mon ami et moi envisageons de partir 3 semaines en Californie cet été; nous avons fait un intinéraire et souhaitons avoir vos avis dessus.
nous nous somme beaucoup inspirés des différents commentaires de ce forum.
nous avons pris le parti de ne pas pas visiter exclusivement les parcs mais d'avoir une idée générale de la Californie.
1er aout: Paris -Los Angeles
du 2 au 5 aout: visite de Los Angeles et ses environs (quels sont les endroits incontournables à voir?)
du 6 au 7 aout :San Diego (obligation familiale!)
7 aout fin d'apres midi : départ pour Las Vegas
du 7 au soir au 9 aout: Las Vegas
du 10 matin tres tot au 11 aout: Grand Canyon
11 aout fin d'apres midi : retour vers Las Vegas
du 11 soir au 12: Las Vegas
du 13 matin au 14 aout: Death Valley
14 aout midi: départ pour Yosemite
du 14 soir au 16 aout: visite de Yosemite
16 aout fin d'apres midi: départ pour San Francisco
du 17 au 21 aout: visite de San Francisco et ses environs (quelles sont les visistes incontournables à faire?)
22 aout: san Francisco -Paris
Qu'en pensez-vous? Notre circuit est-il cohérent et faisable? Quelles sont vos suggestions?
et si vous avez des conseils sur les visites et les hotels sur ces différentes étapes, merci d'avance!
Personne ne souhaite nous répondre!!!!!
J'en déduis que soit le circuit tient la route, auquel cas rien à redire, ou alors à l'inverse il est très très très nul, et donc ça demande beaucoup de boulot pour répondre!!!!
Que vous dire ?
Vous vous "êtes beaucoup inspirés des différents commentaires" et vous "avez pris le parti", donc ce sont vos choix réfléchis et calculés.
Quant aux éternels incontournables, vous avez du lire et relire différents conseils qui se recoupent très souvent.
4 jours à LA : vous avez largement, trop, le temps de voir les fameux incontournables ....
1 jour à San Diego : vous ne visitez rien puisqu'en famille ....
5 jours à SF : peut-être une étape entre Yosemite et SF, au nord ou au sud sur la côte pacifique
En 3 semaines certains en font beaucoup plus, à tort ou à raison, chacun sa vision du voyage.
Pour un premier voyage dans l'ouest, J'aurais peut être zappé 1 journée à los angeles et 1 autre à san francisco pour intercaler Bryce canyon;
une ou la petite merveille de l'ouest.
Comme dit précédemment, chacun sa vision du voyage et ses priorités. Vous semblez intéressés par les villes, ce n'est pas mauvais en soi au contraire, chacune des villes que vous voulez visiter ont leurs spécificités et leurs charmes, très différents les uns des autres.
San Francisco une ville où on se promène à pied, très agréable ambiance, la présence permanente de l'eau, heureux mélange de cultures, restaurations agréable, plusieurs activités géniales (vues, hélico, alcatraz, chinatown, quartier hippie...).
Sur LA ce sont les quartiers type Venice Beach, Malibu associés aux classiques parcs autour du cinéma, Holliwood, Mullholand Drive, etc.. Les distances sont longues entre les sites, il te faut une voiture.
Sur Vegas, ce sont les excès en tous genres, casinos, hotels luxueux, ville lumière, vieux Vegas plus typique, outlets... à deux en couple je suis pas sûr que vous apprécierez quand même 4 nuits si on regarde votre programme... c'est plus une ville de fête entre amis façon bordel, picole, casinos, boites & co. La voiture est à mes yeux optionnelle, on se promene d'hotels en hotels, au pire si t'es ds un hotel cheap excentrés tu prends un taxi A/R, et encore.
Mais du coup sur 21jours vous ne voyez pas énormément des multiples merveilles de cette région (slt Gd Canyon, Death Valley et Yosemite). Pour ma part j'aurais zappé LA, et ferai donc plus de parcs, les classiques d'un premier voyage (Monument Valley et Bryce Canyon au moins, mais aussi autour de Page, Zion ou encore Valley of Fire, et ce ne sont là que quelques exemples)... mais c'est personnel ;-)
Par ailleurs, sur votre itinéraire : Le trajet San Diego / Las Vegas est long, bien 5h de route sans les pauses, et pas forcément la route la plus palpitante, surtout en fin d'apres midi / soirée. Avec votre planning vous arrivez tard sur Vegas. Pourquoi passer par Vegas avant Grand Canyon pour revenir ensuite sur Vegas ? Autant faire San Diego -> Gd Canyon avec une pause au milieu (voir les possibilités sur ce même forum, je ne suis pas bien au fait mais il y a des coins sympas, par exemple Joshua Tree National Park ou encore la route 66 pas loin). Et vous visiterez Vegas en y repassant plus tard.
je prépare depuis plusieurs semaines un voyage aux usa avec le même nombre de jours et dans les coins que tu sites
Si tu le souhaites je peux t'envoyer sous format pdf le trajet avec les choses à voir et tous les hotels au meilleur rapport qualité prix..., j'ai un tableau excel avec les couts...
Peut être que cela peut t'inspirer ou au moins faire des comparaisons...
si tu es intérréssé donne moi une adresse mail pour te l'envoyer
Pour ma part je trouve dommage que tu ne pousses pas vers les parcs tel que monument valley, arch ...ect
je trouve que tu passes trop de temps à las vegas et los angeles, et que pour le nombre de jour que tu restes tu ne vois pas ce que tu pourrais voir...... mais bon..
Nous sommes partis en famille à 4 en juillet dernier. (location d'une voiture Hertz ), nous avions notre GPS sur lequel nous avions chargé la carte de l'ouest americain via Tom Tom.
Notre parcours est en sens inverse des parcours généralement donnés sur les guides...c'est un choix...
Dans votre parcours vous evitez quelques parcs incontournables dommage...le voyage coute cher et franchement ça vaut le coup.
3 j à LA suffisent ...(2 aussi)
3 j à SF aussi...
Quant à ce qu'il ne faut pas rater ...de toute façon impossible de tout voir...donc à vous de faire des choix sur plavce en fonction de votre timing, de la meteo et de la fatigue.
Dommage que vous soyez obligé d'aller à san diego, ça vous rogne un peu sur d'autres destinations mais bon, obligation familiale si j'ai bien compris.
De toute façon, 10 personnes differentes vous conseillerons 10 parcours differents.
Voici le nôtre ...ce fût....mémorable.
1- LYON - L. A
2- Venice, Hollywood etc etc...A beverley Hills ...essaie de déjeuner chez Marty, THE specialiste du Hot dog à Los angeles
3- visite d'un parc d'attraction: Universal studios...je suis pas fan mais franchement c'etait une belle journée...prendre les billets la veille ou reserver par le net et arriver tôt ...
4- depart pour Monterey via big sur sur la route 1 ...bord de pacifique, route aerienne splendide...et en plus tu peux voir les éléphnants de mer à Piedras blancas..;etape à Monterey.
5-Petit tour à point Lobos, un petit hâvre de paix qui se fait à pied...une merveille où l'on voir s'ébattre les lions de mer.
on prend la voiture (pas besoin de 4x4 aux US...une bonne berline spacieuse suffit)...direction San Francsico.
6- visite de SF ( à pied et en cable car)
7- SF
8- départ pour Le Yosemite parc...on dort à l'entrée Ouest...Oakhurst (balade pour voir les sequoias geant)
9 - Traversée de Yosemite park...fan-ta-stique......on couche à l'Est...Mammoth lake...avant d'aller à l'hotel aller voir le Mono lake (etonnant)
10- On part direction Death Valley...on dort au coeur de la fournaise ...une experience unique (il fait 38° à minuit)
11- visite de la death valley puis depart pour Vegas via Shoshone (à voir pour l'ambiance et le saloon)...red rock valley en fin d'apres midi et go to vegas...première nuit de folie.
12- vegas ...visite des hôtels et ne pas oublier de faire ses emplettes à - 5O% dans les outlets...;deuxieme soirée de folie.
13- départ pour Zion (incontournable)
14- Zion - Bryce canyon.
15- Bryce - Page via lake Powell
16 -Page + antelope canyon + horseshoebend...enorme.
17 - direction Monument valley..;visite au coucher du soleil c'est féerique et grandiose ...du technicolor.
18 - direction grand canyon...randos dans tous les sens ...
19-grand canyon
20 - route jusqu'à Phoenix...très beau vers Sedona.
21- Retour phoenix Lyon.
billets pris sur Expedia ...no souci.
Voiture chez Hertz...pas de problemes
Hotels pré réservés par une agence en Petit dej seulement...le midi : pique nique ...le soir petit restau.
prendre l'annual pass pour les parcs nationaux...80 dollars...ça vaut le coup à partir de 4 parcs visités...;et tu évites les queues.
budget pour 3 semaines à 4 tout compris (y compris la valise de vetements achetés à vegas):8800 euros
si tu as besoin de plus de renseignements : noms des hotels, visites originales hors des guides ...contacte nous.
nous nous somme beaucoup inspirés des différents commentaires de ce forum.
nous avons pris le parti de ne pas pas visiter exclusivement les parcs mais d'avoir une idée générale de la Californie. Pour ainsi dire, vous ne visiter pas du tout les parcs : GC, Death Valley et yosemite, sachant que Yosemite est quand meme plus proche de ce que l'on peut voir chez nous . Mon choix n'aurait pas été là.
1er aout: Paris -Los Angeles
du 2 au 5 aout: visite de Los Angeles et ses environs (quels sont les endroits incontournables à voir?) (3 jours suffisent)
du 6 au 7 aout :San Diego (obligation familiale!)
7 aout fin d'apres midi : départ pour Las Vegas ( 5h mini de route)
du 7 au soir au 9 aout: Las Vegas
du 10 matin tres tot au 11 aout: Grand Canyon
11 aout fin d'apres midi : retour vers Las Vegas
du 11 soir au 12: Las Vegas (3eme jour à Vegas : pas utile; moi je tracerais vers Monument Valley le 11 apres midi pour visiter ( 2h max) ervoir le coucher de soleil, puis le 12, direction Bryce Canyon avec une vue en passant sur le lac Powell. Le 13 visite de Bryce, puis route vers Vegas ou vous passez la soirée.
du 13 matin au 14 aout: Death Valley Le 14, Death Valley, vous avez un jour de retard par rapport à votre planning initial, mais si vous recuperez un jour à LA, ca le fait.
14 aout midi: départ pour Yosemite
du 14 soir au 16 aout: visite de Yosemite
16 aout fin d'apres midi: départ pour San Francisco
du 17 au 21 aout: visite de San Francisco et ses environs (quelles sont les visistes incontournables à faire?)
22 aout: san Francisco -Paris
Cela vous fait un jour de moins à LA, mais pour moi, c'est largement suffisant, et cela vous permet de faire 2 parcs suplementaires, parmi les plus spectaculaires, et vous maintenez les villes.
Bonne route
Il n'y a que deux façons de vivre sa vie : l'une en faisant comme si rien n'était un miracle, l'autre comme si tout était un miracle.
Merci pour vos lumières !!!
on avance, on avance !
et du coup d'autres questions nous viennent : on a vu qu'on pouvait faire un tour d'hélicoptère au dessus du grand canyon, est-ce que c'est cher? quelle companie est la mieux? on peut même partir de Vegas pour aller au grand canyon en petit avion ou en hélico : est-ce que quelqu'un l'a fait? quelle companie propose cela et à quel tarif?
Pour l'avion depuis vegas, c'est déconseillé par les gens ici.
Pour l'avion/hélico sur place, c'est cher et pas très long, vaut mieux réserver et pour le matin.
Recherche sur le forum, ça a déjà été dit et redit, avec plus de détails.
Mon précédent post n'a pas eu de succès, il devait être trop vague. Que pensez vous de mon circuit de 21 jours en Californie? (pas mal du tout ce site…
Mon mari, ma fille (6 ans) et moi souhaitons partir en Floride du 4/07/2011 au 25/07 (21 jours). Je m'interroge sur le parcours que j'ai prévu, n'est ce pas…
J'ai quasiment finalisé ma feuille de route, et suis en plein enfer de comparaison des prix entre compagnie. Pas mal points m'on été confirmés à travers le…
Nous entendons (2 personnes) faire un circuit de 21 jours dans l'ouest américain. Je vous soumets donc l'itinéraire projeté: Paris /San Francisco Yosemite El…
Nous sommes deux familles de 5 (2 adultes 3 enfants 17.15.8 et 2 adultes 3 enfts 18.14.9) qui partons fin juillet -mi aout 2012 visiter l'ouest usa.sur…
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!
