Apres 2 semaiens a Hawaii en juillet, je serai du 10 au 26 aout dans l'ouest et j'aimerais vos avis sur mon parcours.
Arrivee le 10 Aout au soir a Los Angeles et je reste a LA jusqua'au 15 matin pour une conference.
Je compte visiter LA entre les conferences.
Une adresse pour ds shop Outlet tres bons plans a LA (ou San Francisco)?
Le 15, je compte faire la route jusqu'a un peu plus loin de Las Vegas (j'irai apres a LV pour pas tomber le we ou c'est plus cher).
Dans le coin il y a : innevitable apparement : Monument Valley et Bryce Canyon a choisir pour completer parmi : Zion national park, Glen Canyon, Canyon Land et Arch National Park
En fait je n'aurai que 4 jours complets pour visiter dans le coin. Donc que voir parmis ces choix (d'autres propositions?)? Consacrer 1 jour a chaque me parait deja pas mal car je suis plutot du genre a ne pas m'attarder trop a chaque point de vue (par exemple grand canyon, 3-4h m'auraient suffit pour faire la route principale avec la 10ene de stop). Possibilite de combiner 2 visites en 1 journee?
Le 20 Aout au matin, direction Las Vegas pour y rester jusqu'au 23 aout au matin. Faut-il y reserver les hotel a l'avance pour ces date? L'annee passe, 1 mois a l'avance, j'avais eu le Mandalaybay a 140$TTC mi Aout alors que mnt c'est pres de 200$...
Le 22 Aout, route de Las Vegas a San Francisco.
Cela vaut-il la peine de rejoindre la cote (a hauteur de San Miguel par exemple) pour finir le trajet?
Autre question, ou loger? je pense que je vais visiter Alcatraz, faire un sight seeing tour et le golden gate, des autres idees?
Tu rigoles ou quoi? Hawaii plus l'Ouest et tu veux qu'on te donne un coup de main? Il y a des gens qui ont de la chance franchement! Pas question, débrouille-toi! Je blague bien sûr...
Bon alors, LA je ne connais pas donc pas d'adresse à te donner.
Puisque tu vas à LV et à Bryce, autant faire Zion, c'est entre les deux... Tu peux faire par exemple LV - Bryce - Page - Zion - LV
Je dirais qu'il n'est pas nécessaire de réserver à LV, il y a tellement d'hôtels... Cela dit je n'y suis jamais allée en août, les autres forumers pourront te renseigner mieux que moi.
La côte entre LA et SF est très belle. Donc si tu n'as pas spécialement envie de voir des séquoias ni des champs de légumes et d'arbres fruitiers, je te recommande vivement de rejoindre la côte (au niveau de San Luis Obispo par exemple) et de remonter vers SF en passant par Morro Bay, Big Sur, Monterey, Carmel...
Quant à SF, il y a beaucoup de choses et de quartiers à voir. Tout dépend du temps dont tu disposes là-bas. Mais tu peux aller voir le Golden Gate Park, traverser le GG pour aller à Sausalito...
Bon je suis en train de m'embrouiller, en fait je serai a Moab et de la j'aimerais visiter Dead Horse Point et Canyonland en 1 jour pour aller passer la nuit a Monticello par exemple avant d'aller sur monument Valley le lendemain.
Ma question est : par ou passer en voiture (non 4X4)?
1) Pour voir le parc de Dead Horse PointDe Moab, prendre la 279 puis Dead Horse point Road puis la 313 Aller /Retour ?
2) Ensuite pour aller dans Canyonland : de al 313, prendre la Neck road (elle me fait peur en gris comme ca sur googlemap) elle devient ensuite la St Fork Road puis la county road 142 on prend vers l'ouest apres le visitor center pour faire le tour elle rest St Fork road ou Saint Fork SPU, on passe a cote de pas mal de camping puis apres la boucle on se retrouve au nord et a la sortie du park cela devient la mineral Bottom road et la on rejoint la 313 et retour a Moab.
Est- un bon parcours ou y a-t-il mieux a faire en 1 jour? ici ca fait une boucle
Bonjour,
Je ne voudrais pas être "défaitiste" mais est-ce un rallye auto que tu fais ou bien une visite raisonnable des parcs de l'Ouest ??😠
Envisager sereinement de faire en 4 jours LV-Monument Valley-Antelope Canyon-Canyonlands-Arches-Bryce-Zion c'est tout bonnement une hérésie totale !
Les 2 parties de Canyonlands, Arches, Dead Horse Point state park, un petit bout de la route 128 de Moab à Cisco vont au global "t'occuper" TROIS jours pleins à Moab. La route 24-12 de Moab à Bryce Canyon te prennent 2 jours (avec un dodo à Torrey) car on ne peut pas y rouler vite et il y a plein de raisons de s'arrêter ou de faire un "p'tit détour " pour voir qq chose ! Sans parler du temps de route entre MV et Moab !
Bien sur si tu as un hélico privé, alors OK !
Si vous ne réussissez jamais rien du premier coup, n'essayez pas le parachutisme !
Je sais mais je n'aime pas m'eterniser trop a un mm endroit :
En fait je compte faire :
dormir du cote de Springdale, RockVille
J 1 : Zion et Bryce (faisable qd je vois que le gd canyon est fait en 3h et que je ne suis aps du genre a me promener des heures) puis partir vers 20h vers Boulder pour dormir.
J 2 : Capitol Reef + Arches et dormir a Moab
J 3 : Dead Horse Point + Canyon Land et aller Dormir a Monticello par exemple
Mais j'aimerais savoir si l'itineraire que j'ai mis en voiture pour cette etape est le bon ou si il faut un 4X4 pour faire cette route ou si il y a un meilleur itineraire?)
J 4 : monument Valley + partie du chemin vers Las Vegas
Si seul le jour 3 te pose pblm, alors vas y mon gars !
Pour les routes : la 313 est une impasse et il n'y a pas de sortie sauf en Hummer... et encore !
Pas de liaison entre Island in the sky et the Needles qui sont les 2 composantes de Canyonlands.
Si vous ne réussissez jamais rien du premier coup, n'essayez pas le parachutisme !
Je sais que pour certains ca parait bcp trop en si peu de temps mais je suis pas du genre a me promener 4h dans un parc a chaque etape dans le parc.
Sinon donc pour Dead Horse PointDe Moab, je peux prendre la 279 puis Dead Horse point Road puis la 313 Aller /Retour ?
puis aller vers Canyonland : de al 313, prendre la Neck road qui devient ensuite la St Fork Road puis la county road 142 on prend vers l'ouest apres le visitor center pour faire le tour elle rest St Fork road ou Saint Fork SPU, on passe a cote de pas mal de camping puis apres la boucle on se retrouve au nord et a la sortie du park cela devient la mineral Bottom road et la on rejoint la 313 et retour a Moab.
Pour faire la boucle dans Canyonland? Cette route est tt a fait praticable en simple vehicle?
Bonjour,
Bon, alors pour l'itinéraire, je recommence :
1. En sortie nord de Moab, la 279 t'emmène vers Potash. Aucune sortie carrossable vers autre chose. La "Potash Road est réservée aux 4x4 et conducteurs avertis. Donc demi tour obligatoire si tu as une voiture ordinaire.
2. Pour aller à Dead Horse Point, tu prends la même 313 que pour la partie nord de Canyonlands (Island in the Sky), sauf que tu prends une route sur ta gauche vers DHP. Une fois à DHP, aucune autre issue que faire 1/2 tour et continuer la 313 vers Island in the sky. Depuis le visitor center, la route fait 20km jusqu'au bout (Grand View Point Overlook). AUCUNE route carrossable au delà de ce point.
La Neck Spring dont tu parles est une "trail" donc rando à pied ! pas une route !
3. Pour aller à Canyonlands, partie Sud "The Needles" il faut de Moab prendre la 191South et 39 miles plus au sud, à droite la route 211 qui va au "Newspaper Rock" puis aux "Needles". Là encore c'est un cul de sac donc retour obligé vers la 191 !
Les infos ci-dessus proviennent de la carte détaillée de Canyonlands fournie par le Ranger à l'entrée du parc et je n'y vois aucune des routes dont tu parles.
J'ai bien noté ta façon rapide de visiter... mais les miles à parcourir entre deux sites.... attention aux vitesses limites et il y a souvent un shériff en embuscade !
Si vous ne réussissez jamais rien du premier coup, n'essayez pas le parachutisme !
Merci pour ta reponse, je commence a y voir plus clair.
1) Pour dead horse point, je suis bien ce chemin de la carte ci dessous en fait (praticable en voiture)?
2) Pour Canyonland, il faut aller jusqu'au visitor center de la 2eme carte et laisser la voiture la et faire a pied le reste?
3) Apparement The Needle vaudrait moins le coup d'apres ce que j'ai lu.
Oui ggogle map a l'air de tt marquer, mm les petits chemins impraticable -> dur de savoir ce qui est vraiment une route...
Oui merci, ai deja vu qquns se faire arreter l'annee passe, je fais gaffe.
Sinon pareil pour Monument valley qd on est sur la route 163, on va a droite sur la route 42 et au bout, on fait demi tour mais cette route 42 est praticable en vehicule normal? (google map est les photos sattelites me montre une route assez rouge...
Bonjour,
Dis moi, juste une question : tu serais pas un peu du genre Saint Nicolas toi ?? tu ne crois que ce que tu vois sur Internet ?? 🤪
Oublie un peu ton Google maps qui est comme mon GPS : il t'envoie sur des sentiers de mules car plus courts !!😠
Achète toi vite la carte Michelin Ouest Amérique et tu pourras voir que pas un de tes sentiers n'est utilisable par une voiture classique ! N'oublie pas le relief : la zone d'exploitation de la potasse est au fond de la vallée, alors que le point de vue du DHP est au moins 800m plus haut !
Pour Canyonlands, je dis et te répète : il y a 20km de route carrossable entre le visitor center de Island in the sky et le bout de la route 313. Si tu veux le faire à pieds, libre à toi !!
Pour Monument Valley : le parc des Navajos est autour de la 163 et l'entrée + visitor center se fait à partir de la 163. J'y suis allé plusieurs fois et je n'ai jamais vu d'autre route utilisable dans le coin.
Pour "The Needles" : c'est comme tu le veux ! Si de toute façon, tu y restes 5 mn, en effet tu peux zapper !
Si vous ne réussissez jamais rien du premier coup, n'essayez pas le parachutisme !
Je n'utilise googlemap que pour voir les routes qui existent. Je vais pas acheter des cartes alors que tt ce trouve sur internet et que je compte faire un itineraire enregistre dans le GPS que je n'aurais qu'a charger dans le gps chaque matin. Je suis nul pour lire les cartes papier et je deteste les lire.
Googlemap met ttes les routes mm les petits chemins mais etant donne que je ne vois pas d'autres routes dans ces parcs, je suppose que c'est celles la...
Pour Monument Valley, la celebre vue du "pic" se fait depuis la route 163?
Je sais que le sujet a été abordé des dizaines de fois, mais je réouvre tout de même un topic sur l'ouest américain une nouvelle fois. La période de mon…
L'an dernier en lisant le compte rendu d'Eric, j'ai décidé de faire un road trip dans l'ouest américain. J'ai commencé à préparer mais je n'avais pas le temps…
Me revoilà avec mon parcours pour 2019 revu et corrigé. J'attend avec impatience vos commentaires pour avancer dans mon projet. Je suis preneuse aussi de site…
je parts dans moins de deux mois avec ma copine et on n'a pas encore tout reservé.J'avoue que nous sommes un peu perdu par le trop plein d'information et le…
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! 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.
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!
