One step closer to your dream trip

More is possible than you may think

You probably already have ideas for your holiday to the United States and Canada. Nature tours through the Rocky Mountains, spotting orcas near the San Juan Islands, or exploring the streets of San Francisco on the iconic cable car?

For the best local tips and advice, visit one of our online presentations. Meet our travel specialists and have all of your questions answered.

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Travelling to the USA or Canada

Frequently asked questions

How we work
Visas
Travel insurance
Driving
Money
Flying
Travel pace
Why book with us

Travelling doesn't have to be stressful. See below for a regularly updated list of FAQs when it comes to leaving the UK, what to expect when entering Canada, returning home, and everything in between.

If you want to connect with a travel specialist about your own holiday, contact us here with no obligation.

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General Questions

What is a 'tailor-made' holiday?

A bespoke holiday means that it has been fully custom-made specifically for your needs and wishes. We almost exclusively book local, small-scale accommodations, run by locals because of their sustainable choices, regional products, and care for their environment; but also to support local employment.

Why only work with small-scale businesses?

Our hosts know and love their local area, and are happy to share their local tips with you. This allows you to discover the local gems, away from the crowds
Enjoy over 2000 hand-selected accommodations
We have direct contact with ALL of our hosts, which allows us to offer you special rates

Does Little America have a sustainability initiative?

Here at Little America, we are committed to making travel more sustainable and minimising the impact of the travel industry. We offset all carbon emissions from our customers' flights, road travel, and business operations, which means your holiday is CO2 neutral. Learn more about our sustainability and eco-friendly practices here.

Explore the best that North America has to offer

Have your choice of endless activities and unique accommodations

Before your holiday

Do I need a visa to travel to Canada?

When travelling to Canada, you will need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA).

You can apply for the eTA online and it only takes a few minutes.
To apply, you will need a valid passport, a valid credit or debit card, and an email address.
The visa costs about $7 CAD and is valid for five years.
The application is generally processed within 24 hours.
Once granted, you may enter Canada multiple times (for up to 180 days at a time).

Do I need a visa to travel to the United States?

If you would like to travel to the United States as a British citizen, you will need a valid ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation).

The ESTA allows you to stay in the United States for a maximum period of 90 days for tourism purposes.
Applications are easy and are done online. The cost is approximately nine pounds.
You will need a valid British passport, a valid debit card or credit card to pay the fee and a current email address.
You should receive your approved travel authorisation within 24 hours.

Always come to the airport with all of your paperwork prepared

Do I need travel insurance?

Check your travel insurance policy thoroughly before setting off to the United States.
If you have an annual policy, make sure it is up-to-date.
If you are taking out cover for the duration of the trip, make sure it covers everything from repatriation to lost luggage.

End of Covid-19 travel restrictions

As of 12 June 2022, all air passengers, regardless of citizenship or vaccination status, are no longer required to show a negative viral COVID-19 test result, or documentation of recovery from COVID-19, before boarding a flight to the U.S.

It's good to note that drivers in North America drive on the right side of the road

There are many iconic routes to take along the way

Driving in Canada or the United States

From Californian coastal roads with beautiful beaches to panoramic mountain passes and awe-inspiring desert landscapes, the United States is best explored by car. The roads are safe and there is so much to see that you are constantly tempted to stop. Taking time to capture these moments together is a must.

Do we need a car?

To get the most out of your holiday in the US or Canada, we do recommend travelling by car. You can go wherever you want and also reach the less touristic places. And you can stay at small-scale accommodation, away from mass tourism and meet the locals. It’s possible to build an itinerary without the need of a car. You could go on day or multi-day tours in different parts of North America and travel by plane, train or transfer from your accommodation.

Is my British driving licence valid?

Yes, your British driving licence is valid in both Canada and the United States, also when renting a car. However, we recommend that you also bring an International Driving Permit. As some car hire companies will require that you have an International Drivers Permit before they will let you rent a car from them. Please note: this does not replace your British driving licence, therefore you will need to bring both documents. An International Driving Permit is available at post offices throughout the UK for approximately 5.50 pounds.

Our expert and local advice ensures you have the best holiday possible

Money in North America

How do payments, sales tax and cards work in the United States?

The national currency of the United States is the US Dollar. Dollar notes go up to 100 Dollars. There are also dollar coins, but these are rare.
You can also pay with a credit card or a debit card with the Cirrus or Maestro logo.
To withdraw cash, you can use an ATM. These can be found at banks, supermarkets and petrol stations. Before you travel, check that your bank card has a world cover, otherwise it will not work in the United States.
Most prices you see at the counter do not include sales tax. This tax will vary from state to state, but is often at least 10%, so be prepared to pay more than is displayed.
Tipping at least 15% or more is standard in the United States because in many states the minimum wage for restaurant staff is far below the federal minimum wage. Waiters and waitresses expect to be tipped well, and may even ask you if there was anything wrong with their service if you tip below ten percent.

Tipping is culturally very important in the United States. — Cash is usable most places, but contactless payment it is becoming much more common

Our team is happy to help you with any questions

How does tipping, sales tax and credit cards work in Canada?

The Canadian dollar is the official currency of Canada. Canadian notes come in $5, $10, $20, $50 and CA$100. There are $2 and CA$1 coins, known as the loonie and the toonie. They also use a 25 cent quarter, a 10 cent dime, and a 5 cent nickel.
Credit and debit cards are accepted throughout the country, and ATMs are easy to find in most places. Check that your bank card has global coverage, otherwise it will not work in Canada. Please note that some ATMs charge a service fee of approximately $2- CA$5 per transaction.
Canada adds a federal and provincial sales tax to all goods and services. Depending on where you are in Canada, your bill will add an extra 15% in taxes to the subtotal. Remember that when you buy something in a store, the price you see on the label is not the final price.
Tipping in Canada is similar to the US. When you are receiving services from waiters, hairdressers, cab drivers, hotel employees, and others, you are expected to give a tip. In most cases, a tip is 15% to 20% of the bill's subtotal.

Fly in comfort with one of the world's leading airlines

We can select the best flight times for you with either multiple stops or nonstop

Flights to the United States or Canada

What is the travel time to North America?

The average flight time is between 8-to-10 hours. However, the exact travel time to the US or Canada is dependent on which airline you fly with, whether you take an extended layover, and of course what your end destination is

What airlines do you work with?

Generally, we choose to travel with top airlines such as British Airways or Icelandair. We will ensure you fly with a suitable airline and comfort class to enhance your journey.

Learn all about our flight options to Canada here and our flight options to the United States here.

Embark on your dream holiday with peace of mind

Travel pace and length of travel

How much time do I need?

You need at least three weeks in the United States or Canada to make your journey worthwhile. This allows you to get a good experience of the variety and diversity Australia has to offer.

To visit everything, you probably need a year (or two), but of course most people travelling to North America have 3-to-6 weeks.

What travel pace do you recommend?

We recommend a relaxed travel pace, instead of rushing past all the highlights and returning home exhausted. Spend 2-to-4 nights at each location and discover each place through the eyes of the locals.

Why book with us?

Let's design your holiday together

We take care of every detail, so you can focus on relaxing, rejuvenating and reconnecting with yourself and the world around you. Get in touch with one of our travel specialists below to get started now.