Fancy waking up on Christmas Day to sunrise over the Grand Canyon, or enjoying a celebration like no other on New Year’s Eve in Las Vegas?
This Christmas could pass like any other in a flurry of presents, food and family get-togethers, or it could be spent on the adventure of a lifetime with tour operators TrekAmerica and Footloose.
The companies are running a number of trips over Christmas and New Year in North and Central America, ideal for solo travellers or groups of friends looking for something a little more exciting than Christmas crackers and comedy repeats.
The small group adventure tours run by TrekAmerica and Footloose are a great way to make new friends, take advantage of extra days off work and experience some amazing destinations during the off-peak season.
Canyon Christmas, Vegas New Year
Finding a squashed satsuma in a Christmas stocking surely cannot compare to the thrill of waking up to views of the Grand Canyon on Christmas morning. Spend the day hiking or on an optional helicopter flight before returning to the cosy lodge for a hearty Christmas dinner.
Moving on, take a guided Jeep tour with a Navajo guide in Monument Valley, try mountain biking or an off-road Hummer tour in Arches National Park, and experience the cowboy lifestyle with an overnight ranch stay. The final stop is Las Vegas, for an unforgettable New Year celebration.
TrekAmerica’s Canyon Christmas, Vegas New Year trip departs 24th December 2008 – 2nd January 2009 and costs £849 per person, excluding flights.
Get back to nature in the USA’s National Parks
Travellers on TrekAmerica’s Western Sun tour will experience some of the USA’s most iconic National Parks, with Christmas Day in the peaceful beauty of Zion and New Year’s Eve in the desert landscapes of Joshua Tree.
This 20-day trip includes an overnight camping stay in an authentic Navajo Indian Hogan; outdoors activities in Yosemite, Death Valley and the Grand Canyon; and the city attractions of San Francisco, San Diego and Las Vegas.
TrekAmerica’s Western Sun trip runs from 15th December 2008 – 3rd January 2009. Travellers can now take advantage of a 10% discount on the Christmas departure, which now costs £914 per person, excluding flights.
Enjoy an eco-Christmas in Costa Rica with Footloose
To escape the winter climate, TrekAmerica’s sister company, Footloose is offering the chance to spend Christmas in the cloud forest of Costa Rica.
The adventure begins in Tortuguero, one of the few breeding grounds for the green and hawksbill sea turtles, before venturing on to Volcano Arenal, one of the most active volcanoes in the hemisphere. Enjoy hikes and bathe in the geothermal hot springs while listening to the volcanic rumblings from a safe distance.
Christmas Day itself will be spent in the famous cloud forest reserve of Monteverde, which can be reached by boat, horse and foot – or by minibus. Travellers will take a canopy tour and may even be lucky enough to spot the resplendent Quetzal – the most elusive bird in Central America. The trip ends on the beautiful beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park for some well-deserved rest and relaxation.
Footloose’s Jewels of Costa Rica trip runs from 21st – 28th December 2008 and costs £617 per person excluding flights.
These trips can be booked online at www.trekamerica.co.uk