Bonjour,
Je pars a SF au mois d'octobre avec ma femme et ma fille de 4 ans pour 3 nuits , j'ai réservé un hôtel à l'est de Lombart street mais j'ai peur d'être loin de tout et proche de rien ....
Alors vu que la réservation n'est pas définitive, j'aimerais changer de quartier et donc d'hôtel ! Avez vous des bonnes adresses déjà testés ! Pour le prix : 150€ / nuit Max !
Bonsoir Vincent,
Avant tout, pourriez vous nous dire si vous aurez une voiture ou pas pour vos visites de la ville.
Si vous avez une voiture, restez sur Lombard.
Si vous n'avez pas de voiture vous pouvez loger du cote de Union Square.
A votre service pour plus d'infos
Cordialement
Alex
http://durandale2.blogspot.com/
How heavy do I journey on the way,
When what I seek (my weary travel’s end)
Shakespeare sonnet 50, vers 1- 2.
Pour un hôtel : par exemple The Donatello sur Union Square. Les chambres sont équipées d'un coin kitchenette, ça peut compenser le prix un peu élevé...
Après, la question de la voiture à SF (ou pas!) est loin de faire consensus sur le forum! Certains disent qu'elle est indispensable, d'autres (dont moi) ne le pensent pas. Il y a quand même de fortes probabilité que si tu gardes la voiture, elle reste à dormir et à te coûter au fond d'un parking!
Tout dépend aussi de comment se situe SF dans ton parcours.
1) En début ou en fin, pas de voiture et prendre le taxi de/pour l'aéroport ;
2) En milieu de séjour, sur 3 jours, faut-il perdre du temps pour rendre puis reprendre une loc ? Ca peut dépendre de où se situera l'agence par rapport à ton hôtel.
Dans tes prix, tu as le Mayflower hotel, sur Bush street. A 10 minutes à pied de Chinatown, 5 minutes d'Union square et des transports en commun qui desservent toute la ville.
Le petit-déjeuner est inclus, ce qui fait que cet hôtel est un vrai bon plan niveau qualité-prix.
Il y a un parking mais nous ne l'avons ni vu ni utilisé.
Bonjour,
Nous rentrons tout juste d'un périple de 12 jours en Californie.
Nous avons dormi au Coventry Motor Inn, pour 3 nuits, qui m'avait été conseillé sur le forum. Grandes chambres et très propres. Sur Lombard Street, avec parking, très bien placé, nous avions une voiture, aucune difficulté pour circuler dans la ville et se garer. Nous avons pris le bus aussi. Facile et pas cher.
Par contre, pas de pdj, et il est peut-être un petit peu au dessus de votre budget, mais SFO est une ville assez chère...
Bonne préparation !!
Quoiqu'il en soit, je trouve que la situation de l'hôtel sur Lombard est un bon compromis pour éviter de payer trop cher.
Maman deux garçons (2012/2017) - Fan des USA - 8 séjours un peu partout dans le pays
Bonjour Vincent,
A tous ceux qui me demande conseil (Voiture ou pas) je leur dit gardez ou prenez une voiture pour vos visites.
Il est possible de faire vos visites a pied et en bus, mais la voiture vous fera gagner du temps, surtout si vous n'en n'avez pas beaucoup a consacrer a SF.
SF est une ville ou il est assez facile de circuler, contrairement a Los Angele. Peut etre que le fait de vivre a SF depuis 30 ans ne me donne pas une idee juste de la situation😎
Si vous etes sur Lombard, vous etes assez pret du Golden Gate Bridge, et aussi du Marina District avec les restaurants dans Chestnut. Le Coventry ou le Cow Hollow sont deux bons motels.
Jetez un coup d'oeil sur mon blog pour des infos sur SF,
Cordialement
Alex
http://durandale2.blogspot.com/
How heavy do I journey on the way,
When what I seek (my weary travel’s end)
Shakespeare sonnet 50, vers 1- 2.
Me serait-il préférable de migrer sur Fisherman's wharf ? Ma problématique étant que j'ai peur d'être loin pour repartir le soir pour manger ou me promener dans un coin sympas !
Pour la voiture, il y a comme tjrs les pour et les contres - mais faut arrêter de dire que San Francisco c'est galère pour la voiture ...
Se garer là bas et pas plus cher ou difficile que dans les grandes villes françaises ... aucun probleme ...
Perso j'y étais fin Avril ... en Arrivant je prend tjrs d'entrée la voiture, ceci par rapport à mes visites prévues et à la liberté.
Cette année j'ai encore logé à l'extérieur de la ville (hôtels de bien meilleurs qualités pour des prix bien moindres) ... Cette fois ci au best western de Corté Madera ( entre parenthèse ... Excellent ... et piscine de pratiquement 25m - sur 23 jours ce fut le meilleur hotel et petit déj inclus de mon séjour) - à peine 20' pour arriver à la Marina (y'a plein de places gratuites) ou je garais la voiture GRATUITEMENT toute la journée lorsque je consacrais la visite à la ville.
Ensuite, marche ou transports ( quand tu ne dois pas attendre x passages de Trams avant d'avoir de la place )
Après chacun fait comme il veut
* 04.2016 - San Francisco (semi marathon) / New York / Washington
* 05.2015 - Chicago + Sud Ouest US -
* 08.2013 - Voyage en famille - Principaux Parcs West US.
* 06.1994 - http://georgesroy.perso.worldonline.fr/usa/
* 12.1986 - 1er Voyage USA (CA / AZ / Nevada / Colorado / FL)
Bonjour Vincent,
Depuis Lombard, si vous decidez de ne pas prendre votre voiture le soir pour aller dinner, comme je vous l'ai dit il y a des restaurants sur Chestnut ou vous pouvez prendre le bus 22 Fillore au coin de Lombard et de Fillmore et remonter dans le District de Fillmore, il y a plein de restaurant sur Fillmore, l'endroit est souvent tres anime le soir,
C'est un quartier tres pratique pour tout.
Si vous voulez aller downtown le soir depuis votre Motel en voiture, prenez Van Ness vers le Sud et tounez a gauche sur Bush continuez sur 9 blocks et apres avoir traverse Powell, la ou passe le cable Car il y a un grnd garage sur votre droite, Stockton Sutter garage.
Sur Fisherman's Wharf, le soir beaucoup de magasin sont fermes et je trouve cet endroit triste le soir😕 Mais ce n'est que mon point de vue.
Cordialement
Alex
http://durandale2.blogspot.com/
How heavy do I journey on the way,
When what I seek (my weary travel’s end)
Shakespeare sonnet 50, vers 1- 2.
Selon moi le point stratégique pour dormir à SF serait le quartier Financial district mais dans votre situation l'idéal sera un hotel avec parking gratuit ;)
Concernant la voiture justement , je suis CONTRE à 100% , SF est une ville où il fait bon flâner , une ville qui se découvre à pied rien que pour le prendre le fameux cable car .
Mais car il y a un mais , vous avez une fille de 4 ans et il serait insensé de vouloir tout faire à pied . Par défaut la voiture s'impose .
Je roule à San Francisco et c' est galère. Pas pire que Paris mais galère quand même. Les transports en commun sont lents et bondés mais une bonne alternative pendant la journée et rien de mieux pour observer la faune...
Definitivement la bagnole le soir.
Attention aux "tow away zones" pendant les heures de pointe.
😎
Tout dans la vie est une affaire de choix. Ça commence par la tétine ou le téton, ça se termine par le chêne ou le sapin. *Everything in life is a matter of choice. It starts with "pacifier or nipple", it ends with "oak or pine". Pierre Desproges.
Fisherman est le mieux placé pour être dans le quartier très touristique si vous souhaitez, par exemple, sortir/vous promener en soirée. Et bien sûr pour aller vers Alcatraz. Peut-être légèrement plus excentré pour le reste des visites classiques sur 3 jours.
Union Square fait plus "vieille ville européenne" et est plus central pour rayonner, notamment avec les transports en commun.
Ok, le Motel 6 sur Geary n' est pas trop mal. Le quartier n' est pas des plus beaux de la ville, esperez des rencontres occasionelles avec des SDF, des prostitués, des drogués et des intoxiqués mais sinon c' est ok.
Tout dans la vie est une affaire de choix. Ça commence par la tétine ou le téton, ça se termine par le chêne ou le sapin. *Everything in life is a matter of choice. It starts with "pacifier or nipple", it ends with "oak or pine". Pierre Desproges.
Je suis un des fans du COVENTRY (et des 3 autres hôtels du groupe) et je le recommande souvent sur ce forum.
Je suis donc heureux que mon conseil vs ait satisfait.
PS : J'y suis retourné cette année mi-mai, et j'ai apprécié leur gentillesse et leur sens commercial. Ns avons eu en effet un problème avec un vol interne VIRGIN, et ns sommes arrivés à SF avec un jour de retard. Sans qu'on leur demande rien, les 2 chambres réservées et bloquées ne ns ont pas été facturées, de leur propre initiative et contrairement à leurs conditions générales de réservation.
C'est grâce à vous et sur vos conseils que j'ai réservé au Coventry. Merci, car aucune déception, un très bon emplacement, avec des resto à proximité, le bus.... A refaire sans aucun problème !
Maman deux garçons (2012/2017) - Fan des USA - 8 séjours un peu partout dans le pays
L’hôtellerie est extrêmement chère à SF. En parcourant Trip Advisor, nous sommes tombés sur LE bon choix et sans doute l’un des meilleurs rapports qualité-prix de la ville. Il s’agit du Métro Hôtel, non loin du quartier de Haight Ashbury. Les chambres sont assez petites et simples, mais impeccables et modernes. Le gros plus est la possibilité de se garer gratuitement dans les rues alentours, ce qui est très compliqué partout ailleurs. 2 bus sont accessibles juste à côté, pour être en moins de 10 minutes à Downtown.
Cela m' etonne tjrs que les visiteurs oublient de considerer Oakland comme une alternative pour le logement. Bien sur, ce n' est pas San Francisco elle meme mais dans le centre ville, a quelques pas de la station BART (12th Street City Center) avec connection directe soi sur l' aeroport de Oakland (proche) soi sur l' aeroport de San Francisco (plus loin) et a 15mns du centre ville de San Francisco, il y a le Marriott et le Courtyard (plus proche de Chinatown). Juste a cote, ce situe le Old Oakland avec des restos tres sympas et un marche bien frequent le vendredi (jusqu' a 14h).
Sinon, si vous avez loue une auto et ne voulez pas recevoir des amendes ou vous la faire embarquer par la fourriere (tres courant a San Francisco), il y a 3 hotels au bord de l' eau sur Embarcadero a Oakland dont le Motel 6 et le Homewood Suites. Parking gratuit, taux moins chers, belle vue et promenade au bord de l' eau, acces a l' autoroute relativement facile (bien que tres encombre durant les heures de pointe), petit dej generalement inclus, etc. Il y a meme un petit resto allemand avec beer garden au bord de l' eau qui offre une bonne bouffe et de bonnes bieres fraiches.
En ce qui concerne la traversee du pont direction ouest (San Francisco) , jusqu' a 10h le matin du lundi au vendredi avec 3 occupants vous pouvez utilitiser la voie de co-voiturage (une a l' extreme droite et une a l' extreme gauche) pour un tarif moindre mais il faut avoir le Fastrack qui est generalement sur les autos de location de la region. A verifier avec votre loueur.
😎
Tout dans la vie est une affaire de choix. Ça commence par la tétine ou le téton, ça se termine par le chêne ou le sapin. *Everything in life is a matter of choice. It starts with "pacifier or nipple", it ends with "oak or pine". Pierre Desproges.
Connaissez-vous des hôtels bons et pas chers, de préférence à San Francisco avec SDB privée et pas loin du centre? Peut-êtreô difficile mais qui ne tente rien…
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Hello! The itinerary is pretty much set for August 2026. Yeah, I know it’s gonna be *super* hot. But it’s the only time we can get away.
So, here’s the plan: Montpellier-CDG-Dallas.
Stay from July 31 to August 26, 2026:
Car rental – check,
Hotels – check,
Itinerary – almost check,
Photo gear – check,
Budget – check, 🤪
Meal planning – meh, we’ll see...
Walmart, of course, for the cooler when we arrive.
And now, without too much detail...
Fort Worth:
The Longhorns and the Stockyards;
JR’s ranch (for the missus);
Medal of Honor Museum – Arlington.
Houston and NASA Space Center:
See the Gulf of Mexico/America.
San Antonio and the missions.
Fort Stockton for an overnight stop.
El Paso via Guadalupe Mountains:
El Paso and White Sands.
Tucson and the Pima Air & Space Museum:
Tombstone, Bisbee.
Phoenix:
Still working on the program.
Sedona:
Round trip around the area via Flagstaff and Williams, or the Grand Canyon (already done) – we’ll decide on the spot.
Albuquerque:
Santa Fe,
Turquoise Trail,
Los Alamos.
Amarillo via Route 66:
Old Route 66 in the city;
Big Texas Ranch Steak 😏.
Dallas:
JFK Museum;
Perot Museum;
West End district.
And through it all – the road, the road, and more road!!!
We’ll adapt day by day based on our mental and physical state (we’re not exactly spring chickens).
Hello everyone! Really damaged due to flooding caused by runoff after forest fires (a total mess!), does anyone in this friendly forum have any updates on the Apache Trail between Apache Junction and Roosevelt Dam? Is there still a section of the road that’s tough to navigate?
We're leaving at the end of June and will be driving the route between Buffalo and Cody. We’ve already booked our accommodations and a rodeo in Cody, but during the day, we’ll be driving between the two and I’m unsure about the itinerary.
Which route do you think is the most pleasant, interesting, or scenic between:
- The northern route via Highway 14 with Sheridan, Lowell, etc.
- The southern route with Highways 16/20/14, passing by Loaf Mountain Overlook, Powder River Pass, Ten Sleep Canyon...
We’ll be in a car, so we should be able to drive on any road.
Thanks for your input!
I’m almost done planning our September road trip. After our 3-night visit to Sequoia, we’ll have a stopover night in Coalinga (to break up the drive). We’ll be staying two nights in Monterey and would like to stop along the way to visit one side of Pinnacles National Park. We’re torn between the West entrance and the East entrance, and we’d like to do a short hike of no more than 2 hours since we don’t want to arrive too late in Monterey.
This park is split into two distinct zones with no connection between them, and the mileage from Coalinga to Monterey is pretty much the same for both. Which area do you recommend visiting—east or west? And which route is the most scenic?
I’ve spotted two short hikes:
- East: Moses Spring to Rim Trail Loop
- West: Balconies Cliffs Cave Loop
Has anyone been there, or do you have another hike to suggest?
Thanks in advance, and have a great afternoon!
Marcalamar 🙂
After our first trip as a young couple to the West in 2007 (yes, that doesn’t make us any younger!), we’re planning to go back in 2028, but this time as a family of four! (We have two boys who’ll be 5½ and 13 years old in the summer of 2028.)
Our plan is to combine a few big cities (SF and LA, maybe San Diego) with national parks and state parks, mostly!
Ideally, we’d like to leave at the end of June and head back to France around July 19–20, so we can enjoy the first week of the Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Since we already did the "loop" in 2007, there are must-see places we absolutely want to revisit—and especially share with our kids: Bryce Canyon, Yosemite, and above all, the Grand Canyon, which is still the most incredible thing I’ve ever seen on Earth!
On the other hand, some places didn’t leave a big impression on us for various reasons, so we’re not making them a priority: Antelope Canyon, Monument Valley, for example.
We’re planning ahead, but might as well be smart about it😏
Do you have any tips for a fun and doable itinerary over about 20–25 days with kids, without rushing?
Hi everyone! 🙂
Just a quick question about King Canyon and Sequoia National Park.
Before our night in Miramonte, we plan to visit King Canyon. The next stop will be two nights in Three Rivers to explore Sequoia National Park. I wanted to go all the way to Roaring River Falls on the King Canyon Scenic Byway and then turn back to head to Miramonte. Since we’re coming from Oakhurst, Google Maps says it’s 300 km and 5 hours of driving. Since we also want to hike to see the sequoias (Big Stump Area and Grand Grove) before tackling the King Canyon Scenic Byway, the timing’s going to be tight. How far do you recommend going before turning back to miss as few points of interest as possible on the King Canyon Scenic Byway? Thanks for your advice, and have a great evening!
Marcalamar 🙂
Hi everyone!
After years of hoping, waiting, planning, then changing, saving, and searching for the best possible route... we're FINALLY off this summer for a 5-week road trip in the West.
I had planned a trip to Colorado in 2021 but canceled due to COVID, so with time passing and my eldest’s high school graduation approaching fast, I figured it was now or never!
Anyway, the itinerary has been modified and extended to please everyone (I’m no longer the only one making decisions!!)
Here’s our final route:
Day 1 - 7/12/2026 - Brussels / Los Angeles
Day 2 - 7/13/2026 - Los Angeles
Day 3 - 7/14/2026 - Los Angeles
Day 4 - 7/15/2026 - Los Angeles
Day 5 - 7/16/2026 - Los Angeles
Day 6 - 7/17/2026 - Los Angeles / Kingman
Day 7 - 7/18/2026 - Kingman / Grand Canyon
Day 8 - 7/19/2026 - Grand Canyon / Page
Day 9 - 7/20/2026 - Page
Day 10 - 7/21/2026 - Page / Monument Valley
Day 11 - 7/22/2026 - Monument Valley / Durango
Day 12 - 7/23/2026 - Durango
Day 13 - 7/24/2026 - Durango
Day 14 - 7/25/2026 - Durango
Day 15 - 7/26/2026 - Durango / Glenwood Springs
Day 16 - 7/27/2026 - Glenwood Springs
Day 17 - 7/28/2026 - Glenwood Springs / Moab
Day 18 - 7/29/2026 - Moab
Day 19 - 7/30/2026 - Moab
Day 20 - 7/31/2026 - Moab
Day 21 - 8/1/2026 - Moab
Day 22 - 8/2/2026 - Moab / Vernal
Day 23 - 8/3/2026 - Vernal / Grand Teton
Day 24 - 8/4/2026 - Grand Teton
Day 25 - 8/5/2026 - Grand Teton / Cody
Day 26 - 8/6/2026 - Cody / Yellowstone
Day 27 - 8/7/2026 - Yellowstone
Day 28 - 8/8/2026 - Yellowstone
Day 29 - 8/9/2026 - Yellowstone
Day 30 - 8/10/2026 - Yellowstone / Salt Lake City
Day 31 - 8/11/2026 - Salt Lake City / Bryce Canyon
Day 32 - 8/12/2026 - Bryce Canyon / Zion
Day 33 - 8/13/2026 - Zion
Day 34 - 8/14/2026 - Zion
Day 35 - 8/15/2026 - Zion / Las Vegas
Day 36 - 8/16/2026 - Las Vegas
Day 37 - 8/17/2026 - Las Vegas / Los Angeles
Day 38 - 8/18/2026 - Los Angeles
Day 39 - 8/19/2026 - Los Angeles / Brussels
Day 40 - 8/20/2026 - Brussels / Home
We’ll be alternating between house swaps, motels, and campgrounds. I’ve booked all the accommodations (except the campground at Bryce since sunset bookings open only 14 days in advance) and the first activities, as well as the most touristy ones.
I’m currently putting together my day-by-day roadbook and having some trouble planning certain days, like in LA or Las Vegas. Choosing hikes isn’t easy either—it’s tough to decide!
We’re really excited but could definitely use your help with choices and optimizations!!
Hello.
I’d like to travel along I-15N from San Diego to Las Vegas with my mom, who’s 67. We’ve explored Northern California and the California Coast over the past two years and now want to continue through the desert.
There are several attractions along the way:
- Mormon Rocks
- Desert Discovery Center and visit the Old Woman meteorite
- Joshua Tree National Park
- Mojave Desert
- Mojave National Preserve
- Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
- Silverwood Lake
My mom has back issues that prevent her from hiking or walking on trails with elevation changes. Is it possible to visit these places by car, or are the routes flat enough?
I’d love for her to experience the desert with an itinerary adapted to her condition. I’m also open to other points of interest that aren’t mentioned. We have 3-4 days for the trip, so we’re not in a rush—just want to explore.
I’d love to take a road trip and visit Nova Scotia. I’d appreciate some info on the best cities to see and the most interesting spots. The trip should last about 10 to 15 days, staying in hotels or motels. Thanks in advance!
We’re being relocated to Saint Pierre and Miquelon.
We’ll be taking the flight from Nantes to Montreal and then from Montreal to Saint Pierre.
Could you recommend a hotel near the departure terminal that allows dogs?
Hi,
My 16-year-old son is flying to Grand Rapids with other kids his age. There’s a layover in Detroit. There’s no unaccompanied minor service available. Is it pretty easy to navigate Detroit Airport to catch the connecting flight to Grand Rapids (domestic flight)? There are several of them who speak English well.
Thanks for your replies,
Good evening, everyone! 🙂
Just a few last questions to wrap up our Lake Tahoe visit plans.
**Parking:**
We’d like to walk to Eagle Falls and then Eagle Lake. I’ve spotted two parking lots that seem close to each other and give access to the trailhead. Where and how do we pay for entry to Emerald Bay State Park and Inspiration Point?
**Viewpoints on the East Side:**
Are most of the viewpoints (Balancing Rock, Granite Cave, Bonsai Rock, etc.) right by the road, or do you have to hike to reach them?
**Donner Memorial State Park:**
Is it worth making a detour to Truckee to visit this park and the Truckee historic downtown?
Hi there. I'm shocked by the price of the Upper Antelope Canyon tour—$175 for less than an hour… You might say, "if you can’t afford it…" But the real question is whether it’s really worth it, because $350 for two makes me feel like I’m getting ripped off. For those who’ve done both Lower and Upper, can you tell me if the price difference is really justified? Thanks
Hi everyone! 🙂
As you can see, we're heading back from September 6th to the 27th.
Everything’s booked for September—flights, accommodations, and the car. As I plan, I’ll be asking the experts for help. This is our second trip to California, but most of the stops are new to us.
We’ll start directly from San Francisco to our first overnight stop, Davis, before heading to Lassen Volcanic Park for 4 nights. Our flight lands at 12:50 PM.
Here’s our itinerary:
Day 1: Davis – overnight stop
Day 2: Red Bluff – exploring Lassen Volcanic Park (scenic drive to Lake Helen)
Day 3: Susanville – scenic drive through the park via the South Entrance, points of interest, and hikes
Day 4: Susanville – Cinder Cone and Painted Dunes hike
Day 5: Susanville – Warner Valley (hikes)
Day 6: South Lake Tahoe
Day 7: South Lake Tahoe
Day 8: Mammoth Lake
Day 9: Mammoth Lake
Day 10: El Portal via Tioga Road
Day 11: El Portal
Day 12: El Portal
Day 13: Oakhurst
Day 14: Miramonte
Day 15: Three Rivers
Day 16: Three Rivers
Day 17: Coalinga
Day 18: Monterey
Day 19: Monterey
Day 20: San Francisco
Day 21: San Francisco
Day 22: Departure
For hikes in Lassen Volcanic Park, I’ve planned:
Bumpass Hell, Cold Boiling Lake (Day 2)
Paradise Meadow (maybe not going all the way), Devastated Area, and the loop around Reflection and Manzanita Lakes (Day 3)
Cinder Cone and Painted Dunes (Day 4)
Devil’s Kitchen and Boiling Spring Lake (Day 5)
I’ve read there are trails to access the trailheads for Cinder Cone (11 km) and Warner Valley. Are these easy trails for an SUV?
Are there any other must-see spots or things we shouldn’t miss?
That’s where I’m at for now. Thanks for your replies, and have a great evening!
Marcalamar 🙂
I’m a total USA addict. I’ve already done several road trips, including the East Coast and West Coast.
I’m here today because I’m planning to go back for another road trip on the West Coast. Possibly with one of my sisters and a couple of friends. It’s still just a plan for now, but I’m working on an itinerary in the meantime. Ideally, I’d leave in 2026, but I don’t have the exact dates yet—maybe April-May or September-October.
My last trip to the West Coast was in September 2014. We went for 2 weeks, but this time it’d be 3 weeks. What made me want to go back was simply a colleague who just left today. As I’m writing this, he’s on the plane. I’m so happy for him, but now all I can think about is going back.
Since I recently went to NY, I noticed that prices have really gone up. I assume the same is true for the West Coast? For 2 people over 3 weeks, what budget should I expect? We’re the type to watch our spending and find great tips.
I think we’ll arrive in San Francisco like the first time and leave from either Los Angeles or Las Vegas.
Merci de me conseiller pour la réservation pour la plus belle vue faut il réserver une chambre dans l'hôtel ou choisir une cabane ?
Prendre le petit déjeuner ou pas ?
Que pensez vous du restaurant ?
Hello, if the off-the-beaten-path enthusiasts are still around 😉, I’d love some info on tackling these trails. I’m not super familiar with the rules, risks, or what to expect—I’m looking for firsthand experience from folks who’ve done it on their own once or multiple times.
Hi everyone!
I’m planning a week-long family trip to NYC in October 2026. The focus is on museums and soaking up the New York vibe. I’ve been checking Airbnb, but the prices in Manhattan are through the roof. Since I don’t know NYC well, is it "wise" to look outside Manhattan? Any neighborhoods you’d recommend?
After our first trip to the West, we’d love to go back to see other must-see spots!
The stay would be from May 11 to 20, 2026—it’s short, but hey...
M11: Lyon to Las Vegas (overnight in Vegas)
T12: Route 66 – overnight in Grand Canyon (GC)
W13: Visit GC – overnight in Page
Th14: Visit Antelope Canyon / Horseshoe Bend – overnight in Monument Valley (MV)
F15: Visit MV – overnight in Moab
Sa16: Visit Arches / Dead Horse Point – overnight in Bryce
Su17: Visit Bryce – overnight in Zion
M18: Visit Zion / Valley of Fire – overnight in Vegas
Tu19: Return flight
What do you think? Could we add one more night somewhere? We’re not big hikers, so we’ll mostly explore the parks using shuttles.
Also, we’re all set—passports are good. Do you think one classic Visa card and one premium Visa card will be enough for coverage?
Thanks so much for your feedback, and happy holidays!
Hi North America forum crew,
Just a little post that might interest some of you:
Travelers to the United States | Photo Now Mandatory Upon Entry and Exit | La Presse
I assume many of you already know, but the America the Beautiful annual pass, which was $80, will increase to $250 starting January 1, 2026.
So if you're planning to travel before the end of December 2026, it's in your best interest to buy your pass in December 2025, since it will still cost $80 and be valid until the end of December 2026 if you purchase it in December 2025.
This price increase only applies to non-U.S. residents.
Additionally, for those who planned to visit just one park, a $100 surcharge per person will apply to access a list of 11 national parks...
For example, if there are 4 of you in a car, you’ll have to pay $35 + $400,
which comes to $435 to visit one of the 11 parks on the list (I don’t have all of them... Bryce, Zion, Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Grand Teton, etc.).
Total madness.
The goal is to push people who only visit one park into buying the annual pass.
Last point: free entry days are over for non-residents!
Hi everyone, I’m traveling to Los Angeles and would like to rent a vehicle at the airport. However, I have a Boursobank Ultim deferred debit card, so I’d love to know if it’s possible for those who’ve experienced this recently. Thanks for the info!
I’m planning a week in S.F. in April 2026 and I can’t figure out how to tell the cable cars—of which I understand there are three lines—apart from the trams, which I think number seven. I can’t find their individual numbers or routes anywhere.
Could someone shed some light on this for me? Thanks in advance.
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a wonderful 2026 full of amazing travels.
Cheers,
Régine
Hi,
I’m planning a road trip through the American national parks starting from Denver in June 2026.
The price of the pass is jumping from 80 € to 250 € on January 1st, 2026!!!
Is it possible to buy the pass online before the end of the year to lock in the 80 € rate? If so, where and how do I go about it?
Thanks for your tips.
Arnale
I’m planning a road trip for July 2026 in northern Florida. Could you let me know if my itinerary makes sense?
Day 1: Orlando
Day 2: Amelia Island
Day 3: Amelia Island
Day 4: Tallahassee
Day 5: Panama City Beach
Day 6: Panama City Beach (visit to Destin)
Day 7: Crystal River (stop in Cedar Key on the way)
Day 8: Crystal River
Day 9: Anna Maria (stop in Clearwater)
Day 10: Anna Maria (St. Pete)
Day 11: Anna Maria
Day 12: Orlando
Day 13: Orlando
Day 14: Orlando
Day 15: Departure
We just finished 9 days in the American West and wanted to share our experience because we had an amazing time.
I know some of you might ask, why use an agency? Honestly, we didn’t really feel like doing all the driving and planning, especially since we didn’t know the area at all. And since our English isn’t great, having French-speaking guides was a big comfort.
We found Emmanuelle and Isabelle, and wow, they were fantastic. It was just the two of us with them, so it was a truly VIP, ultra-personalized experience. They treated us like royalty from start to finish. These two live in Las Vegas and know the region like the back of their hand. They told us they’ve spent over 15 years exploring every corner of the American West, and it really shows. Their knowledge of geology, park history, and local anecdotes is just impressive. It’s nothing like someone reciting a memorized script. They answer all your questions and really adapt to what you want to see or do.
What we really loved: the vehicle was super comfortable, and the little details made a difference—like snacks and even a homemade cake! Though, to be fair, we devoured the cake right away, so that counts.
Since they know the sites inside out, they took us at the right times to avoid crowds. So we could enjoy peaceful picnics at Grand Canyon viewpoints without being packed in with 200 people. Plus, on top of the must-see spots, they showed us some hidden gems that were absolutely stunning—places we never would’ve found on our own. They’re true locals who know all the best tips.
The service was really personalized. They adapted to our pace and preferences, and we could stop whenever we wanted to take photos. It’s the luxury of being in a small private group—you’re not just a number on a big bus.
In short, we really felt like we were traveling with friends rather than professional guides. Everything’s included in the price (hotel pickup, meals, park entries, etc.), so the value for money is fair.
We loved it so much that we’re already planning to come back next year to explore other areas with them. I think we’ve caught the American West bug—it’s all we can think about, and we can’t wait to return.
If you’re looking for a French-speaking tour with real personalized service and guides who know the region like no one else, we highly recommend them. We had unforgettable moments. They also design road trips for those who don’t want a guide. And they handled our hotel reservations in Las Vegas too. If you want genuine advice from friendly locals, we’re giving them a 200% recommendation!
I’m currently looking for well-located hotels near points of interest in the cities below. I’ve found a few, but the prices are really high.
Could any of you share some great addresses in the following cities?
- Los Angeles
- Las Vegas
- San Francisco
Also, do you have a preferred airline for domestic flights? If so, which one?
