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Vacations to America
If you are looking for information on booking a holiday to the USA, travel tips, or general information about holidays to America please read our Frequently Asked Questions below...
Contact your travel agent or call us between 9am and 5.30pm Monday to Friday. Credit cards may be used for the deposit (which is typically 20% of the total) or for the total amount if you are travelling within 9 weeks.
Generally we are able to confirm within 24 hours, however, some vacations require more time to organise, particularly if you are having a multi-centre holiday or travelling in a busy holiday period.
All 'Vacationers' receive a confirmation/invoice together with general information to assist in planning your holiday, within 14 days. Tickets and travel documents including maps and directions to your accommodation will be sent to you approximately 3 weeks prior to departure.
How far in advance should I book?
'Late bookings' rarely save money, particularly as availability will be more limited for example cheaper flight seats and standard rooms in Inns and hotels book first, leaving only the more expensive options.
We are able to make reservations 11 months ahead for flights and further ahead for accommodation. Many of our properties fill up well in advance, particularly our individual homes, so it is advisable to secure these properties early. However, booking at any time up to a few days before travel is always a possibility, so do not hesitate to call us.
All UK passengers are required to hold a passport with an integrated chip, also known as a biometric or e-passport. All passengers travelling under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) must obtain authorisation - known as ESTA - to ensure you are able to travel into the USA. Go to the official website https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/ to apply. There is a fee of $21 and your application can be done at any time but no less than 72 hours prior to travel. Once granted, authorisation is valid for 2 years. If you do not hold a VWP passport or are denied an ESTA, you will require a Visa to enter the U.S. If you have visited Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria or Yemen since March 2011 or Cuba since 2021, you will require a U.S. Visa. Please note the application process will take several months! For more information: https://uk.usembassy.gov/visas or call 020-3608-6998.
Entry Procedures - Finger Scanning & Facial Recognition
All Visa Waiver Passengers will be finger scanned and their pictures taken upon arrival in the USA. This will take place during the inspection with US Customs & Border Protection who will use an inkless digital finger scanner to electronically capture the left & right index fingers of the traveller. A digital photograph of the traveller will also be taken. The process usually takes an average of 15 seconds and should not inconvenience or delay arrival into the USA.
Screening of passengers’ baggage will include opening luggage after check in. If a checked bag is searched, a statement to that effect will be inserted in the bag to notify the owner and the bag will be re-closed. Go to www.tsatraveltips.us for rules regarding carry on and checked baggage contents.
No, a valid UK driving licence is required for car rental. Minimum driver age is 20 years.
All travellers need to purchase travel insurance for travel to the USA and/or Canada including proper access to healthcare, as medical treatment of any kind is generally very expensive. You also need to ensure you have adequate cover for any high-risk activities you might be taking part in.
All villas and apartments have a living/dining area, one master bedroom with en-suite bathroom, a second/guest bathroom, ample wardrobe space usually with “walk-in closets” and a fully equipped American kitchen (except 1 bed apts, studios & suites). Homes will normally accommodate a maximum of 2 people in each bedroom plus possibly a further 2 using a sofabed. Our typical detached villas average around 1400 to 1700 square feet for 3 bedroom homes and 1600 to well over 2000 sq.ft. for 4 bedroom homes. The typical size can be even greater if there is a second living area. These figures exclude pool areas! Our 2 bedroom apartments average over 1000 square feet, 3 bedroom apartments average over 1400 square feet.