Southwest USA Discovery

• Return international flights (economy class), surcharges may apply

• 11 nights quality acccommodation including 2 nights on the iconic Las Vegas 'Strip'

• Enjoy 8 meals

• English-speaking tour guides
• Airline taxes and surcharges

• Transportation by private air-conditioned vehicles

• Arrive Early: Arrive up to 30 days before your tour starts. (Does not include hotel accommodation, meals or transfers)
• Stay Behind: Return up to 30 days after your tour concludes. (Does not include hotel accommodation, meals or transfers)
• Flight Upgrades: Upgrade to Premium Economy or Business Class. (See checkout for details)
• Preferred Airline: Fly with a preferred airline. (See checkout for details)

Please note: Extra charges may apply. See the Important Info section and checkout cart for fees and details.

Today you'll depart from Australia (or New Zealand) for Los Angeles, California. On arrival, make your own way to your nearby airport hotel by complimentary shuttle or a short taxi ride. Once you've checked in, enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure.

Please note:
• Standard check-in time is 15:00 so if you arrive early, luggage storage will be available at reception until check-in.
• Some flights may depart on Day 0 and some flights may involve a layover of up to 8 hours.

Overnight: Holiday Inn LAX or similar, Los Angeles

Meals included: In-Flight

Today is a free day to explore Los Angeles at leisure.

Overnight: Holiday Inn LAX or similar, Los Angeles

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning head out on a sightseeing tour of Hollywood for a walk down Hollywood Boulevard with the legendary Graumans Chinese Theatre where you will find the handprints of famous stars in the cement. Continue on and visit downtown, the business district and the Mexican quarter. This afternoon, depart Los Angeles and travel onwards to Palm Springs.

Palm Springs, California, is a sun-soaked desert oasis renowned for its blend of natural beauty, luxurious amenities, and vibrant cultural scene. Nestled in the Coachella Valley and surrounded by the San Jacinto Mountains, Palm Springs offers a unique mix of relaxation, adventure, and mid-century modern charm.

Today's driving distance is approximately 190 kilometres.

Overnight: Palm Mountain Resort or similar, Palm Springs

Meals included: Breakfast

Today depart Palm Springs and travel onwards to beautiful Joshua Tree National Park.

Joshua Tree National Park, located in southeastern California, is a vast expanse of rugged wilderness that offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty, geological wonders, and a rich cultural history. Named for the iconic Joshua trees (Yucca brevifolia) that dot its landscape, the park covers over 790,000 acres and is characterized by its stunning desert scenery and diverse ecosystems.

Afterwards continue onwards to Arizona to Phoenix/Scottsdale, where you will check into your accommodation and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Todays driving distance is approximately 450 kilometres.

Overnight: La Quinta Inn & Suites, Scottsdale

Meals included: None

This morning, departure to Sedona, where you will arrive in time to enjoy lunch on your own. Sedona has been revered as a magnificent spiritual haven since prehistoric times. Native Americans have been coming to Sedona for their religious ceremonies, their spiritual awakenings, their rites of passage and their weddings for hundreds of years. Red sandstone cliffs rise a thousand feet above the valley floor. Buttes, mesas and pinnacles of rock rise throughout the valley.

Afterwards head north to iconic Grand Canyon, a superb geological phenomenon and most certainly one of the highlights of your trip. Walk along the South Rim to see one of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring wonders in the world. The Grand Canyon is the result of millions of years of wind and water erosion and it is an endless expanse of shapes, colors and impenetrable shadows. The Colorado River flows over a mile below the canyon rim.

Finish the day in Flagstaff where you will check into your accommodation for an evening at leisure.

Todays driving distance is approximately 500 kilometres.

Overnight: Days Hotel or similar, Flagstaff

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning depart Arizona and travel into Nevada to Las Vegas, also known as 'Sin City'. On the way, make a stop in the kitschy town of Seligman along the famous Route 66. On arrival in Las Vegas enjoy some time at the outlets before checking into your hotel conveniently located on 'The Strip'.

Today's driving distance is approximately 360 kilometres.

Overnight: Excalibur Hotel or similar, Las Vegas

Meals included: Breakfast

A full day at leisure to relax by the pool, try your hand in the casino, do some shopping, or you can opt to enjoy one of the many shows and concerts that play daily.

Overnight: Excalibur Hotel or similar, Las Vegas

Meals included: None

This morning, you'll cross the Nevada desert on your way to Pahrump and Shoshone. Upon entering the state of California, you'll descend to the impressive Death Valley, which is 97 metres below sea level. This area is so desolate that the first cowboys who ventured here described it as ‘no stream to drink from, no tree to hang from’. You'll discover Badwater Basin (if weather permits) which is the lowest spot in the valley, Furnace Creek and the Stovepipe dunes. Visit the Borax Museum featuring displays about the history of borax mining in Death Valley before continuing to Mammoth Lakes and checking-in for an evening at leisure after an approximately 600-kilometre travel day.

Please note: For departure dates from November to June will overnight in Bakersfield in place of Mammoth Lakes as access to Yosemite National Park via Tioga Pass is not possible during these months due to snow accumulation.

Overnight: Mammoth Mountain Inn or similar, Mammoth Lakes OR Hourglass Hotel or similar, Bakersfield

Meals included: None

This morning, you'll depart Mammoth Lakes (or Bakersfield) and drive to the majestic Yosemite National Park, one of the most beautiful parks in the state of California. You might find that Yosemite surprises you with its fresh Alpine landscapes, pine forests, magnificent waterfalls and sheer white monolithic cliffs that tower over the valley. You'll discover Half Dome, Yosemite Valley, Bridalveil Falls and Yosemite Falls, as well as visit a pioneer village in the southern part of the park.

You'll then drive down the mountains and across the fertile agricultural lands of Central Valley to arrive in Merced where you will check in for an evening at leisure after an approximately 450-kilometre travel day.

Please note: For departure dates from November to June will overnight in Bakersfield in place of Mammoth Lakes as access to Yosemite National Park via Tioga Pass is not possible during these months due to snow accumulation.

Overnight: Days Inn Yosemite or similar, Merced

Meals included: Breakfast

Today depart Merced for the California coast, specifically the Monterey Peninsula with its splendid beaches, cypress trees and cliffs. It has been a favorite spot for many American and European painters and poets. Tour of the town of Monterey, particularly the fishing port and Cannery Row, made immortal by the writer John Steinbeck. Continue along the coast to nearby Carmel, one the most charming coastal towns of California, with untouched beaches and attractive shops. Continue onwards to San Francisco where you will check into your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Today's driving distance is approximately 400 kilometres.

Overnight: Hotel Zoe or similar, San Francisco

Meals included: Breakfast

Start the day with a guided tour of San Francisco, one of the most photographed, filmed and documented cities in the world, a tantalizing mixture of history and modern sophistication. Built on several hills, the city is the gem of the magnificent bay at the foot of those hills. Today you will see the business district, Union Square, Chinatown, then cross the world-famous Golden Gate Bridge to the picturesque town of Sausalito.

Finish the day back at your hotel where you may enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Overnight: Hotel Zoe or similar, San Francisco

Meals included: Breakfast

Today at the appropriate time make your own way to the airport for your return flight home to Australia or New Zealand.

Please note: Some flights will depart late in the evening. Luggage storage is available at reception

Meals included: Breakfast; In-Flight

Meals included: None

Meals included: None

After purchase, you will receive a receipt and a Purchase Confirmation, directing you to an online Passenger Information Form. You must complete the Passenger Information Form within 72 hours of purchase.

Any special requests, preferences and optional extras MUST be clearly stated in your Passenger Information Form. Any change requested after submitting your Passenger Information Form cannot be guaranteed, is strictly subject to availability and will incur surcharges as outlined in the Schedule of Fees below.

On purchasing this Travel Offer, you are bound by the General Terms and Conditions and the specific terms and conditions outlined in this Important Information. 

Please note: All countries and territories have different entry requirements in relation to vaccinations, quarantine/isolation periods and travel restrictions. Due to the evolving nature, we would ask all of our customers to monitor, meet and adhere to the specific requirements of their intended destination(s) in the lead-up to and immediately before travel, as well as any requirements post-travel upon their return.

CANCELLATION POLICY
Tour packages are non-refundable. If your tour package is affected by Covid-19-related travel restrictions and you are unable to travel, you will receive either a free date change (credit that is specific to your original package and purchase value) or an open credit less any non-recoverable supplier fees to the value of your original purchase for use on any other tour or package available via the TripADeal website.

Please note: Date change credits are subject to availability and not guaranteed until confirmed by TripADeal, not the tour operator you are due to stay with.
 
We recommend you consider purchasing travel insurance with Covid-19 protection. The standard cancellation policy will apply if you cannot travel because you have tested positive for Covid-19.

Please note: All additional charges are payable in AUD (unless otherwise stated). 

This travel offer is valid for travel on selected dates until the 19th of November 2025.
This travel offer is priced per person based on a twin share.

Single Traveller Supplement
For solo travellers, a mandatory single supplement of $1450 applies. 
Please note: accommodation for single customers who are travelling on a tour or cruise package may be in a single room, depending on availability.

Departure Dates     
2025
May: 21
July: 30
August: 20
September: 3, 17
October: 15
November: 5, 19

Please note: See checkout for live dates and availability.

Departure Cities      
Sydney, Melbourne*, Brisbane*, Adelaide*, Perth*, Auckland*

Departure City Surcharges
Melbourne, Brisbane: $100 per person
Adelaide, Perth: $300 per person
Auckland: $500 per person

International Full-Service Airline(s) Used
• Cabin Class: Economy Class

Please note: We cannot accommodate one-way flights. Travellers must take all included flights within the package, and any flights intentionally forfeited will result in later flights being subject to cancellation. 

Preferred Airline surcharge
• Cabin Class: Economy Class
• Qantas: $300 per person 

Please note: 
• Preferred airlines are subject to availability. If we are unable to fulfil your request, the above extra cost will be refunded.
• On any upgrade purchase, short-haul flights and domestic flight sectors are not guaranteed, subject to aircraft configuration.
• In the event that a purchased stopover package and a purchased preferred airline upgrade are not compatible, you will have the option to receive a refund for the preferred airline upgrade or be offered an alternative stopover city option, e.g if you choose to fly with Singapore Airlines you cannot stopover in Dubai.
• Preferred airline refers to the marketing carrier and could include codeshare partners. 

Arrive Early Options
Los Angeles - $400 per person

Please note:
• This fee does not include extra nights' accommodation, meals or airport transfers.
• You may book a date to arrive early via our website but only a date that is within 30 days of the tour departure date. If you wish to arrive earlier than 30 days before your tour departure date, please call our friendly staff for availability and pricing. Additional costs may apply
• No flight booking changes or cancellations are permitted after air tickets have been issued.
• Flight changes are subject to availability at the time of booking.
• A high season arrive early can be purchased for up to $700 per person, subject to availability.
• High season surcharges apply to flights departing between the below date ranges (only available for purchase over the phone):
28 March 2025 - 27 April 2025
16 June 2025 - 20 July 2025
15 September 2025 - 12 October 2025
1 December 2025 - 31 January 2026

Stay Behind Options
San Francisco - $400 per person

Please note:
• This fee does not include extra nights' accommodation, meals or airport transfers.
• A stay behind can only be booked up to one month after your package end date upon check-out. Should you wish to stay later, please contact us to request availability. Additional costs may apply.
• No flight booking changes or cancellations are permitted after air tickets have been issued.
• Flight changes are subject to availability at the time of booking.
• A high season stay behind can be purchased for up to $700 per person, subject to availability.
• High season surcharges apply to flights departing between the below date ranges (only available for purchase over the phone):
28 March 2025 - 27 April 2025
16 June 2025 - 20 July 2025
15 September 2025 - 12 October 2025
1 December 2025 - 31 January 2026

Flight Class Upgrades
Business or Premium Economy Class: For pricing, please refer to the payment cart at checkout.
Please note:
• Flight upgrades are subject to availability and pricing changes (if we cannot fulfil your request, the upgrade cost will be refunded).
• On any upgrade purchase, short-haul flights and domestic flight sectors are not guaranteed

Missed Flights 
If you fail to arrive for your outbound flight, you risk all flight and land arrangements in your destination being automatically cancelled by the airlines and land operator, respectively. Additional fees may apply to reinstate these services. If you miss your flight for whatever reason, please contact us as soon as possible to make arrangements. 

Accommodation Used:
3-star Properties (Self-Rated)
• Los Angeles: Holiday Inn LAX or similar
• Palm Springs: Palm Mountain Resort or similar
• Scottsdale: La Quinta Inn & Suites or similar
• Flagstaff: Days Inn or similar
• Las Vegas: Excalibur Hotel or similar
• Mammoth Lakes: Mammoth Mountain Inn or similar (Offered in place of Bakerfield depending on departure date)
• Bakersfield: Hourglass Hotel or similar (Offered in place of Mammoth Lakes depending on departure date)
• Merced: Days Inn Yosemite or similar
• San Francisco: Hotel Zoe or similar

Please note: Accommodation/rooms offered are based on a lead-in room type and are subject to availability based on seasonality. In the instance a property is not available, a similar standard of accommodation will be provided. Properties will be confirmed and included in your travel pack, which you will receive 4-6 weeks before travel.

Extra Nights
Not available at check-out. 

Please note: If you are interested in booking additional nights of accommodation pre or post-tour, please wait until you receive your travel documentation approximately 4-6 weeks before departure for the confirmed list of hotels. If booking your own additional accommodation directly with the hotel, please be aware that you may be required to change rooms at the start/end of your tour. 

Maximum Room Capacity
2 people.

Child Policy
• No child discounts. The full price applies to all children travelling with their parents.
• Valid for children 8 years old and over.

Please note: Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult 18 years old and over to travel. No unaccompanied minors are allowed.

Triple Share
Unavailable

Bedding Configuration
Twin or double (subject to availability).

Minimum group size 20, maximum group size 40 per vehicle.

• Visa fees and requirements 
• Domestic transfers and flights not stated in the deal offer
• Meals/beverages not stated in the deal offer
• Highly recommended gratuities/tipping 
• Optional activities/tours 
• Personal expenses
• Travel insurance
• Any costs associated with an interruption to your tour as a result of an airline schedule change or cancellation

TOUR GUIDE VS. TOUR LEADER
Tour Guide: 
Often locals with intimate knowledge of an area, its culture, and history. Their role entails providing commentary, routing the tour, and seeing that people have a good time. They are a licensed, qualified expert who supplies specific information on the history, art, architecture and culture of the city/village/attraction where they are guiding the tour. The guide meets the group at the required place and leaves it at the end of the tour; they do not travel with the group. 

Tour Leader: 
An experienced person tasked with ensuring the smooth operation of tours, as well as providing practical support to passengers throughout the whole trip. Their role primarily includes assisting with accommodation, transportation between locations, and communication with tour guides at each stop. A tour leader may provide general guidance around a city or village and offer information on the place visited on the bus. However, they are not required to have specific art, architecture, or historical knowledge. They are not allowed to provide a guided tour or commentary of a city/village/attraction once there and, if caught doing so, can be fined. 

Please note: Tour leaders/guides are not a standard inclusion in all travel offers. Tour leaders/guides will only be made available when required to enhance the experience of the destination featured. 

CLIMATE & AVERAGE TEMPERATURES
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is located in the Mojave Desert in Nevada, which means it has a desert climate characterised by hot summers and mild winters. 

Summers (June to August)
Las Vegas experiences scorching hot summers with average daytime temperatures ranging from 38°C to 43°C. Heatwaves are common, with temperatures occasionally surpassing 46°C. Nights are relatively cooler but can still be warm, with temperatures typically ranging from 21°C to 27°C.

Autumn (September to November)
Autumn in Las Vegas is warm and pleasant. September can still be hot, with temperatures similar to summer, but gradually start to cool down as the season progresses. Average daytime temperatures in November range from 18°C to 24°C, with cooler nights.

Spring (March to May)
Spring in Las Vegas brings back warmer temperatures. March is still relatively cool, but by May, temperatures rise significantly. Daytime temperatures range from 21°C to 29°C in May. Nights are generally comfortable, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 6°C.

Rainfall
Las Vegas is known for its low rainfall. The city receives an average annual precipitation of around 4-5 inches (10-13 cm). Most of the rainfall occurs during winter and early spring, with occasional showers and thunderstorms. However, dry conditions dominate throughout the year.

Sunshine
Las Vegas is known for its abundant sunshine. The city enjoys over 300 days of sunshine annually, making it a popular destination for outdoor activities.

FLIGHTS
Seat Selection & Frequent Flyer Points:
We do not arrange seat selection. It is essential to highlight that some airlines do not allow pre-selected seats. We strongly suggest you contact the airline directly with seating allocation requirements and/or arrive at the airport earlier to arrange your seating. While we do not add frequent flyer member details to bookings, you can do this directly with the airline once you have your flight information

Passport Validity:
Customers must provide valid passport details either at the time of purchase or no later than 45 days before the departure date. Failure to do so may result in the cancellation of the booking. Customers will be responsible for any costs and fees incurred in this instance.

Cruise Loyalty Discounts:
Please note: Travellers must contact the cruise line directly upon receiving their travel documents in order to request any membership benefits they may be entitled to.

COACH TOUR
Meals:
For meals not included, the tour leader (when available) will offer assistance with reservations, suggestions and directions to local restaurants. It is your responsibility to notify us of any dietary requests/requirements. Please note: We will do our best to meet your requests/requirements; however, we cannot guarantee that we will always be able to.

Luggage:
You will be responsible for all your personal belongings whilst on tour. You must carry your own luggage from the vehicle to the hotel room and back to the vehicle. The driver will assist with the uploading and unloading of bags from the vehicle.

OTHER
Mobility:
If you require wheelchair access please contact our friendly sales and service team to inquire on your behalf.

Fitness Level Required:
A leisurely level of fitness will be required. Light walking, including up multiple stairs, and occasional hiking, may involve uneven surfaces. Able to travel unassisted and get on and off vehicles and small boats. Suitable for most fitness levels and mobility.
Please note: If you have any concerns, please consult your healthcare provider prior to purchase/travel.

Gratuities / Tipping:
Land
Gratuities (tips) are not included for the services of the tour leader (when available) and driver throughout the tour. The highly recommended tip is $4 USD for the driver and $5 USD for the guide, per person per day where touring/transfer services are provided. This covers the guide/leader and the driver and will be collected on tour.

Please note: Tipping for services provided is always a matter of personal discretion; however, please be aware that many locals consider tipping part of their normal remuneration, and they may approach you for payment; there's no need to be intimidated by the request.

Sightseeing:
Please note: If entry to a site is affected by changes in operating hours or public holiday closures, your itinerary, where possible, may be adjusted, or a similar activity will be offered in its place (subject to availability).

Shopping: 
Shopping overseas can be a daunting and confusing experience, especially when there is a language barrier. Please be very cautious when foreign currencies and prices are involved. If paying by credit card, please pay close attention to the amount you are being charged and keep all your receipts. 
Do not make any purchases you are not comfortable with or feel pressured into. If you are uncertain or need assistance with the language barrier, please seek assistance from your Tour Guide/Leader.
Please refer to our Terms and Conditions regarding shopping for further information.

United States
If travelling on an Australian Passport, an ESTA (Visa Waiver) for the USA is a strict requirement when travelling to or flying through the USA. Once a USA ESTA Visa Waiver is issued it is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires (whichever is sooner) and will allow multiple entries into the USA. For information on ESTA eligibility or to apply, please visit: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/

Please note: Due to recent changes in the USA Immigration policies, TripADeal recommends all travellers visit US Customs & Border Protection.

Important: 
• Please start arranging your visa three weeks before departure to account for any delays due to consulate operating hours.
• Visa rules may have changed since Covid-19. Some countries and airlines may require you to obtain an additional visa before arrival. Please check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering.
Please note: 
• Passengers who are not Australian citizens must also check with the respective consulate or visa agency to determine what their visa requirements are and what personal identification is required.
• It is also important to note that some areas of employment, such as journalism, government authorities and charity organisations, may have additional restrictions in applying for visas. This may, in turn, affect the type of application required.

Embarking on your next trip is exciting, and while you hope the unexpected does not happen, it is best to be prepared. We strongly recommend you take out travel insurance when making your booking. Whether it’s a potential medical emergency, a flight cancellation, a delayed suitcase, or an unforeseen event, it's important to ensure you're adequately protected. For more information or advice visit https://www.tripadeal.com.au/travel-insurance

Voluntary Changes
This includes booking changes requested by you, including but not limited to those changes requiring an airline ticket or a Purchase Confirmation reissue.
• Changes - $100 AUD per booking and any additional charges applied by the airline/cruise company/accommodation/other travel providers.

Name Changes Due To Passenger Error
• If the incorrect name has been provided, charges of $100 AUD per booking and any additional charges applied by the airline/cruise company/accommodation/other travel providers.

Supplier Fees
In the event the tour package you have purchased is unable to proceed, and/or a travel Supplier is unable to fulfil the tour due to external circumstances (Limitation of Liability e.g. a Force Majeure event), there may be a fee or amount of money that is withheld by our Suppliers and is unrecoverable. This may be due to non-refundable airline tickets, cancellation penalties with cruise cabins or unrecoverable payments with our land/accommodation partners. If refunds are not available from Suppliers, we will endeavour to obtain a travel credit on the best terms available and communicate these outcomes to you. In the event we are unable to obtain a refund or travel service credit, or part thereof, this cost is passed on to the customer as a Supplier Fee.