America, beyond the expected
From Manhattan’s skyline to the wide-open country of Alaska and the American West, the United States offers experiences that can change the character of a trip. A private helicopter flight to a championship golf course, a naturalist’s perspective on Yellowstone, a multi-day yacht journey through Glacier Bay, and a night at a remote Grand Canyon camp each bring you closer to a place in a different way.
These are not simply additions to a sightseeing list. They give you time with expert guides, access to memorable settings, and space to shape an experience around your interests. Whether you are planning a dedicated US journey or looking to add a distinctive day or two to an itinerary already taking shape, these four ideas offer a considered starting point.
New York: Golf at Bethpage Black by helicopter
New York’s energy is hard to leave behind, but a helicopter departure from Manhattan offers a dramatic change of scene. This private golf day takes you to Bethpage Black, one of the country’s most iconic courses, for a private clinic with a leading instructor before your round. Premium hospitality is part of the experience, adding a considered touch to a day built around serious golf.
For keen players, the appeal is the combination of a celebrated course and time with an instructor before teeing off. The flight also makes the journey part of the occasion, with the city receding as you head towards the fairways. It’s worth discussing available dates, tee times, and format with your Travel Counsellor well in advance, particularly if you are planning around a wider New York stay. The course is known for its demanding play, so this is best suited to golfers who want the challenge as much as the setting.
Yellowstone: Wildlife spotting with a naturalist
On a private tour of Yellowstone’s northern reaches, a naturalist guides your search for local wildlife such as bison, pronghorn, bears, and eagles, to name a few. Lamar Valley is among the areas explored, alongside park landmarks such as Mammoth Hot Springs and Tower Fall. As you travel, the guide shares their insight into the region’s ecology.
The advantage of a private naturalist is the opportunity to ask questions and linger where there is something worth observing. Wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed, so the value lies in learning to read the landscape as well as in what you may see. This works well for families and curious travellers who want a deeper understanding of the park without a strenuous expedition. Yellowstone is vast, so consider how this experience fits with your accommodation and other visits.
Alaska: Glacier Bay by private yacht
Glacier Bay is best appreciated from the water, where the scale of Alaska’s coast becomes clear. This private, multi-day yacht journey includes a dedicated captain and crew, with time to cruise scenic passages known for whale activity, pass remote islands and historic lighthouses, and anchor in sheltered inlets.
For a family or small party, a private charter offers a personal way to experience this stretch of wilderness. The crew is dedicated to your journey, while the multi-day format gives the landscape room to make an impression. While it’s not guaranteed that you’ll spot them, the passages you’ll cruise through are known for whale activity. As this is a significant part of any American itinerary, your Travel Counsellor will plan everything around the embarkation arrangements, season, and time you want to spend in the region to ensure a seamless getaway wherever you pair this experience with.
The Grand Canyon: An overnight camp on the North Rim
The North Rim offers a quieter approach to the Grand Canyon, and a private glamping camp makes the landscape the focus of an overnight stay. The remote setting is surrounded by canyon views and wilderness, with scenic hikes, sunset dining, and time to take in the surroundings. Rather than visiting for a short look before moving on, you can settle into the area and experience the change from daylight to evening across the canyon.
This suits those who value a sense of remoteness with the comfort and planning of an arranged camp. It can give a wider Southwest itinerary a memorable pause between drives and major sights, too. The North Rim is remote, so discuss access, season, and what is included in the camp arrangement before confirming your plans. Your Travel Counsellor can help coordinate transport and fit the overnight stay into a route that allows enough time to enjoy it.
Your handcrafted stay starts here
From a golf day at Bethpage Black to a private yacht in Glacier Bay, these experiences can stand alone or become part of a wider US itinerary. Your Travel Counsellor can bring the details together, from premium flights and private transfers to the timing and arrangements for each experience, shaping a journey around the way you want to travel.
Contact your Travel Counsellor today to get things started.
