The sheer variety of experiences and sights across the US never ends, and planning an excellent trip can seem daunting at first. To help, our travel guides provide information and recommendations from our specialists, covering everything from road tripping across California to the stunning islands of Hawaii and the dusty, red terrain of the Southwest.
The States are filled with opportunities for a wilderness adventure, and the multitude of national parks — including the Rockies, Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon — can easily be included into any tailor-made itinerary.
Start planning your tailor-made trip by contacting one of our US specialists
Our travel guides share our specialists’ passion and knowledge for the US. We travel here regularly to discover new experiences, explore untried areas and dig deeper into the better-known places and attractions. At the same time, we gather advice and up-to-date information on the best-quality guides, new hotels and restaurants, and the most memorable forms of transportation.
What to do in Hawaii: our highlights guide
There’s more to Hawaii than just beaches, according to US specialist Gillian. With six main islands to discover, you can spend your days exploring ever-changing volcanic landscapes, snorkeling with manta rays, taking a helicopter flight over cliffs, and soaking up the Polynesian culture.
Self-driving in Hawaii
Hawaii is known for its powdery beaches and swaying palms, but the islands of this tropical archipelago have much more to offer. One of the best ways to experience Hawaii away from the crowds is on a fly-drive tour, giving you the flexibility and freedom to immerse yourself in the culture and history of the Aloha state at your own pace.
Self-drive vacations in New England
One-time resident Dawn suggests a self-drive route through New England. It allows you to take in the cobbled streets of Boston, the rocky Maine coast, the White Mountains, Vermont’s winding country lanes and the sandy shores of Cape Cod.
Family vacations in the US
Ranch stays, glamping in national parks, Hawaiian feasts and Yellowstone’s steaming geysers: the US is packed with enough experiences to fill several family photo albums. US specialist Shannon shares her pick of things to see and do on your next family trip.
Driving the Mother Road: the highlights of Route 66
Route 66 is one of the most iconic drives in the US, stretching for 2,400 miles from Chicago on the Great Lakes, to Los Angeles in the west. US specialist, Rob, details his experience of the route, and the highlights along the way.
Driving vacations in the United States
Pick the right self-drive vacation in the US for you with our travel guide that looks at some the best drives across America. You’ll find ideas for where to stop along your journey to enjoy this vast country’s national parks, cities, wildlife and history.
Self-driving the Blue Ridge Parkway
A self-drive down the Blue Ridge Parkway will take you from nation's capital, Washington D.C. on a journey of discovery through Virginia, North Carolina and Tennessee. You'll uncover historic towns and marvel at the splendid scenery of national parks such as Shenandoah and Great Smoky Mountains.
Pacific Northwest: our highlights
A quieter alternative to California, the Pacific Northwest is home to stratovolcanoes, temperate rainforest, deep gorges and a wild coastline. USA specialist Alex shares his highlights of the region, from outdoor activities to food tours in the characterful cities of Portland and Seattle.
Great Lakes
Relax on a lakeside beach or explore cities such as Chicago and Milwaukee. Go wildlife spotting for moose or take part in a range of outdoor activities, the Great Lakes region has plenty to offer visitors of all ages.
Touring New England in fall
Fall unfurls across New England like a patchwork quilt of scarlet, ochre, russet and gold. Specialist Alice suggests a route that will let you take in the region’s sleepy shore towns, granite mountains, clapboard villages and, of course, the vibrant foliage.
Self-driving through Arizona & Utah in America’s Southwest
Our specialists will have traveled the routes we offer so you can rest assured that you'll get the most from your self-drive vacation in the US. They'll also plan the best places to stay, things to see and do, and even what car is most suited to your needs. In short, they make sure everything runs smoothly.
Exploring Georgia and the Carolinas
There’s more to the Deep South than the food, music and culture of Louisiana and Tennessee. US specialist Molly ventured farther east to the less-visited states of Georgia, and North and South Carolina. Here, you can balance historical cities with beach relaxation and mountain scenery.
Visiting the Grand Canyon: how to get the best experience
Everyone has heard of the Grand Canyon, but how can you get the most out of your visit? US specialist Ross provides advice and answers common questions about exploring the canyon, as well as sharing his own experiences.
Self-driving in the Rockies
Experience mountains, native American culture and wildlife with our self-drive guide through the Rockies. Written by US specialist Emma, she's plotted a route that will take you through Grand Teton, Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks.
Self-drive vacations in California
Take a fly-drive along the California coast and explore some of the region’s most captivating towns, cities and national parks, from glamorous LA, home of the US film industry, to the dramatic geological spectacles of Yosemite National Park.
Honeymoons in the US
As a honeymoon destination, the United States has a lot to offer. US specialist, Carl, picks some of his top choices, from exploring San Francisco and driving the Pacific Coast Highway to staying on a ranch in the Rocky Mountain states and experiencing the swamplands and culture of Louisiana.
Hiking in America's southwest national parks
The US's southwest region is home to some of the most iconic national parks in the country. Experience the visceral beauty of waterfalls cascading over the granite cliffs of Yosemite, the sun baked red-earthed canyons of Zion, or the mighty sequoia trees of Redwoods National Park on a walking trip.
Plantation homes of the Deep South
Juxtaposing extreme wealth and stark poverty, the Deep South’s plantations shine a light on the region’s past. US specialist Carla shares her recommendations on which plantations to visit for a thorough grounding in the Deep South’s history.
Fall in the US beyond New England
While New England is known for its showstopping fall foliage, there are plenty of other places in the US that can rival the region’s autumnal beauty. Our specialists share worthy alternatives where you can make the most of the changing leaves.
New England highlights guide
New England has beautiful scenery and a shoreline dotted with lighthouses and clapboard houses. The surrounding waters offer you the opportunity to spot whales and the pleasant roads mean it's particularly well suited to self-drive trips.
Where to go in the US
The US is so huge that it can be hard to narrow down your options when you’re planning a trip. We’ve drawn up a guide to helping you decide which regions to visit, depending on your individual interests.
Driving California's Pacific Coast Highway
Experience some of California's most impressive scenery on a drive along its central coast on Highway 1, taking in the sights of San Francisco, Los Angeles and everything in between. US specialist, Alex, discusses the route’s highlights, from laid-back beach communities to historic towns and vibrant cities.
Family vacations in California
USA specialist David picks some of his highlights for a family vacation in California. From enjoying the different cultures in San Francisco to whale watching in Monterey, touring the film studies in Los Angeles to exploring Redwood National Park, California has a range of experiences for all ages.
Where to go in the US by season
Whatever the time of year, there’s always somewhere in the US ripe for exploring. To help you decide where to go in spring, summer, autumn or winter, our specialists have chosen their top experiences and places to visit in the US by season.
What to do in Yosemite National Park: our highlights guide
Yosemite in California is one of America's most visited national parks. In order to get the most from your trip we highlight some of the finest trails and accommodation as well as recommending the best time to visit.
Self-drive vacations in Florida
Florida is blessed with both an Atlantic and a Gulf of Mexico coast, and there are a number of self-driving routes throughout the state that combine coastal highlights with some of the region’s most recognizable attractions inland. USA specialist, David, drove across the Florida Keys on his recent trip.
5 of the best family activities in the US
Eating lunch with an astronaut in Houston, snorkeling with Florida’s manatees, or a helicopter flight over the Grand Canyon’s yawning chasm: our US specialists pick five standout family activities you can include in your trip.
Luxury vacations in the Deep South
Different to anywhere else in America, the Deep South offers a varied trip focused around music, food, history and a mix of cultures. Specialist Alice shares experiences that can uncover a little more of the region and elevate your trip.
Route 66 vacations
Known as the ‘Mother Road’, Route 66 helped open up America and shape its identity. Whether you choose to drive the whole route or just part of it, your road trip will showcase the country’s culture, history and landscapes.
The Rockies: ranches, wolves & Wild West towns
The Rockies is a region of soaring mountains, wide open plains scattered with bison, and historic Gold Rush towns where time has stood still. US specialist Alex shares the best things to do in the Rockies, from Yellowstone tours to ranch stays.
Music culture of the Deep South
The birthplace of jazz, blues, rock ’n’ roll, soul and country music, the Deep South is the US’s undisputed music capital. US specialist Natalie shares her ideas for exploring the region’s musical heritage on your vacation to New Orleans, Memphis and Nashville.
Self-driving in Alaska: a route through the wilderness
In Alaska, mountains are on another scale, old mining buildings lie ruined in long-abandoned towns, and you’re more likely to see wildlife than people on the near-empty roads. Here, Alaska specialist Emma outlines what your self-drive trip could entail.
Bite-sized Route 66: three sections for three interests
Route 66 takes you through the very heart and soul of America, and the entire route requires at least three weeks to cover. Our US specialists advise how you can drive just a portion of the route, focusing on different aspects of American culture.
Exploring the Deep South: Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee
Your guide to exploring the Deep South along the Mississippi River. Sample gumbo in New Orleans, examine the history of slavery at plantations, pay tribute to the King in Memphis and get a behind-the-scenes look at country music’s most storied stage.
What to do in Alaska: our highlights guide
Alaska specialist Sam shares his favorite places and experiences in Alaska, from watching brown bears catching salmon at Brooks Falls to flying over glaciers and active volcanoes in a small plane.
Insider's guide to Boston
Boston offers a host of historical sites and cultural institutions, including the Revolutionary War history of the Freedom Trail and the ivied halls of Harvard University. But its cobblestone streets are compact and walkable, making it one of America’s most accessible cities.
Combine a US city break with a wilderness adventure
Combining a city break with some of the US's national parks is an ideal way to experience the best of both worlds on a trip to this vast country. Our Country Specialists can help you to decide which cities and parks are best suited to your preferences and needs.
A New Orleans food guide
From a steaming bowl of belly-warming seafood gumbo to a creamy-sweet praline studded with pecans to a plate of oyster Rockefeller at Antoine’s — US specialist Natalie introduces you to the distinctive culinary pleasures of New Orleans.
Your guide to choosing an Alaska cruise
An Alaska cruise combines convenience with front-row seats to many of the state’s most impressive sights, from glaciers to wildlife. Whether you choose a classic cruise or an intimate expedition cruise depends on your own personal travel preferences.
Bear watching in Alaska
Fly in to the remoter parts of Alaska to spot the grizzly and black bears that prowl the wilderness. Our specialists know the best places to go bear watching in Alaska and will help you build them into your tailor-made Alaskan vacation.
Alaska wildlife
Wildlife thrives in Alaska’s untamed wilderness. So much so that Alaska claims the biggest grizzly bears and moose on Earth. Jon from our Alaska team tells you how to plan a trip to see them, along with bald eagles, humpbacks and sea otters.
Wilderness lodges in Alaska
Experience the magic of Alaska's rugged interior staying in one of a handful of very special wilderness lodges, which we've personally checked. We can arrange for expert guides to show you the scenery and wildlife, mixed in with activities like kayaking and fishing.
Wildlife vacations in Canada, Alaska & the Arctic
We list here what we think are the most 'iconic' wildlife you can see in Canada, Alaska and the Arctic. We detail some interesting facts and figures about each type, plus of course, the best places and times to see them.
