J'ai une carte America the Beautiful et j'aurais voulu savoir comment ça se passe pour entrer dans le parc (Grand Canyon, Arches, Bryce) avec son véhicule.
Faut-il passer au visitor center pour "valider" le pass, mettre un papier derrière son pare-brise pour prouver l'acquittement ?
Dans certains parcs d'état il n'y a pas toujours un préposé pour recueillir le modeste droit d'entrée; il y a des boîtes où on laisse tout simplement le 3$.
Est ce qu'il y a la place pour une 2ème signature à l'arrière de la carte ?
Alors, tu signes. S'il y a déjà 2 signatures, le pass ne peut plus servir.
A l'entrée de chaque parc, un ranger te demande ton passeport et ton pass (il compare les signatures). Et il te remet un plan du parc et en général un journal du parc également.
Bonjour Nefer,
pour nous aussi en septembre on nous a demandé pratiquement à chaque fois une pièce d'identité ( c'est vrai qu'avec mon chapeau, je faisais un peu Calamity Jane) ce qui leur permet de donner la brochure en français quand ils l'ont.
"J'ai décidé d'être heureux, c'est bon pour la santé" Voltaire
"ce qu'on te reproche, cultive-le, c'est toi"
mon blog http://pimlico40.over-blog.com
Excusez mon ignorance, mais c'est quoi cette falmeuse carte american ?
Nous partons en Juillet faire quelques parcs alors si ça peux servir pourquoi pas.
Merci
La rigueur vient toujours a bout de l'obstacle (Léonard De Vinci)
Excusez mon ignorance, mais c'est quoi cette falmeuse carte american ?
Nous partons en Juillet faire quelques parcs alors si ça peux servir pourquoi pas.
Merci
Salut
C'est une carte que tu achètes au premier parc traversé. A la barrière, tu demandes au ranger "America The Beautiful", tu sors 80$ et ton passeport, tu signes la carte et c'est bon! 😎 Tu pourras accéder à tous les parcs nationaux sans avoir à régler à chaque fois. Tu devras juste présenter ton pass et ton passeport (oui moi aussi on m'a toujours demandé mon passeport) 😉
bonjour à tous, nous partons le 28 juillet pour les Etats Unis et j'aurai aimé avoir une précision. Lors de l'achat du pass au 1er parc, peut-on le payer avec la carte Amex ou il doit être obligatoirement payé en liquide ? Merci pour l'info
J'ai acheté le mien il y a 10 jours au parc de Muir Wood. Ils ont refusé l'AMEX mais accepté la Visa. Je suis pour le moment au Grand Canyon et il a des affichettes sur les guérites d'entrée disant que les cartes débit/crédit sont préférées (au cash j'imagine).
Pour info, j'ai du présenter une pièce d'identité pour rentrer dans tous les parcs.
Partout pour des payements aux National Park, la carte Amex m'a été refusée (2008 et 2009)
Bern
USA 2018 - Arizona, chez les indiens... https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=9061068;#9061068
USA 2014 – Là où vous n'aviez pas pensé aller https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=6769327;#6769327
USA 2012 "Au long du Rio Grande" https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=5290732;#5290732
Curieusement, mais non, comme d'habitude mon paiement pour une réservation à Yellowstone a été fait avec une carte American Express.
Alors quand on lit Partout pour des payements aux National Park, la carte Amex m'a été refusée il y a matière à interrogation.
Est-ce que c'etait pour le logement a Yellowstone que ta carte Amex a ete acceptee? Si oui, c'est parce que c'est pour le paiement au concessionaire de l'hotel (une compagnie privee) et non pas le National Park Service.
Moi aussi, j'ai payé mon logement à Yellowstone et celui à Death Valley (Xanterra les 2) avec l'Amex
J'ai aussi payé des souvenirs dans des boutiques de certains parcs
Mais jamais dans les Visitor center, ni à l'entrée (annual pass) ni les visites des caves des NP
IL n'y a pas matière à interrogation pour tout ce qui dépend des NPS
et j'ai bien dit "les payements aux National Park" que je sache !
Il n'en va pas de même pour les parcs d'état ni ceux gérés par les indiens
Bern
USA 2018 - Arizona, chez les indiens... https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=9061068;#9061068
USA 2014 – Là où vous n'aviez pas pensé aller https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=6769327;#6769327
USA 2012 "Au long du Rio Grande" https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=5290732;#5290732
Déjà que votre dernier réponse est plus précise; ce sera toujours ça de pris pour ceux et celles qui se rendront dans les parcs.
Avant de prêter de mauvaises intentions aux intervenants, renseignez-vous.
Les parcs nationaux américains acceptent tous et toujours les principales cartes de crédit comme Visa, Mc et bien évidemment AM.
Personne ici ne se pose de telles interrogations; personne ne se demande si une Amex va être acceptée aux États-Unis.
Il se peut qu'à la guérite d'un parc la carte soit refusée pcq'il n'y a pas de terminal; dans ce cas on envoie le visiteur au Visitors center.
ACCEPTED FORMS of PAYMENT Cash: United States currency.Travelers Check: Payable in U.S. Dollars.Charge Cards: Master Card, VISA, Discover, or American Express.Personal or Commercial Checks: A check must be drawn on a U.S. Bank, payable in U.S. Dollars, and the check holder's name and current address must be imprinted on the check. A Telephone number and Tax Identification are also required. Personal checks for over $25.00 require the check holder's Social Security Number (SSN). All Business Checks require the business' Tax Identification Number (TIN).Le problème pour plusieurs d'entre vous c'est votre carte amex européenne, (on ne sait jamais trop si c'est une carte débit ou de crédit) ce que vous oubliez sciemment de mentionner à chaque fois.
On a lu le même genre de mésaventures dernièrement avec des gens qui n'arrivaient pas à réserver avec leur carte depuis chez-vous.
USA 2018 - Arizona, chez les indiens... https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=9061068;#9061068
USA 2014 – Là où vous n'aviez pas pensé aller https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=6769327;#6769327
USA 2012 "Au long du Rio Grande" https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=5290732;#5290732
Seulement préciser que si certaines des cartes "de crédit" européennes sont parfois refusées faut simplement le dire et ça s'arrête là.
C'était une énormité de votre part que d'écrire que dans les parcs on n'accepte pas le paiement par American Express. Sur le site de tous les parc nationaux il est clairement écrit que les frais d'entrée peuvent être payés comptant, par chèques de voyage et par toutes major credit cards.
Que la carte que vous, vous avez présentée ait été refusée, fort possible; là n'est pas la question.
J'ai relevé votre désinformation et ne vous en déplaise, je continuerai de le faire si vous m'en donnez encore l'occasion.
Tant qu'à renseigner les gens à moitié aussi bien passer son tour.
Ma carte AE Platinium est une carte de crédit, jamais eu de problèmes aux USA ou ailleurs, même pour réserver les spectacles, mais pour toi c'est quoi une carte de débit ? chez nous il en existe une qui nous permet de prendre des sous dans les ATM du monde entier (partout où il y a le logo), de payer en Suisse, si le commerçant a un terminal, mais elle ne fonctionne pas dans les commerces hors de Suisse. Avec ce genre de carte tu es débité de suite.
Il faut croire qu'entre la théorie et la réalité y a un pas. J'ai aussi une Amex platinium et bien que j'ai pu payer des réservations Xanterra avec, il y a refus systématique dans les visitor center (pas d'histoire de débit crédit vu qu'ils ne jettent pas le moindre regard à la carte).
Mais soyons précis, je ne dirais pas que c'est pour tous les NPS car je ne les ai pas tous visiter.... enfin, pas encore 😎
J'ai visité 19 NP + 17 NM,
Chaque fois que j'ai proposé mon Amex à l'entrée ou au Visitor Center, on me l'a refusé
je pense même que c'était affiché à certaines caisses de VC.
Par contre j'ai réglé toutes mes dépenses ailleurs au USA avec mon Amex
Bern
USA 2018 - Arizona, chez les indiens... https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=9061068;#9061068
USA 2014 – Là où vous n'aviez pas pensé aller https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=6769327;#6769327
USA 2012 "Au long du Rio Grande" https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=5290732;#5290732
Si je paye 95% de mes achats aux USA avec une American Express qui ne me coute rien
et avec un taux de change très intéressant sans frais de banque,
j'ai aussi une visa et une master, mais avec, j'ai des frais de change.
Bern
USA 2018 - Arizona, chez les indiens... https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=9061068;#9061068
USA 2014 – Là où vous n'aviez pas pensé aller https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=6769327;#6769327
USA 2012 "Au long du Rio Grande" https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=5290732;#5290732
USA 2018 - Arizona, chez les indiens... https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=9061068;#9061068
USA 2014 – Là où vous n'aviez pas pensé aller https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=6769327;#6769327
USA 2012 "Au long du Rio Grande" https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=5290732;#5290732
Comment ça "supposément refusée " ?
Si je rapporte qu'elle m'a été refusée c'est que c'est le cas, ce n'est pas supposé, c'est un fait. (non en vrai je bosse pour Mastercard et je passe mon temps à faire de la désinformation sur ce forum pour écarter les clients d'Amex.... 😛)
Tiens d'ailleurs, elle a été refusée aussi il y a 3 jours à Bryce canyon... mais je dois faire des déliriums éveillés sûrement.
Je confirme que la visa (même non gold) est prise partout.
j'ai une question bête sur le pass : ma tante m'a donné son pass puisqu'il reste une place pour une signature. Cependant, elle est valable jusqu'en avril 2011 (un trou sur le mois avril me le dit) mais c'est avril compris ou 31 mars ???
je suis un peu dans la même situation que vous: des amis reviennet des us et veulent nous donner leur pass, je ne me pose pas de problème quant à la validité mais plutôt au sujet de la 2ème signature. Mes amis ont dit que les rangers vérifiaient la signature avec le passeport mais je voulais savoir s'il suffisait qu'une seule signature corresponde, s'ils ne posaient jamais de question sur la 2ème signature qui ne correspondrait à ce moment là à aucun de nos passeports...
pour le peu d'économie réalisée, je ne veux pas avoir l'air bête à l'entrée d'un parc!! merci de me faire part de votre expérience.
J'ai acheté une carte America the Beautiful - Annual pass via Leboncoin en Février de cette année à un couple qui était parti aux USA en Juillet 2010, pour notre voyage Familial de 15 jours aux USA en Avril 2011 et je n'ai eu aucun problème dans les parcs nationaux visités, à aucun moment, pour ces parcs là, on ne m'a demandé mon passeport ou tout autre ID. Ne vous en faite pas, vous n'avez pas à faire à des gens suspicieux, et le fait d'apposer ma signature à côté de celle de l'autre personne n'a éveillé aucun doute chez les Park Ranger qui sont aux entréees des NP.😉
Bonne route
Christophe
Que pensez-vous de la carte American Express (Air France flying blue)? Est-elle avantageuse lors de paiements aux USA par rapport à une carte bleue visa? Je me…
J'ai acheter il y a 1 semaine des billet sur le site american airlines pour un voyage en MAI 2016 j'ai effectué le paiement avec ma carte Visa Premier par…
Voila, on a un petit doute concernant le change d'Euros en Dollars. En sachant que nous avons une carte American Express, nous souhaiterions savoir si il est…
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).
hi everyone
I’m planning a world trip and I’m looking for great tips on accommodation in the United States.
Do you have any good deals to share, please?
thanks
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.
Thanks for advising me on the booking—should I reserve a room in the hotel or go for a cabin for the best view?
Should I get breakfast or not?
What do you think of the 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!
