Here on Voyage Forum, very few people use travel agencies. It doesn’t seem to be the vibe of the community.
It’s so much better to organize things yourself—it’s not difficult, just a bit time-consuming. But to each their own!
I couldn’t let someone else decide what I visit, but I get that when you’re forced to, we all pretty much want to see the same things.
On the other hand, not deciding how much time to spend on each visit, not having a choice of restaurants (which are usually pretty ordinary) when there are plenty of nice little spots nearby, not being free to change the schedule if something comes up, and having to follow a group that might not match your pace.
All that for what? To avoid doing research online or to feel reassured and not be "alone" in a foreign country? Everyone has their preferences, but think about it.
Where do you want to go? Based on the forum, it seems like North America. It’s super easy to organize things yourself.
Le vol est trop important dans un voyage pour ne regarder que le prix.
I've traveled a lot, in Europe and Asia, and I still travel frequently in North America. I had never wanted to do an organized trip. But a few years ago, a couple of friends convinced us to take a trip to Italy with them, organized by Traditours.
Despite my concerns—like delays, waiting, and tardy group members, mediocre hotels, food, and poorly informed guides—none of that happened.
We really enjoyed our trip with an excellent group of 32 people, mostly 4-star hotels, great meals, and a schedule that was followed with everyone on time. For example, if departure was scheduled for 7:30 AM, everyone was ready by 7:20. I also think that if we had organized the same trip ourselves, we wouldn’t have seen even 50% of what we experienced during this journey. The guides were excellent, and we had a great bus driver. All meals were included, as well as the entrance fees for the various visits. Another advantage of being in a group was that we didn’t have to wait in line—we were immediately admitted.
We truly enjoyed our experience with Traditours so much that we did another trip in the fall of 2012: England, Scotland, and Ireland for 22 days. And we’re looking into a third one in 2014, possibly Spain and Portugal.
Hi there,
To answer your questions, I can tell you that I just got back from a trip to Italy in May, and I can say it was end-to-end service all the way. No complaints—everything was well planned, and all we had to do was sit back and enjoy the ride. You can check out the travel forum on Taditours’ website. Zoé 🙂
Hi Grumman! I just got back from a trip to Peru with Traditours... If I had a great trip, it was thanks to *me*!
First, they told us that at the airport, our guide would have a Traditours sign. Since I arrived late because of road construction, I was already stressed. So, I looked everywhere for the sign, but no one was there. I asked at the information desk, but they hadn’t seen anyone with a sign either. Finally, I headed to the Air Canada counter and spotted a man in a dark blue jacket with "Traditours" written in dark orange—phew! He directed me to the guide, and when I told her I hadn’t seen any sign, she replied: "I just came from Gatineau, so I didn’t feel like carrying a sign!"
Next, two nights in an Amazon lodge without being told there was no hot water!
Then, the guide gave us information but had to take it back later because she’d received incorrect details.
After that, since I wanted to do some Christmas shopping and had bought an excursion (for a steep $105, just for a driver—we’re talking about Peru here), I asked if we’d have any time for shopping during the tour. She replied: "With Traditours, we don’t focus on shopping!" Well, I ended up doing my shopping during a visit to the Pisac market... and then I realized that EVERY day, we had a little time for shopping! But okay, it wasn’t much...
I asked for details about my private excursion because all I’d received was the invoice. They told me: "With Traditours, you don’t have to worry." Perfect, I thought. The day before my excursion, I asked if they had my entrance ticket for the site, and she said she’d ask the national guide and get back to me. She never did! After lunch, the national guide told me to meet him downstairs at the restaurant because my driver had arrived. I got in the car and asked if I needed to show the ticket we’d used for the Sacred Valley excursions, and the guide said: "Of course!" Luckily, two days earlier, when they gave us a ticket with images of some tourist sites, I’d noticed the picture of my excursion and thought maybe it was also my ticket for my PRIVATE excursion. If I hadn’t noticed and left it in the hotel room, I would’ve had to pay again.
At Lake Titicaca, we could’ve gotten our passports stamped, but since she didn’t tell us about it before we got there, too bad!
In Nazca, since I was in the first flight group, I had two hours to shop in about ten little stores. I got scammed with a 50-sol bill, but I managed to get out of it because luckily, I’d bought jewelry at another shop and passed the fake bill to them. The seller accompanied me to talk to the woman who’d given me the fake bill (since I don’t speak Spanish), and she gave me real bills in exchange. I immediately told the national guide about the scam, and he said: "Oh, that’s common!". I was stunned! We were never warned that counterfeit bills could be an issue. So, I asked the guide if he’d warn the group in case others had bought things from that shop, but he said: "Oh no, we don’t want to cause panic!"
Also, if you have a sensitive stomach, definitely don’t take this tour with Traditours—there’s a full day of bus travel with only one stop in the morning, none during the picnic by the sea, and another stop just to buy olives... But you can manage by asking to use the back of the store—just close your eyes...
Let’s talk about the picnic (knowing that this trip cost me $600 more than my Italy trip with Tours Chanteclerc—which, by the way, is *really* professional in every way). For me, it was a disgrace! Here’s what was in the little lunch bag: a bit of chicken in a small bun with nothing else, a slice of ham as thin as paper between two slices of bread with nothing else, a piece of cake that was starting to dry out, and a small mustard packet. There were also 2 bags of chips for 33 people, beer (which I don’t like), 2 bottles of Coke, and water.
Also, there’s no audio guide... So, for info with 33 people... haha
And the cherry on top: they asked me which destination I’d choose for my next Traditours trip!!!!
I haven't traveled with Traditours yet, but if I were going to China, I wouldn't hesitate to go with them, just like some friends did.
I went to Turkey solo and had an amazing trip, but a close relative went there with Traditours and came back absolutely delighted—said it was one of the most enjoyable trips they’ve ever had.
Of course, everything comes at a price, and Traditours is a bit pricier.
I went to Turkey last fall with Traditours. Big mistake! Turkey is a magnificent country to discover, but NOT with Traditours. 1) The price: $4500. 2) The quality of the hotels: several were mediocre, even uncomfortable, but most importantly, often isolated! In other words, you’re prisoners of the hotel! 2) The food: Turkey is renowned for its gastronomy! Well, with Traditours, you’ll often eat the same thing and not the best. Plus, 7 dinners were hotel buffets, 3 of which were downright inedible. 3) No free time in the places visited, except for one afternoon (the last one) in Istanbul. 4) Lots of hours spent on the bus! Very exhausting by the end. 5) But the worst part was the tour leader. In our case, it was a woman who acted like a fussy little lady (my annoying aunt). She had no travel experience (only her second trip as a tour leader and less than a year with Traditours!), no professionalism (she meddled in everything! Even though her job was just to accompany us, like a bathroom boss!).
In short, my experience was very disappointing and bitter! I’ll NEVER travel with Traditours again! The quality offered doesn’t match the price.
REVIEW: Traditours claims to be the cheapest! Not true at all after checking, and their agents don’t give you details about the hotels or restaurants. They stay very vague, sticking to "wow!" and "amazing!"
So, avoid Traditours—you can find better, even in Turkey. Turkey is the 7th most popular destination in the world and has a well-established tourism industry. Even our friendly guide told us to book directly with a local agency. It’s cheaper and will better meet your expectations.
Personally, I’ve taken two trips with Traditours, and I was simply delighted.
My first trip with them was to Turkey, and it was truly a favorite! The variety of attractions visited is extraordinary: Cappadocia, a boat ride on the Mediterranean, the Blue Mosque, the underground city, the travertine pools, the Grand Bazaar, the Basilica Cistern, etc. You discover places focused on culture and history, natural attractions, big cities—well, in short, you see a ton of different things, all more interesting than the last. The meals were varied; we ate in restaurants, other times in hotels, and even at locals’ homes. Friends had warmly recommended this tour with Traditours, and I didn’t regret following their advice!
Because I loved my trip to Turkey so much, I thought, *"Why not Peru?!?"* So, I went with them again. And once more, I was charmed by their approach. The team was professional and exceptionally patient, we tasted truly local cuisine (it’s part of the discovery!), the hotels were simple but well-located, and again, the trip was full of variety, contrasts, and even opportunities to connect with locals. I saw so much in such a short time—it’s hard to summarize: Machu Picchu (what can you even say about Machu Picchu?!?), Arequipa with its monastery and main square, the Andes, etc.
I really appreciated the service from the guides; both had very different personalities, but they shared several things in common—they were friendly, kind, dedicated, and attentive to everyone’s needs. They were extremely available, and in both of my trips, the Traditours guide was a major highlight. I loved not having to worry about all the details. I felt like we were truly taken care of from the start of the trip, and I just had to let myself be guided toward the beautiful discoveries.
I had done a lot of research before booking, and in terms of value for money, I never found anything cheaper. When you consider everything that’s included and the quality of what’s included, they’re really more affordable.
Seriously, I only have positive things to say about my experiences with Traditours, and the people who were with me on these two trips were also very happy with their experience. I’ve recommended them to friends and family, and everyone came back satisfied.
Good for you, Princesa! I’d also heard some things about Traditours from two colleagues, but my experience didn’t live up to expectations. Turkey is indeed magnificent, but not with Traditours. I guess the service matches the age group. Maybe I’m just too young for Traditours. In fact, there were only three of us in our forties, and we felt less well-served because of that. The guide’s attitude played a big part in that.
As far as I’m concerned, I’ll never repeat the experience with Traditours. I’m planning a trip to Peru with a local agency, and it’s much cheaper for the same sites to visit. It’s all-inclusive!
It’s too bad you had a bad experience with Traditours. Some friends of mine actually had a rough time traveling solo in Cambodia... They thought they’d save money by booking through a local agency, but ended up in a real mess! No one to welcome them on arrival, no way to contact anyone... Sure, booking directly can be cheaper, but the risks are much higher.
Hello,
I’m back on Voyage Forum after a few years away. I’m using this post (thanks Grumman) to get an update on the travel agency "Traditours", which is becoming more and more popular here in Quebec. We’re looking into taking a trip to Thailand with them in March 2025 and would love to hear about your recent experiences with this agency! I totally get those of you who prefer making your own arrangements—we did that for years—but after trying this guided formula on our last few trips, we love it... especially the "small group" option!
Thanks,
Mike22 😉
Hello everyone,
I wanted to share my feedback on my trip to Thailand with TRADITOURS. Sure, there’s always room for improvement, but our expectations differ from one traveler to another. I tried so-called "organized" trips a few years ago after planning my own travels. Yes, I’ve dealt with overbooked flights, confirmed hotel reservations that weren’t honored, and car rentals with GPS that didn’t have one—but all of that’s okay because it’s part of traveling, and we’re doubly happy when nothing goes wrong, right?
Last March, it was our 4th organized trip, all with different tour operators, and the first time with TRADITOURS. Everything went very smoothly. From the airport, our guide was there on time and in the right place, taking care of our well-being throughout the entire circuit in a way we hadn’t experienced with any other travel company. Arriving at the hotels, we just had to identify our luggage, get our key, and that was it (no waiting)—oh, and all the hotels were 5-star without it even being planned! The visits weren’t just temples and palaces but also swimming in waterfalls in national parks, hiking trails in breathtaking spots, visits to tribal villages of all kinds like the "long-neck women," rides in "tuk-tuks" and "cyclo-pousses," restaurants all of high quality, and so much more!
This trip ran like clockwork with a fantastic small group.
So, for the first time, I want to thank TRADITOURS, our guide Élaine, and Nouna, our national guide for the duration of the circuit. It was a trip beyond our expectations! 😎
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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).
hi everyone
I’m planning a world trip and I’m looking for great tips on accommodation in the United States.
Do you have any good deals to share, please?
thanks
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!