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!
This is insane.
It won’t change the fact that die-hard fans will get the Pass to avoid the huge surcharges if they don’t have the $250 Pass.
I don’t think I mentioned it in my first post, but the surcharges are normally for those who don’t have the Pass.
Still, though. An increase from $80 to $250 is ridiculous 😂 Thanks, Donald
That’s insane.
It won’t change the fact that frequent visitors will get the Pass to avoid the huge surcharges if they don’t have this $250 Pass.
I don’t think I mentioned it in my first post, but the surcharges are normally for those who don’t have the Pass.
Still, though. An increase from $80 to $250 is ridiculous Thanks, Donald
Unfortunately, we’ll be paying the $250. I’ve got my trip funded for this summer—Texas, New Mexico, Arizona—I’m taking it in stride, though. I’ll just eat less...
So if you're planning to travel before the end of December 2026, it's definitely worth buying your pass in December 2025, since it'll still cost $80 and be valid until the end of December 2026 if you buy it in December 2025.
I looked into it for our trip this summer (2025) and couldn't find a way to buy it by mail in advance. Is that possible?
So if you're planning to leave before the end of December 2026, it's definitely worth buying your pass in December 2025, since it'll still cost $80 and be valid until the end of December 2026 if you buy it in December 2025.
I looked into it for our trip this summer (2025) and couldn't find a way to buy it by mail in advance. Is it possible?
The Pass is bought on-site for "foreigners." No other way to do it. 🙁
And on top of that, if the free days aren’t free anymore for non-residents, I’ve taken advantage of them several times. Bummer.
Personally, no way I’m paying 250 €, so we won’t be going to those parks anymore. We’ll pick state parks and free spots instead… maybe head back to cities and skip the West!
Well, but since we’re raising the Louvre price by 45% for non-EU visitors here, we can’t really lecture anyone…
Okay, but given that we’re raising the Louvre’s prices by 45% for non-EU visitors, we can’t really talk...
Starting January 2026, five major French cultural sites will apply higher rates for tourists from outside the Old Continent. The Louvre, Versailles, Sainte-Chapelle, Paris Opera, and Chambord Castle.
Yeah, but in principle, national parks in France are 100% free for foreigners, and it's us who pay for their upkeep with our taxes...
So it's not very cool.
But I don’t find it any nicer to charge foreigners more either... We might as well create an ESTA equivalent for entering French territory. That, on the other hand, would seem logical to me.
The EU plans to introduce ETIAS for 7 €. For one thing, that’s not expensive enough, and for another, we’ll never see a cent of it.
At least a portion of that ETIAS fee should go to the country the traveler visits...
It’s sad, but after 18 road trips across the USA ;) I think I’ll take a long break.
I don’t feel like going back to a country where I don’t feel welcome right now...
Never thought I’d say that one day...
It’s sad, but after 18 road trips in the USA 😉, I think I need a long break.
I don’t feel like going back to a country where I don’t feel welcome right now...
I never thought I’d say that one day...
I understand where you’re coming from. There are also countries I don’t or no longer visit, for specific reasons, of course. 😉 We can always try to distinguish between the leaders and the people, but sometimes you just need to take a break.
And while waiting for the RT August 2026 in Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona, we’re going to spend the last five days of the year in Rapallo, Ligurian Coast, once again! 😎 I’ll be able to set off fireworks on the beach on the 31st!! 😎
There was a time when the cost of living, hotels, and car rentals were affordable, and tourist spots weren’t overrun with visitors. I’ve seen the changes since my first road trip in 1992.
I feel like the USA as a destination is losing more and more of its appeal.
The American West still has places to discover, but you have to know where to go and venture off the beaten path.
I had my next road trip planned for next year (I’m getting older...), but I’m less and less convinced.
Still, let’s not discourage newcomers from visiting these places that we’ve loved so much.
Hey, sorry to say this, but the inflationary push in the U.S. economy isn’t over yet.
Compared to when we see how much tech workers in Silicon Valley are paid, it obviously has an impact on the prices of everyday goods and rent.
The problem is that Americans want the same standard of living as Switzerland or Norway, which seems tough to me.
So, moral of the story: enjoy the U.S. before prices get too high.
Yeah, I know, and honestly, it’s not even about the money.
I just bought a ticket to Réunion that cost me twice as much as a round-trip to Los Angeles.
It’s just the method I find insulting for those who come to discover the country.
But that won’t stop me from going back to the US, of course.
And if I don’t visit the national parks, I’ll go discover other wonders. 😉
Yeah, I kinda feel the same way. And for the first time in nearly 15 years, I’ve decided to change my destination.
Of course, there are wonders outside the parks—I’ve seen quite a few in 18 trips.
I’m just disappointed to see how lovers of the U.S. like me are being rewarded these days.
But even at $250, the parks are still worth visiting.
It’s just the way it’s being done that bothers me.
Raising prices is fine… but 300%? 🤪
You know I’ve got Italy right here at my place every summer 😄
The Middle Eastern country you’re talking about—if it’s the one I’m thinking of—is incredible. It’s got landscapes that look totally US. But it’s too chaotic right now...
I’m aiming for Bolivia, but I’m too nervous to go alone.
Same for Argentina.
Otherwise, I’ll hit up the Nordic countries. There are some insane landscapes there.
You know I’ve got Italy at my place every summer 😄
The Middle Eastern country you’re talking about—if it’s the one I’m thinking of—is incredible. It’s got some really American-looking landscapes. But it’s too hectic right now...
I’m eyeing Bolivia, but I’m too nervous to go alone.
Same with Argentina.
Otherwise, I’ll hit up the Nordic countries. There are some insane landscapes there.
I was joking about Italy, you know that.
As for the Middle Eastern country, I spent 3 weeks there this summer, and it was really calm. Just one Houthi missile alert the night we arrived at the restaurant! 😎
I’d love to go to Argentina too. But hey, I’m getting older. We’re taking it easier these days.[;]
It’s sad, but 18 road trips to the USA ;) and I think I’ll take a long break.
I don’t feel like going back to a country where I don’t feel welcome right now...
I never thought I’d say that one day...
Same here 😢 First trip in 1985 and the last one in 2024. A chapter is closing, but I hope it’s just temporary 🤞
And reading this isn’t going to help 😢
Planning a trip to the USA? The Trump administration now wants French travelers to provide their social media history - midilibre.fr
"Si partir vivre ses rêves remplit l'âme, les partager après les avoir réalisés la grandit"
"Qui veut apprendre à se connaître commence par explorer le monde"
Yeah, I saw that.
I think they mainly want the usernames used on Facebook, Instagram, etc. I already give them when applying for ESTA.
But some people will definitely freak out 😄
😮 😮
Thanks for the info.
This just goes to show how much the US loves bureaucracy.
Anyway, with generative AI platforms, you fill in the boxes asking for your username and your entire history pops up within minutes.
It feels like we’re back in Soviet Union times.
But thanks again for the info
I was surprised not to see anything about this social media history thing yet.
History of what?
Public interventions?
As for usernames, well, you don’t declare them anyway.
Still, looking back, it’s good that the relevant authorities have always rejected the French government’s recent attempts to increase surveillance and ban anonymity.
Truth is, France has no business lecturing Trump—he’s just pandering to his voters, after all.
Anyway, with generative AI platforms, you fill in the boxes asking for your username, and your entire history pops up within minutes.
But I honestly don’t find it any nicer to charge foreigners more...
France was pretty much the only place where pricing was the same for everyone.
In India, the Taj Mahal costs 10.37 € for a French (or Congolese, Brazilian, etc.) visitor but only 0.47 € for an Indian—whether they’re a billionaire or not.
Entry to Borobudur: 20.42 € if your passport is French, 2.55 € if you’re Indonesian.
The South African Wild Card: 236 € for me, 46.90 € for a South African (access to all parks in the program for one person for a year).
A day pass for Serengeti: 59.55 € for you, 3.46 € for a Tanzanian (per person, just for one day...).
As for park pricing, it’s becoming more common in countries dealing with overtourism.
Expensive upgrades are needed to protect sites from being destroyed by too many visitors.
The other approach is quotas.
$80 was honestly a steal of the century.
Even at $250, it’s still pretty affordable. It covers all passengers in the vehicle or at least 4 people for parks with individual pricing.
The sudden price hike is shocking, but otherwise, this isn’t an isolated case or an outrageous cost.
Un si beau paysage : concours de photos amical de juin 2026
Rubrique Jeux Voyages
C'est le moment de voter!
I say no because it's false.
Generative AI isn’t relevant at all for this kind of thing.
An example?
To give you an idea.
I asked ChatGPT who founded VoyageForum:
"VoyageForum was founded by Luc Vandal, a Quebecer passionate about travel. He launched the site in 2000, initially as a personal project to help travelers exchange practical tips.
Luc Vandal managed the site himself for a long time, actively involved in moderation, improving features, and building relationships with members. He’s known for defending an independent, community-driven vision of travel, far from purely commercial or traditional tourism models.
The forum then grew in the 2000s and 2010s, becoming a must-visit spot for French-speaking travelers, especially those backpacking or going on round-the-world trips."
1-First, I seriously doubt your actual IT skills.
Do you even know what an RDBMS or an SQL query is?
2-Regardless, whether generative AI is used or not, US immigration services can tap into their databases and calculate some kind of scoring, similar to a credit score.
I’m not a forum mod, but let’s be real—this place isn’t exactly buzzing right now (hope it picks up soon!!!), so let’s not shoot ourselves in the foot with discussions that might just drive away the few posters we’ve got left. Don’t you think?...
I’m not a forum mod, but given that this place isn’t exactly buzzing with activity right now (fingers crossed it picks up again!!!), let’s not shoot ourselves in the foot with discussions that might just drive away the few members we’ve got left. Don’t you think?...
Sweet travel dreams to you all,
Caussat
+1000
Plus, this whole social media thing is still just a proposal, so it’s a bit early for drama 😉
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/
You’re absolutely right to point out that this is just an announcement, a project, a political statement, and that, by the way, this whole "historic" claim
doesn’t really hold up and isn’t very credible to informed minds.
That said, where I disagree with you is on the idea of only talking about it when it’s too late; giving it reasonable coverage and sparking media—and then political—reaction isn’t the same as stirring up controversy.
Yeah, you're right, and anyway, the price increase won't stop me from going back to the US. I'm taking a break this year, but I had already planned this break before the decision to raise the pass price.
Let's just say the current context convinced me not to go in 2026.
But I didn’t say I wouldn’t go back. 😉
Regarding the history feature, on one hand, it's still just a project.
And on the other hand, even though it's been optional up to now, I've always filled in my networks before.
Just because I'm just a tiny speck in the universe, and I think everyone really couldn't care less about my life!...
Yeah, you're right, and anyway, the price increase won't stop me from going back to the US.
You should still pay attention to the measures the U.S. government is taking.
The difference from the French mentality is that if the U.S. government decides to revoke a certain number of visas, it does so.
Often in a brutal way.
Same goes for deporting migrants who don’t have a work permit allowing them to work in the U.S.
Yeah, that’s a steep increase, but everything’s gotten extremely expensive in the US. They love money—it’s nothing new, but now it’s reaching new heights for everything (housing, food, etc.).
Still, you’ve got to compare the Louvre at 32 € vs. $35 for the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum in Seattle in 2024—that’s $70 for two for a visit that barely lasts an hour. So we ended up skipping the Museum of Pop Culture! 😅
J'ai entendu parler d'une carte à environ 80 $ permettant la visite de plusieurs parcs nationaux aux usa. Quelqu'un pourrait-il me renseigner sur les parcs…
Je suis parti l'été dernier faire les grands parcs Américain et j'ai adoré donc j'y retourne cet été et j'aurais voulu savoir si mon Pass sera encore valable…
En prepa d un tour dans l ouest, je voulais savoir si l on peut acheter le PASS pour les parcs dans les visitors centers de certaines villes (ex: flagstaff ou…
Dans un peu plus de 3 mois, je commence mon 3ème voyage dans l’Ouest américain par Sedona. J’ai lu sur ce forum que alès parkings de certaines balades, sont…
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
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?
