Outdoor experiences with private accommodation in the US
US operators have added new product that explores America’s wide-open spaces while offering private accommodation in cabins, tents and villas. Abra Dunsby finds out more
While travel to the US is yet to get the green light, there is some cause for some optimism this year, with many tour operators who sell the destination reporting an increase in enquiries since the election result and news of a US vaccine roll-out.
Many tour operators are reporting requests for US trips that explore wide-open spaces – such as its national parks – as clients look to avoid the crowds and stay safe. By the same token, some clients are also seeking private accommodation options that offer them seclusion and the chance to catch up with loved ones in their bubble.
Here, we speak to tour operators that have created new product satisfying clients’ desire to enjoy America’s famed Great Outdoors while opting for unique stays that embrace privacy.
Glamping in the South West
On America As You Like It’s new Quirky Stays & The Great Outdoors itinerary, which explores Arizona and Utah, clients will stay in a range of bubble-friendly accommodation, from wagons and private cabins to glamping sites.
The Under Canvas Lake Powell glamping tents in Utah are new for 2021, set on 220 acres and featuring in-tent wood-burning stoves and a lobby tent with board games.
Jenni Bridgman, trade director for Visit Utah UK, says: “The US South West features some of the most inspiring, atmospheric scenery in the world, including Utah’s “Mighty 5” national parks, Lake Powell and some remarkable lesser-known state parks – perfect for post-Covid travellers who will be keen to enjoy wide-open spaces and natural surroundings.
“The Under Canvas glamping properties provide an incredible connection with this amazing landscape and take clients’ stays to a whole new level. We can’t wait until British travellers can experience them for themselves once more.”
Book it: America As You Like It’s 13-night Quirky Stays & The Great Outdoors itinerary starts from £2,410pp including flights, accommodation and car hire. americaasyoulikeit.com/Quirky-Stays-Outdoors
Hawaiian beach house hangout
Luxury operator Audley Travel has recently added a portfolio of private stays across the US, allowing clients to experience the destination in a way that avoids the need to stay in hotels.
One example is Haena Beach House in Hawaii, a quirky, retro-styled property perched on the edge of a sandy beach and featuring excellent ocean views. With five bedrooms, the property is suited to large families or friendship groups. All bedrooms have ocean views and two are suites, which have their own lounge area.
The trip can be tailor-made to include private experiences, explains Kirsten Simm, senior product executive for the USA at Audley Travel. “These include helicopter flights over the scenery used as a backdrop for Jurassic Park, sailing and snorkelling trips to the offshore reefs, and hikes through the dramatic countryside.”
Book it: An eight-day Private stay at Haena Beach House, Kauai trip costs from £7,995pp (based on eight travelling), including all flights (with business class international flights), five nights at Haena Beach House,
two in a private villa, private touring, a private helicopter flight and car hire. audleytravel.com
RV road tripping in the North East
Renting an RV is a great option for couples or small families who want the freedom to move around as they please and the safety of travelling in their own bubble – plus costs are generally cheaper than booking hotel stays.
Red Savannah offers tailor-made RV itineraries for any US route. Melissa Matthews, regional director for Southeast Asia and North America, further details an RV’s appeal. “Travelling around the US in an RV is a great experience in the current Covid-recovering world, particularly for families. More time can be spent under one roof with an ever-changing backdrop as you drive through the iconic American scenery, avoiding crowds and finding remote locations to spend the night in.”
On the new 13-day Family RV Road Trip: North East USA itinerary, clients land in New York to pick up their RV, moving on to explore Lake George, Woodstock, White Mountain National Forest in New Hampshire and Maine’s Acadia national park.
Book it: Prices for a family of four start from a total of £16,255 including flights and RV hire, based on travel in June 2021. redsavannah.com
A motorhome trip in California
North America Travel Service recently added 22 new itineraries to its 2021 programme, all based on motorhome rentals, with space for up to three people in each vehicle. Managing director Ruby Briggs says: “We’ve seen an increase in requests for itineraries in the great outdoors, so we felt these motorhome-based itineraries would fit the bill perfectly.”
The operator’s Northern California By Motorhome trip includes time in the Sonoma wine region, while other highlights include seeing giant redwoods in Eureka and Redwood national park, enjoying the myriad adventure activities of Lake Tahoe and exploring Yosemite national park.
Book it: NATS’ Northern California By Motorhome itinerary starts from £1,135pp including RV rental and flights, based on travel in November 2021. northamericatravelservice.co.uk
Motorbiking in Colorado
Travelpack’s new ramped-up collection of motorcycle tours can be tailor-made to include glamping-style accommodation. The operator’s Colorado self-guided tour includes stays in cabins and deluxe tents, with days spent driving through the Rockies and exploring locations including Black Rock Canyon, Rio Grande national forest and Vail.
Graeme Evans, Travelpack’s global product manager, explains why he expects these sorts of trips to do well. “Motorcycle holidays have been selling well for 2021 and 2022, and I believe they will be more popular moving forward as people try to tick off more of their bucket list in a post-Covid world.
“Add to this the ability to socially distance even when travelling with a group, and the endless options of open roads surrounded by deserts, mountains or coastline, and this is a perfect way to see America in 2021 and beyond.”
Book it: Travelpack’s Colorado Motorcycle Tour starts from £2,357pp including flights, glamping accommodation, motorcycle rental and mobile tour guide app. travelpack.com
On the road
Red Savannah’s Melissa Matthews offers her top three tips for agents selling an RV trip to the US:
- Book well in advance, as the better vehicles go quickly.
- Buying a National Parks Annual Pass is more cost-effective if clients are visiting more than two parks during their trip.
- Book private guides for the best experience in the parks to maximise your clients’ time.
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