Pour les hébergements dans les parcs, il ne faut pas désespérer et regarder régulièrement car il y a souvent des désistements quelques semaines avant ou de dernière minutes.
Souvent des personnes lorsqu'elles s'y prennent longtemps à l'avance réservent plusieurs logement la même journée pour se donner de la marge pour les changements de dernière minute (c'est facile et souvent sans pénalité d'annuler une résa)
PS : Perso cette année pour Yosemite au mois d'Aout, j'ai réussi à avoir une résa à El Portal vers mi Juillet
* 04.2016 - San Francisco (semi marathon) / New York / Washington
* 05.2015 - Chicago + Sud Ouest US -
* 08.2013 - Voyage en famille - Principaux Parcs West US.
* 06.1994 - http://georgesroy.perso.worldonline.fr/usa/
* 12.1986 - 1er Voyage USA (CA / AZ / Nevada / Colorado / FL)
J'ai essayé de privilégier autant que possible des locations avec un contact humain, en évitant les chaines d'hôtels tout en restant à proximité des centres d'intérêts.
Cela va du B and B (Moab : 3 nuits, Escalante : 2nuits, appartement à PAGE : 3 nuits) au MGM, en passant par the View et les hôtels des parcs.
Avec les possibilités d'annulation, cela permet d'affiner et de modifier une ou deux résa qui ne me plaisent qu'à moitié, surtout celle de SAN FRANCISCO : The Grant Hotel.
A part les B and B, l'appartement, les hôtels des parcs et 1 ou 2 autres je suis passé principalement par Booking.com et une résa avec Hotel.com (moins cool).
Je vous remercie tous pour vos précieux conseils.
Je vais passer aux détails de la préparation en débutant par les moyens de communication : GPS et TEL.
1/ GPS : - utilisez-vous vos smartphones?
- sont-ils performants et quelles applications me conseillez-vous?
- j'ai pris la carte IGN "USA West" et je compte prendre les cartes papier sur place.
- en fait, je pense que le GPS me sera surtout utile en ville : LAS VEGAS, SAN FRANCISCO et LOS ANGELES.
- bien entendu, je vais préparer un road-book détaillé et journalier
- j'utilise beaucoup Google Map et j'ai déjà rentré 120 POI sur mon PC de Bureau.
2/ TELEPHONE : - utilisez-vous vos téléphones personnels?
Pour Las Vegas, le GPS n'est pas indispensable, avec un plan de la ville (on reste essentiellement dans le quartier du Strip), il n'y aucun souci.
A San Francisco, le plan de la ville nous a permis d'aller jusqu'à notre hôtel et, sur place, nous avons pris les transports en commun.
Oui, à Los Angeles, le GPS vous sera utile.
Pour tout le reste du circuit, le GPS n'est utile que si l'on va hors des sentiers battus, sinon une bonne carte routière de l'ouest (Michelin 585 REGIONAL USA) est suffisante.
Concernant le téléphone, nous avons pris notre téléphone quadribande. Mais, attention, il y a quand même des zones géographiques où on n'a pas de réseau, quel que soit le téléphone.
Vs avez admirablement travaillé, et tout ça en un temps records😉
Pour l'usage d'un smartphone en tant que GPS, voir ce post http://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=6270188#6270188
Quant au téléphone, il fonctionne en général ... mais pas ds les coins reculés (si vs vs enfoncez sur les pistes par exemple, d'où l'utilité de savoir changer un pneu crevé 😛, ou alors il faut attendre l'aide d'autres touristes 😇... pas évident sur certaines pistes isolées, comme celle qui mène à CBS/White Pocket ou à Little Finland🤪...)
Ouest USA 2009 https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=2800143#2800143
5ème trip USA, 09/2013 https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=6186946#6186946
Je reviens sur mon post initial afin d'éviter la multiplication des post.
Après les précieux conseils concernant notre séjour à Yellowstone, je poursuis ma quête d'infos.
Nous avons une très grosse étape de l'hôtel Grant Village situé à l'entrée sud du parc de Yellowstone à MOAB.
J'hésite entre 3 routes :
Par la N189 via Provo puis la 6 et la 191 ; 558 miles
Par la N 191 via Rock Springs, Vernal ; 589 miles
Par la N191 jusqu'à Vernal, puis la 40, la 64 et la 139 : 580 miles
Le but étant d'écourter au maximum notre temps de route, pas d'arrêt touristique.
...en passant par l'autoroute 15 et Salt LC, 615 miles, 10h, soit un temps identique aux autres options....à temps équivalent je préfère une route sympa.
Arriver à Moab par la 139 et la 128 cela te semble une option correcte?
Les autres options sans s'arrêter, j'ai du mal à y croire... Exemple, tu passes par Rock Springs - Flaming Gorge, et même pas tu vas jeter un oeil à Red Canyon?
Choix en effet délicat : j'ai donc planifié 4 itinéraires et je prendrais ma décision sur place en fonction des paramètres ; état de la troupe, météo....
Scénic drive jusqu'à Devil's garden.
Rando jusqu'à Landscape Arch en passant pat Pine Tree Arch et Tunnel Arch, Navajo et Partition Arch (faute de temps on ira pas jusqu'à Double O'Arch.
Sand Dune Arch, Délicate Arch jusqu'à Upper viewpoint, double Arch et finir par Windows et Turret Arch (coucher de soleil).
Pour la journée à Canyonlands ; on fera uniquement Island In the Sky.
Moab : route 279 (je ne sais pas si on aura le temps nécessaire de faire la rando Corona Arch, 2h30), Potash Road, Shafer Canyon Road, Visitor Center.
Rando à Mesa Arch, puis White Rim Overlook ou Grand View Overlook.
Green River Overlook, Uphealval Dome.(points de vue sans rando)
Parc Dead Horse Point : Rando 1h à 2h sur la boucle de la falaise.(coucher de soleil)
Pour Arches, à choisir pour le sunset entre Delicate et The Windows
Pour Canyonlands, je ferais l'inverse: lever de soleil Dead Horse Point puis Mesa Arch etc... Visite de Island In The Sky puis retour sur Moab par Shafer Trail et Potash Rd (demander au Visitor Center pour l'état de la piste) et Corona Arch si tu as le temps...
Murphy Point est pas mal, le point de vue différent de Green River Overlook. Mais jusqu'au point de vue tu n'as aucune vue.
Alors que si tu fais White Rim Overlook Trail, là tu as de superbes vues tout le long du sentier! Je te conseille plutôt de faire celui-ci! 😉
Je choisirais l'itinéraire 1 car les Alabama Hills c'est très sympa! 😉
Mais Ubehebe Crater aussi... 😕 Il faut choisir! Mais au vu du détour que cela te fait faire, je prends le 1.
Comptes-tu faire la visite du Scottys Castle ?
Si oui, alors les 2 possibilités sont attrayantes
Si non, alors, je choisirais Alabama Hills, bcp plus ludique (et plein de possibilités de petites balades et de sujets de photos) que Ubehebe
Bonne réflexion!
Ouest USA 2009 https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=2800143#2800143
5ème trip USA, 09/2013 https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=6186946#6186946
"de Bodie je désire rejoindre Mono Lake par la Cottonwood Canyon Road."
Ns avions emprunté cette piste en 2009... je n'ai pas du tout le souvenir que c'était une piste défoncée.. mais ns avions un SUV haut sur pattes et AWD (ce qui change sans doute la perception des difficultés)...
Et comme l'état des pistes peut très fort varié d'une année à l'autre (et même d 'un jour à l'autre à cause de violents orages), il faudrait trouver des infos + récentes que les miennes (as-tu regardé éventuellement sur le site internet de Bodie?)
Ouest USA 2009 https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=2800143#2800143
5ème trip USA, 09/2013 https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=6186946#6186946
De retour depuis 2 jours de notre superbe road-trip d'un mois.
Nous tenons à très chaleureusement remercier tous les intervenants du forum qui nous ont aidé dans la préparation du voyage.
Il est certain que sans votre collaboration, le séjour aurait été imparfait et que nous serions passés à côté de bon nombre de sites.
Nous avons réalisé la quasi intégralité du programme et parcouru 7200km.
Nous avons grandement apprécié le professionnalisme des ricains et la convivialité de leur accueil.
Nous n'avons eu aucun problème sur nos 16 hébergements qui ont tous été de bonne, voir d'excellente qualité.
Nous en avons pris plein les yeux que ce soit à Yellowstone, Flaming Gorge, ou..... Arche, CanyonLands, MV, dans le Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon, Lac Powel, Antelop Canyon, Grand Canyon, Death Valley, Bodie, Yosemite, SF, LA.....
Je n'ai même pas vu passer le temps sur l'étape Yellowstone/Moab et les 15h de route en très grande partie sur la superbe rte 191 pour finir par la remarquable rte 128.
J'ai également beaucoup apprécié la rte 95 et bien entendu toutes les pistes du programme.
Mention particulière pour notre KIA sport, je n'avais jamais conduit avec boîte auto, je suis conquis.
Il me reste à classer mes 1750 clichés et mes heures de vidéos.
Contente de vs avoir convaicu de prendre cette rte (dont peu de personne ne parle alors qu'elle est aussi très scénique), de vs avoir convaincu que ce serait un voyage génial avec vos grands ados (plutôt que d'aller sur une plage) ... et contente d'apprendre que vs revenez tous enchantés (mais ça, on n'en doutait pas une seule seconde😛😉... surtout au vu de votre excellente préparation)
A bientôt ... peut-être... pour un 2ème voyage😏
Ouest USA 2009 https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=2800143#2800143
5ème trip USA, 09/2013 https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=6186946#6186946
J'ajoute que nous avions convenu que chacun de nous établirait un classement de ses sites préférés. Après 10 jours le classement est devenu très compliqué compte tenu du nombre et de la beauté des sites.
Nous sommes cependant tous les 4 d'accord pour notre site préféré :
- Grand Prismatic dans le Yellowstone. (perso, je n'ai jamais rien contemplé d'aussi beau et encore le temps n'était pas superbe).
En 2 : Délicat Arch.(choix perso).
Ensuite le classement est trop serré, dans le désordre : Grand Canyon de Yellowstone (je l'ai trouvé plus beau que l'autre), Flaming Gorge, Sand Dune Arch, Dead Horse Point, Mesa Arch, Grand View Overlook (Canyonland's), Musselman Arch, MV, Little Egypt, Bryce Canyon, Spooky Gulch, Grand Canyon, Dante View (Death Valley), Grosvenor Arch, Half Dome, Mulie Point, Antelop Canyon, Rainbow bridge, Lac Powel.....
Que de magnifiques carnets de voyage aux photos plus hallucinantes les unes que les autres! Voilà c'est décidé, ce sera pour Juillet 2010: 3 semaines pour…
Je pars en octobre prochain je voudrais votre avis sur cette ébauche d'itinéraire. Je suis assez flexible et je n'ai pas encore acheté les billets d'avion ni…
Voilà, c’est fini... 2 semaines dans l’ouest américain en compagnie de mes compères Fabien et Fred qui auront été aussi belles que prévues... Pour immortaliser…
Le projet se met progressivement en place. Avec quelques amis (nous serons sans doute 8), nous aimerions parcourir l'Ouest des Etats-Unis en août 2010. J'y…
Samedi 15 septembre: Nous quittons rapidement ce camping qu’il nous faut vite oublier, direction Canyonlands, plus précisément Mesa Arch pour assister au lever…
Hello everyone,
We’ve planned a trip (retired couple) for late August to the first half of September in Western Canada.
Classic itinerary: arrival in Calgary, Banff, Jasper, Clearwater, Whistler, Vancouver Island, departure from Vancouver.
I know you can’t see into the future any better than I can, so I’m obviously not asking what the wildfire situation will be like in a month...
But if any of you could let me know if, CURRENTLY, there are major difficulties—not just for locals, of course, but for tourists as well?
We’re hesitating between taking the chance or canceling what we still can.
We’re not young anymore and don’t have the flexibility we once did...
A thousand thanks to those of you on the ground or with contacts there who can help us make this decision!
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
