Is this American West dream finally going to come true? Illness and the loss of loved ones have forced us to cancel this trip several times over the past few years...
Here’s the rough outline I’m sharing with you—feel free to give constructive feedback!!
From April 20, 2025, to May 5, 2025, that’s 14 days on-site excluding flights.
D20: Flight from Lyon to Phoenix, night in Phoenix
L21: Phoenix (visit the zoo, city, Apache Trail? The road is apparently closed??) night in Sedona
M22: Sedona, night in Sedona
M23: Depart for GC, visit GC, night in GC (no accommodation booked yet, same goes for the following visits)
J24: Drive to MV, visit MV, night in Mexican Hat or?
V25: End of MV, drive to Page, night in Page
S26: Page—Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, Lake Powell, night in Page
D27: Drive to Bryce, visit Bryce, night?
L28: End of Bryce, depart for Zion (I’m wondering if it’s worth visiting Zion at the end of April—since the park is at high altitude, is there a risk of snow? Temperatures?) If we skip Zion, could we plan 2 days for Arches before heading to Bryce? Night in Springdale if Zion, otherwise drive to Valley of Fire, night?
M29: Valley of Fire, then drive to LV, night in LV
M30: Morning in LV, then drive to Death Valley, night in Furnace Creek?
J1: Visit Death Valley, return to LV, night in LV
And then we have 3 days left... where should we add them? More time in Arches and Zion? An extra day in Sedona? In Page? We’re not big hikers, so we won’t spend more than a day in each park.
2013 – first trip to the American West... Lyon to Phoenix... tornado, domestic flights cancelled, night at Chicago airport... arrived the next day, missed the sunset at the GC...
More seriously,
Phoenix: if you skip the Apache Trail, stop at Tortilla Flat – a really fun cowboy-themed spot. The beer, drunk on saddles, was excellent!
Night at the GC: ended up sleeping outside, much cheaper. Don’t hesitate to take the internal shuttles, especially for sunset at Hopi Point.
The rest of the park is done the next day since the road follows the canyon all the way to Desert View, where the stop is mandatory.
When you reach Route 89, turn left and stop at Cameron Trading Post.
Monument Valley? Where to sleep? I was planning to go in mid-May, but the only availability left was at Mexican Hat – 3 experiences there:
- Mexican Hat: cheaper
- Goulding’s Suites: decent
- The View: convenient but pricey and always packed. As for the view... first sunset, Stendhal syndrome, breathtaking, super emotional – but the night falls early, so no point staying overnight. Waking up at 5 AM on the balcony? Meh.
Just for the road, plan on an SUV.
Bryce: stayed in one of the hotels in Bryce town before the park entrance, and once outside.
Visited end of April 2019 – there was snow and it was freezing in the morning, then hot! Bryce hike is a must: you go down to the bottom of the park and come back up via the amphitheater – about 2 hours.
We’re not big hikers, so we visited Canyonlands (stunning views) and Arches National Park, where you make stops at the "arches" throughout the day.
Zion: from what I understood, you’ve got to love hiking...
Valley of Fire: 45°C in September, so we’re going back in May – haven’t done it yet.
After more than 1h15 drive from LV, you can stop for a bathroom break, coffee, and gas at the Area 51 gas station, at the intersection with Route 373, which connects to the interior of Death Valley...
Death Valley: lots of km, we preferred Rhyolite with its glass house and statues near Beatty.
Two years ago, floods had washed away a lot of salt at Devil’s Golf Course.
Otherwise, Artist’s Palette always has those blue-ish rocks, and at Badwater Basin, the photo in front of the sign... at that time of year, you’ll only have 35°C... two passes: 52°C and 49°C.
Las Vegas: we preferred the Pinball Hall of Fame, the pinball museum next to the "Welcome to Las Vegas" sign south of the Strip. We dropped a few dollars on old pinball machines, but mostly loved Fremont Street!
Fremont, obviously! On the Strip with its hotels – comments from the second wife and teens: "This is lame, it’s all fake!" My first wife had liked it, but honestly, the fountains, the gondolier singing "O Sole Mio" on a concrete canal... to each their own.
We spent one night at the Flamingo, the first mafia casino right on the Strip. Last time, we found a hotel near Fremont and Container Park.
One thing to do every day: check your gas tank! Especially in these areas where stations aren’t everywhere and prices can be surprising. The roads are long...
Reminder: no Wi-Fi in the desert! Plan your itinerary well.
We’re going back in early May – 6th time for me, 3rd for the missus...
Even if you’re not big hikers, Sedona has some incredibly accessible and stunning landscapes. The West Fork Oak Creek Trail, for example, is easy and gorgeous!
Happy planning.
Texas en 2007 - Floride : 2013 - 2014 - 2015 - 2016 - 2018 - 2019 - 2021 - 2023 - 2025 - Montana et Wyoming : 2022 - Arizona et Utah : 2023 - Montana en 2024 - Nevada, Arizona et Utah : 2025
http://acheterenfloride.blogspot.fr/
Hi, I’ll add my "two cents" to the conversation to share my perspective on the places you’ll be visiting.
Monument Valley—yes, the View Hotel is expensive and you need to book way in advance to get a room, but what an incredible view!!!
I was at Bryce Canyon in May, and we actually got snow, but the landscape becomes totally magical. Bryce is beautiful, but with snow, it’s breathtaking.
Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend are absolute must-sees. On the other hand, the long boat ride on Lake Powell, in my opinion, isn’t worth it.
I stayed 2 nights in Las Vegas at the Flamingo, a huge hotel that, as you may know, was originally built by the mafia.
The Grand Canyon helicopter tour isn’t very eco-friendly, but it’s worth doing.
Finally, choosing Zion seems like a smart move.
Sorry I can’t help with Phoenix or Sedona—I don’t know them since I came in through Los Angeles.
Either way, you’re in for an amazing trip!
Good evening, thanks for your reply. Since the flight tickets haven't been booked yet, I think I'll go for a round-trip from Las Vegas (LV-LV). With 15 days, I think I can optimize my route better than starting from Phoenix. Too bad for Sedona this time! Best regards, Christophe
Here’s the final itinerary for our trip to the West in April 2025!! Any changes to suggest?
T21 Flight Lyon-Las Vegas, arrive early afternoon, night in LV
W22 LV-Route 66-Williams, night in Williams
Th23 Visit GC, night in Page
F24 Horseshoe Bend, Lake Powell, night in Page
S25 Antelope Canyon, what else? night in Page
Su26 Drive to MV, MV, night in MV
M27 MV toward Moab, night in Moab
T28 Arches, Canyonlands, night in Moab
W29 Sightseeing around Moab, Gooseneck, Fisher Tower... night in Moab
Th30 Drive to Bryce, visit Bryce, night in Bryce
F1 May End Bryce, visit Zion, night in Zion
S2 Zion, Valley of Fire SP, night in Overton
Su3 Overton-Death Valley, night in Furnace
M4 DV-Las Vegas, night in LV
T5 Return flight
Do you think this route makes sense? Thanks so much, Christophe
Hi there, and thanks for making us dream again with your trip through the American West. Yes, it seems coherent to me. I won’t comment on Williams since I don’t know it. At the time, I prioritized visiting the ghost town of Calico. But after chatting with a friend who’s traveled all over that area, Williams is definitely worth seeing.
Great itinerary—enjoy!
I think 3 nights in Page is a bit much—it’d be better, in my opinion, to spend one night in GC, just to catch the sunset and sunrise and enjoy the canyon a little more. It’s such a breathtaking landscape! And like others mentioned, a helicopter ride over the GC is totally worth it—we did it, and it was amazing!
So here’s how I’d tweak it:
M23 - visit GC, night in GC
T24 - continue exploring GC, drive to Page, Horseshoe Bend - night in Page
W25 - Antelope Canyon, Lake Powell - night in Page
Th26 - drive to MV, MV, night in MV
Texas en 2007 - Floride : 2013 - 2014 - 2015 - 2016 - 2018 - 2019 - 2021 - 2023 - 2025 - Montana et Wyoming : 2022 - Arizona et Utah : 2023 - Montana en 2024 - Nevada, Arizona et Utah : 2025
http://acheterenfloride.blogspot.fr/
Hi there! That could actually be an option. It was mainly to spend a few days in Page to relax... I hadn’t planned on staying overnight in the Grand Canyon since we’re not big hikers, so a day trip seemed enough. So, is there still any point in sleeping in WILLIAMS instead of heading straight to the Grand Canyon to stay overnight, since it’s only a one-hour drive between the two?
Hi Christophe,
Your itinerary, though quite condensed, is coherent.
The day between Las Vegas and Williams is going to be pretty packed—you shouldn’t leave too late in the morning! Since there are quite a few stops to plan along this route, do you already know which ones you’d like to make, or would you like some suggestions?
We’ve done these routes several times, most recently last month.
If your budget allows, honestly, don’t hesitate to stay in the heart of the parks—especially at The View. It’s unforgettable... Once the hordes of tourists who come for just a couple of hours leave in the evening, the view will be all yours from your balcony, and you won’t be able to hold back the tears of emotion. Especially if you book a Premium Cabin or a Star View room (we’ve done both).
On a road trip, I usually say that time is money lol—meaning, either you spend money wisely on hotels very close to the points of interest so you don’t waste time visiting, or you pinch pennies and end up spending more time on the road than actually sightseeing... Everyone has to decide for themselves!
Hello!! That could actually be an option. It was mainly to stay for 3 days in Page to relax a bit... I hadn’t planned to spend the night at the GC since we’re not big hikers, so it seemed like enough. So, is there still a point in sleeping in WILLIAMS and not heading straight to the GC since it’s only an hour’s drive between the two?
Best regards, Christophe
I think it’s a shame to "stay put" for 3 days in Page—there’s not much to do, especially if you’re not into hiking.
The GC has plenty of viewpoints, some accessible with just a short walk, and you’ll enjoy more peace and quiet since the roadside spots get crowded. Sure, it’s just my opinion, but it’s still an incredible site that deserves more than just a quick stop.
Skipping Williams and heading straight to the GC is definitely an option, but it’d be a bit of a shame not to enjoy the stops between LV and Williams, as StatesetMoi suggested. Plus, that extra hour at the end of the day after your arrival—with jet lag, it can feel *way* longer 😉
Texas en 2007 - Floride : 2013 - 2014 - 2015 - 2016 - 2018 - 2019 - 2021 - 2023 - 2025 - Montana et Wyoming : 2022 - Arizona et Utah : 2023 - Montana en 2024 - Nevada, Arizona et Utah : 2025
http://acheterenfloride.blogspot.fr/
Yes, those are the prices in the area—accommodations are always pricier near the parks!
But honestly, whether it’s The View (way more expensive than a hogan ;)) or a hogan, it’s an unforgettable experience!
Texas en 2007 - Floride : 2013 - 2014 - 2015 - 2016 - 2018 - 2019 - 2021 - 2023 - 2025 - Montana et Wyoming : 2022 - Arizona et Utah : 2023 - Montana en 2024 - Nevada, Arizona et Utah : 2025
http://acheterenfloride.blogspot.fr/
Yes, those are the prices in the area—accommodations are always pricier near the parks !
I have a bit of a hard time with the word "park"—it doesn’t evoke freedom for me but rather something negative, like: The corralling of Indigenous people... the wooden enclosure where kids were placed to keep them from getting hurt... the security of our Western world... the development of natural spaces. The restrictions... Paying for the right to nature...🙁 Luckily, you can still take great photos there!😏
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Hello! The itinerary is pretty much set for August 2026. Yeah, I know it’s gonna be *super* hot. But it’s the only time we can get away.
So, here’s the plan: Montpellier-CDG-Dallas.
Stay from July 31 to August 26, 2026:
Car rental – check,
Hotels – check,
Itinerary – almost check,
Photo gear – check,
Budget – check, 🤪
Meal planning – meh, we’ll see...
Walmart, of course, for the cooler when we arrive.
And now, without too much detail...
Fort Worth:
The Longhorns and the Stockyards;
JR’s ranch (for the missus);
Medal of Honor Museum – Arlington.
Houston and NASA Space Center:
See the Gulf of Mexico/America.
San Antonio and the missions.
Fort Stockton for an overnight stop.
El Paso via Guadalupe Mountains:
El Paso and White Sands.
Tucson and the Pima Air & Space Museum:
Tombstone, Bisbee.
Phoenix:
Still working on the program.
Sedona:
Round trip around the area via Flagstaff and Williams, or the Grand Canyon (already done) – we’ll decide on the spot.
Albuquerque:
Santa Fe,
Turquoise Trail,
Los Alamos.
Amarillo via Route 66:
Old Route 66 in the city;
Big Texas Ranch Steak 😏.
Dallas:
JFK Museum;
Perot Museum;
West End district.
And through it all – the road, the road, and more road!!!
We’ll adapt day by day based on our mental and physical state (we’re not exactly spring chickens).
Hello everyone! Really damaged due to flooding caused by runoff after forest fires (a total mess!), does anyone in this friendly forum have any updates on the Apache Trail between Apache Junction and Roosevelt Dam? Is there still a section of the road that’s tough to navigate?
We're leaving at the end of June and will be driving the route between Buffalo and Cody. We’ve already booked our accommodations and a rodeo in Cody, but during the day, we’ll be driving between the two and I’m unsure about the itinerary.
Which route do you think is the most pleasant, interesting, or scenic between:
- The northern route via Highway 14 with Sheridan, Lowell, etc.
- The southern route with Highways 16/20/14, passing by Loaf Mountain Overlook, Powder River Pass, Ten Sleep Canyon...
We’ll be in a car, so we should be able to drive on any road.
Thanks for your input!
I’m almost done planning our September road trip. After our 3-night visit to Sequoia, we’ll have a stopover night in Coalinga (to break up the drive). We’ll be staying two nights in Monterey and would like to stop along the way to visit one side of Pinnacles National Park. We’re torn between the West entrance and the East entrance, and we’d like to do a short hike of no more than 2 hours since we don’t want to arrive too late in Monterey.
This park is split into two distinct zones with no connection between them, and the mileage from Coalinga to Monterey is pretty much the same for both. Which area do you recommend visiting—east or west? And which route is the most scenic?
I’ve spotted two short hikes:
- East: Moses Spring to Rim Trail Loop
- West: Balconies Cliffs Cave Loop
Has anyone been there, or do you have another hike to suggest?
Thanks in advance, and have a great afternoon!
Marcalamar 🙂
After our first trip as a young couple to the West in 2007 (yes, that doesn’t make us any younger!), we’re planning to go back in 2028, but this time as a family of four! (We have two boys who’ll be 5½ and 13 years old in the summer of 2028.)
Our plan is to combine a few big cities (SF and LA, maybe San Diego) with national parks and state parks, mostly!
Ideally, we’d like to leave at the end of June and head back to France around July 19–20, so we can enjoy the first week of the Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Since we already did the "loop" in 2007, there are must-see places we absolutely want to revisit—and especially share with our kids: Bryce Canyon, Yosemite, and above all, the Grand Canyon, which is still the most incredible thing I’ve ever seen on Earth!
On the other hand, some places didn’t leave a big impression on us for various reasons, so we’re not making them a priority: Antelope Canyon, Monument Valley, for example.
We’re planning ahead, but might as well be smart about it😏
Do you have any tips for a fun and doable itinerary over about 20–25 days with kids, without rushing?
Hi everyone! 🙂
Just a quick question about King Canyon and Sequoia National Park.
Before our night in Miramonte, we plan to visit King Canyon. The next stop will be two nights in Three Rivers to explore Sequoia National Park. I wanted to go all the way to Roaring River Falls on the King Canyon Scenic Byway and then turn back to head to Miramonte. Since we’re coming from Oakhurst, Google Maps says it’s 300 km and 5 hours of driving. Since we also want to hike to see the sequoias (Big Stump Area and Grand Grove) before tackling the King Canyon Scenic Byway, the timing’s going to be tight. How far do you recommend going before turning back to miss as few points of interest as possible on the King Canyon Scenic Byway? Thanks for your advice, and have a great evening!
Marcalamar 🙂
Hi everyone!
After years of hoping, waiting, planning, then changing, saving, and searching for the best possible route... we're FINALLY off this summer for a 5-week road trip in the West.
I had planned a trip to Colorado in 2021 but canceled due to COVID, so with time passing and my eldest’s high school graduation approaching fast, I figured it was now or never!
Anyway, the itinerary has been modified and extended to please everyone (I’m no longer the only one making decisions!!)
Here’s our final route:
Day 1 - 7/12/2026 - Brussels / Los Angeles
Day 2 - 7/13/2026 - Los Angeles
Day 3 - 7/14/2026 - Los Angeles
Day 4 - 7/15/2026 - Los Angeles
Day 5 - 7/16/2026 - Los Angeles
Day 6 - 7/17/2026 - Los Angeles / Kingman
Day 7 - 7/18/2026 - Kingman / Grand Canyon
Day 8 - 7/19/2026 - Grand Canyon / Page
Day 9 - 7/20/2026 - Page
Day 10 - 7/21/2026 - Page / Monument Valley
Day 11 - 7/22/2026 - Monument Valley / Durango
Day 12 - 7/23/2026 - Durango
Day 13 - 7/24/2026 - Durango
Day 14 - 7/25/2026 - Durango
Day 15 - 7/26/2026 - Durango / Glenwood Springs
Day 16 - 7/27/2026 - Glenwood Springs
Day 17 - 7/28/2026 - Glenwood Springs / Moab
Day 18 - 7/29/2026 - Moab
Day 19 - 7/30/2026 - Moab
Day 20 - 7/31/2026 - Moab
Day 21 - 8/1/2026 - Moab
Day 22 - 8/2/2026 - Moab / Vernal
Day 23 - 8/3/2026 - Vernal / Grand Teton
Day 24 - 8/4/2026 - Grand Teton
Day 25 - 8/5/2026 - Grand Teton / Cody
Day 26 - 8/6/2026 - Cody / Yellowstone
Day 27 - 8/7/2026 - Yellowstone
Day 28 - 8/8/2026 - Yellowstone
Day 29 - 8/9/2026 - Yellowstone
Day 30 - 8/10/2026 - Yellowstone / Salt Lake City
Day 31 - 8/11/2026 - Salt Lake City / Bryce Canyon
Day 32 - 8/12/2026 - Bryce Canyon / Zion
Day 33 - 8/13/2026 - Zion
Day 34 - 8/14/2026 - Zion
Day 35 - 8/15/2026 - Zion / Las Vegas
Day 36 - 8/16/2026 - Las Vegas
Day 37 - 8/17/2026 - Las Vegas / Los Angeles
Day 38 - 8/18/2026 - Los Angeles
Day 39 - 8/19/2026 - Los Angeles / Brussels
Day 40 - 8/20/2026 - Brussels / Home
We’ll be alternating between house swaps, motels, and campgrounds. I’ve booked all the accommodations (except the campground at Bryce since sunset bookings open only 14 days in advance) and the first activities, as well as the most touristy ones.
I’m currently putting together my day-by-day roadbook and having some trouble planning certain days, like in LA or Las Vegas. Choosing hikes isn’t easy either—it’s tough to decide!
We’re really excited but could definitely use your help with choices and optimizations!!
Hello.
I’d like to travel along I-15N from San Diego to Las Vegas with my mom, who’s 67. We’ve explored Northern California and the California Coast over the past two years and now want to continue through the desert.
There are several attractions along the way:
- Mormon Rocks
- Desert Discovery Center and visit the Old Woman meteorite
- Joshua Tree National Park
- Mojave Desert
- Mojave National Preserve
- Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
- Silverwood Lake
My mom has back issues that prevent her from hiking or walking on trails with elevation changes. Is it possible to visit these places by car, or are the routes flat enough?
I’d love for her to experience the desert with an itinerary adapted to her condition. I’m also open to other points of interest that aren’t mentioned. We have 3-4 days for the trip, so we’re not in a rush—just want to explore.
I’d love to take a road trip and visit Nova Scotia. I’d appreciate some info on the best cities to see and the most interesting spots. The trip should last about 10 to 15 days, staying in hotels or motels. Thanks in advance!
We’re being relocated to Saint Pierre and Miquelon.
We’ll be taking the flight from Nantes to Montreal and then from Montreal to Saint Pierre.
Could you recommend a hotel near the departure terminal that allows dogs?
Hi,
My 16-year-old son is flying to Grand Rapids with other kids his age. There’s a layover in Detroit. There’s no unaccompanied minor service available. Is it pretty easy to navigate Detroit Airport to catch the connecting flight to Grand Rapids (domestic flight)? There are several of them who speak English well.
Thanks for your replies,
Good evening, everyone! 🙂
Just a few last questions to wrap up our Lake Tahoe visit plans.
**Parking:**
We’d like to walk to Eagle Falls and then Eagle Lake. I’ve spotted two parking lots that seem close to each other and give access to the trailhead. Where and how do we pay for entry to Emerald Bay State Park and Inspiration Point?
**Viewpoints on the East Side:**
Are most of the viewpoints (Balancing Rock, Granite Cave, Bonsai Rock, etc.) right by the road, or do you have to hike to reach them?
**Donner Memorial State Park:**
Is it worth making a detour to Truckee to visit this park and the Truckee historic downtown?
Hi there. I'm shocked by the price of the Upper Antelope Canyon tour—$175 for less than an hour… You might say, "if you can’t afford it…" But the real question is whether it’s really worth it, because $350 for two makes me feel like I’m getting ripped off. For those who’ve done both Lower and Upper, can you tell me if the price difference is really justified? Thanks
Hi everyone! 🙂
As you can see, we're heading back from September 6th to the 27th.
Everything’s booked for September—flights, accommodations, and the car. As I plan, I’ll be asking the experts for help. This is our second trip to California, but most of the stops are new to us.
We’ll start directly from San Francisco to our first overnight stop, Davis, before heading to Lassen Volcanic Park for 4 nights. Our flight lands at 12:50 PM.
Here’s our itinerary:
Day 1: Davis – overnight stop
Day 2: Red Bluff – exploring Lassen Volcanic Park (scenic drive to Lake Helen)
Day 3: Susanville – scenic drive through the park via the South Entrance, points of interest, and hikes
Day 4: Susanville – Cinder Cone and Painted Dunes hike
Day 5: Susanville – Warner Valley (hikes)
Day 6: South Lake Tahoe
Day 7: South Lake Tahoe
Day 8: Mammoth Lake
Day 9: Mammoth Lake
Day 10: El Portal via Tioga Road
Day 11: El Portal
Day 12: El Portal
Day 13: Oakhurst
Day 14: Miramonte
Day 15: Three Rivers
Day 16: Three Rivers
Day 17: Coalinga
Day 18: Monterey
Day 19: Monterey
Day 20: San Francisco
Day 21: San Francisco
Day 22: Departure
For hikes in Lassen Volcanic Park, I’ve planned:
Bumpass Hell, Cold Boiling Lake (Day 2)
Paradise Meadow (maybe not going all the way), Devastated Area, and the loop around Reflection and Manzanita Lakes (Day 3)
Cinder Cone and Painted Dunes (Day 4)
Devil’s Kitchen and Boiling Spring Lake (Day 5)
I’ve read there are trails to access the trailheads for Cinder Cone (11 km) and Warner Valley. Are these easy trails for an SUV?
Are there any other must-see spots or things we shouldn’t miss?
That’s where I’m at for now. Thanks for your replies, and have a great evening!
Marcalamar 🙂
I’m a total USA addict. I’ve already done several road trips, including the East Coast and West Coast.
I’m here today because I’m planning to go back for another road trip on the West Coast. Possibly with one of my sisters and a couple of friends. It’s still just a plan for now, but I’m working on an itinerary in the meantime. Ideally, I’d leave in 2026, but I don’t have the exact dates yet—maybe April-May or September-October.
My last trip to the West Coast was in September 2014. We went for 2 weeks, but this time it’d be 3 weeks. What made me want to go back was simply a colleague who just left today. As I’m writing this, he’s on the plane. I’m so happy for him, but now all I can think about is going back.
Since I recently went to NY, I noticed that prices have really gone up. I assume the same is true for the West Coast? For 2 people over 3 weeks, what budget should I expect? We’re the type to watch our spending and find great tips.
I think we’ll arrive in San Francisco like the first time and leave from either Los Angeles or Las Vegas.
Merci de me conseiller pour la réservation pour la plus belle vue faut il réserver une chambre dans l'hôtel ou choisir une cabane ?
Prendre le petit déjeuner ou pas ?
Que pensez vous du restaurant ?
Hello, if the off-the-beaten-path enthusiasts are still around 😉, I’d love some info on tackling these trails. I’m not super familiar with the rules, risks, or what to expect—I’m looking for firsthand experience from folks who’ve done it on their own once or multiple times.
Hi everyone!
I’m planning a week-long family trip to NYC in October 2026. The focus is on museums and soaking up the New York vibe. I’ve been checking Airbnb, but the prices in Manhattan are through the roof. Since I don’t know NYC well, is it "wise" to look outside Manhattan? Any neighborhoods you’d recommend?
After our first trip to the West, we’d love to go back to see other must-see spots!
The stay would be from May 11 to 20, 2026—it’s short, but hey...
M11: Lyon to Las Vegas (overnight in Vegas)
T12: Route 66 – overnight in Grand Canyon (GC)
W13: Visit GC – overnight in Page
Th14: Visit Antelope Canyon / Horseshoe Bend – overnight in Monument Valley (MV)
F15: Visit MV – overnight in Moab
Sa16: Visit Arches / Dead Horse Point – overnight in Bryce
Su17: Visit Bryce – overnight in Zion
M18: Visit Zion / Valley of Fire – overnight in Vegas
Tu19: Return flight
What do you think? Could we add one more night somewhere? We’re not big hikers, so we’ll mostly explore the parks using shuttles.
Also, we’re all set—passports are good. Do you think one classic Visa card and one premium Visa card will be enough for coverage?
Thanks so much for your feedback, and happy holidays!
Hi North America forum crew,
Just a little post that might interest some of you:
Travelers to the United States | Photo Now Mandatory Upon Entry and Exit | La Presse
I assume many of you already know, but the America the Beautiful annual pass, which was $80, will increase to $250 starting January 1, 2026.
So if you're planning to travel before the end of December 2026, it's in your best interest to buy your pass in December 2025, since it will still cost $80 and be valid until the end of December 2026 if you purchase it in December 2025.
This price increase only applies to non-U.S. residents.
Additionally, for those who planned to visit just one park, a $100 surcharge per person will apply to access a list of 11 national parks...
For example, if there are 4 of you in a car, you’ll have to pay $35 + $400,
which comes to $435 to visit one of the 11 parks on the list (I don’t have all of them... Bryce, Zion, Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Grand Teton, etc.).
Total madness.
The goal is to push people who only visit one park into buying the annual pass.
Last point: free entry days are over for non-residents!
Hi everyone, I’m traveling to Los Angeles and would like to rent a vehicle at the airport. However, I have a Boursobank Ultim deferred debit card, so I’d love to know if it’s possible for those who’ve experienced this recently. Thanks for the info!
I’m planning a week in S.F. in April 2026 and I can’t figure out how to tell the cable cars—of which I understand there are three lines—apart from the trams, which I think number seven. I can’t find their individual numbers or routes anywhere.
Could someone shed some light on this for me? Thanks in advance.
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a wonderful 2026 full of amazing travels.
Cheers,
Régine
Hi,
I’m planning a road trip through the American national parks starting from Denver in June 2026.
The price of the pass is jumping from 80 € to 250 € on January 1st, 2026!!!
Is it possible to buy the pass online before the end of the year to lock in the 80 € rate? If so, where and how do I go about it?
Thanks for your tips.
Arnale
I’m planning a road trip for July 2026 in northern Florida. Could you let me know if my itinerary makes sense?
Day 1: Orlando
Day 2: Amelia Island
Day 3: Amelia Island
Day 4: Tallahassee
Day 5: Panama City Beach
Day 6: Panama City Beach (visit to Destin)
Day 7: Crystal River (stop in Cedar Key on the way)
Day 8: Crystal River
Day 9: Anna Maria (stop in Clearwater)
Day 10: Anna Maria (St. Pete)
Day 11: Anna Maria
Day 12: Orlando
Day 13: Orlando
Day 14: Orlando
Day 15: Departure
We just finished 9 days in the American West and wanted to share our experience because we had an amazing time.
I know some of you might ask, why use an agency? Honestly, we didn’t really feel like doing all the driving and planning, especially since we didn’t know the area at all. And since our English isn’t great, having French-speaking guides was a big comfort.
We found Emmanuelle and Isabelle, and wow, they were fantastic. It was just the two of us with them, so it was a truly VIP, ultra-personalized experience. They treated us like royalty from start to finish. These two live in Las Vegas and know the region like the back of their hand. They told us they’ve spent over 15 years exploring every corner of the American West, and it really shows. Their knowledge of geology, park history, and local anecdotes is just impressive. It’s nothing like someone reciting a memorized script. They answer all your questions and really adapt to what you want to see or do.
What we really loved: the vehicle was super comfortable, and the little details made a difference—like snacks and even a homemade cake! Though, to be fair, we devoured the cake right away, so that counts.
Since they know the sites inside out, they took us at the right times to avoid crowds. So we could enjoy peaceful picnics at Grand Canyon viewpoints without being packed in with 200 people. Plus, on top of the must-see spots, they showed us some hidden gems that were absolutely stunning—places we never would’ve found on our own. They’re true locals who know all the best tips.
The service was really personalized. They adapted to our pace and preferences, and we could stop whenever we wanted to take photos. It’s the luxury of being in a small private group—you’re not just a number on a big bus.
In short, we really felt like we were traveling with friends rather than professional guides. Everything’s included in the price (hotel pickup, meals, park entries, etc.), so the value for money is fair.
We loved it so much that we’re already planning to come back next year to explore other areas with them. I think we’ve caught the American West bug—it’s all we can think about, and we can’t wait to return.
If you’re looking for a French-speaking tour with real personalized service and guides who know the region like no one else, we highly recommend them. We had unforgettable moments. They also design road trips for those who don’t want a guide. And they handled our hotel reservations in Las Vegas too. If you want genuine advice from friendly locals, we’re giving them a 200% recommendation!
I’m currently looking for well-located hotels near points of interest in the cities below. I’ve found a few, but the prices are really high.
Could any of you share some great addresses in the following cities?
- Los Angeles
- Las Vegas
- San Francisco
Also, do you have a preferred airline for domestic flights? If so, which one?
Hi there, and thanks for making us dream again with your trip through the American West. Yes, it seems coherent to me. I won’t comment on Williams since I don’t know it. At the time, I prioritized visiting the ghost town of Calico. But after chatting with a friend who’s traveled all over that area, Williams is definitely worth seeing.
Great itinerary—enjoy! 
