Exploring Iconic US National Parks (Safely) with EF Ultimate Break
COVID-19 has required the travel industry to implement many new safety measures. At EF Ultimate Break, we're ready for 2021 to embrace the changes and continue doing what we do best: keeping you safe while helping make your dream trips as stress-free as possible. That's why we were thrilled to recently run one of our newest domestic trips with a small group of travelers—a tour of US National Parks. New safety protocols were in place, but it was the same awe and wonder you'd expect.
by Dave Armenti
November 20, 2020
Safety has always been first
We know, you’re getting sick of daydreaming about travel. As a company that specializes in treating our customers to once-in-a-lifetime worldly experiences, it's been especially hard to stay at home.
But, like many of you are doing in your own lives, we’re using this time to evaluate what matters most, and focus on making our tours even stronger (plus thinking up a few incredible new trips for 2021 and beyond!).
At EF Ultimate Break, we can unequivocally say that the safety of our travelers is our top priority. We’re following the protocols and recommendations established by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC)—including health, hygiene and social distancing guidelines—in addition to guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local and federal authorities worldwide. Plus, our 24/7-365 global network of offices in over 50 countries is unmatched.
We're highly prepared for the changes brought on by COVID-19, and ready to keep doing what we do best—keeping you safe while showing you the world. When you travel with us, you’re in as good of hands (and buses, and gondolas…) as you can possibly be.
Left: One of our travelers didn't get the "jump" memo at the Grand Canyon. Right: Cleaning supplies on the bus. Photos: EF Ultimate Break.
Sanitizer and overall cleanliness will remain important
Airlines, hotels, museums, attractions, bars and restaurants: they’ll all continue to prioritize cleanliness to keep travelers’ trust and confidence. For us, we’re making sure our trips provide that same OMF-ingG awe and wonder you’re used to, with best-in-class safety—the ladder of which will look a little different than it did before. Some travelers may decide to keep wearing masks, while hand sanitizer will certainly be a staple on transportation and at venues.
"Daily wellness checks are now crucial, making sure the travelers are feeling healthy each day. The initial tour orientation, which typically covers things like the itinerary, free time suggestions and safety, is massively important to set the tone of the tour. As Tour Directors, we have a backup of everything: masks, disinfectant wipes, hand sanitizer. And in the days and weeks leading up to the tour, we're checking in with our suppliers to make sure they're meeting all our safety conditions."
—Tyson M, EF Ultimate Break Tour Director
"I feel like EF Ultimate Break staff did a phenomenal job at keeping us all protected by enforcing masks, sanitizers, and antiseptic wipes. As a Registered Nurse who has worked with COVID patients in the Intensive Care Unit, I can say from a professional standpoint that they did everything to keep the health of their travelers as a top priority."
—Macie S., EF Ultimate Break traveler
Highlights from our trip to America's National Parks
We’ve been as antsy as you are to get back out there. That’s why we were thrilled to be able to run a recent tour through 5 iconic National Parks in America. The epic itinerary included Yosemite, Zion, Death Valley, Bryce Canyon, and the Grand Canyon, plus stops in Sedona, Kenab, and Las Vegas.
We were able to give a small group of travelers a sense of normalcy and an escape from the daily grind—in an environment that was social-distancing-friendly.
As a designated “travel bubble," there were additional protocols to ensure the group’s utmost safety.
- Masks always worn when social distancing is not possible
- Hand sanitizer provided at all times during the trip (our Tour Director always had it on-hand).
- The bus was thoroughly cleaned twice per day: in the morning before travelers boarded and in the evening after travelers departed.
- Like with any EF Ultimate Break trip, accommodation and restaurant partners were hand-picked and vetted to follow the World Travel & Tourism Council’s Safe Travel guidelines.
Hear from our travelers and staff that went on the trip
Hiking among the impressive hoodoo rock spires of Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah. Photos: EF Ultimate Break
Traversing the peaks, valleys, rivers and forests of Zion National Park
Zion National Park, Utah. Photos: EF Ultimate Break
Gazing into the expansive void of the Grand Canyon, truly at a loss for words
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona. Photo: EF Ultimate Break
Strolling Sedona’s desert pathways below its famous red-rock buttes
Sedona, Arizona. Photo: EF Ultimate Break
You deserve a trip to look forward to
All in all, our National Parks trip was a success, and we can’t wait to take more travelers on this great itinerary in 2021 and beyond.
Now, back to those daydreams... Whether you’re yearning for pizza in Italy, beachside bliss in Bali, a pint in Dublin, a Santorini sunset, or any of the incredible experiences within our 65+ itineraries—EF Ultimate Break can make it happen safely.
Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with not worrying about your flights, accommodations, transportation, or daily activities (we bake in plenty of free time, too!). Know that we’re monitoring the COVID-19 situation closely, and if your plans need to be adjusted, we can do that for you. We take care of everything so you can travel stress-free and know that our whole team worldwide is dedicated to keeping you safe.
by Dave Armenti
Dave is a marketing guy at EF Ultimate Break. His favorite trip was either eating his way through Italy with stops in Florence, Venice, Assisi and Rome; or walking a total of 50 miles in 3 days as he gallivanted around Stockholm. A Boston local, Dave enjoys hitting outdoor breweries with friends, drinking iced coffee year-round, and spoiling his pitbull/husky pup.
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