Je vous avais déjà demandé quelques conseils à propos du road-trip que je compte faire aux USA au printemps prochain ; je reviens vers vous pour poser quelques questions supplémentaires aux grands bourlingueurs que vous êtes :
D'abord, j'ai fait mes comptes et trois mois cela me semble beaucoup finalement, donc je vais réduire à deux mois et enlever quelques destinations, comme Hawaii, Seattle, Philadelphie, San Diego.
Mes questions : Est-ce que ça vaut le coup de faire étape à la Nouvelle-Orléans, est-elle partiellement reconstruite après la tornade ? Je pense ne pas loger à Los Angeles même, j'hésite entre l'auberge de jeunesse de Santa Monica et celle de Santa Barbara, en sachant que je compte faire quelques aller-retours entre cette AJ et LA, pour visiter deux ou trois jours quand même, Quelqu'un a-t-il déjà assisté à la remise des diplômes de Stanford ? Est-il possible d'y aller même sans bristol d'invitation, sans avoir de relations qui reçoivent leur diplôme ce jour-là ? Bref, cet évènement est-il accessible au voyageur de passage ou pas ? Je passerai une semaine en Floride et je dormirai à l'auberge de jeunesse de Miami ; est-il possible, depuis cette "base", de faire des incursions journalières dans la péninsule : Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach, Key West ? J'ai lu que le smog était très présent en Californie en mai et juin ; vous confirmez ? Je pense louer un vélo quelques demi-journées, ou journées, dans les villes où je passerai, notamment Miami, San Francisco et Vancouver ; avez-vous un ordre de prix, me conseillez-vous des loueurs en particulier ou ils sont tous bonnet blanc et blanc bonnet ?
Merci d'avance de vos réponses, et promis, je ne vous soûlerai plus avec mes romans !
Non, je ne confirme pas pour le smog pendant ces mois là...ce sont mes mois préférés et jamais je n'y ai vu de brouillard a San Francisco... Par contre Juillet /Aout/Septembre...🤪
Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow mindedness, all foes to real understanding. Likewise, tolerance, or broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in our little corner of the earth all one's lifetime. -- Mark Twain
SI....😛Je ne trouve pas que loger a Santa Barbara soit une bonne option pour visiter LA, c'est beaucoup trop loin..
Santa Monica, pas de problème..🙂
Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow mindedness, all foes to real understanding. Likewise, tolerance, or broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in our little corner of the earth all one's lifetime. -- Mark Twain
Depuis Miami, tu peux faire sans problèmes Fort Lauderdale (env. 30-45mn.) et Palm Beach (env. 1h.30).
Par contre jusqu' à Key West tu as env. 4h.30 de route; je pense donc qu' il serait dommage de consacrer si peu de temps sur place en faisant
l' aller-retour dans la même journée, même si ça reste possible bien sûr.
Je te conseille d' y passer au moins 1 nuit, car Key West est vraiment une petite ville très sympa.
En ce qui concerne la location de vélos, je sais qu' il y a un magasin (je ne me souviens plus de son nom) sur Lincoln Rd, qui est une rue pietonne, à Miami Beach.
Sauf erreur, je crois que le prix était de 20$ pour la journée.
Merci pour ta réponse ! Je pense que Fort Lauderdale, Miami Beach, Key West sont suffisamment proches de Miami pour pouvoir m'y baser pendant 5 jours-1 semaine, d'autant que grâce à mon forfait Greyhound illimité, je pourrai faire les navettes sans problème a priori.
Concernant Key West, je pensais partir tôt dans la nuit (genre 5-6h du mat) et repartir tard en soirée pour avoir une journée entière à la visiter.
Dommage pour la location de vélos, 20$ la journée ça me semble un peu abuser étant donné qu'un vélo doit coûter maximum 100-150$ à l'achat au loueur, ils amortissent vite ! J'avais pensé à prendre mon vélo pendant le road-trip, mais je me suis informé auprès de Greyhound et non seulement il faut payer des taxes supplémentaires mais il faut démonter partiellement la bicyclette et la mettre dans un carton spécial. Pas envie de recommencer cette manoeuvre une douzaine de fois :)
Sinon, une question que je me pose : le New York Pass donne-t-il accès gratuitement (et de manière illimitée : par exemple Empire State dans la journée et au coucher de soleil) aux attractions proposées dans la liste, ou donne-t-il seulement une réduction ? il y a deux types de passes d'après ce que j'ai compris, et ce serait le new york city pass qui donne les réductions, vous confirmez ?
- Je pense louer un vélo quelques demi-journées, ou journées, dans les villes où je passerai, notamment Miami, San Francisco et Vancouver ; avez-vous un ordre de prix, me conseillez-vous des loueurs en particulier ou ils sont tous bonnet blanc et blanc bonnet ?
Louis
Louer un vélo à San Francisco !!??!! 😮😮😮
C'est une pure folie !!!! 😮 La ville n'est faite que de cotes - c'est même pour ça qu'elle est célèbre.
A la rigueur pour la promenade de bord de baie (Fisherman's Wharf) ou le long de la plage à l'ouest de la ville, pourquoi pas... Mais ailleurs, je ne vois pas l'intérêt (et même je déconseille fortement, à moins d'être Lance Armstrong). A la rigueur également, pour une balade dans le gigantesque Golden Gate Park, impossible autrement à quadriller à pied.
Je sais qu'ils proposent des formules "bike the bridge" : tu loues un vélo à Fisherman's Wharf et tu pars traverser le Golden Gate avec ta petite bicyclette. 7$/heure (insuffisant pour faire l'aller-retour de Fisheramn's jusqu'au pont tranquillement ; il faut au strict mimum deux heures, et sans trainer) ou 28$/jour.
Renseignements ici : http://www.blazingsaddles.com/
je voulais juste donner quelques infos sur ce voyage. me voila a present en plein dedans, j'ai presque fini ma deuxieme semaine sur dix. j'ai pris le discoverypass de greyhound comme prevu, qui marche sans encombre ; il suffit de se pointer a la station et ils t'emettent le billet de ton choix.
en partant de montreal donc, j'ai commence par sept jours merveilleux a new york qui m'ont meme donne le temps de sympathiser avec quelques 'pure laine'! franchement cette ville possede une atmosphere speciale, et je n'ai pas particulierement remarque le 'speed speed' dont on nous rebat les oreilles! un petit tour bien sympa a Brighton Beach et Coney Island (meme si c'etait la low-season) avec le detour oblige chez Nathan.
apres washington : c'est bien simple, j'ai deteste cette ville. j'y suis reste un jour seulement le temps de photographier les monuments.
arrive a savannah, une petite surprise m'attendait : un voleur m'a detrousse dans le bus de nuit! bye bye l'APN, ma console de jeu tueuse-de-temps et du cash... bon, savannah est quand meme une jolie petite ville remplie de verdure et de maisons de poupee! mais ne merite pas plus d'une journee.
descente ensuite a Miami (Beach), ou l'atmosphere balneaire est bien visible... malgre l'ambiance un peu attrape-touristes je me suis trouve une super cantine cubaine a prix casses pour plats maxi! mais l'HI est vraiment crasseuse (Miami Beach nternational Travellers Hostel), normal a $25/nuit...
je voulais faire du canoe dans les Everglades, mais une fois arrive a l'HI (GE-NIALE soit dit en passant), j'apprends que la saison est terminee... tant pis, petite viree en VTT pour faire mumuse avec les alligators!
Je suis actuellement a Key West, petite ile que je trouve geniale, avec une bonne ambiance si on s'eloigne du Waterfront (comme toutes les iles et stations balneaires finalement, Savannah par exemple).
au niveau de tous les jours, je commence souvent par un breakfast quelque part : on en a toujours pour son argent et ca cale pour une bonne partie de la journee (en plus c'est le repas le plus important de la journee, donc vaut mieux qu'il soit de qualite!), pour le reste je me fais ma bouffe moi-meme. dans les villes, inutile de depenser une fortune en 'attractions' : pour l'instant, je n'ai fait qu'un seul truc payant : l'Empire State, pour $15, qui valait vraiment le coup. Le reste, si on a pas les yeux dans sa poche, il y a vraiment de quoi s'en mettre plein les mirettes! et faites chauffer votre APN surtout...
Juste pour dire (et prouver?) qu'un trip de plusieurs mois 'a l'arrache', pour moins de $40/jour (hors transports), reste tres largement faisable. je prevois apres Key West de retourner une semaine a Miami (parfaire mon bronzage), Orlando, New Orleans, Los Angeles (ou plutot Santa Monica), Las Vegas, San Francisco (pour la Pride Parade), Vancouver, Ottawa pour le Canada Day, et enfin New York pour l'Independance Day.
si vous voulez des details sur la bouffe, sur les hotels, sur les conditions de voyage greyhound, bref tout ce en quoi je pourrais vous renseigner, n'hesitez pas! de toute maniere je prevois de realiser un site Web une fois mon trip fini, de qualite (pas simplement un blog de voyage, mais un vrai site bien organise par rubriques et traduit en anglais j'espere), comme beaucoup des membres de ce forum.
take care, et rappelez-vous ma boite de MPs et de mail est ouverte a tous!
Sinon qu'a tu destesté à Washington ? POur ma part, j'ai adoré cette ville qui fesait vraiment un break apres un New-YorK bruyant, cette petite ville calme et belle m'a donc réjoui ...
Bref pour la floride je te conseille aussi d'aller à Sarasota, j'ai adoré cette petite ville charmante aisni que ses iles-plages tel que lido beach, siesta key, vraiment un coin superbe !
Et a Key West, il y a une belle plage rempli de palmier que j'ai trouvé fort agréable sur la coté gauche de l'ile ...
premier point : la ville en elle-meme : la moitie de la ville est en construction, on doit changer de trottoir toutes les minutes pour eviter les travaux. 😄 Les avenues sont trop grandes (sisi, c'est possible!), on a l'impression d'etre dans un monde totalement different : 5 metres de large pour les trottoirs...!!!! y en a qui aiment, pas moi 🤪, ca me donne l'impression d'etre dans une ville qui a eu 'trop d'ambition' : trop de 'grandeur' au detriment de l'humanite, au contraire de NY ou la grandeur est pour moi justement mise au service de cette humanite. Ensuite, j'ai l'habitude de me lever aux aurores, donc de voir l'Amerique du matin qui n'est souvent guere reluisante et la ce que j'ai observe m'a choque encore plus : homeless pullullant dans les rues, dans les parcs, dans les halls. de plus, ils sont TOUS blacks, tous sans exception. 😮 Aucun blanc. cela fait tache (sans mauvais jeu de mots) dans une Amerique soi-disant 'mosaique de peuples', qui donnerait sa chance a tout immigrant ; et c'est encore plus fort quand on se rend compte que cela se passe a Washington, la capitale du pays, son symbole normalement. 🤪
Second point : la zone 'touristique'. Autour de la Maison Blanche, deux-trois pauvres batiments qui n'ont pour eux que leur enormite. aucun caractere, aucun detail accrocheur. la preuve, je me souviens meme pas de leur nom, malgre les avoir photographies par acquit de conscience tout de meme... puis, le Mall. je ne suis pas tres musees 😊 donc je me suis contente de deambuler le long de la pelouse (seche et mal entretenue), en mitraillant les quelques jolis batiments. le Capitole, c'est sympa, c'est un des symboles les plus forts des US (joliment egratigne dans Mars Attacks 😉). Par contre j'ai un peu plus apprecie le Lincoln Memorial, sur les marches duquel j'ai fait une petite sieste en contemplant le bassin (eau saumatre) et en songeant a Forrest Gump 😛, ou quelques scenes s'y deroulent. le Washington Monument, moche obelisque sans caractere. 😐 tout cela torche en 3 heures a peine. 😄
Detail important que j'ai omis : les armees de touristes debarques de tous les coins du monde, et particulierement de l'Inde, qui s'amusent a se faire photographier devant chaque batiment, toutes les minutes, s'agglutinant par troupeaux derriere des guides debitant leur lecon, se garant par cars entiers devant les monuments bouchant totalement la vue et les acces. bon, apres faut dire que c'etait un samedi aussi... mais ca m'a totalement gache le plaisir. 🏴☠️
qu'en pensez-vous? avez-vous eu ce ressenti de Washington ou j'ai loupe des trucs en ne visitant pas quelques musees?
sinon, SDanneaux, je vois de quelle plage de Key W tu veux parler, j'y ai justement fait une petite sieste hier apreme 😏 detail chagrinant : toutes les plages sont payantes... 😕
La question bateau déjà posée des miliers de fois sur VF, et à laquelle d'ailleurs j'ai parfois répondu: quelles assurances devons nous raisonnablement…
Hola! Je fais des recherches depuis plusieurs jours et je n'arrive a rien de concluant! Si vous connaissez un autre sujet qui a couvert la question mettez le…
Je voulais en savoir un peu plus sur le code de la route aux états unis, puisque je m'y rend cet été et compte louer une voiture. Est ce que des points sur mon…
Un début de carnet différent. La préparation chronologique d'un séjour de trois mois aux USA, Canada (pas sûr pour l'instant).Ma moitié ayant découvert les US…
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?
