The United States of America has, since its very discovery, held an alluring appeal to travelers the world over. Soon dubbed as the "land of the dream", people have flocked to America with aspirations of work, success and happiness. Today, the USA continues to be a popular destination for travelers from every corner of the earth.



New York is the most popular destination among foreign tourists, followed by Disney World in Orlando. Both of these cities are particularly well equipped for visitors and offer a truly satisfying tourist experience. Natural wonders like the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone National Park are also top attractions as they showcase some of America's most resplendent natural endowments. Bustling, cosmopolitan cities such as Washington DC, Las Vegas and Los Angeles are Meccas for the corporate, retail or leisure travellers.

Visitors to Las Vegas are urged to explore the mysterious Grand Canyon in all of its natural splendour. Helicopter tours over the top of this natural wonder are a firm favourite, and need to be booked in advance to secure a place. The Grand Canyon All American Helicopter Tours' air-conditioned helicopters with commentary are the ideal way to enjoy a bird's eye of the West Rim, Lake Las Vegas, Lake Mead and Hoover Dam. The entire tour lasts approximately 3.5 hours and includes a bottle of champagne enjoyed under a Native American Ramada nearly 1000 metres below the rim. To end off an exquisite flight and humbling champagne, the helicopter passes over the bright lights of the Las Vegas Strip, after which a limousine will transport guests back to their hotels. A maximum of 6 people can be accommodated in the helicopter. A total of three to four flips are offered per day, depending on the season. Lunch is included.

The Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam Day Trip is another fantastic way to enjoy the magnificent crevices, valley and peaks of the area. This tour allows visitors a rewarding four hours in the canyon with the option of taking a Skywalk. This involves the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the Grand Canyon with a 365-degree uninterrupted view from this elevated, glass-bottomed pier that extends off the edge of the Canyon. Hoover Dam enjoys optimal viewing from the Arizona Lookout Point, from which visitors are able to take photographs for a full 20 minutes. This is followed by a walk through the Joshua Tree Forest and, from here, to the West Rim of the Canyon.

For visitors to New York, the Niagara Falls Day Trip by Air is an awesome way to see the majestic falls from both the America and Canadian sides. The qualified guide will make this exciting trip even more informative. Transfers to and from your hotel are available and passports are essential. Depending on the season, visitors will either be taken on the Maid of the Mist boat at the falls (May to October) or will visit the Journeying Behind the Falls (November to April). Both of these are humbling experiences as the thundering water churns out an icy mist. Bring your raincoats! The entire trip takes about 14 hours (including flights and the bus trip).

When eating out in the United States of America, 15% is an acceptable tip. For porters, $1 per bag is the norm. As with any other destination in the world, travellers are advised to be aware of their surroundings, to minimise the amount of valuable photographic and/or other equipment carried on your person, and to avoid certain areas at certain hours (ask your hotel for advice regarding this).