Group trip

A group trip to the USA: the national parks of the West

A big car, an open road and views straight out of a movie — the national parks of the American West make a perfect group trip. Distances are big, so planning each day well makes all the difference.

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USA

Suggested length: 7 days
Flight from Israel: About 15 hours direct to Los Angeles
Best time to go: April–May and September–October
Currency: US dollar (USD)

A sample 7-day itinerary

Just a starting point — in Tripw the whole group adds ideas, votes and rearranges the days together.

Day 1
Los Angeles: the beaches
Land, pick up the car and head to Santa Monica Pier and the Venice Beach boardwalk. An early dinner — the jet lag will do the rest.
Day 2
Hollywood and Griffith
The Walk of Fame, a view of the Hollywood sign, and Griffith Observatory at sunset over the whole city.
Day 3
Drive to Las Vegas
About 4.5 hours through the desert. The Strip in the evening, the Bellagio fountains and a show for those who want one.
Day 4
The Grand Canyon
Drive to the Grand Canyon's South Rim, a short walk along the rim and sunset at Mather Point. Sleep near the park entrance.
Day 5
Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend
A guided tour of Antelope Canyon (book weeks ahead) and the river bend at Horseshoe Bend near Page.
Day 6
Zion
The shuttle into the canyon and trails to suit everyone — from the easy Riverside Walk to tougher hikes.
Day 7
Back to Vegas and home
About two and a half hours to Las Vegas, return the car and fly home (with a connection, or back via Los Angeles).

Tips for traveling as a group

ESTA for everyone, in advance

Since Israel joined the Visa Waiver Program, you travel on an ESTA instead of a visa. Each person applies on the official site — add it as a task in the trip and tick it off once approved.

An annual parks pass

The America the Beautiful pass covers a whole car's entry to the national parks and pays off after two or three parks. Check the current price for visitors.

One big car or two?

Up to seven people with luggage — a big minivan. Beyond that, two cars that stay in touch. Watch for one-way drop-off fees.

Tipping at restaurants

In the US you add about 18–20% tip, and large groups sometimes see it already on the bill. Log the total amount so the split comes out right.

Plan it together in Tripw

One shared itinerary

Everyone sees the same plan, day by day — times, places and flights in one place.

Decide with polls

Restaurant or museum? Open a poll in the trip, let everyone vote and move on.

Split the expenses

Log who paid for what as you go, in any currency, and see who owes whom at the end.

Plan with AI

Get a first draft of the days, then edit it together.

Questions

Do Israelis need a visa for the USA?

For a tourist visit of up to 90 days an approved ESTA and a biometric passport are enough. Apply only on the official US government website, at least 72 hours before the flight.

When is the best time for the western parks?

Spring and autumn. Summer heat in the desert and Vegas is tough, and in winter some roads and the Grand Canyon's North Rim close.

How many days does a route like this need?

A week is the minimum for the main sights. With 10–14 days you can add Bryce Canyon, Death Valley, or San Francisco and Yosemite.

How do we split fuel, hotels and tickets?

Each expense is logged with who paid and who shares it — fuel per car, hotels per room. In Tripw dollar expenses show in your currency too, and you see who owes whom at the end.

Information as of October 2026. Prices, flights and entry rules change — check official sources before you book.