Hello, This isn’t our first trip to the USA, which explains why some "classic" spots are missing from this itinerary. Could you let me know if anything should be changed, and also share your best recommendations for where to stay and how many nights to spend in each place? We’re leaving in early September and will be there for 13 days, no kids. Thanks in advance for your feedback, tips, and great deals! Arrival in L.A. Joshua Tree Flagstaff Grand Canyon Bryce Canyon Zion Ntl. Park Las Vegas (stopover) Sequoia Ntl. Park San Simeon Santa Barbara (2 nights) L.A. airport

Hi everyone,

I’m reaching out for your help because I’m a bit lost trying to rent a car in Washington, DC. I’ve already rented twice out West with ALAMO—no issues, brand-new SUVs… This time, I need to rent an SUV for 12 days in Washington and return it at Newark Airport in NYC. I never would’ve thought there’d be such a price difference between the East and West Coasts!!! 12 days out East costs almost the same as 26 days out West! With Alamo out West, full insurance where you return the vehicle no matter its condition is called CDW. Here, it’s not clear at all. I’ve never rented from another company. If I stick with the two "big rental companies," here are my options:

ALAMO DULLES AIRPORT: 1,250 € with additional protection included (96 €) AVIS AIRPORT: 831 € with additional protection included (96 €) Or AVIS downtown WASHINGTON, 700m from my hotel, where I’d save on the taxi to the airport! Same price: 831 €. Has anyone ever picked up a vehicle downtown? Given the small indoor parking lot, I’m guessing the selection is limited. Is there a difference between AVIS and ALAMO? Because between 830 € and 1,250 €??????????? I’m not too familiar with other rental companies. I’ve rented brand-new cars in Europe from BUDGET for 70 € a week with no issues, but this is on the other side of the world!!!! Thanks so much for your feedback! Have a great day

Hi everyone! First time for me in the States from March 24 to April 7, 2025—only 15 days, so choices have to be made. I want to explore part of the West, but obviously planning the route is the trickiest part, so here’s what I’ve come up with and where I have doubts: -Leaving Paris for LA 1 or 2 nights to visit -Heading to Vegas, where one couple would go by motorcycle (they’re fans and want the thrill of Route 66) and another by plane (I won’t linger here either—1 or 2 days max!) Then, Lake Powell, Monument Valley, Grand Canyon, all by rental car for everyone, so the motorcycle gets returned in Vegas.

Now here’s where it gets tricky: either I continue the road trip through the big parks to finish in San Francisco (but it doesn’t seem like the best time—might be too cold), or I head down to San Diego for the return flight. But which itinerary? Kingman, Joshua Tree, Palm Springs, and San Diego—does that make sense? Is it better to go back to Vegas to take a plane or drive the whole way?

So many questions—your help and advice would be super welcome! Thanks in advance, Anne from Périgord Noir

Hi everyone,

We’re planning a road trip on Route 66 in 2027 with our two kids, who’ll be 7 and 4 years old.

My husband would prefer to do it in an SUV, while I’d rather go in a camper van.

What are the pros and cons of each option?

Thanks for your input!

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!!

Hi everyone,

Let me introduce myself. I’m 45 and traveling with my husband and my daughter, who’ll be 17 soon. We’re used to road-trip-style vacations, in the US or elsewhere. This will be our 5th trip to the US. We’ve already visited several states: New York, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Washington DC, Florida, Wyoming, South Dakota, California, Utah, Nevada, and Arizona. I’d like to plan another trip starting from Denver to Colorado and New Mexico, which we haven’t explored yet, with a stop in a part of Arizona we haven’t visited before. So, I’d love to hear your thoughts on this itinerary if you’re familiar with the area. We’ll be traveling in the summer of 2026—admittedly not the best time for this route, but it’s the only time we can all get away for long enough. I’m also tied to the dates for Cheyenne Frontier Days, which we want to attend at the start of the trip. Thanks in advance for your input!

Day 1: Departure from Frankfurt > Arrival in Denver around 3 PM. Night in Denver

Day 2: Denver > Cheyenne Quick visit to Denver Drive to Cheyenne in the late afternoon 2-hour drive Night in Cheyenne Day 3: Cheyenne Frontier Days Night in Cheyenne

Day 4: Cheyenne > Estes Park (Rocky Mountains) Frontier Days during the day. Departure in the late afternoon for Estes Park 2-hour drive Night in Estes Park

Day 5: Hiking in the Rocky Mountains Nights in Estes Park

Day 6: Estes Park > Glenwood Springs We’ll take the day to drive the scenic route and stop at various viewpoints. Night in Glenwood Springs

Day 7: Glenwood Springs Hiking the Hanging Lake Trail + relaxing in the hot springs Night in Glenwood Springs

Day 8: Glenwood Springs > Montrose Visit Colorado NM along the way 3.5-hour drive Night in Montrose

Day 9: Black Canyon Night in Montrose

Day 10: Montrose > Farmington Visit Durango (without taking the train), Ouray, or Silverton along the way? 3.5-hour drive Night in Farmington

Day 11: Farmington > Chinle Bisti Badlands until early afternoon 3-hour drive Night in Chinle

Day 12: Chinle > Sedona Canyon de Chelly in the morning 4-hour drive Night in Sedona

Day 13 - 14: Hiking in Sedona Nights in Sedona

Day 15: Sedona > Tucson Saguaro West Park 3.5-hour drive Night at a ranch in Tucson

Day 16 - 17: Tucson City visit in the morning + ranch activities in the afternoon Nights at a ranch in Tucson

Day 18: > Wilcox Chiricahua NP 1-hour drive Night in Wilcox

Day 19: Wilcox > Alamogordo White Sands in the late afternoon 4.5-hour drive Night in Alamogordo

Day 20: Alamogordo > Carlsbad White Sands in the morning Bat viewing in the evening at Carlsbad 4.5-hour drive Night in Carlsbad

Day 21: Carlsbad > Albuquerque Cave visit in the morning Quick stop in Roswell 4.25-hour drive Night in Albuquerque Day 22: Albuquerque > Santa Fe Visit Albuquerque 1-hour drive Night in Santa Fe

Day 23: Santa Fe Kasha Katuwe Tent Rocks in the morning Visit Santa Fe in the afternoon Night in Santa Fe

Day 24: Santa Fe Bandelier in the morning Visit Santa Fe in the afternoon Night in Santa Fe

Day 25: Santa Fe > Alamosa Taos Pueblo along the way Great Sand Dunes in the late afternoon Zapata Falls Night in Alamosa

Day 26: Alamosa > Denver 4-hour drive Departure around 7 PM

Looking forward to your suggestions, corrections, and feedback!

Hello, I’ve already gone through some threads dating back to 2010, but opinions are pretty mixed... What’s the verdict in 2025? - We’re arriving for a 15-day trip on Friday, June 13, theoretically at 1:05 PM (AF22). - Rental car (Toyota RAV4) booked with Alamo ("requested" starting at 2:30 PM). - Room reserved at the Best Western Desert Villa Inn in Barstow (check-in "6/7 PM" listed...) that same evening. Does this seem reasonably doable to those familiar with the area, for a couple in their seventies, or would it be better to stop sooner (but where?)—even if it means extending the drive to Williams the next day? 😕... Thanks for your advice!

We’d like to do the California coast in two weeks this September. Two adults, rental car, and Airbnb. First time except for San Francisco, where we’re starting a cruise. Is San Francisco-Los Angeles-San Diego doable? If not, what are the must-sees? Thanks! !

Hey everyone, we’re heading to the American West for 21 days in August. Two options for us: renting a regular car and staying in motels, or going with an RV. We’ve traveled a lot in Southern Africa on our own with a 4x4 roof-top tent, but the US is a whole different story. I’d love to hear your thoughts—budget-wise, we’re probably looking at similar costs. Thanks for your input! Thierry

Hi everyone!

Let me introduce us quickly—I’m Matteo (21, originally from Paris, but I’ve been living near the Pyrenees and the Alps for the past 3 years), and my girlfriend Justine (21, grew up in the Alps). We’re starting to get really fed up with being cooped up and sitting in chairs (yep, we’re studying physics and geography at the École Normale Supérieure in Lyon). So, we’re taking a gap year to make a slightly crazy project happen: hitting the road, meeting people, and most importantly—climbing, skiing, and exploring the mountains!

We’ve always been into the mountains: •🧗‍♂️ 6c-7a/b sport climbing, 6b trad •❄️ Skiing and ice climbing (grade 4/5) •🏔️ Alpine climbing in the Alps (Chamonix, Écrins…) and the Pyrenees—I’m training to become a High Mountain Guide

Our project in a nutshell: •Buying a van (or 4x4) converted in British Columbia around September/October 2025. Ideally, we’d go straight to the US to buy the vehicle there (but reselling might be easier if we buy in Canada). •Heading down to the US to climb at legendary spots like Yosemite, Tuolumne (if it’s too hot), Indian Creek, Moab, and Joshua Tree. •Heading back up to the Canadian Rockies around December for skiing, ice climbing, and winter alpine climbing (might be easier to buy skis there). •Selling the vehicle in Canada at the end of the trip (we need to be back in France by early March 2026 because Justine is preparing for the AMM). I’ve already been to the Rockies, but I want to go back in winter for ice climbing. It’ll probably be too cold to sleep in the van, so we’re hoping to find a small cabin, lodge, or chalet (ideally alone or shared to cut costs). Otherwise, we could work for a month or two at a hostel or something to get free accommodation and earn money to rent a place another month just for climbing. •Visa-wise: we’re hoping to get our Working Holiday Visa (WHV) (still waiting for a response) so we can work there during the trip. For the US, we’ll stay as tourists (no work visa—too complicated and expensive). Any feedback on the WHV or differences from a regular work visa would be great. •With our savings (we’re working in mountain huts this summer), we should be able to buy the van. For daily expenses, I’m hoping to tutor online (math and physics). We live pretty simply and resourcefully: we plan to sleep mostly in the van, cook for ourselves, wash in rivers, and make the most of free nature spots. We’re super motivated, pretty well-rounded when it comes to mountain sports, and we’re not afraid to live simply for a year (we’ve got other projects too: biking to Greece with our climbing gear, a trip to Patagonia for alpine climbing).

Questions and advice: Of course, a road trip like this raises a lot of practical questions. This is our first time embarking on an adventure of this scale, so we’d love to hear your experiences and tips. If any of you have done a long van trip in North America or a WHV in Canada, your insights would be incredibly helpful! Here are some of the questions we’ve got: How do we buy (and later sell) a converted van in British Columbia? We’ll probably land in Vancouver. Is it better to look for a vehicle on online classifieds, Facebook groups, or used car dealerships? Are there any pitfalls to avoid when buying? And for selling it a year later, any tips to make it go smoothly (best time to sell, paperwork, etc.)? What budget should we plan for van life in North America and Canada? If you’ve got any info or feedback on the cost of living in a van in Canada/the US, we’d love to hear it. We’re thinking about expenses like gas (a big one, I imagine!), van maintenance, car insurance, possible tolls, campgrounds or paid spots, etc. We’d like to get an idea of a daily or monthly budget so we’re not too tight. In France, we never stay at campgrounds—we prefer being alone or going where we want. Is that possible in the US and Canada? Any tips for saving money (free camping spots, useful apps…) would be great! Visas, borders, and paperwork: We’re hoping to get a WHV for Canada, but in the US, we’ll be on a tourist visa (90 days max with ESTA, I think). Has anyone combined a WHV in Canada with a trip to the US on the same trip? Anything we should know about crossing the border in a van (insurance, customs, how long we’re allowed in the US, etc.)? We want to avoid any administrative hassles, so any advice on this would be super helpful. Route and seasonality for climbing and skiing: We’re thinking of starting climbing in the US around fall 2025 (probably September/October). Is that the right season for Yosemite, Indian Creek, and Moab? Any must-see spots along the way? For winter, we’re aiming for December to March in the Canadian Rockies (Banff, Jasper, Golden…) for skiing and ice climbing. Any tips on ice climbs or major backcountry skiing spots? We’ve got all our climbing, skiing, and alpine gear—should we bring it all or buy some stuff there? Is the “Wilderness Season Pass” for winter in the Rockies worth it? We came across this pass that offers 7 months of unlimited nights in HI mountain hostels in the Rockies. Has anyone here tried it? Are the dorms usually crowded? Working on the road: To fund the trip, we’re planning to work a bit along the way. Any tips for finding work in Canada while traveling (peak seasons at ski resorts, WWOOFing, odd jobs…)? That’s it for our (many) questions 😅! If you’ve done a similar trip—or even just parts of it (van life, climbing tour, winter in Canada…)—we’d love to hear your experiences, or even if you’re in the area and want to share a few days of climbing. All your contacts, advice, and tips will be a huge help.

Thanks in advance! We can’t wait to read your replies and refine our project with your help.

Matteo & Justine

PS: I’m looking for a summer job from August to September, preferably in a mountain hut (extra help, replacements, etc.). If you’ve got any contacts, don’t hesitate! I’ve also posted on another forum about this with my CV and cover letter (DEMANDE dxsdxsdsxdsx - Forum de www.refuges.info).

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.

Hi there,

Alright, here’s my own road book for 3 weeks (late June – mid-July 2025) — looking forward to your feedback!

We’re not hikers or hardcore adventurers, so I’ve focused the itinerary on what we consider the essentials. We’re flying into SF and out of Las Vegas (because of airfare prices!) and also because I’m skipping Yosemite (doesn’t really tempt us). I’m planning a day trip to Death Valley from LV (been there before — it lets you see the highlights, and that was enough for me at the time). We’re not going as far as Canyon de Chelly — already done, and it didn’t really wow me. Just to note, this is pretty similar to a trip I’ve done before that worked well for us, but I’m open to tweaking it based on your suggestions. The duration (23 days) isn’t flexible — even one extra day sends the ticket prices skyrocketing.

Here’s what it looks like: Day 1: Arrival in SF Day 2 – Day 4: SF Day 5: Monterey (the Aquarium and the bay) – Overnight in Monterey Day 6 – Day 7: Drive down Highway 1 to Los Angeles – Overnight Day 6, e.g., in St. Simeon or nearby, and Day 7 in LA Day 8 – Day 9: LA (possibly an extra day) – Overnights in LA Day 10: Drive to Kingman and sightseeing – Overnight in Kingman Day 11: Drive to Grand Canyon and start exploring GC – Overnight in Tusayan Day 12: Explore GC – Overnight in Tusayan Day 13: Drive to Monument Valley and visit – Overnight nearby (Mexican Hat, Kayenta, etc.) Day 14: More sightseeing in the area (Valley of the Gods, Gooseneck Park) and drive to Mesa Verde – Overnight in Cortez Day 15: Visit Mesa Verde – Overnight in Cortez Day 16: Drive to Page and sightseeing – Overnight in Page Day 17: Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend – Overnight in Page Day 18: Drive to Bryce Canyon NP and start exploring Bryce – Overnight in the area! Day 19: Explore Bryce => Question: It’s a 2.5-hour drive from Page to Bryce. If we leave early, can we see the highlights of Bryce on Day 18 and skip Day 19? I’ll admit, I don’t remember much (it was back in 2009!) Day 20: Drive to Las Vegas with stops along the way (a quick detour to Zion just to say we’ve been, Valley of Fire) – Overnight in LV Day 21: LV; Cirque du Soleil show in the evening – Overnight in LV Day 22: Day trip to Death Valley (or a lazy day and outlet shopping!) – Overnight in LV Day 23: Flight back at 4:10 PM, which still gives us time to enjoy the morning.

What do you think? Best regards,

Hi there.

I’m traveling solo to NYC for 10 days. Is the pass for multiple activities worth it? I don’t want to plan everything in advance and really want to take my time while avoiding crowds!

Thanks for your replies.

Boris.

Hello.

About these visits, is it possible to use an audio guide on-site? I can’t find any apps... In French for easier understanding.

Thanks for your replies.

Boris.

Hi there.

I’m heading to the US in September and stopping in Boston. I’ve got a baseball game booked for Sunday afternoon. Is Monday enough to soak up the highlights of the city, including Harvard?

Thanks for your tips!

Hi everyone, I’m planning a road trip along the American West Coast in July 25 and, of course, I’d love to visit the parks east of Las Vegas. The crowds—but especially the heat—are making me second-guess whether it’s a good idea (the parks). I’d really appreciate your (honest!) feedback from those who’ve been there. Is the experience ruined? Maybe it’s manageable (early morning visits)? I have no doubt the scenery will be breathtaking, but does the context let you fully enjoy it? Thanks so much in advance for sharing your thoughts!

Hi! We’re arriving in New Orleans on June 10th and need to get to our hotel in the French Quarter. There are four adults in our group. What do you recommend—one taxi for all of us, two taxis, or another option? (We land at 10:30 PM.) Thanks for your tips!

We're planning a trip through Louisiana and would love to do a food and history tour led by a guide—but I’m only finding options in English. Do any of you have recommendations for an experience where the guide spoke French and the food was good? Thanks for your help

Hi there,

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!

Laura

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?

Thanks in advance for your feedback😉

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, 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?

Thanks in advance for your tips! 🙂

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

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

Hi everyone, I’m planning a three-week road trip in the American West, starting from Las Vegas, roughly following the two-week itinerary here. I like the loop idea, but since I’ve got an extra week, I’m wondering if it’s better to take time for a break in a city or just spread out the stops a bit. Is it worth staying a few days in another big city like Denver to break up the drive? I like cities, but nothing’s really inspiring me. I’m also hesitant about Canyonlands National Park: is it really worth two days or more, or is it less impressive than others like Arches or Bryce Canyon? If any of you have done a longer road trip in this region, I’d love your advice on where to extend the trip, where to relax a bit, and which lesser-known spots are worth the detour. Thanks!

Hello Departing on August 29 from San Francisco.

I’m not sure if it’s because I’m booking last-minute (I usually reserve way in advance) or if it’s because it’s early September—whereas we usually travel in late September—but I feel like prices have really gone up. Luckily, the dollar is weak right now!

I’ll post the start of the road trip, and I’m looking for your suggestions because I’m a bit stuck around Lassen since I had to cut one day from the rest of the trip.

D1: Flight Marseille → Paris → SFO, night in SFO D2: SFO (3rd time, so it’s just because we love it, but we’ve already done almost everything—we’ll revisit our favorite spots and especially do some walking tours). Night in SF D3 & 4: Heading to Fort Bragg for two nights D5 & 6: Night in Eureka, visiting southern Redwood D7 & 8: Crescent City, visiting northern Redwood D9: Heading to Mount Shasta, night in Mount Shasta D10: Lassen (north entrance), night in Mineral D11: Lassen south, mid-afternoon departure for North Lake Tahoe (two nights) and exploring the area D13 & 14: South Lake Tahoe D15: June Lake D16: Morning walk, then heading toward Fresno, overnight stop in the area D17: King’s Canyon, night at the lodge D18: Drive to Sequoia and walk, night in Three Rivers D19: Big morning in Sequoia, then heading to Pacific Grove (our favorite spot) for three nights to rest and walk along the Pacific D22: Probably (but still undecided) a detour to Sacramento to visit the California State Capitol… if we’re not too lazy, we’ll see D23: Return to San Francisco… night on the coast near the ocean (Pacifica or Half Moon Bay) D24: Return to France

Thanks for your constructive help, and don’t hesitate to criticize—I always try to stay at least two nights in each place and take time to rest a bit. Obviously, we’ve already done all the red rock areas…

Hi everyone! 🙂

A little request for help from those who’ve stayed in Sedona—we’ll have almost 3 full days there. I’ve done some research on different sites, but I’m still confused.

It seems that some spots require, in addition to the America the Beautiful Pass (which we’ll already have from the start of our road trip), the Red Rock Day Pass since they’re within Red Rock State Park. This would be for park and parking lot maintenance.

Here are the hikes we’re eyeing: Boynton Canyon, Devil’s Bridge, Birthday Cave, Airport Mesa, Chapel of the Holy Cross, Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, and Crescent Moon Ranch.

We won’t be able to do all of them—we’ll have to choose 🤔 and cut some 😢.

On top of that, there are the two scenic drives: Red Rock Scenic Byway and Oak Creek Scenic Drive.

Does the America the Beautiful Pass cover everything, or do we also need the Red Rock Day Pass? And if we do, which hikes require it?

Thanks for your answers, and have a great afternoon! marcalamar 🙂

Hi everyone, For our leg from Taos to Albuquerque, we have two options with roughly the same mileage and driving time: Either the light blue route (NM 518 then NM 76) or the dark blue route (NM 68), which would let us visit the Embudo Gas Museum. We’d love to stop at the Chimayó Sanctuary if it’s worth the small detour. We’ll have already taken NM 518 from Las Vegas to Taos. Which route is prettier and has the most points of interest? Afterward, we’ll take the Turquoise Trail between Santa Fe and Albuquerque. Thanks for your input! Marcalamar :)

Hi there, - Is tap water safe to drink everywhere in the U.S., or do you prefer bottled water? - How do you handle money? ★ Is cash preferred and more commonly used than card payments? ★ For ATM withdrawals, what are the fees? I’ve read that bank ATMs have lower fees than those in some stores—is that true? ★ Is the cashback trick used in the U.S. (e.g., for a $100 purchase, you pay $150, and the cashier gives you $50 in cash)? Thanks in advance to U.S. experts for your tips!