Hello hello,
After several trips to the American West, we’ve booked our next tickets to Texas!!! We’ll be leaving in mid-October and arriving in Dallas.
After reading several forums/blogs about Texas, I sketched out what our road trip might look like. But here’s the thing—big snag on Day 13!!!
Could you please help me with this plan? Let me know if my draft seems doable or if, on the contrary, the timing is too tight, if I’ve missed any important spots, etc.
We’re traveling as a family with our little ones (3 and 9 years old). We’re not big fans of big cities—we prefer hitting the road, doing hikes, driving on backroads, and we’d love to spend Halloween in a small, friendly town to really experience it.
Here’s my itinerary:
Dallas (overnight since we arrive at 8:30 PM)
Dallas/Fort Worth (overnight in FW or nearby)
FW/Amarillo (overnight in Amarillo)
Amarillo (another night in Amarillo)
Amarillo/Palo Duro Canyon SP/Roswell (overnight nearby or in Roswell)
Roswell (another night?)
Roswell/White Sands (overnight nearby)
White Sands/Carlsbad (overnight nearby)
Carlsbad/Guadalupe Mountains (overnight nearby)
Guadalupe Mountains/Marfa/Alpine (overnight in Alpine)
Alpine/Terlingua (3 nights)
Big Bend NP
Big Bend NP
Big Bend NP/???
And that’s where things get tricky…
What should we do next?
I was thinking of Lost Maple State Park—probably gorgeous with fall colors.
Then head back up to San Antonio, explore the Hill Country, stop in Waco, and make our way back to Dallas?
My husband, though, would love to take a detour to Lafayette, stopping in Houston to visit the Space Center.
Thanks so much for your help! :)
Have a great weekend,
Marie
Bandera, Fredericksburg, and the Hill Country are really nice and worth planning for. Enchanted Rock near Fredericksburg is great—it doesn’t take long to visit, but make sure to book your time slot in advance. Before or after Big Bend, the FM 170 road along the Mexico border is super scenic, and it lets you stop in Marfa (Border Patrol checkpoint) and visit Fort Davis. Dallas isn’t amazing, but the Sixth Floor Museum is worth it for the historical side. Fort Worth at the end of your trip is a fun way to finish on a typically Texan note.
I stopped in Waco briefly between Dallas and Austin (which is really nice), but it’s not what I remember most about Texas. San Antonio is a must-see.
"Si partir vivre ses rêves remplit l'âme, les partager après les avoir réalisés la grandit"
"Qui veut apprendre à se connaître commence par explorer le monde"
Bandera, Fredericksburg, and the Hill Country are really nice and worth planning for. Enchanted Rock near Fredericksburg is great—it’s a quick visit, but make sure to book your time slot in advance. Before or after Big Bend, the FM 170 road along the Mexican border is super scenic, and it lets you stop in Marfa (Border Patrol checkpoint) and visit Fort Davis. Dallas isn’t amazing, but the Sixth Floor Museum is worth it for the historical side. Fort Worth at the end of the trip is a fun way to finish on a typically Texan note.
I stopped in Waco briefly between Dallas and Austin (which is really nice), but it’s not what I remember most about Texas. San Antonio is a must-see.
Hi there,
Thanks so much for these great tips!
I see that finding info about Texas isn’t exactly easy.
We won’t be visiting the big cities due to time constraints and prefer to focus on small towns and parks.
During the third week, we’ll head to Louisiana.
Just so you know, the Hill Country region—Bandera, for example—is a small, typically Texan town. The whole area is really nice and full of character. Texas is huge, but there aren’t many parks. For Big Bend, make sure to book your accommodation very early, or you’ll end up far away (Alpine is too distant). The Big Bend Holiday Hotel is a great spot, with the Starlight right next door for dinner. Great atmosphere, nice setting, and reasonable prices.
The Big Bend Holiday Hotel offers the finest lodging in the Terlingua Ghosttown
Plus, the park is enormous, and distances can be long.
Having now visited more than half of the U.S. states, I’ve found Texas to have a completely different vibe and mindset compared to the others. In fact, locals themselves say they’re Texan first and American second. That pretty much sums up the state.
Louisiana is a completely different state, which I also know well. In a week, you’ll have to make choices and not linger too long. For nature, there are the bayous and Atchafalaya. Then there’s the plantation route, Cajun country, and New Orleans—with its good sides but also, unfortunately, a darker side that’s not great for kids.
Amarillo can be visited quickly and is mostly a stop on Route 66.
Roswell—aside from the UFO museum—doesn’t have much to do.
White Sands is stunning. The walk following the stakes is gorgeous. Make sure to bring plenty of water and leave some in the car just in case.
"Si partir vivre ses rêves remplit l'âme, les partager après les avoir réalisés la grandit"
"Qui veut apprendre à se connaître commence par explorer le monde"
We’re traveling as a family with our little ones, ages 3 and 9. We’re not big fans of big cities—we prefer hitting the road, doing some hikes, and driving on backroads. We’d love to spend Halloween in a charming small town to really soak up the experience.
We really enjoyed spending Halloween in Comfort (Texas). The vibe was relaxed.
If you follow your own plan instead of your partner’s, you could end up there at the end of your loop on your way back to San Antonio.
I agree with Erjome—there’s something special about Texas. And even if your kids aren’t into big cities, San Antonio shouldn’t leave them indifferent.
Just so you know, the Hill Country region—Bandera, for example—is a small, typically Texan town. The whole area is really nice and full of local charm. Texas is huge, but there aren’t many parks. For Big Bend, make sure to book your accommodation early, otherwise you’ll end up far away (Alpine is too remote). The Big Bend Holiday Hotel is a great spot, with the Starlight right next door for dinner. Great atmosphere, nice setting, and reasonable prices.
The Big Bend Holiday Hotel offers the finest lodging in the Terlingua Ghosttown
Plus, the park is massive, and distances can be long.
Having now visited more than half of the U.S. states, I’ve found Texas to have a completely different vibe and mindset compared to the others. In fact, locals themselves say they’re Texan first and American second. That pretty much sums up the state.
Louisiana is a completely different state, which I also know well. In a week, you’ll have to make choices and not linger too long. For nature, there are the bayous and Atchafalaya. Then there’s the plantation route, Cajun country, and New Orleans—with its great sides but also, unfortunately, its darker side, which I wouldn’t recommend for kids.
Amarillo can be visited quickly and is mostly a stop on Route 66.
Roswell—aside from the UFO museum—doesn’t have much to do.
White Sands is stunning. The walk following the stakes is beautiful. Make sure to bring plenty of water and leave some in the car just in case.
Hi there,
Thanks again for your tips.
So, I’ll be looking for accommodation in Big Bend today. The Chisos Lodge, which I emailed, will be closed because the National Park Service has planned work starting in April.
Alpine is indeed too far, but Terlingua has plenty of options.
You’re not the first to mention the different mindset of Texans. It’s something I’ve seen repeatedly in the blogs I’ve read. I’ve heard great things about their hospitality—it makes me even more excited! Though I’m not sure if that’s exactly what you meant.
About New Orleans, I kind of imagined it as a Louisiana version of Las Vegas. When you mention its "darker side," what do you mean?
We were planning to spend 3 days there, and I asked the tourism office if there were any Halloween events (I’ve heard the parades can be a bit, or very, trashy for kids).
I’m starting to wonder if we shouldn’t just spend one day there and devote the other two to exploring the Hill Country more or visiting San Antonio.
As for Louisiana, we’re well aware that in just a few days, we’ll only scratch the surface. But the temptation to go is just too strong! :)
We’ll visit Cajun Country/Lafayette, a few plantations, and then decide what to do about New Orleans.
We're traveling as a family with our little ones, aged 3 and 9. We’re not big fans of big cities—we prefer hitting the road, going on hikes, and driving on trails. We’d love to spend Halloween in a charming small town to really experience it.
We really enjoyed spending Halloween in Comfort (Texas). It had a relaxed vibe.
If you follow your own plan instead of your partner’s, you could end up there at the end of your loop on your way back to San Antonio.
I agree with Erjome—there’s something special about Texas. And even if the kids aren’t into big cities, San Antonio shouldn’t leave them indifferent.
Hello there,
Thank you for your reply!
Actually, it’s not the girls who don’t like big cities—it’s the parents! :)
But I’ll keep San Antonio in mind. I’ve heard it’s truly beautiful.
I’ll check out where Comfort is. When you say "soft," what do you mean exactly?
Can’t wait to discover that special side of Texas. I hope it’s a good thing!
So, I’ll be looking for accommodation in Big Bend today. The Chisos Lodge I emailed will be closed because the National Park has scheduled work starting in April. Alpine is too far, and Terlingua has plenty of options.
Terlingua’s a great compromise with lots of lodging and restaurants. No regrets about Chisos Lodge—it’s aged poorly, and the only dining option nearby is the lodge’s restaurant since it’s so isolated.
You’re not the first to mention Texans’ different mindset. It’s a recurring theme in the blogs I’ve read. I’ve heard great things about their hospitality—makes me even more excited! But I’m not sure if that’s what you meant.
Exactly. The hospitality is amazing—super friendly people, long conversations, and even an invitation to share a table with a lovely couple at Billy Bob’s in Fort Worth when everything was packed on a Friday night.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to Delphine and Jean-Philippe from *Lost in USA*, big Texas lovers.
Lost In The USA: blog and road-trip planner for the United States | Lost In The USA
About New Orleans, I kind of imagined it as Louisiana’s version of Las Vegas.
Sorry to burst your bubble, but not at all. You can stroll around during the day—beautiful architecture—and listen to music in the evening. But it’s not very kid-friendly.
When you mention its "dark side," what do you mean?
Alcohol abuse and certain substances mean the French Quarter has two faces.
We were planning to spend 3 days there and asked the Tourist Office if there were any Halloween events (I saw the parade can be a little, or very, trashy for kids).
I’m not surprised by the trashy side.
I’m starting to wonder if we shouldn’t just spend 1 day there and devote the other two to exploring the Hill Country more or visiting San Antonio.
Great idea.
About Louisiana, we’re well aware that in just a few days, we’ll only scratch the surface. But the temptation to go is just too strong! :) We’ll visit Cajun Country/Lafayette, a few plantations, and then decide about New Orleans.
Plan your route and mileage carefully—San Antonio to Lafayette, for example, is nearly 700 kilometers.
"Si partir vivre ses rêves remplit l'âme, les partager après les avoir réalisés la grandit"
"Qui veut apprendre à se connaître commence par explorer le monde"
Terlingua is spread out and has a kind of bohemian/ghost-town vibe that you’ll either love or hate. The abandoned miner houses, the old church, and the cemetery take you back to a time when the town was at its peak. There are trailers in the middle of nowhere where you can even stay if you’re not looking for comfort (though they’re often pricey despite that). The huge advantage is its location for visiting Big Bend, plus a few restaurants.
Lajitas has a resort and golf course if that’s your style and you’re willing to pay for it. And for fun, there’s the goat that was the mayor 😉
You’ll find the Rio Grande in multiple spots in the park and also when leaving Terlingua via FM170 toward Presidio. Gorgeous road, by the way.
Alpine is pretty far from the park and requires a 1.5-hour drive each way on a road that’s not particularly scenic. But it does have more budget-friendly lodging. It’s a trade-off, so just make sure to weigh all the factors.
"Si partir vivre ses rêves remplit l'âme, les partager après les avoir réalisés la grandit"
"Qui veut apprendre à se connaître commence par explorer le monde"
Lajitas has a resort and golf course if you're looking for that kind of thing and are willing to pay what it takes. And for fun, the goat that was the mayor 😉
.
Absolutely, a perfect example of Texans' love for politicians taken to the extreme...
Still in that slightly over-the-top style, Langtry on Highway 90 and its Judge Roy Bean are pretty cool too...
So, I’ll look for accommodation in Big Bend today. The Chisos Lodge I emailed will be closed because the National Park Service has scheduled work starting in April. Alpine is too far, and Terlingua has plenty of options.
Terlingua is a great compromise with lots of accommodations and restaurants. No regrets about Chisos Lodge—it’s aged poorly, and the only dining option nearby is the lodge’s restaurant since it’s so isolated.
You’re not the first to mention the different mindset of Texans. It’s a recurring theme in the blogs I’ve read. I’ve heard great things about their hospitality. It makes me even more excited! But I’m not sure if that’s what you meant.
Exactly. The hospitality, super-friendly people, long conversations, and even an invitation to share a table with a lovely couple at Billy Bob’s in Fort Worth when everything was packed on a Friday night.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to Delphine and Jean-Philippe from *Lost in USA*—they’re Texas lovers.
Lost In The USA: blog and road trip planner for the United States | Lost In The USA
About New Orleans, I kind of imagined it as Louisiana’s version of Las Vegas.
Sorry to burst your bubble, but not at all. You can stroll around during the day—beautiful architecture—and listen to music in the evening. But it’s not very kid-friendly.
Hey there!
I didn’t explain myself well—I don’t like Vegas much either. I was just wondering if the trashy nightlife side was similar in New Orleans.
When you mention its "dark side," what do you mean?
Alcohol abuse and certain substances make the French Quarter a place with two faces.
That’s what I understood.
We were planning to spend 3 days there, and I asked the Tourism Office if there were any Halloween events (I’ve heard the parade can be a little, or very, trashy for kids).
I’m not surprised by the trashy side.
I’m starting to wonder if we shouldn’t just spend 1 day there and devote the other two to exploring the Hill Country more or visiting San Antonio.
Great idea.
Thanks!
About Louisiana, we’re well aware that in a few days, we’ll only scratch the surface. But the temptation to go is just too strong :) We’ll visit Cajun Country/Lafayette, a few plantations, and then decide about New Orleans.
Plan your route and mileage carefully—San Antonio to Lafayette, for example, is nearly 700 kilometers.
Yes, it’ll be a long drive... We’re planning a stop in Beaumont to spend the night, which would mean driving 3 hours on Day 1 and another 3 hours from Beaumont to Lafayette on Day 2. I’m not thrilled about it, but there are four of us, and we’re trying to make everyone happy.
Absolutely, a perfect example of Texans' love for politicians taken to the absurd...
We’ve got our share of jackasses too ;)
Still in that slightly extreme vein, Langtry on Highway 90 and its Judge Roy Bean is pretty cool too...
I stopped there between Fredericksburg and Terlingua. It’s a totally remote spot where you don’t want to forget to fill up on gas.
"Si partir vivre ses rêves remplit l'âme, les partager après les avoir réalisés la grandit"
"Qui veut apprendre à se connaître commence par explorer le monde"
We've done the West a lot over the past 10 years, we just can't seem to head east at all 😐
I've also explored the West quite a bit, and there's really nothing comparable in terms of landscapes and hikes. Big Bend comes close, though, with some great trails and that awesome Texan and Tex-Mex vibe.
"Si partir vivre ses rêves remplit l'âme, les partager après les avoir réalisés la grandit"
"Qui veut apprendre à se connaître commence par explorer le monde"
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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!
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?
