Retour d'expérience: Ouest américain,15 jours (septembre 2016)
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Retour d'expérience: Ouest américain,15 jours (septembre 2016)

by Billy0013

in Destinations › North America

This discussion is in French, the community’s main language.

Original post
BI
Billy0013
RegularMarseille · 76 posts
Bonjour 😎

j'ai été un peu long à le faire (le blog) mais voilà mon compte-rendu sur l'ouest américain pendant 15 jours du 11 au 24 septembre 2016.

Mon blog détaillé de ce séjour (avec les prix etc...) et à la fin du blog l'adresse (lien) des photos du séjour.

http://voyagesvoyages.over-blog.com/2016/09/a-la-conquete-de-l-ouest-americain.html

Si vous avez des questions n'hésitez pas.

Bonjour 😎

j'ai été un peu long à le faire (le blog) mais voilà mon compte-rendu sur l'ouest américain pendant 15 jours du 11 au 24 septembre 2016.

Mon blog détaillé de ce séjour (avec les prix etc...) et à la fin du blog l'adresse (lien) des photos du séjour.

"http://voyagesvoyages.over-blog.com/2016/09/a-la-conquete-de-l-ouest-americain.html"]http://voyagesvoyages.over-blog.com/2016/09/a-la-conquete-de-l-ouest-americain.html

Si vous avez des questions n'hésitez pas.

Ouest Américain Du 11 au 24 septembre 2016

Formulaire ESTA Formulaire valable 2 ans pour l’entrée aux Etats-Unis. $14 "https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/"]https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/ Location de voitures "http://www.economycarrentals.com/?lang=05"]http://www.economycarrentals.com/?lang=05 Distance

Los Angeles – Santa Barbara (par Malibu) : 102 miles (164 km) / 2 heures Los Angeles – Morro Bay (par Malibu) : 209 miles (335 km) / 3 heures 50 Los Angeles – San Simeon (par Malibu) : 236 miles (378 km) / 4 heures 15 Los Angeles – Big Sur River (par Malibu et la côte Road N1) : 306 miles (490 km) / 6 heures 08 Los Angeles – Monterey (par Malibu et la côte Road N1) : 335 miles (537 km) / 6 heures 50 Morro Bay – San Francisco (par la côte Road N1) : 241 miles (386 km) / 5 heures San Simeon – San Francisco (par la côte Road N1) : 220 miles (352 km) / 5 heures 40 Big Sur River – San Francisco : 143 miles (229 km) / 2 heures 40 Monterey – San Francisco : 119 miles (191 km) / 2 heures Los Angeles – San Francisco (par Malibu et la côte Road N1) : 452 miles (724 km) / 9 heures

Itinéraires : Los Angeles – Malibu – Santa Barbara – Morro Bay – San Simeon – Big Sur River – Monterey – San Francisco San Francisco – Yosemite Park : 187 miles (300 km) / 3 heures 40 Yosemite Park – Sequoia Park : 177 miles (284 km) / 4 heures 15 Sequoia Park – Death Valley : 337 miles (540 km) / 6 heures 20 Death Valley – Las Vegas : 123 miles (197 km) / 2 heures 15 Las Vegas – Los Angeles : 270 miles (433 km) / 4 heures 45 Los Angeles

The Moment Hotel (du 11 au 13 septembre 2016 : 2 nuits) 7370 Sunset Blvd, Hollywood Tél : +1 323-822-5030 Site : "http://www.themomenthotel.com/"]http://www.themomenthotel.com/ - Hollywood Sign (Holywood en lettre capitale) à observer depuis le Griffith Park Observatory (avec un superbe panorama sur Los Angeles) ou depuis le 3115 Canyon Lake Drive - Beverly Hills (intersection de Santa Monica Blvd et North Doheny) et Rodeo Drive - Studios Universal ($95 l’entrée par personne) "http://www.universalstudioshollywood.com/"]http://www.universalstudioshollywood.com/ Métro (red line) : Universal / Studio City Station - Walk of Fame (étoiles et empreintes de stars) sur Hollywood Boulevard. A l’intersection de la rue North Highland Avenue, on peut apercevoir les lettres « Hollywood ». Metro (red line) : Hollywood / Highland - Dolby Theater (les oscars) sur Hollywood Boulevard - Musée Getty et sa collection de sculptures grecques et romaines - Downtown et son architecture très variée (Bradbury building

Metro $1,75 "https://www.metro.net/riding/fares/"]https://www.metro.net/riding/fares/

Parking : "https://www.parkme.com/los-angeles-parking/highland-park"]https://www.parkme.com/los-angeles-parking/highland-park

Location de vélo à Venice Beach $16 pour la journée, $22 pour 24 heures : "https://www.ridevenice.com/"]https://www.ridevenice.com/

Comfort Inn Cockatoo Near LAX (du 23 au 24 septembre 2016 : 1 nuit) 11500 Acacia Ave, Hawthorne Tél : +1 310-973-3335 Site : "https://www.choicehotels.com/california/hawthorne/comfort-inn-hotels/caa01?source=pmftripblaw&pmf=tripbl"]https://www.choicehotels.com/california/hawthorne/comfort-inn-hotels/caa01?source=pmftripblaw&pmf=tripbl

- Long Beach et le Queen Mary - Marina del Rey - Venice Beach (lieu des sportifs californiens) - Pacific Pier à Santa Monica, le petit parc d'attractions de la jetée de Santa Monica

De SANTA BARBARA à MONTEREY

La route de l'El Païs Grande del Sur est longue et lente mais tellement belle. A San Simeon se dresse orgueilleusement Hearst Castle, qui inspira Orson Welles pour son "Citizen Kane". Santa Barbara est l'une des villes les plus sympa de toute la côte grâce à son décor méditerranéen, son atmosphère décontractée et son architecture hipano-coloniale dont l’emblème est la belle mission, à l’écart du centre-ville au pied des montagnes.

Monterey

The Vendange Carmel Inn & Suites (du 13 au 14 septembre 2016 : 1 nuit) 24815 Carpenter St, Carmel-By-The-Sea Tél : +1 831-624-6400 Site : "http://www.vendangecarmel.com/rooms"]http://www.vendangecarmel.com/rooms

- Aquarium

- Balade en mer pour observer Orques, dauphins et Baleines (réservation en ligne possible) Se renseigner 24 h avant la bande : +1 831 375 4658 "http://www.montereybaywhalewatch.com/#_=_"]http://www.montereybaywhalewatch.com/#_=_ Parking $2 de l’heure : 5 Custom House Plaza Monterey

San Francisco

Mystic Hotel by Charlie Palmer (du 14 au 17 septembre 2016 : 3 nuits) 417 Stockton St, San Francisco Tél : +1 415-400-0500 Site : "http://www.mystichotel.com/"]http://www.mystichotel.com/

- Tramway « cable-cars » - Golden Gate Bridge et le traverser pour se rendre à Tiburon et Sausalito, village de pêcheurs reconverti en village d'artistes Les meilleurs points de vue sur le Golden Gate sont Golden Gate Welcome Center et Battery Spencer et Fort Point. - Bay Bridge - Quartier italien de North Beach - Chinatown - Lombard Street (angle : 2298 Leavenworth St) - Port de Fisherman's Wharf (Pier 39 pour voir les lions de mer) - Nob Hill - Prison d'Alcatraz (the Rock). $33 par adulte (audioguide compris) Visite et réservation : "https://www.alcatrazcruises.com/"]https://www.alcatrazcruises.com - Maison de Mme Doubtfire au 2640 rue Steiner - Painted Ladies (716 Steiner St) depuis Alamo Square Park - Vue depuis le Colt Tower

- Mama’s (petit-dejeuner), 1701 Stockton St, San Francisco - Ghirardelli Square (Hot fudge sundae), 900 North Point St, At Polk Street, San Francisco - Clam chowder ou des chilis dans un bol de pain au levain à Boudin’s

Yosemite Park (315 km de San Francisco)

Narrow Gauge Inn (du 17 au 18 septembre 2016 : 1 nuit) 48571 CA-41, Fish Camp Tél : +1 559-683-7720 Site : "http://www.narrowgaugeinn.com/"]http://www.narrowgaugeinn.com/

- Tunnel View - Birdalveil Fall - El capitan - Yosemite Falls, les chutes les plus hautes du parc - Yosemite Valley - Glacier Point pour le coucher de soleil. - Mirror Lake (Meadow Trail) - Half dome - Vernal Fall - Nevada Fall - Mariposa Grove (les Sequoias géants) au sud-ouest du parc

- La route de Tioga Road traverse le parc d'ouest en est. - Cathedral Peak - Tuolumne Meadows Sequoia Park

Montecito Sequoia Lodge (du 18 au 19 septembre 2016 : 1 nuit) Parc national de Kings Canyon, 63410 Generals Hwy, Kings Canyon National Park Tél : +1 559-565-3388 Site : "http://www.narrowgaugeinn.com/"]http://www.narrowgaugeinn.com/

- Giant Forest Museum (point de départ) - Big Trees Trailhead - General Sherman Tree (84 mètres de haut et 31 mètres de circonférence) - Congress Trail - Moro Rock (rocher de granit) - Tunnel Log - Crescent Meadow - Crystal Cave (grotte) - Mineral King Road

Death Valley (la vallée de la mort)

Hampton Inn & Suites Ridgecrest (du 19 au 20 septembre 2016 : 1 nuit) 104 Sydnor Streeet, Ridgecrest Tél : +1 760-446-1968 Site : "http://hamptoninn3.hilton.com/en/hotels/california/hampton-inn-and-suites-ridgecrest-RCTCAHX/index.html"]http://hamptoninn3.hilton.com/en/hotels/california/hampton-inn-and-suites-ridgecrest-RCTCAHX/index.html

- Scotty’s Castle(plus au nord) - Stovepipe Wells Village - Furnace Creek Ranch (oasis plantée de palmiers et de dattiers) - Zabriskie Point (le plus beau point de vue du parc) - Dante’s View - Golden Canyon - Artist Drive / Artists Palette avec son dégradé de couleurs rouge, rose et jaune. - Devil’s Golf Course - Natural Bridge - Badwater (point le plus base des Etats-Unis : 86 mètres au-dessous de la mer)

Las Vegas (225 km de Death Valley)

Bellagio (du 20 au 23 septembre 2016 : 3 nuits) 3600 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas Tél : +1 888-987-6667 Site : "https://www.bellagio.com/en.html"]https://www.bellagio.com/en.html

- Strip de nuit - Casino Bellagio (les fontaines la nuit), Venitian, Caesar, MGM, New York New York, le volcan en éruption de The Mirage, Golden Nugget (toboggan au milieu des requins) - "https://www.tripadvisor.fr/Attraction_Review-g45963-d104050-Reviews-Stratosphere_Tower-Las_Vegas_Nevada.html"]Stratosphere Tower et les manèges à sensation sur le toit - Chapel Weeding - Le Vieux Vegas (Fremont Street)

Traversée des villes de Seligman et Kingman, emblèmes de la célèbre Route 66.

Helicopter Las-Vegas Grand Canyon GOLDEN EAGLE AIR TOUR "http://fr.papillon.com/"]http://fr.papillon.com

Consignes pour la voiture : Lors d’un arrêt par les policiers, ouvrir sa fenêtre et garder les mains sur les volants, en aucun cas allez chercher les papiers etc… Lors d’un croisement avec un school bus à l’arrêt. Le panneau stop sortit, s’arrêter (ne pas se contenter de marquer l’arrêt) Lors d’un carrefour avec des STOP, ce n’est pas la priorité à droite qui prévaut comme en Europe mais c’est par ordre d’arrivée.
"On a qu'une vie !"
JP Jpg13 Globetrotter ·
Bonjour Je ne connaissais pas cet intermediaire pour la location de voiture. Bon il n'est pas tres interssant non plus au point de vue prix. Il vs a envoyé chez quel loueur??

Autrrement, je vois que vs avez logé au Narrow Gauge Inn... C'est mon motel preferé aux USA...
BI Billy0013 Regular ·
Bonjour Je ne connaissais pas cet intermediaire pour la location de voiture. Bon il n'est pas tres interssant non plus au point de vue prix. Il vs a envoyé chez quel loueur??

Autrrement, je vois que vs avez logé au Narrow Gauge Inn... C'est mon motel preferé aux USA...

Bonjour Jean-Pierre,

le loueur c'était Alamo
"On a qu'une vie !"
BI Billy0013 Regular ·
et la location était un peu plus cher car j'ai pris l'option 0 franchise...il faut comparer ce qui est comparable 😉
"On a qu'une vie !"
JP Jpg13 Globetrotter ·
Chez les loueurs en direct, vs avez tous les forfaits avec zero franchise.

Ceci dit, loueur final ALAMO, c'est bien. Je trouve que cet intermediaire est parmi les meilleurs.
ER Erlia31000 Regular ·
Bonjour Jean-Jacques,

C'est avec un grand intérêt que j'ai lu votre blog. C'est toujours un plaisir de lire des retours de voyage.

Nous partons en famille fin février du côté de Los Angeles, et nous sommes intéressés par le Queen Mary.

Je vois qu'il est intégré à votre circuit.

L'avez-vous visité, y avez-vous dormi ? Je suis indécisse quant aux tickets à prendre, Première classe, grand voyage...

Merci pour vos conseils.

Marie
Maman deux garçons (2012/2017) - Fan des USA - 8 séjours un peu partout dans le pays
BI Billy0013 Regular ·
Bonjour Jean-Jacques,

C'est avec un grand intérêt que j'ai lu votre blog. C'est toujours un plaisir de lire des retours de voyage.

Nous partons en famille fin février du côté de Los Angeles, et nous sommes intéressés par le Queen Mary.

Je vois qu'il est intégré à votre circuit.

L'avez-vous visité, y avez-vous dormi ? Je suis indécisse quant aux tickets à prendre, Première classe, grand voyage...

Merci pour vos conseils.

Marie

Bonjour Marie,

J’ai noté dans mon compte-rendu le queen Mary dans les curiosités à visiter mais malheureusement faute de temps nous n’avons pas pu le visiter / séjourner

Jean-Jacques
"On a qu'une vie !"
ER Erlia31000 Regular ·
Pas grave ! Merci de m'avoir répondu en tout cas !!
Maman deux garçons (2012/2017) - Fan des USA - 8 séjours un peu partout dans le pays
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Lauraoceane last month · Mitch341
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Hi there,

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Marcalamar 2 months ago
Which entrance to choose for Pinnacles National Park (California): East or West?
Hi everyone! 🙂

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 🙂
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Drazen 2 months ago
Tips for a 20-day family itinerary in the American West in 2028
Hello everyone,

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?

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Marcalamar 3 months ago
Planning King Canyon and Sequoia National Park
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 🙂
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Ally310 4 months ago · Beajourbrez
5 weeks in the American West with family in summer 2026
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!!
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Magie1985 4 months ago · Caussat
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There are several attractions along the way: - Mormon Rocks - Desert Discovery Center and visit the Old Woman meteorite - Joshua Tree National Park - Mojave Desert - Mojave National Preserve - Anza-Borrego Desert State Park - Silverwood Lake

My mom has back issues that prevent her from hiking or walking on trails with elevation changes. Is it possible to visit these places by car, or are the routes flat enough?

I’d love for her to experience the desert with an itinerary adapted to her condition. I’m also open to other points of interest that aren’t mentioned. We have 3-4 days for the trip, so we’re not in a rush—just want to explore.

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Cece21 4 months ago · Kimy6791
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Marcalamar 4 months ago
Parking and Viewpoints for Lake Tahoe Visits
Good evening, everyone! 🙂 Just a few last questions to wrap up our Lake Tahoe visit plans.

**Parking:** We’d like to walk to Eagle Falls and then Eagle Lake. I’ve spotted two parking lots that seem close to each other and give access to the trailhead. Where and how do we pay for entry to Emerald Bay State Park and Inspiration Point?

**Viewpoints on the East Side:** Are most of the viewpoints (Balancing Rock, Granite Cave, Bonsai Rock, etc.) right by the road, or do you have to hike to reach them?

**Donner Memorial State Park:** Is it worth making a detour to Truckee to visit this park and the Truckee historic downtown?

Thanks in advance for your tips! 🙂
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Canales 4 months ago · Drazen
Upper Antelope Canyon prices
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Marcalamar 5 months ago · Sbrcoach
Questions about SUV trails and must-sees for a California road trip
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 🙂
Open
PT
Ptitebulle59 5 months ago · Mitch341
What budget should I plan for 3 weeks on the US West Coast?
Hi everyone,

I’m a total USA addict. I’ve already done several road trips, including the East Coast and West Coast. I’m here today because I’m planning to go back for another road trip on the West Coast. Possibly with one of my sisters and a couple of friends. It’s still just a plan for now, but I’m working on an itinerary in the meantime. Ideally, I’d leave in 2026, but I don’t have the exact dates yet—maybe April-May or September-October. My last trip to the West Coast was in September 2014. We went for 2 weeks, but this time it’d be 3 weeks. What made me want to go back was simply a colleague who just left today. As I’m writing this, he’s on the plane. I’m so happy for him, but now all I can think about is going back.

Since I recently went to NY, I noticed that prices have really gone up. I assume the same is true for the West Coast? For 2 people over 3 weeks, what budget should I expect? We’re the type to watch our spending and find great tips. I think we’ll arrive in San Francisco like the first time and leave from either Los Angeles or Las Vegas.

Thanks to everyone for your advice and help.
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AR
Arnaudbu 6 months ago · Nataly03
Need info on the road to White Pocket and Reflection Canyon
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.
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Rodens 6 months ago · Nataly03
Where to stay in New York to cut costs?
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?
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Coco3826 7 months ago
Feedback on West American Itinerary
Hello,

After our first trip to the West, we’d love to go back to see other must-see spots!

The stay would be from May 11 to 20, 2026—it’s short, but hey...

M11: Lyon to Las Vegas (overnight in Vegas) T12: Route 66 – overnight in Grand Canyon (GC) W13: Visit GC – overnight in Page Th14: Visit Antelope Canyon / Horseshoe Bend – overnight in Monument Valley (MV) F15: Visit MV – overnight in Moab Sa16: Visit Arches / Dead Horse Point – overnight in Bryce Su17: Visit Bryce – overnight in Zion M18: Visit Zion / Valley of Fire – overnight in Vegas Tu19: Return flight

What do you think? Could we add one more night somewhere? We’re not big hikers, so we’ll mostly explore the parks using shuttles.

Also, we’re all set—passports are good. Do you think one classic Visa card and one premium Visa card will be enough for coverage?

Thanks so much for your feedback, and happy holidays!

Christophe
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Usafan 7 months ago · Junkanoo
Annual National Parks Pass
Hi everyone.

I assume many of you already know, but the America the Beautiful annual pass, which was $80, will increase to $250 starting January 1, 2026.

So if you're planning to travel before the end of December 2026, it's in your best interest to buy your pass in December 2025, since it will still cost $80 and be valid until the end of December 2026 if you purchase it in December 2025.

This price increase only applies to non-U.S. residents.

Additionally, for those who planned to visit just one park, a $100 surcharge per person will apply to access a list of 11 national parks... For example, if there are 4 of you in a car, you’ll have to pay $35 + $400, which comes to $435 to visit one of the 11 parks on the list (I don’t have all of them... Bryce, Zion, Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Grand Teton, etc.). Total madness.

The goal is to push people who only visit one park into buying the annual pass.

Last point: free entry days are over for non-residents!

That’s all for now.

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Voyage902 7 months ago · Tatra
Renting a car in the US with a deferred debit card
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!
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Patoon 7 months ago
How can I tell the difference between cable cars and trams in San Francisco?
Hi VF community,

I’m planning a week in S.F. in April 2026 and I can’t figure out how to tell the cable cars—of which I understand there are three lines—apart from the trams, which I think number seven. I can’t find their individual numbers or routes anywhere.

Could someone shed some light on this for me? Thanks in advance.

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a wonderful 2026 full of amazing travels. Cheers, Régine
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Arnale 7 months ago · Mitch341
Can you buy the national parks pass online in advance?
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
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Cup030680 7 months ago · Caussat
Feedback on a Florida road trip
Hi there,

I’m planning a road trip for July 2026 in northern Florida. Could you let me know if my itinerary makes sense? Day 1: Orlando Day 2: Amelia Island Day 3: Amelia Island Day 4: Tallahassee Day 5: Panama City Beach Day 6: Panama City Beach (visit to Destin) Day 7: Crystal River (stop in Cedar Key on the way) Day 8: Crystal River Day 9: Anna Maria (stop in Clearwater) Day 10: Anna Maria (St. Pete) Day 11: Anna Maria Day 12: Orlando Day 13: Orlando Day 14: Orlando Day 15: Departure

Thanks in advance for your tips!
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Twachi06 7 months ago · Usafan
Our experience in the American West with a French-speaking guide
Hey everyone!

We just finished 9 days in the American West and wanted to share our experience because we had an amazing time.

I know some of you might ask, why use an agency? Honestly, we didn’t really feel like doing all the driving and planning, especially since we didn’t know the area at all. And since our English isn’t great, having French-speaking guides was a big comfort.

We found Emmanuelle and Isabelle, and wow, they were fantastic. It was just the two of us with them, so it was a truly VIP, ultra-personalized experience. They treated us like royalty from start to finish. These two live in Las Vegas and know the region like the back of their hand. They told us they’ve spent over 15 years exploring every corner of the American West, and it really shows. Their knowledge of geology, park history, and local anecdotes is just impressive. It’s nothing like someone reciting a memorized script. They answer all your questions and really adapt to what you want to see or do.

What we really loved: the vehicle was super comfortable, and the little details made a difference—like snacks and even a homemade cake! Though, to be fair, we devoured the cake right away, so that counts.

Since they know the sites inside out, they took us at the right times to avoid crowds. So we could enjoy peaceful picnics at Grand Canyon viewpoints without being packed in with 200 people. Plus, on top of the must-see spots, they showed us some hidden gems that were absolutely stunning—places we never would’ve found on our own. They’re true locals who know all the best tips.

The service was really personalized. They adapted to our pace and preferences, and we could stop whenever we wanted to take photos. It’s the luxury of being in a small private group—you’re not just a number on a big bus. In short, we really felt like we were traveling with friends rather than professional guides. Everything’s included in the price (hotel pickup, meals, park entries, etc.), so the value for money is fair.

We loved it so much that we’re already planning to come back next year to explore other areas with them. I think we’ve caught the American West bug—it’s all we can think about, and we can’t wait to return.

If you’re looking for a French-speaking tour with real personalized service and guides who know the region like no one else, we highly recommend them. We had unforgettable moments. They also design road trips for those who don’t want a guide. And they handled our hotel reservations in Las Vegas too. If you want genuine advice from friendly locals, we’re giving them a 200% recommendation!
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Gertjan 7 months ago · Usafan
Looking for great hotel recommendations in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and San Francisco
Hello,

I’m currently looking for well-located hotels near points of interest in the cities below. I’ve found a few, but the prices are really high. Could any of you share some great addresses in the following cities? - Los Angeles - Las Vegas - San Francisco

Also, do you have a preferred airline for domestic flights? If so, which one?

Thanks so much, and have a great day, everyone!

Gertjan
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