Bonjour à tous et merci à tous ceux qui par leur récit de voyages et/ou réponses aux multiples questions permettent de préparer un beau voyage, notamment Bastinj, Itat, pap59 et bien d'autres qui ne m'en voudront pas je l'espère si je ne les cite pas...
Lors de mon circuit de Juillet prochain dans l'ouest américain, je passerai par Gd Canyon. Je suis tenté par un survol. Mais difficile de faire un choix entre les différentes formules. Il semble que l'hélico soit peut-être plus intéressant que l'avion mais c'est aussi nettement plus cher (et on part à 4!), il y a des circuits au départ de Las Vegas ou de Tusayan (c'est plutôt ce que je choisirais). Papillon propose notamment, en hélico, un circuit plus court (25', environ 175$), un plus long (45', 250$, soit environ 230 euros de plus pour nous 4, qui va jusqu'au confluent Little Colorado et Colorado, sans autre différence notable, tout au moins dans le descriptif), et un survol en avion d'environ 45' pour environ 130$, qui lui aussi va jusqu'au confluent). Donc, mes questions (enfin!!!)-l'hélico est-il vraiment plus "spectaculaire" (voire indispensable), et si oui le grand circuit (plus cher) vaut-il vraiment de casser un peu plus sa tire-lire? Merci d'avance pour vos réponses. Alain.
Bonjour, lors de notre passage au Grand Canyon, nous avions utilisé les services de Papillon pour un survol de ce dernier, avec un décollage sur place. Nous avions fait le circuit à 175 $ et à mon avis, celui là suffit largement a en avoir plein les yeux 😛
Nous étions 5 dans l'engin et les sensations étaient au rendez-vous.
Oui, l'hélico est plus spectaculaire que l'avion et pour un survol, il ne faut pas hésiter : tu vole moins vite, plus bas et la vue est quasi à 360 °, ce que tu ne peux pas avoir dans un avion... En plus tu as droit au commentaires en français et à la musique qui va bien dès que tu te trouves au dessus du canyon !!
De notre voyage, ce moment restera à jamais comme un des moments forts de notre périple !!
Bonsoir,
Pour notre part nous avions réserver le tour Majestic(tour complet) avec Grand Canyon Helicoptéres.
Nous sommes 4 personnes les parents 2 ados.
Malheureusement en arrivant sur place le jour prévu nous n'avons pu effectuer qu'un tour de 30 min car il y avait un feu qui interdisait le survol de Hélico dans un secteur.
Malgré le désagrement nous en avons pris plein les yeux nous étions 6 dans l'hélico commentaires en français et la pilote conduisait avec grande délicatesse à ma grande joie car j'avais quelques craintes au départ
Ce fut un grand moment et un de nos plus beau souvenir
élène
Bonsoir. Désolé pour cet empêchement qui a dû vous décevoir, mais la suite de votre commentaire, et le précédent, me laissent à penser que l'on peut se "contenter" d'un tour plus court puisqu'il a eu l'air de vous satisfaire malgré tout. Alors, je vais voir en fonction des finances, car le voyage dans son ensemble est assez onéreux... (mais je le savais avant même de commencer à le préparer). Merci et bonne soirée.
C'est sûr nous avons été déçus sur le moment mais aprés nous avons profiter à fond de l'instant présent malgré vous pouvez le voir un temps ilmite. Nous avions pris le 1er vol du matin à 9h
Hélène
Bonjour,
Moi aussi je te conseille le vol hélico depuis Tusayan.
environ 30 mn, départ à l'heure prévue et essaye plutôt le matin ( moi j'avais pris 9 h ) car le temps peut changer dans l'après midi.
Compagnie : Papillon, aucun souci d'organisation, réservé par internet et confirmation par téléphone 48 h avant le vol.
Bonne journée.
Si le chemin est difficile, le difficile est le chemin.
Je ne peux préjuger des autres tours car nous avions fait, en août, le 30 mn au départ de Tusayan. Cela restera un des grands moments de notre voyage. Physiquement c'est vraiment supportable (vol très stable qui permet de goûter au paysage, pas d'accélération folle...), même pour mon épouse qui flippait, et qui finalement était prête à y retourner. Attention, sauf erreur, quand on arrive à l'héliport, il faut aller à celui du fond et pas le 1er rencontré. Voici une photo qui donne une idée du sentiment de vraie immersion.
Par contre, attention aux photos. La surface vitrée étant très réfléchissante, si celui (ou celle) qui fait les photos se trouve à l'arrière, les reflets peuvent être vraiment très gênants. je ne saurais que trop conseiller l'utilisation d'un filtre polarisant circulaire pour éliminer ces derniers.
Pour ma part nous avons fait le circuit de Tusayan de 50 min avec Papillon. Un des must de notre séjour (en plus j'étais à coté du pilote, la meilleure place)
Le circuit de 50 min permet de survoler plus longtemps le grand canyon car avant d'arriver au dessus de GC il y a le survol au dessus de la foret qui doit durer 10 petites minutes, du coup on survol une petite demi heure le GC.
Gros frisson quand on arrive à la fin de la forêt et que l'immensité du canyon s'offre à nous tout ça sur une musique de U2. Alala j'en rêve encore....
Bonjour, je confirme les propos de Marie42 pour avoir fait exactement le même survol (compagnie et durée identiques). C'est vraiment une expérience magique et malgré son coût, pensez que c'est sûrement la seule fois de votre vie que vous ferez ce survol. Alors autant en profiter 🙂
Quelques photos ci-joints prises depuis la place à côté du pilote
Blog voyage Amérique du Nord : récits, conseils et expatriation à Vancouver > http://www.serialpix.com
Bonsoir. L'attente risque d'être longue jusque là, car tous vos commentaires font saliver...et vous avez raison pour le caractère unique de l'expérience.
Bonne soirée.
J'en reviens tout juste ! pour le survol du GC ne pas le faire au départ de VEGAS, par contre à choisir (mais tout dépend de chacun) nous avons fait aussi le survol du Lac Powell combiné avec Bryce Canyon, et là c'est ce que j'ai préféré.
Bonne préparation
1 croisière bateau russe de Moscou a St Petersbourg - 4 sur Serena - 4 sur Luminosa - 3 sur splendida - 1 sur Opéra - 1 atlantica - 6 pacifica - 2 Deliziosa - 1 Magica - 1 fascinosa - 1 preziosa
Bonjour. Voilà une autre suggestion intéressante mais j'aimerais quelques précisions. D'où êtes-vous partis, avec quelle société (pour le moment je n'ai pas trouvé votre circuit). Etait-ce en avion ou hélico, qu'avez-vous vu du GC, en plus de Powell et Bryce?
Merci d'avance.
Alain.
Pour le survol de Bryce Canyon et le Lac Powell nous sommes partis de l'aéroport de Bryce Canyon car à Page ils étaient en train de refaire les pistes, mais s'il faut choisir un seul vol j'ai préféré le Lac Powell mélange de couleur bleue et canyon rouge, magnifique, nous nous l'avons fait en avion, de plus le lac powell si on y va par la route, on a aucune vision de l'étendue, on ne voit qu'un bout de lac, par contre nous avons réglé à Page car habituellement les avions partent de là. Nous nous avons réservé en arrivant aux USA car à cause du shotdown nous ne savions pas si nous pourrions le faire.
Grand Canyon bien, mais il y a possibilité de faire une belle promenade à pied d'environ une heure au dessus du canyon.
Nous sommes arrivés à SAN FRANCISCO et sommes repartis de LOS ANGELES en passant par VEGAS.
Nous avons également fait sequoia park, Zion, la vallée de la mort, la vallée du feu, antelope canyon, Monument valley, route 66 avec arrêt à selligman, et Bagdad café
Loane
1 croisière bateau russe de Moscou a St Petersbourg - 4 sur Serena - 4 sur Luminosa - 3 sur splendida - 1 sur Opéra - 1 atlantica - 6 pacifica - 2 Deliziosa - 1 Magica - 1 fascinosa - 1 preziosa
Bonjour,
J'en suis à 3 survols du GC, deux en avion aile haute et le dernier en mai 2013 avec le circuit Papillon.
Et je ne suis pas convaincu de l'avantage de l'hélico ! Je dois cependant dire que depuis le 1er survol avion il y a ....trop longtemps (30 ans !) la législation aéro locale a changé et il est maintenant interdit de "plonger" dans le trou, ce qui était "normal" en ce temps là, tant en hélico qu'en avion ! En mai l'hélico est resté au niveau de la rive et ça m'a vraiment manqué de ne pas passer entre les rochers !
En résumé : si la question du budget te chagrine... va pour le Cessna ! par ex. chez grandcanyonairlines.com
Et si ton trip t'amène à San Francisco, alors là, venge toi avec le survol en hélico ! ( c'est là : http://sfhelicopters.com/) Passer sous le Golden Gate......et remonter au dessus d'Alcatraz reste un de mes super souvenirs des USA !
Enjoy !
Si vous ne réussissez jamais rien du premier coup, n'essayez pas le parachutisme !
"Voilà une autre suggestion intéressante mais j'aimerais quelques précisions"
Je signale que sur ouestusa, une page est destinée aux survols en tous genres: http://www.ouestusa.fr/airflights/air.php
Perso, en 2009, ns avons fait le 6ème de cette liste: Canyonlands/lac Powell jusqu'à la Rainbow Bridge (donc une bonne moitié du lac); ce vol de 3h mérite aussi sa 4ème étoile au niveau du rapport prix/plaisir😎
Vs constaterez que le vol le plus époustouflant (bien + que celui en hélico au-dessus du Gd Canyon) est celui qui survole Canyonlands, au départ de Moab (1h si vs vs contentez de Canyonlands, +/- 3h si vs faites en plus l'extension avec le lac Powell ou avec Monument Valley)
Mention aussi au survol de la baie de San Francisco
Ouest USA 2009 https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=2800143#2800143
5ème trip USA, 09/2013 https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=6186946#6186946
Bonsoir et merci à Bastinj et Jandori pour leurs réponses et précieuses indications. J'ai écarté, avec un certain regret, le passage par San Francisco, car en 21 jours, on ne peut pas tout faire et je me suis concentré sur les Grands parcs, dont Yellowstone qui était incontournable pour moi, en boucle à partir de Las Vegas. Je vais donc étudier les nouvelles possibilités de vol dont vous m'avez parlé: le choix risque d'être dur!!!
Bonne soirée.
Alain
D'après ce post: https:/voyageforum.c... Il y aurait des ULM et engins volants en tous genres survolant le Grand Canyon. Je pars dans cette région mi-Avril…
J'ai lu pas mal de posts sur le thème du Grand Canyon mais je n'ai pas trouvé la réponse à la question suivante: "Est-il préférable de réserver un survol en…
Je voudrais réserver un survol en hélicoptère du grand canyon le mardi 26 septembre vers 9h avec la compagnie papillon mais je vois qu'il y a deux propositions…
Départ dans moins de deux semaines, derniers préparatifs, dernières modifications. Nous serons au grand canyon les 23 et 24 mars, j'ai réservé un survol avec…
Nous partons fin mai depuis Las vegas pour 2 nuits dans le grand canyon en voiture j'ai regardé avec attention les topics du forum, et je me pose plusieurs…
Hello! The itinerary is pretty much set for August 2026. Yeah, I know it’s gonna be *super* hot. But it’s the only time we can get away.
So, here’s the plan: Montpellier-CDG-Dallas.
Stay from July 31 to August 26, 2026:
Car rental – check,
Hotels – check,
Itinerary – almost check,
Photo gear – check,
Budget – check, 🤪
Meal planning – meh, we’ll see...
Walmart, of course, for the cooler when we arrive.
And now, without too much detail...
Fort Worth:
The Longhorns and the Stockyards;
JR’s ranch (for the missus);
Medal of Honor Museum – Arlington.
Houston and NASA Space Center:
See the Gulf of Mexico/America.
San Antonio and the missions.
Fort Stockton for an overnight stop.
El Paso via Guadalupe Mountains:
El Paso and White Sands.
Tucson and the Pima Air & Space Museum:
Tombstone, Bisbee.
Phoenix:
Still working on the program.
Sedona:
Round trip around the area via Flagstaff and Williams, or the Grand Canyon (already done) – we’ll decide on the spot.
Albuquerque:
Santa Fe,
Turquoise Trail,
Los Alamos.
Amarillo via Route 66:
Old Route 66 in the city;
Big Texas Ranch Steak 😏.
Dallas:
JFK Museum;
Perot Museum;
West End district.
And through it all – the road, the road, and more road!!!
We’ll adapt day by day based on our mental and physical state (we’re not exactly spring chickens).
Hello everyone! Really damaged due to flooding caused by runoff after forest fires (a total mess!), does anyone in this friendly forum have any updates on the Apache Trail between Apache Junction and Roosevelt Dam? Is there still a section of the road that’s tough to navigate?
We're leaving at the end of June and will be driving the route between Buffalo and Cody. We’ve already booked our accommodations and a rodeo in Cody, but during the day, we’ll be driving between the two and I’m unsure about the itinerary.
Which route do you think is the most pleasant, interesting, or scenic between:
- The northern route via Highway 14 with Sheridan, Lowell, etc.
- The southern route with Highways 16/20/14, passing by Loaf Mountain Overlook, Powder River Pass, Ten Sleep Canyon...
We’ll be in a car, so we should be able to drive on any road.
Thanks for your input!
I’m almost done planning our September road trip. After our 3-night visit to Sequoia, we’ll have a stopover night in Coalinga (to break up the drive). We’ll be staying two nights in Monterey and would like to stop along the way to visit one side of Pinnacles National Park. We’re torn between the West entrance and the East entrance, and we’d like to do a short hike of no more than 2 hours since we don’t want to arrive too late in Monterey.
This park is split into two distinct zones with no connection between them, and the mileage from Coalinga to Monterey is pretty much the same for both. Which area do you recommend visiting—east or west? And which route is the most scenic?
I’ve spotted two short hikes:
- East: Moses Spring to Rim Trail Loop
- West: Balconies Cliffs Cave Loop
Has anyone been there, or do you have another hike to suggest?
Thanks in advance, and have a great afternoon!
Marcalamar 🙂
After our first trip as a young couple to the West in 2007 (yes, that doesn’t make us any younger!), we’re planning to go back in 2028, but this time as a family of four! (We have two boys who’ll be 5½ and 13 years old in the summer of 2028.)
Our plan is to combine a few big cities (SF and LA, maybe San Diego) with national parks and state parks, mostly!
Ideally, we’d like to leave at the end of June and head back to France around July 19–20, so we can enjoy the first week of the Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Since we already did the "loop" in 2007, there are must-see places we absolutely want to revisit—and especially share with our kids: Bryce Canyon, Yosemite, and above all, the Grand Canyon, which is still the most incredible thing I’ve ever seen on Earth!
On the other hand, some places didn’t leave a big impression on us for various reasons, so we’re not making them a priority: Antelope Canyon, Monument Valley, for example.
We’re planning ahead, but might as well be smart about it😏
Do you have any tips for a fun and doable itinerary over about 20–25 days with kids, without rushing?
Hi everyone! 🙂
Just a quick question about King Canyon and Sequoia National Park.
Before our night in Miramonte, we plan to visit King Canyon. The next stop will be two nights in Three Rivers to explore Sequoia National Park. I wanted to go all the way to Roaring River Falls on the King Canyon Scenic Byway and then turn back to head to Miramonte. Since we’re coming from Oakhurst, Google Maps says it’s 300 km and 5 hours of driving. Since we also want to hike to see the sequoias (Big Stump Area and Grand Grove) before tackling the King Canyon Scenic Byway, the timing’s going to be tight. How far do you recommend going before turning back to miss as few points of interest as possible on the King Canyon Scenic Byway? Thanks for your advice, and have a great evening!
Marcalamar 🙂
Hi everyone!
After years of hoping, waiting, planning, then changing, saving, and searching for the best possible route... we're FINALLY off this summer for a 5-week road trip in the West.
I had planned a trip to Colorado in 2021 but canceled due to COVID, so with time passing and my eldest’s high school graduation approaching fast, I figured it was now or never!
Anyway, the itinerary has been modified and extended to please everyone (I’m no longer the only one making decisions!!)
Here’s our final route:
Day 1 - 7/12/2026 - Brussels / Los Angeles
Day 2 - 7/13/2026 - Los Angeles
Day 3 - 7/14/2026 - Los Angeles
Day 4 - 7/15/2026 - Los Angeles
Day 5 - 7/16/2026 - Los Angeles
Day 6 - 7/17/2026 - Los Angeles / Kingman
Day 7 - 7/18/2026 - Kingman / Grand Canyon
Day 8 - 7/19/2026 - Grand Canyon / Page
Day 9 - 7/20/2026 - Page
Day 10 - 7/21/2026 - Page / Monument Valley
Day 11 - 7/22/2026 - Monument Valley / Durango
Day 12 - 7/23/2026 - Durango
Day 13 - 7/24/2026 - Durango
Day 14 - 7/25/2026 - Durango
Day 15 - 7/26/2026 - Durango / Glenwood Springs
Day 16 - 7/27/2026 - Glenwood Springs
Day 17 - 7/28/2026 - Glenwood Springs / Moab
Day 18 - 7/29/2026 - Moab
Day 19 - 7/30/2026 - Moab
Day 20 - 7/31/2026 - Moab
Day 21 - 8/1/2026 - Moab
Day 22 - 8/2/2026 - Moab / Vernal
Day 23 - 8/3/2026 - Vernal / Grand Teton
Day 24 - 8/4/2026 - Grand Teton
Day 25 - 8/5/2026 - Grand Teton / Cody
Day 26 - 8/6/2026 - Cody / Yellowstone
Day 27 - 8/7/2026 - Yellowstone
Day 28 - 8/8/2026 - Yellowstone
Day 29 - 8/9/2026 - Yellowstone
Day 30 - 8/10/2026 - Yellowstone / Salt Lake City
Day 31 - 8/11/2026 - Salt Lake City / Bryce Canyon
Day 32 - 8/12/2026 - Bryce Canyon / Zion
Day 33 - 8/13/2026 - Zion
Day 34 - 8/14/2026 - Zion
Day 35 - 8/15/2026 - Zion / Las Vegas
Day 36 - 8/16/2026 - Las Vegas
Day 37 - 8/17/2026 - Las Vegas / Los Angeles
Day 38 - 8/18/2026 - Los Angeles
Day 39 - 8/19/2026 - Los Angeles / Brussels
Day 40 - 8/20/2026 - Brussels / Home
We’ll be alternating between house swaps, motels, and campgrounds. I’ve booked all the accommodations (except the campground at Bryce since sunset bookings open only 14 days in advance) and the first activities, as well as the most touristy ones.
I’m currently putting together my day-by-day roadbook and having some trouble planning certain days, like in LA or Las Vegas. Choosing hikes isn’t easy either—it’s tough to decide!
We’re really excited but could definitely use your help with choices and optimizations!!
Hello.
I’d like to travel along I-15N from San Diego to Las Vegas with my mom, who’s 67. We’ve explored Northern California and the California Coast over the past two years and now want to continue through the desert.
There are several attractions along the way:
- Mormon Rocks
- Desert Discovery Center and visit the Old Woman meteorite
- Joshua Tree National Park
- Mojave Desert
- Mojave National Preserve
- Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
- Silverwood Lake
My mom has back issues that prevent her from hiking or walking on trails with elevation changes. Is it possible to visit these places by car, or are the routes flat enough?
I’d love for her to experience the desert with an itinerary adapted to her condition. I’m also open to other points of interest that aren’t mentioned. We have 3-4 days for the trip, so we’re not in a rush—just want to explore.
I’d love to take a road trip and visit Nova Scotia. I’d appreciate some info on the best cities to see and the most interesting spots. The trip should last about 10 to 15 days, staying in hotels or motels. Thanks in advance!
We’re being relocated to Saint Pierre and Miquelon.
We’ll be taking the flight from Nantes to Montreal and then from Montreal to Saint Pierre.
Could you recommend a hotel near the departure terminal that allows dogs?
Hi,
My 16-year-old son is flying to Grand Rapids with other kids his age. There’s a layover in Detroit. There’s no unaccompanied minor service available. Is it pretty easy to navigate Detroit Airport to catch the connecting flight to Grand Rapids (domestic flight)? There are several of them who speak English well.
Thanks for your replies,
Good evening, everyone! 🙂
Just a few last questions to wrap up our Lake Tahoe visit plans.
**Parking:**
We’d like to walk to Eagle Falls and then Eagle Lake. I’ve spotted two parking lots that seem close to each other and give access to the trailhead. Where and how do we pay for entry to Emerald Bay State Park and Inspiration Point?
**Viewpoints on the East Side:**
Are most of the viewpoints (Balancing Rock, Granite Cave, Bonsai Rock, etc.) right by the road, or do you have to hike to reach them?
**Donner Memorial State Park:**
Is it worth making a detour to Truckee to visit this park and the Truckee historic downtown?
Hi there. I'm shocked by the price of the Upper Antelope Canyon tour—$175 for less than an hour… You might say, "if you can’t afford it…" But the real question is whether it’s really worth it, because $350 for two makes me feel like I’m getting ripped off. For those who’ve done both Lower and Upper, can you tell me if the price difference is really justified? Thanks
Hi everyone! 🙂
As you can see, we're heading back from September 6th to the 27th.
Everything’s booked for September—flights, accommodations, and the car. As I plan, I’ll be asking the experts for help. This is our second trip to California, but most of the stops are new to us.
We’ll start directly from San Francisco to our first overnight stop, Davis, before heading to Lassen Volcanic Park for 4 nights. Our flight lands at 12:50 PM.
Here’s our itinerary:
Day 1: Davis – overnight stop
Day 2: Red Bluff – exploring Lassen Volcanic Park (scenic drive to Lake Helen)
Day 3: Susanville – scenic drive through the park via the South Entrance, points of interest, and hikes
Day 4: Susanville – Cinder Cone and Painted Dunes hike
Day 5: Susanville – Warner Valley (hikes)
Day 6: South Lake Tahoe
Day 7: South Lake Tahoe
Day 8: Mammoth Lake
Day 9: Mammoth Lake
Day 10: El Portal via Tioga Road
Day 11: El Portal
Day 12: El Portal
Day 13: Oakhurst
Day 14: Miramonte
Day 15: Three Rivers
Day 16: Three Rivers
Day 17: Coalinga
Day 18: Monterey
Day 19: Monterey
Day 20: San Francisco
Day 21: San Francisco
Day 22: Departure
For hikes in Lassen Volcanic Park, I’ve planned:
Bumpass Hell, Cold Boiling Lake (Day 2)
Paradise Meadow (maybe not going all the way), Devastated Area, and the loop around Reflection and Manzanita Lakes (Day 3)
Cinder Cone and Painted Dunes (Day 4)
Devil’s Kitchen and Boiling Spring Lake (Day 5)
I’ve read there are trails to access the trailheads for Cinder Cone (11 km) and Warner Valley. Are these easy trails for an SUV?
Are there any other must-see spots or things we shouldn’t miss?
That’s where I’m at for now. Thanks for your replies, and have a great evening!
Marcalamar 🙂
I’m a total USA addict. I’ve already done several road trips, including the East Coast and West Coast.
I’m here today because I’m planning to go back for another road trip on the West Coast. Possibly with one of my sisters and a couple of friends. It’s still just a plan for now, but I’m working on an itinerary in the meantime. Ideally, I’d leave in 2026, but I don’t have the exact dates yet—maybe April-May or September-October.
My last trip to the West Coast was in September 2014. We went for 2 weeks, but this time it’d be 3 weeks. What made me want to go back was simply a colleague who just left today. As I’m writing this, he’s on the plane. I’m so happy for him, but now all I can think about is going back.
Since I recently went to NY, I noticed that prices have really gone up. I assume the same is true for the West Coast? For 2 people over 3 weeks, what budget should I expect? We’re the type to watch our spending and find great tips.
I think we’ll arrive in San Francisco like the first time and leave from either Los Angeles or Las Vegas.
Merci de me conseiller pour la réservation pour la plus belle vue faut il réserver une chambre dans l'hôtel ou choisir une cabane ?
Prendre le petit déjeuner ou pas ?
Que pensez vous du restaurant ?
Hello, if the off-the-beaten-path enthusiasts are still around 😉, I’d love some info on tackling these trails. I’m not super familiar with the rules, risks, or what to expect—I’m looking for firsthand experience from folks who’ve done it on their own once or multiple times.
Hi everyone!
I’m planning a week-long family trip to NYC in October 2026. The focus is on museums and soaking up the New York vibe. I’ve been checking Airbnb, but the prices in Manhattan are through the roof. Since I don’t know NYC well, is it "wise" to look outside Manhattan? Any neighborhoods you’d recommend?
After our first trip to the West, we’d love to go back to see other must-see spots!
The stay would be from May 11 to 20, 2026—it’s short, but hey...
M11: Lyon to Las Vegas (overnight in Vegas)
T12: Route 66 – overnight in Grand Canyon (GC)
W13: Visit GC – overnight in Page
Th14: Visit Antelope Canyon / Horseshoe Bend – overnight in Monument Valley (MV)
F15: Visit MV – overnight in Moab
Sa16: Visit Arches / Dead Horse Point – overnight in Bryce
Su17: Visit Bryce – overnight in Zion
M18: Visit Zion / Valley of Fire – overnight in Vegas
Tu19: Return flight
What do you think? Could we add one more night somewhere? We’re not big hikers, so we’ll mostly explore the parks using shuttles.
Also, we’re all set—passports are good. Do you think one classic Visa card and one premium Visa card will be enough for coverage?
Thanks so much for your feedback, and happy holidays!
Hi North America forum crew,
Just a little post that might interest some of you:
Travelers to the United States | Photo Now Mandatory Upon Entry and Exit | La Presse
I assume many of you already know, but the America the Beautiful annual pass, which was $80, will increase to $250 starting January 1, 2026.
So if you're planning to travel before the end of December 2026, it's in your best interest to buy your pass in December 2025, since it will still cost $80 and be valid until the end of December 2026 if you purchase it in December 2025.
This price increase only applies to non-U.S. residents.
Additionally, for those who planned to visit just one park, a $100 surcharge per person will apply to access a list of 11 national parks...
For example, if there are 4 of you in a car, you’ll have to pay $35 + $400,
which comes to $435 to visit one of the 11 parks on the list (I don’t have all of them... Bryce, Zion, Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Grand Teton, etc.).
Total madness.
The goal is to push people who only visit one park into buying the annual pass.
Last point: free entry days are over for non-residents!
Hi everyone, I’m traveling to Los Angeles and would like to rent a vehicle at the airport. However, I have a Boursobank Ultim deferred debit card, so I’d love to know if it’s possible for those who’ve experienced this recently. Thanks for the info!
I’m planning a week in S.F. in April 2026 and I can’t figure out how to tell the cable cars—of which I understand there are three lines—apart from the trams, which I think number seven. I can’t find their individual numbers or routes anywhere.
Could someone shed some light on this for me? Thanks in advance.
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a wonderful 2026 full of amazing travels.
Cheers,
Régine
Hi,
I’m planning a road trip through the American national parks starting from Denver in June 2026.
The price of the pass is jumping from 80 € to 250 € on January 1st, 2026!!!
Is it possible to buy the pass online before the end of the year to lock in the 80 € rate? If so, where and how do I go about it?
Thanks for your tips.
Arnale
I’m planning a road trip for July 2026 in northern Florida. Could you let me know if my itinerary makes sense?
Day 1: Orlando
Day 2: Amelia Island
Day 3: Amelia Island
Day 4: Tallahassee
Day 5: Panama City Beach
Day 6: Panama City Beach (visit to Destin)
Day 7: Crystal River (stop in Cedar Key on the way)
Day 8: Crystal River
Day 9: Anna Maria (stop in Clearwater)
Day 10: Anna Maria (St. Pete)
Day 11: Anna Maria
Day 12: Orlando
Day 13: Orlando
Day 14: Orlando
Day 15: Departure
We just finished 9 days in the American West and wanted to share our experience because we had an amazing time.
I know some of you might ask, why use an agency? Honestly, we didn’t really feel like doing all the driving and planning, especially since we didn’t know the area at all. And since our English isn’t great, having French-speaking guides was a big comfort.
We found Emmanuelle and Isabelle, and wow, they were fantastic. It was just the two of us with them, so it was a truly VIP, ultra-personalized experience. They treated us like royalty from start to finish. These two live in Las Vegas and know the region like the back of their hand. They told us they’ve spent over 15 years exploring every corner of the American West, and it really shows. Their knowledge of geology, park history, and local anecdotes is just impressive. It’s nothing like someone reciting a memorized script. They answer all your questions and really adapt to what you want to see or do.
What we really loved: the vehicle was super comfortable, and the little details made a difference—like snacks and even a homemade cake! Though, to be fair, we devoured the cake right away, so that counts.
Since they know the sites inside out, they took us at the right times to avoid crowds. So we could enjoy peaceful picnics at Grand Canyon viewpoints without being packed in with 200 people. Plus, on top of the must-see spots, they showed us some hidden gems that were absolutely stunning—places we never would’ve found on our own. They’re true locals who know all the best tips.
The service was really personalized. They adapted to our pace and preferences, and we could stop whenever we wanted to take photos. It’s the luxury of being in a small private group—you’re not just a number on a big bus.
In short, we really felt like we were traveling with friends rather than professional guides. Everything’s included in the price (hotel pickup, meals, park entries, etc.), so the value for money is fair.
We loved it so much that we’re already planning to come back next year to explore other areas with them. I think we’ve caught the American West bug—it’s all we can think about, and we can’t wait to return.
If you’re looking for a French-speaking tour with real personalized service and guides who know the region like no one else, we highly recommend them. We had unforgettable moments. They also design road trips for those who don’t want a guide. And they handled our hotel reservations in Las Vegas too. If you want genuine advice from friendly locals, we’re giving them a 200% recommendation!
I’m currently looking for well-located hotels near points of interest in the cities below. I’ve found a few, but the prices are really high.
Could any of you share some great addresses in the following cities?
- Los Angeles
- Las Vegas
- San Francisco
Also, do you have a preferred airline for domestic flights? If so, which one?
