Eager travelers based in the US have plenty of options when it comes to exploring new terrain – read on to discover top destinations for American jetsetters and book one of these adventurous trips.
There’s no time like the present to start planning your next big vacation abroad. Whether you’re thinking about getting out of town for a few days or escaping to another continent for a longer adventure, this selection of our best trips for American tourists should give you some inspiration.
Vietnam, for rural wonders and urban delights
Curved around the eastern edge of mainland Southeast Asia is Vietnam, home to the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay and vibrant cities such as Hanoi and Hoi An. Visiting Vietnam as an American requires a visa application, but it’s well worth it, as you’ll soon be on your way to pristine beaches, idyllic national parks and delicious cuisine. If food is your focus when traveling, you’ll love this 12-day Vietnam adventure, which includes Vietnamese street food aplenty, and a cooking masterclass, interspersed with walking tours, swimming, kayaking, and an overnight luxury cruise.
From US$1204
Next available from 5th Dec 2023
Secure your spot with a low deposit
Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Hanoi, Vietnam
ENDS AT
Hoi An, Vietnam
DURATION
12
GROUP SIZE
18
PHYSICAL RATING
Light
STYLE
Discovery
The Galapagos Islands, for incredible wildlife in abundance
A once-in-a-lifetime experience for any American, visiting the Galapagos Islands will bring you up close and personal with the extraordinary biodiversity that influenced Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution. An organized tour is the best way to get around the islands – and this express, five-day journey is led by Culture Trip’s Local Insider, who’ll show you the best parts as well as some lesser-known spots. Swim with sea lions, snorkel with sea turtles, hike along lava trails and spot giant Galapagos tortoises roaming in the wild on this bucket list adventure.
From US$1869
Next available from 6th Jan 2024
Secure your spot with a low deposit
Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island
ENDS AT
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, San Cristobal Island
DURATION
5
GROUP SIZE
14
PHYSICAL RATING
Light
STYLE
Discovery
Ecuador, for volcano hiking, white water rafting and horse riding
From the Amazon rainforest to the Andes mountains, Ecuador is brimming with natural wonders. When you’re not busy scaling a volcano or white water rafting, you’ll be admiring the colonial architecture and learning the secrets of Ecuadorian cuisine in the high-altitude capital, Quito. This eight-day adventure takes you through the heart of the country, where you’ll go horseback riding in Cotopaxi National Park, hike around the Quilotoa crater lake, cycle the Baños Waterfall Route and ride the Swing at the End of the World.
From US$1459
Next available from 9th Dec 2023
Secure your spot with a low deposit
Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Quito, Ecuador
ENDS AT
Quito, Ecuador
DURATION
8
GROUP SIZE
16
PHYSICAL RATING
Moderate
STYLE
Discovery
Iceland, for otherwordly landscapes and glacier treks
Planning a trip to Europe but put off by long flight times? Iceland is a perfect European destination for Americans for this reason – direct flights from the East Coast to Reykjavik are under six hours. Our five-day epic adventure to Iceland showcases the out-of-this-world landscapes, waterfalls, hot springs and glaciers this country is best known for. After travelling across the country – and hopefully seeing the Northern Lights – you’ll finish off the trip with a soak in the Blue Lagoon.
From US$2369
Next available from 21st Oct 2023
Secure your spot with a low deposit
Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Reykjavik, Iceland
ENDS AT
Reykjavik, Iceland
DURATION
5
GROUP SIZE
16
PHYSICAL RATING
Moderate
STYLE
Discovery
Costa Rica, for jungle trekking, hot springs and waterfalls
Cloud forests, white sand beaches and dozens of volcanoes – the otherworldly landscapes of Costa Rica make it the ideal getaway for Americans, without having to fly long haul. There’s incredible biodiversity in the jungle, including sloths, jaguars and capuchin monkeys. You’ll have a chance to spot these creatures on our eight-day Costa Rica tour, while also enjoying the”pura vida” lifestyle with activities including sunrise yoga, coffee tasting and cooking workshops. White water rafting, ziplining and mountain biking are also on the agenda.
From US$2099
Next available from 9th Dec 2023
Secure your spot with a low deposit
Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
San Jose, Costa Rica
ENDS AT
Tamarindo, Provincia De Guanacaste
DURATION
8
GROUP SIZE
17
PHYSICAL RATING
Moderate
STYLE
Discovery
Maja Proescholdt contributed additional reporting to this article.
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!
Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.
KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.
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