Original post
Pour ceux qui ont visité l'ouest américain et la Floride, pouvez vous dire ce que vous préférez entre les 2 et pourquoi ?
Merci bien,
États-Unis: visiter l'Ouest, l'Est ou les deux?
by Douceîle
This discussion is in French, the community’s main language.
Bonjour,
Je vais régulièrement en Floride depuis une 15aine d'années et j'ai été 2 fois dans l'Ouest. La Floride c'est principalement une destination "plage" et parcs de loisir, il y'a bien sûr les keys et les Everglades mais une fois qu'on les a fait on n'y retourne pas tous les ans. J'aime cette destination car en plein été on bénéficie de magnifiques plages désertes et sauvages.
l'Ouest c'est d'abord des villes majeures (LA, SF, LV), toute l'histoire des pionniers et surtout les grands parcs, on en prend vraiment plein les yeux et même si on a tout lu sur le sujet la réalité est encore plus majestueuse et tous ceux qui y sont allés ont attrapé le virus 😉
Donc pour moi la Floride c'est pour le repos et la plage et l'Ouest c'est pour les grands espaces et les étoiles dans les yeux.
Bonjour.
L'est-ouest que je préconise serait plutot Nord-Est et ouest. En effet, New York, Washington et Philadelphie, entre autres, sont des destinations bien sympa et aussi tellement différentes de la Floride ou de l'ouest des US. Les parcs nationaux de la cote ouest sont quand à eux sublissiment. Le grand Canyon , Bryce Canyon, Monument Valley, Death Valley, Yosemite..... et effectivement les villes de SF, LA et LV sont incontournables et à faire en priorité. Le parcs d'attractions sont à peut prés les mêmes entre la Floride et la Californie. Je finirai en disant que la Floride, en été, subit de nombreux orages qui peuvent gâcher un peu les parcs et la plage.
L'est-ouest que je préconise serait plutot Nord-Est et ouest. En effet, New York, Washington et Philadelphie, entre autres, sont des destinations bien sympa et aussi tellement différentes de la Floride ou de l'ouest des US. Les parcs nationaux de la cote ouest sont quand à eux sublissiment. Le grand Canyon , Bryce Canyon, Monument Valley, Death Valley, Yosemite..... et effectivement les villes de SF, LA et LV sont incontournables et à faire en priorité. Le parcs d'attractions sont à peut prés les mêmes entre la Floride et la Californie. Je finirai en disant que la Floride, en été, subit de nombreux orages qui peuvent gâcher un peu les parcs et la plage.
Il faut faire les deux !
Nous avons fait l'ouest en mai 2009 et nous sommes en effet revenus avec des étoiles plein les yeux !
Cette année, du 15 sept. au 15 oct., nous avons parcouru l'Est (Nord-est et sud est) et nous avons découvert des villes très intéressantes comme New York (évidemment) Washington (superbe et émouvante), Philadelphie chargée d'Histoire, Savannah ou règne la douceur de vivre, Natchez et ses maisons parabellum, l'ambiance endiablée de la Nouvelle Orléans et de Bayle street à Memphis... Le charme désuet de Cap Code, des paysages magnifiques comme ceux des Adirondacks avec des feuillages d'automne superbes, Niagara Falls, le Kentucky et ses élevages de pur sangs. L'Amérique profonde de la Pensylvannie, les Appalaches et ses points de vue magnifiques. Le Maryland, Chesapeake Bay et la très jolie ville d'Annapolis....
Une multitude d'animaux sur le bord des routes : les biches, les dindes sauvages, les ratons laveurs, les tatous, les oies bernaches, les écureuils...
Le contact très intéressant avec la population qui est spontanée, chaleureuse, toujours prête à rendre service, quelle que soit son origine. Des sourires, des saluts amicaux, des échanges incessants. Nous cherchions la maison la plus étroite de New York et ne trouvions pas la rue en question. Nous sommes entrés dans une brasserie pour nous renseigner, immédiatement 5 jeunes garçons et filles ont sorti leur blackberry pour nous aider.
Dans le métro de NYC, nous avons également reçu de l'aide chaque fois que nous en avons eu besoin.
Et les pelouses parfaitement tondues dans les villages, et le respect des piétons, et la propreté du métro et des toilettes dans les villes, pas de crottes de chien sur les trottoirs...
Un dépaysement total.
Nous sommes revenus véritablement enchantés, d'autant que nous avons bénéficié d'un très beau temps, chaud parfois et une seule demi journée de petite pluie.
Nous avons fait l'ouest en mai 2009 et nous sommes en effet revenus avec des étoiles plein les yeux !
Cette année, du 15 sept. au 15 oct., nous avons parcouru l'Est (Nord-est et sud est) et nous avons découvert des villes très intéressantes comme New York (évidemment) Washington (superbe et émouvante), Philadelphie chargée d'Histoire, Savannah ou règne la douceur de vivre, Natchez et ses maisons parabellum, l'ambiance endiablée de la Nouvelle Orléans et de Bayle street à Memphis... Le charme désuet de Cap Code, des paysages magnifiques comme ceux des Adirondacks avec des feuillages d'automne superbes, Niagara Falls, le Kentucky et ses élevages de pur sangs. L'Amérique profonde de la Pensylvannie, les Appalaches et ses points de vue magnifiques. Le Maryland, Chesapeake Bay et la très jolie ville d'Annapolis....
Une multitude d'animaux sur le bord des routes : les biches, les dindes sauvages, les ratons laveurs, les tatous, les oies bernaches, les écureuils...
Le contact très intéressant avec la population qui est spontanée, chaleureuse, toujours prête à rendre service, quelle que soit son origine. Des sourires, des saluts amicaux, des échanges incessants. Nous cherchions la maison la plus étroite de New York et ne trouvions pas la rue en question. Nous sommes entrés dans une brasserie pour nous renseigner, immédiatement 5 jeunes garçons et filles ont sorti leur blackberry pour nous aider.
Dans le métro de NYC, nous avons également reçu de l'aide chaque fois que nous en avons eu besoin.
Et les pelouses parfaitement tondues dans les villages, et le respect des piétons, et la propreté du métro et des toilettes dans les villes, pas de crottes de chien sur les trottoirs...
Un dépaysement total.
Nous sommes revenus véritablement enchantés, d'autant que nous avons bénéficié d'un très beau temps, chaud parfois et une seule demi journée de petite pluie.
Myrtille
Myrtille, ton message m'enchante !
Nous comptons faire Chicago et sa région (jusqu'à Toronto) en juillet prochain. Et après avoir fait l'Ouest (1 mois) on avait peur d'être ... moins enchantés !
Mais voilà, tu me redonne la pêche et troptrop l'envie d'y être déjà !
Aaaaaaah les States ! J'adore ! 😎
Aaaaaaah les States ! J'adore ! 😎
Natchez et ses maisons parabellum, .
Si vis pacem, para bellum 😎
Si vis pacem, para bellum 😎
Bien sûr, Panisse, je me suis fourvoyée et il s'agit des maisons antebellum !
Désolée pour ce lapsus, je ne dirais par révalteur, mais tout de même...
Je ne souhaite déclarer la guerre à quiconque.
Désolée pour ce lapsus, je ne dirais par révalteur, mais tout de même...
Je ne souhaite déclarer la guerre à quiconque.
Myrtille
Hi !
Peu amateur des villes, je dirai l'ouest
Il a fallu 5 voyages pour voir tous les parcs nationaux et quelques dizaines d'autres lieux époustouflants
Bern
Peu amateur des villes, je dirai l'ouest
Il a fallu 5 voyages pour voir tous les parcs nationaux et quelques dizaines d'autres lieux époustouflants
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
Désolée pour ce lapsus, je ne dirais par révalteur, mais tout de même...
😏😏
Non, non, ne sois pas désolée. Il n'y a vraiment pas de quoi et c'était même rigolo !! Ton lapsus m'a juste fait penser à cette célèbre locution latine 😎
Loin de moi l'idée que tu prépares la guerre 😏
😏😏
Non, non, ne sois pas désolée. Il n'y a vraiment pas de quoi et c'était même rigolo !! Ton lapsus m'a juste fait penser à cette célèbre locution latine 😎
Loin de moi l'idée que tu prépares la guerre 😏
Bonjour,
Avec mon mari nous avons fait l'ouest l'an dernier. Et j'ai tres envie d'y retourner. Mon mari lui veut visiter l'Est du pays (ce qui ne m'enchante pas trop). Mais après la lecture de ton message cela m'a donné 1 grande envie de visiter l'Est. Merci pour tous ces détails précieux !!
Avec mon mari nous avons fait l'ouest l'an dernier. Et j'ai tres envie d'y retourner. Mon mari lui veut visiter l'Est du pays (ce qui ne m'enchante pas trop). Mais après la lecture de ton message cela m'a donné 1 grande envie de visiter l'Est. Merci pour tous ces détails précieux !!
Bonjour
Pour moi, sans hésiter, c'est l'Ouest et ses grands espaces. Je ne doute pas que l'Est ait ses charmes mais je suppose que tout dépend de ce que l'on aime... Ta question ne peut appeler une réponse manichéenne 😉 Tu dis que tu as fait "l'Ouest" l'an dernier, moi en 4 voyages j'en découvre encore ... 🙂 Cette année ce fut coyotte buttes et j'en rêve encore. Un site majestueux, inconnu et superbe. Merci au passage aux membres de ce forum et notamment à Philippe, Thierry et leur site ouestusa.fr , sans qui je n'aurais pu découvrir cette merveille.
La Floride, j'y suis allée 2 fois, mais je trouve aussi que c'est plus pour des courts séjours (on y trouve surtout des parcs d'attraction et des plages). Il y a bien sur de beaux sites comme les Keys et les Everglades mais ça ne peut rivaliser avec les pierres rouges de l'Ouest ... Je sais, c'est subjectif, mais c'est mon avis 😛 Pour moi, la nature et les randonnées prennent toujours le pas sur les villes !!!
As-tu parcouru Yellowstone, Bryce, le canyon de Chelly, Mesa Verde ou Sedona ? Je suis sure que vous avez encore plein de belles choses à découvrir dans ce coin là.
Ceci dit, dans un couple, il faut faire des concessions 😉 Si vous partez dans l'Est, vous pourrez savoir ce que vous, vous préférez. Ensuite, vous choisiezr en toute connaissance l'éventuel troisième voyage aux States 🙂
Quel que soit votre choix, je vous souhaite à tous les 2 un très bon voyage !!!
Pour moi, sans hésiter, c'est l'Ouest et ses grands espaces. Je ne doute pas que l'Est ait ses charmes mais je suppose que tout dépend de ce que l'on aime... Ta question ne peut appeler une réponse manichéenne 😉 Tu dis que tu as fait "l'Ouest" l'an dernier, moi en 4 voyages j'en découvre encore ... 🙂 Cette année ce fut coyotte buttes et j'en rêve encore. Un site majestueux, inconnu et superbe. Merci au passage aux membres de ce forum et notamment à Philippe, Thierry et leur site ouestusa.fr , sans qui je n'aurais pu découvrir cette merveille.
La Floride, j'y suis allée 2 fois, mais je trouve aussi que c'est plus pour des courts séjours (on y trouve surtout des parcs d'attraction et des plages). Il y a bien sur de beaux sites comme les Keys et les Everglades mais ça ne peut rivaliser avec les pierres rouges de l'Ouest ... Je sais, c'est subjectif, mais c'est mon avis 😛 Pour moi, la nature et les randonnées prennent toujours le pas sur les villes !!!
As-tu parcouru Yellowstone, Bryce, le canyon de Chelly, Mesa Verde ou Sedona ? Je suis sure que vous avez encore plein de belles choses à découvrir dans ce coin là.
Ceci dit, dans un couple, il faut faire des concessions 😉 Si vous partez dans l'Est, vous pourrez savoir ce que vous, vous préférez. Ensuite, vous choisiezr en toute connaissance l'éventuel troisième voyage aux States 🙂
Quel que soit votre choix, je vous souhaite à tous les 2 un très bon voyage !!!
Nathalie
L'honnêteté, ce n'est pas dire ce que l'on pense mais penser ce que l'on dit 😉
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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.
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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.
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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.
Thanks so much. The trip would be in fall 2026
Hi there,
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!
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!
Hi everyone,
Quick question—I’m heading to New York soon and I’d love to know if you guys have any recommendations for websites where I can buy concert tickets?
Quick question—I’m heading to New York soon and I’d love to know if you guys have any recommendations for websites where I can buy concert tickets?
Hi there,
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?
Thanks!
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?
Thanks!
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?
Thanks in advance for your tips! 🙂
**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?
Thanks in advance for your tips! 🙂
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 🙂
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 🙂
Here's a tip for future visitors!
https://www.foxnews.com/travel/3-national-parks-slash-red-tape-americans-boldly-transforming-visitor-entry
https://www.foxnews.com/travel/3-national-parks-slash-red-tape-americans-boldly-transforming-visitor-entry
Hi everyone,
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 to everyone for your advice and help.
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 to everyone for your advice and help.
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?
Hello,
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!
Christophe
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!
Christophe
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
Hi everyone.
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!
That’s all for now.
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!
That’s all for now.
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!
Hi VF community,
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
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
Hi there,
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
Thanks in advance for your tips!
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
Thanks in advance for your tips!
Hey everyone!
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!
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!
Hello,
I’m currently looking for well-located hotels near points of interest in the cities below. I’ve found a few, but the prices are really high. Could any of you share some great addresses in the following cities? - Los Angeles - Las Vegas - San Francisco
Also, do you have a preferred airline for domestic flights? If so, which one?
Thanks so much, and have a great day, everyone!
Gertjan
I’m currently looking for well-located hotels near points of interest in the cities below. I’ve found a few, but the prices are really high. Could any of you share some great addresses in the following cities? - Los Angeles - Las Vegas - San Francisco
Also, do you have a preferred airline for domestic flights? If so, which one?
Thanks so much, and have a great day, everyone!
Gertjan