USA West Coast - SIC

The best time to visit USA depends on your interests and what you want to experience. 

• Summer - June to August – famous for music festivals, sporting events, and more.
• Autumn - September to November – famous for vibrant foliage, cool temperatures, and one of the best seasons to be out and about
• Winter - December to February –famous for downhill skiing, snowboarding, winter zip lining, sledding, snow tubing, and snowshoeing.
• Spring - March to May – famous for warm temperatures and beautiful natural scenery to the national parks, forests, and wetlands of southern states like California, Florida, and Nevada
  
  

Here are the general steps:

• USA tourist visas are typically issued under the Tourist Category. You need to show your purpose of visit with valid documents.
  
  

Eligibility Check:

• Before applying, make sure you meet the eligibility criteria for the chosen visa category. Eligibility criteria may include financial requirements and the genuine temporary entrant requirement. Although it is totally depends on personal interview.
  
  Prepare all necessary documents, which may include:
  

• A valid passport with a validity of a minimum of six months beyond your intended stay.Visa application form, which you can complete online on the official website. Travel itinerary, Documents of family connections.

Apply Online:

• Need to take visa appointment online.
• Fill out the online visa application form for a Visitor visa and pay the visa application fee. 
• Secure appointment for personal interview
  
  Biometrics:

• You will be required to undergo biometrics (fingerprints and photos. Follow the instructions provided in your application.

Attend an Interview:

• You will have to attend an interview at the nearest USA embassy or consulate. You will get your visa approval decision once your interview is done. 
  
  Visa Grant:
  
  
• If your visa is approved, you will receive your passport within a week. Please read and understand the terms and conditions of your visa.
  
  Travel to USA:
  
  Once you have your visa, you can travel to USA
• While in USA, adhere to all the conditions stated in your visa, including the duration of your stay. Always verify the latest requirements and procedures on the official USA government website or consult with the USA embassy or consulate nearest to you. Visa rules and conditions may change, so it is vital to have the most current information.

• The flying time to USA from India is approximately 16 -17 hours depending on the airline, route, and layover time.
  
  Airlines flies from all major cities of India via their Hubs.
  
  
• Air India
• American Airlines
• United Airlines
• Emirates Airlines
• Etihad Airlines
• Qatar Airways
• Lufthansa
• Turkish Airlines
• Delta Air Lines
• Virgin Atlantic
• British Airways
• Air France
• Delta Air Lines

What are the basic details of USA?

Official Name:                United States of America.

Capital City                     Washington, D.C. (District of Columbia)

Major Cities                    New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Phoenix, Philadelphia, San Antonio, San

                 Diego, San Francisco, Dallas, Austin, Orlando, Las Vegas, Seattle

Population                     324, 057, 300 (2023)

Languages                     English (specifically, American English)

Best time to visit:          Any time is a good time to visit USA

Time zones in the USA:

USA has six time zones. The six time zones within the 50 US states are – Alaska Time, Central time, Eastern Time, Hawaii-Aleutian time, Mountain Time, and Pacific Time. Please check time zones while travelling from one state to another.

What is the Currency in USA? Can credit cards be used?

• The official currency is the United States dollar (USD). 

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in USA, including Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. ATMs are also readily available.

• While it is a good idea to have some local currency on hand, you can exchange money at banks, currency exchange offices, or use ATMs upon arrival in the USA for competitive rates

• Bay Rail
• Bay Bus
• Bay Plane
• Bay Car

What language is spoken in USA?

• English is the official language of USA. You will have no trouble communicating in English.

Do I need an adapter for my electronic devices?

• yes, you need to carry a universal adapter.

• Hilton Hotel and Resorts.
• Hyatt Hotel Corporation.
• Marriott International
• IHG.
• Wyndham
• Radisson Hotel Group

• Flamingo offers many different itineraries covering New York, Washington, D.C. , Niagara Falls –USA, Orlando, Bahamas Cruise, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, St. George, Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Yosemite National Park, South Lake Tahoe, San Francisco.
  

Can We Do Additional Activity In USA?

 Yes, USA offers a wide range of outdoor and recreational activities. Some of the popular activities and attractions in USA include:

1.Hiking and Trekking: it is known for its stunning landscapes and numerous hiking trails and treks that cater to all levels of experience. Appalachian Trail, Grand Canyon, Yosemite National Park are some of the famous trails.

2.Adventure Sports: If you are an adrenaline junkie, you can indulge in activities like bungee jumping, skydiving, jet boating, white-water rafting, Hot Air Balloon, paddle boarding at fjords in Alaska, hang-gliding, zip-lining, waterfall rappelling.

3.Wine Tasting: From Alaska to Hawaii and California to Maine every one of the 50 states produces wines in varying styles and cultivates vineyards that keep that American spirit alive.

4.Wildlife There are more than 400 mammal species, ranging from large carnivores like grizzly bears, mountain lions and wolves to beavers and squirrels, armadillos and bats and marine mammals like blue whales, spinner dolphins, orcas and porpoises. Alaska, the last frontier, offers some of the most breathtaking wildlife photography opportunities in the world

5.Nature: The USA boasts diverse natural wonders, from the majestic Grand Canyon to the captivating Niagara Falls. 

6.Scenic Drives: The country offers beautiful scenic drives, such as the Pacific Coast Highway, The Overseas Highway, US Route 163, The Hana Highway, The Hana Highway, Highway 101 and many more places.

7.Cycling: You can explore USA on two wheels with various cycling routes. Cycling in the United States is a minor sport in the country. It is also a mode of transport, particularly in urban areas.

8.Beaches: Enjoy the beautiful beaches in many places such as Maui, Honolulu, Clearwater, Malibu, Laguna Beach and many more.  You can swim, surf, or relax on the sandy shores.

9.The Northern Lights in Alaska: The best time to see the aurora borealis in Alaska is from August 21 to April 21. We call it the Aurora Season

10.National parks: The United States has 63 national parks. Glacier National Park • Grand Canyon National Park, Yellowstone National Park, Yosemite National Park, Zion National Park are some of the famous parks.

11.Cultural Festivals and Events: USA hosts various cultural festivals, music events, and local fairs throughout the year. Check the local event calendar to see if something is happening during your visit. Pride New York, Burning Man, New Orleans Mardi Gras, Miami F1 Grand Prix and many more.

 What types of accommodations are available in USA?

• Common types of accommodations in the United States include hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, vacation rentals, campgrounds, hostels, and boutique inns. Many major cities offer a range of lodging options, while national parks provide campgrounds and rustic cabins. Choose the type that suits your budget and preferences.
  
  

Should I book accommodations in advance?

• It's advisable to book accommodations in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons or major events. It ensures you have a place to stay upon arrival.

Apartments:

• Are generally not serviced and self-contained.
• Unlike a hotel room, an apartment has a kitchen or kitchenette and a living area. Rooms range from smaller studio apartments to two- or three-bedroom apartments, which offer a separate living area, a kitchen, one or more bathrooms, and separate bedrooms.
• There is no room service/housekeeping/restaurant in an apartment, for intermediate cleaning, you need to pay additional at the property.
• There is no Reception & you have to self-check in the apartments.
  
  

Apart-hotels:

• Apart hotels are self-catering, but serviced establishments. They provide the same services and benefits as a quality hotel. It’s a small apartment within a hotel.
• Apart hotels give you a home away from home, with hotel services. It’s not a hotel or an apartment, it’s somewhere in between. They usually have an en-suite kitchen with a cooker and fridge.
• They are often run as a hotel, have a day or 24-hour reception, and are usually smaller than apartments.
  
  

Hotels:

• Hotels can offer breakfasts, housekeeping, laundry services, or room service
• Hotels have different room types, like standard, deluxe, suites, city views, sea views, garden views, etc.
• All Hotels in USA Collect Tourist city tax locally.

What are some must-try USA dishes?

• American dishes are originally from other culinary traditions, including pizza, hot dogs, and Tex-Mex.
  
  

Are there vegetarian and vegan options available?

• Yes - most restaurants and cafes offer vegetarian and vegan menu items. You must try Chipotle Mexican Grill, Taco Bell, Dunkin Donuts, Deep dish Pizza are some of the famous food chains. 
  

Are there any specific health precautions I should take?

• USA is generally safe regarding health. However, it's advisable to have travel insurance covering medical emergencies and vaccinations if necessary.
  

USA has everything to offer such as:

• Stunning Scenery
• Outdoor Adventures
• Wine and Dining
• Private Lodges and Luxury Accommodations
• Adventure Activities
• Relaxation 
• Beach Destinations
• Road Trips 
• Romantic Getaways
• Theme Parks
• National Parks

USA is a combination of natural beauty, adventure, luxury, and cultural experiences - makes it a versatile and captivating honeymoon destination. Whether you prefer relaxation, adventure, or a mix of both, USA can cater to your romantic aspirations. Plan your itinerary based on your interests and the time of year you wish to visit.

• Backpacking
• Climbing
• Kayaking
• Mountain biking
• Skydiving
• Rafting
• Rafting
• Canyoneering
• Paragliding
• Caving
• Hang gliding
• Snowboarding
• Bungee jumping
• Scuba diving
• Surfing
• Camping

USA is the best destination for senior citizens looking for a unique and enriching travel experience. The country offers a wide range of activities and attractions that cater to the interests and needs of older travelers. Here are some reasons why 

1. Spectacular Natural Beauty
2. Cultural Experiences
3. Relaxed Pace
4. Hot Springs and Wellness.
5. Wine and Cuisine
6. Scenic Drives
7. Wildlife Viewing
8. Museums and Galleries.
9. Accessible Facilities
10. Hiking and Walking
11. Friendly Locals
12. Safety
13. Mega Cities
14. National Parks
15. Theme Capital – Orlando
16. Beautiful Lakes & Water Falls
17. Man Made wonders

However, senior citizens have to plan their trips considering their health, mobility, and specific interests. Here are a few additional tips:

• Consult with a healthcare professional before traveling, especially if you have medical conditions.
• Consider travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.
• Plan a relaxed itinerary with rest days to avoid overexertion.
• Choose accommodations with accessibility features if needed.
• Stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun, particularly in hot and sunny regions.
• Keep essential medications and medical documents handy.
  
  

Overall, USA provides a welcoming and accommodating environment for senior travelers.

A. Below are the different types of tours:

SIC TOURS:

• SIC Tours stands for Seat-in-Coach Basis Tours, which means you will share a coach or van with other tourists. You will have an English-speaking tour guide to take you to all the scenic spots listed in the Itinerary that day.
  

In SIC tours, you have to reach the departure point on your own.

• The pickup and drop point of SIC tours may not be the same. One needs to reach to the pick up point. 
  

Walking Tours:

• A walk of a historical or cultural site undertaken on foot, frequently in an urban setting. Short tours can last under an hour, while longer ones can take in multiple sits and last a full day. A tour guide can lead a walk just as an escorted tour.
• Example: Guided Walking tour of NYC, Washington DC, San Francisco, Los Angeles etc.
  

Hop-On- Hop-Off Bus Pass: 

• Hop on Hop off Bus Pass means you can jump on and off the bus at its designated stops as many times as you want, within your ticket validity.
  
  For example: We have over 20 stops in any hop on hop off tour, and with buses arriving regularly you are free to explore at your own pace and then rejoin the tour when you are ready.

You are required to reach the nearest departure point on your own.

Private Van Tour: 

• PRIVATE TOUR means your tour, where all ground services are provided by your guide, with a private vehicle and chauffeur, exclusively for your party, nobody else.
  

SIC (Shared)

• Yes, for SIC and Private Van Tours, timings are to be strictly followed.
  

Private 

• According to driving laws of USA, a driver cannot drive more than 10 Hours and requires a 15-minute break after 2 Hours of driving and a 45-minute break After 4 Hours Of Driving.
• Hours of Operations will be a maximum of 12 hours inclusive of all the compulsory breaks in between.  There is no way to extend the hours.
• The Car is booked for the service mentioned and as per the Itinerary provided by Flamingo only.
• If Passengers need to use the car for any additional services, you have to pay the add-on charges. Pay directly, and the services should be within the driving hours only.
• The driver speaks basic English. He is a driver and not a Guide.
• All passengers must wear the seat belt in USA. Failed to Do so will get the driver fined and will be charged to the passengers.

Self-Drive

• On the other hand, if you opt for Self-Drive, follow the voucher timings and rest at your convenience.
  

• Most of the tickets are now E-tickets and can be validated at the entrance gate of the attraction. In some tours, it is compulsory to exchange the vouchers at the supplier’s office and reach the departure point, so the passengers should carry the hard copies of the vouchers along with soft copies.
  

• Yes, it’s mandatory to carry an International Credit Card. You need to provide the details of the booked accommodation. A refundable deposit will be blocked for 15 working days and released after you check out. Any damage to the room/property will be charged to this credit card.
• Also, if you hire a self-drive car, you must bring the same credit card used to make the reservation.

• Wi-Fi is available at most International airports, Public access areas of Hotels, cruise lines, and trains in USA. Buses do not necessarily have Wi-Fi. The speed quality and speed may vary.
• Some places may have access to Wi-Fi at a fee.

• Some public toilets are free of charge, while others charge a fee. In the latter case, they are called pay toilets and sometimes have a charging turnstile.
  

Here are some unique local experiences you can enjoy in USA:

• Bourbon Distillery Tours
• Get Inspired by Art
• Watch Professional Sports 
• Shop Day and Night
• Visit to the unique national parks
• Unforgettable Stargazing
• Viewing the majestic wildlife and mountain peaks
• Discover Water Wonders
• Walk Like No Other
• Visit to local towns where USA history comes to life
• Chance to gamble at some of the world’s largest casinos
• Night Snorkeling with Mantas at  Hawaiian Islands
• Hike Inside a Glacial Ice Cave
  

• Yes, USA offers a variety of cruise vacations that allow you to explore the stunning coastal and marine landscapes. Cruise options in USA range from short harbor cruises to extended voyages that may take you to remote islands and the beautiful fjords.
• Here are some popular types of cruise vacations available from USA
  
  
• Bahamas cruises
• Caribbean cruises
• South America cruises
• Mexico cruises
• Panama cruises
• Hawaii cruises
• Alaska cruises
  
  

For Private Van Tours:

• In USA, coach captains are subject to laws and regulations governing driving hours. All itineraries are based on them. Therefore, they need to follow the time very strictly and punctually. 
• Our coaches will not have any WIFI facilities on board. 
• The final itinerary is compiled by keeping the -USA driving laws & regulations in consideration
• Guests have to adhere to the timings as mentioned in the itinerary.
• All services are confirmed as per the timings mentioned in the itinerary.
• Any delays will result in curtailment or complete cancellation of service.
• We shall not be responsible for any alternate or compensative arrangements.
• Guests are requested to present themselves a minimum of 30 minutes before commencement of any service.
• Guests are requested to carry their passports at all times & produce when required by the local governing authority.
• Any extra service/s consumed beyond confirmed service has to be paid & settled directly.
• If the Tour Manager is not included - then the Lead passenger has to take responsibility for time/place coordination with the drivers, hotels, restaurants, guides, attractions, entrances, etc.

2.Meals:

• Breakfast: Your breakfast is generally continental. It usually will have Tea or Coffee, Juices, Cereals, Milk, Bread, Butter, and Jam. No Indian item or Jain item may be available.
• Tap water is suitable for drinking.

3.Hotels:

• Unlike Asian or other countries most of the hotel rooms in the USA are relatively medium size except some big cities like New York, Chicago, Miami, San Francisco, Los Angeles..
• For the Hotels booked for you, a chart will be provided with all specifications like star category/ room size, ac/ non-ac / rating/ distance from the city center.
• Please note that the size of the Double and Triple rooms are usually the same.  Most of the rooms have 2 double beds which accommodate 3 adults/ 4 adults or a couple with 2 children
• Please note that the standard check-in time is 1500 Hrs and Check out is 1100 Hrs (It may vary from Hotel to Hotel). Early check-in requests may be charged additionally by the hotel 
• Room Rates are based on Standard Rooms. Supplement cost will be applicable for Sea Facing /Lake Facing / Deluxe / Suite Rooms.
• Most of the hotels in USA offer Free WIFI and if required it must be purchased directly from the reception.
• Allocation of the Rooms is done only while check-in by the Hotel Front Desk and is not within our limits.  Adjacent rooms/ Rooms on the same floor cannot be committed or guaranteed.
• Cooking anything in the hotel is strictly prohibited, in case of not following the rules, heavy penalties are levied to the passenger.
• Any damage caused by the passengers in the hotel rooms. For example - Breakage of any assets, oil stains in the rooms, and scratches on the glass or wooden flooring. Heavy penalties will be charged by the hotel to be borne by the passengers. Such penalties will be charged on the refundable deposit paid at the properties or asked additionally.
• Tap water is drinkable in USA. Some hotels do not provide complimentary drinking water.
• Tea Kettles are not provided in all the Hotel Rooms, so we suggest carrying your own.
• No room services/ No bell boy or sometimes Porterage at additional cost 
•  On check-in, in hotels, Refundable Deposits are blocked at every Hotel on a Forex card or Credit card only. It may take up to 15 days to 1 month, for the deposit to reflect in your account.

4.Sightseeing & Tours:

• Seat-in-coach tours have a city-center pickup. You have to reach the city center point on your own, it is the responsibility of the customer to ensure that they are on time at the designated place of pick up. If you do not arrive on time then it will be considered as a no-show &no refund will be given for any unutilized service & customer will have to make their private arrangement for the missed tour at their own cost.
• SIC tours have fixed routes & itineraries & will not deviate from the same
• Book optional sightseeing in advance by paying an additional cost.
• All Monuments entrances are not included in SIC tours unless specified.
• It is very common to have major events, strikes, cycle races or marathons, heavy traffic, or due to unforeseen circumstances, some parts of cities are not accessible to the general
  public. In a case like this, if sightseeing/ local transport is disrupted, there will be no refund for the unutilized services.

5.Luggage :

• Please note in case your itinerary includes an internal flight, the baggage allowance will be limited, depending on the airline & sector. Please check and pack as per the allowance, even if you are allowed more luggage on the main flight. Generally, most airlines allow 20 kg Check-in and 7 kg hand luggage.
• Please note it is compulsory to web check-in for all internal flights. In case, you do not do web check-in, the check-in is chargeable at the airline counter.

Information that you should provide While Booking!

1. Your Emergency contact details while you are on tour. 
2. Meal request for the Airline and the Tour (Choices are Veg or Jain Meals) (We understand Jain means No Onion, No garlic, & No Potato) (Please mention in the Booking Form If you are allergic to any foods)(If you have any more specific food request you can share the same to the sales staff and in the booking form. We will try to help with the same but DO NOT GUARANTEE availability of the same) 
3. Billing Details (If you need to claim any GST or TCS or need your Bills in your Company Account, then share the GST No and other proper billing details before booking. Making changes in Our Accounting System after generating the is not possible)
4. For Overseas Medical Insurance, do mention if you have any existing diseases. 
5. Inform your sales representative if you are traveling with somebody who is not very mobile and may require a long time to walk or need a wheelchair. Most cities in USA need a lot of walking to explore. The city tour is by foot. So, check before booking that you are not booking any wrong Tour for you or your family.
6. Any Visa Rejection in the past. 

Payment Policy to Make the Payment!

• TCS applies to our Total Tour Cost, depending on your annual purchase of overseas transactions. You must pay either 5% or 20% TCS, which can be refunded. (Which is not part of Total Tour Cost and Charged additionally)    

Rate of Exchange at the time of Payment.
        a. ROE will be applicable on the day when you make the final payment.
        b. ROE will be determined as per the interbank rate on www.xe.com + Rs.1 on the day when you make payment.
        c. We are okay if you wish to make an early payment. In case the USD exchange rate goes lower. You can keep checking the same on www.xe.com. 

2.Payment Schedule: 

Initial Deposit: INR 50000/- per person is required to confirm the seat. 

2nd Payment 75 Days before departure: INR 1, 00,000/- 

3rd Payment 45 Days before departure: INR 1,00,000/-

4th Payment 30 Days before departure: Remaining Full Payment 

Please note that it is mandatory to adhere to the above schedule, no matter if your visas are received or not. 

Airline

1. 1. Please check your baggage allowance as per your airline. 
2. 2. Passengers should do the web check-in on their own.
3. 3. Please note that as soon as tickets are issued one falls under ticket cancellation. 

How the Booking Process Will Follow!

1. Upon receiving an inquiry request, our travel consultants will start to assist you in building a pleasant travel plan according to your requirements and interests.
2. Upon receiving package confirmation from you, we will initiate to check as per the current availability of the proposed hotel or similar & rates/airline rates/internal flight & train rates & send the final package cost. Kindly accept the package confirmation in writing to process the booking.
3. It is compulsory for customers to check the hotel reviews on booking.com / Trip Advisor and give final confirmation by Email.
4. Upon receiving the deposit, we will secure your reservation and process your final booking immediately. It will be confirmed after 48 hours of process. However, it is possible that at the time of booking (and especially during the peak season) the hotel or the room category mentioned by us is full. In that case, we will give you an alternate hotel or an alternate room (higher category or lower category). Change in costs, if any, will be intimated to you, and the balance payable by you or to you will be paid by you or refunded to you as the case may be.
5. Once your booking is confirmed, we will send you a confirmation letter with the proposed flights, hotels, and tours in detail. Should any conditions change after the confirmation, we reserve the right to make changes and provide you with similar alternative options.
6. This package is customizable. It means that you can make any change in the itinerary/activity if you desire. Any changes might require additional payment, and the final cost will be calculated in line with the changes made to the itinerary, as detailed in the confirming e-mail provided to you.
7. Passport Copies of the first and last page of all passengers (All passports must be valid for a minimum of 6 months from the return date. It is solely the passenger's responsibility to check before submission. For any booking that has been actioned on a non-valid passport, passengers are liable to pay any charges incurred due to the same).
8. Deposit Amount: Rs.50000/- per person to secure your Tour. If the booking is within 60 days of travel, then a deposit is vital as per the payment required on that particular date as per the payment policy mentioned below. A Copy of your PAN Card is mandatory to provide along with payment.
9. Final Vouchers can only be issued once full payment is received. No amendment requests will be accepted - 10 days before the departure.
10. Once you fully understand our Tour Product and what to Expect from Product. Please read all Terms and Conditions carefully along with the above document and sign the booking form with all your details.
11. Please pay the Initial Deposit after your booking is complete to confirm all of your services. After completing the requirements, we will give two documents: a Visa Checklist and a Questionnaire to fill out for Visas.
12. We will begin your land bookings once we receive the initial deposit. To issue your tickets, we will require complete payment.
13. Submit all documents, as per the visa checklist, and fill out the questionnaire within three days of booking. If you plan your tour at least 100 days in advance, you may take up to 7 days.
14. We will only be able to take the visa date once all documents are completed. Visas cannot be processed even if only one document is pending. 
15. For USA Visa: We will share your visa form to check. Please check in thoroughly and give a go-ahead. Only then our visa team will take the date for submission of UK visas. Adult: INR // Child (4 – 6 Years) INR * // Child (Below 4 yrs) INR  This amount is not included in your tour cost and will be added to the Final Payment.
    

1.Time Taken Once Documents Submitted with VFS

          a. USA – 3 weeks to 12 weeks

          *These are tentative durations. Processing time may change depending on the rush with the consulate.

2.Pre-departure Presentation: This is the event that we usually organize a week before departure. The date and time will be conveyed to you by our office. Please note IT IS MANDATORY TO ATTEND THE SAME.

3.Final Tour Documents: The same will be handed over to you 7 days to 3 days before your departure. (As per company policy, we will not dispatch any tour documents without full payment). We will try to adhere to the above timeline in all cases. In case of heavy rush or unavoidable circumstances, we may have alterations.

4.You will then have to contact the people listed below for further processing of your tour bookings, visas, and payments. 

Your Sales Staff - Always will be your point of contact in Flamingo 

Ms. Meghna Kukadiya 079 40001500  – Your Contact for your Document Collection for Visas, Tour Documents Handover before your Travel

Mrs. Labdhi Shah079 40001500 - Account Person who will process all your payments

Timings to Contact them:

On Whats App – Working Hours 1100 am to 730 pm (Revert Time is 12 Hrs)

By Call – 0500pm to 0600 pm (Strictly during this time. If your call is in call waiting or missed during this time, please be assured that we will call back by the end.

Documents Submission Timings: 3 pm to 5 pm, Monday to Saturday.