National Parks holiday in Southwest America

Community:
Once in Moab we support the local community by eating in authentic American restaurants and by using local adventure outfits for our optional mountain biking trip and other activities to explore the uniqueness of Arches and Canyonlands National Parks through environmentally-friendly means.

During this trip we visit a number of natural wonders which are owned and/or managed by Native American Indian tribes, for example: Monument Valley and Betatakin. This trip offers the opportunity for an optional Native American guided jeep tour at Monument Valley, the heart of the Navajo Indian Reservation. During this activity we will be able to spend some time in an authentic Hogan and listen to Navajo stories, told by a tribal elder, who will engage us in an inspiring conversation about the Navajos' domestic lives. Our Navajo guide will take us to sacred places in the valley and play Navajo tunes on a flute to us to allow our minds to open up to the spiritual world of the Navajos. Our group may also opt to experience a Navajo cultural dance show, complete with sampling Navajo foods.

We learn of local legends and some of the cultural aspects that have shaped the Navajo and Hopi Nations. At Paria we get into close contact with the local "cowboy' population. Paria Ranch is a low impact private campground setting with authentic wooden ranch building and bunkhouse. We can enjoy locally grown beef and produce. In Yosemite National Park we will learn about the native giant Redwood trees and conservation efforts. Where we include national parks we provide written information for our travellers to peruse while in transit, to learn of the local flora, fauna and key issues that threaten the environments.

We have an expert Operations based in the USA so our team is fully aware of current affairs. We have found that local operations is a superior way to ensure the quality and safety of our travellers.

Each year we conduct extensive safety audits to ensure our properties comply with local regulations as well as our own safety requirements. We also conduct reviews of our itineraries to ensure they include as much local interaction opportunities as possible, where our travellers can engage with the locals and learn their way of life and the local cultures of the places we visit. These experiences often make our trips unique.

Environment:
Our Southwest trip is carbon offset so you can be sure that all carbon emissions generated from travelling on this trip, are offset by investments into sustainable projects around the world including a rice husk biomass project in Thailand as well as hydro electric projects in China and India.

We travel in small groups of 13 people to minimise the effects that large groups have when visiting remote areas and small villages. It is easier to 'blend in' with a small group and it allows us to stay in smaller properties and eat in more local establishments - where a group of 40-50 would need to eat in more touristy places.

This trip includes Grand Canyon, Bryce, Zion, Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Death Valley and Yosemite National Parks where our travellers have the opportunity to experience these wilderness areas and appreciate the delicate natural environments that make them highlights of any trip to western USA. We set up camp outside of Bryce Canyon National Park in a locally owned camping facility that supports conserving the environment and benefits the local population.