There are extensive water communications both along the coastline and along the great rivers and lakes. The Ohio River carries more water traffic than any other inland waterway in the world. Tour ships and passenger and freight lines crisscross all the Great Lakes from ports in Duluth, Sault Sainte Marie, Milwaukee, Chicago, Detroit, Buffalo, Rochester, Cleveland and Toronto.

Getting Around by Rail

Nearly all the long-distance trains are operated by Amtrak, which serves more than 500 communities in 45 States over a 35,000km (22,000 mile) route system. Even so, rail is not considered the best or fastest way to travel within the USA, as trains can be slow and infrequent, as well as expensive. Some services, however, are popular and reliable. Services along the northeast corridor exist between Boston, New York and Washington. The ‘Acela Express’ high-speed rail service along the northeast corridor is capable of travelling up to 240kph (150mph), reducing the current three-hour trip between Washington, DC and New York by 30 minutes and the New York to Boston journey from four hours 30 minutes to three hours. Other routes from Washington, DC run south to Miami and New Orleans, and from Boston, New York or Washington, DC to Chicago. From Chicago, daily services radiate to Seattle, Portland, Oakland, San Francisco, Los Angeles, New Orleans and San Antonio (via Fort Worth). Connections also exist between Los Angeles and San Diego, Los Angeles and San Francisco, San Francisco and Bakersfield, San Francisco and Seattle (via Portland), San Antonio and Oklahoma City, New Orleans and Atlanta, and Kansas City and St Louis, amongst others. A coast-to-coast train service is provided between Jacksonville and Los Angeles via Tucson, El Paso, San Antonio, Houston and New Orleans. Prices and timetables are subject to change without notice.
A variety of State and municipal bodies operate short-distance and commuter rail lines around various urban centres, many connected to stops on the Amtrak lines. Amtrak also operates a Thruway bus service, which connects to some cities and towns not on the Amtrak grid. A number of independent companies offer short routes, often in scenic locations, onboard vintage trains. These routes are often a good idea for travellers wishing to reach wilderness locations that are off the beaten track.
Amtrak contact details: For up-to-date information, contact Amtrak (tel: (800) 872 7245 (toll-free in USA); website: www.amtrak.com); in the UK, contact Leisurail (tel: (0800) 698 7545 or (0870) 750 0222). US travel agents can also obtain information on Amtrak train services, schedules and travel packages through the Western Folder Distribution Company Travel Information Network by entering their ARC number online (website: www.travelinfonetwork.com). Facilities and services: Nearly all trains have coach seating and air conditioning, with a variety of sleeping accommodation available for a supplemental charge. All long-distance trains have waiter-staffed, seated dining facilities. Cafe cars on shorter trips provide snacks and beverages that guests can take back to their seats.
Tour packages: Amtrak offers a variety of tour packages throughout the USA flexible to any budget. Full details are provided in the Amtrak Travel Planner, which is widely available. A great deal of the USA’s beautiful scenery and historical sites can only be viewed by train. Passenger trains continue to attract a discerning and ever-increasing clientele. Indeed, rail travel in the USA – as in many other countries – has undergone a considerable revival in recent years, and the trend continues. It is therefore advisable for passengers to reserve well in advance, as some routes are often booked out.
Cheap fares: The USA Rail Pass is specifically designed for international travellers from outside the USA or Canada and offers 15 or 30 days of unlimited travel either on a national or regional basis.
The National USA Rail Pass offers travel on the whole Amtrak network in the USA and Canada (excluding Auto Train, Metroliner and Acela Express between Boston, New York and Washington). It costs US$440 (US$295 off-peak) per person for 15 days and US$550 (US$385 off-peak) for 30 days. The peak season is from 28 May to 1 September and off-peak fares are in effect for the remainder of the year. Children under 2 years of age travel free and those aged 2 to 15 pay half the adult fare.
The following Regional USA Rail Passes are also available: The Northeast Rail Pass is valid on trains from Newport News (Virginia) north to Boston (Massachusetts), Burlington (Vermont) and Montréal (Canada), west from Philadelphia to Harrisburg (both Pennsylvania), west from New York City to Niagara Falls (New York State), and all stations in between; the East Rail Pass covers the region east of Chicago (Illinois) and New Orleans (Louisiana) up to Montréal; the West Rail Pass covers the region west of Chicago to Seattle (Washington State), Portland (Oregon), San Francisco and Los Angeles (both California); the Far West Rail Pass covers the region from Denver (Colorado) to Seattle, San Francisco and Los Angeles; and the Coastal Rail Pass covers the west coast and from Seattle to San Diego (California). Prices for these passes vary between US$205 for the 15-day Northeast Rail Pass and US$405 for the 30-day West Rail Pass (with a 20 to 30 per cent reduction during off-peak season). The Northeast Rail Pass also provides the option of purchasing a 5-day pass for US$149 during the peak and off-peak seasons. Passes can be purchased prior to travel to the USA or at Amtrak stations, upon presentation of a valid passport issued outside Canada or the USA. Passports and passes must be presented for the issuance of rail tickets. The passes cover coach-class travel tickets and seat reservations on Amtrak passenger services. However, rail passes act as a form of payment for seats only – to guarantee a seat on a specific train, a reservation must be made well in advance; cancellation fees may apply. Travellers should contact Amtrak (tel: (800) 872 7245) to find out whether reservations are required on specific journeys they wish to make. For journeys where reservations are required, train times should be reconfirmed 24 hours prior to departure. Travellers planning to travel during peak times should make reservations well in advance. Further information on prices and timetables is available from Amtrak (for contact details, see above). A list of international sales representatives can be found online (website: www.amtrak.com/international/salesreps.html).

Getting Around by Road

Driving is a marvellous way to see the USA, although the distances between cities can be enormous (eg 4716km (2930 miles) between San Francisco and New York City). A realistic evaluation of travel times should be made to avoid over-strenuous itineraries. Driving conditions are excellent and the road system reaches every town. Petrol (gas) is cheaper than in Europe. AAA (American Automobile Association; website: www.aaa.com) offers touring services, maps and travel advice to affiliate auto club members. Some AAA clubs offer referrals to companies for vehicle insurance policies, which are compulsory in all States, even for hire cars. AAA basic benefits are offered as a courtesy to affiliate auto club members who present their valid membership card (eg AA membership for the UK) while visiting in the USA. For further information, Americans should contact their local AAA club office (listed in the local telephone directory), while visitors to the USA should contact their own national association for information on the AAA before departure. Bus: Greyhound is the main national coach carrier and covers the whole of the USA. This 24-hour service is supplemented by over 11,000 other tour lines, covering the country with reasonably priced and regular services. Some Greyhound services are available to Canada and Mexico. There are express bus services between major cities. Air conditioning, toilets and reclining seats are available on all buses. Meals are not provided, however, food and drink (non-alcoholic) may be consumed on board and there are regular meal stops on longer routes. Unlimited stopovers are allowed for unrestricted fares. Reservations are not accepted (although may be required if connecting to another carrier) and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis; passengers are advised to arrive at the terminal approximately one hour before the scheduled departure. For information on fares and schedules, contact Greyhound (tel: (800) 231 2222 (toll-free in USA) or (214) 849 8100 (international callers); website: www.greyhound.com).
Cheap fares: Greyhound offers a range of Discovery Pass programmes, valid for 4 to 60 days in the USA and/or Canada, which can be purchased by US, Canadian and overseas travellers. The International Ameripass is 10 to 15 per cent cheaper than the domestic version, but must be purchased outside the USA and Canada. The Ameripass, which gives seven, 10, 15, 21, 30, 45 or 60 days unlimited travel throughout the USA and some points within Mexico, costs US$229-609 for domestic purchasers (US$219-559 for international). A four-day pass is also available for US$165, but only to overseas visitors. Passes are validated at the ticket counter at the beginning of the trip and identification must be shown; individual tickets are not necessary. The pass is valid for a continuous period (depending on which pass is purchased) starting from validation. Unlimited stops are allowed.
Discounted fares are available for children aged 2 to 12 years, passengers over 62 years old and students enrolled in undergraduate or postgraduate study. A variety of regional discounts are also available.
For further details, contact Greyhound on one of their Discovery Pass numbers (tel: (888) 454 7277 (if purchased in the USA) or (888) 661 8747 (if purchased in Canada) or (402) 330 8552 or 330 8584 (if purchased overseas)).
Car hire: Major international companies have offices at all gateway airports and in most cities. There are excellent discounts available for foreign visitors. US$160 per week is an acceptable budget rate and drivers should make sure that free unlimited mileage is included. A drop-off charge will most likely be added if the car is deposited in a different city from the one in which it was hired. Credit-card deposits and inclusive rates are generally required. As a guide to car sizes, an ‘Economy’ or ‘Compact’ refers to a car the size of a standard European car, while a ‘Standard’ refers to a car nearly the size of a limousine. Minimum ages for hirers vary according to the rental company, pick-up point and method of payment. Agents are advised to contact the individual companies for information on drivers under 25 years of age.
Those looking to hire a car in the USA can save money through fly-drive deals and by booking a car in advance (obtaining written confirmation of the price is recommended).
Drive away: Auto Driveaway provides a service enabling the traveller to drive cars to and from a given point, only paying the price of petrol. A deposit is often required and time and mileage limits are set for delivery, which leaves very little time for sightseeing (there are heavy financial penalties for those who exceed the limits). Drivers should also check the car beforehand, so as not to incur any unnecessary repair costs. Some companies allow the driver to finish the journey in Canada. Details are published under Automobile & Truck Transporting in the US Yellow Pages. For further information, contact Auto Driveaway (tel: (312) 341 1900; website: www.autodriveaway.com).
Campers/motorhomes: The hire of self-drive campers or motorhomes, which are called ‘recreational vehicles’ or RVs in the USA, is easy and provides a good means of getting around. For more information contact The Recreational Vehicle Dealers Association (tel: (480) 464 7300; website: www.cruiseamerica.com).
Documentation and insurance: An International Driving Permit is recommended, although it is not legally required (it is often very useful as an additional proof of identity). A full national driving licence is accepted for up to one year. All travellers intending to hire or drive cars or motorhomes in the USA are strongly advised to ensure that the insurance policy covers their total requirements, covering all drivers and passengers against injury or accidental death. A yellow ‘non-resident, interstate liability insurance card’, which acts as evidence of financial responsibility, is available through motor insurance agents. Additional Collision Damage Waiver covering the car itself is also strongly recommended; in some states this extra insurance is included in hire rates by law.
Traffic regulations: Traffic drives on the right. The speed limit is usually 55mph (89kph) on motorways, but varies from State to State. Speed limits are clearly indicated along highways and are strictly enforced, with heavy fines imposed. Note that it is illegal to pass a school bus that has stopped to unload its passengers (using indicators and warning lights) and all vehicles must stop until the bus has moved back into the traffic stream. It is illegal for drivers not to have their licences immediately to hand. If stopped, do not attempt to pay a driving fine on the spot (unless it is demanded), as it may be interpreted as an attempt to bribe. Note: There are extremely tough laws against drinking and driving throughout the USA. These laws are strictly enforced.

Getting Around Towns and Cities

Some US cities now have good public transport services following a ‘transit renaissance’ after the energy crises of the 1970s. There are numerous underground train systems in operation in major cities including New York (subway), Washington, DC (metro), Boston (‘T’), Chicago (train) and San Francisco (BART – Bay Area Rapid Transit); others are being planned or built. There are also several tramway and trolleybus systems, including the much-loved antique trams found in San Francisco.
Note: Many of the underground train systems are dangerous during off-peak hours (the New York subway, in particular, has acquired an almost gothic reputation for violence, although this has been much exaggerated), but they offer cheap, quick and efficient travel during the working day, particularly in New York, Boston and Chicago. Travel by any other means during the day is likely to be slow and arduous.

Communications

Telephone

Full IDD is available. Country code: 1. For emergency police, fire or medical services in major cities, dial 911. The following area codes denote toll-free (freephone) numbers: 800, 855, 866, 877 and 888. Telephone numbers with the prefix 900 are usually expensive.

Mobile Telephone

Most foreign mobile telephones, unless tri-band, do not work in the USA and charges are high. Most visitors choose to hire a mobile telephone.

Internet

There are Internet cafes in most urban areas. Many of the international airports offer Internet access too.

Post

There are numerous post offices throughout the States. Stamps can also be bought at stamp machines in hotels and shops and at ATMs, at an extra cost. Airmail to Europe takes up to one week. Post office hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1700 (24 hours at main offices in larger cities).

Media

Press

The most influential papers are the Los Angeles Times, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and the Washington Post. Owing to the high degree of self-government of each State, newspapers tend to be region specific, although recent economic pressures have resulted in large-scale mergers. Even so, the USA publishes more newspapers than any other country, and has perhaps the bulkiest Sunday newspapers in the world, particularly the Sunday edition of The New York Times.

TV

The top television networks are ABC (American Broadcasting Corp), CBS (Columbia Broadcasting System), CNN (Cable News Network), FOX (Fox Television Network), and NBC (National Broadcasting Corp).

Radio

Among the national radio networks are ABC Radio Networks, American Radio Network (operated by CBS), National Public Radio and Westwood One (operated by CBS).