A few suggestions to get the holiday planning process started
Sightsee in San Francisco and visit the famous Alcatraz
14 days, from £3,840 to £6,130
A wonderful road trip from Illinois to the Deep South, set to a blues, country and rock soundtrack
15 days, from £3,860 to £5,270
Enjoy a safari in Grand Teton National Park
15 days, from £3,960 to £6,320
Enjoy Boston, one of the US's most historic (and fun) cities
14 days, from £3,490 to £5,570
Start and end your trip in Las Vegas for the chance to put your poker skills to the test in a casino and see some of the best shows in town
12 days, from £3,940 to £6,290
In San Francisco, learn about the city’s hippy roots as you explore with a local guide
14 days, from £2,520 to £4,990
From New York to California and all the states in between, our team knows the USA's hotspots incredibly well. What we really excel at, though, is the under-the-radar regions, thanks to our in-depth experience and the hand-picked guides we work with on the ground. Whether you’re travelling as a family or à deux, road trips are the ultimate way to explore the USA, and we're brimming with suggestions to improve journeys, from scenic route options to photogenic stop-off points (all based on our own experiences, of course). And if that's not enough, you'll have our in-country Concierge team on hand at all times for extra help and advice.
ENQUIRE NOW
Discover different ways to explore USA
Practical advice and inspiration to help you prepare for your holiday
Practical guide
Travel Advice & Information
Our specialists have explored over 45 of the USA’s states – and we haven’t just scratched the surface either. We’ve gone under the radar, discovering exclusive experiences, be it a tasting at a prestigious Napa Valley winery or a tour of New Orleans’ music bars with a local musician. Our Concierges can share recommendations from NYC to Honolulu, and our hand-picked guides are personally matched to you for a truly tailored experience. So, whether it’s helping you beat the coach-tour crowds at the Capitol, revealing secret road trip viewpoints or sharing hiking trail tips, we’re here to ensure you get the most out of your USA holiday.
What's most astonishing about USA holidays is their potential for constant, jaw-dropping discoveries. Thanks to Christopher Colombus, Lewis and Clark, Bill Gates and even Steve Jobs, no country has had such an impact on the modern world – which isn’t bad for a country just over 200 years old. Despite the feeling of déjà vu books and Hollywood have created, there is always something new to discover in the USA. Scale is one thing. From the Grand Canyon and mighty Montana, nicknamed the 'Big Sky' state, and cities that sprawl from coast to sky, this is a country that rarely suffers from boredom. Jet set from Florida to California, New York to Nevada and discover the American sense of indelible nostalgia in the Wild West. American history may be short compared to Europe’s, but where else can you cavort with cowboys one day, see into space the other and walk the walk down the National Mall the next? We don’t need to tell you this though. Thanks to the country’s plethora of culture, literature, cinema and music, we bet you already know.
The simple answer? Everyone. After all, this is the land of the free, the place where everything is possible, so of course USA holidays are for all. Baby boomers? Come with the parents and children on a 3G (three generational) trip. Millennials? The perfect family holiday for young ones – especially if Disneyland is on the cards. Here, everyone is encouraged to explore the homeland of western culture.
Car is king in the United States of America. Because it is so big, and visiting more than one city and state is a given, you’ll be needing four wheels to do it justice. Pick a theme to shape your trip, from the music musings along the Mississippi to train travel along the east coast. And if you’re looking for an adrenaline rush like no other, hitch a wagon ride to Oregon, snorkel with manatees in Florida, heli-ski at the foot of Alaskan glaciers and take a road trip along The Great Prairie Highway through national parks, desert and towns. A USA holiday for the books, we’re sure.
The American West is huge. So huge that unless you have a couple of months to spare, you’ll have to choose your route wisely. Take a trip through Monument Valley and follow in the footsteps of some of its cowboy legends, go on a whistle-stop tour of its epic cities and settle into ranch life in Wyoming and Colorado. Whether it be Denver or Seattle, Glacier, Bryce or Crater Lake, Billy The Kid or Jesse James, prepare for an adventure of a lifetime on an ultimate Wild West trip.
'I wanna wake up in a city that doesn't sleep…'. Follow Frank's advice and pound the streets of New York from dawn till dusk. While the city is a far cry from its roles in 'The Godfather' and 'Gangs of New York', you’ll find heaps of history buried deep in Greenwich Village’s endless avenues of brownstones, downtown’s picturesque parks and floating along the Hudson on Ellis Island. Travel on the subway from Queens to the Bronx, catch a play on Broadway and join die-hard baseball teams at the Yankees Stadium or at the Mets’ Citi Field, take your pick.
Miami makes the most of its beach location, especially since the decision was taken to protect its dreamy Art Deco Ocean Drive. With stylish hotels, fun restaurants and chic boutiques on every block, it’s no wonder that the United States of America’s students travel to this sunny part of Florida every spring to let their hair down. Miami has its fair share of luxurious hideaways too though. So, if you’re wanting to avoid the spring break party, hit the city’s art districts and trendy museums. Miami and Florida really know how to take a seaside getaway to a whole new level.
In New Orleans’ nearby bayou (wetlands), there's a sense of indolent sophistication, particularly as you edge closer to its splendid old plantation houses. But pair them with the state’s frenetic and energetic blues and jazz scene and you have one of the country’s most diverse regions. What better place to enjoy a scotch on the rocks with a side of Southern hospitality than Louisiana. Join locals on stoops, bathing in the afternoon haze, before hitting the town to experience a cocktail of new rhythms, whether it be Mardi Gras or not.
Designed from scratch, Las Vegas is a twinkling urban mirage in the middle of the Mojave desert and the ultimate contradiction. From relaxing rooftops to crazed clubs, which welcome some of the world’s biggest performers, Las Vegas often feels like an X-rated Disneyland. And like moths to a flame, visitors often find themselves caught up in its biggest ride – the casinos. Also home to hotels, shopping centres, museums and entertainment venues, this is a place where high bidding and high rolling go hand in hand. Some find it vulgar, but every once in a while...
From sun-kissed So-Cal to the golden north, California represents the best of the United States. With its legends and history, dazzling deserts and carefree cities and more national parks and museums to count, it’s not hard to see how the state became the poster child of the American Dream. Travel up the Pacific coast, past the dizzying lights of Los Angeles to the bohemian north, where groves of redwoods and winelands pockmark the landscape. Or discover how the state keeps its cool in Palm Springs and Joshua Tree, where everything feels effortlessly chic. California is the fully-fledged holiday destination and so vast that it would be unrealistic to attempt to see it all in a single trip.
The brilliance of the United States is the sheer amount of different experiences on offer. From the glitz and glamour of Los Angeles to the rich colours of New England in autumn (or fall, as the Americans say) and the natural beauty of the country’s many national parks - you can choose your own adventure.
From delicious barbecue pulled pork sold from roadside shacks to fish freshly caught that day and the best and biggest burgers you can imagine – it’s possible to eat like royalty every day of your trip. For a true slice of American life, head to a diner in the morning and tuck into a classic breakfast of pancakes and waffles, maple syrup, bacon, eggs and coffee - the perfect fuel for anyone on a US road trip.
The United States is a country of sodas - generally very sweet and sugary, although ‘light’ versions of popular drinks are popping up all the time. Beer is the most popular alcoholic drink and it’s usually served bottled and very cold. Californian wines now enjoy a well-established reputation and most come from French grape varieties, although the Zinfandel grape gives an exclusively American wine. Along with Scotland and Ireland, the States are also a major producer of whiskey.
The United States was founded on 4th July 1776, when the Declaration of Independence was issued.
The oldest city is St Augustine, Florida, which was founded in September 1565 by Don Pedro Menendex de Aviles, who travelled over from Spain.
One World Trade Center in New York is the tallest building in the United States, standing at 1,776ft. As of 2024, it’s also the seventh tallest building in the world, and the tallest in the Western hemisphere.
Hotels come in a wonderful array of shapes and sizes in America. Rooms are often small in big cities where space is at a premium, especially New York, San Francisco, Miami and, to a lesser extent, Los Angeles. Even in the most exclusive hotels, if you’re at the heart of a bustling city, you can expect to hear the urban jungle in all its noisy glory.
We suggest booking at least six months in advance, so you can reserve tickets to any attractions you want to see (especially the more famous ones) and get your ESTA (Electric System for Travel Authorization) sorted in good time.
The United States is big, so they had no choice when it came to developing its transport links – they had to be good.
- For a classic US road trip: If you’re imagining a cross-country adventure up The Overseas Highway, East Coast and beyond, a car (soft-top roof optional) is much the best option. With pick-up and drop-off points at each major airport, as well as key locations across the country, you’ll have ample destinations to choose from.
- For a New York city break: If you have the hang of the London underground, you’ll be a pro navigating New York’s subway system. There are 36 rail lines and no zones, so nowhere is off-limits.
- For travelling between states quickly: Domestic flights are much the preferred mode of transport among Americans. Every major city has an airport (sometimes two or three) that schedules multiple daily domestic flights.
Read our guide for more information about transport in the United States.
The capital of the US is Washington D.C. Often simply referred to as ‘D.C.’, the city is best known for being home to the country’s government, but it’s also packed with interesting historical sites and large plant-filled parks, with a sophisticated yet friendly centre.
While not enshrined in law, English is the official language of the US. After English, Spanish is the most widely spoken language. America is a land of immigration and ethnic diversity, and the languages in use reflect that, with French, German, Chinese and many indigenous languages all spoken.
The US uses both Type A and B plugs, so be sure to take an adapter. The voltage in the US is between 110 and 115 volts so be careful with any appliances you wish to take, although many have the option to reduce the voltage.
The currency of the USA is the United States dollar (USD). Notes are available in one, five, ten, 20, 50 or 100 dollar denominations. Coins are in one, five, ten, 25 and 50 cents.
There are multiple time zones in the US. From east to west, they are:
- Eastern - 5 hours behind GMT
- Central - 6 hours behind GMT
- Mountain - 7 hours behind GMT
- Pacific - 7 hours behind GMT
- Alaska - 8 hours behind GMT
- Hawaii - 10 hours behind GMT
Some states observe daylight savings time during the summer, while others do not.
The latest travel advice for the United States is available on the UK government’s foreign travel advice pages.
Flight times to the US vary considerably depending on where you’re travelling to. For example:
- It takes between 7 and 8.5 hours to fly to New York.
- It takes around 8.5 hours to fly to Chicago.
- It takes around 10 hours to fly to Dallas.
- It takes around 10 hours to fly to Denver.
- It takes around 11 hours to fly to Los Angeles.
You must have an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) or a visa if you’re not eligible for an ESTA. If you’re a UK passport holder, you can apply for an ESTA if you’re visiting for less than 90 days for a holiday or business trip, unless you don’t meet the requirements.
Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay. If you travel through another country on your way to or from the United States, you may need to have six months of validity on your passport.
NHS Fit For Travel recommends that your courses and boosters for life in Britain are up to date and suggests considering vaccines for Hepatitis A and Tetanus.
Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
