C'est une excellente nouvelle, mais attendons de voir les conséquences du pétrole déjà déversé... 😕
Circuit dans l'Ouest : http://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=2744058
Floride-Louisiane : http://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=3536861
Une semaine à New York : http://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=4550454
New York, again http://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=5593646
Ce midi aux nouvelles radio-canadiennes notre professionnelle du pessimisme ( la correspondante à Wash) commençait à râler : oui mais alors pourquoi BP n'a pas utilisé dès le début le procédé Top Kill?
Cela aurait très certainement conduit à une pression gigantissime, ce qui au final aurait été peut être bien beaucoup plus dangereux (risque d'explosion) et surement beaucoup plus onéreux pour BP, qui aurait pu tout perdre d'un coup, au lieu de perdre seulement quelques millions de litres...
Toutes ces plages vont redevenir propres. Encore un temps et les populations cotières allaient devenir producteurs de pétrole. C’est la fin de sables bitumineux flambants neufs pour eux.😉
DeCléricy
J’en appelle à vous ô Muses
Où tant ma vie passe et s’use
Qu’encore et toujours j’aime
Mes soeurs Galère et Bohème
....ils auraient eu leurs propres sables bitumineux alors qu'ils ont tellement 'chialé' contre les nôtres comme cause de pollution. Si cela vient des USA alors là, tout est ok mais nous on pollue.
C'est une première bonne nouvelle du front, reste que personne ne sait chez BP & Cie si leur bouchon résistera à la pression du pétrole.
Et vu tout ce qui est déjà sorti, la catastrophe sera inévitable sur les plages américaines de la région. Les gigantesques nappes atteindront un jour les côtes de la Floride, et ceci sans compter tout le brut qui reste au fond de la mer. D'une façon ou d'une autre, il refera surface dans le futur...
Croisons les doigts en espérant vraiment que la fuite est colmatée...
j'ai réservé aussi 1 semaine début aout à hollywood, floride. Fin de vacances après un tour de 5 semaines aux usa avec ma fille de 11 ans. elle avait envie de nager dans la mer...
je pense surtout aux suites... rien ne sera plus pareil.
..... ce qui explique cette image de l'Union Jack foulée aux pieds, prise devant un bâtiment de la Nouvelle Orléans et que l'on n'a pas dû voir aux Etats Unis depuis la guerre américano-britannique de 1812 et peut-être bien depuis la guerre d'indépendence...
Suite des "Rencontres insolites avec des grizzlys, chercheurs d'or et autres dans l'Ouest Américain" (26 février 2009)
Quelle tristesse... Ces images me donnent envie de vomir... et de pleurer... Quelle tragédie 🙁
Circuit dans l'Ouest : http://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=2744058
Floride-Louisiane : http://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=3536861
Une semaine à New York : http://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=4550454
New York, again http://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=5593646
Live video link from the ROV monitoring the damaged riser
copie ce lien sur le bureau, et double clique dessus, la video s'ouvre alors dans window media player.
Autrement double clique le lien suivant pour une video dans internet explorer. la qualité est moins bonne.
BPcam attention cela ne marche pas avec google chrome un plugin manque.
La marée noire qui se déplace depuis plus d'un mois dans le golfe du Mexique et a déjà souillé la Louisiane s'approche dangereusement des côtes de Floride, qu'elle pourrait atteindre mercredi 2 juin dans la journée. Selon les dernières informations données par les garde-côtes, des nappes isolées de pétrole se trouvaient à une dizaine de kilomètres des plages de Pensacola, un important lieu de villégiature du nord-ouest de la Floride.
Un responsable local de l'agence américaine de protection de l'environnement a indiqué que le brut "devrait toucher les côtes de l'Etat dans les prochaines 72 heures". Le mauvais temps et les vents forts compliquent les opérations de nettoyage en mer, ont souligné des responsables locaux.
"Nous allons attendre que le pétrole ait touché terre et que le temps se soit amélioré. Ensuite, nous nettoierons avant qu'arrive la prochaine vague" de pétrole, a expliqué W. A. Lee, responsable des services communaux du comté d'Escambia. Jusqu'à maintenant, toutes les tentatives du groupe pétrolier BP pour contenir ou arrêter l'hémorragie de pétrole ont échoué, depuis le naufrage de la plate-forme Deepwater Horizon le 22 avril.
NOUVEAU CONTRETEMPS POUR BP
Pour contenir la fuite, les ingénieurs de l'entreprise britannique comptent désormais y apposer un "entonnoir" censé récupérer le brut qui s'écoule à 1 500 mètres de profondeur pour le stocker sur un bateau qui mouille en surface.
Ils ont réalisé la première phase de cette opération consistant à sectionner une portion de l'oléoduc relié au puits de pétrole. Mais la scie permettant de sectionner une deuxième portion de l'oléoduc est coincée, ce qui pourrait retarder légèrement les opérations.
Selon les estimations de l'administration Obama, entre 72 millions et 113 millions de litres de brut se sont déjà écoulés dans la mer depuis la catastrophe. Le précieux écosystème des marais de Louisiane a notamment été touché. Des galettes de pétrole ont également été repérées dans le Mississippi et l'Alabama.
En passant, il serait opportun de changer le titre du sujet... quelque peu optimiste et prématuré.
Oui.....et le nouveau titre pourrait être : BP n, a plus les moyen$ de colmater la brèche.....😛
Depuis le début BP aurait perdu + d, une 100aine de milliards de $. Et ça continue, ça, c, est sans compter les futurs frais de nettoyage, régénération, compensation etc.....
Est-ce la fin de la British Petroleum....?
Mais il y a plus: CNN a interrogé un congressman proche d'Obama (qui soi dit en passant ne contrôle rien du tout....). Ce congressman aurait avoué que le gouvernement américain ne se sentait pas capable de prendre le relais....
Dans une autre intervieuw une ''spécialiste'' a déclaré que la fuite pourrait durer jusqu'en Aôut🙁Cela veut dire contamination totale du golfe et possiblement contournement de la Floride pour remonter du coté Atlantique!!!!
Plus exactement 60 milliards $. Depuis l’incendie de la plateforme de forage, la capitalisation boursière de BP à Londres a fondu de 178 à 118 milliards.
Les coûts pour tenter de colmater, les frais de nettoyage frisent le milliard de $ jusqu’à présent. C’est sans compter la pléthore de poursuites judiciaires à venir.
Pour les dirigeants, les actionnaires privilégiés et les actionnaires ordinaires, c’est un désastre économique. Pour vous, pour moi et tous les autres c’est un désastre écologique. Un de plus.
Déjà les cabinets juridiques, les avocats de tout acabit flairent l’aubaine : de juteux honoraires sont en cours pour plusieurs années à venir.
DeCléricy
J’en appelle à vous ô Muses
Où tant ma vie passe et s’use
Qu’encore et toujours j’aime
Mes soeurs Galère et Bohème
Un petit article d'Accuweather sur le sujet... pas très encourageant. 😕
Pieces of the Gulf oil slick are breaking off and beginning to enter the loop current, possibility propelling tar balls towards beaches in the Bahamas and South Florida over the next several weeks.
Freeport and Grand Bahama Island, even Nassau, could be impacted by drifting oil pieces caught in the Gulf Stream current, which flows around the tip of Florida and passes along the western end of the Bahamas.
Assuming oil continues to spew from the broken well, AccuWeather.com meteorologists and various models suggest oil slick pieces cutting under the Florida Keys and heading towards Florida's east coast by early next week.
Meteorologists foresee oil passing under Key West, Fla., possibly washing upon shores in Miami, and then heading north to Freeport, Bahamas.
A trajectory could also place oil pieces farther south, interacting with beaches along Havana, Cuba and then swinging wide through Grand Bahama Island.
The loop current exists as part of the Gulf Stream, which flows north between Cuba and the Yucatan Peninsula, and continues to flow north into the Gulf of Mexico before looping to the south and then east through the Florida Straits.
The danger of oil becoming wrapped in the loop current is the current's Gulf Stream direction, which could carry oil, mostly in the form of tar balls, swiftly up the Atlantic Seaboard.
The Associated Press reported that a cap placed on the broken well last week is currently channeling more than half of escaping oil to a surface ship.
Upcoming Weather Conditions
Warm, humid weather will persist across the Gulf Coast region this upcoming week. Winds are expected to be light and variable through Monday before becoming oriented out of the south Tuesday into the middle of the week. This shift to southerly winds will increase the threat of tar balls showing up along Florida Panhandle beaches.
Seas will average between 1 and 2 feet much of the week.
Beach Update
There were reports of tar balls washing up on Pensacola, Fla. beaches as early as last Friday morning. A few tar balls also have been reported along northwestern Florida's Emerald Coast. However, there are currently no beach closings in the state of Florida.
The Gulf Island beaches are also open, with pieces of oil showing up over the weekend at Horn and Petit Bois islands, as well as at Fort Pickens and Satna Rosa. Orange Beach, Ala. currently has a swimming advisory put into place by the Alabama State Department of Public Heath.
Grand Isle, La. has also closed its public beaches.
People should avoid swimming in oil impacted areas, as the odor alone can cause respiratory problems. Swallowing water infused with oil can also cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
What's the Probability of Tar Balls Impacting Your Coastal Spot?
Below is a table that provides the probability of oil reaching specific locations. We will continue to make updates to the table as weather conditions and oil containment efforts develop.
What do the probabilities mean?
For example, at Galveston Island during the next 30 days, there is a 5% chance of oil impacting coastal areas within that time period.
Over the next 120 days, there is a 15% chance of impact.
Please note, while the probabilities do take into account the AccuWeather.com Hurricane Forecast, the probabilities can change dramatically based on the strength and path of a hurricane moving through the Gulf of Mexico.
Merci pour cet article très intéressant... et peu réjouissant...
Circuit dans l'Ouest : http://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=2744058
Floride-Louisiane : http://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=3536861
Une semaine à New York : http://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=4550454
New York, again http://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=5593646
Merci pour ces information qui vont nous être très utiles depuis le site que vous avez donner on a trouvé celui ci qui peut intéresser d'autres personnes
Nous il nous a redonné espoir peut être pourrons nous comme prévu aller a Pensacola Beach toutefois nous réserverons un hôtel qu'un semaine a l'avance en fonction de l'évolution de la situation
Bonjour, est-ce que les côtes de Riviera Maya seront touchées ou pas? D'après cet article, ce n'est qu'une question de temps pour le Yucatan aussi. Les richesses sous-marines du monde sont en train de mourir... C'est pessismiste, mais c'est bien cela.
Toujours dans le Telegraph, je viens de lire qu'il y a eu une fuite d'hydro carbure entrainant une marée noire qui souillent les plages de Santa Barbara. Voici…
Je souhaiterais partir en floride pour 15 jours entre fin octobre et début novembre 2010, mais je voulais avant de préparer mon voyage savoir si la marée noire…
à tous, je voudrais savoir si la marée noire a atteint le nord ouest de la floride (Panhandle) étant donné que je dois m'y rendre début Juillet 2010. Merci…
Je voudrais savoir quel est l'état des plages dans les environs de Daytona Beach et Miami? Et pluis quel sont l'états des beach du Côté Golf du Mexique près de…
Je dois réserver mes billets d'avion pour un voyage en floride prévu pendant les vacances de toussaint. je retarde le moment, perturbée par la marée noire. je…
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!
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?
A trajectory could also place oil pieces farther south, interacting with beaches along Havana, Cuba and then swinging wide through Grand Bahama Island.
The loop current exists as part of the Gulf Stream, which flows north between Cuba and the Yucatan Peninsula, and continues to flow north into the Gulf of Mexico before looping to the south and then east through the Florida Straits.
The danger of oil becoming wrapped in the loop current is the current's Gulf Stream direction, which could carry oil, mostly in the form of tar balls, swiftly up the Atlantic Seaboard.
The Associated Press reported that a cap placed on the broken well last week is currently channeling more than half of escaping oil to a surface ship.
Upcoming Weather Conditions
Warm, humid weather will persist across the Gulf Coast region this upcoming week. Winds are expected to be light and variable through Monday before becoming oriented out of the south Tuesday into the middle of the week. This shift to southerly winds will increase the threat of tar balls showing up along Florida Panhandle beaches.
Seas will average between 1 and 2 feet much of the week.
Beach Update
There were reports of tar balls washing up on Pensacola, Fla. beaches as early as last Friday morning. A few tar balls also have been reported along northwestern Florida's Emerald Coast. However, there are currently no beach closings in the state of Florida.
The Gulf Island beaches are also open, with pieces of oil showing up over the weekend at Horn and Petit Bois islands, as well as at Fort Pickens and Satna Rosa. Orange Beach, Ala. currently has a swimming advisory put into place by the Alabama State Department of Public Heath.
Grand Isle, La. has also closed its public beaches.
People should avoid swimming in oil impacted areas, as the odor alone can cause respiratory problems. Swallowing water infused with oil can also cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
What's the Probability of Tar Balls Impacting Your Coastal Spot?
Below is a table that provides the probability of oil reaching specific locations. We will continue to make updates to the table as weather conditions and oil containment efforts develop.
What do the probabilities mean?
For example, at Galveston Island during the next 30 days, there is a 5% chance of oil impacting coastal areas within that time period.
Over the next 120 days, there is a 15% chance of impact.
Please note, while the probabilities do take into account the AccuWeather.com Hurricane Forecast, the probabilities can change dramatically based on the strength and path of a hurricane moving through the Gulf of Mexico.
Densha Otaku - Lesser-Known Regions
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Return to Swedish Lapland: Trek on the Kungsleden and Crossing the Sarek
Off on a winter adventure in the American West!
3 weeks in Laos, stress-free
Draw Me Your Japan...
South Africa in safari mode: February/March 2026
Back in Tunisia (live account)
