5 Day New Year's Rose Parade
From
$1749
Land Only
$2419*
Air & Land
Featured Hotels
| The Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites | Los Angeles, CA |
Not Included:
Transfers, optional tours and gratuities.
Additional Information:
For arrival and departure on North America packages with US gateways, transfers are not included with Air & Land packages nor available on an optional basis unless otherwise noted in your itinerary. See Trip Preparation -> Arrival & Departure for more information regarding options to transfer to your hotel.
Accommodation Details:
Triple rooms consist of two double/queen beds for three persons; where available, a fee may be charged by the hotel for the addition of a cot/rollaway.
Passengers traveling abroad require a passport valid for six months beyond their travel dates. All travelers are responsible to check if a visa is required for all countries on their itinerary. For visa information, check our Visas page.
Is This Trip Right for You?
Escorted Package Includes
- Round trip flights Chicago-Los Angeles, Los Angeles-Chicago
Other departure cities available. Click on date of departure for selection and prices - Airline taxes & fuel surcharges
- 4 nights accommodations in Los Angeles
- Hotel taxes, fees & service charges
- Hotel porterage
- 7 meals: 4 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners
- Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned motor coach
- Services of English-speaking tour manager throughout
- Entrance fees per itinerary
- Comfortable wireless earphones for enhanced touring
Special Features
- Embark on a city tour of Downtown Los Angeles, Beverly Hills and Hollywood
- Visit the recently opened Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, a shrine to the Oscars
- Join your Tour Manager for a festive New Year's Eve dinner
- Attend the famous 135th Rose Parade in Pasadena. From your specially selected grandstand seating marvel at the elaborate floats, decorated with colorful fresh flowers and other natural materials
- Opportunity to view the Rose Parade floats up-close
- Explore Santa Monica, the quintessential Southern California beach town
Is This Trip Right for You?
This moderately active program covers a fair amount of ground each day. Expect from two to three hours walking every touring day. The pace is moderate, however you will encounter some uneven surfaces, stairs, and steps. Certain inherent risks are involved which should be considered at your own discretion. An early morning departure is necessary for parade day viewing. Airport transfers are not included. Consider a taxi or shared ride service as the least expensive options. This is a Classic program. For more information, click here.
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All sightseeing and itinerary inclusions are subject to favorable traffic and weather conditions. In those instances, and until the roads are available for travel, often unpredictable until the last moment, roads, routes and sites will be amended.
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Gate 1 Travel itineraries may contain suggestions for activities for your leisure time; these suggestions do not constitute a recommendation nor an endorsement of any specific service provider and the decision to participate in any such activities should be made independently.
- Tours purchased while travelling may cost an extra 10% or more
- Tours often sell out. Avoid disappointment
- Save your cash. Credit card processing may not be possible locally
- Travel insurance only covers services purchased prior to departure
- Book Online or call to book these tours up to 1 week before your departure
- The day the optionals operate varies by the day of the week
Embark on an exciting tour of one of Hollywood's most iconic and historic studios. Begin with a comprehensive introduction to the rich history of Paramount Pictures, highlighting its significant contributions to the entertainment industry over the years. Learn about the various stages of production, from pre-production and set design to post-production and special effects. Venture through working soundstages where you can witness firsthand the magic of filmmaking.
*Please note: Optionals "The Getty Center Museum with lunch" and "Paramount Pictures Studio Tour" operate at the same time and should not be booked together.
| Day #4 | 20 Dec 2023 - 31 Jan 2024 | $79.00 |
Explore The Getty Center, a renowned art museum set atop a hill in the Santa Monica Mountains, offering breathtaking views of the Los Angeles skyline and the Pacific Ocean. Begin the tour with an introduction to the museum's history and architecture. Learn about the vision behind its creation and the unique design elements that make it an iconic landmark. Visit various galleries showcasing an extensive collection of European paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, and manuscripts. During your visit, enjoy lunch at the museum.
*Please note: Optionals "The Getty Center Museum with lunch" and "Paramount Pictures Studio Tour" operate at the same time and should not be booked together.
| Day #4 | 20 Dec 2023 - 31 Jan 2024 | $59.00 |
| Know Before You Go | |
| Although most of the planning and preparation is taken care of for you, there are still a few things you should know and some details you should take care of to ensure your comfort, safety and peace of mind. Please review the following information before your departure to ensure that any surprises along the way will only be pleasant ones. |
| Getting Ready to Go |
| ID Requirements for U.S. Flights |
| In 2005, Congress passed the REAL ID Act establishing minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards. The law prohibits federal agencies, including the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), from accepting licenses and identification cards for official purposes from states that do not meet these standards. It is each traveler's responsibility to have valid photo identification for airline and security check-in. While US Citizens may currently use a driver's license, ID card or other TSA-approved form of identification to board a domestic flight, on May 7, 2025 the list of approved documents will change. Beginning on this date, domestic air travelers will need a REAL ID-compliant license (or other TSA-approved form of ID) to board a domestic flight. To determine if your driver's license or ID card is REAL ID-compliant, you will need to see a gold or black star in either the upper-left or upper-right-hand corner of the document. Non-compliant IDs will not have a star and may show the words "Not for Federal ID" or "Federal Limits Apply". Please note that some states will not automatically issue you a REAL ID-compliant document at time of renewal. You might need to specifically request it and pay an additional fee. Beginning May 7, 2025, if you do not have a REAL ID-compliant document you may still board a domestic flight by showing an alternate TSA-approved form of ID such as a U.S. Passport, foreign Passport, Permanent Resident Card, Global Entry Card or U.S. Military ID. Please visit https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification for more details. Please note the TSA does not require passengers under 18 to have identification. Important - This information is valid as of May 2023. Further updates from the DHS and TSA are possible prior to implementation on May 7, 2025. |
| Traveling with Friends or Family? |
| If you are traveling with friends or family who are booked on another reservation, please make sure that we are aware. On occasion, we may operate more than one vehicle on your tour departure in which case we will ensure that guests will be assigned together. This is achieved by connecting your reservations before your departure. Once you arrive in your destination, it may not be possible to make assignment changes. To check that your reservations are linked, log into https://www.gate1travel.com/res with your email and password, select your reservation number, and check to see that your reservations are indicated as "Traveling With" at the top right side of the display. |
| Trip Preparation |
| A little pre-planning can make your trip go a lot smoother. Several weeks before your trip, make a list of what you will need to take with you. Make sure your personal documents (passports, visas, driver's license) are in order. Make sure also that you have enough prescription medications to last through the trip and carry them with you in case your luggage is delayed. Bring a change of clothes in your carry-on bag in the event that your luggage is delayed or lost. Lost luggage is common. We strongly urge you to consider carry-ons instead of checked bags when possible, and when checking a bag is necessary, choose a bag color and identification that stands out. We suggest that you make photocopies of passports, visas, personal ID and any other important travel documents and pack them separately from the originals. You may also make a digital copy of your passport to keep a clear picture with the important details in your cell phone or digital camera photos. If you lose the originals while traveling, you'll have copies for easier reporting and replacement. Pack a list of medications including dosage and generic names. You may consider bringing a small supply of over the counter medications for headaches and/or anti-diarrhea pills (especially when traveling outside of the USA and Western Europe). We recommend that you pack a portable alarm clock. Due to security reasons, many museums have restrictions on the size of bags that can be taken inside and backpacks, carry-on bags or large purses may not be permitted. It is recommended to bring a small shoulder bag or purse to use in these situations instead. Avoid placing valuables such as cameras in your checked luggage. Airplane pressure can cause similar pressure in your body, most notably in ears, as well as liquid tubes and bottles. Your physician can suggest medication for decongestion. We suggest that you place liquid containers into Ziploc bags to catch any leaks. |
| Travel Safety Advice: The safety of our guests is Gate 1’s #1 concern. Before making the decision to reserve your vacation, we want you to be aware of potential situations which may impact your holiday. While most of the time our programs run precisely according to plans, on rare occasion force majeure events including weather, transportation mechanical issues, or uninhabitable accommodation, civil unrest and even criminal or terrorist activities will present themselves unexpectedly and with little or no notice. Gate 1 will make the decision to cancel a tour only after receiving verifiable government issued information. We are otherwise obliged to comply with contractual airline and vendor agreements and carry out the tour until or unless we are advised otherwise. In the event of such an occurrence anytime after your date of departure, Gate 1 and the local destination ground staff, in coordination with government advisories, airlines, hotels, cruise ships and other vendors, will make decisions with regard to your safety first. We strongly recommend that tour participants review the destination country's specific information at https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings.html. |
| Travel Protection |
| Even the best-planned trips can be impacted by the unexpected. And that is why we recommend that you help protect yourself and your investment by purchasing Travel Protection for your Gate 1 trip. Travel Protection can help with medical coverage for illness or injury, trip cancellation and/or interruption, baggage loss, medical evacuation, and more. At any time before you complete Final Payment, you may choose to purchase Travel Protection. The protection plan premium is non-refundable after a 10-day review period. In addition, you must be medically able to travel at the time the premium is paid. For a summary of the plan details on coverages, benefits, limitations and exclusions, please refer to the Description of Coverage by visiting www.gate1travel.com/insurance/. Cancel for Any Reason Waiver Benefit (CFAR) is a non-insurance feature that allows you to cancel up to 72 hours before your scheduled departure for any reason not otherwise covered in the Travel Protection Plan. CFAR must be purchased at the same time as the Travel Protection Plan as well as within 21 days of the original booking date. Independent or escorted tour reservations will be eligible for a future travel credit equal to the full cost of your trip, less the cost of initial deposit, airline-assessed fees, amendment fees, and insurance premium. Sea or river cruise reservations will be eligible for a future travel credit equal to 50% of the cost of your trip, less the cost of initial trip deposit, airline-assessed fees, amendment fees, and insurance premium. All CFAR credits are valid for a period of two years from the original date of travel. CFAR Credits have no cash value and are not transferrable. Airline-assessed fees are generally $300 per person, but may be as much as fully non-refundable. Some non-refundable airline tickets may retain value, less airline-assessed fees. Your future air credit must be used to book with the same airline. Deadlines to rebook and complete travel vary by airline and may be as early as 12 months from when the tickets were originally issued (not the date of travel). For details, www.gate1travel.com/insurance/. This program does not apply to custom groups and Antarctica cruises. Residents of New York, Missouri & Minnesota may purchase this Cancel for Any Reason Waiver Benefit separate from Travel Protection. Call to speak with a reservation agent for details. This Cancel for any Reason Wavier Benefit is not insurance and is provided by Gate 1 Travel. |
| Mobile Phones |
| Mobile networks differ from country to country. We recommend you check with your provider to see if your wireless plan will work in the destination(s) you are visiting. To avoid possible roaming charges, you may want to consider purchasing an international plan. With most major phone companies, for a modest fee, you will be able to use your domestic plan's talk, text, and data allowances just like you do at home. If you can access the internet while you travel, you can also take advantage of services such as WhatsApp or Skype. |
| WiFi Access |
| WiFi is available in most airports, hotels, and cruise lines, as well as on some flights, trains, and buses. There may be a fee for access and service quality and speed may vary greatly especially while on moving vehicles. Availability on cruises is also dependent upon its location while sailing through multiple countries. Please note that WiFi can be extremely slow, unreliable, and sometimes nonexistent in developing countries. |
| Staying Healthy While Traveling |
| All travelers should familiarize themselves with local conditions, such as high altitude or required immunizations, which could affect their health. We recommend you consult with your personal healthcare provider, the Centers for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov) and/or the World Health Organization (http://www.who.int/en/) for their recommendations. There are several easy steps you can take to stay healthy while traveling which may help prevent contracting an illness while away from home.
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| Notice on Aircraft Cabin Insecticide Treatment - Please note that some countries may require aircraft cabin insecticide treatment for in-bound foreign flights. A list of such countries is available at:
http://www.dot.gov/office-policy/aviation-policy/aircraft-disinsection-requirements. |
| Consideration for Tour Participants (Escorted Tours) |
For the benefit of all tour participants, we ask tour members to be considerate of their fellow travelers in the following ways:
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| Climate & Clothing |
| United States - The weather in the United States varies according to geographical area. The hottest period is from June to August and the coolest from November to February. Bring comfortable walking shoes, clothes you can layer, and an all-weather jacket. Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses are also recommended. You may encounter mosquitoes during warm and hot weather. Travelers are encouraged to bring insect repellent and consider wearing clothing that adequately covers arms and legs. For winter programs, come prepared for cold temperatures, icy trails, and short daylight hours. The National Park Service recommends bringing over-the-shoe-traction devices, extra snacks and layered clothing that can easily be added or removed to adapt to a variety of weather conditions USA Average Temperatures: https://www.gate1travel.com/weather/americas/default.aspx#usa-weather |
| About Drones |
| Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) or “drone” technology has quickly become affordable and is increasingly popular with recreational users. While some countries have clear, established drone laws, others do not, or existing regulations are undergoing review and change. Travelers who wish to bring a drone on their trip are responsible to research and abide by the laws and regulations of the countries they are visiting, as well as to check with their airline(s) regarding their rules for transporting drones. Please note that tours are unable to extend the length of scheduled visits and stops to accommodate use of drones. |
| Preparing for Your Trip |
| Seat Assignments |
| As a courtesy service, complimentary airline seat assignments are requested on your behalf and, when available, are displayed in order of Passenger #1, #2 and so on. Assignments reflect the best available seats at the time of booking. Some airlines and/or fare types do not allow for pre-seating and require this be done at airport check-in only; in which case the display shows “N/A”. Seats are subject to change by your airline(s) including, for example, when there is a schedule change or equipment change after your initial booking; this may cause seat assignments to be changed or even cancelled. Some airlines offer preferred seating for an additional fee; these seats may only be purchased directly from the airline. You will need your family name and the 6-digit airline “Record Locator” which is displayed with the flight details on your reservation. In the event that you change seat assignments directly with your airline, changes will not be reflected on your invoice or documents. At the time that Gate 1 travel documents are issued, the currently assigned seats will be listed based on the assignments stored in your airline reservation at that time. Should you have questions regarding your assignments, please write to us at www.gate1travel.com/contactus. |
| Luggage & Packing |
| Checked bags are typically limited to a total dimension of 62 inches by adding length + width + height (example: 26"+26"+10" = 62”), and a maximum weight of 50 lbs (23kg). Smart Bags with a USB charging port, GPS tracking device and other high-tech features are prohibited as checked or carry-on baggage unless the bag is made with removable batteries and the batteries are removed and stored separately. Many airlines charge for checked bags including flights which begin and end within the USA. The most inexpensive airfare options commonly known as Basic Economy airfares do not include any checked bags nor seat assignments before the day of departure. However, for some airlines, other airfare categories also do not include checked baggage. This will be clearly displayed in our airfare selection and on your invoice. Where available, we highly recommend selecting airfares which include at least 1 piece of checked baggage. Gate 1 Travel is not responsible for checked bag fees, excess luggage or weight charges levied by an airline. Checked baggage allowances displayed on reservation details and invoices reflect the applicable allowance at the time of booking but are subject to change by your airline(s). For your airline’s requirements and fees, visit www.gate1travel.com/baggagefees.aspx. For important baggage information, visit www.gate1travel.com/luggage.aspx. Avoid placing valuables in your checked luggage. Federal law forbids the carriage of hazardous materials aboard the aircraft in your luggage, your carry-on or on your person. A violation can result in five years’ imprisonment and penalties of $250,000 or more (49 U.S.C. 5124). Hazardous materials include explosives, compressed gases, flammable liquids and solids, oxidizers, poisons, corrosives and radioactive materials. Examples: Paints, lighter fluid, fireworks, tear gases, oxygen bottles, and radio-pharmaceuticals. There are special exceptions for small quantities (up to 70 ounces total) of medicinal and toilet articles carried in your luggage and certain smoking materials carried on your person. Check the Transportation and Safety Administration (TSA) website www.tsa.gov to find out the current list of acceptable items you may bring on a plane before packing. We recommend that you use brightly colored luggage tags, straps or other identifiers to help you locate you luggage upon arrival or to describe it in the event that it is lost. |
| North America Intra-flights - If your program includes intra-flights, Gate 1 Travel is not responsible for any checked bag fees, excess luggage or weight charges levied by an airline on those intra-flights. |
| Day of Departure |
| Flight Services |
| What to do if You Need Assistance |
Whether you purchased your airfare from Gate 1 Travel or from the airline directly, please bear in mind that Gate 1 Travel does not own nor operate the airline(s), nor the airport facilities where they operate. At times, flying can be a frustrating experience, especially when things do not go exactly as planned, and airline explanations can be confusing or even misleading. Should you face a problem, remain calm and seek assistance either from the airline directly or from Gate 1. Please be aware that in most cases, on the day of your flight(s), airlines pass responsibility for your reservation to their staff at the airport and it is not always possible for Gate 1 Travel to intervene on your behalf, either through our reservations system or directly with your airline. |
| Arrival & Departure |
| Arrival Procedures |
| Upon arrival, please complete immigration formalities if necessary and claim your luggage. If your program includes airport arrival transfers, check your voucher for specific instructions, as they vary with every destination. In most cases, you will be met after collecting your luggage or passing through Customs by the local representative who will be holding a Gate 1 Travel sign and/or a sign with your name on it. In some instances you will be instructed to walk a short distance to a transportation counter. The company's name and location will be printed on your voucher. If for any reason you do not connect with the Gate 1 transfer personnel, go to the Tourist Information Desk and ask them to page the Gate 1 Travel representative or phone the number on your voucher. If you are delayed due to lost luggage, phone the number on the voucher or have a companion exit the Customs Area to advise the transfer representative. Be wary of airport scammers who offer unwanted assistance. If you are arriving without a pre-arranged transfer, we strongly recommend going to the Tourist Information Desk to ask for a licensed taxi or transfer service. You may be asked to pay for the transfer at the desk prior to the trip, this will ensure you are not charged extra during the trip. |
| What To Do When Your Flight Is Delayed |
| Airlines do not share flight manifest information. Therefore, the only way we may learn of a delay or schedule change while you are traveling is from you, the traveler. The sooner you are able to contact one of our offices, the better we can respond. Please refer to the Emergency Assistance instructions on this same document. Gate 1 Travel is only able to guarantee pre-reserved arrival transfers for up to one hour from the scheduled time, no matter the cause. In case you are delayed for any reason, and are unable to follow the instructions on your voucher, please make independent transfer arrangements and retain your receipts. Unused tour services, including transfers and hotel nights are not refundable. Upon you return home you will need to contact your airline and/or insurance carrier to investigate the possibility of reimbursement for any unused tour services. |
| Departure Procedures |
| If your program includes departure transfers, instructions will be stated on your voucher or provided locally. |
| Transfers |
| Due to local traffic and other extenuating circumstances, we ask that you allow 30 minutes from your scheduled transfer time for our representative to arrive. This includes hotel, airport and cruise transfers. Such possible delays are taken into consideration in scheduling transfers and you should therefore have no concerns about arriving late for your tour, flight or cruise. For transfers from a hotel, let the hotel reception desk or concierge know that you are waiting for a transfer. In the case of a missed transfer, reimbursement for your out-of-pocket expenses will be considered provided you obtain a written statement from the hotel's front desk verifying the length of time you waited, and the time you left the hotel, and a receipt for your transportation with time and date. The cost of a transfer is more expensive than hiring a taxi, as a Gate 1 transfer necessarily includes round trip service, or 'dead-leg'. Often the places of call (airports, seaports, hotels) demand entrance and parking fees, where drivers may have to wait for up to an hour. Passengers comfortable hiring a taxi on their own and do not require assistance will save money. |
| USA Airport Transfers - USA programs do not offer airport transfers (except Alaska). There are various options you may book to suit any budget and service level. Here are a few options that may be available as well as more info about the cities you will visit. Hotel Shuttles - Some hotels offer complimentary or fee based shuttle service from the airport to the hotel. Many times these require long wait times and shared service with other clients of the hotel. Taxi - Taxis are readily available at the exits of airports for reasonable rates. Little or no service with bags can be expected from the drivers Ride Share Services - Using these apps makes for an easy and affordable option to transfer to the hotel. Little or no service with bags can be expected from the drivers Shared Shuttles - Local companies may offer shared shuttle transfer services for affordable rates. This offers convenience of pre-booking transfer service however many times these require long wait times and mediocre service. Private Car Transfers - while expensive, provides excellent door-to-door service and hassle free experience. |
| Los Angeles * Distance from Hotel to Airport: 18 miles * Approx. Taxi Cost: $67 * Approx. Ride Share Cost: $33-38 * Approx. Airport Shuttles Cost: $19-21 * Approx. Private Car Cost: $125 |
| About Your Escorted Tour Participants |
| Please note that the number of participants may vary during your tour as we accommodate travelers arriving and departing at different points in the itinerary. Your tour guide will contact you upon arrival at your first hotel. |
| About Your Accommodations |
| Hotels |
| Gate 1 Travel has carefully selected each hotel based on overall quality, location, price, food, service, and cleanliness. All rooms are standard twin-bedded (two single beds) rooms with private facilities. Special requests such as bed types, smoking preference and connecting rooms are subject to availability. Room selection in all cases, unless otherwise reserved, is strictly at the discretion of the hotel's management on a run-of-house basis. Triple rooms consist of standard twin beds or one double bed plus a sofa/folding bed or cot for third person except in the U.S. and Canada, where triple rooms often consist of two double/queen beds for three persons; where available, a fee may be charged by the hotel for the addition of a cot/rollaway. The number of persons accommodated does not dictate the room size. Although available at most 4 and 5 star hotels, the use of air-conditioning abroad differs greatly from the United States, and is often shut down at night and from the end until the start of the summer months. Some lodges and accommodations in remote regions may not have all of the amenities, such as hairdryer, alarm clock and room service, that you might find in a larger hotel located in a city center. |
| United States - Hotels in the United States are generally local or international chains of standard quality with a variety of amenities. Locally owned properties may have features that encompass the style of the region. Hotels in the National Park regions often provide limited amenities and due to limited outdoor lighting in the evenings, a flashlight is recommended. Many hotels require a credit card at check-in to cover incidentals. |
| Hotel Check-in/ Check-out |
| Hotel check-in time is generally not before 4:00 p.m. and check-out time is prior to noon. If you will be arriving early in the day or departing in the evening, hotels will usually allow you to store your luggage in their luggage room. Ask at the front desk if the hotel can check you in earlier, or let you stay later. |
| At Your Destination |
| Eco & Sustainable Tourism |
| We support global efforts to create a more eco-friendly world, intolerant of any forms of cruelty, abuse and intentional environmental destruction. To that end we ask that our clients maintain a watchful eye as they travel, and report any abuses they may encounter. One of the many benefits of tourism is the shared cultural knowledge and ultimate elimination of negative behavior through education. We rely on your good feedback to enable this element of symbiosis. As you travel and learn about foreign cultures, we ask first and foremost that you practice tolerance and respect for local customs. |
| Gratuities |
| Tipping is always a matter of personal discretion. For your convenience, please use the summary below as a guideline for recommended gratuity amounts. Gratuities may be paid in local currency or US dollar equivalent where accepted. Please be aware that tipping is considered by many locals to be a part of their normal remuneration and some may approach you for additional "compensation." There is no need to be intimidated by the request, nor should you feel pressured to pay more than recommended. If you become uncomfortable by any behavior you encounter, please advise your tour manager or phone our local office. Numbers are provided in your documents for your convenience. |
| Suggested Tipping: North America |
Tour Manager (Coordinator; may or may not act as a guide): US $12 per person per day Driver (Provides chauffeur services and limited assistance with luggage) : US $5-7 per person per day, US $3 per half day Local Guide (Offers in-depth information at specific locations. There may be one or many guides along a tour program): US $3 per person per day of sightseeing, US $2 per half day Hotel porters: Included |
| About Your Sightseeing |
| To ensure a pleasant and fair experience for passengers on our escorted tours, there is a mandatory seat rotation policy on our motor coaches which will be organized by your Tour Manager. On river cruises, color-coded group splits may be used for shoreside included and Optional tours. Some buses are equipped with toilet facility, however they are strictly intended for emergency use only and often require the vehicle to stop for safety reasons before use. When travel dates coincide with religious holidays and national celebrations, some monuments and sites may be closed, sometimes without prior notice. On these occasions, escorted touring itineraries may be amended to reflect these closures. Occasionally, during holidays and certain periods, and/or due to other unforeseen circumstances including weather conditions, there may be last-minute changes, sometimes after arrival, which may affect the sequence of the tour and locations visited. National monuments and tourist sites regularly undergo renovations, which can obscure the monument's view. No tour will be canceled due to renovations, however Gate 1 will decide based on the conditions whether to amend an itinerary. To respect the privacy of all tour participants, your tour manager will not organize a group photo or collect passenger email addresses for a group list. |
| Land Only Passengers (Escorted Tours) |
| Your tour manager will contact you after your arrival at your hotel. Passengers who have not purchased arrival transfers from Gate 1 Travel should proceed directly to the hotel for check-in. The details of the hotel can be found in your documents. |
| Purchasing Tours Locally |
| On escorted tours, the guides will generally sell optional tours to passengers who have not pre-purchased them. Payment can be made by cash or credit card, unless otherwise noted below. This does not apply to Independent packages. Please see Gate 1 Terms & Conditions for more information. https://www.gate1travel.com/terms.aspx#optional |
| Independent Activities - Gate 1 itineraries may contain suggestions for activities for your leisure time; these suggestions do not constitute a recommendation nor an endorsement of any specific service provider and the decision to participate in any such activities should be made independently and with due consideration. Gate 1 is not responsible for any activities not expressly included in its programs. Caution should be exercised when selecting certain activities that may require physical strength, coordination or exertion. Particular care should be taken when considering animal rides, such as on camels, mules or horses |
| Shopping |
| Most people enjoy bringing home at least one souvenir from the countries they visit. However, some find any amount of shopping to be too much while others never find enough opportunities. We have built into our Escorted itineraries a few shopping stops at recommended spots. These stops are designed to enhance your experience by providing an opportunity to see first-hand quality locally crafted merchandise which you may not be able to find on your own. Shops are checked to ensure the quality and authenticity of the products they offer, and we limit guides from visiting other locations. In some cases, we plan these stops to provide an opportunity to use clean bathrooms and to stretch your legs. All shops want your satisfaction, and therefore in case of any misunderstanding they ask that you kindly submit your claim to us within one week of the item's receipt. Claims submitted later will be subject to each store’s policies. While shopping independently, we advise you to exercise care and common sense when making any purchase. Always get a formal receipt. And remember that, just like in this country, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is! |
| Your Safety is Very Important |
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Prior to your trip, if you are traveling overseas, we strongly recommend that you visit the website of the U.S. Department of State at www.travel.state.gov, specifically the section which addresses International Travel. You should read the tips for foreign travel and travel warnings for the country or countries that you plan to visit. It is also important that you do not allow your common sense to take a vacation while on your trip. Here are several tips which, if followed, will save much potential hardship:
If you've purchased an escorted tour program, your travel documents will include telephone numbers of local Gate 1 Travel representatives who will do their utmost to assist you in the event of an emergency. The numbers are printed on your Gate 1 Travel vouchers. Please copy the numbers. Once you relinquish the voucher, you will not have this information. Passengers traveling independently should employ the services of hotel concierges and local authorities. |
| Tourist Street Scams |
Pickpockets and thieves can destroy an otherwise wonderful holiday. Be mindful of these precautions to help avoid being scammed or robbed:
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| Local Emergency Phone Numbers |
United States
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| Languages |
| United States - English is the local language. |
| Electricity |
| Please note: The U.S. uses 120 volts and you can purchase a converter and transformer at most hardware stores for your 120V appliances. |
| United States - No converters or transformers will be necessary for US residents when traveling anywhere within the United States. |
| Code of Conduct |
| United States - Americans tend to be very friendly and informal, even with strangers. Greetings are usually casual and speaking on a first name basis is common. A handshake is the customary greeting, especially upon first meetings. Casual attire is generally expected unless in a formal situation. |
| Meals & Dietary Requests |
| Included meals are based on the restaurant's buffet or set menu. Beverages are not included, unless specifically stated. Although special diets like Vegetarian and Vegan are relatively commonplace in the USA, much of the world's menu options are more provincial. Please do not expect to find the variety of food selection outside of the local norm. Every effort will be made to honor special dietary requests selected no later than 5 days prior to departure in the passenger details section of your reservation. In addition, we recommend that you make preferences known to your tour manager upon arrival, and at each hotel/restaurant. Special requests are subject to local conditions and availability and cannot be guaranteed. |
| Holidays |
| On public holidays, there may be reduced public transportation, as well as limited hours or closures of attractions, shops and restaurants. |
| Holidays - United States |
Holidays 2023 Jan 1: New Year's Day Jan 2: New Year's Day observed Jan 16: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Feb 20: President's Day Apr 9: Easter May 29: Memorial Day Jul 4: Independence Day Sep 4: Labor Day Oct 9: Columbus Day / Indigenous People Day Nov 11: Veteran's Day Nov 23: Thanksgiving Dec 25: Christmas Holidays 2024 Jan 1: New Year's Day Jan 15: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Feb 19: President's Day Mar 31: Easter Sunday May 27: Memorial Day Jun 19: Juneteenth Holiday Jul 4: Independence Day Sep 2: Labor Day Oct 14: Columbus Day / Indigenous People Day Nov 11: Veteran's Day Nov 28: Thanksgiving Day Dec 25: Christmas |
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This trip exceeded our expectations. Very rich in the history of music and very fun. Both our tour guide and driver, as well as the half day tour guides were thorough, fun, accommodating and flexible where needed. The New Orleans School of Cooking was a real highlight! Our tour guide even added a few prizes and birthday gifts for those with a birthday in the month we traveled. I am a travel agent and my clients have requested Gate 1, which I had never used. I will be using Gate 1 more in the future. This was a great value for all that was included.
Renita C.
I am writing to express my heartfelt appreciation for the outstanding service provided by Charles, our tour guide during the recent Hawaii trip. Having embarked on more than five Gate1 tours, I can confidently attest that Charles stands out as an exemplary guide, surpassing all my previous experiences. Charles demonstrated unparalleled organization and thoughtfulness from the moment we gathered in the lobby. His meticulous attention to detail was evident as he efficiently distributed itineraries, facilitated food orders, tagged our bags, and recorded our TSA PreCheck numbers. His professionalism set the tone for the journey, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for all guests. During our orientation meeting, Charles gracefully guided us through the itinerary, fostering a warm sense of community among the group. His commitment to transparent communication was exceptional, promising daily printed itineraries and sending updates via text messages-a level of engagement I have not encountered in previous Gate1 trips and greatly appreciated. What truly sets Charles apart is his unwavering dedication to guest satisfaction. He patiently and courteously addressed repetitive questions, going above and beyond to accommodate the needs of our sizeable groups. Despite encountering challenges with certain individuals who struggled to adhere to safety guidelines, Charles remained composed and focused on ensuring everyone's well-being. Charles professionalism, attentiveness, and exceptional communication skills greatly enhanced our Hawaii trip. His unwavering commitment to guest comfort and safety exemplifies the highest standards of tour guiding. He is a true asset to Gate1 and contributed significantly to making this journey a memorable and enjoyable experience for all.
Teresa S.
The 8 day musical journey itinerary is outstanding; full of information and fun; a quality tour. Tim is an exceptional tour manager - he is a natural - personable and professional, organized, informative, caring and the knowledge he brings to the tour about music, history, the locale/geography, and the professional relationships he has with local guides, hotel and event staff is impressive! I would choose a Gate1 tour facilitated by Tim even if it wasn't a tour I'd be naturally inclined to take because he would make it interesting and fun regardless. My brain is on overload with everything I learned and experienced. The tour driver Jimmie was personable, professional; he was engaging with the group; caring and I felt completely safe with him at the wheel and that's saying a lot for me as I don't like to "ride" with anyone LOL Five Stars for Tim and Jimmie as a team, they work beautifully together; what a blessing. It was easy to like these gentleman.
Susan N.
My trip was wonderful! The tour manager, Joan, did a great job keeping us informed and on time for all events. She and the bus driver, Louis from Anderson, worked extremely well as a team. I saw everything promised and it was a great experience. I'm already spreading the news about Gate1's expertise - I want all my friends to register for a Gate1 tour.
Kathryn M.
We both enjoyed our recent trip through New England with group leader Kristi and driver Emil. We saw a variety of places historical and interesting, and even a touch of fall color. We must say Kristi was remarkable in her knowledge of the areas and places to see and even a bit of history. She was kind and very friendly and accommodated us older folk beautifully. I would travel with Kristi anywhere! Driver Emil was relatively quiet, but drove professionally and all aboard appreciated his smooth transportation. Emil knew the area well, too, and even made a quick stop here or there for a pretty view or interesting site.
Dennis F.
It was a great trip! Our guide Michael was GREAT! Our driver Nathan was the Best driver we ever had! They both made our trip fun and memorable Nathan was always cleaning the windows making sure we could see all the amazing sights and Michael told us great information and stories and was always eager to help us all.
Tamara B.
Adrienne was our tour director for the recent: Canyon Lands, Arches and Mesa Verdi tour. This email is to say that she was an outstanding, friendly, knowledgeable and detailed director and travel companion. She was able to let her personal excitement and experiences shine through every aspect of our trip. My wife Robin and I will sign up immediately for another tour with her as we enjoyed her style immensely and are so appreciative of her involvement in our Gate One experience. We were able to attend a Pueblo Field day experience where we were treated to visiting and talking with and observing a wide range of native arts, crafts which I believe was an extra she took advantage of one afternoon. She prepared us fully for our experience in communicating and enjoying this memorable visit. She was generous with her personal time, taking the time to get to know Robin and I and what we, in our backgrounds, brought to this experience from our individuals careers. I even had the time to tell her about my career as an American History teacher and the unique challenges of instructing today's students and had an opportunity to reflect on how this tour enhanced my career. She was personally interested in what we had to relate. I say Bravo to this tour and our especially cordial guide. I wanted you to know some specifics beyond any brief reflection of this venture. Thank you.
Eugene B.
Our trip was made especially perfect because of Jane. She was so organized and helpful and had a great sense of humor along with a very infectious laugh. She took the time to accommodate everyone's needs and wants and never seemed to be impatient with any request. She thoroughly researched every place we went to and explained the history of each place. We went to excellent places of interest and I truly believe it was because of Jane that the trip was so great. We are new to Gate1 Travel but we intend to keep traveling with your company hopefully for a long long time.
Concetta H.
My trip to Hawaii (Oahu, Kona, & Kauai) was fantastic! Our tour guide, Kaleo, was outstanding and took care of us and made sure the trip was smooth and fun. He was always available if we had questions and became a friend we could enjoy throughout the trip. He was very knowledgeable and always had a smile to greet us. Loved his personalized "Treats" for us during the bus rides. The side trip were outstanding and the bus drivers were wonderful. I learned so much about the Islands and their culture and history. The group was warm and friendly and everyone enjoyed themselves. This was my first time to travel alone and I found other ladies that welcomed me in their group and we looked out for each other. I am looking forward to booking another trip with Gate 1.
Linda S.
It was great! It was awesome! Beautiful weather and love looking at the palm trees! Our tour guide was KALEO, he was great! Joe and I enjoyed every place we went, the hotels were very nice too! Our meals that were included were delicious!
Mary W.
After the Maui fire, Gate 1 did a fabulous job of contacting us, giving us our options regarding cancellation of the Maui tour segment and refunding the 3 day Maui portion was quick. Kaleo, our tour guide in HI was exceptional. He had several snack items for us with Hawaiian words for us to learn. He serenaded us with his wonderful singing. He was very detail oriented and gave us all the information we needed and so much history. He was very knowledgeable and a caring and genuine guy. He is a treasure for Gate1. We had a wonderful trip and we will use and recommend Gate 1. The accommodations, food and inter island transfers and bus rides were top notch. Thank you so much for making this a wonderful memory.
Paula P.
I just wanted to let you know what a wonderful trip I had. I had the best time. My tour guide Bobby is the one who makes this vacation in the Excellent category. He is very knowledgeable about the areas we are touring. He gives us recommendations on where to eat and what to see on our time on our own. I highly recommend Bobby to anybody who is going on a tour. He keeps the entire bus engaged and laughing. This was the 3rd trip with him and I am looking to going on my next vacation with Gate 1 travel with Bobby as the tour guide. You can't ask for a better person, tour guide for your company. Thank you for 3 wonderful vacations in the last 3 years and I am looking forward to more to come.
Gwyndolyn B.
Our trip was great! Everything went as planned. The flights were on schedule and the tour was fabulous. Even the weather cooperated. Barbara, our tour guide and Bill, the bus driver were both outstanding. We couldn't have asked for a better trip. Visiting the national parks, Sedona and Monument Valley was awesome. Thanks to Gate 1 Travel for a most enjoyable trip.
Larry H.
I would like to further comment on Dani and Amanda, our bus driver. Dani is an outstanding tour guide and person. We were all impressed with her knowledge of the area and her knowledge in general. She has an infectious positive and sunny personality. She and Amanda were good in solving any problems. I can't say enough good things about both. Amanda is an outstanding bus driver. She navigated the twisting, narrow roads expertly and handled the small-town roads really well in the large bus. She was always pleasant and friendly. They made a great team! It was a wonderful experience and trip.
Charles P.
I'm writing to give kudos to our tour coordinator, Adrienne. My wife and I just completed your 7 Day Classic Wyoming & South Dakota Parks tour. It was a wonderful trip and great experience. We were very impressed with Adrienne's exceptional knowledge of the area and the history of the struggles of the native Americans. Her knowledge clearly rivals that of local historians. Her sparkling personality enhanced the bountiful information she provided and her organization kept the tour on track and on schedule. Additionally, her harmonious interaction with our driver, Grace, created an exceptionally pleasant atmosphere. She did Gate 1 proud. This was our first Gate 1 trip, and we are already planning our next Gate 1 adventure.
Claude S.
Our trip was great! Adrienne P. was a fabulous tour guide. She told great stories, knew the history, was very knowledgeable about Yellowstone. She was well organized, and always gave ample time at our stops. I don't know of any issues, so she must have handled anything that came up! Grace, our bus driver was fabulous too. She was a careful driver, always felt safe as a passenger. She was good about making sure we all had water, and there was a bowl of candy available as we entered and left the bus!
Donald J.
The trip was fantastic! Our guide Elias went above and beyond to make sure we had a great experience and truly maximized our trip so we could see and learn as much as possible. He was also very good at problem-solving so we didn't miss a beat, like when our bus needed repair and another bus was waiting for us at our next stop so we could continue on. I can't say enough good things about him. Our bus driver, Stephanie, was also phenomenal and took very good care of us, always ensuring we got where we needed to go safely, our luggage was accounted for, and we had all the water we needed. I had a great time and will definitely be using Gate 1 again in the future.
Melanie W.
I loved our Classic National Parks Tour! The Parks were breathtaking, as expected. But what made the trip outstanding was our tour manager, Elias Klenner. This was our first trip with Gate 1, and we are impressed! Eli was both low-key and completely professional. This is a rare combination, and it was perfect four our group of 41 travelers. He was a always available, always helpful, and always cheerful. We especially appreciated the many videos about the parks we were to visit, shown to us in the comfort of our motorcoach. He gave us a wealth of additional insights into the parks, and into the communities we passed through on our way to, and between, each park. Even the musical CDs he played on occasion were perfect! Gate 1 receives an A on our report card!
Norna R.
We had a nice time and was pleasantly surprised with Detroit and Chicago. I never expected these two cities to be so clean. If I had this trip to do over again, I would have spent at least an extra day in each city.
Roseann L.
The trip to Yellowstone and Grand Tetons was wonderful. Our Tour Manager, Kathryn was the best manager I have ever had on any trip. She always had a little surprise in store for us and they were delightful. Kathryn was very knowledgeable about the area we were traveling through and often had a few insights over and above the basics. Kathryn was a teacher previously and her desire to educate her passengers was quite evident. Our driver was Alesia and she also did a wonderful job. She drove the bus with great care and was always ready to satisfy our needs such as cold water, temperature in the bus or anything else. She kept the bus spotless, kept the windows clean and clear so that photos came out great. I am very satisfied with this Gate 1 tour and will recommend Gate 1 to others.
John M.
This was the second Gate 1 trip I have taken and it did not disappoint. Certainly not in your control, but the weather was wonderful. Our tour guide was extremely knowledge about the area, what we would be seeing as well as the history of the area. Extremely attentive of all passengers. It was evident he spent hours working daily after the tour. The driver is who I would give the best credit for her driving skills. She would check to make sure the 2 single passengers were always on the bus. Of course the tour director counted to make sure all were on the bus. The bus was immaculately cleaned every day. Above and beyond the call of duty the windows were cleaned from all dirt and spots. This did not go unnoticed from all aboard the bus, it was greatly appreciated. I would love to have either one of your employees again.
Carol H.
Our trip can be summed up in 2 words. "Amazing and Priceless". Kathryn and Colin went above and beyond for us to have such an extraordinary and safe trip. This was our first trip with Gate 1 but it will not be our last. We have been spreading the good word about Gate 1. Total satisfaction.
Michele K.
This is a great trip! Beautiful scenery and wildlife. Kacie, our tour manager, did a wonderful job. She has eagle eyes when spotting wildlife for you to see. Many opportunities to take fabulous pictures. Felt very relaxed on this trip. We had wonderful people that joined us, a fantastic driver in Hillary, and an excellent tour manager who was very informative about the whole Alaska heritage and area. Highly recommend this trip!
Sheryl H.
Leslie is the reason this trip was FANTASTIC! She was kind, courteous and strove to meet everyone's needs, answered all questions, and provided an abundance of history and information about all the places we visited. She passed along interesting stories, told us where the best restaurants were, best angles to take photos of Rushmore, Crazy Horse, etc. and alerted us to animal sightings in Yellowstone. I could go on and on, but she is one of the best tour directors I have traveled with and I have toured with several other companies. She was approachable and personable. Put simply, Leslie is a KEEPER!
Susan M.
I have taken multiple escorted trips with several different travel companies. Many with Gate 1. I have never experienced a more loving friendly knowledgeable and dedicated tour director then Dani. She was from Day 1 warm welcoming down to earth caring and a phenomenal at handling multiple people in the most respectful and sometimes difficult situations. My husband and I traveled with our 10 year old grandson on the 11 day pacific Northwest tour on June 11 2023. The moment we entered the room for meet up at the hotel she knew our names before we introduced ourselves. She made us relaxed about her knowledge of the area and our grandchild's picky food choices. She went out of her way to make him feel special and specifically addressed his needs. I paid a high price last year for a family bridges tour with Tauck to make him feel comfortable with other children which we all enjoyed. After he finished this Gate 1 tour the only child with 36 other adults, he told us this was the best tour. She is an asset and a gem for your company. I will take another Gate 1 tour with Dani as our leader as I know it will be more then the places we visit but the feeling of being cared about like a member of my family. Kudos for hiring her and I will continue to sing her praises.
Gail W.