Signature: Southwest USA, Grand Canyon & Colorado River - 8 Days

Frequently asked questions

• Who will be leading the group on this expedition?

  The group will be led by a National Geographic Expedition Leader and a National Geographic Expedition Expert throughout, along with local guides.

• What kind of accommodation is provided during the trip?

  Accommodation will be in hotels for 7 nights.

• What is included in the tour price?

  The tour includes a welcome moment to meet your Expedition Leader and group in Moab, a private tour of the John Wesley Powell River History Museum, arrival and departure transfers, welcome and farewell dinners, a half-day rafting trip on the Green River, visits to Canyonlands National Park and Dead Horse State Park, a night sky stargazing excursion, a visit to the Edge of the Cedars State Park Museum, an open-air vehicle tour of Monument Valley with a barbecue lunch and Navajo tacos, a half-day Navajo Canyon boat tour, a Secret Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend excursion, an Expedition Leader-led walk along the south rim of the Grand Canyon, engaging discussions with the National Geographic Expedition Expert, porterage at hotels and on/off vehicles, and all tips for included activities, meals, and porterage (except for the Expedition Leader). All transport between destinations and to/from included activities is also covered.

• What should LGBTQ+ travelers know about safety and travel considerations for this trip?

  The safety and well-being of all travelers, including those identifying as part of the LGBTQ+ community, is a priority. The tour operator encourages visiting their LGBTQ+ page for useful resources to ensure safety and comfort throughout the trip, and the Equaldex tool linked on that page can be helpful for travel planning.

• What meals are included during the trip?

  The trip includes 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 4 dinners.

• What is Planeterra?

  Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to creating a positive impact through travel by helping local communities earn income from tourism. They connect underserved communities to tourism benefits by developing and supporting small community-owned businesses that support Indigenous people, empower women, grant youth employment, and protect the environment. The tour operator is Planeterra’s largest corporate donor, covering all operating costs, ensuring 100% of donations go directly to Planeterra projects. Travelers can also participate in the Dollar-a-day Program to donate $1/day to empower the communities visited.

• What general safety tips and free-time guidelines should I follow during the trip?

  For well-being and security, consult your home government's travel advisories. Use a concealed neck wallet for documents and currency, leave exceptional jewelry at home, and use hotel safety deposit boxes. Secure luggage with locks. The National Geographic Expedition Leader may modify the itinerary for safety. During unstructured free time, they can suggest options, but these are not part of the curated itinerary, and travelers should use their own judgment regarding operating standards. When out at night, explore in small groups and use local taxis. Immediately leave any public demonstrations or political gatherings. For water activities, only participate with professional guides; swimming and snorkeling are at your own risk.

• What are the tipping guidelines for this trip?

  Gratuities are fully taken care of for all included meals, activities, and luggage porterage. Tipping is not included for the Expedition Leader, but if you felt they did an outstanding job, a guideline of $10-$15 per person per day is appreciated. Tipping is neither required nor expected for your National Geographic Expedition Expert. For independent dining or activities during free time, a modest gratuity of 3–5% is appropriate.

• What are the modes of transportation used on this trip?

  Transportation will include private vehicles, rafts, open-air vehicles, boats, and walking.

• What are the mandatory travel insurance requirements for this trip?

  The information provided for this specific detail type focuses on securing personal belongings. It strongly advises using a concealed neck wallet or money belt for passport and currency, leaving exceptional jewelry at home, using hotel safety deposit boxes, and securing luggage with a reliable lock. It does not explicitly state mandatory travel insurance requirements.

• What are the main highlights of this trip?

  The main highlights include private access and a Curator presentation tracing the legacy of John Wesley Powell, exploring Monument Valley with a Navajo guide and enjoying traditional Navajo tacos, discovering a hidden slot canyon on Navajo land before a private Horseshoe Bend overlook, and witnessing the Grand Canyon walls come alive at sunset.

• Are there any optional activities on this trip?

  No, there are no optional activities listed for this trip.

• Is there an extra cost for solo travelers?

  Yes, there is a single supplement for those traveling solo.

• Are there any health considerations I should know before traveling?

  Health requirements and recommended inoculations vary by destination, so it's your responsibility to consult with a specialized travel physician well before departure. It's highly recommended to carry a personal first aid kit, hand sanitizer, and any essential prescription medications (bringing generic chemical names if needed, as local pharmacies may have different brand names). Expedition Leaders are prohibited from administering medication. Review the itinerary and physical requirements to ensure personal fitness. The tour reserves the right to excuse a traveler if continuing poses an undue risk to themselves or others.

• Are international flights included in this trip?

  No, international flights are generally not included in the tour price. On some combo tours between different countries, international flights may be included, but for this specific trip, they are not unless stated otherwise by a booking agent. Travelers should contact their airline for baggage allowances and check-in online in advance.

• Who do I contact for arrival issues or in the event of an emergency?

  For urgent assistance, contact the local representative or regional office. In Las Vegas, from outside the USA: 1-725-201-1494; from within the USA: 725-201-1494. A toll-free line for North America is 1-800-465-5600 during business hours. For support outside standard hours, an emergency mobile line is actively monitored: (416) 305-6139. From the UK: 0870 080 1756. International (outside North America and UK): +1 416 260 0999. If your flight changes within 48 hours of arrival, contact the emergency number immediately. If your transfer representative isn't present within 30 minutes of exiting arrivals, take a local taxi directly to the starting property.