Bonjour
apres plusieurs changements nounous sommes arrêtés sur un circuit de 21 jours (2 adultes et un enfant) partant de Miami et se terminant à Washington en avril 2015.
Malgré plusieurs ébauches nous peinons a clore la partie entre Asheville et Washington, en effet les renseignements tant sur les guides que sur le net sont plutôt rares. Nous souhaitons faire qques trails dans great smocks mountain en partant de Cherokee puis longer la Blue Ridge mais peut être pas tout du long (on a lu plusieurs retours sur le fait de n'en faire qu'une partie comme par exemple entre Roanoke et Waynsboro).
Nuit activité
1 Paris – Miami Miami Arrivée 14h Miami Beach
2 Miami Miami Miami-Match NHL
3 Miami- Key Largo Key Largo Plongée-John Pennkamp P
4 Key Largo-Marathon Marathon Plongée- old 7miles-turtle hospital-kayak(?)
5 Marathon-Key West-Lower Keys Lower Keys Key west-Bahia Honda SP
6 Lower Key-Florida City Florida City Ballades autour Flamingo (coastal prairie etc)
7 Everglades-Naples Naples Shark Valley (vélo)-Loop road
8 Naples-Fort Myers-St Pete St Pete Old Naples-Carrabean cost-Sanibel-Indigo trail
9 St Pete St Pete Old Tampa-Ybor-Tarpon spring (Clear water)
10 St Pete-Ocala Ocala Trails Ocala Forest
11 Ocala-St Augustine-Savannah Savannah St Augustine-Savannah
12 Savannah-Charleston Charleston Charleston
13 Charleston-Asheville Asheville Plantations
14 Ashville-Great Smoky Mountain Asheville Trails
15
16
17
18 Washington Washington
19 Washington Washington
20 Washington-Paris Avion
21 Paris
Je conseille un jour plein a Savannah, et un jour plein a Charleston. Une petite visite a Beaufort (entre les deux) est agreable.
Un petit parc national existe en Caroline du Sud pres de la capitale Columbia. Congaree NP a l'air sympa mais je n'ai pas encore visite ce parc moi-meme.
http://www.nps.gov/cong/index.htm
Asheville est agreable, et Great Smoky Mountains NP aussi. Je n'ai jamais suivi le Blue Ridge Parkway entre Asheville et Shenandoah NP. Pas loin d'Asheville se trouve Mount Mitchell qui est la montagne la plus haute du continent a l'est des Rocheuses. On peut monter au sommet en voiture.
Shenandoah NP est joli, mais je me demande si les arbres aux sommets auront deja leurs feuilles en avril. On peut visiter Luray Caverns jusqu'a l'ouest du parc, et la ville de Charlotteville jusqu'a l'est du parc est sympa. La maison Monticello de Jefferson vaut la visite, et aussi le campus de l'Universite de Virginie.
Merci, On a choisi un jour plein pour savannah et un pour Charleston. On pourrai effectivement prévoir une halte à Congaree NP
quel itinéraire avez vous prit pour monter sur Washington?
Pour Charleston et Savannah, nous avons pris l'autoroute 95 pres de la cote parce que c'est vite (mais sans interet). Pour Asheville et les Great Smokies, arrivee et depart en Caroline du Nord par avion. J'habite dans l'est du pays.
Je te conseille en Floride de faire Crystal River pour nager avec des manatees (lamantins) surtout si tu as des enfants et aussi de faire Juniper Springs á Ocala National Forest.
Nous avons fait un séjour similaire (mais dans l'autre sens) il y a 2 ans.
Nous nous sommes ennuyés sur la BRP (des forêts comme chez nous, rien d'exceptionnel) mais c'était l'été et au printemps la nature sera peut-être plus luxuriante. Mais nous ne sommes pas randonneurs.
Si vous la faites, tu peux quitter la BRP entre Roanoke et Boone en prenant l'I81 (moins de choses à voir).
Une alternative pourrait être de prendre l'Interstate pour gagner du temps et faire la Skyline Drive au travers de Shenandoah NP.
Nous n'avons pas fait le détour par Monticello. J'ai vu un reportage à la télé il n'y a pas longtemps : j'ai regretté car ça a l'air beau.
Cherokee est un endroit calme pour rayonner dans les Great Smoky Mountains.
Si les billets ne sont pas achetés, je passerais moins de temps en Floride (quitte à revenir, nous on adore!) et je continuerais pour Philadelphie et le pays Amish qui méritent 3 jours et retour France par Philly.
La nage avec les Manatees à Crystal River est sympa. Par contre, pas sûr que j'en ferais un must pour une première visite en Floride (en plus, ça fait un détour, tout de même). Sur les conseils de l'Ami Toppich, nous l'avons fait avec cette compagnie : très satisfaits, très pro.
Sinon, ton J9 est un peu "fourre-tout". Tu n'auras pas le temps de tout faire. St Pete est mignon (nous y allons tous les ans!) mais fera doublon avec Naples, Fort Meyer. De même que Clear Water (plages magnifiques de sable blanc, mais tu auras déjà vu la même chose). Tampa et tout particulièrement Ybor : rien à voir si tu n'y passes pas en soirée pour les bars.
Tarpon spring est mignon également. Plutôt en fin d'apm et en soirée.
Merci, On a choisi un jour plein pour savannah et un pour Charleston. On pourrai effectivement prévoir une halte à Congaree NP
quel itinéraire avez vous prit pour monter sur Washington?
Bonjour Stephane.
Longtemps resident d'Atlanta, 10 ans, je vous conseillerai de prendre en partie the Blue Ridge Parway au depart de Chattanooga TN. Il y a des cavernes que l'on peut visiter pres de Chattanooga.
Je ne pense pas que les laser shows auront commence en Avril, mais faites un petit detour a Stone Mountain qui vaut le voyage.
Amities
Alex
http://durandale2.blogspot.com/
How heavy do I journey on the way,
When what I seek (my weary travel’s end)
Shakespeare sonnet 50, vers 1- 2.
L'année dernière nous avions fait le grand tour en Floride puis partis sur Washington (en avion)
Peux être trouveras tu sur notre site
www.nosgrandsvoyages.com
des renseignements complémentaires qui te pourront être utile.
je vais faire plusieurs commentaires sur ton parcours en floride
6 Lower Key-Florida City Florida City Ballades autour Flamingo (coastal prairie etc)
Pour moi c'est une journée de perdue
il n'y a rien a faire à Florida city et pas plus à Flamingo si ce n'est se faire piquer par les moustiques😏
Naples-Fort Myers-St Pete St Pete Old Naples-Carrabean cost-Sanibel-Indigo trail
Heu comment dire....dans une journée il n'y a que 24h
Ton parcours est trop chargé et peu réalisable à moins de passer toute sa journée au volant😎
St Pete St Pete Old Tampa-Ybor-Tarpon spring (Clear water)
Idem pour tarpon sping le détour ne vaut pas la peine sauf si l'on reste un mois en floride😛
10 St Pete-Ocala Ocala Trails Ocala Forest
Beaucoup de voyageurs veulent aller à Ocala ....Je me demande pourquoi😇
A la limite un arrêt à juniner springs pour la baignade et le site exceptionnel
Merci pour vos informations, j'ai encore un peu de mal a voir quelles pourrait être mes étapes sur notre remontée vers Washington.
Nous ne monteront pas sur Philadelphie car cela fait partie d'un projet pour 1017 ou nous descendrons de Quebec.
Bonjour Stephane,
Si vous avez plusieurs jours pour remonter jusqu'a Washington DC, ou vous prenez la cote et vous visitez les quelques petites iles, toutes sont devenues tres touristiques😕 ou vous prenez les petites routes, petites tout est relatif, et vous traversez les Etats de Georgia, peut etre un peu du Tennessee North et South Carolina et meme Virginia. La croyez moi vous aurez de beaux paysages et de belles visites a faire. Lorsque j'habitais a Atlanta je prenais cette route pour remonter vers le Nord. De combien de temps disposez-vous?
Amities
Alex
http://durandale2.blogspot.com/
How heavy do I journey on the way,
When what I seek (my weary travel’s end)
Shakespeare sonnet 50, vers 1- 2.
Merci à tous pour vos réponses que j'étudie toutes sérieusement.
Pour la Floride je prends bien note des remarques:
Pour Flamingo il s'agit surtout de réaliser les "balades" en descendant de royal palm: "anahinga, sanie bright, bear lake etc de façon interactive puis q'il s'agit de faire faire la topo par mon fils (après le désert de l'ouest USA l'avril dernier, la mangrove de Floride)
La journée 8: Naples-Fort Myers-St Pete: Je suis d'accord qu'elle va être chargée, sachant que je fixe un départ vers 7h, 7h30 maxi le matin, j'avais calculé une durée de trajet de 2h30 jusqu'a St Pete je pensais que tout rentrerai sachant qu'on ne s'attardera pas beaucoup dans les villes (Naples, Fort Myers). Ou me trompe je?
Ocala a été choisit pour faire une étape entre les cotes Ouest et est tout en sachant que c'est une zone réputée pour ses circuits pédestre.
Pour la remontée sur Washington, on a arrêté notre itinéraire (enfin), un mélange cotes et montagne:
-Charleston-Willmington
-Willmington-Charlottesville
-Charlottesville-luray (ou autres étape à mi parc)
-Luray-Washington (en passant par Arlington)
La journée 8: Naples-Fort Myers-St Pete: Je suis d'accord qu'elle va être chargée, sachant que je fixe un départ vers 7h, 7h30 maxi le matin, j'avais calculé une durée de trajet de 2h30 jusqu'a St Pete je pensais que tout rentrerai sachant qu'on ne s'attardera pas beaucoup dans les villes (Naples, Fort Myers). Ou me trompe je?
il faut compter 3 bonnes heures car sur la 75 il y a toujours des travaux (passage à 3 voies)
Naples c'est joli si l'on prend le temps
La plus part des gens remonte la 5ième avenue et vont au pier faire des photos et repartent avec le routard sur les genoux
Pour fort Myers qui sur la plage ressemble à toutes les villes balnéaires
Seul le musée Edison ford vaut le détour
Pour aller à Sanibel là aussi cela prend du temps
On roule sur l'ile à 30m/h et gare au radars
Merci à tous pour vos réponses que j'étudie toutes sérieusement.
Pour la Floride je prends bien note des remarques:
Pour Flamingo il s'agit surtout de réaliser les "balades" en descendant de royal palm: "anahinga, sanie bright, bear lake etc de façon interactive puis q'il s'agit de faire faire la topo par mon fils (après le désert de l'ouest USA l'avril dernier, la mangrove de Floride)
La journée 8: Naples-Fort Myers-St Pete: Je suis d'accord qu'elle va être chargée, sachant que je fixe un départ vers 7h, 7h30 maxi le matin, j'avais calculé une durée de trajet de 2h30 jusqu'a St Pete je pensais que tout rentrerai sachant qu'on ne s'attardera pas beaucoup dans les villes (Naples, Fort Myers). Ou me trompe je?
Ocala a été choisit pour faire une étape entre les cotes Ouest et est tout en sachant que c'est une zone réputée pour ses circuits pédestre.
Pour la remontée sur Washington, on a arrêté notre itinéraire (enfin), un mélange cotes et montagne:
-Charleston-Willmington
-Willmington-Charlottesville
-Charlottesville-luray (ou autres étape à mi parc)
-Luray-Washington (en passant par Arlington)
Stéphane
Bonsoir Stephane,
Je n'ai pas d'avis sur les temps de parcours en Florida.
La remontee vers Washington DC, tres bien, un bon melange.
Allez-vous faire arret a Atlanta?
Alex
http://durandale2.blogspot.com/
How heavy do I journey on the way,
When what I seek (my weary travel’s end)
Shakespeare sonnet 50, vers 1- 2.
Très sensibles au charme des Etats-Unis, mon compagnon et moi-même sommes en train de préparer un nouvel itinéraire pour ce mois d'avril. Rien n'est encore…
Je pars en floride ce 21 janvier jusqu'au 4fevrier les grandes lignes de l'itinéraire sont bouclées mais je cherche quelques idées pour combler les trous et…
Voyager avec des enfants › États-Unis · 17 replies
Nous partons en famille en Floride du 6 au 19 avril 2025 avec nos deux filles de 5 et presque 8 ans. Voilà quelques temps que je travaille sur notre itinéraire…
Nous comptons partir en Floride pendant les vacances de carnaval en Belgique du 14 février au 1er mars 2025. J’aurais besoin de votre aide pour réaliser mon…
Je compte partir avec ma copine en Floride fin mars/début avril 2020. On compte louer une voiture et faire le trajet suivant: - 4 nuits Miami (visite de Miami…
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?
