Voilà voilà voilà...

(Attention ce carnet comprend des trucs un peu « perso », des anecdotes, du ressenti, etc… libre aux lecteurs de ne regarder que les photos… lol mais vous pouvez déjà descendre de quelques lignes dans ce cas. J’écris comme je parle, c’est bien connu, et je parle beaucoup… )

Mise en place des personnages et organisation (il vous faudra attendre un peu pour les photos)…

Le 1er juillet, 17h50 heure locale Belge, je reçois un mail qui commence de la même manière que les précédents, reçus depuis presque 4 ans...

" Do not reply to this message.

This email address is used strictly for emailing lottery information.

Lottery run date: July 1, 2016 " ...

Mais la phrase suivante était plus intéressante que d’habitude…

“Congratulations, Yves Deneyer!

You were selected in our lottery application process for a Coyote Buttes North permit.”

Ce qui s’est passé à cette minute-là a été assez psychédélique… une succession de bonds de joie, de cris, de “Yessss !” qui ont animé toute la maison…

Depuis le temps que j’attendais ça…

J’avais introduit la demande pour deux personnes, et j’ai obtenu les deux places, pour le 6 octobre.

J’ai fait cette demande pour tous les mois de mai, juin, septembre et octobre depuis 2012. Juillet et août sont réservés aux vacances en famille et j’ai toujours assez bien de travail…

Donc, il me fallait commencer à organiser le trip. Je n’allais pas partir « que » pour The Wave, et ma wish list est bien remplie depuis toutes ces années et ces voyages là-bas.

C’est ma 8ème visite dans l’ouest, et c’est une drogue. En fait, tant que je n’aurai pas vu tout ce qu’il y a à voir (et cela ne fait qu’augmenter année après année, merci VF !), je ne m’arrêterai pas…

Je suis indépendant, donc partir plus de 9-10 jours est inconcevable. En 2013 j’étais parti seul, mais les enfants sont maintenant plus grands. Grande question : si Valérie ma compagne m’accompagne, mes parents s’occuperont ils des enfants ? Un coup de fil et c’est réglé. Bon, ça sera la première fois qu’on part sans eux. Première fois qu’ils dorment ailleurs plus d’une nuit…

Il est prévu que Valérie s’installe comme indépendante le 3 octobre, ça attendra bien une dizaine de jours.

Quelques clics, et les vols sont réservés, et les hotels ne tardent pas, en suivant une liste de spots à voir et un itinéraire bien précis, qui permet quand-même des modifications suivant la météo.

Voici en gros ce qui est prévu :

3 octobre : vols Bruxelles-Chicago / Chicago-Las Vegas, prise véhicule Alamo – Mesquite

4 octobre : Snow Canyon St Park, The Vortex, Yant Flat – St George

5 octobre : Yant Flat Sunrise, route vers Kanab, BLM, Yellow Rock, Candyland – Kanab

6 octobre : Coyote Bute North – Kanab

7 octobre : matin repos/courses, Coyote Bute South, White Pocket – nuit WP

8 octobre : White Pocket, retour Kanab, Toadstool Hoodoos, Kanab

9 octobre : White domes, Huricane

10 octobre : red cliffs, Valley Of Fire, Las Vegas

11 octobre : Red Rock Canyon, quelques trucs de bagnoles, Las Vegas

12 octobre : remise véhicule, vols retour vers Bruxelles

13 octobre : arrivée Bruxelles

Ce n’est pas énorme, mais assez concentré.

Il est clair qu’en partant avec Valérie, je suis pertinemment conscient que ce n’est pas la même chose que seul. Même si elle « suit » très bien, suivre un passionné de photo est chiant à mourir… Elle connait ça depuis des années, que ça soit pour les vacances ou pour les sorties mycologiques, basées principalement sur la photo. On avisera.

Ici, je ne pars quasiment QUE pour la photo, disons que c’est mon but premier.

Ensuite je contacte quelques outfitters pour la nuit à White Pocket. D'ailleurs, je me suis empressé de réserver 2 permis pour le 7 à CBS dès l'ouverture du calendrier d'octobre sur le site du BLM... Il faut aller vite, ça part comme des petits pains...

Je contacte d’abord les Dodson, qui ne me répondront jamais (deux mails envoyés). ?!?

Les tours organisés font en général Coyote Bute South et White Pocket à la journée, mais je veux dormir là pour pouvoir faire des photos au sunset ET au sunrise.

Il n’y a que Dreamland Safari Tour et Grand Circle Tours qui me répondent. Pour DST, c’est très rapide. Le gars propose de de me téléphoner pour voir exactement ce que je veux faire. Professionnel. Je choisirai donc DST. Le prix est important, puisque c’est un Custom Tour et que nous ne sommes que deux. De deux à six le prix est quasiment pareil, puisque l’installation du campement, les trajets etc, sont identiques. A part quelques steaks en plus, rien ne change de 2 à 6 personnes. Je suis indépendant, je travaille souvent en régie, donc je comprends tout à fait le tarif demandé. Ca se fera du 7 à midi au 8 à midi.

Tout est booké en une grosse semaine, avec les réservations d’hôtels/motels via Hotels.com, avec des possibilités d’annulation. Voiture comme d’habitude chez Alamo, via le lien de Lost in USA pour avoir une remise.

Grosse préparation des trails, points GPS, souvent aidé par des gentils membres de VF qui se reconnaitront et que je remercie une fois de plus.

Les vacances de juillet sont réservées depuis quelques mois. Deux semaines dans les Alpes, Vallouise et Aussois. Oui, quand on ne va pas aux US, on est à la montagne. On marche, et on marche, et on marche…

Mais voilà, première rando du premier jour de la première semaine, grosse douleur au pied droit pour Valérie… Elle a mordu sur sa chique pour une rando glaciaire quelques jours après, mais le diagnostic est posé : tendinite… 🙁

Bon ben, les USA c’est pour octobre, d’ici là ça devrait aller, non ?

Ben non… kiné, acuponcture, et finalement ce sertont les ondes de choc qui amélioreront « un peu » la situation. Mais tant pis, on fera avec. On se dit que si jamais elle ne sait pas marcher du tout, j’ai une assurance voyage annuelle, on annulera son vol et je partirai seul.

Une semaine avant le départ, ça commence à aller mieux. Alleye, on tente le coup à deux. Je commande vite fait des Talkie Walkie 8 kms de portée (en ligne droite, lol).

On sait déjà que les White Domes je les ferai seul, elle patientera en bas, siestera, écrira son carnet, etc… Pour le reste ce ne sont pas des longs trails.

On y va…

3 octobre.

Les vols se déroulent sans encombre. On mange un bout à Chicago ORD chez Chili’s bar, et en mordant un Onion Ring, la croute se casse et la rondelle d’oignon me brûle le menton… une trace rouge pendant quelques jours… on s’en fout, ce n’est pas moi qu’on va photographier…

Arrivée Las Vegas, il ne fait pas trop chaud, on file chez Alamo en priant pour trouver un véhicule correct… Premiers soucis de carte de crédit. Oui, seulement 3 jours avant de partir, je me suis rappelé qu'il faut activer les Visa pour une utilisation aux USA. Ce n'était pas le cas lors de mes derniers voyages, donc je n'y avait pas pensé, et je l'ai fait sur le tard. Le problème c'est qu'il faut quelques jours pour que ça soit actif. Donc obligé de régler la "deposit" en liquide. Evidemment jusqu'au mardi ça posera des problèmes aussi dans les hôtels, mais rien d'insurmontable. J’arrive sur le parking et paf, un grand Cherokee sur le parking. Je sais que c’est top, donc je saute dessus (c’est ce que j’ai ici comme véhicule), les pneus sont bons, il y a une roue de secours. Nickel. Direction Mesquite. J’aime bien le Holiday in Express, ça rapproche de l’Utah, il est à 2 pas de l’autoroute mais en hauteur, et surtout à 2 pas d’un Supercenter Wallmart. Donc on commence par les courses habituelles (glacière à roulettes, boissons, trail mix, et quelques petits trucs) et dodo… Val n’a pas trop mal au pied, super.

4 octobre.

La nuit je pense à un truc : et si la Jeep n’était qu’un 4x2 ? Aux USA elle existe en 4x2… Et ouiiiiiiii, c’est un 4x2. Bon ben, à part la piste pour White Domes, je connais les autres pistes et je sais que ça passera. Je préfère un 4x2 bien haut, avec de bons pneus qu’un AWD merdique comme les autres qui étaient sur le parking… On fera avec. La météo s'annonce bonne. Fraiche, mais ensoleillée jusque fin de semaine, après c'est à voir...

On s’apprête pour démarrer vers Snow Canyon. Biiiiip, un témoin s'allume, ça sonne : pneu arrière gauche perte de pression ! Pfffff. Ça commence. Peut-être bêtement un manque de pression. Je m’arrête à St George, et je regonfle. On verra.

On arrive à Snow Canyon : la gentille préposée nous dit que le parc est fermé aux voitures, en cause une course cycliste (hill climb). Je ne porte pas le vélo de route dans mon cœur, encore moins maintenant. Je vois sur le GPS que Jenny’s Canyon n’est pas loin, donc on se gare avant l’entrée du parc, on marche, et là, la même dame m’arrête, ah mais le parc est fermé aux promeneurs aussi… Grrr vous ne pouviez pas me le dire tout de suite… lol… Bon, ça ne sert à rien de râler, allons au Vortex directement. Entre temps, la pression a chuté dans le pneu. Je m’arrête sur le parking du point de vue sur Snow Canyon, et je cherche la cause… un clou, côté intérieur à 1 cm du bord. On a eu la voiture comme ça vindedjousss. La poisse, je suis persuadé qu’ils ne voudront pas réparer c’est trop près du bord. Premier garage : 1h30 d’attente, trop long. 2ème garage : on ne peut pas réparer. 3ème garage : on ne peut pas réparer… là je m’excite un peu, j’ai bossé 12 ans dans l’automobile, et j’ai posé des mèches sur ce genre de fuite. « Ah mais non Mr, aux USA on ne peut pas poser de mèche, uniquement des patch par l’intérieur et le clou est trop près du bord. Mais il y a un Autozone plus bas (10 blocs) vous pouvez aller chercher le kit et le poser vous-même ici »… Bon ben, le pire c’est que j’ai un kit comme ça à la maison… j’achète vite fait les mèches, et je remonte au garage. Je pose la mèche moi-même, non sans bien rigoler avec le petit mexicain qui bosse là. Première fois qu’il rencontre un Belge, il est tout content.

Ca y est , on peut enfin partir dans la nature, le calme !!!

On arrive sur le parking du Vortex, et là 3 gros véhicules, et une dizaine de locaux… qui font un vacarme ahurissant, pour le calme on repassera… On démarre en même temps qu’un groupe de femmes d’une soixantaine d’année, on discute, puis je décide d’accélérer pour arriver les premiers au « trou »…un peu marre d’entre caqueter… Chouette endroit, calme, ça met bien dans l’ambiance des brainrocks et red rocks… On photographie les dadames, elles font pareil pour nous. On rigole bien…

Retour voiture, et direction Yant Flat. J’ai une trace GPX à suivre pour découvrir l’endroit, mais c’est ultra vaste… Val commence à ressentir une douleur dans le pied, donc décide de rester sur le bord du site. Zut on a oublié les Talkie dans la voiture, ce n’est pas une habitude. Je cours, je saute. Bon, je ne trouve pas le site extraordinaire, mais c’est surtout qu’il y a un vent à décorner les bœufs ! On va vers la suite du plateau, et le vent est encore plus fort. Val, qui me suit toujours à quelques mètres, me dépasse et se met à crier « AAaaaah, un serpent !! » . Je la rassure « Mais non, c’est un lézard… » « Si si c’est un serpent !» Je tape du pied, et effectivement, un petit serpent, mais rapide comme l’éclair ! Du coup, je pars faire quelques photos et elle n’osera même pas s’asseoir, restant debout avec une grosse pierre dans chaque main… Lol elle m’aura bien fait rire.

Mon intention était de rester jusqu’au sunset, mais franchement le vent est vraiment fort, et Val n’a pas envie de retourner à la voiture dans la pénombre à cause du serpent… Alleye, direction l’hôtel… 45 minutes de piste, je pense que demain matin je ne reviendrai pas, le site ne m’a pas vraiment emballé. mon avis il faut descendre plus bas directement, je le vois sur la trace GPX, mais on en avait pas trop envie ni l’un ni l’autre. Stop au Taco Bell qu’on apprécie assez pour avoir rentré les adresses des différents Taco Bell dans le GPS…

Quelques photos de la journée…



Les pipelettes au départ de The Vortex

Bonjour,

Je reviens d'un voyage de 3 semaines aux Etats-Unis. Nous avons fait une boucle autour de Las Vegas. J'ai loué un SUV que je pensais 4x4, chez Budget. Sur la réservation c'était un Ford Explorer (ou similaire) et j'ai reçu un Lincoln MK T; une marque que je ne connais pas du tout.

Le comfort de la voiture était très bien, mais c'est un AWD et la garde au sol était bien trop faible pour faire des pistes. Je voulais faire la Hole In The Rock Road jusqu'à Peekaboo/Spooky... mais au visitor center on m'a déconseillé d'aller jusqu'au bout de la piste, et il aurait fallu marcher encore quelques miles supplémentaire. Du coup, avec la chaleur, et ma femme qui n'était pas très partante, je ne l'ai pas fait.

Bref, pour un prochain voyage, je cherche un loueur qui offre des vrais 4x4, avec garde au sol haute, et si possible une option "skip the counter"... car Budget m'a bien saoulé! Précisons que nous sommes une famille de 4 personnes, voyageant avec 4 valises 😉

Quelqu'un a déjà eu des bons retours de loueurs à Las Vegas?

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?

Best,

Day 1 – February 14

We all have two lives. And the second one kicks off the day you realize you only have one, with the determination to spend the time you have left on what truly adds sparkle to your life, Kevin! I like to elegantly introduce a trip with a philosophical quote. First, it gives you the illusion that I’m some kind of deep thinker, and second, it lets me fill up the first few lines of my blank page when I don’t know how to tell you I’m diving back into what really lights up my life: another adventure beyond the horizon! And nearly every other year, like a toxic relationship, my horizon tends to take shape in Uncle Sam’s backyard. And this, despite his cousin Donald calling the shots. Speaking of which, it was partly that impulsive guy who pushed us to be just as impulsive and snag our four flight tickets at a ridiculously low price—a direct result of foreign tourism taking a hit from BetaMax’s repeated antics... Four tickets? Who are the other lucky ones? In this case, our lucky ones are actually lucky ladies: My Flo, always up for exploring the world with me on foot, camelback, or scooter, is obviously in on the fun. The other two seats went to our daughters, Sasha and Luna, both thrilled to be part of this new American adventure...

But what’s the American West like in February?... A gamble. Let’s call it Russian roulette since we’re not landing during peak weather season. That’s why we encouraged our transportation and accommodation to get cozy and produce a little camper van, so we can stay ultra-flexible in the face of any weather tantrums. We’ll be roaming in Kara the van with the motto "Follow the sun!" Bad weather? We bolt. Snow? We speed up. Sunny? We act like it was the plan all along and soak it up.

"Okay, but why keep coming back to the same corner of the globe? After ten American adventures, you must be tired of seeing the same things, right?" But I’m not crazy, you know!... The American West is like making love to your gorgeous wife over and over, always enjoying it just as much. And contrary to what you might think, the American West isn’t just the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Las Vegas, and Bryce Canyon. Proof is, after ten trips to the U.S., my retinas are still untouched by three-quarters of the places I scribbled on a napkin for this adventure... Oh, and add to that my wife, who I’ve easily converted to my religion, and boom... relapse is even easier! Because yes, we’ve landed in Los Angeles after a sunny flight over Greenland, still under Danish flag for now. And we’re already heading east through the XXL traffic of L.A.’s eight-lane highways, eager to dive into our first discoveries. But first, night is taking over the sky, and second, we’ve been officially awake for 24 hours, so I suggest wrapping up this intro. I’ll tell you more tomorrow morning. Sound good?

Hi there, My arrival is planned for 08/23 in Las Vegas, with departure on 09/21 from Las Vegas. During this time, I’ll be road-tripping through the American West to explore the wide-open spaces and different cultures. If anyone’s interested in joining for part or all of the trip, feel free to reach out and chat.

Have a great day, and looking forward to exchanging ideas!

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).

Return to France: Dallas-Montpellier via CDG.

Cheers!

Hi everyone! 🙂

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 🙂

I filled out the B2 form to apply for a visa, created an account on Atvis to pay the visa fees and schedule a meet-up, but every time I try to pay with my Boursobank Visa 1st card, they refuse the payment with a message telling me to check my details (address), even though everything is correct. Does anyone know why this is happening, or maybe they don’t accept Visa cards? Are you aware of this? Thanks for your feedback! Elisabeth

There’s a region in the United States that stands apart—deeply American yet surprisingly familiar.

My wife is asking for San Francisco and stuff we haven’t seen yet... so I’ve decided to skip the big parks and head for some unlikely spots.

Hi there,

We’re heading to Las Vegas this summer and would love to rent a classic convertible Cadillac or something similar. Any recommendations? Thanks.

Hi there,

I’m considering moving to Miami to live and work for a few years.

If anyone knows what the administrative formalities are—both for getting a work permit and for the steps and reputable organizations to contact (since I imagine there are scammers in this space) when buying a studio in Miami or Miami Beach—I’d love any info you can share!

Have a great day

There’s a region in the United States that stands apart—deeply American yet surprisingly familiar. A destination where landscapes seem to pulse with the rhythm of water, where music naturally weaves into daily life, and where every day feels like you’re living something new: Welcome to Louisiana! Located in the southern U.S., bordering the Gulf of Mexico and carved by the legendary Mississippi River, Louisiana is a land of contrasts and cultural blends. Shaped by its history with France, Spain, and Creole and Cajun traditions, it now offers a unique travel experience—far from the clichés you might expect. While New Orleans, jazz, and Mardi Gras are part of its identity, Louisiana today reveals itself in a different light: as a destination deeply rooted in nature, exploration, and freedom.

And that’s exactly what makes it such an appealing trip idea, especially for those seeking a different kind of road trip—one that’s accessible and packed with experiences.



The journey quickly takes on a new dimension. As soon as you leave the urban centers, the scenery shifts. The roads grow quieter, the vegetation denser, and water appears everywhere—in every form. It’s in the bayous where the experience truly comes alive. Paddling gently by kayak on Lake Martin, gliding between centuries-old cypress trees near Breaux Bridge, observing wildlife in an almost surreal silence... Here, nature isn’t just something you look at—it’s something you *live*. You slow down, observe, and soak it all in. And this immersion isn’t complicated or reserved for experts. That’s the beauty of Louisiana: it offers accessible outdoor adventures without constraints, yet deeply immersive ones. A little farther north of New Orleans, the Tammany Trace offers another way to explore the region. By bike, on this repurposed rail trail, you ride through forests and small towns at a relaxed pace—perfect for enjoying the scenery without effort.



In Kisatchie National Forest, hiking trails reveal a lesser-known side of Louisiana—almost unexpected. Gentle hills, deep forests, and a peaceful atmosphere create a striking contrast to the state’s usual image. And always, that sense of ease. Nothing feels complicated; everything flows naturally.

But what truly makes Louisiana unique is its ability to seamlessly blend nature and culture—never pitting one against the other. After a morning in the swamps, you might find yourself in Lafayette, seated in front of a Cajun music group. After a day on the road, you could end the evening in a jazz club in New Orleans. Here, the transitions feel smooth, natural, almost effortless. Culture isn’t just something you visit—it’s an atmosphere. French influences, still very present in certain names, traditions, and expressions, give the trip a warm, familiar feel. Encounters are easy, conversations authentic, and every stop seems to tell a different story. Music, of course, is everywhere. Jazz, blues, zydeco—so many styles that accompany your journey and give it a unique rhythm. You don’t just *visit* Louisiana; you *feel* it.

Exploring Louisiana by road trip also means enjoying an especially fluid itinerary. Distances are always manageable, the roads easy, and the stops flow without excessive fatigue. You move from one environment to another effortlessly: from the river to the swamps, from the city to nature, from lively cultural moments to more contemplative ones. This fluidity changes everything. It lets you take your time, stop, and truly *live* each place without feeling like you’re rushing from one point to the next. And that’s often where the best memories are made.



Unlike some more demanding destinations, Louisiana can be explored in summer—if you adjust your pace. But it’s really from September onward that the destination shines. Temperatures become milder, the light softer, and the overall vibe more serene. October, in particular, offers the perfect balance of climate, crowds, and experience quality. It’s an ideal time to fully enjoy outdoor activities without constraints, in especially pleasant conditions. Good news: there’s still time! Whether for summer 2026 or the late season, opportunities are still open. The best, most fluid, and balanced itineraries are built in advance. Because not all Louisiana trips are the same. It’s easy to replicate a classic route focused on a few major stops. But a more modern approach means rethinking the experience as a whole: fully integrating the outdoors, balancing cultural highlights with nature moments, and setting a pace that truly suits the traveler. That’s the vision that turns a simple itinerary into a real experience. A more immersive, natural, and cohesive Louisiana. One that isn’t just *visited* but *lived* to the fullest.



You’ve probably gathered by now—we’re huge fans of Louisiana! It naturally stands out as a unique destination in the American landscape. Accessible yet exotic, rich without being complicated, cultural without feeling rigid, natural without being extreme. A destination that appeals to a wide audience precisely because it doesn’t cater to just one type of traveler. And perhaps that’s its greatest strength in our eyes: offering everyone the chance to find their own rhythm, their own discoveries, their own emotions. So whether it’s for this summer or to fully enjoy the gentle autumn season, Louisiana is waiting to welcome you and leave you amazed. Like a living, balanced, and deeply inspiring destination. And maybe... your next trip.

Want more information about Louisiana? Contact *Partir aux États-Unis* for advice and exclusive rates for Voyage Forum members: click here.

Hi there, We need to apply for a B2 visa because we visited Iran in 2018. It currently costs $185, but they’re planning an additional $250 fee per person for the same visa—it’s been approved but not yet implemented. Does anyone know when this fee will take effect? Thanks in advance! Elisabeth

After staying in Aruba in November 2023, we picked up our camper van, which we had left in a hotel parking lot in Miami, Florida.

This isn’t our first road trip across the United States. Since we’re retired, we took the opportunity to travel along the American West Coast, starting with the Everglades in Florida to visit a few parks where we could spot alligators.

We also made a few stops in Mississippi and Texas to explore the most important cities in those states.

Did you know that Austin is home to the world’s largest urban bat colony? It’s truly impressive to see thousands of them take flight at dusk.

I invite you to keep reading this travel journal and watch the videos that’ll give you a little more insight into these different destinations.

Videos are embedded throughout the summary. Just click on the image to start the video.

To jump to a specific post, here are the relevant links:

FLORIDA:

Big Cypress National Preserve - Ochopee Captain Mitch's Everglades Airboat Tours Marco Island

MISSISSIPPI:

Exploring Biloxi

TEXAS:

Downtown Houston Corpus Christi San Antonio Attractions McNutt Sculpture Garden - San Antonio Mission San José - San Antonio Austin Attractions The World’s Largest Urban Bat Colony - Austin Downtown Fort Worth Attractions Downtown Dallas

Hi there! Has anyone taken the direct flight from CDG to Las Vegas with Air France? Looking forward to your feedback!

Hi there,

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!

Laura

Hello, we’re a French couple, aged 69 and 74, and we’d like to visit several national parks in the American West, including the Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce Canyon, Monument Valley, Valley of Fire, Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Yosemite National Park, and Yellowstone National Park, during a flexible period of 15 to 20 days between April and June 2027. One of us will purchase the America the Beautiful pass for $250, and we’ll of course share the gas expenses. I’ll answer two questions you’re probably asking about us: Why aren’t we renting a vehicle ourselves? Because we’ve hardly ever driven. And why not opt for a guided tour? Most organized trips only visit a few parks at a rushed pace with round-trip flights from France. Instead, we’d like to use this trip to explore iconic U.S. cities and sites for an additional month and a half. If you’d like to visit some of these parks (not necessarily all) and for a shorter duration with us, feel free to let me know. As I mentioned, our dates are very flexible. Thanks in advance. Elisabeth babeth.marcel@yahoo.fr

Hello everyone,

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?

Thanks in advance for your feedback😉

Hello, We’re a French couple, aged 69 and 74, and we’d love to visit several national parks in the American West, including—of course—the Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce Canyon, Monument Valley, Valley of Fire, Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Yosemite National Park, and Yellowstone National Park. We’re planning a flexible trip of 15 to 20 days between April and June 2027.

One of us will buy the America the Beautiful pass for $250, and we’ll obviously split the cost of gas.

I’ll answer the two questions you’re probably wondering about: Why aren’t we renting a vehicle ourselves? Because we’ve barely driven in our lives. And why aren’t we taking an organized tour? Because most group tours only hit a few parks and rush through with round-trip flights from France. We’d like to extend this trip to visit iconic American cities and places for an extra month and a half.

If you’re interested in visiting some of the parks—even if not all of them—with us, please let us know. As I mentioned, our dates are very flexible.

Thanks in advance! Elisabeth babeth.marcel@yahoo.

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 🙂

Hello,

We’re a French couple, aged 69 and 74, and we’d like to visit several parks in the American West, including of course the Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce Canyon, Monument Valley, Valley of Fire, Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Yosemite National Park, and Yellowstone National Park. We’re planning a flexible trip of 15 to 20 days between April and June 2027.

One of us will buy the America the Beautiful pass for $250, and of course, we’ll share the gas costs. I’ll answer two questions you’re probably wondering about right away: Why aren’t we renting a vehicle ourselves? Because we’ve barely driven in our lives. And why aren’t we doing an organized tour? Because most organized tours only cover a few parks and rush through them with a round-trip flight from France. We’d like to take this opportunity to visit iconic U.S. cities for an extra month and a half as well.

If you’re interested in joining us for a few parks—not necessarily all of them—let me know. As I mentioned, our dates are flexible.

Thanks in advance, Elisabeth babeth.marcel@yahoo.fr

Hello,

We’re a French couple, aged 69 and 74, and we’d like to visit several parks in the American West, including of course the Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce Canyon, Monument Valley, Valley of Fire, Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Yosemite National Park, and Yellowstone National Park. We’re flexible with the duration—15 to 20 days—between April and June 2027.

One of us will buy the America the Beautiful pass for $250, and of course, we’ll share the gas costs. I’ll answer two questions you’re probably wondering about in advance: Why aren’t we renting a vehicle ourselves? Because we’ve barely driven in our lives. And why aren’t we doing an organized tour? Because most organized tours only cover a few parks and rush through them with a round-trip flight from France. We’d also like to spend a month and a half visiting iconic U.S. cities during this trip.

If you’re interested in joining us for a few parks (not necessarily all of them), let me know. As I mentioned, our dates are flexible.

Thanks in advance, Elisabeth babeth.marcel@yahoo.fr

Hello,

Exploring the American West with others is more fun, and since I’ve already had a great experience traveling with companions, I’m doing it again.

The initial plan is to arrive in San Francisco, then head to Yosemite >> Death Valley >> Las Vegas >> Zion >> Bryce Canyon >> Moab >> Mesa Verde >> Monument Valley >> Page >> Grand Canyon and finish in Los Angeles (of course, this can be done in reverse depending on international flights).

Renting a car, keeping it cool and in good spirits. For accommodations, we’re open to youth hostels, motels, hotels, etc. (no preference).

A 3-week (or 4-week) road trip, doable between June 23 and September 22.

But everything can change based on everyone’s ideas and desires—as long as flights aren’t booked yet...

Have a great day, and looking forward to chatting about this destination!

Hi there,

For my first trip abroad, I’d like to visit the American West (Los Angeles, iconic parks, Las Vegas, etc.) through Voyageur du Monde, a specialist in "custom" travel. The idea is to plan the trip together with the agency. I’ve scheduled it for summer 2027 because I won’t be available before then, and I want to take the time to organize this road trip. I’d like to go for 3 weeks—I know that requires a significant budget. I don’t have anyone to go with, and I’d prefer to have at least one person to make the experience more enjoyable. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you’d like! Looking forward to it! Bryan

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.

Thanks so much. The trip would be in fall 2026

Hi everyone,

Quick question—I’m heading to New York soon and I’d love to know if you guys have any recommendations for websites where I can buy concert tickets?

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?

Thanks in advance for your tips! 🙂