Hi,
Just a little question, kinda "silly" but still important...
The cooler for a road trip...
Either buy a basic one when I arrive in SFO and leave it there... no idea about the price.
Or take a foldable one like the Decathlon one I saw for 39.90 for 26 L.
It seems like a good option since it weighs only 1 kg when folded... and supposedly keeps things cold for 11 hours without ice. So maybe more space and less "hassle" to get ice...
I’ll admit I’m not a pro at camping and don’t really know the differences between coolers...
We use a flexible cooler we bought in Canada and brought back without any trouble in our large travel bag. It actually takes up very little space because we fill it with laundry for the trip.
We bought ours in a supermarket—the model for transporting beer cans, which comes in different sizes (measured by the number of cans!). The key is that it fits in a bag so you don’t have an extra piece of luggage. Don’t expect too much from it (if it’s 40°C in the car..., for a family of eight it’ll be small...), but it works perfectly for us. Usually, we slip small frozen water bottles inside (when we have a fridge in the room).
You can also find cheap styrofoam coolers in American supermarkets (though not everywhere) that you can toss at the end of your trip.
In our case, for a 3-week trip, we buy a hard-sided cooler (around $25) at Walmart or a similar store when we arrive. It serves as our main cooler for the car or any accommodation without a fridge.
We use the free ice machines at motels or buy bags of ice to keep things cold. It easily fits drinks, sandwich ingredients, fruit, etc.
We also bring foldable thermal bags for long hikes when we can’t return to the car.
At the end of the trip, we leave it with the motel staff or in the rental car trunk—it always makes someone happy ;) Either way, it saves us way more than the $25 it cost during the trip.
We’re doing the same thing: a soft cooler bought at a supermarket in France, and inside we use (waterproof) Tupperware that we refill with ice at motels. It all fits perfectly in checked luggage.
Hi there,
Just a little question, kinda "silly" but still important...
The cooler for a road trip...
either buy a basic one when we arrive in SFO and leave it there... no idea about the price,
or take a flexible one like Decathlon that I saw for 39.90 for 26 L.
I think this one is pretty good because it’s only 1 kg when folded... and most importantly, it supposedly keeps things cold for 11 hours without ice... so maybe more space and less "hassle" to get ice...
I’ll admit I’m not a pro at camping and don’t really know the differences between coolers...
Thanks to those in the know for helping me out.
Hi Nataly,
For a soft cooler, I think that’s pretty expensive.
You can find really cheap large styrofoam coolers in supermarkets in the US.
On our last road trip, if I remember correctly, we bought ours in Monterey. We left it in Phoenix.
We use the free ice machines at motels or buy bags of ice for the cold part
On that note, you can commonly find dry ice (carbon dioxide or CO₂) in self-service at American supermarkets, often near the checkouts. Just don’t confuse it with regular ice (water or H₂O):
It’s much colder (-80°C instead of 0°C), so you need to handle it with gloves (usually provided next to the supermarket’s service bin). Don’t use a large amount, and never place it in direct contact—use bubble wrap—or you’ll freeze your food!
It warms up by sublimating (turning into gas without becoming liquid), so don’t seal it in an airtight container, or it’ll break. The gas needs to escape.
Carbon dioxide is a colorless, odorless gas that’s not toxic at all (you exhale some with every breath). However, don’t use a large amount in a closed vehicle, as it could eventually displace the oxygen you need to breathe. A few pieces in the trunk of a car are fine, though, and the gas disperses as soon as you open the trunk.
In short, it’s not very dangerous, but there are still a few precautions to take. There are special coolers for dry ice (fishermen use them). We just stick with regular ice.
Hi there,
We camp regularly in France, and last year we bought the famous large Decathlon cooler because there are six of us. We were impressed by how well it kept things cold (though we’ve never tried it without ice...).
I’m wondering about our trip, but I think we’ll buy one there (maybe with wheels for transport since ours is really heavy when full—I’m thinking of hotels in LV). Even folded, ours takes up quite a bit of space, and I’m worried that with six of us, space in the suitcases (3) will be tight, but you never know...
2020 6 mois à 6 ...
2019 Bali
2018 Octobre Islande- Juillet Namibie - Avril Londres
2017 Ouest USA
2016 Thailande
We’ve taken several trips to the United States and Canada and are heading back next summer. We camp, and each time, we buy a large polystyrene or "hard-sided" cooler on sale (it happens!) for between $10 and $20. We buy ice blocks (not cubes, which melt faster) at gas stations or supermarkets, and we keep drinks and food perfectly chilled despite the outdoor heat.
At the end of the trip, we leave it with the motel staff or in the rental car trunk... it always makes someone happy ;) Anyway, it saved us way more than its $25 during the stay.
I’ve asked the staff at the last hotel several times if they were interested, but their answers didn’t convince me. As for the car rental company, I don’t know if the staff is allowed to keep what they find inside. Unfortunately, since there are homeless people in every big city, it’s a way to help one out. On the way to the airport, I take a few minutes to stop, chat with someone, and leave them the cooler—sometimes with leftover food and cans. Whether they keep it or sell it for a few bucks is up to them if it helps a little.
Otherwise, at Walmart, you can find hard-sided coolers with wheels for around $25–$30, and they’re super practical.
"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"
Well, I learned something new—thanks for the info! 😉
Here’s a video for the pros of American-style camping. The extra-large cooler (designed for this) holds two 500g blocks of dry ice, which are then covered with regular ice as insulation, and food goes on top. The person handles the bag with bare hands because they’re used to it and work fast, but they really shouldn’t.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=oAOdMvEmis8
The main point of my original message is that (1) you probably won’t need it, and (2) you shouldn’t handle it with your bare hands, mistaking it for regular ice. 🙂
Hello,
We camp regularly in France. Last year, we bought the famous large Decathlon cooler because there are six of us. We were impressed by how well it kept things cold (though we never tried it without ice...).
I’m wondering about our trip, but I think we’ll buy one there (maybe with wheels for transport since ours is really heavy when full—I’m thinking of LV hotels). Even folded, it still takes up quite a bit of space... and with six of us, space in the suitcases (3) is tight, but you never know...
Hi Anne,
One summer, we took our foldable cooler on a road trip in the USA, but we didn’t put the ice in airtight containers, and the water leaked through the cooler, flooding our trunk.
After that, we used "dry ice" (called "dry ice"). You can buy it near the checkout in supermarkets. But it’s not reusable—you have to buy more the next day.
We also used ice packs, since they’re reusable the next day after putting them in the freezer section of hotel fridges.
All in all, we found the simplest solution was to buy a styrofoam cooler at a supermarket in the USA (they’re really cheap). You can get free ice every morning from hotel ice machines. We’d drop the ice into resealable plastic containers that held pre-made salads from the supermarket. We kept three of those containers and used them that way.
Outside of hotels, I’m not sure where else you can find ice machines. But you can always buy ice at supermarkets.
"We camp regularly in France, and last year we bought the famous large Decathlon cooler because there are six of us. We were impressed by how well it kept things cold (though we’ve never tried it without ice...)."
As I mentioned, I don’t know much about coolers, but based on the reviews, I thought that if it doesn’t need ice and keeps things cold for 11 hours, it’s a real space-saver—since ice obviously takes up room!
In this case, the 11 hours are ice-free, and from the reviews on the site, it seems pretty good. The site mentions it’s only 1 kg empty, so no problem in a suitcase.
That said, the other option is to buy a basic one locally for cheaper and leave it behind, but I wonder if it keeps things as cold... Maybe it’s not even necessary.
As I said, I don’t know much about coolers, but based on the reviews, I also thought that if you don’t need to add ice and it lasts 11 hours, it’s a real space-saver… because ice obviously takes up space!!
How many people will you be? If there aren’t many of you, you won’t need a huge space for your picnic.
Last summer, when it was around 104°F, we were really happy to have very cold drinks (grapefruit juice, in particular), and without ice, when you want a drink, your beverages will definitely be much less cold.
It's just the two of us,
but for example, from one park to another... should we buy at the supermarket instead of in the park?
Or have a picnic at lunchtime?
I’m thinking of leaving a maximum of 25 € on-site (if it’s a hard cooler) and having to add ice every day.
I figure 39 € is something I’ll keep (you never know, it might come in handy...).
Anyway, it’s not essential for the trip, but I’d love to discuss the topic!
There are just two of us,
but for example, from one park to another... should we buy at the supermarket instead of in the park?
Or have a picnic at lunchtime?
I’m thinking of leaving a maximum of 25 € on-site (if it’s a hard cooler) and having to add ice every day.
I figure the 39 € I’d keep (you never know, it might come in handy...)
Anyway, it’s not essential for the trip, but I wanted to discuss the topic...
There’s always a place where you can have a picnic. But in summer, we look for shady spots (sometimes there’s a roof over the picnic areas), or in very hot weather, we’ve even eaten in a section of a supermarket with tables to enjoy the air conditioning.
You can do your shopping before entering a park, for example, at a supermarket in Springdale before entering Zion NP. You can also buy your meal at "Zion Lodge" and eat on the terrace.
Plastic coolers, like the one Olivier showed, are the most expensive.
A simple styrofoam cooler is enough. And it’s very practical.
For a simple polystyrene cooler, you’re looking at between $2 and $4 at Walmart, and $8 to $10 at a gas station or Seven Eleven. They work great—we treat ourselves and get two! !
Hi there!
I chose not to weigh myself down at the start...
The person who told us they put clothes in it—what a great idea!
11 hours without ice is impressive—I’m a little skeptical without seeing it, though!
The 'basic' hard coolers from Walmart or similar stores have always worked well for me: different sizes, with or without a lid latch (you can use a belt from one of your suitcases!), and even wheeled ones if it might get very heavy.
Without spending money on ice packs but just using ice from motels, we kept things cool for 24 hours.
In Europe, we sometimes took a flexible cooler to avoid bulk, but unfortunately, we always had issues with leaks and 'floods'...
As I mentioned earlier, I'm not a camping pro...
"11 hours without ice is impressive: without seeing it, I have my doubts?"
That's actually what the Decathlon website says (with a 4.5-star rating from reviews), but I don’t work for them and I haven’t tested it myself...
But yeah, I was wondering the same thing...
So if you don’t use ice, you also get more space...
"11 hours without ice is impressive—without seeing it, I’m a bit skeptical?"
Obviously, it all depends on the conditions (like in Death Valley in summer under full sun...) and the temperature you want to achieve (keeping raw meat at 2–3°C or a water bottle at 15°C).
The cool thing about ice is that it melts: it takes almost as much energy to turn a 0°C ice cube into 0°C liquid water as it does to heat liquid water from 0°C to 80°C. That’s why it’s so effective!
I always get a hard-sided cooler with wheels on my first visit to Walmart, so I can roll it under the ice dispenser at motels... By tipping the lid, it helps funnel the ice in... I love coming back from a good hike to ice-cold drinks.
I’ve never had any leaks.
I use a flexible D4 cooler on my job sites almost year-round. The claim of 11 hours without ice in 90°F+ weather is nonsense... Even with two -10°F blocks in the morning (straight from the freezer), by 1 p.m. my sandwiches are barely cold—unless they’re touching the blocks. By 4 p.m., both blocks are completely melted.
And personally, $25 in the budget for a road trip out West isn’t a big deal to me... If I nitpicked like that, I’d never go anywhere...
it's not about the 25 euros... since the Decathlon I'm talking about is 39;
I just thought it might be better... more practical... and maybe no need for ice.
I'm leaving at the end of September... and the parks are more in October... so I don't think we'll hit 40°C.
Re...
I’ll add another ice cube...
Last year, we went at the same time: from September 25th to October 16th.
At White Pocket, it was more bearable than in the middle of summer—we still had 38°C (100°F)!
I’d say, in the end, do what seems best to you: if it’s not enough, you can always add... more ice cubes!
Starting with ice at -18°C instead of 0°C barely makes a difference in cooling capacity (about 10% at best). Try putting the same weight of ice in a glass with cubes straight from the freezer or left outside... It doesn’t change much.
I totally agree that $35 isn’t much compared to the cost of a big trip. And I have huge respect for Chinese plastics manufacturing, for that matter. But I just can’t bring myself to buy that kind of thing just to toss it after a month!
I've already taken the Coleman for $28.79 or the Coleman for $39.00 several times. Good gear.
I usually leave it at the last motel—it always makes the housekeeper happy...
The guys at the car rental agencies don’t care at all. I’ve offered it twice, and they told me they weren’t interested...
Taking ice out of the freezer at -18°C instead of 0°C barely adds anything to its cooling capacity (about 10% difference). Put the same weight of ice in a glass with cubes straight from the freezer or left outside... It doesn’t make much of a difference.
Totally agree... I was just saying it came from the freezer. But ice is ice, after all... it won’t melt (much) slower just because it came from -20°C...
I totally agree that $35 isn’t much compared to the cost of a big trip. And I have the utmost respect for Chinese plastics engineering. But I really struggle to buy that kind of item just to toss it after a month!
I leave it at the hotel—I don’t throw it away.
Le vol est trop important dans un voyage pour ne regarder que le prix.
Here’s what Walmart sells, but not everything is available in-store.
www.walmart.com/..._546956_4128_4547850
Styrofoam coolers can do the trick, but they don’t hold much if you need to add ice.
I always buy a hard-sided cooler. Around $20, they don’t keep things very cold if it’s hot out, but around $35, they’re much better.
I buy them twice a year and leave them there.
Hi Louis,
We had a large rectangular Styrofoam cooler. It was enough for the three of us—there was still plenty of room for meals and drinks, even with the plastic containers holding the ice.
Here’s a photo of the cooler we had last summer. If I remember correctly, we bought it at a big-box store in Monterey.
Good evening,
I just bought the famous Quechua cooler from Decathlon—the soft, self-inflating one that keeps things cold without ice packs for up to 11 hours... Sure, it’s expensive, 55 €. I got the 36L version.
(Me, I only paid 45 € lol, because on Decathlon’s website, it had been out of stock for weeks. Then one day, I got the restock alert! Without hesitation, I rushed to the site, saw "1 in stock," quickly ordered it, and was happy...
Except the next day, I got an email basically saying someone was faster than me, blah blah, and to make up for it, they gave me a 10 € discount.)
Two weeks ago, I got the alert again, ordered it fast, and used my discount.
I received it last week and will test it soon.
It’s pricey, but we live in the south, and in summer, I eat at the beach 4 days and/or evenings, so it’ll more than pay for itself. Not to mention vacations where we’ll take it along.
It seems sturdy, and when folded, it doesn’t take up much space—even in a suitcase.
At least I’m telling myself that even in 45°C heat, we won’t have to worry. We’ll have cold water during our future road trip in the West, between stops. I think it’ll do the job if I add ice packs or ice cubes in ziplock bags and don’t open it 10 times in an hour.
On the way back, it's always a headache trying to fit everything we bought there (souvenirs, gifts, clothes, etc.) into the suitcases without risking excess baggage. 😕😕
So we got into the habit of traveling with just the bare minimum—I can’t imagine bringing my cooler along and then bringing it back! 🤪
A hard-sided cooler for about $20 at Walmart, which we leave with the staff handling the rental car return, does the trick perfectly. 😉
Hi there!
Of course, I understand—it really depends on how many of you are traveling.
I’m lucky to be going with 3 others, so we’ll have 4 checked bags ON THE WAY BACK.
On the way there, they’ll be almost empty, so I figure we’ll have plenty of room to fill them up over the month! 😄😄
Hi there, I’m leaving in a month—do you think I’ll need a cooler? (Just to clarify, I’m not going to Death Valley.)
If I check the weather today, for example, Flagstaff has snow, and the Grand Canyon is at -3°C tonight and +2°C during the day... 😐 And uh, Bryce Canyon is at -12°C today, and they’re forecasting -17°C tomorrow! 😕
No joke!
www.lachainemeteo.com/...al-park-137683-0.php
Shouldn’t I bring thermoses of hot coffee instead? (Not sure it’ll change much in a month.)
Well, at least I don’t regret not choosing a convertible... Now I just need to pack a suitcase full of mittens, hats, scarves, moon boots, a down jacket, ski goggles, and Himalayan cream.
It's called winter, and these are normal temperatures. Bryce goes up to nearly 3,000m. At that altitude, it's cold in France too, and you can't drive there.
The change of season can happen as early as April... or much later. You *must* bring very warm clothes and gloves. I hiked in below-freezing temps in late April/early May, and it was amazing. Watch out for possible ice flows (melting during the day, refreezing at night). I didn’t have them back then, but now I’d bring my Kahtoola micro-spikes to cross a few meters of ice without worry. It’s a season prone to rockfalls. The trails are well-marked and monitored, but still be cautious.
Have a great trip (I’m jealous!).
Our son visited the places you mentioned in December with his family: hiking in Bryce was quite an adventure—snowball fights at the bottom of the amphitheater, a snowstorm on the way there... Everyone was dressed for winter sports!
BUT the photos of the hoodoos under the snow are stunning, and the kids (9 and 13 years old) were careful but had a blast!
PS: They had a cooler (!!! ) to keep drinks cold and picnics fresh.
Thanks anyway—I’ll keep an eye on the weather until the day before departure to know what to expect and what to pack. I’m really afraid I’ll have to bring both winter and summer clothes. Though, a down jacket in a suitcase... there’s no room for anything else.
Unless I buy a cheap one (well...) locally and then donate it to someone in need on the way back. (Same idea as the cooler, but way pricier, though.)
Except that at vending machines in hotels, it's cubed ice that's available. It's also worth noting that a can buried in ice cubes stays much colder than one sitting on a block.
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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!
