All FAQ's
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  • Packing List (9)
  • Booking & Payments (6)
  • Logistics & Preparation (5)
  • General Questions (4)
  • Accommodations (2)
  • Cultural Etiquette (2)
  • Health & Safety (2)
  • Dietary Needs (1)
  • Group Size (1)
  • Physical Activity (1)
  • Post-Tour Engagement (1)

Are there opportunities to meet Indigenous communities?

Yes, our tours often include interactions with Indigenous guides, community members, or cultural experts to enhance understanding.

Can I book my own airfare?

Yes. Flight instructions are provided once your booking has been confirmed. Guests are advised to delay booking flights until the tour’s minimum guest count is confirmed. We have partnered with the team over at Round the World Airfares to provide you a quote based on our tour schedules.

Can I customize my tour?

Not on our scheduled departures or those from our partners, but we can provide customized private tours for individuals, families, or groups. Contact us for details.

Can three people stay in a room?

Triple occupancy can be requested on a case-by-case. Triple rooms usually involve two sharing a bed, and potential three single beds. Triple accommodations are more expensive and offer no discounts. If you require a triple room please make sure to request this at time of booking and we will try out best to confirm this before confirmation is sent out.

Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?

Yes, dietary preferences and allergies are captured via a questionnaire sent after registration. Group meal menus are pre-selected accordingly.

Casual Clothing

Bring a few lightweight, easily washable items for travel and evening wear.

Clothing Accessories

Include accessories such as a sun hat, sun glasses, a wool or fleece hat, wool or fleece gloves, and a bandana. The tours we operate in remote regions and high altitude where the weather can be vastly different to what you’d expect.

Clothing for Tours

Pack a variety of clothing: midweight fleece or wool sweater, lightweight synthetic or wool long underwear (top & bottom), synthetic hiking shorts and pants, hiking socks (synthetic) with liner socks, T-shirts (both cotton and synthetic), long-sleeve shirts, underwear, outerwear, and a waterproof, breathable rain jacket/shell.

Essential Documents

Always pack essential items in your carry-on, such as airline tickets, photo identification (or passport), money, eyewear, medications, and a change of clothing, in case your luggage is delayed.

Footwear

Pack sturdy, broken-in lightweight hiking boots with aggressive tread. Also include casual shoes or sandals for lodge/evening wear and old tennis shoes for river wading if necessary.

How can I book a tour?

Visit our Book a Tour page, choose your desired tour, and follow the steps. Contact us directly for special requests or assistance.

How do I secure a tour booking?

An $1,000 deposit is required for most tours (Iwo Jima: $1,500). Payment schedules include 50% due 120 days before departure, and the balance due 90 days prior.

How do you ensure responsible travel?

Tours adhere to Leave No Trace principles, and interactions with Indigenous communities are conducted respectfully.

How do you handle weather changes?

While On Tour: Weather in the American West can be unpredictable. Our tour guides reserve the right to modify itineraries as necessary for your safety and comfort. Travelers are encouraged to dress in layers and bring gear suited for variable conditions. By joining the tour, you acknowledge that itinerary adjustments may be made at the discretion of our guides, and US History Tours is not liable for any inconvenience resulting from these changes.

Prior to Departure: If adverse weather conditions require adjustments to the itinerary, we will make every effort to notify you promptly using your preferred contact method. Please note that such modifications may be implemented on short notice. By proceeding with your booking, you acknowledge that itinerary changes due to weather-related factors are beyond our control, and US History Tours shall not be liable for any resulting costs or inconveniences.

Bookings That Include Flights: For packages that include flights with our partner, Round the World Airfares, we will coordinate directly with them to manage any necessary changes on your behalf. If you have arranged your flights independently or through a local travel advisor, we will provide you with the relevant information to relay to them. Please note that US History Tours is not liable for any issues or additional costs arising from flight changes managed outside of our direct coordination.

How physically strenuous are the tours?

Our tours offer an authentic experience that often involves walking on varied terrain, including hills, cobblestone streets, and beaches, with some city tours lasting over two hours. For guests with mobility needs, fold-up wheelchairs are available, provided a companion is present to assist.

How should I behave when visiting Indigenous sacred sites?

Respect Is Key: Please follow all guide instructions, remain on designated paths, and avoid disturbing any objects. Always ask for permission before taking photographs, especially when people are involved, to ensure everyone’s privacy and comfort.

 

 

Is the deposit refundable?

Cancellation Policy: For cancellations made more than 120 days before departure, a flat fee of 25% of your booking total will apply. Cancellations made within 120 days of departure will incur a 100% cancellation fee. Special conditions may apply for certain tours, such as Iwo Jima, and these will be clearly communicated at the time of booking.

Luggage Requirements

Pack one large suitcase per person along with necessary luggage tags and locks. Also include a daypack (1,500-2,500 cu. in.) to carry your camera, water, snacks, and extra clothing.

Optional Field Gear

Consider optional items such as a camera with spare media card and batteries, reading and writing materials, a walking staff or trekking poles, compact binoculars, a whistle, ear plugs, a travel pillow, spare contact lenses or glasses, and motion sickness remedies.

Packing Guidelines

Use these guidelines as a reminder to pack based on weather and temperatures during your tour. The key to comfort on an active Southwest trip is layering – bring versatile items that work well alone or together.

Travel Accessories

Bring travel essentials like sunglasses with a retainer strap, sunscreen and lip protection (SPF 15+), a watch with an alarm or travel clock, a toiletry kit, hand sanitizer gel, and bath/body soap.

What are your guest demographics?

Our guests come from a diverse range of backgrounds, united by a shared passion for history. We welcome inquisitive students, esteemed WWII veterans, families eager for educational adventures, and solo travelers on unique quests for discovery. Our tours also attract international visitors, each contributing their own unique perspective to the experience. Additionally, through our partnerships with advisors in the US, UK, Australia, and beyond, we proudly serve a global demographic, ensuring that our tours celebrate history from multiple geographical perspectives.

What are your hotels like?

European Tours: Enjoy accommodations in 3-4 star hotels featuring private bathrooms for a comfortable and convenient stay.
USA Tours: Experience the best available rural accommodations, chosen to enhance your immersive experience.

For comprehensive property details on your specific tour, please review the full itinerary.

What is included in the tour price?

Inclusions: Your tour package includes accommodations, on-tour transportation, entrance fees, professional guide services, and most meals (unless otherwise specified). Gratuities, select meals, and personal expenses are not included.

Airfare Inclusions: If your departure includes airfares from our partner, Round the World Airfares, or an Airfare Credit, these will be clearly detailed in your departure inclusions.

What is the average group size?

Group Size and Departure Notification: European tours typically accommodate up to approximately 35 guests, while domestic tours are limited to 25-30 guests. Each tour requires a minimum number of participants to run. Once the minimum is reached, all confirmed guests will be notified, and detailed flight information will be released for booking.

What is your cancellation policy?

Refunds and Cancellation: Refunds are determined by the timing of your cancellation. For cancellations made more than 120 days prior to departure, a flat fee of 25% of your booking total will be deducted. Cancellations within 120 days of departure will incur a 50% cancellation fee, and cancellations made within 90 days will result in a 100% cancellation charge. Please note that special conditions may apply to certain tours, such as Iwo Jima; refer to your booking terms for full details.

Airfare Bookings: Bookings that include airfares—either through US History Tours or our partners at Round the World Airfares—will have separate documentation. Each airfare booking may include unique terms, including non-refundable tickets, which will be clearly outlined in the provided information.

What kind of physical fitness is required?

Our tours involve moderate physical activity, including walking and light hiking on uneven terrain. Given the diverse landscapes of our region—from rugged historical sites and scenic urban locations with cobblestone streets to the higher elevations of Wyoming’s mountain areas—participants should be comfortable with sustained walking, occasional hikes, and exposure to variable conditions. Please note that temperatures in the mountains, even in summer, can be quite chilly. Specific details regarding distances, terrain, required gear, and weather conditions are provided in each tour description to help you prepare adequately for your adventure.

What makes US History Tours unique?

At US History Tours, we create culturally immersive experiences that spotlight Indigenous heritage and historically significant sites. Our tours are led by expert historians with advanced degrees, dedicated to presenting multifaceted narratives with both academic rigor and deep respect for local communities. We collaborate with regional experts to ensure that each tour is informative, accurate, and reflective of the diverse cultural landscapes that shape our shared history.

What payment methods are accepted?

We accept all major credit cards via secure online payment gateways on our website. Direct deposits are also welcome. Whenever possible, we encourage bookings through your local independent travel advisor, who will handle payments and remit them to us as required.

What room types can I reserve?

Accommodation Options:

Single: One bed for one guest (single occupancy supplement applies).
Double: One bed designed for two guests.
Twin: Two separate beds for two guests.
Triple: Configurable as two beds for three guests or, upon request, three beds for three guests.

What safety measures are in place during tours?

Our guides are fully trained in first aid and emergency protocols to ensure your safety. We continuously monitor weather and trail conditions, and all travelers are required to adhere to the provided safety instructions.

What should I pack?

It is recommended that travellers bring comfortable hiking shoes, layered clothing, sun protection, a reusable water bottle, a rain jacket, and a small daypack. For additional packing recommendations and useful travel tips, please refer to our Travel Tips & Resources

What type of bus do you use?

Our tours feature modern, comfortable motor coaches equipped with onboard restrooms and charging stations for phones and tablets. In certain regions and for specific day trips, these may be substituted with smaller vehicles provided by our First Nation partners, ensuring compliance with local land regulations and respectful access to their territories.

Will I need travel insurance?

For the safety and security of all participants, comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for all travellers. Proof of insurance must be provided prior to departure, and coverage must include the United States as well as any active tour components, including trip cancellations, medical expenses, and emergency evacuations. Additionally, all travel insurance information must be submitted to the tour manager for use in the unlikely event of an emergency.