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TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE

Grand Circle TravelWorldwide Discovery at an Extraordinary Value

®

The Great National Parks: Yellowstone, GrandTeton & Mount Rushmore

2020

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Dear Traveler,

Timeless cultures ... unforgettable landscapes ... legendary landmarks. We invite you to discovercenturies-old traditions and cosmopolitan gems with Grand Circle Travel on one of our enrichingvacations around the globe.

No matter what your dream destination, Grand Circle offers an unrivaled combination of value andexperience—all in the company of like-minded fellow American travelers and a local ProgramDirector. Assigned to no more than 42 travelers, these experts are ready and eager to share theirhomeland and insights as only a local can. Whether it's recommending their favorite restaurant,connecting travelers with people and culture, or providing the best regional maps to enhance yourleisure time, our Program Directors are here to take care of all the details and ensure that you havea fun and carefree travel experience.

You'll also enjoy the best value in the travel industry. Each of our trips includes allaccommodations, most meals, exclusive Discovery Series events, guided tours, and mostgratuities, all at a value that no other company can match. Plus, solo travelers can enjoy FREESingle Supplements on all Grand Circle Tours and extensions for even more value. In addition toour wealth of included features, each itinerary is balanced with ample free time to ensure you'reable to make your vacation truly your own.

Plus, with Grand Circle, you have the freedom to personalize your trip. For example, you cancustomize your air experience, and start your trip early or stay longer with our optional pre- andpost-trip extensions. You can even choose to "break away" on your own to arrive early andrefreshed before your trip begins, or explore independently.

We hope you enjoy the information inside. Our Travel Counselors are available at 1-800-221-2610to answer any questions you may have. Thank you for your interest, and we look forward towelcoming you.

Warm regards,

1073 POD PMA-LET.indd 1 5/31/12 4:11 PM

Alan E. Lewis Harriet R. LewisChairman Vice ChairmanGrand Circle Travel

P.S. Visit us online to find our ever-growing collection of videos and films about ourvacations—from independent films featuring the destinations you'll visit to itinerary highlights,interviews with our Program Directors, trip extensions, and more. Go to www.gct.com and findyour travel inspiration.

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TRIP SUMMARY

It’s Included . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Departure Dates and Prices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Freedom to Personalize Your Experience . . . . . . . . . . . . .

DETAILED DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THIS TRIP. . . . . . . . . . . . .

Travel Documents & Entry Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Money Matters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Preparing for Your Trip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Packing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Climate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

About Your Destinations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Demographics & History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MAP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

WHAT’S INSIDE

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The Great National Parks: Yellowstone, Grand Teton & Mount Rushmore

Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

IT’S INCLUDED

MAXIMIZE YOURDISCOVERIES & VALUE

OPTIONAL EXTENSION S

Denver & the Rocky Mountains3 nights pre-trip from $1395

New Mexico: Santa Fe & Taos3 nights post-trip from $1195

• Choose to purchase Grand Circle’s airfare, and your airport transfers,

government taxes, fees, and airline fuel surcharges are included. Or, make

your own air arrangements

• Accommodations for 12 nights in comfortable rooms with private baths

• 21 meals: 12 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 5 dinners

• 13 included features: 11 guided tours and 2 exclusive Discovery Series

events: Japanese-American Confinement Site • Native American cultural

experience

• Exclusive services of a local Grand Circle Program Director (assigned to no

more than 42 travelers)

• Gratuities on your main trip for local guides and motorcoach drivers

• Personal headset on all included and optional tours

• Private motorcoach land travel

• Baggage handling for 1 piece of luggage per person, including tips

• 5% Frequent Traveler Credit toward your next trip

To get a richer view of the Included Features on this trip,

watch our Trip Itinerary video at www.gct.com/npt2020

13 days from Including airfare from Denver

13 days from

Tour only

Single Supplement: FREE

The Great National Parks: Yellowstone, Grand Teton & Mount Rushmore Utah: Salt Lake City | Wyoming: Jackson Hole | Montana: West Yellowstone | Wyoming: Cody,

Sheridan | South Dakota: Rapid City

Countries: 1 | Cities: 6 National Parks: 6

Travel from only $231 per day

$2995

Travel from only $269 per day

$3495

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1-800-221-2610 • www.gct.com/npt2020

FREEDOM TO PERSONALIZE YOUR EXPERIENCE

From spending more time abroad or adding extensions, to

choosing your air preferences, our Travel Counselors are here

to discuss your personalization options at 1-800-221-2610.

See details at www.gct.com/personalize-npt2020

Publication Date 9/13/19

SHARE YOUR LOVE OF TRAVEL

New travelers you refer will

instantly save $100, and you’ll

earn increasing rewards—

up to a FREE trip!

See details at www.gct.com/va

FREE SINGLE SUPPLEMENTSon your main trip and extensions.

We don't charge you more for

your own room.

Each departure has limited solo

space available—call today.

DEPART FROM: MAY 15, 26 JUN 30 JUL 3; AUG 18 SEP 3, 9, 21

Denver $ 3495 $ 3695 $ 3595 $ 3795

Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Houston,

Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis, Newark, Orlando,

Philadelphia, Phoenix, Portland, San Diego,

San Francisco, Seattle, Tampa, Washington, DC

$ 3595 $ 3795 $ 3695 $ 3895

Atlanta, New York $ 3695 $ 3895 $ 3795 $ 3995

Additional departure cities are available. Upgrade to Business Class may be available for the international portion of your flight. Call for details.

THE GREAT NATIONAL PARKS: YELLOWSTONE, GRAND TETON & MOUNT RUSHMORE

2020 DATES & PRICES

Prices are per person. Airfare prices include government taxes, fees, and airline fuel surcharges. All prices and availability are effective as of the date of

this publication, and are subject to change without notice. Standard Terms & Conditions apply, please visit our website: www.gct.com/tc. Every effort

has been made to produce this information accurately. We reserve the right to correct errors.

For specific departure dates, current availability, and detailed pricing, visit www.gct.com/npt2020 pricing

MAY 15, 26 JUN 30 JUL 3; AUG 18 SEP 3, 9, 21

Tour only $ 2995 $ 3195 $ 3095 $ 3295

NPT2020

BEST PRICE GUARANTEE

We promise you won’t find a

lower price on a comparable

vacation—if you do, we’ll match it.

See details at www.gct.com/bpg

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The Great National Parks: Yellowstone, Grand Teton & Mount Rushmore

Zion National Park, Utah

Maximize Your Time & Value: 55% of our travelers choose to take a pre- or post-trip extension

See more of the region and maximize your value by taking advantage of your already-included airfare. On this vacation, you can choose between Denver & the Rocky Mountains and New Mexico: Santa Fe & Taos.

“Break Away” Options: 30% of our travelers choose toarrive early or stay late in their destination

Before or after your main tour or trip extension, "break away" anywhere you'd like to go to do more exploring entirely on your own.

Please note: Our Travel Counselors can help you plan your airfare if you'd like to "break away," however since this option

Back-to-Back Trips: 90% of our travelers who combinedtwo vacations rated it excellent

One of the most common vacations travelers combine with this one is Southwest National Parks: Arches, Zion, Bryce & the Grand Canyon. If you’re already on the road, why not see more of the region and avoid another flight? Plus, you'll save $250 per person when you reserve two trips right after one another.

Air Options: More than 50% of our travelers customizetheir flights

We make every effort to provide you with non-stopflights and acceptable connection times to and from your destination. You also have several other ways you can

Extending the length of your stay in a destination can improve your overall travel experience—and allow you to seek out even more eye-opening cultural interactions. Your local Program Director will serve as your trip experience leader—helping to ensure you’re getting the personalized experiences you’re looking for. In fact, 85% of our travelers are personalizing their experience in more than 90 countries.

Call us at 1-800-221-2610 to discuss personalizing your vacation today or visit us online at www.gct.com/personalize-npt2020.

Freedom to Personalize Your ExperienceYour Choice, Your Trip, Your Way

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The Great National Parks:Yellowstone, Grand Teton & Mount Rushmore

202013-Day Grand Circle Tour

EXTEND YOUR TRIP

PRE-TRIP

Denver & the Rocky Mountains

POST-TRIP

New Mexico: Santa Fe & Taos

Your Day-to-Day Itinerary

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Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-221-2610

GRAND CIRCLE TRAVEL

Grand Circle Travel, founded in 1958 to serve the American Association for Retired Persons (AARP), is the leader in international travel and discovery for Americans over age 50. Grand Circle vacations have been recommended by The New York Times, Conde Nast Traveler, The Los Angeles Times, Travel + Leisure, The Wall Street Journal, Arthur Frommer’s Budget Travel, and others. But our most impressive reviews come from our travelers. More than two million people have traveled with us, and the overwhelming majority say they’d gladly do so again.

YOUR GRAND CIRCLE PROGRAM DIRECTOR

During your Grand Circle vacation, you’ll have reliable assistance available at all times from an on-site

give you an inside perspective on your destinations. You will also be supported along the way by local tour guides, who lead you expertly through particular sites and cities.

Many Program Directors are graduates of professional education programs for travel guides. In addition, they receive specialized training directly from Grand Circle, based on what we’ve learned from past travelers about how to make the trip most enjoyable. Your Program Director offers both a deep knowledge of the region and a commitment to make this a very pleasant, informative, and rewarding travel experience for you.

He or she will provide sightseeing trips, handle all travel details, reserve optional tours you choose to take, oversee your Discovery Series events, and provide any other assistance you may need.

INCLUDED IN YOUR PRICE

» Choose to purchase Grand Circle’s airfare, and your airport transfers, government taxes, fees, and airline fuel surcharges are included. Or, make your own air arrangements

» Accommodations for 12 nights in comfortable rooms with private baths

» 21 meals: 12 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 5 dinners

» 13 included features: 11 guided tours and 2 exclusive Discovery Series events:

Native American cultural experience

» Grand Circle Program Director (assigned to no more than 42 travelers)

» Gratuities on your main trip for local guides and motorcoach drivers

» Personal headset on all included and optional tours

» Private motorcoach land travel

» Baggage handling for 1 piece of luggage per person, including tips

» 5% Frequent Traveler Credit toward your next trip

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WHAT THIS TRIP IS LIKE

GROUP SIZE

» A maximum of 42 travelers, led by a local Grand Circle Program Director

PACING

» 6 locations in 13 days, including 1 single-night stays

» 6 days feature 6-8 hours of travel by motorcoach

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

» Walk 1 mile unassisted and participate in 3-4 hours of physical activities daily, including uneven walking surfaces such as unpaved paths, steep hills, stairs, and stones

» We reserve the right for Program Directors to restrict participation, or in some circumstances send travelers home, if their limitations impact the group’s experience

TERRAIN & TRANSPORTATION

» 5 full days at altitudes between 5,000–9,000 feet

» Uneven surfaces, including unpaved trails, steep inclines, steps, and rocky terrain

» Travel by 55-seat motorcoach

CLIMATE

» Daytime temperatures range from 50-92°F during touring season

» June-August are the warmest months

» Nighttime temperatures can fall to 30-50°F

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The Great National Parks: Yellowstone, Grand Teton & Mount Rushmore 2020Epic, rugged, and wild, few things embody the bold American spirit as fully as our great national parks—a uniquely American concept. Explore the expansive wilderness and geothermal wonderland of

of the country’s lawless frontier days, admire the mountain majesty of Grand Teton, and marvel at the natural

faces of Mount Rushmore to the ever-changing landscape of the Dakota Badlands.

EXTEND YOUR TRIP


3 NIGHTS PRE-TRIP

Add another national park to your journey and experience the grand majesty of the Rockies as you explore the pristine wilderness of Rocky Mountain National Park, an alpine playground of crystal lakes, pine forests, lush meadows and snowcapped peaks. Then explore Colorado’s cosmopolitan capital, a trendy modern city which still retains some of its small mountain town ambiance.


3 NIGHTS POST-TRIP

From the earthen villages of Native Americans to the plazas built by Spanish conquistadores, New Mexico’s dramatic history unfolds on this post-trip extension as you take in the laid-back pace of Taos and the Spanish

by the dramatic beauty of the rugged Southwest.

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DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1 Arrive Salt Lake City, Utah

Destination: Salt Lake City

Accommodations: Little America Hotel or similar

Morning/Afternoon/Evening: Travel to Salt Lake City today, with your arrival time depending on your departure city. Transfer to your hotel, check out your surroundings with your Program Director on an orientation walk, and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Lunch and dinner are on your own today.

Day 2 Salt Lake City


Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodations: Little America Hotel or similar

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Gather with your fellow travelers

about what you’ll experience together over the coming days, and then set out on an included tour of Salt Lake City, site of the 2002 Winter Olympics.

On your tour, you’ll visit Temple Square, world headquarters of the Mormon Church. The massive temple, with its six spires, dominates the square, which also features a monument to Brigham Young and the “Three Witnesses Monument.” The latter memorial honors the

them the golden plates from which the Book of Mormon was translated. Marvel at the awesome Tabernacle, dedicated in 1893, and famous for its amazing acoustics and Mormon Tabernacle Choir. You’ll also stop to admire the eponymous Great Salt Lake, the largest saltwater lake in the western hemisphere.

Lunch: On your own. The city boasts many excellent restaurants, and your Program Director will be happy to suggest a few if you’re looking for recommendations.

Afternoon: Free for your own discoveries—ask your Program Director for recommendations.

Dinner: Get to know your fellow travelers during an included Welcome Dinner.

Evening: You have the freedom to spend the rest of your evening as you wish—ask your Program Director for recommendations.

Day 3 Salt Lake City • Jackson

Hole, Wyoming

Destination: Jackson Hole

Included Meals: Breakfast

Accommodations: Snow King Resort Hotel or similar


Morning: Begin your transfer to Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

Lunch: Stop along the way at scenic Bear Lake on the border of Utah and Idaho, where you’ll have time to seek out lunch on your own.

Afternoon: Continue on your way to Jackson Hole, arriving at your hotel late this afternoon. Long before the pioneers came west, the rock formations of the Grand Tetons presided over a traditional summer home for the Native Americans. When the early “mountain men” ventured out this way, the area became a destination for hunters and fur trappers.

establishing Jackson Hole as a cattle-ranching center. The skiing industry took off here in the 1930s and Jackson Hole remains a winter

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sports mecca to this day. In the summer, this year-round resort offers hiking, river rafting, camping, and other outdoor activities.

Dinner: On your own—ask your Program Director for local restaurant recommendations.


Day 4 Jackson Hole • Snake River float

Destination: Jackson Hole

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations: Snow King Resort Hotel or similar


Morning: Head out to Snake River, where

way through the gentle waters of the Snake River corridor, granting you a unique look at the unspoiled wilderness of Grand Teton

raft, steered by an expert guide as you journey past coniferous forests, backdropped by the snowcapped peaks of the Teton Range, the youngest mountains in the Rockies and arguably some of the most scenic. Your guide will help you spot the wildlife that makes its home in and around the water, including salmon, elk, moose, falcons, eagles, and more.

Lunch: You’ll enjoy an included lunch during your Snake River excursion.

Afternoon: Free for your own discoveries—ask your Program Director for recommendations. A shuttle service is available to transport you between your hotel and downtown Jackson.

Dinner: Included at a local restaurant.


Day 5 Jackson Hole •

Yellowstone National Park • West

Yellowstone, Montana

Destination: Yellowstone


Accommodations: Best Western Desert Inn or similar


Morning: Depart for Yellowstone—keep your cameras handy, as your driving route will take you through some of the gorgeous mountain scenery of Grand Teton National Park.

Yellowstone National Park. You’ll pass through toward the town of West Yellowstone, tracing a route that takes you by the tranquil, tree-lined waters of Lewis Lake, the brilliantly-hued thermal pools of the West Thumb Geyser Basin,

at Old Faithful, and more.

Lunch: On your own in Yellowstone—ask your Program Director for recommendations.

Afternoon: Arrive late this afternoon in West Yellowstone. This relaxed small town serves as a perfect gateway to Yellowstone National Park, and you’ll have the rest of the day to stroll the town at your leisure.



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Day 6 West Yellowstone • Yellowstone

National Park

Destination: Yellowstone


Accommodations: Best Western Desert Inn or similar


Morning:national park, established to preserve its remarkable geothermal formations—there are more geysers and hot springs here than in the rest of the world combined. Take in the natural phenomena of shooting geysers, and keep your eyes open for bighorn sheep, elk, coyote, grizzly, black bear, and other wildlife, as you explore the park, which remains 99% undeveloped—true wilderness.

You’ll stop at Mammoth Hot Springs, Fountain Paint Pot, and Old Faithful, the famed geyser that has been spouting an average of once every hour for 100 years. During the

own moniker.

Lunch: You’ll enjoy an independent lunch in the park—perhaps you’ll rest and enjoy refreshments in view of iconic Old Faithful.

Afternoon: Return to West Yellowstone, arriving at your hotel late this afternoon, and enjoy some time to relax.

Dinner: Dinner is included with your fellow travelers tonight.


Day 7 West Yellowstone • Yellowstone

National Park • Cody, Wyoming

Destination: Cody

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodations: Holiday Inn at Buffalo Bill Village or similar


Morning:of Yellowstone National Park as you make your way east toward Cody, Wyoming.

As you journey along the road, you’ll take in a few more of the park’s notable sights, including the Mud Volcano Area to see its impressive cluster of hot springs and mud pots, and the

canyon carved out by the thundering falls of the great Yellowstone River.

Lunch:park, reveling one last time in the spectacular scenery that abounds.

Afternoon: Arrive at your hotel in Cody later today, and spend the rest of the day at leisure.



Day 8 Cody • Buffalo Bill Center

of the West

Destination: Cody


Accommodations: Holiday Inn at Buffalo Bill Village or similar


Morning:Bill Center of the West. Widely regarded as

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the center advances knowledge about the American West through acquiring, exhibiting, and interpreting collections of artifacts and preserving their physical and contextual integrity.

museums under one roof—the Whitney Gallery of Western Art, the Buffalo Bill Museum, the Plains Indian Museum, the Cody Firearms Museum, and the Draper Museum of Natural History.

Lunch: Return to Cody, where lunch is on your own—ask your Program Director for local restaurant recommendations.


Dinner: Join your fellow travelers for an included dinner, accompanied by a live western musical performance.


Day 9 Cody • Japanese-American

Confinement Site • Sheridan

Destination: Sheridan


Accommodations: Holiday Inn Sheridan Convention Center or similar


Morning: Begin your discoveries today by

American history during an exclusive Discovery Series visit to Heart Mountain Relocation Center, the site of a former Japanese-American internment camp.

Shortly following the surprise attack at Pearl Harbor and America’s entry into World War II, President Roosevelt authorized the forcible

relocation of approximately 120,000 people of Japanese descent into ten relocation centers across the country. Heart Mountain is one of few such facilities with structures still standing today, and is now a museum dedicated to recording the experience of the inmates who lived out the war here—including those who resisted the draft after it was extended to interned Japanese Americans in 1944.

Then, begin your transfer toward Sheridan today via the picturesque Bighorn Scenic Highway. As you ride, you’ll bask in the majestic views, ranging from high plains trails

gorges. Learn about local fossils, and marvel at cliffs of rock that loom 2,000 feet overhead.

Lunch: Stop at a local restaurant along the way for an included lunch.

Afternoon: Continue your journey through the Bighorn Mountains, stopping for a moment

Monument, memorializing the infamous battle between Custer’s 7th Calvary and the Sioux and Cheyenne tribes. Arrive at your hotel in Sheridan late this afternoon, and spend the rest of the day at leisure.



Day 10 Sheridan • Devils Tower • Rapid

City, South Dakota

Destination: Rapid City


Accommodations: Holiday Inn Rushmore Plaza or similar


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Morning: Travel through the Black Hills of Wyoming and South Dakota today, stopping along the way for an included tour of Devils

Monument.

President Theodore Roosevelt, the tower stands 1,267 feet above the Belle Fourche River—an almost vertical natural monolith, it’s the remnant of an ancient volcano. Known by some northern plains tribes as Mato Tipi (Bear’s Lodge), it is still a sacred site of worship for many Native Americans. You’ll recognize the massive rock as the landing site of the alien

Close Encounters of the Third Kind.

Lunch: Stop for an included lunch as you continue on your way to Rapid City.

Afternoon: Arrive at your hotel late this afternoon, and enjoy the day free for your own discoveries—ask your Program Director for recommendations.



Day 11 Rapid City • Badlands

National Park

Destination: Badlands National Park




Morning:National Park. The hunting grounds of Native Americans from as long as 11,000 years ago, the 244,000-acre park has a history that stretches

even further back, to an epoch at least 30 million years ago. Fossilized bones uncovered by later Lakota Indians suggested that these now dry lands had once been covered with a body of water, a fact later proved by the many geologists and fossil researchers who have studied the area.

Beyond their canyon-like grandeur, what makes the badlands so unique is the combination of dry ground and loose rock linked by sediment. Both the earth and the rocks themselves are highly resistant to erosion, so that when the infrequent rains hit, the sediment becomes runoff and the rocks can be easily displaced. The scene you see in one visit might be dramatically rearranged at your next.

Lunch: See another slice of history during an independent lunch: Wall Drug, which was founded in a poor town of 326 people during the Depression. Wall Drug made its name by offering free ice water to thirsty travelers and, as word spread, more came from even greater distances. 82 years later, travelers still come

featuring regional curios, historic photos, toys and crafts from South Dakota, and items from Native American and cowboy culture. Wall Drug also features a number of dining options, and you’ll be free to choose one during your lunch here.

Afternoon: Return to Rapid City, where the rest of the day is yours to spend as you like.



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Day 12 Rapid City • Crazy Horse

Monument & Mount Rushmore • Native

American cultural experience

Destination: Rapid City




Morning: Set off on a sightseeing tour of Rapid City, as you make your way to the Crazy Horse Memorial.

Now being constructed just 17 miles southwest of Mount Rushmore, the Crazy Horse Memorial will be the world’s largest sculpture once completed. Begun in 1948 by noted sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski at the request of Native Americans, the memorial includes the Indian Museum of North America, the Native American Cultural Center, the sculptor’s studio, and a 40,000-square-foot Orientation Center.

The dramatic sculpture of the legendary chief

Chief Standing Bear spoken at the dedication of the statue in 1948: “My fellow chiefs and I would like the white man to know that the red man has great heroes, too.” Here, you’ll have an opportunity to marvel at the massive statue, and also visit the studio where Ziolkowski worked without pay until his death in 1982.

Lunch: You’ll have time for lunch on your own near the monument.

Afternoon: Continue on to Mount Rushmore.

(remember Hitchcock’s North by Northwest?) of this famous monument—with the heads of George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson, and Theodore Roosevelt—sculpted out of the solid granite mountain face to

commemorate 150 years of American history. But nothing can compare with viewing it

Then, enjoy some free time to contemplate the monument on your own, before returning to Rapid City. Here, you’ll learn more about the local indigenous way of life during an exclusive Discovery Series event, in which you’ll witness a traditional Native American dance ceremony.

Dinner: Reminisce over your journey with your fellow travelers during an included Farewell Dinner at your hotel.


Day 13 Depart Rapid City



Morning:home. Departure times vary depending on your home city.

Or begin your post-trip extension to New Mexico: Santa Fe & Taos.

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PRE-TRIP



» Accommodations for 3 nights

» 5 meals: 3 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

» 2 included tours: Rocky Mountain National Park, Denver

»Program Director

» Gratuities for local guides and motorcoach drivers on your extension and all optional tours

» All transfers

PRE-TRIP EXTENSION ITINERARY

Add another national park to your journey and experience the grand majesty of the Rockies as you explore the pristine wilderness of Rocky Mountain National Park, an alpine playground of crystal lakes, pine forests, lush meadows and snowcapped peaks. Then explore Colorado’s cosmopolitan capital, a trendy modern city which still retains some of its small mountain town ambiance.

Day 1 Arrive Denver, Colorado

Destination: Denver

Accommodations: Hyatt Place Denver Downtown or similar

Morning/Afternoon: Travel to Denver today, with your arrival time depending on your departure city. Transfer to your hotel and enjoy an orientation walk of the neighborhood around your hotel with your Program Director.



Day 2 Denver • Rocky Mountain

National Park

Destination: Rocky Mountain National Park




Morning: Depart for a tour of Rocky Mountain National Park. The Rocky Mountains are one of the world’s premier mountain ranges, and there are few better vantage points to take it all in than here.

and explore the unspoiled wilderness of the top of the world; marvel at mountain streams,

swimming below the surface.

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Witness grazing elk and browsing deer in fertile

about the branches of thick pine forests, with golden eagles and peregrine falcons circling the skies above watching for unwary prey. Discover

and enjoy the constant company of the craggy mountain peaks beckoning in the distance.

Lunch:the scenery of the park.

Afternoon: You’ll have a few hours to explore independently before returning to Denver. You might choose to spend your time seeing more of the Rockies, or perhaps you’ll stroll the streets

mountain replete with charming shops, cafes, restaurants and beer gardens.

Dinner/Evening: Continue making independent discoveries this evening, with dinner on your own. Ask your Program Director for restaurant recommendations.

Day 3 Denver

Destination: Denver




Morning: Discover the Mile High City on an included tour today. Take in the sights of the town, such as the gold-domed capitol building, a Neoclassical structure that dominates the skyline from its perch on capitol hill. You’ll also explore the city’s chic Lower Downtown (“LoDo”) area, Denver’s oldest neighborhood, which in recent years has been transformed into a trendy warren of upscale restaurants and cocktail bars.

Lunch: On your own in the city—ask your Program Director for local restaurant recommendations.

Afternoon: The day is yours to explore the cosmopolitan Colorado capital on your own. Your Program Director will be happy to offer suggestions on how to spend your free time to satisfy your interests.

Dinner: Included at a local restaurant.


Day 4 Denver • Salt Lake City, Utah




Morning: Fly to Salt Lake City, where you’ll begin your main The Great National Parks: Yellowstone, Grand Teton & Mount Rushmore vacation.

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POST-TRIP



» Accommodations for 3 nights

» 4 meals: 3 breakfasts, 1 dinner

» 2 included tours: Santa Fe, Taos

»Program Director

» Gratuities for local guides and motorcoach drivers on your extension and all optional tours

» All transfers

POST-TRIP EXTENSION ITINERARY

From the earthen villages of Native Americans to the plazas built by Spanish conquistadores, New Mexico’s dramatic history unfolds on this post-trip extension as you take in the laid-back pace of Taos and the Spanish

by the dramatic beauty of the rugged Southwest.

Day 1 Rapid City, South Dakota • Santa

Fe, New Mexico

Destination: Santa Fe

Accommodations: Drury Plaza Hotel or similar


Morning:Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Lunch: You’ll have a layover in Denver, where you’ll have time for lunch on your own.

Afternoon: Depart from the Albuquerque airport for Santa Fe, arriving at your hotel in the afternoon, where you’ll have time to rest or explore independently.



Day 2 Santa Fe • Taos

Destination: Santa Fe




Morning: Depart for Taos and enjoy a guided walk downtown, where adobe buildings surround the central plaza. Continue on to

Site which boasts homes built as long as a millennium ago, where one of the local college students, many of whom grew up in the pueblo, will take you on a tour.

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Next, you’ll visit the Rio Grande Gorge, a 50-mile gorge plunging 800 feet at its deepest, and soak in the dramatic vistas. View the chasm from the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, a steel-deck bridge set 565 feet above the river (making it the seventh highest in the country).

Lunch: On your own in Taos—ask your Program Director for local restaurant recommendations.

Afternoon: Return to Santa Fe, arriving at your hotel in the mid-afternoon. Spend the rest of the day as you please.

Dinner/Evening: Continue making independent discoveries this evening, with dinner on your own. Ask your Program Director for restaurant recommendations.

Day 3 Santa Fe

Destination: Taos




Morning: Set off on a city tour of Santa Fe. Discover the city’s downtown area, which has

Pueblo Revival style for more than a century. You’ll also explore the shops and galleries of Canyon Road, the modern-day spin on the old mountain trade routes.

Then see the Romanesque St. Francis of Assisi Cathedral, which has featured in the creative works of writers such as Willa Cather and

La Conquistadora, America’s oldest statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Your tour concludes at the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, where you’ll peruse 83 years’ worth of the artist’s work,

creative muses.

Lunch: On your own in Santa Fe—ask your Program Director for local restaurant recommendations.


Dinner:travelers for an included Farewell Dinner this evening.


Day 4 Santa Fe • Albuquerque •

Return home



Morning: Transfer to the airport in

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With the planning of any vacation comes the need to research and

prepared for this vacation, on subjects ranging from passports to weather, and currency to recommended reading.

you reserve your departure of this trip, which outlines everything you’ll

Counselors will be ready and eager to address any additional questions you may have.

With all of our resources available to you, enjoy peace of mind … and look forward to the incredible discoveries that await.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THIS TRIP:

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TRAVEL DOCUMENTS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS. . . . . . . . . . . .

HEALTH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MONEY MATTERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Top Tips

Local Currency

Tipping Guidelines

PREPARING FOR YOUR TRIP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

PACKING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

CLIMATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Culture & Points to Know

Shopping

DEMOGRAPHICS & HISTORY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

RESOURCES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

CONTENTS

N/A

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26

28

31

35

38

42

46

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HEALTH

Keep Your Abilities In Mind Please review the information below prior to departing on this trip. We reserve the right for our Program Directors to modify participation, or in some circumstances send travelers home if their limitations are impacting the group’s experience.

GROUP SIZE • A maximum of 42 travelers, led by a local Grand Circle Program Director

PACING • 6 locations in 13 days, including 1 single-night stays

• 6 days feature 6-8 hours of travel by motorcoach

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS • Walk 1 mile unassisted and participate in 3-4 hours of physical activities daily, including

uneven walking surfaces such as unpaved paths, steep hills, stairs, and stones

• We reserve the right for Program Directors to restrict participation, or in some circumstances send travelers home, if their limitations impact the group’s experience

TERRAIN & TRANSPORTATION • 5 full days at altitudes between 5,000–9,000 feet

• Uneven surfaces, including unpaved trails, steep inclines, steps, and rocky terrain

• Travel by 55-seat motorcoach

CLIMATE • Daytime temperatures range from 50-92°F during touring season

• June-August are the warmest months

• Nighttime temperatures can fall to 30-50°F

Long Drives & Other Rigors

This trip requires long motorcoach transfers. On the main trip alone we’ll cover over 1,000 miles. Please feel free to bring whatever you need to be comfortable on the bus (pillow, blanket, etc.) and come prepared for long drives.

This trip also features an active itinerary with long days of sightseeing, occasional walks that follow steep and uneven pathways, and higher altitudes than you may be used to. In addition, both included and optional tours can require extended walking to guarantee a truly rewarding experience.

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Health Check

have ongoing medical conditions or concerns about your health, we highly recommend that you schedule a checkup with your personal physician at least six weeks in advance of your departure date.

• Discuss with your doctor any aspects of your itinerary that may affect your health and be guided by his or her advice. (You can use the “Keep Your Abilities in Mind” on the previous page as a guideline to discuss with him or her.)

•

• If you have a condition that requires special equipment or treatment, you must bring and be responsible for all necessary items related to your condition.

No Vaccines Required

At the time of writing there were no required vaccines for this trip. The CDC recommends that all travelers be up to date on their routine vaccinations and on basic travel vaccines like Hepatitis A and Typhoid, but these are suggestions only. However, this could change in future so we encourage you to check with the CDC yourself before meeting with your doctor.

Traveling with Medications

• Pack medications in your carry-on bag to avoid loss and to have them handy.

• Keep medicines in their original, labeled containers for a quicker security screen at the airport and a better experience if you get stopped by customs while overseas.

• Bring copies of your prescriptions, written using the generic drug name rather than a brand name to be prepared for any unforeseen loss of your medications.

We recommend checking with the State Department for medication restrictions by country: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages.html. (Pick the country and then follow the links to “Local Laws &

Staying Healthy on Your Trip

Jet Lag Tips

• Start your trip well-rested.

• Begin a gradual transition to your new time zone before you leave or switch to your destination time zone when you get on the plane.

• Attempt to sleep and eat according to the new schedule.

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• Avoid heavy eating and drinking caffeine or alcoholic beverages right before–and during–

•

• Stretch your legs, neck, and back periodically while seated on the plane.

• After arrival, avoid the temptation to nap.

•

•

Allergies

If you have any serious allergies or dietary restrictions, we advise you to notify us at least 30 days prior to your departure. Please call our Traveler Support team at 1-800-321-2835, and we will

High Altitude

you’ll be anywhere from 7,000 to 8,300 feet above sea level, and occasionally you’ll travel

the elevation can still be well above 4,000 feet (Salt Lake City). At high elevations there is not only less oxygen but also lower atmospheric pressure, which can have all sorts of odd effects on the

Ask your doctor about medications that may alleviate altitude problems. Over time the body can

nausea, dizziness, and shortness of breath. In addition to preventative medication, eating well, drinking lots of water, getting plenty of sleep, and avoiding alcohol will help reduce the chances of developing altitude sickness. Once you feel sick, however, the only real cure is the passage of

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MONEY MATTERS

Top Three Tips • Carry a mix of different types of payments: some cash, an ATM card, and a credit card

• Traveler’s checks are not recommended.commission fee for cashing them is quite high. It’s more practical to view them as a last resort in the event of a special situation.

• Keep a few smaller bills on hand. It makes both tipping and small purchases easier.

ATMs When using the ATM, keep in mind that it may only accept cards from local banks, and may not allow cash advances on credit cards; you might need to try more than one ATM or more than one card.

Many banks charge a fee of $1-$5 each time you use an out-of-network ATM. Others may charge you a percentage of the amount you withdraw. We recommend that you check with your bank before you depart.

Lastly, don’t forget to memorize the actual digits of your card’s PIN number (many keypads do not include letters on their keys—they only display numbers.)

United States:in large cities and small towns. Our suggestion is to hit up the ATM in town before you head out for the day. Don’t forget to let your bank know that you’ll be traveling before you leave home—if they see a lot of out-of-town withdrawals they might put a freeze on your account because of suspected fraud.

Credit & Debit Cards

possible, because not every shop will take every card. For example, although the Discover card is accepted in some countries outside the U.S., it is not widely adopted, so other brands will work at a much larger range of stores, restaurants, etc.

Notify Card Providers of Upcoming Travel

Many credit card companies and banks have fraud alert departments that will freeze your card if they see suspicious charges—such as charges or withdrawals from another country. To avoid an accidental security block, it is a good idea to notify your credit card company and/or bank you will be using your cards abroad. You can do this by calling their customer service number a week or two before your departure. Some banks or credit card companies will also let you do this online.

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You should also double-check what phone number you could call if you have a problem with a card while you are abroad. Don’t assume you can use the 1-800 number printed on the back of your card—most 1 800 numbers don’t work outside of the U.S.!

Tipping GuidelinesOf course, whether you tip, and how much, is always at your own discretion. But for those of you who have asked for tipping suggestions, we offer these guidelines. To make it easy for you to budget, we have quoted the amounts in U.S. dollars; tips can be converted and paid in local currency or in U.S. dollars.

• GCT Program Director: It is customary to express a personal “thank you” to your GCT Program Director at the end of your trip. As a guideline, many travelers give $6-$8 per traveler for each day their Program Director is with them. Please note that tips for your Program Director can only be in the form of cash. If you are taking any of the optional extensions, your Program Director during the extension(s) may not be the same as the one on your main trip.

• Hotel Housekeeping: Many travelers will leave $1-$2 per day, per room for the hotel housekeeping staff.

• Included in Your Trip Price: Gratuities are included for local guides and motorcoach drivers on your main trip, extensions, and all optional tours.

Time at Leisure: During the times that you explore independently, you may dine in a local restaurant, take a taxi, or avail yourself of some other service where tipping is customary. Tip throughout your tour as you normally would at home. Some restaurants will add a service charge to your tab, and, in this case, it is still a nice gesture to add a little more if you have received good service. Your Program Director will tip waiters for the included meals when the group dines together.

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PREPARING FOR YOUR TRIP

Land Only Travelers & Personalized Air

• Land Only:not included.

• Air-Inclusive: You booked international air with us. Airport transfers are included as long as you didn’t customize your trip’s dates (see next bullet).

• Personalized Air: You booked international air with us, and have customized it in some way. If you have customized your trip’s dates to arrive early, stay longer, or stop on your own in a connecting city, airport transfers will NOT be included. You must also arrange your own accommodations for any additional nights. For your convenience, a preliminary list of your included hotels is available on your My Account at www.gct.com/myaccount under “My Reservations”.

Airport Transfers Can Be Purchased

• included airfare.

•

Airport transfers can be purchased up to 45 days prior to your departure; they are not available for purchase onsite. To learn more, or purchase airport transfers, please call our Traveler Support team at 1-800-321-2835.

If you don’t meet the requirements above, you’ll need to make your own transfer arrangements. We suggest the Rome to Rio website as a handy resource: www.rome2rio.com.

Departure from Rapid City

Airport transfers are provided by our hotel in Rapid City—they offer complimentary shuttles for the use of their guests, which you are welcome to use.

with him or her before your departure; this is a routine check on their part. It ensures that any last-minute changes are accounted for, especially in the case of travelers who have made their own air arrangements.

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Air Inclusive Travelers If you have purchased international air with Grand Circle Travel, there are some points that may be helpful for you to know.

• Air Itineraries:My Account—no later than 100 days prior to your departure. (If you booked your trip inside 100 days, then expect it a week or two after booking.) Due to restrictions from the airlines,

booked your trip a year in advance, we cannot send you a preliminary itinerary or answer

• Flight Delays:

necessarily be aware of your new arrival time.

• Flying with a Travel Companion: If you’re traveling with a companion from a different household, and both of you are beginning and ending your trip at the same airport on the same dates, let us know you’d like to travel together and we’ll make every effort to arrange this (please note, however, that this is not always possible). If you request any changes to

Optional Tours Optional tours are additional add-on tours that allow you to personalize your vacation by

have free time to relax or explore on your own—it’s about options, not obligations.

What You Need to Know

•

• Optional tours that are reserved with your Program Director can be paid for using credit/debit cards only. We accept MasterCard, Visa, and Discover credit cards; we can also take MasterCard or Visa debit cards as long as the card allows you to sign for purchases. (You won’t be able to enter a PIN.)

• To ensure that you are charged in U.S. dollars, your payment will be processed by our U.S. headquarters in Boston. This process can take up to three months, so we ask that you only use a card that will still be valid three months after your trip is over. The charge may appear on your credit card statement as being from Boston, MA or may be labeled as “OPT Boston”.

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• Your Program Director will give you details on the optional tours while you’re on the trip. But if you’d like to look over descriptions of them earlier, you can do so at any time by referring to your Day-to-Day Itinerary (available online by signing into My Account at www.gct.com/myaccount).

Phones and Calling Your phone service may vary from what you’re used to in terms of strength and connectivity, as providers have different levels of saturation throughout the U.S. In rural or remote areas, like National Parks, it may be harder to get a signal. Costs will vary depending upon your contract.

Data usage, however, can pile up costs if you rely on it heavily. Those handy apps can run up download/connection fees. The simplest solution is to shut down all cell phone functions, automatic data feeds and roaming options, and take advantage of the apps via available Wi-Fi. With an Internet VOIP app (like Skype) you can make inexpensive calls. If necessary, turn roaming back on and your phone will work as usual, albeit at some cost.

App quality, availability and costs vary—as do platforms (iPhone, Android, Blackberry), so again you’ll need to do some legwork. But there’s a lot of choice: apps for packing lists, currency

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PACKING

Luggage Limits

MAIN TRIP LIMITS

Pieces per person One checked bag and one carry-on per person.

Weight restrictions Varies by airline. The current standard is 50lbs for

checked bags and 15 lbs for carry-on bags.

Size Restrictions Varies by airline. Measured in linear inches

(length+width+depth). Generally, 62 linear inches

is the checked bag limit; carry-on limit is 45 linear

inches.

Luggage Type A sturdy, fabric-sided suitcase with built-in wheels

and lockable zippers is recommended.

TRIP EXTENSION(S) LIMITS

The extensions have the same luggage restrictions as the main trip.

REMARKS/SUGGESTIONS

One suitcase and one carry-on bag per person: Due to the space limitations on bus transfers, you’ll

be restricted to one suitcase and one carry-on bag per person. This is to ensure that we have room for

everyone’s luggage. We ask that you abide by this limit to avoid inconveniencing your fellow travelers

and prevent additional airlines luggage fees (which are your responsibility). Most airlines now charge to

check a suitcase.

Luggage rules: Luggage rules and limits are set by governmental and airline policy. Enforcement of the

rules may include spot checks or may be inconsistent. However one thing is the same across the board:

If you are found to have oversized or overweight luggage, you will be subject to additional fees, to be

assessed by—and paid to—the airline in question.

Don’t Forget

• These luggage limits may change. If the airline(s) notify us of any changes, we will include an update in your Final Documents booklet.

• so prior to departure. For your convenience, we maintain a list of the toll-free numbers for the most common airlines on our website in the FAQ section.

• Baggage fees are not included in your trip price; they are payable directly to the airlines.

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Clothing Suggestions

Functional Tips

• Travel light: A good rule of thumb is to gather together everything you want to bring; then take half of that. To have a varied travel wardrobe, yet keep your luggage light, we recommend you select a color scheme and pack color-coordinated clothing items that can

• Consider clothing designed for travel, sports, or camping: With modern fabrics, lightweight packing for comfort and protection through a wide range of weather is easy.

• Pack casual clothes: The presiding clothing style of this trip is casual. Men do not need

special night out on your own.

• A warm layer is essential year-round: essential year-round because temperatures can drop fast once the sun goes down—especially in the mountains. During the summer, keep a sweater handy for the air-conditioned motorcoach rides.

• Good walking shoes are essential: The mountain communities, museums, and park trails truly invite exploration by foot. But negotiating the pathways can put great demands on your feet. For your comfort, you’ll need supportive walking shoes that offer good traction.

• Light rain gear: Rains of any variety (heavy or short-lived) are possible at any of your

come in handy.

What to Bring We have included suggestions from Program Directors and former travelers to help you pack.

not requirements. You may also want to consult the “Climate” chapter of this handbook.

What not to pack: Do not pack aerosol cans, as they tend to leak during air travel. Leave behind

hate to lose.

Your accommodations will supply soap, body wash, and shampoo/conditioner. If you prefer a certain brand you may want to bring your own, but otherwise you can rely on what they provide.

Recommended Items

deodorant, sunscreen, etc.

Spare eyeglasses/contact lenses and your prescription

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Sunglasses with a neck strap

Insect repellent

Swimsuit if your hotel has a pool

Wide-brim sun hat or visor

Compact umbrella

Pocket-size tissues

Moist towelettes and/or anti-bacterial “waterless” hand cleanser

Photocopies of passport, air ticket, credit cards, prescriptions for your medicines

Items for your comfort on the bus (pillow, blanket, etc.). This tour involves several long drives.

Camera, spare batteries, and memory cards

Clothing

Shirts: A mixture of short and long-sleeved shirts to layer

Comfortable walking shoes and/or water resistant shoes

Sleepwear

Socks and undergarments

temperatures in the mountains drop fast after sundown

Medicines

But you may want to bring your own for convenience.

Your own prescription medicines

Vitamins

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Cold remedies: Sudafed/Dristan

Pain relievers: Ibuprofen/aspirin/Naproxen

Stomach upset: Pepto-Bismol/Mylanta

Anti-diarrheal: Imodium

Band-Aids, Moleskin foot pads

Antibiotic creams: Neosporin/Bacitracin

Optional Gear

Compact binoculars

Hanging toiletry bag with pockets

Basic sewing kit

Reading materials

Hand-wash laundry soap, and maybe clothespins/travel clothesline/stopper

Addresses for postcards

Collapsible walking staff

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CLIMATE

Utah and Colorado: Images of hot desert canyons aside, winter in both states can be surprisingly cold (below freezing) with some snowfall. Once spring arrives, the temperatures warm up but it

intense UV rays can make it feel even hotter than it really is. Usually July is the warmest month, with average daytime temperatures in the 90s or even higher. Autumn is similar to spring, although summer heat can last until late September. Rainfall can happen at any time of year.

Wyoming and Yellowstone National Park: While Wyoming is large, there is one factor that

the more extreme the climate, and the bigger the difference between daytime and nighttime temperatures. This explains why the temperatures will drop more sharply at night as the trip progresses from Sheridan (about 4,000 feet above sea level) to Cody (about 5,000 feet) to Yellowstone and Jackson Hole (about 6,000 feet). Be prepared for chilly nights even during summer—in July and August the high at noon might be in the 80s or 90s, but it could be in the 40s or 30s at night. While it doesn’t rain a lot compared to other states, snow is common in winter, especially in Jackson Hole.

South Dakota: Rapid City and the Badlands are characterized by cold winters with snow, wet springs, hot and dry summers, and unpredictable autumns. December and January are the coldest months, but March has the most snow. Usually the last snowfall is in April, although it can be as late as early May (this is rare, but it does happen). Spring comes late—usually in May—and is cool and wet, with temperatures ranging from the 50s and 60s in the day and dropping down to the 40s (or even 30s) at night. Summers are hot, dry, and partly sunny. In July and August the daytime highs are usually in the 80s but a sudden heat wave can bring highs in the 90s. Fall is

be followed by an unexpected frost, and snow can start in late October or early November.

TIP: As you pack for your trip, the number one thing to keep in mind is the possible dramatic changes between day and evening temperatures, and between altitudes. For example, in fall and spring you may

Arizona and New Mexico: While winter temperatures can dip below freezing, snow is relatively rare in these states compared to their Rocky Mountain neighbors. Spring comes early (sometimes in March) and is windy and warm. Rain is more likely in the afternoon, and from mid-July to

produce dramatic bursts of rain, high winds and increased rainfall in general. Overall, however, the summer climate is sunny and pleasant, with highs in the 80s or even 90s. If you are traveling in the fall, the temperatures may be quite warm, or somewhat on the cool side, or—even more likely—a bit of both.

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Climate Averages & Online Forecast

average climate as opposed to exact weather conditions. This means they serve only as general indicators of what can reasonably be expected. An extreme heat wave or cold snap could fall outside these ranges. As your departure approaches, we encourage you to go online to www.gct.com/myaccount for your 10-day forecast.

Average Daily High/Low Temperatures (°F),

Humidity & Monthly Rainfall

JACKSON HOLE, WYOMING

Temp. High-Low % Relative

Humidity (am-pm)

Avg # of Days with

Rain

27 to 1 -- 4

31 to 4 -- 4

41 to 14 -- 4

50 to 24 -- 3

61 to 32 -- 3

71 to 38 -- 2

81 to 43 -- 3

80 to 41 -- 3

70 to 33 -- 3

55 to 24 -- 2

40 to 14 -- 4

27 to 3 -- 4

MONTH SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH


Humidity (am-pm)

Average # of Days

with Rain

JAN 37 to 22 79 to 69 10

FEB 43 to 25 78 to 59 9

MAR 54 to 34 71 to 47 10

APR 62 to 40 67 to 39 9

MAY 72 to 48 66 to 33 8

JUN 83 to 56 60 to 26 5

JUL 93 to 65 53 to 22 5

AUG 91 to 63 54 to 23 6

SEP 79 to 53 60 to 28 5

OCT 65 to 41 68 to 41 6

NOV 49 to 31 75 to 59 8

DEC 38 to 23 80 to 71 9

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DENVER, COLORADO


Humidity (am-pm)

Average # Days

with Rainfall

45 to 17 62 to 49 5

46 to 20 66 to 44 6

54 to 26 67 to 39 7

61 to 34 66 to 35 8

71 to 44 70 to 38 11

81 to 53 68 to 34 8

88 to 59 68 to 33 9

86 to 57 68 to 34 9

77 to 48 66 to 32 7

65 to 36 63 to 35 5

52 to 25 66 to 47 6

43 to 17 63 to 50 5

MONTH RAPID CITY, SOUTH DAKOTA


Humidity (am-pm)

Avg # of Days with

Rain

JAN 37 to 13 69 to 54 7

FEB 40 to 15 73 to 53 7

MAR 48 to 23 76 to 49 9

APR 58 to 32 72 to 42 9

MAY 68 to 42 73 to 45 12

JUN 78 to 51 74 to 47 12

JUL 87 to 58 70 to 38 9

AUG 86 to 57 69 to 33 8

SEP 76 to 46 69 to 35 6

OCT 61 to 34 68 to 38 5

NOV 47 to 22 71 to 49 6

DEC 37 to 13 70 to 56 6

MONTH SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO


Humidity (am-pm)

Average # Days

with Rainfall

JAN 46 to 18 -- 4

FEB 53 to 21 -- 4

MAR 59 to 26 -- 5

APR 63 to 32 -- 4

MAY 74 to 41 -- 5

JUN 87 to 49 -- 4

JUL 90 to 55 -- 9

AUG 88 to 55 -- 9

SEP 80 to 47 -- 6

OCT 69 to 32 -- 4

NOV 56 to 27 -- 4

DEC 47 to 18 -- 4

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ABOUT YOUR DESTINATIONS

Your Program Director During your exclusive Grand Circle vacation, you’ll have reliable assistance available at all times

and can give you an inside perspective on your destinations. He or she is supported along the way by local tour guides, who guide you expertly through particular sites and cities.

Many Grand Circle Program Directors are graduates of professional education programs for travel guides. In addition, they receive specialized training directly from Grand Circle, training that is based on what we’ve learned from thousands of past travelers about how to make the trip most

to make this a very pleasant, informative, and rewarding travel experience for you.

Your Program Director will provide sightseeing trips, handle all travel details, reserve optional tours you choose to take, oversee your Discovery Series events, and provide any other assistance you may need. You will be in the company of a Program Director throughout your vacation.

Laundry Service

Your Program Director or hotel concierge can assist you with making arrangements for this service. Most hotels will offer self-service washers and dryers.

Rapid City

City Layout and Details

Rapid City, a gateway to the Black Hills of South Dakota, is also a regional shopping and commercial center. Founded in 1876 by a group of unsuccessful miners who wanted to establish a commercial center at the base of the Black Hills to supply gold miners, the town was originally little more than a collection of shacks. It has grown since its early mining town days, and today

B-1B long-range bombers. Located at the intersection of I-90 and state highways 44 and 79, the city is a commercial hub for the Black Hills region. This is an easy city to get around in. Fairly small (population 59,600 as of the 2000 census), the city is laid out in a grid pattern with I-90 to the north and Routes 44 and 79 to the south.

Today most homes and businesses in Rapid City are built around and on the large hill that dominates the center of town. Skyline Drive runs around the hill at the city’s center and offers good views of the entire city. The city’s historic district is downtown and is worth a look. Here, nearly 40 buildings built between 1881 and 1930 provide a glimpse into the past. The Dahl Fine Arts Center at 7th and Quincy is a downtown attraction famous for its cyclorama of American history. On state highway 79 east of the city center, the Museum of geology on the campus of the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology offers talking dioramas that narrate the history of the Badlands and the prehistoric creatures that once lived here. The West Boulevard Historic District is southwest of downtown and is an area of wide tree-lined streets and early

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20th-century homes. The Sioux Indian Museum and Minnelusa Pioneer Museum are nearby and offer historical exhibits. Journey Museum, close to your hotel, is a walk through different periods of time in this region - from the geology and paleontology of millions of years ago to the Native Americans, Homesteaders and air force base of the more recent past.

Newspapers & Magazines

The Rapid City Journal is the city’s daily paper. It has an extensive entertainment section that lists weekend events, movies, shows, museums, and restaurants.

Shopping & Souvenirs

crafts and artwork of the Lakota Sioux, local gems and minerals, and western antiques. Also available is a range of cowboy boots and western clothing. Many stores and boutiques feature the usual gamut of clothes, accessories, household wares, and decorative arts that shops in any larger American city offer. The historic district of downtown Rapid City offers a variety of shops, with the most popular near Main St. and St. Joseph.

Evening Entertainment

The city is a fairly quiet place. There are several excellent eating and drinking establishments downtown, as well as a blend of cozy taverns, sports bars, and billiard lounges. The Rushmore

occasional theater productions, lectures, and other cultural events. You can inquire about local

Mount Rushmore Road N (toll-free telephone 1-800-487-3223).

Local Transportation

The Rapid Transit System is the only public transportation option in the Black Hills. It is limited

days a week from 6:30 am to 5:40 pm, and your inexpensive fare includes free transfers.

Shopping There may be scheduled visits to local shops during your vacation. There is no requirement to make a purchase during these stops, and any purchase made is a direct transaction with the

purchases you make on your trip or for the shipment of your purchases.

Returns

If you discover an issue with an item, you should contact the vendor directly. If the shop is outside the country, you should expect that any resolution will take longer than it would in the U.S. We recommend that you keep a copy of all your receipts, invoices, or contracts, along with the shop’s

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contact information. Keep in mind, local practice may vary from the standards you are used to, so don’t assume that you have a certain number of days after the purchase to speak up or that you are guaranteed a refund.

Crafts & Souvenirs

Sales Tax in the U.S.

When thinking of sales tax, please keep in mind two things: It varies from place to place and it (Also, please note that this section is intended to cover all of our

itineraries in the U.S., so you may not be visiting all of these states.)

• South Dakota: The average sales tax in South Dakota is 4% although different towns can add on to this amount, so in some cities it is as much as 6%.

• Wyoming: Sales tax ranges from 4% to 6% depending on the city.

• Utah:

• Arizona: State sales tax starts at 5.6%, but most cities have a rate in the 8% to 10% range.

• Colorado: From as little as 2.9% to as much as 10.4%, depending on the city.

• New Mexico: Technically, New Mexico has a gross receipts tax not a sales tax, but most businesses will charge this to the consumer, so it functions like a sales tax. It starts at 5.125% and goes to 8.625%, depending on the city.

• Montana: Montana does not have a general sales tax.

• Mississippi: Sales tax ranges from 6% to 7%, depending on the city.

• Alabama: From as little as 4% to as much as 11%, depending on the city.

• Tennessee: Sales tax ranges from 7% to 10%, depending on the city.

• Louisiana: Sales tax ranges from 4.45% to 11.45%, depending on the city.

• Alaska: Alaska does not have a general sales tax, but cities and towns may collect sales tax up to 7%.

U.S. Customs Regulations & Shipping Charges

For all things related to U.S. Customs, the ultimate authority is the U.S. Bureau of Customs & Border Protection. Their website, www.cbp.gov has the answers to the most frequently asked questions. Or you can call them at 1-877-227-5511.

The top three points to know are:

• At time of writing, your personal duty-free allowance is $800 for items brought with you.

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• Items shipped home are always subject to duty when received in the U.S.shop has offered to include shipping and duties in the price, this typically means shipping to the nearest customs facility and payment of the export duties—not door-to-door shipping or payment of the import duties. All additional duties or shipping charges would be your

are you will need to arrange shipping or pick-up once the item is in the U.S. and will need to pay customs duties.

• It is illegal to import products made from endangered animal species. U.S. Customs & Border Protection will seize these items, as well as most furs, coral, tortoise shell, reptile skins, feathers, plants, and items made from animal skins.

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DEMOGRAPHICS & BACKGROUND

United StatesNote: This section covers all of our itineraries in the U.S.

Alabama

• Area: 52,419 square miles

• Capital: Montgomery

•

•

• Nickname: Yellowhammer State, The Heart of Dixie, and Cotton State

• Time zone: Alabama is on Central Time, with the exception of Phenix City which is on

Alaska


• Capital: Juneau

•

• Motto: North to the future

• Nickname: The Last Frontier

• Time zone: Alaska is on Alaska Daylight Time

Arizona


• Capital: Phoenix

•

• Motto: Ditat Deus (God enriches)

• Nickname: Grand Canyon State

• Time zone: Arizona does not switch to daylight savings time; from November to May it is on

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Colorado


• Capital: Denver

•

• Motto: Nil sine Numine (Nothing without Providence)

• Nickname: Centennial State

• Time zone: Colorado is on Mountain Time.

Louisiana


• Capital: Baton Rouge

•

• Motto: Virtute et Armis (By valor and arms)

• Nickname: Magnolia State and Hospitality State

• Time zone: Louisiana is on Central Time.

Mississippi


• Capital: Jackson

•

•

•

• Time zone: Mississippi is on Central Time.

Montana


• Capital: Helena

•

• Motto: Oro y Plata (Gold and Silver)

• Nickname: Big Sky Country

• Time zone: Montana is on Mountain Time.

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New Mexico


• Capital: Santa Fe

•

• Motto: It Grows As It Goes

•

• Time zone: New Mexico is on Mountain Time.

South Dakota


• Capital: Pierre

•

• Motto: Under God the People Rule

• Nicknames: Mount Rushmore State, Coyote State

• Time zone: The eastern half of South Dakota is on Central Time; the western half is on Mountain Time.

Tennessee


• Capital: Nashville

•

• Motto: Agriculture and Commerce

• Nickname: Volunteer State

• and western Tennessee (including Memphis) is on Central Time.

Utah


• Capital: Salt Lake City

•

• Motto: Industry

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• Nickname: Beehive State

• Time zone: Utah is on Mountain Time.

Wyoming


• Capital: Cheyenne

•

•

•

• Time zone: Wyoming is on Mountain Time.

date, some move around from year to year will be traveling during a holiday, please visit www.timeanddate.com/holidays.

National Holidays: USA

46

RESOURCES

Suggested Readings

American West

American Buffalo: In Search of a Lost Icon by Steven Rinella (Nature/History) In 2005, the author won a lottery for a very unique hunting permit—for wild buffalo in Alaska. The book is part description of the hunt, part natural history, and part exploration of how the buffalo shaped the American West.

Down the Great Unknown

known to descend the Colorado River. This story of courage, naiveté, hardship, uses not Powell’s

House of Rain by Craig Childs (Archaeology, Natural History) Combining scholarship, history, oral tales and traditions, and walking hundreds of miles in the landscape, Craig Childs attempts to solve the disappearance of the Anasazi of 800 to 1000 years ago.

This House of Sky by Ivan Doig (Autobiography) A portrait of growing up in the wild and rugged Montana. Doig paints a vivid picture of a tightly knit family living in a rugged terrain and struggling for survival.

The Last Stand by Nathaniel Philbrick (History) A well-researched account of the Battle of Little Bighorn, with background on the lives of its two protagonists—Custer and Sitting Bull.

Men to Match My Mountains: The Story of the Opening of the Far West by Irving Stone (History) An

Short Nights of the Shadow Catcherfamed photographer from the early 1900s who made it his life goal to photograph as many Native American tribes as possible before their cultures disappeared.

A Thief of TimeThe series is known for depicting Native American characters in contemporary American society and carefully delineates the interplay of history, tribal and cultural beliefs, and modern culture in the Four Corners region of the American Southwest.

Winter: Notes from Montana by Rick Bass (Memoir) Acclaimed writer Rick Bass spent a winter without electricity in the wilderness of Montana.

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Suggested Movies

United States

But if you’re looking for something set in the states where you’ll be traveling, we suggest a quick search on the Internet Movie Database (IMDb) at www.imdb.com Tomatoes at www.rottentomatoes.com.

Grand Circle Forum (tips from previous travelers) www.gct.com/forum

Grand Circle Shop www.grandcircleshop.com

Grand Circle Frequently Asked Questions www.gct.com/faq

International Health Information/CDC (Centers for Disease Control) http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

Electricity & Plugs www.worldstandards.eu/electricity/plugs-and-sockets

Foreign Exchange Rates www.xe.com/currencyconverter www.oanda.com/converter/classic

ATM Locators www.mastercard.com/atm www.visa.com/atmlocator

World Weather www.intellicast.com www.weather.com www.wunderground.com

Basic Travel Phrases (80 languages) www.travlang.com/languages

Packing Tips www.travelite.org

U.S. Customs & Border Protection www.cbp.gov/travel

Transportation Security Administration (TSA) www.tsa.gov

National Passport Information Center www.travel.state.gov

Holidays Worldwide www.timeanddate.com/holidays

Useful Websites

48

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52

Visit www.gct.com or call us

toll-free at 1-800-221-2610

0 Traveler 10/2019