Bonjour, j'aimerais partir cet été dans l'ouest de l'Amérique du Nord mais je ne sais pas quel circuit choisir. Au départ je voulais faire un circuit de 7 semaines : 3 semaines dans les rocheuses canadiennes puis 4 semaines dans l'ouest américain, mais j'ai dû revoir mon budget et j'ai 3 possibilités : soit je fais le même circuit mais en moins long : 2 semaines dans les rocheuses canadiennes puis 3 semaines dans l'ouest américain. Soit j'oublie les rocheuses canadiennes et je pars 5 semaines dans l'ouest américain. Ou alors pour le même prix je peux faire un circuit de 6 semaines partant de New York et allant jusqu'à San Francisco en passant 3 semaines dans les rocheuses mais aussi par Yellowstone, Salt Lake city...
Lequel de ces circuits vous semble le plus intéressant ?
L'avantage, aussi avec le premier circuit est, je pense, qu'il y aura plus de personnes de mon âge (22 ans) car ce sont 2 circuits de 2 et 3 semaines alors que les autres sont de 5 à 6 semaines, la moyenne d'âge sera peut être plus de 30 ans, enfin c'est mon avis...
Je suis sûre que vous pourrez m'aider, moi à part à voir vu quelques photos par ci par là, c'est difficile de juger... ! Alors merci par avance !
beaucoup de routes dans tous ces circuits, peut etre moins dans le 1 ...
Déja fixe tes priorités, apparament coté budget et temps, tu en a !
Puis personnellement j'aime bien toutes les etapes qu il y a dedans, peut etre que le circuit 3 meme si j adore NY et je vais bientot à CHicago est à enlever car beaucoup de routespour rejoindre l'ouest majestueux ...
Premierement, c'est un tour organisé ? combien ils coutent et qui fait ca ?
Tu pourrai faire ca avec des potes et te faire ton circuit sur mesure, au moins tu verrai ce que tu veux voir !😎
En fait c'est un "tour aventure", je pars avec suntrek, les trois tours coutent en moyenne 2000 euros sauf le dernier 2200 mais comme le billet est légèrement moins cher car le départ est à New York ça se vaut. Pour les 3 circuits je compte 3000 euros environ billet+circuit, mais à tout ça il faut que j'ajoute les dépenses sur place : visites, nourriture, souvenirs...Pour cela je compte 1000 euros, 1500 grand maximum. Sachant que dans le circuit toutes les entrées dans les parcs nationaux sont déjà comprises. Et au niveau de la route c'est un trek leader qui conduit et puis au niveau de l'hébergement c'est essentiellement du camping.
Mes priorités ? c'est assez compliqué, comme je l'ai dit au départ je voulais faire les rocheuses canadiennes et l'ouest américain mais j'ai vite vu qu'il fallait que je sois moins exigeantes... Le premier circuit me permet de faire ce que je veux mais j'ai peur de passer à côté de certaines choses par exemple je ne verrais pas Bryce Canyon, Arches NP, Lake Powell, Monument Valley... maintenant peut être que le reste est déjà génial et suffit !Mais comme je vous dis c'est là où j'ai besoin de l'avis des "forumeurs" car moi j'ai vu des photos mais c'est difficile de juger n'y étant jamais allée !
Donc si le circuit 1 est trop un "aperçu" je me dis qu'il vaut peut être mieux ne pas faire les rocheuses canadiennes et se concentrer sur l'ouest américain... Et dans ces cas là ce que j'aimerais vraiment faire est la boucle du Sud ouest qui longe la côte de San Francisco à Tijuana et puis passe par le Grand Canyon, Lake Powell, Monument Valley, Canyonland Moab, Arches.... Le circuit 1 et le 2 proposent cette boucle : après je ne sais pas si le reste de la côte Pacifique de San Francisco à Seattle vaut le coup d'être vu si j'ai déjà vu la côte de San Francisco à Tijuana... et j'ai peur que le circuit 1 fasse beaucoup de routes et que je voie beaucoup de choses sans vraiment les avoir vues... !
Donc voilà en gros mes questions : est ce que dans le circuit 1 je passe à côté de trop de choses dans le Far West ? Est ce que dans le circuit 2 mise à part la boucle sud que j'aimerais vraiment voir le reste vaut il vraiment le coup d'être vu ?
Merci !
pas facile de te répondre, j'ai été confronté aux mêmes hésitations et dilemnes.
Et j'ai fait un choix.
Tu ne peux tout faire en même temps ou en un temps si court !
Tu es jeune et tu reviendras certainement !
Pour ma part, je voulais absolument voir les parcs de l'Utah (grand canyon, Arches, etc.)
Les températures élevées en Août m'y ont dissuadé, voyageant avec 2 petiots...
Je me suis concocté un périple différent qui est relativement complet mais qui m'a
obligé à choisir. Va voir mon fil :
http://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=1539388;
Perso, je te conseille Circuit 1 : plein la vue de spectacles grandioses !
Maintenant, creuse un peu en visitant ce forum encore plus...
Desolé de ne pas te conseiller, il y a des trucs supers dans les 3 circuits.
Cela étant, vu la facilité de se deplacer et de se prendre en charge aux USA, j'ai bien peur que dans aucun de ces circuits qui represente quand meme un gros budget, tu ne trouve personne de ton age. ce sont plutot des "anciens" ( sans vouloir vexer personne) qui utilise ces types de voyage.
Si tu veux passer par un truc organisé, choisis-en un ou il est specifié pour les jeunes, ou alors à connotation sportive. Sinon, prends ton courage à 2 mains, essaye de convaincre une copine, et partez en autonome... Et la tu pourras te faire ton circuit sur mesure... avec plein de temps a la clé, un vrai régal.
courage
Il n'y a que deux façons de vivre sa vie : l'une en faisant comme si rien n'était un miracle, l'autre comme si tout était un miracle.
Oui ce n'est pas évident tout ça !
En fait je veux partir avec Suntrek car c'est un organisme américain et le groupe est anglophone et mon but est autant de voyager que d'apprendre l'anglais pendant mon voyage... bien sûr il se peut qu'il y ait des français dans mon groupe, mais ça serait très malchanceux d'avoir tout le groupe de français ! Au niveau de l'âge la moyenne est de 18 à 35 ans... ça ne me dérange pas de me retrouver avec des personnes de 30 ans mais bien sûr je préférais être avec des personnes de mon âge...
pour ce qui est du circuit le premier serait génial en effet mais comme je l'ai dit j'ai peur de rester sur ma faim au niveau du far west, en fait la côte pacifique m'intéresse moyennement, vu que je la longe déjà de San Francisco à San Diego, mais c'est juste un moyen de rejoindre l'ouest américain... en fait dans ce circuit là il n'y a que le grand canyon qui a un paysage far west ?
alors que dans le 2ème circuit je pense qu'au contraire je risque pour le coup de voir un peu trop les mêmes paysages... qu'en pensez vous ?
Bonjour Nelly,
Visiblement, tu penches déjà pour le deuxième circuit...alors rassure-toi, tu ne risques pas de te lasser des paysages. Les parcs sont tous très différents et t'offriront chacun de belles surprises et de grandes émotions. Donc n'hésite plus, tu peux te lancer!
je fais partie des Anciens, je me sens vexé et très malheureux...
dois je renoncer à mon périple de 24 jours sans mon infimier ni mon kiné-nutritionniste?
+ serieux:
je sais que les circuits "clés en main" sont rassurants, assez bien conçus dans l ensemble mais hélas trop rapides.
CEPENDANT: je trouve dommage que des jeunes ne puissent (veulent) se prendre en charge pour visiter un paysaccueillant ;quoique les grincheux en disentsûr; en respectant les gens et les us et coutumestoujours étonnantqui offre des paysages, en particulier minéraux, d'une grandeur et d une beauté que je n ai pas (encore?) vus auparavant
oui, il faut partir à 2 (ou +)...parce que le voyage c est surtout un moment de partage intense, d émotions qu il serait fort malséant (?) de gouter en solitaire ou avec de parfaits inconnus...
oui, je sais aussi : on peut rencontrer des gens formidââââbles mais parfois la flèche de la roue est facétieuse
bon, ça ne fait pas avancer le débat...
je vote, à regret pour le circuit 2
Ma fille a passé un an aux Etats-Unis. Plusieurs de ses amies sont parties avec Suntrek, elles ont adoré….. Je t’envoie en MP le lien du blog d’une ancienne au pair qui a fait un voyage d’une semaine en Californie.
Concernant le choix du circuit :
Pour moi le Yellowstone est le plus beau parc des Etats-Unis. Et après, la région de Moab (Arches NP, Canyonlands NP). Après tu as tous les classiques que tu retrouves dans tous les circuits….
Perso j’aurais une petite préférence pour le circuit 3. J’y retrouve en grande partie ce que nous avons fait en plusieurs voyages….NY…. la région du Mt Rushmore, Custer SP, Devil’s Tower, Yellowstone, Grand Teton…. la région de Moab, et pour finir les grands classiques. Mais il y a beaucoup de route entre Niagara et le Mt Rushmore….
Mais j’aime bien le 2 aussi. Nous avions fait le Yellowstone au départ de Seattle et j’aime beaucoup l’état de Washington, mais c’est un peu plus humide…. (Est-ce que Olympic NP et la Rain Forest sont au programme ? Encore 1 parc que j’aime beaucoup….)
Tu préfères voyager avec des jeunes de ton âge, ce que je comprends tout à fait, mais comme tu le dis toi-même, les jeunes de 22 ans ont peut être les moyens de se payer un circuit de 1 ou 2 semaines, mais un circuit de 6 semaines….
D’autre part, en faisant 2 circuits, tu voyages avec 2 groupes.
6 semaines avec les mêmes têtes…. Tu es déjà partie en voyage organisé ? Si le groupe est sympa, ça peut marcher, mais s’il y a des em…. Ça devient vite galère.
Peut-être est ce que je cumules 2 handicaps : mon age (59 ans) et le fait de preferrer voyager de ma propre initiative.
Mais les Etats-Unis sont le pays de la decouverte par excellence, tout est possible (enfin presque) pour peu qu'on veuille s'en donner la (petite) peine.
Je ne me vois pas voyager 3 semaines en groupe.
J'ai fait de nombreux sejours professionnels et vacances aux Etats-Unis, principalement dans l'ouest (Colorado - Arizona).
Si tu as des questions sur ces pays, n'hesites pas, je te repondrais volontiers.
Avec mon compagnon, nous avons pour projet de visiter les USA. Après plusieurs calculs, tant au niveau des jours que du coût du voyage, nous pensons que le…
Nous souhaitons faire un circuit dans le nord est américain en août 2012 (2 adultes, 2 ados) Il n'y a pas beaucoup de discussions relatives à l'est américain…
Je continue à préparer mon circuit dans l'Est Americain pour l'été prochain (Juillet 2011) et voici le programme de ma journée à Cape Cod. Nuit à Shawme…
Aprés de nombreux changements d'itinéraire et de questions sur le parcours, avec des réponses sur ce forum (je vous en remercie!!), j'ai enfin mon circuit…
Nous envisageons de faire un circuit combiné Canada/Usa au mois d'août 2010. Après avoir épluché plusieurs catalogues, nous avons retenu le circuit Rêve du…
salut a tous
je prepare un tour du monde et je recherche des bons plans pour les logements aux etats unis
avez vous des petits prix a me partager svp
merci
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.
Thanks for advising me on the booking—should I reserve a room in the hotel or go for a cabin for the best view?
Should I get breakfast or not?
What do you think of the 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!
