United States
United States
Legendary road trips and great parks
The United States is the call of the open road. From the orange canyons of Utah to the skyscrapers of New York, from California beaches to Louisiana bayous, every state is a country within the country, and the road trips here are simply legendary.
At a glance
Exchange rates and flight times are approximate.
Why United States
The great parks of the West
Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Zion, Monument Valley: landscapes that look straight out of a movie, and are even more impressive in person.
New York & the East Coast
NYC is like nowhere else. And all around it: New England in the fall, Washington, the Maine coast.
California
From San Francisco to Los Angeles along Highway 1. Ocean on your left, sequoias on your right, and sunshine all the way.
The right season for United States
April–May (spring nationwide, blooms, mild weather). September–October (autumn, thinner crowds, perfect light). Avoid: July–August (extreme heat in the South, peak crowds in the parks) and winter in the Rockies (closed roads, heavy snow).
Continental to subtropical depending on the region. East Coast: hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. Southwest: hot, dry deserts with huge day-night temperature swings. West Coast: Mediterranean and temperate. In the desert Southwest, carry plenty of water and sun protection; on the East Coast in winter, warm clothing is essential.
The must-sees
Grand Canyon (Arizona)
Ochre tones and depth that makes your head spin: 1.6 km of sheer rock. Summer scorches; sunrise over the South Rim is worth the early alarm.
Yosemite & the Valley (California)
Yosemite Falls, the granite mass of Half Dome. On foot in summer, or under snow in winter. The valley-floor trails are free and spectacular.
Highway 1 (Big Sur-Carmel, California)
Dizzying cliffs above the Pacific. Bixby Bridge, McWay Falls: a road where every bend is a photograph. Drive it in the late afternoon.
Times Square & the Metropolitan (New York)
NYC never sleeps. Times Square by night, then a slow morning at the Met. Eating at a corner deli is the quintessential affordable New York experience. It's in NYC that you start to understand America.
Zion National Park (Utah)
The Virgin River flowing between two walls of red sandstone. The Narrows (a hike through the water) and Angels Landing (a breathtaking, vertiginous trail, strictly for those with a head for heights, permit required via lottery) are essential.
The Louisiana bayous (New Orleans)
Live music on Frenchmen Street, steamy markets, Cajun cooking. New Orleans is where America knows how to have fun without guilt.
Local flavours to try
- Texas barbecue: brisket smoked for 12 hours, served on butcher paper with cornbread. Franklin in Austin is a legend.
- Lobster roll (Maine/New England): warm buttered lobster on a toasted brioche bun. Simple, classic, perfect.
- Gumbo & crawfish étouffée (Louisiana): seafood in a punchy, generations-old sauce. Served in a family kitchen in the Treme district.
- Cheeseburger (the American classic): toasted bun, juicy beef patty, melted cheddar, bacon. Found everywhere, from the neighbourhood diner to the food truck.
- Clam chowder (New England): creamy clam soup. Boston claims the original; San Francisco serves it in a sourdough bread bowl.
- Pecan pie & sweet tea (the South): a sweet pecan tart, and the sugary iced tea that goes with it. An immutable ritual.
Practical tips
- A car is essential for road trips (West Coast, Utah, Arizona). Rent locally (Hertz, Enterprise); full insurance recommended. Fuel is relatively cheap compared with Europe (≈ 3–4 USD per gallon, more expensive in California).
- Tipping is mandatory: 15–20% in restaurants, $1–2 per drink at the bar, $2 for taxis/Uber. Added to the bill or paid by card.
- Domestic flights are cheaper than the train. Southwest and budget airlines (Spirit, Allegiant) for tighter budgets. Prepay your luggage (20–25 USD).
- Electricity: 110V / 60Hz (a simple plug adapter is recommended, sold everywhere). Canada-compatible sockets.
- Emergency number: 911. Travel insurance covers medical costs, but expect a 500–1,000 USD deductible if you have no US coverage.
- Payment: credit cards accepted everywhere (Visa/MC/AmEx). ATMs on every corner. Cash is useful for small diners and tips.
Frequently asked questions · United States
When is the best time for a road trip?
April–May or September–October. Summer scorches the western parks and fills the hotels. Autumn brings crystal-clear skies, fewer people and golden light. No adventure without a good road: plan at least 10–14 days.
How many days for the West Coast (SF–LA)?
5 to 7 days minimum (San Francisco → Big Sur → Los Angeles), driving 4 to 5 hours a day. If you want to take your time, add Monterey, Hearst Castle and Santa Monica. Allow 2 extra days to catch your breath.
Is the United States expensive?
Cheaper than you'd think away from the coasts. 3* hotels run 60–90 €, local restaurants 12–20 €. NYC and California cost more. Total budget: 80–150 €/day plus the international flight (400–700 €). No worse than Switzerland.
Do you need to speak English fluently?
Basic English is enough (hotel, taxi, restaurant). Americans speak slowly and clearly to visitors. Use Google Translate offline as a safety net. Some Hispanic restaurants are worth a little Spanish; the welcome is warmer for it.
How do you explore the parks? Rental car or tours?
A rental car means freedom (stopping at overlooks, unlisted trails, small hotels). Tours mean qualified local guides but higher costs (150–250 € / day). Our advice: rent a car, download AllTrails offline, and book the occasional guide for Zion or the Grand Canyon (half-day, 60 €).
Are the national parks crowded? How do you avoid the crowds?
Yes, in summer. April–May or September–October: half the crowds, parks every bit as beautiful. Lesser-known parks: Arches (Utah), Capitol Reef, Great Basin (Nevada) are quieter and just as grand. Set the alarm for 6am to have the first trails to yourself.
The United States is so vast that a bad itinerary ruins everything. A good one, and it's the trip of a lifetime.
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