Except that at hotel vending machines, it's cubed ice that's available. It's also worth noting that a can buried in ice cubes stays much colder than one placed on a block.
I plan to put ice cubes in ziploc bags because the baguettes will never freeze in the small fridges we have in the hotel room 😉
Well, I’ve already tasted a beer that was frozen then thawed—just warning you, it’s disgusting, so freezing beers is a bad idea. 🤪
Beer for a midday picnic isn’t the best plan, especially before hiking. Save it for the evening if you want a good beer. So, beer doesn’t go in the cooler—just grab one at a restaurant when you have dinner.
Except that at hotel vending machines, it's cubed ice that's available. It's also worth noting that a can buried in ice cubes is much colder than one placed on a block.
I plan to put ice cubes in ziploc bags because the ice packs will never freeze in the small fridges we have in the hotel room 😉
Good evening Chrystelle,
We tried it out, and the ice packs ("freez packs") work fine if you put them in the "freezer" section of the motel's small refrigerators the night before. You can use them for the next day's picnic.
During our 2013 summer road trip, we bought three small ones at a supermarket in the USA and used them by distributing them in our soft cooler.
Hi,
Just so you know, a quirk of the USA is that all hotels have ice machines, and it’s free! Drinks on the rocks and a plastic box for daily groceries.
For me, there’s no issue with this point on a road trip.
Happy travels to everyone in this amazing country.
JJ
Hello,
Just so you know, a quirk of the USA is that all hotels have ice machines and it's free! Drinks on the rocks and a plastic box for the day's food.
For me, there’s no issue with this aspect of the road trip.
Happy travels to everyone in this wonderful country.
JJ
Hi Jean-Jacques,
Yes, I know. We used the ice packs only to keep our picnic and drinks cool when we had a soft cooler (during our 2013 summer trip). A few days earlier, we’d used ice cubes, but they weren’t placed in sufficiently airtight containers. When they melted, the water seeped through the bottom of our soft cooler, causing a flood in the trunk. With the ice packs, we didn’t have that problem.
Last summer, we bought a polystyrene cooler, which I posted a photo of in one of the messages in this thread, and every morning we took ice from the machines in the hotels. Even if, by the end of the day, we sometimes had water in our polystyrene cooler, it didn’t leak through the bottom. That’s the advantage of polystyrene over the foldable soft cooler we’d brought from home for our 2013 trip.
Hello!
To wrap up the debate between the two methods, I’d say it’s important to distinguish between two scenarios: those who, like us now or most people, use a cooler as a supplement—it lets you keep drinks cold all the time and store your picnic, bought in the morning or (at worst) chilled the night before in the hotel fridge, if possible—OR campers for whom a large cooler (depending on the group size...) is essential and can’t rely on a hotel.
We lived the latter scenario for several years, and keeping things cold was... precarious!
With the ice packs you buy at the supermarket, you’ve got part of the solution, but after experiencing this almost every day of our vacations for several years (a long time ago), I’d advise against soft plastic coolers. One or two boxes on top of the ice, sure, but groceries for four? Uh... hello floods and waterlogged salad!
That’s my evening tip! Have a great evening, everyone.
hi there,
so since I was the one who actually mentioned this cooler...
after reading the description, I thought a flexible cooler that keeps food fresh for 11 hours WITHOUT ice
is the best...
especially for my situation: where I’m looking for cold drinks and a midday picnic...or to bring to the room in the evening...
Hi there!
I’m not an expert on this type of cooler...
If you decide to go for it, I’d recommend getting or buying one there—it’s cheap ($7 or $8). Plus, as a backup, a small cooler, even if it leaks (!), to put drinks with hotel ice or a single ice pack in.
That way, the kids (and you too) can open this one when they’re thirsty without touching the other. Otherwise, if you open and close it often during the day, the cooler without ice won’t last as long as promised...
Has anyone thought of bringing a 12V electric cooler powered by the car’s cigarette lighter?
We’re doing a 30-day road trip in a rental car in the US, and I think managing a cooler and ice is a hassle...
Ron
Hey Ron,
Since the electric cooler is rigid, I assume you won’t be bringing it from France. You’ll probably buy one in the US. But I think it’ll cost more than a styrofoam cooler of the same size:
Managing ice isn’t complicated, and it’s free at motel vending machines.
Hi there,
The best way to get ice is still to use the motel’s.
However, we spent 3 nights in a B&B, and in the shared kitchen, there was a large fridge with an ice dispenser—unlimited ice!
On another day when there wasn’t any, we bought a very large pack at the supermarket in Cannonville: $2 plus tax.
After that, I saw some pretty cheap electric coolers.
We'll see :)
Hi Ron,
Get a cooler that's big enough to fit the picnic + drinks, depending on how many people are going on the road trip.
If you've already used an electric cooler in France and were happy with it, why not?
Compare prices with the simple polystyrene ones, checking the capacity of each.
At a homestay, there should be a fridge with a freezer compartment. You can use ice packs that you put in the freezer at night and take out the next morning. During our 2013 trip, we used several small "freez paks" we bought at a supermarket in the USA, which we distributed in the cooler.
hi there! 🙂
During our trips, we often change accommodations, and I use a flexible cooler I bought at the big Swedish store (IKEA). Between two stops, every evening I empty and fill two large water bottles three-quarters full, which I put in the freezer (most accommodations have one). I top them up with water before leaving, and they serve as drinking water as they melt. Plus, a third one (a more compact fruit juice carton) that we use only as an ice pack.
marcalamar 🙂
Hi there,
for my part, I went with the 26-liter one (the medium size)—it comes in 16, 26, and 36 liters.
40 € for the 26 L one.
Since we don’t put ice in it, that leaves a lot of space.
I actually use it, for example, when I go grocery shopping for fresh or frozen items at the supermarket since I live in the south ;)
The difference between what and what?
The advantage of the Decathlon one is 11 hours without ice packs... and I don’t throw it away at the end of the road trip since it folds up and weighs less than 1 kg in my suitcase...
You can't compare a Rolls-Royce to a 2CV, of course!!! But this is what we use when we travel: it costs 4.90 €, it's flexible, measures 52x20x40 cm, weighs around 300g, and we have cool water during the trip. Personally, it works for us!! Safe travels with your prep!
Marcalamar 🙂
Has anyone thought of bringing a 12V electric cooler powered by the car’s cigarette lighter?
We’re doing a 30-day road trip with a rental car in the US, and I think managing a cooler and ice is a hassle...
Ron
Hi Ron,
I’m all for this idea. This was back in 2018 for 7 weeks...
I spotted a flexible model at F... V... with a 6 x 1.5 L capacity for 40 €.
It’ll just be for keeping our salads, fruit, and the most fragile items cool. Drinks with ice will go in a soft cooler.
Let me know if the product worked for you or not.
Thanks
Hello,
for my part, I went with the 26-liter one (the medium size)—they have 16, 26, and 36 liters.
40 euros for the 26 L.
Since we don’t put ice in it, that leaves a lot of space.
I actually use it, for example, when I go grocery shopping for fresh or frozen items at the supermarket since I live in the south ;)
40 euros isn’t cheap.
In France, we use a soft cooler (the supermarket where we usually shop gave us several as a gift). When we need it in the summer to keep our picnic cool, we put ice packs inside.
Well, yes and no...
Let’s just say the advantage here is keeping things cool for 11 hours WITHOUT ice...
and not having to throw anything away before heading back.
After all, everyone has their own priorities...
Personally, I’d rather pay more and not waste anything than spend 20/25 € and leave stuff behind.
Well, yes and no...
Let’s just say the advantage here is keeping things cool for 11 hours WITHOUT ice...
and not having to throw it away before heading back.
After all, everyone’s got their own priorities...
Personally, I’d rather pay more and not waste it than pay 20/25 € and leave it behind.
If yours can keep food cool for 11 hours, it’s a worthwhile investment. In the western U.S. (Utah, Arizona, Nevada, and Death Valley in California), summer temps soar above 40°C. When you park, the AC shuts off, and the cooler stays in the car—let us know if your food and drinks stay cool by the end of the day!
If they do, this cooler could come in handy for another trip in a hot region.
As for styrofoam coolers, they don’t always get tossed. During our July 2007 trip, after sleeping in a "Tent Cabin" in Grand Teton NP, some Americans came up to us and offered theirs because they no longer needed it. Perfect timing—it was the start of our trip, and after Grand Teton and Yellowstone NP, our route headed south where it gets even hotter (Moab > Monument Valley...).
Last summer, we left our styrofoam cooler in the last hotel room, figuring the housekeeper might take it.
Others pass theirs on to people or organizations who can use them.
It warms up as it sublimates (turning into gas without becoming liquid): it must not be sealed in an airtight container or it will break, the gas needs to escape
Carbon dioxide is a colorless and odorless gas that is absolutely not toxic (you exhale some with every breath), however, you shouldn’t put a large amount in a closed vehicle because it would eventually displace the oxygen you need to breathe (but a few pieces in a car trunk pose no problem, and as soon as you open the trunk, the gas disperses).
In short, it’s not very dangerous, but there are still some precautions to take. There are coolers specifically designed for dry ice (fishermen use these). We just stick with regular ice.
CO2 is fine for outdoor storage. If you use it indoors (vehicle, house, etc.), it becomes extremely dangerous!!! No one has an atmospheric analyzer at home. There’s no way to know if the O2 level is dropping (other than an increased heart rate and dizziness...) and anoxia is a real risk. Colorless and odorless—that’s the problem. And the trunk certainly isn’t opened every 5 minutes!!!
As far as I’m concerned, this isn’t a tip—it’s downright dangerous! Should be strictly avoided in enclosed spaces.
Outdoor air currently contains about 0.04% CO2.
Beyond a certain concentration in the air, this gas becomes dangerous or even deadly due to the risk of asphyxiation or respiratory acidosis, even though CO2 is not chemically toxic. The exposure limit is 3% over fifteen minutes47. This value must never be exceeded. Beyond that, health effects become more severe as CO2 levels rise. For example, at 2% CO2 in the air, respiratory amplitude increases. At 4%, breathing rate accelerates. At 10%, visual disturbances, tremors, and sweating may appear. At 15%, sudden loss of consciousness occurs. At 25%, respiratory arrest leads to death.
Inhaling concentrated carbon dioxide causes a blockage of ventilation, sometimes described as a violent choking sensation, shortness of breath, respiratory distress, or chest tightness, which can quickly lead to death if exposure is prolonged.
Hi,
We hesitated for a while and checked out the different reviews on the foldable soft Decathlon cooler.
In the end, we decided to give it a try, and we're not disappointed at all.
This cooler is super effective.
We're currently in Florida—sure, the temperatures might be lower than in the West, but we still have over 35°C (Celsius, just to clarify ;)) every day.
We put two small frozen bottles inside, and it keeps everything really well—not just drinks.
Hope this helps some of you for your future trips! :)
Currently in LA.
We went for the Styrofoam cooler from Walmart for under $10.
It does the job really well.
We got 3 ice packs. We're super happy with it.
Hello.
Every year I buy this kind of cooler: photo, which I consider consumable, just like the car rental, motel room, gas, etc. The cooler costs me $1 per day, and I leave it at the hotel reception on the last day.
Many people are willing to pay $100 or $150 for a hotel room... (I sleep just as well in a $70 room).
Have a nice day. Simonic.
"Last summer, we left our polystyrene cooler in the last hotel room, thinking the housekeeper might take it.\nOther people give theirs to people or organizations who need them."\n\nHi Christine,\n\nCan you believe it... 93 posts for such an "existential" topic? It’s ridiculous—feels like we’re in a middle-school playground.\n\nWe’ll soon see this question: "I’m lost—how many pairs of underwear should I bring for a 27-day summer trip to the western U.S.???"\n\nHonestly, I just buy whatever cooler I find, and (since I travel in an RV...) I GIVE it away at the end of the trip along with any leftover supplies (and I ask the person who’s supposed to need it if it works for them, of course).\n\nSee you,\n\nPS: The latest trend on VF is live chat... like it’s interesting for everyone!!! Just use Facebook or DMs (too hard to click, right?). I’m not forced to read it, thankfully.
hi there
to wrap up this topic that seems to bother you, I bought the flexible Decathlon cooler that I use all summer for groceries and that I’ll bring to the US
I think there's no need to overthink it—we're here to share experiences, and what works for some might not work for others ;)
Personally, since we always face the headache of excess kilos on the way back, we’ve gotten into the habit of traveling as light as possible so we can bring back as much as we want 😎. So for us, there’s no way we’d bring a cooler that we’d have to take back 😛
Do the American West in the dead of winter—no tourists, hotels are way cheaper, and... you won’t need a cooler!!!! 😛😎😉
I totally agree, and I haven’t even been there in winter—just spring (April)—and I still didn’t really need a cooler. Whenever we wanted something cold (or hot) to drink or a fresh (or warm) sandwich, we’d just stop at a gas station, which are basically mini-supermarkets.
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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!
