Tips For Travelling To Colorado From The UK
This guest post was provided by the folks at ESTA, who help travelers from the UK get their travel documents organized before they come to the US for ranch holidays, among other destinations.
Based in the middle of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado is one of the most interesting and diverse states in America to visit. As well as being full of stunning landscapes, Colorado has some excellent outdoor recreation facilities to offer- from skiing to hiking and horseback riding. The city life is pretty bustling too, with plenty of great places to eat and shop. There are also a number of popular festivals throughout the year. If you’re planning a trip to Colorado, here are our top tips.
Documents
When travelling to the US from the UK, you’ll need to make sure you have the right documentation. Apply for a USA esta online in the months before your trip to ensure that your application is accepted in time for your flight. Without a completed ESTA application, you won’t be allowed to visit Colorado. You’ll also need an up-to-date passport that is valid for six months after the final date of your trip.
Pack The Right Clothing
Packing for Colorado’s climate can be tricky, particularly if you have limited suitcase space. In the summer months, the temperatures are much hotter than the UK- averaging around 28 degrees Celsius, while in winter temperatures plummet with lows of -15 degrees Celsius! In addition, the weather can change quickly so make sure you’ve packed a range of waterproof clothing as well as your t-shirts and shorts. If you’re going to be completing any activities, you might need appropriate clothing, such as a skiing jacket, to ensure you can participate properly. Ranch note: check out our packing lists for tips on what to pack when coming to Vista Verde for your ranch holiday.
Drinking Age
The drinking age in America is 21 and Colorado is no exception. Most bars and restaurants strictly stick to this rule, unlike in the UK where under aged individuals can drink with their parents present. Be aware that if you look under 21, even if you are not, you will be asked to show a valid ID when purchasing alcohol or ordering a drink in a bar.
Tipping
The rules for tipping, or gratuity as it’s known in the US, are completely different to those found in the UK. Due to the low wages of waiters, it’s considered good manners to leave a tip of between 15 and 20% of the bill cost. Some restaurants will add this for you, so be sure to check your receipt before you leave an additional tip. It’s also common to leave bartenders a tip for your individual drink or a large order of drinks. Of course, it’s totally up to you but it’s good to know what is considered the norm when you’re visiting somewhere new. Ranch note: At Vista Verde, we are committed to our all-inclusive pricing being just that. So, no tipping is expected, and we ask that guests to not tip staff throughout their stay. Put your wallet away when you arrive, and just let us take care of you! If you are inclined to want to leave a token of your thanks at the end of your stay, you are welcome to add a tip onto your final bill and we will place it in a tip pool to be distributed to our staff. But please note that this is not expected as part of our service.
Altitude
As the US’s highest state, averaging 2,073 meters above sea level, visitors may experience altitude sickness when they first arrive to Colorado. Recognisable symptoms of the illness include headaches, sickness and tiredness but these are all easily treatable ailments. If you find yourself feeling ill when you’re away, be sure to drink a lot of water and avoid alcohol for the first few nights.
These are just some of our tips to ensure that you have a great time while you’re away in Colorado.