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Looking for an incredible adventure? Consider going on an 1-month West Coast road trip. You’ll love the stunning scenery, breathtaking views, magical landscapes, bustling wildlife, and — of course — incredible memories! And to help you out, I’ve put together this ultimate 1-month USA West Coast road trip itinerary that’ll blow your mind!

Psst. This post contains affiliate links. Read our disclosure .

There’s nothing better than the big open road, a car with a full tank of gas, good company, and the opportunity for endless adventures.

That’s exactly what Dan and I experienced when we embarked on our incredible 1-month USA road trip across the West Coast earlier this year. In just 30 days, we visited 14 different states, nearly hit 8,000 miles in our little van, and made incredible memories. It’s something I’ll never forget.

Within these 14 days, we experienced a good number of things — both good and bad…

✓ Camped out in numerous Wal-Mart parking lots, only to be woken up by late-night truckers and visitors.

✓ Ate one of the best vegan donuts  ever , as well as my first vegan sausage McMuffin.

✓ Viewed the Mexico/US border from our car while driving to New Mexico from Dallas.

✓ Hiked in the Superstition Mountains near Phoenix .

✓ Drove through the darkness to find a good FREE camping spot and star gazed in the middle of nowhere near Sedona, AZ .

✓ Explored the nooks and crannies of Zion National Park.

✓ Experienced strange things on the Las Vegas strip (completely sober BTW).

✓ Got locked out of our van in Yosemite National Park (yep — we were  those people!).

✓ Unlocked the van with a piece of string, a stick, and sheer willpower.

✓ Walked with the giants (Giant Sequoia’s that is) in Sequoia National Park.

✓ Camped on a desolate beach on the California Coast (only to be  almost caught by the DNR when we woke up!).

✓ Saw endless ocean views along the stunning Oregon Coast .

✓ Drove through blizzard-like weather in Montana .

✓ Made a few Buffalo friends while in Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota.

✓ Safely made it back home to good ol’ Minnesota .

No doubt, it was an incredible adventure! In the end, this unbelievable west coast trip just made me realize  how much the United States really has to offer in terms of amazing natural beauty and fantastic places to explore.

So, with that in mind, are you ready to explore the United States with this awesome 1-month West Coast drive that’ll completely blow your mind? I thought so.

Side Note: This itinerary can also be used as just a general outline and inspiration! Bend it to your will and use it for West Coast road trip ideas; tailor it to find the perfect adventure for you!

Psst, ever thought about renting an RV for your US road trip adventure? Click HERE to read my post on 5 reasons why you need to rent one. (Hint: these reasons are pretty awesome!)

Table of Contents

THE ULTIMATE 1-MONTH USA WEST COAST ROAD TRIP ITINERARY

Since Dan and I nearly drove straight from Minnesota to Dallas, TX in the span of a day and a half, I definitely don’t expect you to start there.

So, because Arizona is damn near my favorite state ever, this mind-blowing west coast USA road trip starts in Phoenix and takes you through incredible national parks, breathtaking landscapes, and along spectacular coastal roads.

You’ll end in Seattle, Washington, where you can easily hop on another flight to get back to where you need to be!

QUICK SUMMARY: 

• Day 1-3 : Phoenix, Arizona
• Day 4-5 : Sedona, Arizona
• Day 6-7 : Grand Canyon National Park
• Day 8-10 : Las Vegas, Nevada
• Day 11-13 : Death Valley National Park
• Day 14-16 : Sedona National Park
• Day 17-20 : Yosemite National Park
• Day 21-22 : Sacramento, California
• Day 23-27 : California/Oregon Coast
• Day 28-29 : Portland, Oregon
• Day 30-31 : Seattle, Washington

Additionally, keep in mind that this is just a general itinerary! You can pick and choose how you’d like to go about it. Like one destination more than you thought? Stay a bit longer! Not feeling the vibe of another destination? Peace out!

**One great thing about using Booking.com (which the accommodations are linked to) is that you can usually cancel last minute without being charged — which means you can be more flexible with your road trip!

Psst, before you pack up and head out, don’t forget to take a peek at my handy dandy list of 55+ essentials to pack for a long-term road trip !

Day 1: Phoenix, Arizona

Depending on how you arrive in Phoenix, whether it be by car or plane, the first day on your epic road trip adventure will no doubt be filled with fatigue and jet lag. Although, if you have the energy, it’s a great place to get out and explore.

If not, take that nap! You deserve it. We all deserve the naps.

If you’re looking for a great restaurant to eat in the day, depending on what time you arrive, check out my list on 10 fantastic vegan restaurants in Phoenix !

Day 2-3: Phoenix, Arizona

Once you’ve rested and you’re reading to go, head out into the bustling city, as well as the city surroundings. Phoenix is a fantastic base for those who love to hike and those who love to shop. Whatever you’re choice, there’s options for everyone!

I recommend researching some awesome hikes in the nearby mountains; Superstition Mountains, Camelback Mountain, and the Phoenix Mountains. You can find some really great hiking trail suggestions here !

Additionally, if you’re not into hiking, the city of Phoenix offers a plethora of things to do.

Things to do in Phoenix:

• Head into Scottsdale Old Town and explore the Wild West-looking buildings.
• Check out the incredible Desert Botanical Garden and view adorable succulents, beautiful flowers, towering cacti, and gorgeous greenery!
• Ready to view beautiful Phoenix from above? Go on a Sunrise Phoenix Hot Air Balloon Ride !
• Depending on how hot it is, have a picnic in one of the many city parks.
• Visit the Heard Museum, which is devoted to Native American civilizations.
• Check out the Phoenix Mountains Preserve.
• Admire the Pueblo Grande Ruin.
• Spend time outside at the Tempe Beach Park.
• Explore the the Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix, Ro Ho En.
• Ultimately, get outside because the weather is usually spot-on and there are  so many things to do in parks, greenery, and mountains of Phoenix, AZ!

P.S. Check out these day tours and excursions from Phoenix  if you aren’t into planning activities yourself!

Where to stay in Phoenix:

As in many cities, there are various neighborhoods which are better than others! A few of my favorite suburbs of Phoenix are Scottsdale, Chandler, and Mesa.

• The Gainey Suites Hotel is a highly-rated hotel located in Scottsdale — and it’s surprisingly affordable!
• The Comfort Suites Old Town is a more affordable option in Scottsdale that’s in an awesome location — right in Old Town!
• In Chandler, the Cambria Hotel Phoenix Chandler – Fashion Center is an affordable, highly-rated option and is a guest favorite.
• Mesa, Arizona is a nice suburb of Phoenix closest to some of the best hiking in the Superstition Mountains. You can find a list of great hotels here !

Day 4-5: Sedona, Arizona

Out of all the destinations, I think Sedona, Arizona might be Dan and I’s favorite place.

The gorgeous red rock, non-existent light pollution, beautiful landscapes, and unbelievable star gazing won over our hearts. We spent one awesome night camping just outside Sedona’s city limits before heading up to the Grand Canyon and it was totally worth it!

Seriously, I can’t even tell you how many shooting stars we spotted. We spent  hours outside looking at the crystal clear skies and crazy cool stars. It was an awesome night!

Plus, if you get to Sedona early, you can go on a tour through the awesome Red Rock State Park . Sedona is also a pretty cool town to check out, with its cute cafes, gift shops, and nice locals.

Things to do in Sedona, Arizona:

• Hike one of the many different trails (like the Broken Arrow Trail — highly rated!).
• Check out Oak Creek Canyon.
• Visit Cathedral Rock.
• Explore the Red Rock Scenic Byway.
• Make your heart skip a beat by hiking the Devil’s Bridge Trail.
• Check out one (or a few) of the many gift and specialty shops — the crystal shops are amazing here!
• Visit the Palatki Ruins ( super   cool! ).
• Take a look at the Chapel of the Holy Cross.
• View Sedona from above and watch the sunset from the Airport Mesa.
• Marvel at the Palatki Ruins (Palatki Heritage Site), just outside of Sedona in the Coconino National Forest.

And if you want to stay in Sedona for a bit longer and make it your base, check out these awesome day tours and excursions which go from the city.

Psst, if you want a more detailed itinerary, click here to read a full guide on how to spend one day in Sedona !

Where to Stay in Sedona:

• The A Sunset Chateau is a great place for a relaxing and above-average stay.
• The Bell Rock Inn By Diamond Resorts is highly-rated mid-range accommodation.
• And the Sedona Village Lodge is for those on a budget but who still want to stay at a nicely-rated place!

Psst, want to camp out under the stars? Check out this post on how to find free RV camping around the US !

Also, if you want to spend more time in Arizona, don’t forget to check out my post on the ultimate 7-day Arizona road trip itinerary that explores Phoenix, the Grand Canyon, and Sedona !

Day 6-7: Grand Canyon National Park

No matter which route you take while traveling the west coast of America, you cannot — I repeat, you cannot! — miss out on the Grand Canyon!

Full of wonder and beauty, Grand Canyon National Park is a spectacular site in Northern Arizona which attracts hundreds and thousands of visitors each year. And when you first see it with your own eyes, it’s no wonder why.

Seriously, you may think you understand the enormity of it when you view the Grand Canyon in pictures, but they don’t do it justice! Its vast valley, mile deep ridges, and huge walls filled with the colors of red, orange, purple, and yellow is unbelievable.

Things to do in the Grand Canyon:

• 45 minutes helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon from Tuyasan, AZ (the town right next to the Grand Canyon National Park).
• Drive to one of the many viewpoints throughout the park.
• Go on a Grand Canyon East Rim jeep tour .
• Check out the Grand Canyon Village (surprisingly, a LOT of vegan options in the grocery store!).
• Grand Canyon Hermit Road Bicycle Tour .

Have you ever heard of Minnesota? Here are 15 reasons why summers are better in MN !

Where to stay near or within Grand Canyon National Park:

Dan and I camped in one of the many National Park’s campgrounds — which I highly recommend! — but if you aren’t planning to camp, many accommodations are available.

• For those on a budget: Grand Canyon Plaza Hotel
• Mid-range hotel, yet high ratings: The Grand Hotel at the Grand Canyon
• Great location, good ratings: Best Western Premier Grand Canyon Squire Inn

Day 8-10: Las Vegas, Nevada

The drive from the Grand Canyon National Park South Rim entrance to Las Vegas, Nevada takes about 4-5 hours, depending on how many stops you make to take photos of the surroundings!

When you get to Las Vegas and check-in to your accommodations, get your butt out onto the strip and people watch!

Depending on how much time you have, you can spend 2-3 nights in Las Vegas. Dan and I didn’t drink while exploring Las Vegas but we had such a fun time just walking the strip, seeing what different places had to offer, and watching all the craziness!

Things to do in Las Vegas:

• Walk the strip and people watch.
• Admire the water fountain show at the Bellagio .
• View Las Vegas from above at the Stratosphere.
• Win (or lose) some money at the slot machines.
• Go on a night flight to view Las Vegas from above and have an incredible dinner for two.
• See one of the many, many entertaining shows.
• Go crazy at the Adventuredome Theme Park.
• Check out the Mob Museum.
• Go on a Las Vegas brewery tour !
• See some (fake) celebrities at Madame Tussauds !

Where to stay in Las Vegas:

As you can imagine, there are numerous places to stay in Las Vegas! You can spend your top dollar at one of the many high-class hotels right on the strip or go for a budget accommodation somewhere on the outskirts.

Here are my recommendations:

• If you want to go upscale and splurge, the Bellagio is the place to do it. With its beautiful interior, amazing fountain show, and excellent reviews, there’s no other hotel like it in LV.
• A more affordable, yet just as great option is The Carriage House .
• Into more of a condo style hotel? Try the Jet Luxury at The Vdara .
• At just $60 per night,  The LINQ Hotel and Casino  is a super affordable option with pretty good reviews.

Day 11-13: Death Valley National Park, California

Okay, okay, this might have been my most favorite part on Dan and I’s west coast road trip!

Death Valley National Park looks and feels like another freakin’ planet and it’s the coolest thing ever. As the biggest national park in the continental US, Death Valley has a lot to offer.

No doubt, the best to see it all (or at least see part of it), is to rent a car and simply drive around. You’ll be blown away by the red rock, vast views, endless landscapes, and Mars-looking mountains.

Although, if you want to do a tour around Death Valley, there are a few that go from Las Vegas!

Things to do in Death Valley National Park:

• Visit Zabriskie Point.
• Check out the Artists Palette.
• Lookout at the landscape at Dante’s View.
• Visit the wondrous Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes.
• Explore the Mosaic Canyon.
• If you prefer to do tours, this Death Valley Day Trip tour goes from Las Vegas and is a full-day adventure filled with excitement.

Looking to be a more sustainable traveler? Check out these  20 helpful tips to get started .

Where to stay in Death Valley National Park:

Unfortunately, there’s not many place to stay  within Death Valley National Park, but there’s a few nice places on the outskirts.

If possible, I highly recommend camping in the National Park. You can find a few great free campsites from this website .

• A nice hotel in the middle of Death Valley and Sequoia National Park: Panamint Springs Hotel .
• The  Amargosa Opera House & Hotel is located in Death Valley Junction, near the California/Nevada border.
• The Longstreet Inn & Casino is the nicest out of the three, but it’s actually in Nevada, near the border. If you decide to leave Las Vegas early, this is a nice spot in between LV and Death Valley National Park.

Day 14-16: Sequoia National Park, California

Ready to see some giants? Giant trees, that is.

Sequoia National Park is one of the most popular national parks in California and after visiting, it’s easy to see why.

The Giant Sequoia and Redwoods, gorgeous views, breathtaking mountains, and incredible hikes are all worthy of the hype!

Things to do in Sequoia National Park:

• Visit the General Sherman Tree.
• Explore Grant Grove.
• Stroll the General Grant Tree Trail.
• Drive the Crescent Meadow Loop.
• Simply drive through this spectacular national park and take in the beautiful scenery!

Where to stay in Sequoia National Park:

Similar to other national parks on the list, there’s no real places to stay within Sequoia National Park unless you decide to camp.

The best places to find accommodations near Sequoia NP is in Three Rivers, Badger, or Pinehurst.

• Stony Creek Lodge is the only accommodation actually within Sequoia National Park. It has a fantastic location (obvi) and good reviews.
• The Rio Sierra Riverhouse has raving reviews and is a mid-range hotel.
• The Sierra Lodge Three Rivers is a budget accommodations with good reviews.
• In Badger, The Hummingbird House has incredible reviews and is a mid-range hotel with lots to offer.

Tip: If you’re visiting Sequoia National Park in the summer or in its busy season, make sure to book well in advance. Accommodations book up quickly and you don’t want to miss out on this place!

Day 17-20: Yosemite National Park, California

Even if you’re not from the United States, you might have heard of a magical not-so-little national park in America: Yosemite National Park .

One of my favorite stops on this West Coast America trip, Yosemite boasts breathtaking views, incredible mountains, lush forests, awesome hiking, magical wildlife, and overall an unbelievable atmosphere.

Things to do in Yosemite National Park:

• Go hiking! One of the best things to do here, no doubt. You’ll find hundreds of trails; some are hard, some are easy but you’ll easily find one you’ll love!
• Visit one of the many waterfalls. Some of the best include Bridalveil Falls, Vernal Fall, Yosemite Falls, and Chilnualna Falls.
• Just sit back and enjoy the views! Yosemite National Park is incredible so don’t miss out on just taking everything in.
• Go on a hiking adventure with a knowledgable guide! Cross the Half Dome, El Capitan, and Glacier Point off your bucket list with this Yosemite Hiking Excursion .

Vegan travel isn’t hard! Especially with these  10+ life-changing vegan travel tips .

Where to stay in Yosemite National Park:

Yosemite National Park is one of the best national parks where you can actually stay  within the national park itself.

While camping here is also great, the accommodations are in abundance — and all are relatively wonderful.

• The Rush Creek Lodge at Yosemite has excellent reviews and is in the heart of the national park.
• Yosemite View Lodge is one of the nearest accommodations near Yosemite Village and has some raving reviews. It’s also relatively affordable!
• Located on the outskirts of Yosemite National Park, the Yosemite Bug Rustic Mountain Resort is the budget accommodation on this list. At under $100 a night, it’s definitely affordable. Although, it’s not located in Yosemite itself.

Day 21-22: Sacramento, California

Even though Sacramento is the state capital of California, it’s not very big! And totally doable in one day.

Additionally, this city is totally optional. Dan and I didn’t spend much time here, only going to the California Automobile Museum because Dan is totes into cool cars.

So, if you need a little stop between Yosemite National Park and driving to the coast (because yes, the coast is next up on the list), Sacramento is a great place to have it.

No doubt, this west coast road trip itinerary is packed full of things to do and awesome adventures, so if you need a little chill day, have it here.

Things to do in Sacramento, California:

• Like old and new cars? Check out the California Automobile Museum . (Dan LOVED this place!)
• Visit the California State Railroad Museum.
• Take a stroll through Old Sacramento.
• Marvel at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament.
• Admire the California State Capitol Museum.
• Walk through one of the many city parks (William Land Park is particularly nice).
• Wander about the Leland Stanford Mansion State Historic Park.

Where to stay in Sacramento, California:

• Love staying in hostels? You’ll like the HI Sacramento Hostel ! Affordable AND awesome reviews.
• The Inn at Parkside is in an excellent location and has wonderful reviews at a great price.
• One of the higher-range hotels on the list, the Embassy Suites by Hilton Sacramento Riverfront Promenade is beautiful, has fantastic reviews, and is in the perfect location.

Day 23-27: California/Oregon Coast

One of my favorite destinations/regions on this USA road trip itinerary.

The California and Oregon Coast is filled with endless ocean views, heart-stopping cliffs, beautiful wildlife, captivating scenery, and incredible adventures!

(Check out this photo diary of the Oregon Coast if you don’t believe me!)

Even though Dan and I had to rush through the California and Oregon Coast, as we were running out of time, this particular road trip itinerary for the American West Coast focuses on spending 4 days meandering through the region.

Because, as one of the most beautiful parts of this itinerary, you need to spend time relaxing and admiring, rather than rushing!

Sample Itinerary for the California and Oregon Coast:

• Pull up Google Maps and find a route from Sacramento to Fort Bragg. (This will take about 4 hours, depending on how much you stop.)
• Fort Bragg has a beautiful glass sand that’s wonderful to explore. If you’d like, you can stay in Fort Bragg. There’s a good amount of affordable, nice hotels .
• P.S. Make sure to venture off the 101 and go onto the Avenue of the Giants. A gorgeous drive through the massive redwoods! Stop off at one of the pull-offs and just walk around to feel the magic of this state park for yourself.
• (This will take about 2 hours to arrive at the Avenue of the Giants from Fort Bragg.)
•  Throughout this drive, there will be a number of pull-offs to stop at. The beaches are beautiful to walk amongst and the cliffside viewing areas are especially breathtaking.
• Lastly, you’ll want to make your way towards Lincoln City, OR, to stay on the 101. After Lincoln City, you’ll make your way inland towards Portland.

Psst, ever thought about visiting Glacier National Park? Check out this post 32 photos of Glacier National Park that’ll blow your mind!

Where to stay along the California and Oregon Coast:

• In Fort Bragg, the Ocean View Lodge has awesome reviews and is in a great location.
• Crescent City is another nice stop along the California Coast. There are a number of fantastic hotels to suit your preference . The Lighthouse Inn has good reviews and breakfast is included!
• Go a little further than Crescent Bay and you’ll come to Newport, OR. A nice little coastal town with lots of hotels.  The Landing at Newport Condominium Hotel is in an incredible location and is a guest favorite!

Day 28-29: Portland, Oregon

Another one of my favorite cities in the United States, Portland is full of fantastic things to do and is a must-see stop on this US west coast itinerary.

And even better?

It’s  chock full of incredible vegan eateries, restaurants, cafes, and shops. As a vegan food fanatic, I love it! In fact, this city kind of reminds of Berlin, Germany; it’s hip, trendy, totally vegan-friendly, and packed with cool things to do.

Things to do in Portland, Oregon:

• Wander through the most magical book store — Powell’s City of Books! One of my favorite things to do in Portland.
• Visit the Lan Su Chinese Garden.
• Walk through the Portland Saturday Market, the nation’s largest weekly open-air arts and crafts market.
• Take a stroll through the Pittock Mansion, a century-old symbol of Portland’s dramatic transformation from a small lumber town to a bustling city.
• Visit the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, one of the nation’s leading science museums.
• Grab a vegan donut at Voodoo Donuts (you won’t be disappointed!).
• Explore the International Rose Test Garden and take in all the gorgeous sights and smells of the place.
• Do a day trip to the Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls and MT Hood .
• Avid wine drinker? Check out this  Willamette Valley Wine-Tasting Tour !

I recommend checking out this 2-day Portland itinerary for a more detailed guide on how to spend your time in this vibrant, hip city!

Where to stay in Portland, Oregon:

• Want to stay right in the heart of downtown Portland? The Hyatt House Portland/Downtown is perfect!
• At $85 a night, the HI – Portland Northwest Hostel is an affordable option with great reviews!
• The Oxford Suites Portland – Jantzen Beach is a mid-range option in a great location with awesome reviews.

Are you a Harry Potter fan like me? Take a look at this post on the  best Harry Potter sites and attractions in Edinburgh, Scotland (the birthplace of HP!).

Day 30-31: Seattle, Washington

One of the more iconic destinations on this west coast itinerary, Seattle, Washington, is a cool city just begging to be explored.

With its gum wall, Pike Place Market, Space Needle, and Museum of Pop Culture, it’s an incredible place to have an adventure.

Alas, I cannot tell lies… Dan and I didn’t actually visit Seattle . We bi-passed it completely to drive from Portland, OR, to Spokane, WA, to visit my sister. Although, it’s not logical to have you end in Spokane, am I right?

Thus, Seattle makes more sense, as it has a bigger airport if you’re planning to fly out.

Additionally, it has much, much more to do than Spokane. Overall, it just works out better as an ending point! Anyhow, without further rambling…

Things to do in Seattle, Washington:

• Take a ride up the Space Needle to see Seattle from above.
• Wander through the Pike Place Market.
• Stroll along the Seattle Waterfront and relax on some of the nice beaches (yes, they do exist in Seattle!).
• Explore Downtown Seattle and check out the restaurants, shops, eateries, theaters, and more.
• Take a photo in front of the infamous Seattle Gum Wall (just down the road from the Pike Place Market!).
• Venture down under and go on an Underground Tour !
• Relax in one of Seattle’s many parks.
• Get out on the water and admire Seattle from the sea on a boat tour .
• Head out to the field and go to a baseball game.
• Take a walk along one of the many trails surrounding the city.

Where to stay in Seattle:

• Looking to splurge on your last city? Check out the Paramount Hotel . Located in the heart of Downtown Seattle, it has raving reviews and excellent customer service.
• A more budget-friendly option is the Motif Seattle . At $197, it’s definitely one of the cheaper options throughout the city and has awesome reviews, as well as a great location.
• One of the most affordable accommodations throughout Seattle is the HI – Seattle at the American Hotel Hostel ; great reviews, $99 per night, and in Downtown Seattle.

What’s the Budget for a One-Month USA West Coast Road Trip?

I’ve gotten a lot of questions about how to properly budget for this 1 month USA road trip. While everyone’s budget is going to be slightly different, as people generally like to spend their time differently, here’s a rough idea of what you can expect to spend.

• Accommodation : $50-200 per night
• Food & Drinks : $20-70 per day
• Fuel : $250-300 total (roughly $.11 per mile)
• Attractions : $0-100 per day
• Insurance : $100-200 total (I highly recommend World Nomads travel insurance )
• Car Maintenance : $50-150 total
• Miscellaneous : $100-200

Since everyone likes to stay in different accommodations, eats different food, likes to go to different attractions, and do other miscellaneous activities, this budget is going to vary drastically.

To save on accommodation and eating at restaurants everyday, I couldn’t recommend renting an RV more. Use RVShare to explore your options!

Dan and I spent almost every night in our van, so we saved a ton on accommodation. Additionally, while we didn’t have a kitchen, we did use a Coleman camping stove to cook the majority of our meals, saving us loads of money.

Can I just say one word… wowza .

What a monster of a blog post, amirite?!

Although, no doubt, this American West Coast road trip itinerary is packed with helpful information, an easy to follow route, and — of course — awesome experiences!

If you want to discover what the best of the USA west coast has to offer, this itinerary delivers.

Have you visited the United States West Coast? Or have traveled around it? Additionally, let me know what you think of this itinerary in the comments! 

Not sure what to check out next? Readers love these posts:

• 10 best places to visit in Wales, UK (#7 is a must!)
• Your guide to hiking Devil’s Bridge from Mescal Trailhead — Sedona, Arizona
• Road trip packing list – 55+ essentials you can’t forget (2020 edition)
• Best places for vegan food in Minneapolis & St. Paul
• Destinations along Minnesota’s North Shore

Like this post on the ultimate USA west coast road trip itinerary? Pin it!

Yay for transparency! This post contains affiliate links; if you make a purchase through one of the links, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read the full disclosure policy here .

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Article comments.

Kevin McCarthy

Hi Sophie, What a joyful month that seems to have been for you and Dan. Great commentary on the places I’ve seen, from a different spin. I loved it. Since I’m a retired HS English teacher I’m versed in good writing and that was good. One sticking point I had was your use of “Dan and I’s favorite place” several times., where “Dan and my favorite place” would be more precise. Just a niggling thing, I know, but retirement doesn’t shut down the linguist in me. Thanks for such a great look at our fabulous West. Kevin McCarthy

Bucket list material, that Grand Canyon: if you re just after an impression, you can visit the bad boy in one day. But since it was quite the drive to get there (6 hours), we decided to stay a bit longer. The first day we mainly checked out the east side, the second day the west side. If you re there, try to watch a sunset as well: the sun gives the canyon a truly magical color.

Would love it if you could provide a budget for this trip!

Hey Paige, that’s a great idea! Thank you for the suggestion. I will be sure to update the post with an estimated budget and an exact budget of what my partner and I spent on this road trip! Stay tuned. 🙂

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1 Month Across USA Road Trip Itinerary

by Sharyn McCullum | Last updated Jul 8, 2023 | Itineraries , Live Work Play Travel , USA Live Work Play

Thanks to a car-friendly culture and an unrivalled network of highways, taking a road trip across America is very appealing. And if you are looking for inspiration for a USA road trip look no further. Based on my own American travels I have put together this 1 month USA road trip itinerary taking you to many of the best bits of America. Of course you can’t go everywhere in one month, but we give it a good try on this road trip in America.  

Table of Contents

Where to Start this American Road Trip?

This great American road trip starts in New York and ends in San Francisco. Of course, you can do the trip in reverse or even deviate. This itinerary is a driving itinerary of the USA so you will need a car. A car or a van. If you don’t have one you can rent one, get availability and a great rate here . If you aren’t taking your accommodation with you, you will need to find accommodation at each nightly stop. Either walk in to a motel when you have pulled into town or book in advance. I always use Booking.com when pre-booking accommodation. When searching for accommodation it shows me what accommodation is available, if it is available and the price.

Unfortunately, we can’t visit every state on this road trip, but this road trip is a good start. It includes visits to many cities as you cross the USA from coast to coast. There are many routes you could take across the USA, I hope you enjoy this one.

1 Month Across USA Road Trip Itinerary at a Glance

Days 1-3 – New York 4 – driving to Washington 5-6 – Washington 7 – driving to Chicago 8-10 – Chicago 11-20 – Route 66 – Chicago to Santa Monica 21-23 – Los Angeles 24-26 – driving to San Francisco 27-29 – San Francisco

Days 1-3 – New York City, NY

Times Square, New York

New York is home to over eight million people and is where this one month USA road trip itinerary begins. There is so much to see and do here in New York to make the time to see as much as you can. After settling in to your accommodation, start making the most of your time in New York. I hope you’ve brought a good pair of walking shoes!

Where to Stay in New York

Hostel : Jazz on the Park Youth Hostel Budget Hotel : Bowery Grand Hotel Mid-range Hotel : Courtyard by Marriott Times Square West Splurge Hotel: Hyatt Grand Central New York

Best Things to See and Do in New York

• You may wish to purchase a New York City Pass allowing you to save on entrance fees.  
• Take the New York Hop-on Hop-off Bus to all the best bests in New York. Then you can go back to those spots you want to spend longer at.
• Go on a walking tour of New York, which you can book through GetYourGuide .  
• See the Statue of Liberty when you pay a visit to Ellis Island. Or take the Ferry to Staten Island and see it for free while passing by.
• Visit the 9/11 Memorial & Museum – There is a park commemorating the victims of 9/11 at the base of the Freedom Tower. Head inside the museum and see over 14,000 artefacts from that that day.  
• Go to the top of the Empire State Building for great views over the city. Hopefully, it is a clear day.
• Wander Central Park . This 843 acre park is one of the bet free attractions in town. Walk, hike, picnic or just people watch.
• Cross the Brooklyn Bridge for great Manhattan skyline views. It will take about 40 minutes to cross but this depends on how many photo stops you make.  
• Explore the Metropolitan Museum of Art (the Met) to see some of the best art collections in the world.

For more ideas of things to see and do in New York City, here’s my suggested New York itinerary .

Days 4-6 – to Washington, DC

Abraham Lincoln in the memorial

Distance: Washington is around 204 miles (329 km) from New York City and should take around four and a half hours to drive. Washington, DC, is the capital of the USA. There are plenty of iconic buildings to visit here.

Where to Stay in Washington

Hostel : DC International Hostel 2 Budget : The Westin Washington DC Mid-range Hotel : Washington Plaza Hotel Splurge Hotel : Sofitel Lafayette Hotel

Best Things to See and Do in Washington

• Take the Washington Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour to see all the best spots in Washington. Then you can return to those you want to stay longer at.
• Visit iconic buildings of the Capital , White House and Supreme Court .
• See the Lincoln Memorial . This is a 19-foot statue of America’s 16th president that is surrounded by 36 columns – one for each state in the union at the time of his death in 1865. It is located on the National Mall.  
• Tour the Smithsonian Institution which is a group of world-class museums and research centres. Definitely visit the Air and Space Museum and the American Art Museum.

Days 7 – Drive to Chicago via Pittsburg

Distance : Chicago is a long drive from Washington. Some 700 miles (1126 km) which will take anywhere up to 11-12 hours to undertake, depending on stops you make. You may want to even stop in Pittsburg for a day or so.  

Days 8-10 – Chicago, Illinois

When in Chicago eating Deep Pan Pizza is a must!

Welcome to the Windy City – Chicago. Why is it called the windy city? Two reasons. First because of strong winds that can hit the city plus, it was believed a lot of people were full of wind! Find out for yourself!

Where to Stay in Chicago

Hostel : Hi Chicago Hostel Budget : Gateway Inn Mid-range Hotel : Congress Plaza Hotel Chicago Splurge Hotel : Viceroy Chicago

Best Things to See and Do in Chicago

• Start your visit to Chicago on the Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour which will take you to all the best spots in Chicago. Then you can choose which ones you wish to return to.
• Relax in Grant and Millennium Parks . Both parks are great to relax in, have a picnic or walk around.
• Enjoy a Deep-dish Pizza . Chicago is known for deep-dish pizzas so definitely try this local favourite.

Start your drive along Route 66 at the sign on the northwest corner of Adams Street and Michigan Avenue. Why not get a photo if you can to commemorate the beginning of this 1 month USA road trip journey.

Days 11-20 – Route 66

Route 66 is one of the world’s most iconic drives. It starts in Chicago and ends at Santa Monica Pier in California. Travelling some 2200 miles, if you drive direct it would take a couple of days. On this 1 month USA road trip, I have budgeted 10 days for the drive where you will take in some of the best things in the USA to see along the way. Head over to my post The Best Things to See and Do on Route 66 for this part of the road trip USA itinerary. Starting in Chicago, Illinois you will travel across 8 states. Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona before arriving in California and the end of the road at Santa Monica Pier.

There is plenty to see along Route 66 and you can deviate off the road to visit iconic places like the Grand Canyon and Las Vegas.

Days 21-23 – Los Angeles

See Disneyland Castle in Disneyland, Anaheim, Los Angeles

Route 66 ends at Santa Monica Pier in California. You could stay here and use it as your base to discover Los Angeles .

Where to Stay in Los Angeles

Hostel : Samesun Hollywood Budget Hotel : Metro Plaza Hotel Mid-range Hotel : Tuscon Garden Inn Splurge Hotel : Beverly Whilshire

Best Things to See and Do in Los Angeles

• Take the Hop on Hop off LA Sightseeing Bus and be driven to all the best sights in Los Angeles.
• Visit the Hollywood Sign high in Hollywood Hills.
• Take a tour of Paramount Studios and or Warner Bros Studios or Universal Studios .
• Spend the day or two at Disneyland.
• Shop till you drop along Rodeo Drive.
• Hit the beach at Malibu – or wait and visit on your drive up to San Francisco.

Days 24-26 drive to San Francisco

Bixby Creek Bridge

The drive between Los Angeles and San Francisco along the Pacific Coast Highway is approximately 445 miles (716 km) long. If you were to drive directly without deviating you could complete the drive in about nine hours. However, there is plenty to see along this scenic drive and I have budgeted 3 days to drive it. Places to stop along the Pacific Coast Highway could include:

• Santa Monica . Home of the Santa Monica Pier where Route 66 ends, if you didn’t finish Route 66 here, then you might want to visit. Walk along the pier and get that tourist shot of you on the pier!
• Next stop could be Malibu . Check out some of the multi-million dollar homes or visit some of the beautiful beaches. Depending on the weather you might want to relax at the beach for a couple of hours or enjoy a good meal.
• Santa Barbara could be next on your list to visit. Stroll along the harbour or go one of Santa Barbara’s Urban Wine Trails. You will discover some of the best wine in California!
• On leaving Santa Barbara pass a few beaches and deviate to Hearst Castle outside of San Simeon. This caslte was built by the newspaper mogul William Hearst. If you ever wanted to feel like you are in Europe, visit this castle!
• Elephant Seal Vista Point could be your next stop. See elephant seals relaxing on the beach.
• A highlight along the LA to San Francisco drive is Big Sur. You may want to spend a full day or more here enjoying the walks in the spectacular natural scenery. Ensure to stop at the iconic sites of Bixby Creek Bridge and McWay Waterfall.
• Stop in towns of Carmel , Monterey and Santa Cruz where you might want to spend the night!
• Half Moon Bay is around 30 minutes south of San Francisco and is worth a stop to stretch your legs and grab a coffee before arriving in San Francisco.

Days 27-29 San Francisco

Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco

Ah, San Francisco, famous for its cable cars, Golden Gate Bridge and great restaurants. A stay of a few days is a must.

Where to Stay in San Francisco

Hostel : Hi San Francisco Downtown Hostel Budget Hotel : Hotel Amari Mid-range Hotel : Queen Anne Splurge Hotel : The Ritz Carlton, San Francisco

Best Things to See and Do in San Francisco

• Take the Hop on Hop off Bus tour of San Francisco . Get taken to all the iconic spots that you can revisit at your leisure.
• Go to the Golden Gate Bridge . Opened in 1937, it is one of the longest suspension bridges ever created. It links San Francisco Bay and Marin County.
• Spend some time at San Francisco’s most famous waterfront community – Fisherman’s Wharf.
• Visit Alcatraz Island and discover for yourself how hard it would be to escape from.
• Take a ride on a cable car .
• Disney lovers may want to visit  The Walt Disney Family Museum and learn about the life of Walt Disney .

And so ends this 1 month across USA road trip itinerary.

Where to next? What about 1 month in Hawaiian Island Hopping ?

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I would love to do this trip one day. You have given great tips to do this one month and I wish I had this years ago when I was over there. Thanks for sharing.

We have done quite a few road trips in the US but usually take the route more north than you followed. We would love to follow Route 66 all the way from Chicago to Santa Monica. I love that you planned long enough stops in key places to get to enjoy them along the way.

Clever idea..you’ve chosen some great spots.. but I wish there was more time for the Midwest!

What an epic trip! I have never driven a fraction of this distance before, but at least you split it up with loooads of time for exploring and adventures. It sounds fab!

Great road trip ideas! We would love to take some time and really explore the US more. There are so many stops and detours that you can see along Route 66. It should be a fun trip.

I think 1 month should be the minimum amount of time to explore the USA. But not everyone gets that much holiday time! So you can only visit what you can in the timeframe you have.

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7 Epic USA Itineraries: Planning The Perfect US Trip

Plan the perfect USA itinerary with this guide. Whether you have one week, 10 days or 1 month, I have you covered. 

Planning a trip to the USA ? The possibilities are endless. 

Do you want to scope the chilled-out vibes of the Southwest, or do you prefer a glimpse of the hustle and bustle in the Northeast? Maybe you’re planning a 1-month USA itinerary where you can see the highlights, or perhaps you only have 10 days in the USA. 

Let’s get a few things straight: with so much ground to cover, planning the perfect USA itinerary can be a tough gig. I travel to the States quite a few times a year, and it’s always difficult to balance wanting to see as much as possible during the course of a trip with the sheer scale of the place. However you plan to visit the USA, you’ll want to plan where to stay, what to do, and choose a few locations you can’t live without. Not to worry, I’m here to help. These travel itineraries for the USA will help you plan a straight-up banging trip so you can kick back, relax, and enjoy the ride. 

USA Itineraries

West Coast Road Trip

Looking to see the best of the USA in 10 days? A West Coast road trip is a bucket list holiday for so many people. – Start driving down the PCH, and you’ll figure out why before your first exit. Start in San Francisco by taking the Golden Gate Bridge south (a bit of a detour, but well worth the vistas). 

On your way down Highway 1, prepare to stop a lot more than you planned. The views are epic, the towns often have their own unique charm, and there are plenty of amazing family-run restaurants (and In-N-Out burgers) you can access with a short detour.

You can take your time over 2 weeks, but if you want to do a 10-day USA itinerary, I suggest starting in San Francisco and choosing 2-3 overnight stays like I map out in this itinerary.

Route Summary

San Francisco >> Carmel-by-the-Sea >> Santa Barbara >> Los Angeles >> San Diego 

Distance: 625 miles (1,000 km) 

Length of Trip: 10 Days to 2 Weeks  

How to Do It: Car 

Highlights of the Trip

San francisco.

When it comes to San Francisco , I like to veer a bit off the beaten path here and spend a couple of days exploring the street art in the Mission District, epic views of the Golden Gate Bridge from the Presidio (a former military post that’s now a national park) and take an urban hike through the sprawling Golden Gate Park. 

Save room for incredible cuisine at the best neighbourhood joint in SF – Nopa . 

Suggested Stay: Argonaut Hotel

Carmel-by-the-Sea

Hit up white sand beaches, secret gardens, and charming boutique shops in this vibrant coastal city just before the famous Big Sur . It’s a perfect jump-off point for exploring the epic coastal hikes in Big Sur and Point Lobos .

Suggested Stay: Carmel Bay View Inn

Santa Barbara

I love the laid-back vibes, excellent beaches, and surprisingly vibrant downtown in Santa Barbara . Check out Sama Sama for excellent Southeast Asian cuisine in a youthful, trendy setting on your 10-day trip out west. 

Suggested Stay: Kimpton Canary Hotel

Los Angeles

The Hollywood Hills, Downtown LA, Santa Monica Pier – whichever part of sprawling Los Angeles in SoCal you decide to stay in, you’ll love every minute of your star-studded stay. 

Be sure to eat all the street tacos you can, shop til you drop, and visit the iconic Venice Beach for the best people-watching and chill California vibes. 

Suggested Stay:   Mama Shelter Hollywood  

Spend a chunk of your California itinerary in San Diego , where you can enjoy a day in the sprawling open space of Balboa Park, hit up Old Town for some handmade tortillas and fiery salsa, and end your evening in the Gaslamp Quarter or North Park for craft beer and nightlife. 

Don’t forget to check out Coronado, Pacific Beach, and Mission Beach for the best fun in the sun.

Suggested Stay: Hotel Indigo

Best of the USA

How can you see everything the USA has to offer in 1 month? I’m not going to lie. You won’t. But you can definitely get a feel for how different each region is with this round-the-map trip throughout the United States. Start in NYC (because why not?) before moving your way west and discovering the Great Plains, Wild West, and American South. Get ready for some of the best cuisine you’ll have anywhere and everywhere, along with some epic hiking, brilliant beaches, and plenty of nightlife on this 1-month USA itinerary.

You’ll need to take a few flights on this journey to fit everything in but plan to hire a car for the national parks portion of this United States trip.

Route Summary 

New York City >> Chicago >> Yellowstone >> Utah’s Mighty Five >> Grand Canyon >> Las Vegas >> Los Angeles >> Phoenix >> New Orleans >> Miami

Distance: 6,200 miles (10,000 km) 

Length of Trip: 1 Month 

How to Do It: Plane and Car 

New York City

Start your trip off in the most iconic city in the United States, New York City. If you’ve never been, you’ll want to check out the bright lights of Times Square, shop along Fifth Avenue, and mosey through Central Park. Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge and shop in Williamsburg before grabbing a slice at Best Pizza.

Suggested Stay: The Wallace Hotel  

Add a stop to this great Midwest city located on one of the iconic Great Lakes – Lake Michigan. Chicago is a great place to shop along The Magnificent Mile, watch a Cubs game at Wrigley Field, and try a local dish like Italian Beef or Chicago-style hot dogs.

Suggested Stay: Thompson Hotel

Yellowstone

Next up is one of America’s great national parks – Yellowstone. Check out the roaming bison, sky-high geysers, and epic hiking trails in Yellowstone National Park.

Suggested Stay: Elk Country Inn

Utah’s Mighty Five

For the most adventurous travellers, you can fit in all of Utah’s Mighty Five National Parks. But if you’re short on time, you can hit Arches National Park before visiting Zion and Bryce Canyon for natural bridges, sandstone and red rock formations and epic stargazing.

Suggested Stay: The Advenire

Grand Canyon

Want to know my favourite national park in the US? Grand Canyon. Visit the massive canyon along the Colorado River and take a hike around the South Rim Trail for the most stunning views. 

If you want a more challenging hike and have the time, Bright Angel allows you to hike into the canyon, but it’s a gnarly trek with 5,000+ miles of elevation change and can be extremely hot. 

Suggested Stay: El Tovar

Visiting the Grand Canyon? Here’s What You Shouldn’t Miss

Now that you’ve had some time in the best national parks in the USA, it’s time to party. Whether you head to the luxury resorts and world-class entertainment along the Las Vegas Strip or want to explore hipster coffee shops and historic hotels Downtown, Las Vegas is a winner on your USA itinerary.

Suggested Stay: Circa Resort & Casino

Head to the Hollywood Hills and bask in the California sun, with a few days in one of the best cities along the West Coast. Los Angeles offers great shopping in areas like Beverly Hills and pristine beaches in Malibu and Santa Monica. 

The (already stellar) food scene has taken off in the past few years, so try local favourites like the 2-Michelin-starred Mélisse Restaurant.

Suggested Stay: The Hoxton, Downtown LA

You can’t leave the American West without stopping by Phoenix for some desert-chic vibes in the Valley of the Sun. I found some seriously cool bars and restaurants last time I was there. 

Check out the Southwestern flavours at Valentine before hiking at Camelback Mountain and seeing a show at the historic Orpheum Theatre.

Suggested Stay: Rise Uptown

New Orleans

Ready to enjoy the best food in the USA? Head to The Big Easy to enjoy heaping plates of jambalaya, the rich and tangy flavours of muffulettas, and, of course, a plate of the famous fried dessert treat, beignets. 

Spend some time people-watching in the French Quarter and catch a jazz show at Palm Court Jazz Cafe for the perfect New Orleans trip.

Suggested Stay: The Pontchartrain Hotel

Want to find the best beaches in the USA? Head to Miami Beach in Miami to explore the white sands, and warm waters in this vibrant Florida city. When you’re ready to explore the city, check out the street art at Wynwood Walls and the vibrant bar scene in South Beach.

Suggested Stay: Esme Miami Beach

Music Trail

Rock and roll, the blues, country, R&B, jazz… you get the picture. Visiting America’s South is full of rich history and culture dating back centuries – and music is a big part of that history. 

You can explore some of the big cities in the South and watch a show at storied theatres, visit iconic recording studios, and maybe catch an impromptu show in a park (check the Musician’s Corner Calendar). Save your appetite, the food in the American South is ridiculously good. Staples like fried chicken, collard greens, mac and cheese, and bread pudding show up often and are usually incredible. 

If you have more time, make stops in small towns along the way, like Tupelo, Mississippi (the birthplace of Elvis), or Jackson, Tennessee, for Sun Studio and the Rock-a-Billy Hall of Fame.

Nashville >>  Memphis >> Clarksdale >> Jackson >> New Orleans

Distance:  630 miles (1015 km) 

Length of Trip: 1 Week

Start your one-week vacation in the USA in Nashville. If you’re a country music fan, you can mosey over to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum for a history lesson before seeing a live show at the legendary Grand Ole Opry .

Suggested Stay: The Hutton Hotel

Memphis 

Is there a more iconic rock and roll studio in the USA than Sun Studio? For $15, you can tour the “Birthplace of Rock & Roll,” where Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Johnny Cash recorded many of their hit songs. 

If you’re not content as a spectator, book a recording session at the world-famous studio. And of course, no music tour of the South is complete without a visit to Graceland. 

Suggested Stay: The Guest House at Graceland

When I think of music in the American South, the Blues immediately come to mind. Clarksdale is home to this unforgettable genre of music, and legends like Muddy Waters got their start right here. The history is very much alive in places like Ground Zero Blues Club and the Delta Blues Museum, where you can learn all about the artists, their stories, and songs.

Suggested Stay: Travelers Hotel

Visit the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum to learn more about slavery, the Jim Crow laws, and the heroes who fought for equal rights and freedom in the American South. 

Suggested Stay: Fairview Inn

End your 1-week USA itinerary in New Orleans. The home of Jazz music, New Orleans features dozens of excellent jazz clubs. I like the idea of stopping by Sweet Loraine’s, where you can check out some of the best jazz music and grab a Po Boy sandwich for a taste of The Big Easy.

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Southwest National Parks 

You’re getting the best of the American Southwest with this epic 14-day USA itinerary. Buckle up; this road trip sets you off from Salt Lake City through Utah’s Mighty Five before exploring the deserts and canyons in Arizona and New Mexico . I love this as an idea for a USA itinerary because you learn more about indigenous history and culture and sample delicious flavours of the Southwest. And, of course, you get to tick the most famous national park in the USA – the Grand Canyon .

Arches >> Canyonlands >> Bryce >> Zion >> Grand Canyon >> Saguaro >> White Sands

Distance:  1,3712 miles (2208 km) 

Length of Trip: 2 weeks 

Moab (Arches and Canyonlands)

Between your visits to two of Utah’s Mighty Five, you can bed down in Moab, where you’ll find plenty to do around town. Of course, most of your time here will be spent exploring natural bridges at Arches and hiking around the vast trail system in underrated Canyonlands.

Suggested Stay: Red Cliffs Lodge

St. George (Zion and Bryce Canyon)

Cross off another two of Utah’s Mighty Five when you stay in St. George. Try epic hikes like Angel’s Landing in Zion and explore the hoodoos and rock formations at Bryce Canyon . Visit Bryce Canyon on your way to St. George and return to Zion the next day.

The Grand Canyon is over 1,900 square miles of beautiful red-rock canyons along the Colorado River, and visiting Arizona is the most popular way to see it. 

I think hitting the South Rim along Desert View Drive is the perfect way to see the sweeping canyons from above along several different viewpoints.  

Suggested Stay: The Grand Hotel at the Grand Canyon  

Saguaro National Park

Next up on your trip around America’s Southwest is Saguaro National Park . 

Where else can you see cacti the size of redwoods? Ok, they might not be that tall, but the candelabra-shaped thorned beauties stretch over 40 feet high, and a hike along King Canyon or joy ride along Bajada Loop Drive are the perfect ways to take in the beauty of the desert.

Suggested Stay: The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain

White Sands National Park 

Last but not least, you’ll want to head to White Sands National Park for one of the most unique landscapes you’ll see anywhere on your USA itinerary. Take the 13-mile Dune’s Drive loop to bask in the rolling snow-white sand dunes that stretch as far as you can see. 

Suggested Stay: Home2 Suites

East Coast Itinerary

Planning a USA East Coast Itinerary over 2 weeks? Check out this non-stop tour of the iconic cities and hidden gems along the Northeast United States. 

One thing I love about this trip is that it’s the rare USA itinerary in 2 weeks where you can rely on trains and public transportation to get to most destinations. 

Along the way, you’ll see the nation’s capital, the Big Apple, and the scenic coastline of Maine. You’ll want to hire a car for the final stretch, but the drive is gorgeous – especially if you’re lucky enough to see the trees change colours in Autumn. 

Washington DC  >> Annapolis >> Baltimore >> New York City >> Hartford >> Boston >> Portland

Distance:  600 miles (1,000 km) 

Length of Trip: 1 Week 

How to Do It: Train and Car

Washington DC

You can’t plan a US travel itinerary over two weeks on the East Coast and not hit the nation’s capital. 

The Washington Monument and Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial makes the National Mall well worth a visit, but underrated gems like Blind Whino – where local artists collaborate and host weekly live events are a fun way to experience DC like a local. 

Suggested Stay: The Normandy Hotel

If you want the chance to truly chill out during your 2 weeks in the USA, there are plenty of charming towns – especially in the Northeast. Annapolis is one of my favourites, and the boutique hotels, seafood restaurants, and cobbled streets will transport you to another time. 

Suggested Stay: Historic Inns of Annapolis

Catch a baseball game at Camden Yards, eat as much blue crab as you can in one sitting, and visit the Civil War landmark Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine for a piece of American history. 

Suggested Stay: Ulysses

New York City 

The food, the culture, the museums…NYC is the city you need to pencil into any United States itinerary. I love Manhattan, and it’s probably the most walkable city anywhere in the USA. Checking out the East Village for the best restaurants and bars, visiting Central Park or The High Line when you need a bit of fresh air, and exploring the bustling urban marketplace, Chelsea Market , are a few things you won’t want to miss. 

Suggested Stay: The Wallace Hotel

The small city of Hartford, Connecticut, is the perfect stop on your USA itinerary, with some standout landmarks like Mark Twain’s former residence, the beautiful gardens at Elizabeth Park Conservancy, and the large collection of European and American artwork at Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art .

Suggested Stay: The Goodwin

Take the train up to Boston and explore the world-class universities like Harvard, dine on some fresh seafood, and grab a New England-style IPA at Trillium Brewery, one of the best craft beer spots you’ll find on your USA itinerary.

Suggested Stay: The Revolution Hotel

Visit this charming New England town and photograph the iconic lighthouses, eat freshly caught lobster at Portland Lobster Company , and take a whale-watching tour if you’re around in May or June.

Suggested Stay: Portland Harbor Hotel

California Itinerary 

Rent a nice set of wheels for this 21 day USA itinerary, you’re going to rack up more than a few miles. Start off in San Diego and drive your way up the coast, stopping by some of my favourite locations along the way. Get your hike on in the Santa Monica Mountains before exploring charming towns like Pismo Beach and Sausalito on your drive north. 

But you’ll also see everything California offers away from the Pacific Ocean, like Yosemite National Park , Lake Tahoe, and Wine Country. Top Tip: You can always plan a great 1 week trip in the US in California, so feel free to just tackle part of this itinerary.

San Diego >> Santa Monica  >> Pismo Beach >> Sausalito >> Sonoma County >> Lake Tahoe >> Yosemite

Distance:  1,000 miles (1,610 km) 

Length of Trip: 3 weeks 

Start off in San Diego , where you can hit up the sandy shores of Coronado and Pacific Beach before an evening out exploring bars and restaurants in Hillcrest or Downtown San Diego.

Santa Monica

Before you head to some of the best hikes in Southern California , explore Santa Monica’s beaches and nightlife. I love hanging out at the Santa Monica Pier and riding the Ferris Wheel by the beach before strolling through the shops and restaurants on the lively 3rd Street Promenade.

Suggested Stay: Shutters on the Beach

Pismo Beach

Once you reach Pismo Beach , you’ll fall in love with the small-town beach vibes in this Central California coastal gem. I don’t blame you if you want to just hang out at the state beach and pier, but you can also explore wineries in nearby Paso Robles, check out a monarch butterfly grove, or relax at Avila Hot Springs. Your call.

Suggested Stay: The Cliffs Hotel and Spa

Just across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco is the charming coastal village of Sausalito. Explore the artsy town full of charming boutiques before digging into a seafood lunch at Scoma’s. You can’t visit Marin without checking out the redwoods, so reserve a spot for hiking in Muir Woods National Monument.

Suggested Stay: Cavallo Point

Sonoma County

You can’t explore Nor Cal without making a stop for wine tasting in Sonoma County. Santa Rosa is a great home base to explore amazing wineries – Patz & Hall and Gundlach Bundschu Winery are two of my favourites. Russian River Brewing Company is a great option if you’ve had enough wine tasting.

Suggested Stay: Vintners Resort

Where else can you paddle out in crystal clear waters overlooking snow-capped mountains on a sunny day in California? Not many places sum up a grand Alpine Lake experience quite like Tahoe.

Suggested Stay: Edgewood Tahoe Resort

Yosemite National Park

No trip to Northern California is complete without a visit to Yosemite . Make your way into the valley, park, and look up in awe at Half Dome, El Capitan, and the iconic Yosemite Falls.

Suggested Stay: The Ahwahnee Hotel

USA Itinerary: Practical Tips for Planning Your Trip 

• Weather can play an enormous role in your USA itinerary. Check the forecast before you leave, and pack for all seasons if you’re planning a longer itinerary in any season but summer.
• Summers get extremely hot in the USA. Bring lots of suntan lotion, lightweight clothing, and wide-brimmed hats. 
• There are a lot of hotel options in the USA, but the most popular locations fill up fast on the weekends and in the summer. Book ahead for the best rates and the most options. 
• If you’re visiting from outside the USA, apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization online well ahead of your holiday. 

Read All USA Country Guides

Add these to Your USA Itinerary

• 55 Things You Should Have on Your USA Bucket List  
• Ridin’ Along the West Coast – A Step by Step Itinerary  
• The Ultimate California Road Trip

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I’m Julianna Barnaby - a professional travel writer and geek extraordinaire. I started The Discoveries Of to help you to discover the best of new destinations from around the world.

Discovering new places is a thrill - whether it’s close to home, a new country or continent, I write to help you explore more and explore differently.

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Ultimate USA Itinerary Planner & Travel Guide

Planning a trip to the United States of America and looking for USA itinerary Ideas? Whether you are planning a 2-week long US trip or a 3-week long trip, we have got you covered. Use our USA Itinerary planner to see the country from coast to coast. See epic attractions along the East Coast including Niagara Falls and New York City then head to the West Coast to enjoy beach life in California. Read now for great itinerary ideas to explore America. You might also like our post on Best Places to Visit in the USA .

Welcome to our ultimate USA trip planner! 

We created this USA Itinerary Planner to help you plan the ultimate American trip. It contains all essential information including which places to visit, how to travel around the USA, sample itineraries, where to stay, what to eat, budgets and costs, etc.

Here you will find recommendations for a variety of USA trips whether you plan to fly, take a bus, or road trip around the country. Whether you are a first-time visitor or planning a 2nd, 3rd, or 4th trip to the country we have ideas for most well-known destinations to the hidden gems in the country.

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“This is America … a brilliant diversity spread like stars, like a thousand points of light in a broad and peaceful sky.” — George H.W. Bush

Here is our guide to planning the perfect USA Itinerary around your favorite attractions. 

Where to Visit in the USA

The USA is vast and diverse. You really need to know where you want to go to plan the perfect trip. Otherwise, a lot of your time will be spent traveling from one destination to another with very little time to actually explore the cities and natural areas. To read the most popular destinations to visit in the USA, read our post on USA Travel Bucket List .

Most people usually start planning a USA trip with their favorite cities on the East Coast or the West Coast. The USA is home to many vibrant cities including New York, Chicago, San Francisco, and Seattle. You can read more about the best cities in the country in our post 22 Best City Breaks in the USA . 

The USA also has stunning natural beauty. We recommend visiting at least one of the country’s most popular national parks to experience wildlife, hiking, and outdoor activities in the country. Some of the USA National Parks that are frequently visited by international visitors include Grand Canyon National Park, Yosemite National Park, Yellowstone National Park, Zion National Park, and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park . 

How to Travel around the USA

If you are planning a trip around the major cities in the country, then you can either fly or take a bus during your USA trip. Amtrak Trains are also a good option while visiting certain areas. However, if you are planning to visit national parks and outdoor areas, then consider a road trip across the USA. 

If flying domestically in the US, then consider budget airlines like Spirit or Frontier. The tickets are usually cheapest if you book in advance and fly on weekdays, especially Tuesdays or Wednesdays. 

The US also has great bus service in certain regions like the Northeast, Midwest, and California. Bus operators like Greyhound and Megabus operate buses between popular cities. The journeys are often overnight which means you can save on hotels if traveling via an overnight bus. 

Amtrak operates the trains in the USA. Traveling within the USA by train is neither cheap nor fast. However, it is definitely a scenic option especially along routes like the California Zephyr from San Francisco to Chicago. Amtrak has Rail Passes which you can use to get down and explore attractions for multiple days before reboarding the train.

However, one of our favorite ways to get around the country is via road trips. The USA is made for road tripping. Americans love taking road trips and you can rent cars, SUVs, and even RVs for your road trip. Read our post on Best Road Trips in the USA to learn about iconic road trips in the country.

1 Week in USA Itinerary Ideas

While a week is a very short time to explore the country, there are many small trips that you can take in a week. We have divided these trips mostly by region – you can definitely cover the highlights of a US region in 7 days. Here are a couple of different 1 week USA Itinerary Ideas – click the names of the destinations to read in-depth articles on the best things to do in the cities and national parks:

Itinerary 1: Las Vegas Los Angeles San Francisco

This itinerary may be just a week-long but it covers 4 major highlights of the country: Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. You can complete this as a road trip or as a flying itinerary.

Las Vegas – 2 Days

Las Vegas or Sin City is famous for its casinos and gambling. Besides gambling, Las Vegas also has many free attractions including the Bellagio Fountains, the Mirage Volcano, Eiffel Tower, etc. With two days in the city, you have enough time to explore Vegas nightlife and see a show or two. You can also explore outdoor Las Vegas: there are many natural areas close to Las Vegas including Valley of Fire State Park, Hoover Dam and Lake Mead Recreation Area, and Seven Magic Mountains. 

Grand Canyon – 1 Day

The Grand Canyon is one of the natural wonders of the world. This beautiful landscape is the result of years of erosion carried out by the Colorado River. You can easily see the Grand Canyon as a day trip from Las Vegas. While you won’t have time to visit the Grand Canyon National Park, you can see the Grand Canyon Skywalk at the West Rim. Book day tours to the Grand Canyon here. 

Los Angeles – 2 Days

Next head to Los Angeles in California. Los Angeles is home to Hollywood, America’s film industry and there are a lot of things to do in the city for movie buffs. See the stars on the sidewalk on Hollywood Blvd, take a photo with the Hollywood sign, take a behind the scenes tour at Warner Bros Inc, and take thrilling movie-inspired rides at Universal Studios. Los Angeles also has many museums and is a great place for foodies. 

San Francisco – 2 Days

After seeing Los Angeles, visit the northern California city of San Francisco . See America’s icon – the Golden Gate Bridge . Spend time at Fisherman’s Wharf, see the twisting Lombard Street, and visit the notorious island of Alcatraz. Take a day trip to Napa Valley to tour wineries and go wine tasting or visit Muir Woods National Monument to see the coastal redwoods. 

Itinerary 2: Chicago NYC Philadelphia

In this Midwest & East Coast itinerary, you will be visiting some of our favorite cities in the USA. You will be seeing beautiful architecture, visit impressive museums, spend time in grand urban parks, and eat delicious food. You will also be squeezing in a day trip to Niagara Falls, one of the best attractions in the USA. 

Chicago – 2 Days

Chicago is the jewel of the Midwest. Set on the shores of Lake Michigan, Chicago is home to famous architects and impressive architecture. To see the most beautiful buildings in the city, take the Chicago River Architectural Cruise. Spend some time at Millenium Park and enjoy its attractions including the Cloud Gate sculpture and the Crown Fountain. Go shopping at Magnificent Mile and eat Chicago’s famous deep-dish pizza.  

Niagara Falls – 1 Day

From Chicago, fly to Niagara Falls, located on the border of the US and Canada. Niagara Falls are actually a group of 3 falls – Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. The stunning falls are a year-round travel destination and they look beautiful even when frozen in winter. In summer, take the Maid of the Mist boat tour to see the falls from up close. The falls also look beautiful when they are illuminated at night. 

New York City – 2 Days

After seeing Niagara Falls, visit New York City – one of the best cities in the world. New York is the capital of fashion, finance, culture, art, and food. Spend a couple of days exploring the city. Visit the touristy Times Square and eat at the cafes in Greenwich Village. See the city from above at the Empire State Building and take a stroll in Central Park. See the city’s famous museums including the Met, American Museum of History, and MoMa. On your second day, see the Statue of Liberty at Ellis Island.

Philadelphia – 2 Days

Last, visit the historic city of Philadelphia. Begin your visit at the Independence National Historic Park. This is where the country came into being and where the most important monuments to liberty and democracy are located. See the iconic Liberty Bell and tour Independence Hall where the Declaration of Independence was signed. Independence Hall is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the must-visit attractions in the US. Other things to do in Philadelphia include the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the ‘Rocky’ movie steps, the Love sculpture, City Hall, and the Reading Terminal Market which is famous for its many eateries.

Itinerary 3: Southwest road trip

This road trip will take you through the best attractions of the American Southwest. Expect to see stunning natural landscapes of gorges, canyons, and deserts on this amazing trip. Camp to lower your budget and to stay closer to nature. At every turn, you will be treated to photogenic vistas and unique indigenous cultures. Read our post on Vegas Zion Bryce Grand Canyon road trip to plan a trip along these attractions.

Las Vegas is the ultimate starting point for an American Southwest road trip. Fly into Sin City and explore the attractions of the Las Vegas strip. Enjoy the unique attractions of Vegas like the roller coaster at New York New York, musical fountains of Bellagio, the volcano at Mirage, nightlife, gambling, and more at night. By day, explore the desert of Nevada. Hike at Red Rock Canyon State Park and drive the scenic route around Lake Mead. Tour the Hoover Dam and check out the museums in Las Vegas. 

Zion National Park – 1 Day

Then drive to Zion National Park in southwest Utah. Zion is located just 2 hours away from Las Vegas and can be easily seen during one day. The best way to see Zion is to take the park shuttle, which goes along the Zion Scenic Drive. You will be able to see breathtaking views of Zion’s deep red canyon walls and the Virgin River that flows through the canyon. Zion has many hiking trails but to hike the most popular trails of Angel’s Landing and the Narrows you will need more than a day. 

Bryce Canyon National Park – 1 Day

Bryce Canyon National Park is one of the most underrated national parks in the country. Bryce is famous for its deep red – crimson hoodoo rock formations. These spire-shaped narrow rock formations are formed due to weathering action by wind, snow, and water. You can easily see the hoodoos in the area known as the Bryce Amphitheatre. Take a walk along the Rim Trail to see the hoodoos from above or descend down into the depression along the Navajo Loop Trail to see the most famous hoodoos.

Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend – 1 Day

After seeing Bryce Canyon National Park, head over to Page, Arizona to see the famous Antelope Canyons . The two slot canyons of Upper and Lower Antelope Canyons are famous the world over for their striking beauty and vivid colors. You can see them both on guided tours. The tour through Lower Antelope Canyon is more strenuous than the one through Upper and requires some climbing. Pick the Upper Canyon if you have small kids or are not physically fit. After seeing Antelope Canyon, see another Page attraction – Horseshoe Bend. From the observation area, you can see a panoramic view of the Horseshoe shaped bend in the Colorado River. 

Monument Valley – 1 Day

From Page, drive further east towards Monument Valley. This landscape of red sand desert and weathered rock formations located along the Arizona Utah border is one of the highlights of this road trip. Drive along the 17 mile Valley Drive to see the towering sandstone buttes and take iconic photographs. 

Grand Canyon National Park – 1 Day

Finally, make your way to the Grand Canyon National Park. Drive to the South Rim and Grand Canyon Village to see the best views of the Grand Canyon. If it is too crowded, take the park shuttle. Visit the Visitor Center for exhibits, souvenirs, and movies about the Grand Canyon. Take the scenic Desert View Drive to the Desert View Watchtower for iconic views. Hike into the Grand Canyon to enjoy its beauty from different vantage points. 

Itinerary 4 – Pacific Coast Highway, California

This stunning road trip will take you along the highlights of California. See the vibrant cities of Los Angeles and San Francisco and drive through the stunning natural area of Big Sur. This drive is said to be the best road trip in the world. Finish your trip with a visit to the famous Yosemite National Park. Check our post on Pacific Coast Road Trip Itinerary to plan this trip.

Los Angeles – 2 Day

Start your visit by flying into Los Angeles . Movie buffs can take a stroll along Hollywood Walk of Fame or take a movie studio tour or tour celebrity homes in Beverly Hills. Culture enthusiasts can visit LA’s top museums including the Broad, La Brea Tar Pits, LACMA, Petersen Automotive Museum, and the Getty Center. If you have kids, spend a day in Anaheim at the Disney parks. 

Big Sur – 2 Day

Take the Pacific Coast Highway up north to Big Sur . Along the way, you will pass California’s iconic coastal cities of Malibu and Santa Barbara and drive alongside small beachside communities of Pismo Beach and Morro Bay. In Big Sur, visit the highlights of McWay Falls, Bixby Creek Bridge, San Simeon Elephant Seal Rookery, Pfeiffer Beach, and Big Sur Village. Then drive north along Monterey and Half Moon Bay to San Francisco. 

San Francisco – 2 Day

Enjoy Northern California’s mild climates and foggy coastline in San Francisco , the city by the bay. See the iconic Golden Gate Bridge from Vista Point and ride a cable car to Chinatown. Eat some dim sums and egg tarts in Chinatown. Walk down twisting Lombard Street and buy chocolates in Ghirardelli Square. Admire the view from Twin Peaks and take a cruise to the former federal prison on Alcatraz Island. 

Yosemite – 1 Day

Yosemite National Park is one of the most popular national parks in the country. Located in the Sierra Nevada mountain ranges, Yosemite has stunning mountain beauty. Visiting Yosemite is a must while visiting California. While one day is not enough to explore all of Yosemite’s attractions, you can see the highlights and tour the Yosemite Valley in that time frame. A ranger-led 2 hours tour of the Valley is your best option to see Yosemite in a day. On the tour, you can see Yosemite Falls and the granite rock formations of El Capitan and Half Dome. If you have time, hike in the Yosemite Valley and take photos of the national park. 

Itinerary 5: Best of Florida

If you want to spend your 1 week in the USA exploring Florida, then use this itinerary. Start your trip in Orlando and visit a theme park. Then visit Miami and relax at South Beach. See the architecture on Ocean Drive and visit Little Havana. Then make the trip down to Key West via Overseas Highway. Finally, visit Everglades National Park and take an airboat tour. See our post on Miami to Key West Drive: 25 Awesome Stops along the way to plan this trip.

Orlando – 2 Days

Orlando is one of the best places to start your USA trip. The city has over a dozen theme parks. Our favorite is ’The Wizarding World of Harry Potter’ at Universal Studios. There are also 5 Disney Parks in Orlando including the popular Walt Disney World. There are also many other things to do in Orlando besides the theme parks. You can take a stroll through the beautiful Bok Tower Gardens and admire the wildlife at Central Florida Zoo. Explore the many different neighborhoods and sample a variety of cuisines. 

Miami – 2 Days

After exploring Orlando, head down to spend 2 days in Miami . Start your visit at the iconic attraction of Miami Beach. Get some Florida sun and swim in the water. Wander around the Arts Deco district and see the murals at Wynwood Mall. Shop and eat by the waterfront at Bayside Marketplace. For a unique attraction, stroll through the beautiful Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. End your visit in Little Havana where you can try Cuban cuisine and understand the Cuban culture. 

Key West – 2 Days

Then take Florida’s Overseas Highway to Key West. The drive is about 4 hours but there are many attractions along the way. Stop in communities like Islamorada and Key Largo. Eat fresh seafood and go snorkeling and scuba diving on the coral reefs. Then make way for Key West. Key West is the southernmost point in the Continental US. The city has a chilled Caribbean vibe. Tour Old Town Key West, visit Hemingway House Museum and take a picture at the southernmost point Buoy. Attend the sunset celebrations in Mallory Square and party on Duval Street. If you have more time, visit Dry Tortugas National Park . 

Everglades National Park – 1 Day

On your way back to Miami or Orlando, visit Everglades National Park. Homestead, which is located just an hour south of Miami, is the gateway to Everglades National Park. In Everglades, you will find a wetland of swamps, marshes, mangroves, and sawgrass prairies. The best way to experience Everglades National Park is on an airboat tour. During the tour, you can see manatees, alligators, deer, fox, bobcats, and birds like ospreys and cranes. 

Itinerary 6 – Chicago Mt. Rushmore Road Trip

While most of the trips above could be done without driving, a road trip is the only way to experience these Midwestern attractions. This trip is definitely one of the hidden gems in the US and not many visitors come here on a first visit. However, to experience the heart of the country – the Midwest bread bowl – go on this road trip in the Black Hills of South Dakota . We assure you, you will have the time of your life! 

Start on this road trip in Chicago . Experience iconic attractions of the Windy City including the Bean at Millennium Park, the Museum Campus, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Navy Pier. See Chicago from top of the Willis Tower and experience Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture in Oak Park. Eat Chicago style hotdog and deep-dish pizza before hitting the open roads to South Dakota. 

Sioux Falls – 1 Day

First, stop at Sioux Falls. Visit the Falls Park where you can see the Big Sioux River cascade over limestone bluffs. The park also has a historic mill and an observation tower. See the murals in downtown Sioux Falls before visiting the Corn Palace in Mitchell . This stunning palace is made of corn murals and is created anew every year. Inside the corn palace, you can see photos of previous corn palaces and tributes to corn farmers. This unique roadside attraction is definitely worth a visit while in South Dakota. 

Badlands National Park – 2 Days

Next, visit the bizarre and dramatic landscape of Badlands National Park . Formed as a result of erosion, the national park is filled with unique rock formations consisting of buttes, spires, and canyons. To explore Badlands, drive along the scenic Badlands Loop Road and go hiking in the park. Badlands also has a lot of wildlife. On a visit to the park, you can view bison, coyotes, mountain goats, prairie dogs, deer, and more. You can also see fossils of animals that lived in the area long ago including mammoths, saber-toothed tigers, and more. 

Custer State Park – 1 Day

Custer State Park is the largest state park in the country and one of our favorites. You can do hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing in the park . Custer has 4 mountain lakes which are perfect for lakeside strolls and activities on the water. Custer State Park is also famous for its scenic drives. The Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway is located in the park and includes 3 smaller drives. On the Custer Wildlife Loop Road, you will find lots of bison, burros, and deer. Needles Highway has the stunning needle formations on both sides while Iron Mountain Road has three tunnels and an iconic view of Mt. Rushmore. 

Mt. Rushmore National Memorial – 1 Day

For the last part of your trip, visit Mt. Rushmore National Memorial . Here you can see the faces of 4 US presidents – Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln – carved in stone. The monument is lit at night and looks impressive. Hike the Presidential Trail to go closer to the sculptures and spot wildlife including mountain goat and deer. Visit the on-site museum to learn more about the sculptures and their sculptor Gutzon Borglum.  Do not forget to see nearby Crazy Horse Memorial to know more about the Lakota warrior Crazy Horse while visiting the Black Hills. Read our post on Ultimate South Dakota road trip to plan this route.

We hope you liked our epic USA Itinerary Planner. Let us know if you have any questions.

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The best places to visit in the USA for every month of 2023

We've named the 12 best places to visit in the USA with one amazing destination for every month of the year

Whether you live in the US or on the other side of the world, you’ve got to admit that the US is an amazing place to travel. But the US is a huge, huge country, and an experience on one end is going to be incredibly different to another. Here, you’ve got glamorous resorts, hikes through national parks, wide open beaches and tightly packed cities (and much, much more). 

Plus, you’ve got the weather. A holiday in Alaska is going to be very different to Las Vegas, that’s for sure, so you might want to plan accordingly. In fact, our biggest tip is to choose where you’re going in the US based on a particular time of year - so we’ve made life easy for you. We’ve rounded up the best places to go in the US in 2023, for every month of the year. Now that is how you do a trip. Happy holidays!

RECOMMENDED: 🏞️ The best national parks in the US 🎢 The best amusement parks in the US 🏨 The best all-inclusive resorts in the US 🏖️ The best beaches in the US 😎 The best family vacations in the US

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Best places to visit in the USA, by month

1.  January: Colorado

It’s no secret that Colorado ski resorts are among the country’s best, but that's not all this state has to offer outdoor enthusiasts in the winter. Try your hand at heli-skiing (that's dropping from a helicopter rather than a ski lift) in the backcountry at Telluride , bask in natural hot springs after your ride down the mountain in Steamboat Springs , or embrace winter camping and dog sledding at the refurbished mine town of  Dunton Hot Springs,  where you'll find an Old West saloon, the opportunity to ice climb and, of course, more hot springs. 

2.  February: Yellowstone National Park

This world-famous Wyoming National Park  is always spectacular, and while it’s understandably mainly visited in warmer months, if you can get there in February you’ll be in for a real treat, with the whole place transformed into an other-worldly wintery wilderness. Animals are much easier to spot in the snow, with the most notable example being bison, complete with their shaggy winter coats, and the steam from the geysers is far more pronounced.

3.  March: Hawaii

Hawaii enjoys beautiful weather and comfortable temperatures year-round, with thermometers reliably staying above 79°F and below 88°F, but March and April are particularly pleasant times to visit, slipping in between the spring and summer vacation seasons. From the massive volcanoes on the Big Island (Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa and Kilauea), and the Na Pali cliffs of Kauai , to the pristine beaches of Oahu —every part of the state is stunning. But if you have to pick just one spot to see while you're there, we recommend heading to the very top of Maui, where the Haleakalā crater's huge caldera's landscape is otherworldly.

4.  April: Washington DC

Despite being such a historic city, Washington DC keeps evolving—even now, new museums are breaking ground. There's one more big reason to head to D.C. this spring, too: cherry blossom season. While Japan’s cherry blossom season seems to grab most of the world’s attention, Washington D.C. has a pretty good one too, which typically spans late March into early April. The best place to see it is the Tidal Basin, where over 3,000 trees are transformed with radiant blooms. And you can still get your obligatory selfie with the White House/Lincoln Memorial/National Mall while you're in town. 

5.  May: The Mighty Five

No idea what The Mighty Five is? We're talking about Utah 's wild landscape, which is connected by a series of five national parks— Zion , Bryce Canyon , Capitol Reef , Canyonlands , and Arches.  There's also the iconic  Monument Valley, which is located in the nearby Navajo nation; you've seen it on the silver screen in almost every John Wayne western and it hasn't changed an iota since. In all five destinations, notice massive sandstone formations, twisty slot canyons and dark skies bursting with stars that up the beauty ante. 

6.  June: The West Coast

Sound the road trip klaxon!  California  and the Pacific Northwest are calling. Head out in June to avoid the July 4th madness, when roads in the U.S. will be crammed with long weekenders on their way to family barbecues and baseball games, and take the whole month to discover the best of the West Coast. Whether you want to catch some rays in  San Diego , forest bathe in  Oregon , tour  Seattle ’s street art or simply make the most of  Vancouver 's least rainy month of the year, this slice of North America is as diverse as its days are long.

7.  July: Alaska

July is a wonderful month to spot caribou, wolves and golden eagles in Denali National Park , as well as grizzly bears, who are busy hunting salmon in order to fatten up before hibernation. They also nibble on the season’s abundant berries—blueberries are particularly fat and juicy in Alaska—and you can taste them too on almost any hike and around the stunning Glacier Bay National Park .

8.  August: Acadia National Park and Mount Desert Island

At the far reaches of the northeast coastline of America is Acadia National Park , which covers much of Mount Desert Island (beautiful Bar Harbor is here, too) and beyond. Crashing Atlantic Ocean waves hit rocky beaches, massive granite rock formations loom and quiet forests, lakes and ponds await you here. Once you've experienced this achingly lovely island sanctuary, there are plenty of Maine 's famed lobster roll stands waiting near town ready to feed you the state's delicious crustacean.

9.  September: Great Smoky Mountains National Park

America's most visited national park, the Great Smoky Mountains is a place where the easygoing rhythm of the South combines with an outdoor lover's heaven. Hike in to see lovely waterfalls and expansive views filled with mountains and forests, fish for trout in a quiet stream (you'll need a permit) and peep at a riot of colors during the autumn foliage change. You might run into someone hiking the Appalachian Trail, too. More than 70 miles of that 2,190-mile path run through the national park.

10.  October: New Mexico

There’s a lot more to New Mexico than desert and a certain Netflix show. Every October,   Albuquerque   hosts its eye-popping International Balloon Fiesta , where you can spot hundreds of technicolor hot air balloons as they make their spectacular ascent. With seemingly endless skies and epic sunrises, it’s become the world’s largest balloon festival and the most photographed event on Earth. Also make time to visit   Santa Fe , in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo mountains for a mix of Spanish colonial architecture and earth-colored historic adobe neighborhoods, plus a comprehensive Georgia O'Keefe Museum dedicated to her artistic legacy and American modernism.

11.  November: Las Vegas

As the names of artists now getting residencies in Las Vegas get bigger and more relevant (like Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars), so does Sin City’s credibility as an entertainment destination. So do catch a  show  while you’re there but, since temperatures are pleasantly cool at this time of year, now is also the perfect time for exploring off-strip. Want geological beauty? Head to rouge-tinted Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area . Street art? Go downtown. Mafia stuff? Don’t miss the Mob Museum  and its in-house distillery.

12.  December: Miami

The Magic City is perhaps not a place you'd associate with art and culture and yet, it frequently hosts works and exhibitions from established international artists. But you don’t have to be an industry insider or even uber-rich to get in on the action: Plenty of fringe events happen outside of the main convention center at Miami Beach at the same time. Check out the public sculpture, and the many pop-ups, gallery events and installations that have led this to be dubbed "Art Week" by locals. In between, hit up South Beach for tanning and our very own Time Out Market Miami for grubbing. Welcome to Miami.

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United States of America Travel Budget - Visit United States of America on a Budget or Travel in Style

• Is the United States of America Expensive?
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How much does it cost to travel to the United States of America?

You should plan to spend around $284 per day on your vacation in the United States of America. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

• $58 on meals
• $46 on local transportation
• $259 on hotels

A one week trip to the United States of America for two people costs, on average, $3,982 . This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

• Travel Style: All Budget (Cheap) Mid-Range Luxury (High-End)
• Average Daily Cost Per person, per day $ 284
• One Week Per person $ 1,991
• 2 Weeks Per person $ 3,982
• One Month Per person $ 8,532
• One Week For a couple $ 3,982
• 2 Weeks For a couple $ 7,963
• One Month For a couple $ 17,064

How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to the United States of America cost?

A one week trip to the United States of America usually costs around $1,991 for one person and $3,982 for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to the United States of America on average costs around $3,982 for one person and $7,963 for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in the United States of America will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to the United States of America on average costs around $8,532 for one person and $17,064 for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.

Organized tours are usually more expensive than independent travel, but offer convenience and peace of mind that your trip has been planned by a travel expert.

The average price for an organized tour package in the United States of America is $393 per day. While every tour varies by total price, length, number of destinations, and quality, this is the daily average price based on our analysis of available guided tours.

• Golden West Adventure 14 Days - 22 Destinations $ 2,639
• Exploring America's Great Parks 15 Days - 18 Destinations $ 5,169

Independent Travel

Traveling Independently has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.

All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.

The United States of America is a moderately priced destination to visit. It's about average with most other countries for travel costs. The prices for food, accommodation, and transportation are all fairly reasonable.

Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, the United States of America is very expensive compared to the other countries. It is in the top 10% of countries in North America for its travel costs. There are only a few countries as expensive or more expensive than the United States of America in the region.

For more details, see Is the United States of America Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to the United States of America?

The average United States of America trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these United States of America travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers.

Accommodation Budget in the United States of America

Average daily costs.

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid for one person for accommodation in the United States of America is $130. For two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room, the average price paid for a hotel room in the United States of America is $259. This cost is from the reported spending of actual travelers.

• Accommodation 1 Hotel or hostel for one person $ 130
• Accommodation 1 Typical double-occupancy room $ 259

Hotel Prices in the United States of America

Looking for a hotel in the United States of America? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Actual Hotel Prices The average hotel room price in the United States of America based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $171. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.

Recommended Properties

• MarBrisa Carlsbad Resort Budget Hotel - Kayak $ 195
• Springwood Inn Luxury Hotel - Kayak $ 240

Local Transportation Budget in the United States of America

The cost of a taxi ride in the United States of America is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent $46 per person, per day, on local transportation in the United States of America.

• Local Transportation 1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc. $ 46

Recommended Services

• Black SUV Transfer From or To JFK, LGA, EWR - All Fees… Viator $ 230
• Honolulu Airport & Waikiki Hotels Private Transfer by Luxury SUV(up to 5… Viator $ 130

What did other people spend on Local Transportation?

Typical prices for Local Transportation in the United States of America are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Local Transportation prices in the United States of America, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.

• Lightrail from Airport (for 2) $ 5.50
• Roundtrip Ferry to Bainbridge Island (for 2) $ 15
• 24 hrs Deuce Bus $ 7.00
• Taxi from Airport to the Strip $ 36
• Bus Ride $ 1.00
• Bus Ride $ 2.00
• MARTA Subway Ticket $ 4.00
• Subway Daily Pass $ 9.00

Food Budget in the United States of America

While meal prices in the United States of America can vary, the average cost of food in the United States of America is $58 per day. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out an average meal in the United States of America should cost around $23 per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner. The price of food in sit-down restaurants in the United States of America is often higher than fast food prices or street food prices.

• Food 2 Meals for one day $ 58

Recommended

• Premium Valle de Guadalupe Wine and Food Tour Viator $ 259
• Hollywood Florida Walking Food Tour Viator $ 109

What did other people spend on Food?

Typical prices for Food in the United States of America are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Food prices in the United States of America, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.

• Lunch for Two $ 28
• Lunch for 2 $ 32
• West Street Cafe (for 4) $ 70
• Anglers Restaurant for Lunch $ 29
• Cracker Barrel Lunch (for 4) $ 55
• Dinner for 2 $ 30
• Quick Lunch $ 12
• Breakfast $ 26

Entertainment Budget in the United States of America

Entertainment and activities in the United States of America typically cost an average of $55 per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

• Entertainment 1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc. $ 55

Recommended Activities

• Private Scottsdale Off-Road Jeep Tour Viator $ 229
• Sunset ATV Tour and Trail Experience in Hell's Revenge Viator $ 254

What did other people spend on Entertainment?

Typical prices for Entertainment in the United States of America are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Entertainment prices in the United States of America, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.

• Riverboat Cruise $ 70
• French Quarter City Tour $ 100
• Six Flags for 2 $ 96
• Acadia National Park Entrance Fee $ 25
• Sunset Cruise (for 4) $ 96
• Children's Museum (for 4) $ 32
• Patriots Point (for 2) $ 60
• Zoo & Aquarium Tickets (2) $ 75

Tips and Handouts Budget in the United States of America

The average cost for Tips and Handouts in the United States of America is $33 per day. The usual amount for a tip in the United States of America is 10% - 20% .

• Tips and Handouts 1 For guides or service providers $ 33

What did other people spend on Tips and Handouts?

Typical prices for Tips and Handouts in the United States of America are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Tips and Handouts prices in the United States of America, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.

• Airport Luggage Storage $ 14

Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps Budget in the United States of America

Unfortunately, bad things can happen on a trip. Well, you've just got to deal with it! The average price for a scam, robbery, or mishap in the United States of America is $83, as reported by travelers.

• Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps 1 $ 83

Alcohol Budget in the United States of America

The average person spends about $27 on alcoholic beverages in the United States of America per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

• Alcohol 2 Drinks for one day $ 27
• Luxury Private Wine Tasting Tour to Guadalupe Valley from San Diego Viator $ 259
• Memphis Signature Guided Brewery Tour Viator $ 69

What did other people spend on Alcohol?

Typical prices for Alcohol in the United States of America are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Alcohol prices in the United States of America, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.

• Beer $ 7.30
• A Night of Shots $ 36
• Drinks at Camp Fire (for 2) $ 40
• Evening at a Bar $ 32
• Camping $ 20

Water Budget in the United States of America

On average, people spend $16 on bottled water in the United States of America per day. The public water in the United States of America is considered safe to drink.

• Water 2 Bottled water for one day $ 16

Related Articles

The united states of america on a budget.

At A Glance

• The U.S. is best visited during a series of several different trips. Because it is so large and difficult to travel around, you'll do better if you visit one region at a time. Some people choose to do a highlights tour and see New York, San Francisco and perhaps one national park. A better option is to pick one part of the country and explore it in more depth.
• If you want to avoid renting a car, the best area to visit is the northeast. There are trains and buses that connect the major cities, so it is possible to travel around without renting a car or taking a flight. The larger cities in these areas also have decent public transportation systems so it's easy to travel within the city without a car as well.
• One of the best seasons to visit this country is during the fall months. In many areas the leaves are changing color and the landscape is beautiful. Children are also back in school so the crowds are less and the prices are usually lower.
• You'll find plenty of great beaches on both coasts. If you're hoping to see a dramatic and rocky coast line, surf in the largest waves, and enjoy urban beaches, then the west coast is your best option. If you're looking for more natural beaches, warmer water for swimming, and more traditional towns, then head to the east coast.
• If you're hoping to visit any beaches then it is best if you avoid college spring break periods. These breaks usually fall between early March and late April and can be a busy and expensive time to be at the beach. Unless you specifically want to take part in the partying then your best option is to visit at a different time.

Top Tourist Attractions

Popular foods, more related articles.

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• Activities, Day Trips, Things To Do, and Excursions

The Great American Road Trip: A 4-Month Itinerary Around the USA

The Great American Road Trip. It’s the kind of multi-month adventure most dream about, but few actually do.

While many of us have bucket-list goals of exploring this vast and diverse landscape, more often than not, we end up heading abroad instead. International travel just seems more alluring, exotic, and exciting.

But this country has more than enough eclectic cities, small towns, regional culinary traditions, historic sites, fascinating museums, and natural wonders to keep any intrepid traveler busy.

I’ve done five big US road trips (two that completely crisscrossed the country and three in various regions) that cumulatively add up to a year on the road (and that doesn’t count all the “regular” trips, vacations, and weekend getaways). I’ve seen a lot of the United States.

When COVID-19 caused us to consider our backyard more and more, many Americans turned to domestic travel. We finally got to explore all the wonders our own country has to offer.

So, because of that, I’ve created an epic four-month itinerary for traveling around the States. I think it balances time in cities with relaxing in nature.

It may seem like a lot, but four months just scratches the surface. And, since I don’t expect most of you to have four months, you can easily break this trip into smaller portions. It’s much better to concentrate your focus rather than try to see a lot in a short amount of time.

One note before we begin: There are so many routes you could take that it’s impossible to have one “best” route. The US is just too big. The route below is just one of my favorites. Use it as a starting point for creating your own itinerary that mixes realistic drive times, national parks, and fabulous cities.

Table of Contents

Month 1: East Coast, Southern US

Month 2: south, southwestern us, west coast, month 3: pacific northwest, western us, month 4: midwest, northeast us, days 1-3: boston, ma.

• Walk the Freedom Trail – This 2.5-mile (4 kilometer) route links many historic sites, including the Boston Common, Faneuil Hall, the State House, and Bunker Hill. To get the most out of your experience, take a guided tour . You’ll be able to ask questions to an expert local guide for a more in-depth experience.
• Relax in Boston Common – This is one of America’s oldest parks and was once used as communal pasture land by Puritan settlers. Today, it’s a great place to relax, people-watch, and picnic.
• See the Bunker Hill Monument – The Battle of Bunker Hill (1775) was one of the first major battles of the Revolutionary War. While the British won, the Americans wore British forces down more than was expected. The monument stands 221 feet (67 meters) tall; you can climb to the top to enjoy the best view of Boston.
• Visit the Museum of Fine Arts – This museum has over 450,000 pieces of fine art, covering everything from the pre-Columbian era to Italian Impressionists. It’s one of the biggest collections in the country. It’s free after 4pm on Wednesdays.

For more things to do, check out my free guide to Boston . And, for places to stay, here are my hostel recommendations.

Days 4-8: New York City, NY

• Take a walking tour – To get a feel for the city, take a walking tour. There are myriad free and paid tours on a variety of subjects. Nothing is too obscure. Here’s a list of suggested walking tour companies in NYC .
• Wander Central Park – This massive, 51-block-long, 843-acre park is the best free attraction in town. There are plenty of places to bike, walk, jog, read, picnic, and people-watch. During the summer, there are free concerts and theater productions too. Free tours are run by the parks service. The “Iconic Views of Central Park” tour is offered daily at 10am from the spring to the fall.
• See the Statue of Liberty – You can pay to visit Ellis Island if you want to see the statue up close . However, you can also take a free ferry to Staten Island instead if you just want to see it while passing by.
• Visit the 9/11 Memorial & Museum – At the base of the Freedom Tower is a park commemorating the victims of 9/11. Inside the museum, there are over 14,000 artifacts from that day, as well as 3,500 recordings from survivors, first responders, and family members of those killed. It’s a sobering, eye-opening exhibit. A timed-entry ticket is $19.40 USD.
• Walk the High Line – The High Line is an elevated urban walking park on the west side of NYC. Made from a converted train track, it runs for 22 blocks and is lined with overlooks, gardens, public art, food stalls, and greenery.
• Cross the Brooklyn Bridge – For a view of the Manhattan skyline, walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. It’s a long walk (around 40 minutes if you stop for photos), but the view is worth it — especially at night. It’s free too!
• Explore the Met – The Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the foremost fine art collections in the world. You can easily spend an entire day here if you wanted to see it all.

If you want more ideas for things to see and do in NYC, here’s a detailed suggested itinerary that can come.

For accommodation suggestions, here is my comprehensive list of hostels in NYC , my recommended hotels , as well as a neighborhood-by-neighborhood guide to the city .  

Days 9-11: Philadelphia, PA

• See the Liberty Bell – This bell, which dates to 1752, is an iconic symbol of American freedom. It’s said to have been rung when the Declaration of Independence was read in July 1776. Today, the bell is located in Independence National Historical Park, which you can visit for free.
• Wander around Independence Hall – Learn about the founding of the United States at Independence Hall, and wander around the area’s historic colonial buildings.
• Explore Franklin Court – This is where Benjamin Franklin lived while serving in the Continental Congress and Constitutional Convention. While his house was torn down after his death in 1790, a hollow structure stands where it was located, and there’s a museum nearby with information about his life and works.
• Climb the Rocky stairs – The stairs from Rocky , the classic boxing film, are located at the Museum of Art. You can’t visit Philadelphia without running up them and doing your best Stallone impression.
• Visit the Magic Gardens – This quirky art gallery is one of the most unique attractions in town: a collection of indoor and outdoor art and mosaics made from broken tiles, glass, and all kinds of odds and ends. Indoors, there’s a more conventional art gallery and space for events and concerts.

Days 12-14: Washington, DC

• Visit the Holocaust Museum – The Holocaust Museum is informative and heart-wrenching. Its permanent exhibit takes up three entire levels and tells the story of the Holocaust through films, photos, artifacts, and first-person stories. Admission is free.
• Tour the Smithsonian – The Smithsonian Institution is a group of world-class museums and research centers. All of them are free to enter. Some of the best museums are: the Air and Space Museum, the African American Museum, the Smithsonian Castle, and the American Art Museum.
• See the Lincoln Memorial – This iconic 19-foot statue is located on the National Mall and pays tribute to America’s 16th president. Built in 1914, it’s surrounded by 36 columns, each of which represents a state in the union at the time of his death in 1865.

For tons more ideas on what to see, here’s my free detailed guide to DC!  

Days 15-16: Shenandoah National Park, VA

Days 17-19: Asheville, NC

• The Biltmore Estate – This is America’s largest house. It’s a whopping 178,926-square-foot mansion surrounded by 8,000 acres of land. The massive estate has over 250 rooms (including 33 bedrooms and 43 bathrooms). I love it!
• Enjoying craft beer – Asheville has over 25 breweries (and there are another 50+ outside town too). Take a brewery tour, or just hop around and sample some local offerings. My two favorites are Bhramari and Wicked Weed.
• Hiking the Blue Ridge Mountains – Parts of the Appalachian Trail can be found here, and there are lots of day or multiday hikes. You can also climb Mount Mitchell, the highest summit east of the Mississippi River.

Days 20-22: Atlanta, GA

• See the Center for Civil and Human Rights – Opened in 2014, this museum highlights the struggles and accomplishments of the civil rights movement as well as human rights around the globe. (To learn more about civil rights history in Atlanta, take this city walking tour with Unexpected Atlanta. )
• Wander the Atlanta Botanical Garden – Escape the urban hustle and bustle with a getaway to this 30-acre oasis in the heart of the city. In addition to its orchids and tropical plants, there’s a 600-foot canopy walk that lets you enjoy the gardens from 40 feet in the air.
• Take a street art tour – Atlanta is one of the best destinations for street art. There are tons of murals along the Krog Street Tunnel and the Belt Line. Take a guided tour or use the website streetartmap.org for self-guided suggestions.

Days 23-27: Nashville, TN

• Attend the Grand Ole Opry – Opened in 1925, this is one of the most famous country music venues in the world. Today, the Opry hosts regular live performances, TV broadcasts, and radio shows. You can buy tickets here or book a guided tour of the venue here .
• See the Parthenon – This full-scale replica of the Parthenon in Athens, Greece, was built in 1897. It was created to celebrate Nashville’s 100th anniversary and chosen because Nashville is called “the Athens of the South” (due to its historic focus on higher education).
• Explore the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum – This museum has one of the largest music collections in the entire world. There are over 200,000 recordings here, including 98% of music released before World War II. Tickets are $29.95 USD.
• Visit Franklin – Located just 25 minutes outside of Nashville, most people assume Franklin is just another suburb. However, it has a lot going for it: it’s bursting with small-town charm, has stellar food and drink (it’s where I discovered my favorite Bourbon, H Clark), is full of history ( there was a major Civil War battle here ), and has one of the best-preserved historic main streets in the country. I’d spend two nights here.

Days 28-30: Memphis, TN

• Visit the National Civil Rights Museum – This museum traces the history of civil rights from the 17th century to today. It’s housed in the former motel where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. It’s powerful and poignant. Don’t miss it. Admission is $20 USD.
• See the Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum – This museum highlights the musical pioneers of blues, rock, and soul music from the 1930s to the 1970s. There are costumes and recordings, interactive media, and exhibitions on famous musicians from Memphis. A joint ticket that also includes the Music Hall of Fame is $17 USD.
• Stroll down Beale Street – Known as “America’s most iconic street,” Beale Street features many bars where you’ll find Memphis’s best live music. There are also numerous street buskers. If you’re going out at night, start here. ( Backbeat Tours offers guided tours if you’d like to learn more about the street’s history.)
• Day-trip to Graceland – The home of Elvis Presley, Graceland is located a few miles south of town. Even if you’re not a huge Elvis fan, it’s worth a visit to see just how impactful his life and music have been. You’ll see loads of lookalikes and die-hard fans making the pilgrimage to see the King.

Days 31-32: Natchez, MS

• Visit antebellum homes – Built in the early to mid-19th century, these historic homes are Natchez’s main draw. Longwood, Rosalie Mansion, and Stanton Hall were my favorites. Admission is $20-25 USD at each or there is a joint ticket that includes all three for $65 USD.
• Attend the Natchez Pilgrimage – During the Natchez Pilgrimage in the spring, all of the private historical homes open up to the public. The costumed guides explain the history of the home, their owners, and the region. It’s the city’s biggest annual event, and there are some 20 homes on display.
• See the Emerald Mount – Constructed sometime between the 13th and 17th centuries, this was an elevated place of worship for the Plaquemine Native Americans. All kinds of animal bones have been found nearby, leading researchers to believe it was the site of religious or sacred activity.

Days 33-36: New Orleans, LA

• Visit the National World War II Museum – This is the largest World War II museum in America. It’s also one of the best museums in the world. You can listen to firsthand accounts of the war, which make it all feel that much more intimate and impactful. You can get your tickets here .
• Listen to music on Frenchmen Street – Live music is available every night of the week, and there are innumerable venues to listen to blues and jazz. My personal favorite is the Spotted Cat.
• Wander the French Quarter and Garden District – These are two of NOLA’s most iconic and historic districts, full of old French-influenced buildings and grand mansions. You can either do a self-guided tour or go with Tour Orleans to learn more about this beautiful area.
• Take a ghost or voodoo tour – “The Big Easy” has a creepy past. The best way to learn about it is to take a voodoo or ghost tour . You’ll get to see cemeteries, explore haunted buildings, and hear all sorts of unsettling anecdotes and ghostly tales.

For more things to see and do in NOLA, check out this detailed itinerary .  

Days 37-39: Houston, TX

Houston is home to the Space Center and NASA’s astronaut training complex, as well as countless breweries and museums and a killer food scene (definitely go out for Viet BBQ).

These are some things you can do while you’re in town:

• Visit Space Center Houston – This is Houston’s top attraction, bringing in over a million visitors each year. There are over 400 items in the collection, including moon rocks and three spacecraft that were used during missions. Get your timed-entry ticket here .
• Explore the Museum of Natural Science – Opened in 1909, this museum has four floors of exhibitions (as well as a planetarium and an IMAX theatre). There are displays on wildlife, ancient Egypt, dinosaurs, minerals, and much more! Tickets are $25 USD.
• Wander Buffalo Bayou Park – This 124-acre park has all kinds of walking trails and is a nice spot for a picnic, to relax with a book, or to people-watch. There are also lots of concerts and events here too, so check the local tourism office to see what’s coming up.

Days 40-44: Austin, TX

• Relax at Barton Springs – Barton Springs is a pool/creek that locals flock to in warm weather. It’s fed by a natural cold-water spring in Zilker Park and has manicured lawns that are great for lounging on and relaxing when it’s too hot to do much else. You can also rent kayaks and paddle around.
• Go two-stepping – Two-stepping is a popular country dance — and country dancing is one of Austin’s favorite pastimes. To see it in action (and try it yourself), head to the White Horse, where there are free lessons so you can then dance your way around town.
• Enjoy world-class barbecue — Some of the best BBQ joints in the US are here in Austin. If you’re looking to treat your taste buds (and don’t mind waiting, usually a couple of hours), head to Franklin’s or La Barbecue. For something faster, check out Micklethwait Craft Meats.

For way more activities, check out my free guide to Austin ! Since I lived here for so long, I have a lot of suggestions on how to spend your time.  

Days 45-47: Truth or Consequences, NM

Originally named Hot Springs, “T or C,” as it’s known, got its name from a radio contest in 1950. After winning, the town kept the name. Located 10 hours from Austin, T or C is known for its wellness tourism. The entire town was built over a hot mineral spring, so it’s the perfect place to relax at a spa.

Try to explore some of the nearby ghost towns. Winston and Chloride, located north of T and C, are two mining towns that were abandoned in the early 1900s; some of the original buildings still remain.  

Days 48-49: Phoenix, AZ

• See the Desert Botanical Garden – This 140-acre garden is home to over 50,000 plants, including over 14,000 cacti. It’s super interesting!
• Visit the Heard Museum – This museum focuses on Native American art. There are permanent and rotating exhibitions of contemporary art, as well as cultural artifacts that highlight the history and traditions of the region’s native cultures.
• Hike Camelback Mountain – With an elevation of 2,700 feet, this 2-3-hour hike is a fun way to see Arizona’s stunning and arid landscapes. There are two trails, both of which are challenging but rewarding.

Days 50-51: Joshua Tree National Park, CA

A seven-day vehicle pass is $30 USD. It allows multiple entries in case you stay in one of the nearby towns.  

Days 52-54: San Diego, CA

• See the USS Midway Museum – This aircraft carrier was commissioned after World War II and was the largest ship in the world until 1955. It saw action in numerous conflicts, including Vietnam. After it was decommissioned, it became a museum open to the public. Skip-the-line tickets are $32 USD.
• Visit wildlife at the San Diego Zoo – Located in Balboa Park, this zoo is home to over 3,500 animals and 700,000 plant species. It’s a massive 1,800-acre park, and you could easily spend an entire day here. It’s a fun place to visit with kids (there’s even a Children’s Zoo). A skip-the-line ticket is $72 USD.
• Go whale watching – California gray whales migrate from Alaska to Mexico between December and April. They are spectacular to see up close, as they grow up to 49 feet long and live for over 70 years. Tours range from around $60-75 USD depending on length and tour company. A 4-hour tour with City Cruises California is $73 USD.

Days 55-58: Los Angeles, CA

• Wander Hollywood Boulevard – Play tourist and visit the Walk of Fame (where stars have their names engraved in the sidewalk) and Grauman’s (now TCL) Chinese Theatre (featuring celebrities’ handprints and footprints).
• Relax on the beach – At iconic Venice Beach, you’ll find all kinds of street performers, surfers, roller-skaters, and locals and tourists alike soaking up the sun. Some other beaches worth checking out are Carbon Beach, Santa Monica State Beach, Huntington City Beach, and El Matador.
• Visit to the Hollywood sign – Don’t just settle for a photo of the sign — go see it up close. The three trails that you can take (from easiest to hardest) are the Mt. Hollywood Trail, the Brush Canyon Trail, and the Cahuenga Peak Trail. Bring water and sunscreen, as the hike will take a few hours. If you don’t want to go solo, guided hikes to the Hollywood sign cost $25 USD.
• Go hiking – LA is an active city, and locals love escaping the hustle and bustle as often as they can. Some trails worth checking out are the Charlie Turner Trail (90 minutes), Runyon Canyon (45 minutes), Portuguese Bend Reserve (3 hours), and Echo Mountain (3–3.5 hours).

For an even more detailed list of what else you can see and do while in LA, check out my Los Angeles travel guide . For accommodation suggestions, here are my favorite hostels in Los Angeles .  

Days 59-61: Las Vegas, NV

• Explore Fremont Street – Old Vegas is full of sketchy bars, vintage casinos, and a Bourbon Street vibe. It makes for an interesting contrast to the sleek and polished Strip. There are lots of cover bands, buskers, and celeb lookalikes pandering for paid photos, as well as people-watching, cheap slots, and cheap drinks. There’s also an hourly light show on the ceiling above the street. Las Vegas Walking Tours offers a 3-hour tour of Fremont Street if you’d like a bit of a deeper dive.
• Hike Red Rock – Just 30 minutes outside town, Red Rock Canyon offers plenty of hiking and biking trails. Just make sure to arrive early in the morning before it gets too hot. Red Rock Discovery Tours also offers guided hikes starting at $95 USD (includes round-trip transportation from Vegas).
• Visit the Neon Museum – This is essentially an eclectic graveyard for the huge lights and signs that once beckoned to tourists from casinos like the Silver Slipper, Stardust, and El Cortez. It spans three acres and gives you a glimpse into the city’s shining and sinful past. Admission is $20 USD.
• See the Grand Canyon – Rent a car and drive the four hours to the South or North Rim of the Grand Canyon . It’s one of the most epic, iconic sights in the country and absolutely worth the drive. If you can, hike down to the bottom and stay the night. It’s an amazing experience! And if you want to dive deeper into this beautiful area, check out HoneyTrek’s Grand Circle Road Trip .

For more activities (and there’s plenty to choose from that don’t involve gambling), here is my comprehensive guide to Las Vegas .  

Days 62-64: Yosemite National Park, CA

Days 65-67: San Francisco, CA

• Walk the Golden Gate Bridge – When it opened in 1937, the Golden Gate Bridge was the world’s longest and tallest suspension bridge. Spend some time walking across to enjoy the view of the bay and the ships coming and going.
• Tour Alcatraz – One of the most infamous prisons in the country, Alcatraz housed some of the nation’s worst criminals (renowned gangster Al “Scarface” Capone spent four years here). Today, it’s a national landmark where you can take tours, step foot in the cells, and learn about its grim history. Tickets are $53.25 USD. There are also many joint ticket options, such as this one that includes a cruise around San Francisco Bay .
• Relax at Golden Gate Park – This gigantic park features a Japanese garden, museums, an arboretum, a carousel, and many hiking and walking trails. It’s a whopping 20% bigger than New York City’s Central Park, so you easily could spend an entire day here relaxing, walking, and lounging.

Again, for even ways to spend your time in SF, here’s my guide to the city . And, for suggested places to stay, here’s a list of my favorite hostels in San Francisco .  

Days 68-69: Redwood National Park, CA

Given the drive time from SF, spend two nights here to make sure you get some good hiking in.  

Days 70-73: The Oregon Coast

• Binge on oysters – I’ve grown to love oysters in recent years and some of the best in the country can be found in Oregon. Some of my favorite places I stopped at were from Shucker’s Oyster Bar (Lincoln City), Oregon Oyster Farm and Mo’s Seafood & Chowder (both in Newport), and Clausen Oysters (North Bend).
• See Thor’s Well – This coastal sinkhole near Cape Perpetua is known as the Drainpipe of the Pacific. While it can be dangerous to get too close (it’s very easy to get swept away into the water or rocks), you’ll nevertheless see tons of tourists posing for pictures near the well. It’s worth a stop to snap some quick pics.
• Relax at Cannon Beach – This iconic beach is long and sandy and is best known for its photogenic Haystack Rock, a giant rock jutting out of the ocean just offshore. There are plenty of tide pools and places to picnic here, and the town itself (also called Cannon Beach) is full of all kinds of cafés and artisanal shops.

Here’s a list of my favorite things to see and do along the Oregon coast to help you make the most of your drive.  

Days 74-76: Portland

• See Pittock Mansion – Built in 1914, this 46-room French Renaissance-style mansion was originally owned by a wealthy couple from England. Today, it’s part of the National Register of Historic Places. Inside, you’ll find beautiful artwork and furniture collected by the original owners. Admission is $16.50 USD.
• Devour some donuts – Portland is known for its donuts. Voodoo Doughnuts put Portland on the map with its weird and wonderful combinations, such as Cap’n Crunch and maple bacon. Some argue that Voodoo is for tourists and that actually Blue Star makes better donuts. Try both and see for yourself! You can also take a donut food tour with Underground Donut Tours for $70 USD.
• Hike the Columbia River Gorge – Located east of town, here you’ll find waterfalls (including Oregon’s tallest, Multnomah Falls), scenic vistas, and hiking trails. Some suggested hikes are Dry Creek Falls (easy, 2 hours), Wahkeena Falls Loop (moderate, 3 hours), and Starvation Ridge and Warren Lake (hard, 8 hours). Guided hikes with Wildwood Tours cost around $80 USD (transportation included).

For more suggestions on how to spend your time in Portland, here’s a list of the best things to see and do in the city!  

Days 77-79: Seattle, WA

• Explore the Seattle Center – Seattle Center is home to the Space Needle as well as a complex of entertainment venues: the Museum of Pop Culture (formerly the Experience Music Project), the Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame, the Pacific Science Center, and the outdoor Mural Amphitheater, as well as the International Fountain and the Armory food court. Don’t miss the views from the top of the Space Needle ( get your skip-the-line ticket here )!
• Wander Pike Place Market – Pike Place Market is one of the oldest farmers’ markets in the US. It’s a nine-acre, four-floor sprawl of shops, stalls, galleries, and cafés (including the original Starbucks location) selling everything from crafts to flowers to fresh produce. Wander, eat, shop, and enjoy the ambiance. Show Me Seattle offers food tours of the market for a more guided experience.
• See the Boeing Museum of Flight – This museum highlights planes and spacecraft through the ages, offering insight into how flight has evolved over the decades. You’ll also get a chance to see the original Boeing “factory.” The original Air Force One is here too. Admission is $26.

For more things to see and do, here’s my in-depth guide to Seattle . And here are some budget-friendly accommodation suggestions for your visit.  

Days 80-82: Missoula, MT

• Tour the breweries – For such a small city, there are breweries and bars everywhere (Montana has the third-highest number of craft breweries per capita in the country). Don’t miss Bayern Brewery (the state’s first craft brewery), Draught Works Brewery (which has live music three nights a week), and Imagine Nation (which is also a community center). If you visit in April, you can attend the Missoula Craft Beer Week.
• Hike the M – Mount Sentinel is a small mountain nearby that offers some stunning views. The trail is just 1.2 miles, so it’s not particularly challenging, though you can extend the route for an all-day hike by continuing along the Crazy Canyon Trail at the summit.
• Ski Snowball Mountain – In the winter you’ll find upwards of a thousand acres of skiing and snowboarding. In the summer, the area is open for zip-lining, hiking, and mountain biking. It’s just twenty minutes from downtown,

NOTE: While not here, if you have time, you can drive north to spend a few days in Glacier National Park.  

Days 83-86: Yellowstone National Park, WY

Yellowstone is home to the largest volcanic system in North America, which is why geysers like Old Faithful (and the largest active geyser in the world, Steamboat) can be found here. Wolves, bears, lynx, cougars, and bison all call the park home as well. Spend some time here hiking, camping, and basking in the park’s magnificent landscapes.  

Days 87-90: Denver, CO

• Visit the Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum – This museum is housed on an old air base and has a collection of over 50 aircraft on display. Some of the highlights include a supersonic Rockwell Lancer and the massive B-52 Stratofortress. Admission is $19.95.
• Hike Mount Evans – This 14,265-foot peak can actually be summited in under 30 minutes (though there are longer trails too). You’ll see sweeping panoramic views of the region without having to hike for hours. Be sure to visit Like Echo and Mount Goliath on the way here.
• Catch a show at Red Rocks – The Red Rocks Amphitheatre is a 9,000-seat outdoor venue that regularly hosts concerts and other events. It’s one of the most beautiful concert venues in the US. Try to catch a show here if you can.

Days 91-93: Kansas City, MO

• Indulge in BBQ – KC is one of America’s best hubs for delicious barbecue. You can find pretty much any kind of meat barbecued here, from brisket to turkey to fish. Kansas City’s barbecue dates back to the 1920s, and the city takes this tradition seriously. Harp Barbecue and Fiorella’s Jack Stack are two of the best in town.
• Wander the Jazz District – The historic 18th and Vine area is known as the Jazz District, owing to the popularity of jazz music from the 1920s to the ’40s and performances here by the likes of Count Basie, Ella Fitzgerald, and Louie Armstrong. Wander the district and bar-hop to catch some stellar live music.
• See the World War I Museum – The award-winning National World War I Museum and Memorial of the United States sheds light on the history and horrors of the Great War.

Days 94-97: Chicago, IL

• Relax in Grant & Millennium Parks – Located downtown, these two parks provide a relaxing place to hang out, have a picnic, or go for a run. You’ll find people playing chess, and during the summer, there are a lot of free concerts. The famous “Chicago Bean” sculpture is located in Millennium Park.
• Try the pizza – Deep-dish pizza and stuffed-crust pizza were developed in Chicago, and no trip is complete without trying at least one. Deep-dish pizza was invented by Pizzeria Uno, which is now a national restaurant chain. But for something more local, Chicagoans swear by Lou Malnati’s.
• Visit the Art Institute of Chicago – Founded in 1879, this is one of the oldest art museums in the country. It has everything from photography to architecture to textiles, and its permanent collection includes works by Eva Hesse, David Hockney, and Ellsworth Kelly. A skip-the-line ticket is $40 USD.

If you want additional things to see and do (as well as some money-saving tips), consult my comprehensive guide to Chicago!

And here is my list of the best hostels in Chicago for budget-friendly accommodation .  

Days 98-100: Detroit, MI

• Explore the Detroit Institute of Art – This 130-year-old museum is located in the heart of Midtown and has something to offer every visitor. There are more than 65,000 works of art here, ranging from classic to more modern and contemporary pieces, spread out over 100 different galleries. It’s one of the best art museums in the country. Admission is $18 USD.
• Walk the Dequindre Cut – The Dequindre Cut Greenway is a two-mile urban recreational path that offers a pedestrian link between the East Riverfront, the Eastern Market, and several residential neighborhoods in between. Along the path, you’ll find all kinds of street art, as well as buskers in the summer. It’s a nice place to walk or jog and take in the city.
• Shop at the Eastern Market – The Eastern Market is a huge marketplace with local foods, art, jewelry, artisan crafts, and more. It covers 43 acres and is the largest historic public market district in the United States, dating back over 150 years. It is particularly busy on Saturdays, when farmers bring in their fresh produce.

Days 101-103: Cleveland, OH

• See the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame – This is one of the largest collections of musical memorabilia in the entire world. John Lennon’s guitar, Elvis Presley’s military uniform, and David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust outfits are just some of the items in the massive collection.
• Tour the Museum of Natural History – Founded in 1920, this massive museum is home to over four million specimens. There are exhibits on dinosaurs, minerals, primates, animals, and more. It’s super educational, and there are lots of interactive exhibits too.
• Hike the Cuyahoga Valley National Park – Located on the Cuyahoga River between Cleveland and Akron, this is the only national park in Ohio. Encompassing 32,000 acres, the park has all kinds of hiking and biking trails (camping is no longer permitted).

Days 104-106: Pittsburgh, PA

• Ride the Duquesne Incline – This 140-year-old funicular used to transport workers up Pittsburgh’s steep hills before cars became commonplace. Hop on, ride to the top, and enjoy the view! Tickets are $2.50 USD one way.
• Visit the Warhol Museum – Dedicated to Andy Warhol, Pittsburgh’s best-known artist, this is the largest museum in the country dedicated to a single person. While much of his art is unusual, it’s still worth a visit, as Warhol has had a profound and lasting impact on modern art. Admission is $25.
• See Randyland – Created by a local artist, here you’ll find a section of the north end completely painted in all kinds of bright colors and murals. Buildings, fences, driveways — it’s a massive, bright, and fun spot to visit and unlike anything you’ll see elsewhere! Admission is free but donations are encouraged.
• Tour Carrie Furnace – Built in 1884, these former blast furnaces were part of the Homestead Steel Works and produced over 1,000 tons of iron per day. It’s one of the only pre–World War II blast furnaces in existence. Tours are $25 USD.

Days 107-110: Finger Lakes, NY

• Visit the wineries – There are tons of wineries all around the Finger Lakes, most of which offer tours and tastings (some also have live music and serve food). To guide your way, follow the Seneca Wine Trail or the Keuka Wine Trail, which link some of the best wineries in the region.
• See Watkins Glen State Park – Watkins Glen State Park gorge trail is home to 19 picturesque waterfalls spread out over a two-hour hike. It’s not particularly strenuous, and there are lots of spots to relax and snap photos.
• Visit Ithaca – This photogenic small town has over 150 waterfalls within 10 miles of the town. There’s also a charming downtown, the beautiful Cornell campus (one of the prettiest in the country), and Cayuga Lake.

Days 111-113: Albany, NY

• Hike in John Boyd Thacher State Park – Located 30 minutes outside of town, this state park has over 25 miles of trails, as well as panoramic views from the Helderberg Escarpment. It’s a beautiful place for a day hike.
• Visit New York State Museum – This museum has a wide range of interesting exhibitions, including on local birds and wildlife, colonial history, and the ice age, among other topics. Admission is free (though a $5 USD donation is suggested).
• Tour the Capitol – The NY State Capitol building offers free daily tours. They’re the perfect way to learn more about the state, the city, and the building (including some ghost stories about the capitol’s haunting). Tours last one hour.

Days 114-120: Buffer Days

Having some padding in your itinerary will let you explore, have serendipitous travel experiences, and dig a little deeper into the regions and cultures you’ll be passing through.

While this is a solid itinerary, please mix it up. Skip some cities and spend more time in nature — or vice versa!

At the end of the day, the United States is an amazing and diverse country. No matter what you’re looking for, you’ll be able to find it. Delicious food, adventure activities, hiking, museums, history — we’ve got it all. You just need to hit the road and see it for yourself.

Need a rental car for your epic adventure? use the widget below to find the best deals!

Book Your Trip to the United States: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner . They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld . If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it, as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• Safety Wing (for everyone below 70)
• Insure My Trip (for those 70 and over)
• Medjet (for additional repatriation coverage)

Looking for the best companies to save money with? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use to save money — and I think they will help you too!

Want more information on the United States? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on the USA for even more planning tips!

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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Best Places to Travel Solo in the United States + Essential Advice

February 20, 2024 by Janice Waugh

The USA is a country of diverse landscapes, cultures, and flavors. It's also huge. It takes 44 hours to drive non-stop from San Francisco to New York City. With so many destination options you need a shortlist of the best places to travel solo in the United States.

Unless you have a couple of months, you won't be able to see the whole country. You will need to set priorities. And you may even have to reset those priorities when you consider the pace of travel and all that you want to see.

Whether I'm on the move by car, bus, or train, my rule of thumb is a minimum average of three nights per destination. You can have a shorter stay some places but balance it out by staying longer in other places. Of course, a more leisurely pace is even better.

See below for US solo travel destination suggestions.

Table of Contents

Shortlist of Best Places for Solo Travel in the US: Adventure

• The Grand Canyon . The Grand Canyon is the first national park that most people think of. Its magnificent view is one that you will never forget.   Read   Solo Travel Destination: Grand Canyon .
• Death Valley National Park is a desert located west of Las Vegas. 
• Monument Valley . Monument Valley was the setting of dozens of Hollywood westerns. It was a favorite for John Wayne films. The landscape is distinct with towering, red butes and messas.
• Kauai, Hawai . Hawaii's north island, Kauai, is known as the Garden Isle due to its tropical forests. It's also known for the Waimea Canyon, its version of the Grand Canyon, and the cliffs of the Na Pali Coast.
• Sedona, Arizona . Sedona offers lots of hiking options but at the end of the day you can return to an artsy, new age town. 
• Moab, Utah. This small town attracts many adventure travelers as it's located near two National Parks, Arches and Canyonlands, and an amazing State Park, Dead Horse. Read  Solo in Moab, Utah & Arches National Park.

Best Places to Travel Solo in the United States: Urban

This list is not exhaustive but, in each case, the city is recommended by a solo traveler.

• New York City . While New York City is in the USA, it is like a country unto itself. It is as unique as Paris is to France and London to the UK. You can easily spend a week and more in this fabulous city but give it at least three days. Read Best Places to Stay in New York City for Solo Travelers and Solo on a Budget in New York City: 50+ Tips to Make NYC Affordable .
• San Francisco . Rudyard Kipling said “San Francisco has only one drawback – ’tis hard to leave.” It is a beautiful city.
• Chicago . Chicago, the windy city, is well known for its blues scene and famous for its architecture. But don't forget local highlights like seeing a Cubs game at Wrigley Field. Read: Budget Chicago: 32 Free and Low-Cost Tips .
• Portland . Portland, Oregon is known for its Maker culture, an indie music scene, craft breweries, cycling, and more. It's a modern version of a hippie lifestyle. See Positively Portland: Where Creativity Abounds .
• Nashville . The music scene in Nashville is incredible. A mecca for musicians, only really good ones get to play in the bars. Read  Affordable Nashville: 32 Free and Low-cost Tips .
• Key West . Located at the southernmost point in the United States, or to be precise, “southernmost incorporated place in the contiguous 48 states,” Key West has been described as from a different planet. Read  Solo Travel Destination: Florida Keys, USA .
• Seattle . Seattle is known for its rain and coffee shops but it is so much more. Read  Solo Travel Destination: Seattle, United States .
• Washington, D.C . Like most capital cities, Washington, D.C. gets extra attention from government funding making it a special destination in many ways. Don't miss the political sights but definitely don't miss the Smithsonian Institution collection of your choice. All are free. Solo Travel Destination: Washington, DC .
• Philadelphia . The City of Brotherly Love has a small-town atmosphere with parks and tree-shaded downtown squares and streets, innumerable memorials to American history, and a vibrant foodie scene. Read Solo Travel Philadelphia: How to Enjoy 48 Hours in Philly .

How to Get Around Solo in the US: Planes, Trains, Buses & Cars

Public transit infrastructure in such a massive country can be a challenge. Some of the best places to travel solo in the United States may be well-served, some may be easier to access by car. And what a great place for a road trip!

• Flying between cities. Here's a list of the best airlines in the US according to a readers' choice survey. Be very careful about baggage weight and size limitations on domestic flights as they may be less than international flights. You can avoid removing shoes, electronics and liquids if you apply for (and get approved for)  TSA Pre-Check  and Global Entry.
• Know your highways . Two-digit highways often go directly through cities while three-digit roads go around them. Odd-numbered highways run north to south and even-numbered ones run east-west. “I” roads such as I95 are interstates and are the fastest way to get from A to B but not necessarily the most scenic. Read 10 Tips for Solo Road Trips .
• Use state and city welcome centers. Many states have welcome centers at the state line of major highways. Almost every city and town has a visitor center. They offer great information for visitors including help with booking accommodation. They often have amazing deals on last-minute bookings if you're on a road trip.
• Recreational vehicles are common . It's easy to rent an RV and the infrastructure for RVs is extensive. There are RV parks everywhere. Malls have double-sized parking spaces for them and Walmart encourages overnight parking for RVs.
• Take an iconic train trip . Train is a fabulous mode of transit for solo travelers and Amtrak is the rail service provider, though the network is not as extensive as some places in the world. Check out one of their special routes . I've done the Coast Starlight and the City of New Orleans .
• Bus is the cheapest way to go.   MegaBus is renowned for their cheap deals. Greyhound is the traditional bus service in the United States.

Traveling the USA Alone: General Advice

• Prepare to be friendly . Unless you're in a major city, expect to be greeted on the street with a “Good morning!” or at least a nod. And in major cities you can ask anyone for a little help. From New York City to small town Tennessee, I have found Americans to be very friendly and helpful – it's a point of national pride.
• Buy health insurance before you leave . The American healthcare system does not cover travelers to the US and it can be very expensive. Make sure you're covered before you leave home.
• Listen to National Public Radio . I love listening to NPR when traveling in the US. It leans a bit to the left on the political spectrum so keep that in mind but it does offer national shows and local programming to help you get a feel for the politics and culture of country. You can also download their podcasts.
• Savor the local food . While the US is known for large chain restaurants, there are distinct regional cuisines as well. From the bagels of New York City to the beignets of New Orleans, the US has fabulous food.
• Portions are large . Unless you're in a fine dining restaurant, you can expect the portions to be large. Don't hesitate to ask for a doggy bag. I once ordered take-out of two portions of a seafood pasta for three people. Those two portions actually served the three of us for two meals.
• The weather varies. At some point of the year almost every place in the US is really hot, much hotter than Brits or Europeans are used to. There are also parts of the country that get much colder than what most of the world experiences. Check the seasonal weather patterns before you go.
• Avoid the busiest travel time. From American Thanksgiving to New Years is the busiest travel time in the US. People are going home to big family gatherings and the prices of flights within the country go up. If you can, avoid this time of year.
• Do you need a visa? Check with the  U.S. Department of State: Consular Affairs to determine whether you need a visa to visit.
• Embrace the new . The United States is a young country compared to most of the world but in the last century and a half it has rotated through multiple architectural styles that have not been affected by war. Great architecture is everywhere. Chicago is especially wonderful.
• Tipping is expected. Tipping is expected in the US. The minimum wage for employees who receive tips is very low so be generous. In restaurants tips typically range from 18% to 20% depending upon the level of service. The same goes for taxis, tour guides, and hairdressers. If a person helps you with your bags it should be $1 per bag or a $3 minimum. Leave a minimum of $3 on your bed for the maid service – $5 is much better.
• Accessibility is a right . While not perfect in every way, the Americans with Disabilities Act makes the US quite accessible to those with mobility issues. Having traveled with my mom who is in a wheelchair I have noticed how good it is.
• Where to stay? Accommodation ranges widely. Both couchsurfing and Airbnb started in the US and are options for solo travelers. VRBO.com is like Airbnb with a greater emphasis on resort condos and vacation properties.  I used it when in Hawaii and saved a lot . There are hostels but they are not as ubiquitous as they are in other places in the world. I recommend those in the Hosteling International (HI) network. B&Bs and guest houses are an option. Cheap hotels are just that – cheap – and I would prefer to stay in a hostel or guesthouse. Check with welcome centers and visitor information centers for leads on last-minute hotel deals.
• Before you go for a walk. Some city centers are alive and vibrant while others are somewhat vacant, especially at night. Walking in the suburbs may be a challenge as sometimes there are no sidewalks. Check with a local first before you go for a walk.

Top Things To Do Solo in the US

It's one thing to know the best places to travel solo in the United States it's another thing to know what to do when you get there. Here are ideas of what to do.

• Take in the music. America is the birthplace of the blues and jazz which spawned much big band music and rock and roll. From the blues of Chicago to the jazz of New Orleans to the country of Nashville, going to festivals, concert halls, and bars for music is a fabulous way to enjoy America.
• Shop 'til you drop, but don't forget the tax.  Unlike many countries, the price tag on an item is not the final price. Sales tax is added at the cash register. The prices in the US are really good but you have to add in the state sales tax to know what the real cost of an item is. Black Friday, the day after American Thanksgiving, is the hottest shopping day of the year.
• Get a City Pass and save . If you're going to one of the major cities, one of these passes could save you a lot of money. Whether you're looking for a tour, visit an attraction or two, take in a museum, consider a City Pass .
• Go to the theater.  The United States has great theater and it's not all on Broadway in New York. There are summer stock theaters all over the country. You know those actors who you haven't seen on film for a long time? They're likely on the stage somewhere in the US. If you're in New York go to the  TKTS Discount Booths in Times Square for your tickets to save money and support the non-profit Theatre Development Fund.
• Take in a sporting event . Americans love football, basketball, and baseball. In the northeast they're passionate about hockey as well, though the sport is growing in popularity elsewhere in the country too. Get involved with locals and take in a pro or college game.
• Take in a parade or a state fair. These are events that really attract locals. The state fairs are in the fall. Parades can happen at any time of year. Check the visitor information site in advance of going.
• Go to an industrial museum . Americans have been the inventors of many new products and sometimes in small towns you'll find a fabulous museum celebrating an invention.
• Try whitewater rafting. There are many great rivers for whitewater rafting – a fabulous day trip – especially in the west. Colorado is especially known for the sport. Check the reviews of the companies you're looking to book with to ensure that they have a good reputation for safety.

Readers Weigh In On the Best Places to Travel Solo in the United States

We asked the members of our Solo Travel Society on Facebook, “For those of you who live in the United States, what popular US destinations would you recommend to a solo traveler and what off-the-beaten-path destinations would you suggest? For those who have visited from other countries, what have been your favorite places to travel solo in the United States?”

Here are some of their picks of the best places to travel solo in the United States.

Ecologically, there’s nothing like Florida . Beautiful beaches, yes, but go inland too, especially to some of the springs. I'm not a city person, I like nature and small towns. St Petersburg doesn't feel like a big city but we have great museums, street art/murals, and food including a world class Dali museum. Gorgeous waterfront. In my area, the county park, Fort De Soto is both historic and wins national awards for its non-commercial natural beaches. One caveat: avoid visiting between June and October because of the heat and humidity and especially August to late October because of hurricanes. Shannon

I’ve lived in the San Francisco Bay Area for so long now, so I’d recommend visiting. I’m also from Louisiana, so I’d recommend New Orleans – there's nowhere like it in the US. I like photography and nature, so a roadtrip from the Bay Area to Yosemite National Park then out to the Eastern Sierra (along Hwy 395) then to Death Valley National Park then out to Las Vegas . I shall say this is a photographer’s paradise: Mono Lake, Bodie State Historic Park, Alabama Hills, Kings Canyon NP, Sequoia NP, Devils Postpile NM, Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, Valley of Fire State Park, and so much more! Alex

I am in love with Southern Oregon , and lucky, as a Realtor, that I get to share it and introduce so many to our charms. First off, Crater Lake National Park is mind-blowing! The small town of Jacksonville is an historic old mining town full of vibrant history and shops. There are farmers markets, so much music, great events, foods (including Rogue Creamery and their world famous blue cheese) and all nestled in an amazing wine-producing region with so many unique wineries. Wooldridge Creek Vineyard even has a farm and makes their own cheeses, crackers and meat for their charcuterie boards. There are fantastic hiking, walking trails and parks everywhere, and so many fun outdoor activities for all seasons! There are the arts, including the Oregon Shakespeare Festival and Britt Music & Arts Festival. We are hours from the ocean and giant redwoods. Oh, I could go on and on! Kim

May I present the idea of traveling to Mobile, Alabama ? One of the great underrated cities in America! Not only is everyone there friendly and willing to extend Southern Hospitality, it's ideal for history buffs. Mobile is also the birthplace of Mardi Gras in the USA (just don't tell New Orleans). I went there in December for a week and loved it! I stayed at the historic Battle House hotel. Sabrina

Boston and Cambridge are great cities, walkable and car-free friendly options. Many day trips can be done by train. Instead of Cape Cod go the North Shore towns like Rockport , Gloucester , Manchester-By-The-Sea , and Salem . There are many historical towns such as Concord and Lexington . Lowell has a cool indoor shopping mall called Mill No. 5. It's also easy to get to Maine. Ogunquit and Kennebunkport are beautiful and offer tourist trolleys to get around town. Rhode Island is another great place to explore as well. Providence is a smaller city than Boston but has plenty of offbeat things to do and a great restaurant scene. Newport isn't far away and has a great coastal walk with mansions that you can explore. Joseph

Planning a solo trip to the United States? Here are some posts you may find helpful.

• How to Plan a Solo Trip 2024: Trends, Checklist & Budget Spreadsheet
• Road Trip Alone with Confidence: 10 Tips for a Great Trip
• A Complete Guide to Travel Insurance for Solo Travelers
• Solo Travel Safety: 50+ Proven Tips to Keep You Safe

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Travel the U.S. for $30 A Day: The Ultimate Budget USA Road Trip

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Budgeting for a road trip can be difficult. Food, gas, parking, groceries, restaurants, much-needed coffee stops, all adds up. Especially if you’re planning to take on a route as large as the entire United States. But traveling in a van is the perfect way to do a budget USA road trip.

We traveled the United States for three months in our converted camper van Phoebe. She’s nothing fancy–Just a 1994 Dodge Ram Van that we laboriously dismantled and converted one summer. She has a massive bed, kitchenette, and a table with a u-shaped bench. We set out to explore America’s National Parks and also to sample all the best (& underrated) American food .

& we spent more than we had originally planned.

I recorded every single transaction. From the $0.44 water refills to the $75 gas tank fill-ups so that you can have an educated guess on your own cross-country road trip expenses.

& so that you can understand exactly what van life costs before you make the leap and begin converting your own vehicle. Because there are tons of benefits to van life but it may not be as cheap as you think.

The Ultimate Budget USA Road Trip

Let’s talk logistics.

Where are you headed? Whether your planning to live in your van full time & just want a look at the average expenses of van life or you’re planning an epic cross-country road trip & want to know how much to have in the bank before you go…this post will shed some light on the subject.

But be aware that traveling in cities tends to be more expensive than exploring the more rural areas of the USA. We did a bit of both on this trip.

Best Way to Travel America on a Budget? Van life.

Okay. I might be biased. But van life has changed the road trip game. It’s made it cheaper. More comfortable. & helped me to travel more off-the-beaten-path. But van life isn’t always as glamorous as it’s made out to be. & if you’re on the fence you should test out van/RV travel before you invest in your own rig.

My favorite RV rental company is RVShare. They have rentals all over the U.S. & are a very affordable option ( Van rentals can be so overpriced ). Another perk…they are locally owned RVs which means they are cozier than a generic rental and you’re supporting small businesses.

3-Month USA Road Trip

This specific road trip budget breakdown is from our 3-month USA road trip where we visited every single National Park in the U.S.

If you’re looking for route specifics be sure to check out my blog post on our Great American Foodie Road Trip where I talk about every single place we ate on the road or our Ultimate USA National Park Road Trip Route outlining how we hit every single national park in the United States.

If you want access to our massive master Google Map with 400+ destinations –food stops, roadside attractions, state parks, etc. you can sign up for my email list below & I’ll send you a copy. You won’t even need to plan for your next cross-country road trip.

Our USA Road Trip Budget

We’ve been full-time traveling on a budget for quite some time now. I actually wrote a blog post all about how we traveled the world on a budget of $50 a day . But the U.S. is an expensive place to travel. & we wanted to get the full American Foodie Road Trip experience which meant we would be eating many meals in restaurants.

Our goal for the cross country road was to spend around $50 a day for the both of us.

Spoiler: We missed our mark a little bit. It was a lofty goal. Considering we drove over 18,000 in a vehicle that only got 13ish miles to the gallon.

But honestly, we were pretty damn close. & considering all the amazing food we got to try along the way…100% worth it.

What We Actually Spent on Our Cross Country Road Trip

Let’s break it down item by item. This is where our money went on our 3-month USA road trip.

That comes to a grand total of around $29 per person. About $720 over our total intended budget.

Food & gas were the bulk of our spending since we spent most of our free time exploring National Parks or people-watching in cities.

How We Saved Money on Our Cross Country Road Trip

First, let’s talk about the things we did well.

We NEVER stopped for coffee on the road . Which was painfully difficult sometimes. But I did the calculations and we saved around $500 simply by using our French press every morning instead of hitting the coffee stands.

We cooked the majority of our meals ( despite what our restaurant costs say ) inside the van . A major perk of van living. Groceries are just so much cheaper than eating out.

We used GasBuddy to find the cheapest gas available. When you’re living life on the road gas is a major expense. Especially when your “home” is a gas-guzzling 13mpg (if you’re lucky) tank. We saved on average $10 a fill-up just by choosing gas strategically.

We got a great credit card. Specifically, with gas rewards. We use the Bank of America card Cash Rewards Card and it gave us 3% cashback on gas. Which ended up being about $70 in earnings!

We got the A merica the Beautiful Pass. For $80 it gives you access to every single National Park and Monument in the United States. If you plan on visiting even just 3 of the major national parks it’s worth the money.

We also refused to pay for parking unless ABSOLUTELY necessary and Stealth camped all across the United States. If you’re looking for tips on Stealth Camping you’ll find them here.

& now let’s look at the ways you can spend less money on your road trip across America.

Tips For Spending Less on your Budget-Friendly USA Road Trip

We did a fairly good job at keeping our costs low. But there are a few things we could have done differently on our cross-country road trip to save us even more money!

1. Pick Grocery Stores Strategically

We just shopped wherever was convenient. We didn’t bother learning the budget chains across America & definitely spent more money at fancy organic places like Sprouts and Publix.

2. Eat Out Less Often

Obviously, our restaurant costs were huge. If you want to save more money on the road just cook more meals inside the van. It has a kitchen after all!!

I don’t regret spending the money we did on food across America because I discovered my love for Southern Food. Seriously. If you splurge anywhere…make it the south.

3. Cut out Alcohol

You don’t see it on the budget breakdown but hidden in those grocery and restaurant bills are copious amounts of local beer and cocktails. Post-hiking beers, nightcaps, and brewery stops after a long day of driving. We spent about $775 on alcohol. Pretty much the exact amount we went over-budget.

Cut out ( or cut down ) on alcohol consumption to save a considerable chunk of change.

Planning your budget for a USA road trip is difficult without seeing a budget-breakdown from other travelers. We spent $60 a day or $30 per person per day on our cross-country road trip.

Let me know in the comments if you managed to spend more or less on your last road trip!!

Save This Post For Later!

Further Reading...

A Vanlifers Guide to Stealth Camping (+ 10 Places I Sleep In Cities)

Van Life Essentials: Best Gear & Gadgets for Life on the Road

How to Travel Immersively in Hawaii (The Big Island)

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How to Survive Living the Van Life with Your Partner

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The following itineraries span the entire length of this incredibly diverse country, from the historic cities of the east, to the deserts of the Southwest and the jaw-dropping Rocky Mountains. Given the vast distances involved, you may not be able to cover everything, but even picking a few highlights will give you a deeper insight into America’s natural and historic wonders.

Recommended USA itineraries

If you are planning your travel to the USA yourself, use these itineraries created by our travel writers as a starting point for inspiration.

USA Itinerary 1 - The National Parks Loop

Only when you traverse the American West will you begin to grasp just how big – and rich in natural beauty – this nation is. Come in summer to enjoy the sunshine and take three to four weeks to complete this trip, making a loop from San Francisco by car.

• Yosemite National Park, CA - Just a 3hr 30min drive from San Francisco, you won’t forget your first tantalizing glimpse of the rocky domes, peaks and waterfalls of Yosemite Valley.
• Death Valley, CA - Leave the snowy Sierras for the lowest, hottest and driest area in North America, with vast dunes and flaming red rocks.
• Zion National Park, UT - Cross over into Utah to explore this spectacular park, with a fifteen-mile canyon hemmed in by reddish walls of sandstone.
• Grand Canyon, AZ - Dip south into Arizona to take in the less crowded northern rim of the Grand Canyon, America’s most awe-inspiring natural wonder.
• Monument Valley, AZ/UT - The iconic Western landscape, with giant fingers of rock soaring up from the dusty desert floor like ancient cathedrals on the Arizona–Utah state line.
• Arches/Canyonlands national parks, UT - Back in Utah, make time for the delicate sandstone arches and myriads canyons, mesas and buttes of these two neighbouring parks.
• Grand Teton National Park, WY - It’s a winding 500 miles north to Jackson and Grand Teton in Wyoming from Arches; from the desert to high alpine Rockies, with the jaw-dropping, jagged Teton ridge at the forefront.
• Yellowstone National Park, WY - Grand Teton merges into Yellowstone, the granddaddy of the national parks, crammed with wildlife, bubbling geysers, lakes and wild, untrammelled scenery.
• Craters of the Moon, ID - Break the long journey back to the West Coast with a stop at Idaho’s Craters of the Moon, a stark landscape of lava fields and sagebrush steppe grasslands.

USA Itinerary 2 - The Deep South and Florida

Hot, sultry, rich in history, culture and some of the greatest music made in America, the Deep South is perhaps the most beguiling part of the USA. Take two or three weeks to see the highlights, travelling by car or by bus, and end up on the beaches of south Florida.

• New Orleans, LA - It’s impossible not to fall in love with this gorgeous city, with its romantic French Quarter, indulgent food, jazz heritage and famously ebullient citizens.
• Mississippi Delta - Soak up the blues heritage in Clarksdale, Mississippi, a five-hour drive north of New Orleans, before leaving the state via Tupelo, the home of Elvis.
• Montgomery, AL - Continue east to the fascinating capital of Alabama, laced with monuments to Martin Luther King, Civil Rights and Hank Williams.
• Atlanta, GA - Make the short journey northeast to the buzzing capital of the South, birthplace of Martin Luther King and home to US icons CNN and Coca-Cola.
• Charleston, SC - Over in South Carolina, this is perhaps the finest old town in all America, enriched by the culture of the nearby Sea Islands.
• Savannah, GA - Cut back into Georgia to absorb the charms of Charleston’s raffish but equally ravishing cousin, a city of moss-tangled squares and historic homes.
• St Augustine, FL - Drop south into Florida to see the oldest town in America, founded by the Spanish in 1565.
• Miami, FL - The Florida coast is studded with great beaches and attractions such as the Kennedy Space Center, but it’s hard to top Miami and fabulous, Art Deco South Beach.
• Key West, FL - End up travelling spectacular US-1 across the Keys to America’s party-hard Caribbean outpost.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA

USA Itinerary 3 - Classic coast-to-coast

This three-week tour gives a taster of the USA’s iconic landscapes and cities from the East to West coasts, travelling from New York to Los Angeles along sections of historic Rte-66.

• New York, NY - America’s biggest city is home to Times Square, the Statue of Liberty, the Met, Madison Square Garden, the Empire State, Harlem, Brooklyn Bridge and Jay-Z.
• Chicago, IL - America’s third city boasts some serious skyscrapers, top museums, live blues, the Cubs and the Bears, and those deep-dish pizzas.
• Springfield, IL - Immerse yourself in all things Abraham Lincoln at the Illinois state capital, now a virtual shrine to the great American president.
• St Louis, MO - Head south to this old city on the Mississippi, and take the train to the top of the Gateway Arch, a momentous feat of engineering.
• Route 66 - Travelling southwest from St Louis to Oklahoma City be sure to take the Americana-rich remaining stretches of the most iconic US highway.
• Santa Fe, NM - As you continue west on I-40 across New Mexico, detour to the state capital, a glorious ensemble of Spanish adobe and baroque.
• Grand Canyon - I-40 cuts across Arizona via Flagstaff, gateway to one of the grandest, most mind-blowing natural wonders in the world.
• Las Vegas, NV - Around four hours’ drive west of the Grand Canyon lies America’s playground, a confection of mega-casinos and pool parties in the middle of the desert.
• Los Angeles, CA - You’ve made it: watch the sun set over the Pacific Ocean at Santa Monica Pier or wacky Venice Beach before soaking up the sights in Hollywood.

USA Itinerary 4 - The Northeast

The northeast and especially New England is rich in history, stunning scenery and invariably empty roads the further north you get. This two- to three-week tour is best experienced by car, but buses are a possible alternative.

• Washington DC - The nation’s capital is crammed with world-class museums and monuments, from the Capitol to the White House.
• Philadelphia, PA - The city of Benjamin Franklin is home to the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, the cheesesteak and Rocky.
• New York, NY - The largest city in the USA drips with global icons, from the Empire State and Brooklyn Bridge to the Statue of Liberty and Broadway theatres.
• Hartford, CT - Visit the Connecticut capital to pay homage to Mark Twain, Harriet Beecher Stowe and the astonishing art at Wadsworth Atheneum.
• Nantucket, MA - Take the ferry to the “Little Gray Lady”, a once great whaling community still redolent of the era of Moby-Dick.
• Provincetown and Cape Cod, MA - Take a day or two to explore the historic towns, tranquil beaches and fish shacks of this hook-shaped peninsula.
• Boston, MA - New England’s lively capital drips with colonial history, but also boasts enticing restaurants, top art museums and some of the USA’s best sports teams.
• White Mountains, NH - Across into New Hampshire the mountains become bigger and wilder, perfect for hiking and biking, and culminating in mighty Mount Washington.
• Acadia National Park, ME - Maine’s coastline of wooded bays and small villages snakes northeast to this pristine section of rolling, mist-shrouded hills, fir forests and lobster pounds.

Sunrise on Half Dome in the Forest, Yosemite National Park, California - Stephen Moehle

USA Itinerary 5 - The West Coast

The north–south journey along the Pacific starts in the rainy, forested northwest and ends at the southern deserts of California (with extensions to Tijuana and Vancouver at either end). You could travel by trains and buses as well as by car.

• Seattle, WA - The home of grunge, Microsoft and Starbucks is now a booming city, with Pike Place Market, the stunning Chihuly Garden, huge salmon and gourmet coffee.
• The Cascades, WA & OR - Travel inland through the Cascade Mountains, where the giant, snow-capped volcanic cones of Mount Rainier, Mount St Helens and Mount Hood loom over the horizon.
• Portland, OR - Rent a bike and cycle Oregon’s hippest city, soaking up the art, organic food, microbrews and kooky shows.
• Crater Lake, OR - Achingly beautiful national park, a vast, waterlogged crater surrounded by a spectacular snowy rim.
• Redwood National Park, CA - Travel south along the Californian coastline, taking in these giant natural beauties.
• San Francisco, CA - One of America’s most appealing cities: historic, progressive, beautifully sited and home to the Golden Gate and Alcatraz.
• Big Sur and Hwy-1, CA - The coastal road between San Francisco and Los Angeles is a scenic, surprisingly wild route of misty cliffs and untouched beaches.
• Los Angeles, CA - Take your pick of iconic ’hoods: Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Malibu, Santa Monica and Venice Beach – or just hit Disneyland and Magic Mountain.
• San Diego, CA - Visit the zoo, SeaWorld or simply hang out at the beach at California’s laidback southern capital, the gateway to Baja.

USA Itinerary 6 - The Great Northern Crossing

Cross the country on the lesser travelled – but blissfully untouched – northern route, taking at least two weeks to drive between Chicago and Seattle.

• Madison, WI - The capital of Wisconsin also happens to be the most attractive college town in the USA, just 2hr 30min drive northwest of Chicago.
• Badlands National Park, SD - It’s a long day of driving across the Great Plains to the Badlands, a truly desolate, magical place, especially at sunrise.
• Black Hills, SD - Forested mountain plateau rising above the plains, home to Mount Rushmore and the equally monumental Crazy Horse Mountain.
• Theodore Roosevelt National Park, ND - Drive into North Dakota to explore the wild, untouched and multicoloured badlands created by the Little Missouri.
• Little Bighorn, MT - Cross into Montana to visit one of America’s most poignant battlefields, where Custer’s 7th Cavalry were trounced by Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse.
• Butte, MT - This shabby old mining town in central Montana is a treasure trove of once grand architecture, old diners and even Cornish pasties.
• Glacier National Park, MT - Northern Montana is dominated by this sensational preserve of glaciers, snowy peaks, alpine lakes and historic lodges.
• Idaho Panhandle - I-90 cuts across this narrow section of Idaho, laced with inviting hiking and biking trails and home to the genuine Western town of Wallace.
• Cascade Loop, WA - End up in Washington, touring the peaks and valleys of the mighty Cascade Mountains before arriving at Seattle and the Pacific Ocean.

With 52 states to explore, you can easily visit the USA for a two-week holiday or spend a few months travelling the country at length. Whatever your timescale or budget, here are some sample itineraries to whet your appetite for travel. Find one you like? Speak to a local USA expert to book your trip today.

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written by Andy Turner

updated 28.04.2021

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Planning the perfect 2 week USA itinerary for first time visitors – everything you need to know

Looking  to spend 2 weeks in the USA? This post is for you. We highlight the best cities to visit across the US for first time travellers. As well as providing you with information on the best places to stay and the best things to see and do.

Booking a 2 week USA itinerary can be daunting. I mean there are so many interesting places in the USA to visit, it can be hard to know where to start. In this article we break down the top places to visit for your first 2 week trip to the States. Plus we give you all our top tips, and lessons learnt from our own time traveling around the US.

Here is our guide to planning the perfect 2 week USA itinerary.

Disclaimer : This post contains affiliate links, so if you use these links to buy something we may earn a commission, at no cost to you. Thank you for your support.

Before you leave on your 2 week USA trip

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Before you leave on your 2 week trip to the US you need to make sure you apply for your ESTA . The ESTA stands for Electronic System for Travel Authorisation which allows entry to the USA under the Visa Waiver Programme. But this is only for certain countries such as Australia, UK and, Ireland. You will need to fill in a few questions online including your contact details, employment details, and passport information.

You also need to pay the $14 (approx) fee. Most often you will get a quick response as to whether this has been approved but sometimes it can take a few days. Mine took longer because I am a dual national so had to input two lots of passport details that needed to be checked. The ESTA is then valid for a series of multiple trips over a 2 year period. It also only allows you to stay in the USA for 90 days or less.

If you’re from a country not covered in the Visa Waiver Programme, you will need to complete a more formal process.

2 weeks in the USA should be ample time to get a feel for the country and will allow you to visit the east and west coast. Here are some of our tips we learnt from our own trip:

• Check what is happening in a city on the dates you plan to visit. For instance it was only after we booked flights that we realised the Chicago Marathon was happening in Chicago. This meant that hotels were booked up and super expensive. And a lot of roads were closed making it more difficult for us to get to the airport.
• Tipping is a big thing in the USA so make sure you tip your servers and tip them well.
• Get to grips with the city you are visiting, as there are some areas that are probably best left unvisited.
• Also get used to tax, just because something is advertised as being a certain price this more than likely won’t include tax.
• Laws tend to differ state by state so just be aware when travelling between them.
• Make sure that you have travel insurance as a hospital visit will cost you a lot!
• The USA is quite divided when it comes to politics, so it might be best to think or gauge your audience before you start rubbishing politicians.
• Also, each US state can often feel like a different country, for instance California and New York State are not only geographically different but can often feel worlds apart in terms of culture and lifestyle.

If it is your first trip to the USA then you will want to visit some of the big cities. Our guide includes the following:

• San Francisco
• Los Angeles
• Big Bear Lake
• New York City

If you feel too rushed then you can always skip one of the above places. For us though, our aim was to visit as many cities as possible during our 2 weeks in the USA. Also, we wanted to do a mix of East and West Coast, although our next trip will definitely need to include way more East Coast hangouts.

One of the questions you might be wondering is, is a 2 week USA itinerary enough time to see everything? Well, yes and no. For starters 2 weeks in the USA gives you ample time to explore a few major cities, and get to grips with the culture and way of life.

But you have to remember that the USA is big. Really big. Travelling between cities and states can take quite a bit of time. Whether you choose to fly or drive, you have to factor travel time into your itinerary. In an ideal world we felt like we could have spent a good 4-5 weeks alone just exploring the USA.

So very basically this is our 2 week USA itinerary at a very high level, but we will go into more detail on each of the cities below so make sure you keep reading!

Day 1- Chicago

Day 2- Chicago

Day 3- Fly to San Francisco (4.5 hour flight duration)

Day 4- San Francisco

Day 5- San Francisco

Day 6- Fly to Los Angeles (1 hour flight duration)

Day 7 – Los Angeles

Day 8- Rent a car and drive to Big Bear

Day 9- Drive to Las Vegas

Day 10- Las Vegas

Day 11- Las Vegas

Day 12- Overnight flight to New York – arrive in New York AM

Day 13- New York

Day 14- New York

A more detailed 2 week USA itinerary

So now you have seen our high level USA itinerary, here is each city in a bit more detail including tips on where to stay, what to do, eat, drink, and more.

For the first few days of our 2 week USA itinerary we decided to visit Chicago. One of the reasons we flew into Chicago because we wanted to break up the long flight from the UK before heading over to the West Coast. On top of that we have both always been fascinated by Chicago’s history. From the prohibition days of Al Capone, to its incredible architecture. All in all we spent  two full days in the city  before flying out to San Francisco.

Why visit Chicago

Chicago is a must on any 2 week USA itinerary especially if you love big cities, architecture, and history. There are lots of world class museums in Chicago, and some really good food too.

Chicago is a great introductory city when traveling across the US because it’s not as hectic as New York, and it gives you the chance to get used to the culture and customs of the USA.

Wondering if Chicago is worth visiting ? Here is a helpful guide.

Things to do in Chicago

You can read all about our two days in Chicago in detail here . But the city highlights include:

Architecture Cruise

You cannot visit Chicago without admiring the city’s incredible architecture, and an architecture cruise is a great way to do this. There are a few different tours you can do, and on average they last about 1.5 hours. Not only do you get more acquainted with the city, but you also get to learn about the buildings that shaped Chicago.

It is worth booking your cruise tickets online in advance, because they do get really popular, especially in the summer.

Navy Pier is certainly iconic in Chicago, and there is a lot to explore here. The pier is 3,300-ft-and located on the shoreline of Lake Michigan. It’s one of the best places to go to get a brilliant view of the Chicago Skyline as well.

Once you get to Navy Pier you can enjoy the theatres, restaurants, and rides. One of the key attractions here is the Centennial Wheel. It reaches a height of almost 200 ft and boats some pretty fantastic views of Chicago. Tickets can be purchased online in advance , and you even have the option to skip the queue which is always handy.

Another fun thing to do at Navy Pier is to do a speedboat ride . You can learn about the city whilst doing full 360° spins and more.

The John Hancock Centre (360 Chicago)

The observation deck at the John Hancock Centre, referred to as 360 Chicago is a great place to go for those incredible views over Chicago. One of the best things though is that there is a bar, so you can sit down with a drink and take it all in. Purchase your ticket online in advance to skip to queue.

Willis Tower (Skydeck)

Another observation point in Chicago is the Willis Tower Skydeck. The cool thing about this is that there are glass boxes built into the edge of the building. When you stand in them you feel like you are floating above Chicago. If you are short on time and can’t decide between the John Hancock Centre or the Willis Tower here is a handy article to help you.

Again we recommend purchasing your tickets online in advance .

Millennium Park

One of the most popular selfie locations in Chicago is at the Millennium Park Bean. The reflective 110 tonne sculpture is a favourite amongst tourists as you fight the crowds to get that all important selfie. Don’t miss the rest of the park including the fountains with pictures of Chicago natives that spurt water every so often. If you want to learn more about the park you can even do a self guided tour .

The Art Institute of Chicago

The Art Institute is the second largest museum in the country and is by far, one of the top things to do in Chicago. The gallery houses works from artists from Picasso to Andy Warhol. You can skip the queues and purchase your tickets here in advance .

Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour

When you are short of time sometimes the best way to get to grips with a new city whilst covering a lot of ground is to do a hop on hop off bus tour. You get to see all of Chicago’s top sights from the comfort of a double decker bus .

Chicago obviously has a history laden with gangsters and criminals, so this mob tour is great if you are looking for something a little different. This was one of my favourite memories from visiting Chicago, and I felt like I learnt so much about the seedy history of the city but in a really fun and interesting way.

Street Art Tour

We were kind of surprised at the amount of street art in Chicago, and one thing we wish we could have done was explore the neighbourhoods a bit more. If you want to take the burden of traveling and finding all the cool spots out of your hands you can book onto a tour that will take you to some of Chicago’s most eclectic neighbourhoods.

Getting from the Airport

Once you arrive in Chicago there are a few ways to get to the downtown core. The cheapest and often quickest way to get downtown is via the L Train. The Blue Line should have you in the downtown area in approximately 45 minutes.

If you are however severely jet lagged and the thought of negotiating a subway line with giant suitcases scares you (you are not alone), then the next best thing is to get the airport shuttle bus. They are slightly cheaper than a taxi and take you straight to the front door of your hotel. Just be mindful that the journey can be quite long particularly during peak hour.

You can book and pay for your shuttle at one of the designated booths at the airport. The good thing as well is that you can pre book your return trip to the airport too.

If you are feeling extra fancy though you can book a private transfer .

Where to stay in Chicago

If you can, stay in the downtown core. Particularly on a short trip it makes it so much easier to get around in a limited time. We ended up visiting Chicago the same weekend as the Chicago marathon and so we had to book accommodation a little out of the centre. If you decide to book accommodation out of the downtown area then make sure it is close to a subway line.

Eating and drinking in Chicago

Two things that you must do when you visit Chicago are, eat a deep dish pizza and visit a speakeasy. The deep dish pizza is one of those foods that you either love or hate. We happened to love it. There are a number of places in the city that serve it and we ended up at Pizano’s . To wash the dish down, you have to visit a speakeasy. Our top recommendation is the Green Door Tavern located in the downtown area.

There are some really cool food tours you can do in Chicago, which is quite the foodies paradise. And these include some famous deep dish pizza.

We left Chicago early morning and it took just over 4 hours flying time to get to San Francisco. It is important to remember that there is a time difference between Chicago and San Francisco. Chicago is actually 2 hours ahead of San Fran. By the time we landed in San Francisco it was early afternoon, so we had a good 2.5 days to spend in the city. Make sure you factor in these time differences when traveling around the US.

Why visit San Francisco

San Francisco is like the polar opposite of Chicago. If you love beautiful scenery, forest walks, and chilled out places, then San Francisco is for you.

Located on the west coast it’s one of those places that has a little something for everyone.

If you are tossing up between Los Angeles and San Francisco for your next trip you should read this post.

Things to do in San Francisco

San Francisco is a bustling hive of activity. You can read in detail about our time in the city  by going here . But in the meantime, here is a quick recap.

Golden Gate Park

If you want to explore some of California’s natural beauty then the Golden Gate Park is the perfect place to go. One of the highlights of the park has to be the Japanese Tea Garden which is a great place to sit and reflect if you have the time.

Golden Gate Bridge

You cannot visit San Francisco without a trip to the Golden Gate Bridge. One of our fondest memories was walking across the bridge and looking out at the San Francisco skyline. It opened in 1937 and spans the 1 mile wide straight that connects San Francisco to California’s northern counties. It is a great place to go to get photos of San Francisco’s most iconic structure.

The best thing about doing a hop on hop off bus tour in San Francisco is that it allows you to get to places that are otherwise hard to visit. The Golden Gate Bridge for instance is one of those. And honestly we will never forget that amazing feeling of being sat on the top of a double decker bus whilst going across the bridge. These tours are really popular so it is advisable that you book online in advance.

Haight Ashbury

Haight Ashbury is a great place to go if you are a fan of the unusual. There are a number of quirky shops and cafes, and it is an area synonymous with the hippie movement in the 1960’s.

San Francisco’s Chinatown is a must for any bargain hunter. It is actually the second largest Chinatown in the USA, and bartering for goods is highly encouraged. The food around here is also really good and cheap, so do pop into one of the many restaurants if you can. You can also do walking tours that go into the history of the area.

One of the best tours we have ever been on is at Alcatraz. Make sure you book your tickets in advance as if you don’t, there is a high chance you will miss out! You need to book an allocated time and the ferry will take you over to the island to explore. The audio tour here is fantastic and you do get a really good and often eerie insight into what life was like at one of the most notorious prisons in the USA.

This is one of those tours that you HAVE to book in advance as only a certain number of people can visit the island in a day. Booking can be made online and there are options to combine tours and book different attractions in one bundle.

Probably one of the most touristy places in San Francisco has to be Pier 39. But don’t let that put you off. It is a great place to explore, and you get some amazing views of Alcatraz from here. The sea lions are also pretty amazing to see and have been drawing tourists in for years.

Do a Bay Cruise

Another highlight in San Francisco is to do a Bay Cruise. It is especially good if you don’t get a chance to visit the Golden Gate or Alcatraz whilst visiting San Fran, as you can cruise on right by both.

Historic Cable Cars

You can’t say you have been to San Francisco if you haven’t hung off the edge of a cable car as it whizzes down one of the city’s incredibly steep hills. There are two lines, one that takes you from near Fisherman’s Wharf to Union Square and one that goes past Lombard Street.

Postcard Row

To get those  postcard perfect shots of San Francisco  then you have to checkout Postcard Row, famous for the row of houses called the Painted Ladies that sit with the Skyline in the background. You will probably recognise these houses from TV shows. If TV and Movies are your thing there is a tour you can do that takes you to all the famous San Francisco filming locations.

Lombard Street

Lombard Street is often misconceived as the steepest street in San Francisco. It is not, but it is the most beautiful. The heavily zig zagged street was designed this way as the back in the day, cars could not get up such a steep incline. These days, it is mostly tourists who drive down, although you do see the occasional resident too. If you want to experience Lombard Street a little differently you can do a Go Car Tour.

The easiest and cheapest way to get to downtown San Francisco is via the BART, although you are limited with available downtown stops. If you are staying near Union Square then this option is perfect, but if you are staying near Fisherman’s Wharf for example you will need to disembark and change onto another form of public transport. You can also get the airport shuttle which will usually drop you straight off at your hotel.

Where to stay in San Francisco

We stayed pretty close to Union Square which was really handy. It was a short walk to Chinatown and a number of restaurants and bars. It was also close to the BART station as well as the MUNI metro.

Eating and drinking in San Francisco

Our top tip in terms of food has to be Chinatown. You have so much choice including Japanese, Chinese, and Vietnamese cuisine and it tastes really good too. It is also relatively cheap. If you are a fan of seafood we recommend heading down to Fisherman’s Wharf. They do some pretty good clam chowder bowls and quick bites.

Thankfully, LA and San Francisco aren’t all that far apart when it comes to flying time. So the good news is that your travel time won’t massively eat into to your 2 week USA itinerary. If you are looking for a detailed LA guide then do  checkout our post . And you are wondering how long to spend in LA we really don’t think that 2 days is anywhere near enough. For starters LA is huge. We were tempted to skip LA altogether on our trip but in hindsight we are glad we didn’t, although we would have loved to explore a lot more.

Why visit LA

Honestly LA is one of those places that divides opinion. You either love it or hate it .

So visiting is a great way to make up your own mind. LA is great for first time visitors to the USA because it gives you the chance to explore Hollywood, and the part of the US that movies have made famous. It’s great if you love movies, theme parks, and beaches.

Things to do in Los Angeles

Griffith observatory.

For some great views of the Hollywood sign and LA in general the Griffith Observatory is a must. You can also learn all about the cosmos and look through some powerful telescopes.

You cannot go to LA without visiting Hollywood. Contrary to popular belief it is not swarming with celebrities, instead you will find your typical tourist activities and wax museums. Some must see parts are the walk of fame as well as the handprints at the TLC Chinese theatre. This is also where you can get those celebrity homes tours from as well. Although we did one, and did not see any celebrities.

Hike the Hollywood Hills

If you want to get a bit closer to the Hollywood Sign you can do a guided tour . You will learn all about Hollywood and the surrounding areas, and the views are incredible too.

Hop On Hop Off Bus

Because LA is so big a Hop on Hop Off Bus tour is a good way to cover quite a bit of ground in the city and see some of the key attractions. There are different routes you can book onto and this can all be done online in advance.

Beverly Hills

For some great views of the Hollywood sign and LA in general the Griffith Observatory is a must. You can also learn all about the cosmos and look through some powerful telescopes. There are also some great hiking spots around here, but do be careful if you do decide to hike and follow the paths at all times. Tickets can be purchased on the day or online in advance .

Venice Beach

One of the true gems in LA is Venice Beach. It is one of the best places for people watching and is about as far removed from the Hollywood glitz and glamour as possible. If you do get the time we highly recommend visiting. Here are some of the best things to do in Venice Beach .

Also a top tip, Venice has some of the best sunsets we have ever seen, so if you get the chance to visit during sunset take it. Here is a walking tour you can do at sunset for good measure .

Santa Monica

Just down the road (for LA) from Venice is Santa Monica. The area is slightly more upmarket than Venice Beach and is a great place to go if you like shopping. There is also an amusement park located on the pier which is great for a fun day out.

Universal Studios

You cannot visit LA without a trip to Universal Studios . It’s not only rides and gimmicks, here you can tour a real working studio, and learn more about filmmaking. You do need a good day here, especially if you are into rides so give yourself a good amount of time.

Warner Brothers Studio Tour

Another studio you can visit is Warner Brothers , which includes getting your picture taken at a replica Central Perk set.

LA is absolutely huge and so the best way to get to your hotel is via the airport shuttle. It is actually relatively cheap compared to airport shuttles in other cities, and you get dropped off right at your hotel door. You can book the shuttle at the designated booth in the arrivals section of LAX.

Where to stay in Los Angeles

There are so many different parts of LA to explore but one of the best areas to stay has to be Hollywood. There is a lot going on in terms of nightlife and it is much nicer than say Downtown LA. We actually ended up staying in Downtown LA at a nice hotel. The only issue was we didn’t really feel comfortable exploring at night so we were confined to the hotel during the evening.

Eating and drinking in Los Angeles

Hollywood is a great place to go for a mix of food. Our favourite place though was Mel’s Diner. It is a great place to go for milkshakes and apple pie, which is pretty much all I wanted since we landed in the US.

If you want to you could spend an extra day in LA, but we decided to take a break from the city for one night and head out to Big Bear Lake, a popular holiday destination located in the San Bernardino Valley.

Why Visit Big Bear Lake

Honestly the best reason to visit Big Bear is just to escape from the hustle and bustle of US cities and experience a bit of nature.

Things to do in Big Bear Lake

There are so many things to do in Big Bear Lake, like hiking or hiring a boat, but for us it was all about the relaxation. It also depends on what time of the year you are planning to visit. For example in the winter months it is a popular place for skiing whereas in summer it is all about the hiking.

Getting here from LA

We hired a car in LA and drove to Big Bear Lake. It takes around 2-3 hours depending on traffic and the views along the way are absolutely stunning. If you are looking to rent a car in the US then checkout this handy guide we put together.

Where to stay in Big Bear Lake

We highly recommend booking lakeside accommodation. We stayed in a resort right on the lake where the rooms had a cabin feel. It was perfect especially in the evening as we had a fireplace which made everything feel that much cosier.

Eating and drinking in Big Bear Lake

If you make your way into the village there are a number of places to eat and drink. Our favourite though had to be the Peppercorn Grille. They do pizzas, burgers, and steak along with other things. They also rustle up a pretty decent cocktail.

After a relaxing night we made our way to  Vegas . In our opinion Vegas is an absolute must. You literally feel like you are in another world and it is one of those places you have to see to believe. We chose to drive from LA to Big Bear and then on to Vegas. I think we may have watched Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas and kind of had this dream of driving through the desert with the Vegas skyline up ahead, wind in our hair.

Why visit Las Vegas

Las Vegas is basically a playground for adults. Obviously, it has a strong party vibe with all the alcohol and gambling, but actually Vegas is so much more. Where else in the world can you ride a gondola, get to the top of the Eiffel Tower, and visit a pyramid in the same day?

Wondering is Las Vegas worth visiting read this post. 

Things to do in Las Vegas

These are some of the top things to do in Las Vegas, but if you want more info and our Las Vegas bucket list suggestions checkout this post.

Hotel Hopping

You would actually be surprised how long it takes to walk from one end of the vegas strip to the other, so hotel hopping in Vegas can be quite time consuming. Some of the must sees though are the Paris Hotel where you can go to the top of the Eiffel Tower. The Bellagio with its fountain show is another must see as well as the Venetian which was our personal favourite as you even had the chance to ride a Gondola.

Highlights include:

Floating around on a gondola at the Venetian and/or visiting Madame Tussauds.

Riding a rollercoaster at New York New York.

 Gazing out from the top of the Eiffel Tower at Paris.

Riding the High Roller at the LINQ.

No trip to Vegas is complete without a selfie at the Las Vegas Sign. Located at the top of the strip right near the Mandalay Bay Hotel, you will find queues of people along with the occasional bride and groom waiting to have their picture taken. The best time to go is in the morning when it is a lot quieter and you can get photos with less people.

A fantastic way to get around Vegas is to do a Hop On Hop Off bus tour. Not only do you get taken to all the key attractions, but you also get an opportunity to learn about the history of this amazing city.

There are a number of day trips you can do from Vegas, including the Hoover Dam or the Grand Canyon .  You can book these tours through your hotel concierge and if you have the time they are a nice break away from the craziness that is Las Vegas. Top tours include:

Grand Canyon/ Hoover Dam

If you want to be a little fancy and treat yourself you can do a helicopter tour over the Grand Canyon .

Death Valley

Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend

Hoover Dam and Seven Magic Mountains

Freemont Street/ Old Las Vegas

Downtown Las Vegas, couldn’t be more different to the Vegas Strip. Nevertheless it is really worth seeing. For starters there are some of the old school casinos in Vegas such as the Golden Nugget. There is also a zip line that whizzes you across Freemont Street at speed. One of our favourite things though was the Mob Museum . It is a fascinating insight into the darker side of US history and the mob’s impact on Vegas itself. There is also the Neon Sign Museum which is where you guessed it, Neon Signs go to die. Again it gives insight into old Las Vegas and what the city was like in its heyday.

Go to a show

A great way to experience all the glitz and glamour of Vegas is to get yourself to one of the incredible shows in the city. You’ve got things like:

The Blue Man Group

Mindfreak Magic Show

Cirque du Soliel

David Copperfield

The easiest and quickest way to get from the airport to the Vegas Strip is via shuttle bus. You may have to wait a while depending on what time you fly in, but the service is great and you get driven straight to your hotel door.

Where to stay in Las Vegas

Ideally you want to stay on the Vegas Strip as this is where most of the action is. We stayed at Paris, and it was centrally located and in the middle of all the action. Hotels in Vegas range in price and also standard so whatever your budget, you will be spoilt for choice.

Eating and drinking in Las Vegas

You will also be spoilt for choice for food and drink in Vegas, from the elaborate hotel buffets to the restaurants owned by celebrity chefs. There are way too many places to choose from and something to cater to all tastes.

The final city that we highly recommend on any trip to the US is New York . It really is one of the most incredible places we have visited and there is so much to see and do. We ended up getting a red eye flight from Vegas into New York that saved us a nights accommodation and meant we had an extra full day to spend in New York.

You might be wondering why New York is the last place on our 2 week USA itinerary considering that we started in Chicago. Well for us we were trying to get back to the UK and New York was a great final stop before our transatlantic flight. Obviously, you can do this in any order that makes it more convenient for you.

Why visit New York

New York has to be one of the most exciting cities in the world, and for that reason no 2 week USA itinerary is complete without a visit. If you love history, architecture, museums, art, and good food, then New York is a must.

Wondering is New York worth visiting ? This post will help you decide.

Things to do in New York

New York is epic and there is probably enough to do for months on end, but we have listed some of the highlights and must sees to help you plan your itinerary. We also have a guide if it just so happens to rain during your time in NYC. 

And if you want more ideas checkout our New York bucket list .

Central Park

Central Park was a must for us especially because we had seen it so many times in the movies or on TV. In fact you can even do a tour of Central Park that takes you to all the famous filming locations. The Park is a bustling hive of activity with rollerbladers, bikes, and tourists travelling in horse and carts.

Some highlights in Central Park include the boathouse where you can rent a row boat particularly in those summer months with the skyscrapers in the background. Another must is the Lennon memorial titled Strawberry Fields.  It is located adjacent to the Dakota Building, which is where John Lennon was living when he was shot returning home on the 8th of December 1980.

Times Square

Times Square is a must when visiting New York. Ok so we don’t recommend spending a lot of time here, because it is so touristy, but do visit it at least once during your time in NYC.

Brooklyn Bridge

One of the most iconic structures in New York has to be the Brooklyn Bridge. And taking the walk across is a must do when visiting the city.

Empire State Building

The Empire State Building is probably one of the most well recognised buildings in New York. Located on 5th Avenue, the Empire State is a 102 story art deco style building. Construction on the building began in 1930 and doors opened in 1931, a mere 13 and a half months after the first beam was laid. You get some awesome views of New York from the 86th floor of the building, just be prepared to be pushed around by crowds of tourists. To skip the lines make sure you buy your ticket online in advance .

Top of the Rock

The Rockefeller centre was created by J.D. Rockefeller Jr, and was designed to be a city within a city. Building was completed in 1933 and since then the building has become a cultural hub.You will get to see the city from the 67th, 69th and 70th floors and like the Empire State the views are incredible. It is generally not too crowded on the observation decks. Plus the cool thing is you can get a picture of the iconic Empire State Building as well.

If you are tossing up between the Empire State and Top of the Rock here is a handy guide to help you decide which one to visit.

Again tickets can be purchased online in advance .

The High Line

The High Line is a 1.45 mile elevated park on a disused train track and is a garden oasis in the middle of a busy city. It is a lovely place to go for a walk or just sit down and take in your surroundings.

Do a helicopter tour

If you are feeling a bit fancy you can live out my dream of flying above the New York Skyline in a helicopter . I may have watched one too many movies, but still one day!

Statue of Liberty

Another New York City icon is of course the Statue of Liberty. To see the Statue up close you can book a boat tour that takes you to Liberty Island and Ellis Island. If you are planning to do this you should set a full day aside and book in advance. It is super busy and you will spend a lot of the day just waiting in line.

We were short of time so we only managed to see Liberty Island to get a few close up shots of the Statue. It is a wonderful experience and we would really recommend it. Alternatively you could get the Staten Island Ferry for a glimpse of Lady Liberty herself, but you certainly don’t get as close as you do on the tourist boats.

We tried to buy tickets on the day and spent ages in line, so we highly recommend that you purchase these online in advance .

New York has some pretty amazing museums, from the Natural History Museum to the Guggenheim. We decided to visit the Museum of Modern Art which houses works from artists such a Van Gogh, Dali, and my personal favourite Andy Warhol. You seriously cannot go to New York without visiting at least one museum.

One of the more sombre but important museums we visited was the 9/11 museum. For my generation there is a question of ‘where were you when you heard the news about the planes hitting the tower’. The museum is beautiful, it honours the victims, and looks at the resilience and bravery of New Yorkers.

Another recommendation in NYC is to do a hop on hop off bus tour. These are really useful when you only have a short time in a city.

There are a number of airports in New York, and most of them have a shuttle bus that will take you straight to your hotel. Just be mindful that New York traffic can be pretty bad. But ultimately it is cheaper than a taxi which is handy.

Where to stay in New York

We ended up staying near Times Square which was great on a short trip, but if you are visiting for a bit longer, we recommend staying in one of the neighbourhoods like the East Village for example. There is a lot more atmosphere and you get to see the less touristy side of New York. No matter where you stay though you really want to make sure you are near a subway station which will make getting around New York so much easier.

Eating and drinking in New York

We actually write a post all about the foods you need to try in New York . There is so much choice and it is hard to narrow down. There are some great places to eat and drink in the East Village including our favourite, a 24 hour Ukrainian dinner called  Veselka , it is also a great place for drinks and one of our favourite bars was The Immigrant . Another must is a visit to the Dominque Ansel Bakery which is of course the home of the famous Cronut.

Before planning your 2 week USA itinerary you might be wondering when the best time of year to visit is. Summer is most definitely peak travel season (June – August). And you have that added stress in August of school holidays. If you are planning on traveling around the US at this time make sure that you book accommodation well in advance, as well as your tours and attractions.

The best time really to plan your 2 week USA itinerary will e in the shoulder seasons, so either spring (March- May) or Autumn especially September and October. Personally Autumn (or fall) is one of our favourite times to visit because you get to see the beautiful leaves change colour and begin to fall. It’s especially beautiful visiting somewhere like New York City, or Big Bear Lake.

Winters can be harsh in some of the places we have mentioned in this guide, especially Chicago and New York. So adverse weather may hinder your plans to see certain attractions. That being said December in New York is incredible with the build-up to the Christmas season.

Ok, so budgeting for your 2 week USA itinerary is a tough one. It will all depend on where you want to stay, and what you want to see. For a mid-range holiday we would probably recommend budgeting about $3000 per person for the 2 weeks.

We found accommodation to be quite expensive in the USA, particularly if you want to stay in a central location in one of the big cities we have listed. On average you are looking at about $200 per night for a mid range hotel room that is centrally located.

Food is slightly cheaper in the US (but don’t forget to tip), and you could probably get away with spending about $50 per person if you were trying to budget.

Hopefully this 2 week USA itinerary has you all excited about booking your trip to the USA. There are so many other cities to visit though and you can check out our  East Coast  and  West Coast  itinerary to cover more places you should visit. If you have found this article don’t forget to Pin it for later.

Wanderlust and Life is a blog for those that love to travel.

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How much does it cost?

Hi, so we probably spent around $1800 on accommodation and had about $2000 of spending money between the two of us. We picked mid market accommodation that was always central so you could probably bring this down a bit. We did spend quite a bit on attractions particularly in NYC so I guess it depends on what you plan to see and do as well. I hope that helps.

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• Passports, travel and living abroad
• Travel abroad
• Foreign travel advice

Entry requirements

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel. 

The authorities in the US set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the US Embassy or a consulate in the UK .

COVID-19 rules

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering the US.

Passport validity requirements

To enter the US, your passport must be valid for the length of your planned stay.

If you’re travelling through another country on your way to or from the US, check the entry requirements for that country. Many countries will only allow entry if you have at least 6 months validity remaining on your passport. 

Dual nationals  

US law requires US citizens to enter and exit the US using a US passport. Contact the US Embassy or a consulate in the UK for more information.

Visa requirements

To enter or transit through the US, you must have either an  Electronic System for Travel Authorisation ( ESTA ) visa waiver  or a visa .

The US State Department has more information on visas .

Applying for an ESTA visa waiver 

Apply for an ESTA visa waiver through US Customs and Border Protection. You can also apply using the ESTA Mobile app on android or on iOS .

You cannot apply for an ESTA visa waiver if you have:

• been arrested (even if the arrest did not result in a criminal conviction)
• a criminal record
• been refused admission into, or have been deported from the US
• previously overstayed under an ESTA visa waiver

You cannot normally apply for an ESTA visa waiver if you were in the following countries on or after March 2011: 

• North Korea

You cannot apply for an ESTA visa waiver if you travelled to or were in Cuba on or after 12 January 2021. 

If you are not eligible for an ESTA , you must instead apply for a US visa.

Applying for a visa

The US Embassy in London has information on how to apply for a visa .

US visa appointments

Visa appointments at the US Embassy in London are limited. Plan your application as far ahead as possible before travel. If you need to travel urgently, you can request an expedited interview through the US Embassy’s appointment service provider.

The US Embassy has more information on visa appointments .

Children and young people

Anyone aged 17 and under must:

• have a valid visa or ESTA visa waiver on arrival
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The US government has information about children travelling to the US . If you have questions, contact the US Embassy in the UK .

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The best times to visit the USA

Aug 21, 2023 • 6 min read

Choose the best time for your visit to the US with this guide to events, seasons and crowds through the year © Mint Images / Getty Images

When you’re visiting the USA , the question “When’s the best time to go?” isn’t a simple one – but we’re here to help. Instead, ask yourself what you’d like to do on your trip.

Do you want to hike some of the country’s tallest peaks? Go to music festivals ? Soak up the sun on sparkling beaches ? Explore big cities? With its immense geographical and cultural diversity, you’ll undoubtedly find something amazing to do in the US no matter when you arrive.

Thanks to school schedules and warmer weather, summer is generally regarded as the high season, while crowds taper off in the colder months (with the exception of the holiday season in mid- to late December). Spring and fall make up the shoulder seasons, but some parts of the country experience high-season crowds at this time thanks to spring superblooms in the west  and fall colors in the east . 

Things slow down in the winter, but traveling during this time yields some unexpected benefits: comfortable temps in notoriously hot places, smaller crowds in cities, and tons of winter sports and activities, from skiing to snowshoeing to ice fishing.   

Here's what you need to know about seasons and events through the year in the US.

May to July is the best time for perfect weather

While ideal weather windows vary across the country, this is the period when most places have shaken off their winter chill and embraced the vibrant bloom of spring and early summer. The east bursts into color with nature-centric events like the Cherry Blossom Festival , the south lights up with fireflies, and wildflowers cover the rolling California hills. Patio season is in full swing in cities, and outdoor concerts begin to reappear after their winter hiatus.

This is also when cultural events kick into high gear, and national parks begin fielding some of their biggest crowds.

October to November is the best time for leaf peeping

The US takes on an amber hue in late fall, giving everything a cozy, crisp atmosphere that makes you want to grab a glass of warm apple cider. The deciduous forests of the northern Midwest, New England and Appalachia wow spectators with fiery maple trees and golden ginkgos, while western states like Colorado stun with yellow aspens that glow in the autumn sun. 

Note that some of the most popular fall foliage destinations (ie, Vermont , North Carolina , etc) see high-season crowds during this time, but don’t worry – you can still catch fall colors in less trafficked spots across the country, along with lower prices.

November to March is the best time for budget travelers and city breaks

Once fall comes to a close, the crowds ease up, and most places settle into a low-key hum as they batten down the hatches for winter. This is a perfect time to make a trip to the city that’s been on your bucket list, as hotel prices dip and crowds for big-name attractions and popular restaurants dwindle. Colder (and possibly wet) weather also makes this the perfect time to enjoy some of the country’s best museums .

The one exception to the budget rule is mid-December through the New Year, as places buzz with Christmas activity and folks take to the roads and skies for trips home for the holidays. Prices spike and availability plummets, but things calm down again pretty quickly in January. 

January to March is the best time to hit the slopes

Ski season technically starts in December, but slopes on both sides of the country really hit their stride in the months following the holidays. By February, most places – especially out west – have a good base of snow established, and fresh powder continues to fall. The length of ski season varies from year to year based on temperature changes and precipitation amounts, but sometimes lifts will stay open all the way through May. 

March to June is best for spring colors and hiking in the mountain east

Flowers, flowers everywhere! The bluebonnets in Texas , the rhododendrons of Tennessee and North Carolina, the poppies of California – the country is a tapestry of blooms as the first waves of warm weather shake it from its winter slumber. 

This is also the best time to explore the ancient mountains of the eastern US. Spring showers, warm sunshine and humid forests make for an explosion of life: mushrooms, wildflowers and blooming trees cover the ridges and hollows of Appalachia, from Georgia to Maine . Creeks are full, and waterfalls are at their most gorgeous.

June to August is best for festivals, hiking the mountain west, water activities

It’s summer, baby! And that means a few things: higher temperatures and bigger crowds, but also lots to do. 

Music festival goers will find themselves inundated with options across the country: big festivals like Bonnaroo, Electric Forest and Lollapalooza draw crowds by the tens of thousands, and tons of smaller regional festivals take the stage, too.

This is also peak time to hit the trails of the mountain west, as most roads will be cleared of snow, and transportation will be easier through high elevation territory. The mountainsides will be blooming, the wildlife out and about, and the camping fabulous. That said, you definitely won’t be the only one in the parks.

This is also prime time to experience the US’ numerous bodies of water. Grab a kayak and hit slow-moving rivers for peaceful floats, or opt for lively whitewater routes like the Gauley ( West Virginia ) or the Snake River ( Wyoming ). Lounge on one of the Great Lakes in the Midwest, or let the warm gulf waters along the southern coast lap at your feet.

Other seasons to know about

When it comes to US travel, there are a few weather seasons you should be aware of beyond the standard four, as they could potentially impact your trip depending on your destination.

Hurricane season June to November (Southeast)

Hurricane season runs from June to November, with peak activity happening in August and September. These storms largely affect the Gulf Coast in the southern US (Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida), but some storms also make their way up the east coast to states like South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia. Hurricanes can also impact inland destinations, causing issues like flooding and tornados. 

Fire season July to October (Western US)

Fire season occurs in areas regularly affected by drought, so large swaths of the western US are at risk for fire for large parts of the year. July and August are the peak months of fire season, with states like California, Colorado, Montana, Wyoming, Idaho and Oregon fielding the brunt of the damage. Always check on fire conditions before heading on summer outdoor adventures here.

Tornado season March to June (Plains, Midwest, Southeast)

Tornado season occurs throughout the Great Plains, the Midwest and the southeastern US from March to early June. While these storms have a smaller path of destruction than hurricanes and fires, they spin up quickly and with minimal warning. Consult a forecast before outdoor excursions to see if there’s potential for severe weather.

This article was first published Mar 9, 2021 and updated Aug 21, 2023.

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Ultimate 3 Month USA Road Trip Itinerary – New York To California

This post about the ultimate 3 month USA road trip itinerary contains affiliate links.

Our 3 month USA road trip from New York to California was nothing short of amazing and even now, I’m still processing all the incredible things we saw, did and ate during our time in the United States.

After spending an amazing month in New York City over Christmas and New Year , I couldn’t imagine how our trip could get any better, but it really did just seem to get more and more awesome as we made our way across the vast country.

We spent the full 90 days of our allotted time in the USA (British citizens are entitled to a 90-day visa-free stay in the US with a valid ESTA ) and every single moment is something I’ll cherish forever.

A cross-country American road trip is something I’d always dreamed of, but I assumed it would be something I’d do when I was more “grown-up”.

However, after the shambles of the last two years that the Covid pandemic caused, Matt and I were determined to get back out into the world again and start our dream life of full-time travelling and there was really no better place to begin again than the gargantuan United States of America.

Read more: 3 Months In The USA – How Much Does A USA Road Trip Cost?

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Top tours and attractions to experience on a 3 month USA road trip

• Top of the Rock Observation Deck Ticket In New York
• Magnolia Plantation Tour & Transport
• Orlando Universal Studios Park to Park Ticket
• Evening Jazz Cruise on the Steamboat Natchez In New Orleans
• From South Rim: Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour
• Lower Antelope Canyon: Admission Ticket and Guided Tour
• Bryce Canyon National Park Sightseeing Tour
• Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, Lunch, Skywalk Option From Las Vegas
• Universal Studios Hollywood Entry Ticket Los Angeles
• Alcatraz Visit with Ferry and Bay Cruise From San Francisco

We spent 3 months travelling across 18 states (however, we only spent some proper time in 15 states) via plane, train, bus, car and bicycle all the way from New York City to San Francisco in California. We used various modes of transport during our trip which was such a cool experience and instead of just driving the entire way across the country, it meant that we experienced numerous different ways of travelling across America.

I’m still struggling to process the fact that we’ve ticked off this incredibly huge bucket list experience (although there are definitely still many states that I’d like to visit!), but I’ve attempted to document our remarkable trip below in the form of my ultimate 3 month USA road trip itinerary.

In my guide, I’ve covered the exact route we used for our 3-month road trip USA itinerary, all the different modes of transport we used, where we stayed and a brief list of the top things to see and do in each place.

It’s an absolutely mammoth post, so I hope you’re ready to start planning your epic 3-month road trip across the USA!

I want to preface this epic 3-month USA road trip guide by really enforcing the fact that this was our route, so it’s very tailored to our personal experiences and preferences. For example, I don’t expect you guys to spend a month in New York City or a week in Richmond, Virginia as those were very unique experiences as part of our USA road trip. I do, however, hope that you can take a lot of inspiration from our road trip across America and I really hope that it helps you to plan your own epic cross-country USA trip!

Map of our 3 Month USA Road Trip

As you can see from the map above, we didn’t drive the entire way across America; we took several buses, trains and planes before we eventually hired a car in Dallas, Texas. I’m going to be writing an entirely separate post all about the driving part of our USA road trip, so that will be helpful for you if you only want to drive across America or if you only want to take a route from Texas to California.

We didn’t hire a car straight away in America as we weren’t sure if we even wanted to at all. I was very worried about driving in America, plus the cost of a hire car and gas prices put me off at first. However, it turned out to be the very best decision for the rest of our American road trip and I’m so glad we hired one in Dallas.

The first part of our trip was 1 month in New York City , so we didn’t use any modes of transport there apart from the subway. After that, we took multiple trains and buses from NYC to Washington , Richmond, Charleston , Savannah, Orlando and Miami and then we flew to New Orleans where we took a few more buses until we finally got to Dallas where we hired our car.

Below, I’ve included all the details of our 3-month American road trip itinerary, so I hope it helps you to plan your own amazing journey across the USA!

Read more: 3 Months In The USA Budget – How Much To Travel America

3-month road trip USA itinerary summary

• Washington D.C.
• New Orleans
• Albuquerque
• Colorado Springs
• Glenwood Springs
• Arches National Park
• Dead Horse Point State Park
• Bryce Canyon National Park
• Zion National Park
• Grand Canyon National Park
• Joshua Tree
• Los Angeles
• Kings Canyon National Park
• Yosemite National Park
• San Francisco

Read more: The Ultimate 1 Month USA Road Trip Itinerary – California To Texas

Day 1-31 of our 3 Month USA Road Trip – New York City

We started our epic 3-month road trip across the USA with a one-month stay in New York City . It’s been my dream to live in New York ever since I can remember so making it a reality, even if it was just for one month, was quite literally one of my biggest dreams come true.

Naturally, I don’t imagine that many of you guys will start your American trip by spending a month in NYC, but if you do decide to, I’ve covered everything you need to know about living in New York for one month in this post .

Where to stay in NYC

We lived in an apartment for the one month that we stayed in NYC, but I have also stayed in numerous hotels on my previous visits to New York.

My favourite hotels in New York City include:

• Courtyard New York Manhattan/Times Square
• New York Marriott Marquis in Times Square
• The Plaza Hotel

Top things to do in NYC :

• Go to SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
• Enjoy drinks on the rooftop at 230 Fifth
• Visit the Top of the Rock at sunset
• Take a self-guided walking pizza tour
• Hang out in Central Park

Check out my New York content here.

Days 31-33 – Washington D.C.

After one month in New York, we got a bus to Washington D.C. for two nights. I’d been to D.C. twice before, so I’d already seen and done many things in the city, but it was Matt’s first time in the United States’ capital, so it was fun to explore the city with him.

Two or three days in Washington D.C. is more than enough time to see and do as many things as possible and while it’s not my favourite city in the US (it actually was before this trip, though!), I’d still recommend adding it to your USA road trip itinerary as there are some great cultural experiences to be enjoyed there.

Where to stay in D.C.

We stayed at the Motto by Hilton Washington DC City Center which was a great place to base ourselves while in D.C. It’s just a stone’s throw from the Capital One Arena and as it’s located in Chinatown, there are plenty of great places to eat around the hotel.

Top things to do in Washington D.C.

• See the Lincoln Memorial
• Walk the National Mall
• Visit the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
• See the National World War II Memorial
• Check out the Thomas Jefferson Memorial

Here’s more of my Washington D.C. content!

Days 33-41 – Richmond, Virginia

We spent eight days in Richmond, Virginia, which as I said above, I wouldn’t expect you to add it to your USA road trip itinerary as it’s not your typical tourist city. However, my aunty, uncle and two cousins live in Richmond so we decided to head there for just over a week to spend some quality time with them.

I don’t get to see them very often so it was so incredibly lovely to spend that time with them as part of our road trip across America. If you do decide to go to Richmond, I’ve included a few ideas of the best things to do below.

Top things to do in Richmond

• See the Virginia State Capitol
• Visit the American Civil War Museum
• Go to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
• Stroll through the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
• Take a day trip to Kings Dominion

Days 41-44 – Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston wasn’t originally on our road trip itinerary from New York to California, but after hearing so many incredible things about it and after seeing that it was voted as the best city in America by Travel+Leisure , we decided to visit and I’m so glad we did!

It’s such a beautifully charming city with plenty of stunning architecture and lots of fascinating history, which can’t actually be said about an awful lot of US cities. If Charleston isn’t on your USA road trip bucket list, add it now!

Where to stay in Charleston

Our hotel in Charleston, Wingate by Wyndham Charleston Airport Colesium , was actually one of my favourite places that we stayed during our entire trip across America and even though it wasn’t in the best location for exploring Downtown Charleston, the room was huge and the bed was so comfy and it was just a really lovely place to stay.

Top things to do in Charleston

• Take a tour of Magnolia Plantation
• Go on a tour of Boone Hall
• Admire St Matthew’s Lutheran Church
• Wander around The Battery
• Visit Charleston City Market

Read my ultimate guide to Charleston here.

Days 44-46 – Savannah, Georgia – 3 Month USA Road Trip

Savannah is another city that took me by surprise and it’s another great spot to visit on a trip across America. There aren’t tonnes of things to do in Savannah, so a day or two should be enough time to explore the city and check out some of the fun hotspots.

Where to stay in Savannah

We stayed at Days Inn by Savannah Airport for two nights and even though it wasn’t my favourite hotel, it gave us the chance to explore the awesome city of Savannah for a few days and it was one of the cheapest accommodation options in the city.

Top things to do in Savannah

• Stroll through Forsyth Park
• Spend an afternoon at Pour Larry’s Bar
• Admire the beautiful Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist
• Eat a delicious breakfast at Clary’s Cafe
• Check out the River Street Market Place

Days 46-51 – Orlando, Florida

I never expected to visit any theme parks in Orlando, Florida on our road trip as I always assumed that you need to go on a huge two-week holiday there, but I was so happy that we carved out four days in our road trip schedule to visit Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure .

Where to stay in Orlando

The hotel we stayed at in Orlando, Quality Inn at International Drive , was another one of my favourite hotels from our trip. While it’s not exactly anything special, our room was huge, it had a pretty sizeable pool and it was just 10 minutes from Universal Studios!

Top things to do in Orlando

• Visit Universal Studios & Islands of Adventure Orlando
• Go to Disney World
• Ride the Orlando Starflyer
• Spend a day at SeaWorld Orlando
• Visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal

Days 51-54 – Miami, Florida

Miami, Florida turned out to be one of my favourite cities in America and despite the fact that I’m not normally the biggest fan of the heat, especially when it comes to city life, I truly fell in love with Miami.

The beaches here are as good as everyone says they are, the food is awesome and the whole area of South Beach and the Downtown metropolis area are so much fun.

Where to stay in Miami

Our hotel in Miami, SoBeNY The Variety , was by far the most expensive place we stayed during our coast to coast American road trip, yet it was also one of my least favourite places that we stayed during our trip. It’s a hotel that clearly used to be a hostel and while the rooms were nice enough and the location was pretty great, it was just far too expensive for what it actually is in my opinion.

Top things to do in Miami

• Explore South Beach
• Ride bikes across to Downtown Miami from South Beach
• Get a Fat Tuesdays frozen cocktail
• Check out the Art Deco District
• Party on Ocean Drive

Check out my ultimate guide to Miami, Florida here.

Days 54-57 – New Orleans, Louisiana

From Miami, we decided to fly to New Orleans as there were very few places in between Miami and NOLA that we wanted to see, so it made the most sense for us to fly.

Unfortunately, if there’s one major place that we visited on our American road trip that I wouldn’t personally recommend, it would have to be New Orleans.

I was so disappointed to discover that I didn’t enjoy New Orleans very much, especially after hearing nothing but rave reviews from literally everyone I knew who had been, but it just didn’t do it for me.

However, I would never tell you not to go to a place as I’m a firm believer in encouraging people to visit new places and see what they think for themselves, but I wanted to give my honest opinion and say that I just didn’t love it as much as I expected to.

Where to stay in New Orleans

We stayed at Balcony Guest House in New Orleans which was a very adorable place to stay. It’s a guest house that very much feels like someone’s home and while we never actually met the hosts of the house, it felt very welcoming and it’s located in a nice neighbourhood of NOLA.

Top things to do in New Orleans

• Eat a scrumptious beignet from Café du Monde
• Go drinking down Bourbon Street
• Explore New Orleans City Park
• Admire the beautiful houses and buildings in the French Quarter
• Check out Jackson Square

Days 57-61 – Austin, Texas – 3 Month USA Road Trip

Austin, on the other hand, was a city in the US that I really loved. While I didn’t think that there were tonnes of things to do there, Austin has one of the best nightlife scenes I’ve experienced in any major city around the world and it just has a very nice feel to it.

Where to stay in Austin

We stayed at Days Inn by Wyndham Austin/University/Downtown which was a nice enough motel but it wasn’t in the best location if you haven’t got a car (we didn’t at this stage), so the walk into the main part of the city was around an hour or so. It was a nice enough walk though, and it takes you through the university campus which is brilliant, so I wouldn’t actually mind staying there again, it would just probably be more convenient if you have a car.

Top things to do in Austin

• Wander around the university campus
• Eat some barbecue (Black’s Barbecue)
• Check out the cool food trucks on Rainey Street
• Have a stroll through Waller Beach at Town Lake Metropolitan Park
• Spend an evening drinking and dancing on 6th Street

Dys 61-64 – Dallas, Texas

We mainly headed to Dallas to see one of my very good friends who’s originally from Doncaster (like me!) but has lived in the US for the last three years. It was so wonderful to see her and her beautiful one-year-old daughter and she made our time in the city very enjoyable.

We didn’t do loads of things while we were in Dallas and I definitely don’t think you need to spend four days there, but it’s a good place for a pit stop on a US road trip.

We also picked up a hire car in Dallas for the remainder of our road trip, so this is where the trip really gets interesting as we started to stay in a different town/city/state almost every night!

Where to stay in Dallas

We spent four nights in Dallas which you definitely don’t need to do, but we spent two of those with a friend of mine and two of them working. We stayed at the Comfort Inn & Suites Love Field – Dallas Market Center which was actually a pretty nice hotel. The location isn’t the best, but Dallas is so incredibly big that you really do need a car to get around the city (which is why we picked up a hire car here!).

Top things to do in Dallas

• Visit the Fort Worth Stockyards
• Watch the sunset over the city from the Ronald Kirk Bridge
• Go to The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
• Check out The Sixth Floor Museum
• Head to the top of the Reunion Tower

Days 64-65 – Roswell, New Mexico

On our first full day with our hire car, we made the 7+ hour drive from Dallas, Texas to Roswell, New Mexico. It felt so amazing to have our own vehicle to explore the country and even though I was incredibly nervous about hiring a car in America as I was scared that the roads would be too big and scary, I am beyond grateful that we did as it made the whole trip so much better and easier.

We really only wanted to visit Roswell because of all the alien connotations and the International UFO Museum was a great place to learn more about the history of the ‘Roswell Incident’, so if you’re into that kind of thing, definitely add Roswell to your American road trip bucket list.

Where to stay in Roswell

We only spent one night in Roswell and we stayed at the Days Inn by Wyndham Roswell (can you sense a theme of motels here?!) and it was a great place to stay for one night. The breakfast here was also one of the best we experienced out of all the free motel breakfasts on our trip which was a warm welcome as most of them were pretty terrible!

Top things to do in Roswell

• Go to the International UFO Museum
• Check out the alien-themed McDonald’s
• Visit the Roswell Museum
• Wander through the town and check out all the alien and space-themed memorabilia
• Explore the Roswell Historic District

Days 65-66 – Albuquerque, New Mexico

The following day we left Roswell and made our way toward Albuquerque with a stop at White Sands National Park first. This was the first official national park of our road trip and it was a great way to officially begin seeing incredibly cool stuff while driving through the many terrains in America.

Albuquerque itself was also a nice enough place to visit and while I wouldn’t necessarily be in a rush to visit again anytime soon, it was a logical place to spend the night between visiting different national parks.

Where to stay in Albuquerque

We stayed at the GreenTree Inn Albuquerque North I-25 and while the staff here weren’t the friendliest, there are on-site laundry facilities and free breakfast, so it was a good enough place to spend the night on our road trip.

Top things to do in Albuquerque

• Ride the Sandia Peak Tramway
• Wander around the adorable Old Town and Plaza
• Visit the Albuquerque Museum
• Check out the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
• Admire the beautiful San Felipe de Neri Church

Days 66-67 – Santa Fe, New Mexico – 3 Month USA Road Trip

After Albuquerque, we drove to Santa Fe and even though there isn’t loads to do there, it made sense for us to spend the night there so that we were in a good location to head to the Great Sand Dunes the following morning.

Where to stay in Santa Fe

The place we stayed in Santa Fe, Motel 6 Santa Fe , was one of my least favourite places that we stayed during our entire road trip. It was also one of the cheapest places we stayed, but Motel 6 are probably one of the least desirable motel chains in America as they just feel super seedy and dodgy and there are always weird people hanging around. I’d recommend splashing out even just $10 more a night and staying somewhere slightly nicer.

Top things to do in Santa Fe

• Check out the Santa Fe Original Route 66 signs
• Wander around Santa Fe Plaza
• Visit the New Mexico Museum of Art
• Go to the IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts (MoCNA)
• See the Palace of the Governors

Days 67-68 – Colorado Springs, Colorado

The next morning we ventured to the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve which was such an incredibly cool place to visit. I also just want to note that the way I’m writing these brief snippets makes it sound like everywhere is really close together, when in fact, it’s the total opposite!

We did almost 100 hours of driving just on our self-drive itinerary from Texas to California, and that’s without all the places we visited before we got to Dallas, so be prepared for an awful lot of driving if that’s the mode of transport you choose to travel across America!

After the Sand Dunes, we drove to Colorado Springs, which was our first stop in Colorado and even though we only spent one night there, it was a lovely little place to spend time on our road trip.

The drive from Santa Fe to Colorado Springs was around 5 hours, so we didn’t really do very much in the evening when we arrived apart from eating at Olive Garden and hanging out in the common room/kitchen of our hostel!

Where to stay in Colorado Springs

We stayed at the ColoRADo Adventure Hostel while in Colorado Springs and it was such a cool and fun place to stay; I kind of wished we could have stayed there longer! We met some really cool and interesting people at the hostel and there’s the cutest little hostel dog which is so funny and adorable!

Top things to do in Colorado Springs

• Take a trip to the Garden of the Gods
• Check out Pikes Peak
• Head to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
• Visit the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum
• Stroll around Prospect Lake

Days 68-69 – Denver, Colorado

Once we’d had breakfast at the hostel in Colorado Springs, we were on our way again, this time to the nearby Garden of the Gods Park, just outside of Colorado Springs.

This place is absolutely awesome and definitely somewhere to add to your USA road trip itinerary. It’s free to visit and the rock formations throughout the park are absolutely incredible.

We then headed to Denver for the afternoon/night where we explored the Downtown area before heading back to our hotel and having a McDonald’s for dinner as it was starting to get ridiculously cold and we couldn’t be bothered finding anywhere proper to eat!

This is where the weather really started to get freezing cold for the next few days of our road trip!

Where to stay in Denver

The hotel we stayed at in Denver, La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Denver Gateway Park , was another one of the nicer places we stayed during our road trip across America. Again, it wasn’t anything flashy or fancy, but it just felt much smarter and cleaner than many of the other places we stayed and it was in a nice enough part of the city.

Top things to do in Denver

• Take a trip to the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge
• Explore Downtown Denver
• Spend an afternoon at Denver Zoo
• See the beautiful Denver Botanic Gardens
• Check out the Colorado State Capitol

Days 69-70 – Glenwood Springs, Colorado

Our morning started with a drive around the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge in Denver before driving through Glenwood Springs to Aspen where we spent a few hours frolicking in the snow and checking out the awesome mountains (there was a lot of snow and it was unfathomably cold!), before driving back to Glenwood Springs again to spend the night.

It might seem silly to drive through Glenwood to Aspen and then come all the way back again and we did originally intend to spend the night in Aspen, but the hotels were a minimum of $600 a night because it was peak ski season and we couldn’t justify spending that much money just for one night!

Glenwood Springs was a great place to stay, however, and I’m still glad we made the little detour to go to Aspen as it’s such a cool little place and I’d definitely love to head back there again one day for ski season (if I ever actually learn to ski, that is!).

Where to stay in Glenwood Springs

The place where we stayed in Glenwood Springs was perhaps one of the most beautiful in terms of the surrounding views as we woke up to many inches of snow and gorgeous snowy mountains all around us at Silver Spruce Inn . This was a wonderful place to stay and Glenwood Springs was a surprisingly lovely little town.

Top things to do in Glenwood Springs

• Visit the Glenwood Hot Springs Pool
• Eat at Glenwood Canyon Brewpub
• Spend the day at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park
• Relax at the Iron Mountain Hot Springs
• Explore Glenwood Canyon

Days 70-71 – Moab, Utah – 3 Month USA Road Trip

The next day we woke up and made our way over the border into Utah which marked our 12th state of the trip!

Utah welcomed us with crazy amounts of snow and some of the most glorious scenery I’ve ever seen. Spoiler alert; Utah is probably my favourite state in the USA!

The first place we visited in Utah was Arches National Park , just a short 10-minute drive from where we spent the night in Moab. Arches National Park is undoubtedly one of my favourite places of our entire three-month cross-USA road trip and I really must insist that you add it to your itinerary because it’s such a ridiculously beautiful and amazing place!

Where to stay in Moab

The Inca Inn in Moab was a fine place for us to base ourselves once we arrived in Utah. We spent the night there after visiting Arches National Park and while it wasn’t my favourite place we stayed as the room wasn’t the cleanest and the shower fluctuated so much in pressure and heat, it was still an OK place to spend the night for a very cheap price.

Top things to do in Moab

• Spend the day in Arches National Park
• Explore the Potash Road Dinosaur Tracks and Petroglyphs
• Check out the Sand Flats Recreation Area
• Take a trip to Dead Horse Point State Park
• Visit the Moab Museum

Days 71-72 – Panguitch, Utah

We started day 71 of our bucket list road trip across the USA by heading to Dead Horse Point State Park which is a place that easily rivals the Grand Canyon. This place was recommended to me by my very good friend and fellow travel blogger, Nele , and I am so glad we followed her advice because this place is absolutely freaking awesome!

Afterwards, we drove four hours across Utah to a tiny little town called Panguitch so that we were set up for the next day to head into Bryce Canyon National Park.

Where to stay in Panguitch

We stayed at the Color Country Motel in Panguitch and while the motel itself was a nice enough place to stay, there’s absolutely nothing in the town at all, so we actually struggled for something to eat when we arrived fairly late at night (we ended up eating at Subway at the gas station on the drive into the town!).

Days 72-73 – Big Water, Utah

The following day, we checked out of the motel in Panguitch and drove half an hour to Bryce Canyon National Park, which is another one of my trip highlights from our time in America.

This place is beyond beautiful and as I’d only ever seen pictures of it in the summer months, I was so shocked to see it completely covered in snow; it looked so otherworldly and magical. Please add Bryce Canyon NP to your USA road trip itinerary!

After Bryce, we drove approximately an hour and a half to our second national park of the day; Zion. This national park also needs to be on your USA bucket list and while I personally think that Bryce Canyon just trumps the top spot for me, Matt said he preferred Zion National Park, so you’ll have to visit both yourself and let us know which one you prefer ;). It’s a very tough call to make as they’re both so awesome and I’d highly recommend trying to add both to your road trip itinerary across America.

That evening, we drove to a little town called Big Water where we spent the night before heading into Arizona the following day.

Where to stay in Big Water

We stayed at Rodeway Inn & Suites Big Water – Antelope Canyon which is basically a motel on a ranch in the middle of nowhere and while there isn’t really anything to do in Big Water at all, it was an ideal spot for us to stay the night as we made our way into Arizona as it’s right next to the Utah/Arizona state border. This motel is also so lovely and homely, it has on-site laundry facilities and it was the cheapest place we stayed during our entire trip!

Days 73-74 – Flagstaff, Arizona

We were technically only in Arizona for 24 hours, but we managed to see and do quite a lot during that short window of time!

Firstly, once we’d driven over the border between Utah and Arizona, we went to Horseshoe Bend which wasn’t actually quite as cool as I thought it would be. It’s definitely an awesome feat of nature and I’d still recommend visiting, but the water didn’t look as nice as I’d seen in pictures online, but I think that’s because it hadn’t rained very much.

After Horseshoe Bend, we drove into the Grand Canyon National Park which was obviously another incredible highlight of our 3-month USA trip. I couldn’t get over just how big it is (did you know that it’s bigger than the state of Delaware?!) and I honestly think you could spend an entire week there and still not cover it all!

Unfortunately, we only spent a few hours at the Grand Canyon but this gave us time to embark on a few walks to various viewpoints so that we could see this remarkable natural landscape from a few different angles.

That evening, we drove to a place called Flagstaff which is actually a much bigger place than I first thought. We headed to the Lowell Observatory where we looked through several telescopes and learned plenty of awesome things about space. If you’re a bit of a space nerd, you’re sure to enjoy the Lowell Observatory, so if you pass through Flagstaff while you’re near the Grand Canyon, I think it’s worth making the stop to visit the observatory.

Where to stay in Flagstaff

The Travellers Inn in Flagstaff was definitely one of the worst places we stayed during our road trip across the USA. Even though it gets fairly respectable reviews on Booking.com, we really didn’t enjoy staying here; the staff took 15 minutes to come to the front door of the motel lobby when we rang the buzzer (even though there’s supposed to be a 24-hour front desk service), the room was really dirty and the shower was so filthy that we didn’t actually use it because it was so gross. I definitely wouldn’t recommend this place in Flagstaff, but there are numerous other hotels/motels in the city that would probably be much better; we only stayed here because it was by far the cheapest.

Top things to do in Flagstaff

• Spend an evening at Lowell Observatory
• Check out the North Pole Experience
• Look out for the Route 66 signs

Days 74-77 – Las Vegas, Nevada – 3 Month USA Road Trip

Once we’d woken up from a not-so-great night’s sleep due to the pretty shoddy motel in Flagstaff, we made the four-hour journey to Las Vegas !

We were in Las Vegas for Matt’s 24th birthday which was such a ridiculously cool place to enjoy his birthday celebrations. We had so much fun exploring all the crazy cool hotels, gambling (and inevitably losing!) money in the casinos and eating some truly remarkable food.

I totally get that Vegas isn’t for everyone, but I do think it’s a place you should try and experience while on an American road trip, even if it’s just for one day so that you can get a feel for what this crazy city is like!

Read more: 10 Best Party Cities In The US – Best Nightlife Cities

Where to stay in Las Vegas

We spent three nights at the SAHARA Hotel in Vegas and this was undoubtedly the nicest place we stayed on our 3-month road trip across America. Our room was absolutely beautiful, so clean and modern, and the only negative review I have to say about it is that the shower curtain didn’t go right down to the floor so the bathroom floor got soaking wet any time the shower was used.

Apart from that, the hotel is beautiful and it’s right at the top of the Strip so you get to enjoy walking all the way down to see every hotel and casino along the iconic Strip in Vegas.

Top things to do in Las Vegas

• Watch the Bellagio Fountain show
• Eat at Stripsteak in Mandalay Bay
• Explore the spectacular Venetian Hotel
• Go to the top of the Stratosphere observation deck
• Check out the New York New York hotel and rollercoaster

Days 77-78 – Yucca Valley/Joshua Tree, California

After our three days in Vegas were up, we made our way into the fifteenth and final state of our American road trip; California!

Our first stop was Joshua Tree National Park where we embarked on a few hikes on some relatively short trails in the park (such as Arch Rock and Heart Rock) and even though we didn’t spend a tonne of time there, it was still so great to see and it’s yet another spot that I’d highly recommend adding to your USA itinerary for a 3-month trip.

We actually spent the night in Yucca Valley which is just on the outskirts of Joshua Tree National Park.

Where to stay in Joshua Tree

We stayed at Super 8 by Wyndham Yucca Val/Joshua Tree Nat Pk Area for one night once we arrived in California and while it wasn’t exactly the fanciest hotel we stayed in, it was more than nice enough and did the job for the night.

Top things to do in Joshua Tree National Park

• Do the Arch Rock trail
• Walk to see Heart Rock
• Check out Keys View scenic point
• Hike to the Skull Rock viewpoint
• Go on a short walk on the Hidden Valley Nature Trail

Days 78-80 – San Diego, California

We’d heard mixed things about San Diego and while I personally really liked the city, I didn’t quite love it as much as New York , Miami or San Francisco , for example.

It is a really lovely city, however, with a lot of things to see and do and Balboa Park and the Gaslamp Quarter, in particular, are great places to hang out. While you’re in San Diego, be sure to get a burger from Hodad’s Downtown; it might not look like much, but Matt claims it’s the best burger he’s ever had (and he’s had a lot of burgers!).

Where to stay in San Diego

The Baymont by Wyndham San Diego Downtown where we stayed in the city was a great place to base ourselves as it’s in such a great location for exploring many of the city’s top sights and attractions. There was also free breakfast included and as we got a free room upgrade thanks to our Genius Level 3 status on Booking.com, we were given a room with two double beds. The only qualm I had about this hotel is that the people in the room next to us were ridiculously noisy all night until I called reception at around 4am and then they swiftly fixed the issue, so the staff were great. There’s also on-site parking, although it costs around $20 a day which is unusual for motels/hotels to charge for parking in the US.

Top things to do in San Diego

• Eat the best burgers (Matt’s words!) from Hodad’s Downtown
• Spend an afternoon in Balboa Park
• Take a trip to Mission Beach
• Eat and drink in the Gaslamp Quarter
• Watch a college baseball game

Days 80-84 – Los Angeles, California

After our two nights in San Diego, we made the three-hour drive to Los Angeles which is a city that had been sitting firmly at the top of my to-visit list for many years.

We spent four nights in LA which I think is about the right amount of time that you need to spend in the city. I honestly didn’t realise just how huge Los Angeles is until we got there and started planning an itinerary of things to see and do and while it is possible to get around without a car, I promise it’ll make your life 100 times easier if you have your own vehicle as everything is so vast and spread out and public transport is pretty poor in the city.

We had an awesome few days in LA, exploring the Downtown area and visiting some of the city’s top beaches such as Santa Monica and Venice Beach and we also had a wonderful experience watching a magical sunset from the Griffith Observatory.

Where to stay in LA

Los Angeles is such a huge city that it was difficult to decide where to stay. In the end, we settled for Park Cienega Motel which I was a bit apprehensive about when we first arrived as it looked a bit odd, but it was in fact a really lovely place to stay in LA. It’s not really within walking distance to anything, however, so you will have to be prepared to drive in this crazy city!

Top things to do in LA

• Spend the afternoon in Santa Monica
• Check out Venice Beach and the Venice Canals
• Visit the Griffith Observatory at sunset
• See the Hollywood Sign
• Go shopping on Rodeo Drive

Days 84-85 – Porterville, California – 3 Month USA Road Trip

After Los Angeles, we drove to Porterville, which is approximately a 3 hours drive north of LA. While we didn’t see or do anything in Porterville itself (largely because there aren’t many things to do there), we decided to stay here so that we would be close to the Sequoia National Park for a trip the following day.

The only thing we did when we arrived in Porterville was head out into the little town to a restaurant called The Vault Bar & Grill for something to eat. From checking various Google reviews, it seemed that Porterville has many highly-rated places to eat, so if you do happen to spend a night there, at least you know that you’ll be well-fed!

Where to stay in Porterville

America’s Best Value Inn Porterville was a very pleasant place to stay for the night in Porterville. Like many of the places we stayed on our cross-country American road trip, it wasn’t anything flash or fancy, but it did the job of letting us rest for the night without any complaints!

Days 85-86 – Mariposa, California

Once we’d left Porterville the following morning, we made our way to Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Park where we saw the giant Sequoia trees. This place wasn’t my number one favourite national park (although it is hard to pick an absolute favourite as we visited so many incredible places), but it was still remarkable to see the giant trees, particularly the General Grant Tree which is so cool to see!

When we left the national park, we drove two and a half hours to our next hotel in a tiny town called Mariposa. We decided it was worth driving that far on this day so that we would be as close as possible to go to Yosemite National Park the following day.

Where to stay in Mariposa

Mariposa was the most adorable little town that I really wished we’d have spent more time in. We stayed at 5th Street Inn which was such a beautiful guest house with the loveliest rooms and the comfiest bed!

Days 86-87 – Merced, California

Yosemite is undoubtedly one of the most iconic national parks in the United States and in my opinion, perhaps the number one best national park in the whole country!

It’s a place I’d wanted to visit for so many years and I’m so happy that it not only lived up to my expectations, but it also far exceeded them! Despite several of the trails and roads being closed due to winter weather conditions, we still managed to enjoy plenty of the awesome things that Yosemite has to offer, including the iconic Dawn Wall (El Capitan), Tunnel View, Half Dome, Bridalveil Falls, Upper Yosemite Falls and Lower Yosemite Falls.

Yosemite National Park simply has to be on your 3 month USA road trip itinerary!

Where to stay in Merced

After a busy day of exploring Yosemite National Park, we stayed at Days Inn Merced/Yosemite Area as it was a logical place for us to spend the night after a busy day in the national park before we headed to San Francisco. It was a nice hotel with a pretty decent free breakfast and even though the surrounding area isn’t the nicest, it was a perfectly acceptable place for a rest stop on our road trip.

Days 87-90 – San Francisco, California – 3 Month USA Road Trip

The following morning, we drove the two and a half hours to San Francisco where we spent the last three days of our American road trip.

I absolutely adored San Francisco and it’s probably my second favourite city in the US (after New York). There’s so much to see and do there with plenty of great restaurants and it just has such a great vibe to it. I was a bit worried that we wouldn’t enjoy it as we’d heard very mixed reviews about it, but San Francisco completely exceeded all my expectations and it was such a brilliant place to conclude our epic 3 month trip across America!

Where to stay in San Francisco

Alpha Inn & Suites was the last place we stayed as part of our 3-month trip across America and we spent three nights there. It’s located in a pretty good location to many of the city’s top sights such as the Golden Gate Bridge and Lombard Street and the bar and restaurant scene in the surrounding area is brilliant.

Top things to do in San Francisco

• Take a tour of Alcatraz Island
• Check out the viewpoints of the Golden Gate Bridge
• Eat at Super Duper Burger
• Explore Fisherman’s Wharf and the sea lions on Pier 39
• Play retro arcade games at Musée Mécanique

Writing this blog post has been such a good way for me to reminisce on our incredible time in America and I really hope it helps you to plan your own awesome USA road trip itinerary!

Related posts:

• 3 Months In The USA – How Much Does A USA Road Trip Cost?
• 111 Best Things To Do In New York City – Ultimate NYC Travel Guide
• Ultimate Miami Travel Guide – 25 Best Things To See, Do & Eat In Miami
• How To Spend Two Days In Washington D.C. – Best Things To Do & See
• 40 Best Things To Do In San Francisco – Ultimate San Fran Travel Guide

Pin for later – 3 month USA road trip

Do you have any of these places on your 3 month USA road trip itinerary? Would you like to add anywhere else to your trip? Let me know in the comments or on Instagram at @imjustagirl_16 .

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Long-Term Travel Guide for 2023: The Ultimate Packing List for a Month

3 Packing Tips for a Long Trip

Before anything else, you need to know a few tips before packing for a month-long trip. Always keep in mind these 3 tips!

✓ Hand wash the delicates - For a month-long trip, you won’t be able to get away without washing certain clothing pieces. We’re referring to underwear, socks, bras and under shirts. Doing a quick wash in the sink will help hold you over if you don’t have access to laundry. Watch this video to see how to wash clothes in the sink when traveling .    

✓ Pack less pants, more shirts  - Pack 3 to 4 pairs of pants or shorts that can be paired with almost ALL your shirts. That way you can create many different outfits (just change the shirts, shoes, jewelry) with one pair of pants! Stick to classic, comfortable and neutral pieces that you can re-wear over and over.

✓ Use clear packing cubes to stay organized - Staying organized is hard enough when traveling, so do yourself a favor and don’t think twice about packing cubes. They will save you time, energy and stress over where you packed what. Give the kids their own color so they feel special (and color code them for your sanity). These clear packing cubes are great because you see what’s inside each cube, without having to take everything out. When arriving at your various destinations, no need to unpack. Place the cubes into drawers or on top of a table - just like traveling drawers!

The ultimate packing list for a month of travel

Below is a list of the essential items you need to pack for a month-long trip. We cover all the items that must be packed inside your checked luggage . We have also divided the clothing packing lists for each member of the family. Enjoy!

✦ CLOTHES & SHOES ✦

CLOTHES FOR MOM

Underwear / Sleepwear

✓ Panties - Bring at least 10 pairs so you don’t need to wash during the first week of your trip. Pro-packing tip: Avoid packing white or light-colored panties, as well as lace material ones which are more prone stains and tears .

✓ Bras - Bring at least 3 to 4 bras (bring the most comfortable ones you own). You can get away with bringing fewer bras if you’re going to a colder region (less sweaty).

✓ Socks - Bring at least 10 pairs of socks. A few ankle socks, a few no show socks, and a few high socks (especially for boots or colder weather).

✓ Pajamas / Cotton Shorts - Bring lightweight pajamas and shorts. Three pairs will be enough since you’ll only use them for lounging or sleeping.

✓ Comfy Shirts - Bring at least 3 comfy shirts you can use for sleeping or lounging.

Casual Clothes

✓ Cotton Shirts - Bring at least 5 cotton T-shirts or tank tops you can easily pair with leggings, jeans or shorts. Pro-packing tip: Opt for neutral colored shirts so you can easily match all your clothing items together. Also, bring a few darker colored shirts (easier to re-wear if you have a small stain).

✓ Dressy Tops / Blouses - Bring 3 to 4 dressy tops for nice dinners, going out for the night or unexpected dates.

✓ Jeans / Leggings - Bring at least 2 pairs of jeans and 2 to 3 pairs of leggings. Maybe bring one pair of blue jeans and one pair of black jeans? It’s nice to have some variety with your outfits. Leggings are very lightweight, easy to dry and go well with a wide range of tops - they’re also the comfiest bottom for moms! Pro Tip: Use leggings for the occasional workout or pair with a T shirt, sneakers and jean jacket for a day out.

✓ Skirts - If you’re a fan of skirts (meaning you wear them at home) then bring your favorite two skirts. If you never wear them at home, you probably won’t wear them while traveling, so leave them at home.

✓ Shorts - Bring 2 to 3 different types of shorts especially if you’re traveling to a tropical destination. Denim shorts are a must for every day sightseeing - they can be paired with almost any shirt.

✓ Dresses - Bring at least 1 to 2 of your favorite dresses that you could wear during the day or at night. A  black maxi dress is perfect for dressing down with sandals or dressing up for a night out! If you’re not a fan of long dresses, try a  simple and comfy dress  for an everyday casual look.

Cold or Winter Wear

✓ Windbreaker - Bring at least 1 windbreaker that can withstand both wind and rain.

✓ Tights / Thick Leggings - If you’re traveling to a very cold destination, bring 1 to 2 tights or base layer leggings to double layer underneath your pants.

✓ Sweater / Jacket - Bring at least 1 warm sweater or down jacket that you can use when sightseeing in the cold, for night time brisk walks or even while on the flights (the AC gets cold).

✓ Scarves - Scarves are versatile pieces you can use for protection against the cold or sprucing up a basic outfit, bring at least 1 to 2 of your favorites. Also, make sure they are neutral so they match with most of your outfits.

✓ Gloves / Beanie - Optional pieces you can bring if you’re going to a very cold destination.

✓ Swimsuits - You can get away with just 1 to 2 swimsuits while traveling.  Make sure you bring suits you love wearing. Pro-packing tip: Try purchasing a reversible swimsuit like this one .

✓ Cover Up - Bring at least 1 cover up that you can use when lounging on the beach. Pro-packing tip: Pack a versatile cover up that can double as a top or dress . If you don’t want to bring a cover up or a sarong to save space, you can use one of your scarves as a wrap!

Active Wear / Workout Gear

✓ Quick Dry Shirts - Going trekking or hiking? Quick dry shirts are your best friend as they can dissipate sweat more easily than regular cotton shirts. Bring at least 2 quick dry shirts , depending on how much trekking you’re planning to do. Pro-packing tip: Quick dry shirts can be washed in the sink and be ready to wear the morning.

✓ Jogging / Yoga Pants - For a very active trip, it’s a must to stay comfortable while moving around. Bring at least 1 to 2 jogging pants or yoga pants.

✓ Baseball Hat - Bring at least 1 hat to help protect you against the rays of the sun while staying active. Bring a neutral color that will go with all your outfits!

✓ Sports Bras  - Sports bras are a must when traveling, to double for workouts and busy days sightseeing. Bring 4 to 5 sports bras that you love wearing.

✓ Walking Shoes  - Bring 1 pair of comfortable walking shoes, either comfy sandals or athletic sneakers. We love these affordable Adidas sneakers that can double as workout shoes as well as everyday walking shoes with jeans and a T-shirt.

✓ Wedge Heels - Depending on the type of trip you’re taking, don’t bring heels at all if you don’t normally wear them. If you do love dressing up for a night out every couple days, bring 1 pair of comfy wedges  you can throw on with a casual dress or jeans.

✓ Sandals - You’ll need a comfy pair of sandals that will last you all day. We suggest bringing a pair that has back (not slip on with open back). These will give you more support and be comfier throughout the day. For beach or pool days, you can wear these as your flips flops. No need to bring an extra pair!

CLOTHES FOR DAD

✓ Briefs / Boxers  - Bring at least 10 pairs so you won’t need to wash during the first week of your trip. Pro-packing tip: Try merino-fabric types, which are moisture-resistant and dry very quickly.

✓ Socks  - Bring at least 3 to 4 pairs of regular high-ankle socks and a few ankle socks for your athletic shoes.

✓ Sleeping Shirts - Bring at least 3 sleeveless shirts you can use for sleeping or for lounging around.

✓ Cotton Shirts - Bring at least 5 cotton shirts which you can easily pair with jeans or shorts. Pro-packing tip: Darker-colored and plain shirts are ideal because stains are less likely to show up and they are easier to pair with other clothing items.

✓ Dress / Collared Shirts - Bring at least 2 dress or collared shirts for  dinner, going out and fancy occasions.

✓ Jeans / Trousers  - Bring at least 2 to 3 pairs of pants. For men, you’ll be wearing jeans a majority of the time so bring a couple options.  

✓ Shorts  - Bring 2 to 3 different types of shorts, especially if you’re traveling to a tropical destination. You can bring denim shorts, patterned shorts and black shorts for versatile outfit planning.

✓ 1 Windbreaker  - Bring at least 1 windbreaker that can withstand both wind and rain. Also, that doesn’t take up too much space in your luggage.

✓ Sweatpants  - If you’re traveling to a very cold destination, bring 1 to 2 warm sweatpants for lounging or for a casual day in the cold.

✓ 1 Warm Jacket  - Bring at least 1 warm sweater or down jacket that you can use when sightseeing in the cold, for chillier nights or even while on the flights (the AC gets cold).

✓ Gloves & Beanie - Optional pieces you can bring if you’re going to a very cold destination.

✓ Swim Trunks / Board Shorts - Bring at least 2 swim trunks, since these items barely take up space.

✓ Rash Guard - Are you planning on hitting the surf while traveling? Boogie boarding? Just want to protect your skin? Try this lightweight rash guard , perfect for any day in the sun.

Active Wear

✓ Quick Dry Shirts  - Same with mom, quick dry shirts are also perfect for dads. They dry quickly as you sweat or as quickly as you wash them! Pack 2 to 3 shirts.

✓ Jogging / Jogger Pants  - Bring at least 1 to 3 jogging pants or opt for jogger pants which can also be used for lounging.

✓ Baseball Hat  - Bring at least 1 cap to help protect you against the rays of the sun while staying active. Make sure it’s neutral and goes with all outfits!

✓ Sports Socks  - Bring 1 to 2 pairs of sports socks, depending on how active you plan to be on the trip.

✓ Everyday Walking Shoes - Bring 1 pair of walking shoes, which can double as workout shoes as well as everyday shoes.

✓ Sneakers / Night Shoes - You will pretty much get away with wearing your athletic shoes during the day. You’ll want to bring another pair of nicer sneakers or shoes for going out at night. Pro-packing tip: Opt for darker-colored or neutral-colored sneakers so they can be used for day and night, and also won’t get as dirty on the trip.

CLOTHES FOR KIDS

✓ Panties / Briefs  - Bring at least 10 pairs so you won’t need to wash kiddie panties and briefs during the first week of your trip. Pro-packing tip: With kids, expect the unexpected, you might have to wash clothes earlier than planned.

✓ Diapers  - If your kid is still wearing diapers, bring at least 15 to 20 pairs in your checked luggage. Once you arrive at your first destination, find a pharmacy and buy some more. Pro-packing tip: Research prior to your trip if the country you’re visiting has the specific variant of diaper your child is using.

✓ Socks  - Bring a combination of regular high-ankle socks and low-ankle socks for sneakers. Bring at least 7 to 10 pairs.

✓ Pajamas - Bring a few combos of pajamas, some for the cold and some for hot weather. Bring 2 to 3 outfits so you can switch off without doing laundry.

*Pro Tip: Lay out all the kids clothes on the bed. Have them “choose” 5-10 of their favorite outfits. Bring those and a few more options. On the trip, there is no excuse for not wanting to wear the outfit they chose, right?

✓ Cotton Shirts - Bring at least 7 cotton t-shirts which can be easily paired with jeans or shorts.

✓ Button Up Shirts / Dresses / Skirts - For girls, bring 3 to 4 nicer outfits, maybe a couple dresses, skirts and a few nicer tops. For boys, bring 2 to 3 collared shirts or button-up shirts. 

✓ Jeans / Leggings - For girls, you can bring 2 pairs of jeans and 2 leggings. For boys, bring at least 3 jeans which they can use many times.

✓ Shorts - For girls, denim and colored shorts can spice up any outfit. Boys can also bring knee-length, denim and khaki shorts. Depending on the weather, bring 2 to 3 pairs of shorts (add an extra if all summer weather).

✓ Windbreaker (With Hood)  - Bring 1 good windbreaker (with a hood) that can work for both wind and rain.

✓ Layered Leggings (For Cold Weather)  - Children are easily affected by temperature changes, so if the weather will be cold make sure to bring 2 to 3 pairs of base layer pants or leggings for them to go underneath their regular pants.

✓ Jacket & Sweater  - Find 1 quality sweater they can wear everyday . If the weather will be extra cold, they’ll need a second layer of  warm and puffy down jacket .

✓ Gloves / Beanies - Optional pieces you can bring if necessary for weather.

✓ Swimsuit / Board Shorts  - Bring at least 2 swimsuits for girls and boys. If one is dirty or wet from the previous day, they’ll have a second one to use.  

✓ Rash Guards  - Kids are at a higher risk of getting burnt, so make sure to lather the sunscreen, wear a rash guard, and a hat. There’s also very cute options for long sleeve swimsuits, like this ruffled pink and blue duo . Keeps them protected, but they’re still in their swimsuits!

✓ Everyday Walking Shoes  - Bring 1 to 2 pairs of shoes they can wear everyday for walking around. Make sure one pair is closed toed, to keep them less dirty and protect those little toes.

✓ Sandals with a strap  - Bring s andals with a strap  that are perfect for beach days. It’s important your kids shoes have a strap so they don’t end up missing one of their shoes half way through the day.

For Pains/Headaches

✓ Advil / Tylenol / Motrin - Useful for both bodily pains and headaches.

✓ Fever Relievers for Kids - Bring kids Motrin for relieving fevers and pains for kids.

Prescription Medications

✓ Prescription Medications - Make sure you don’t forget your specific prescription medications, as well as a sufficient amount for the trip! Pro-packing tip: If you will be away for over a month, you may need to ask your doctor for extra meds before leaving.

✓ Decongestants / Antihistamines  -  For relieving sinus pain or pressure, make sure you bring a kiddie version as they are at higher risk for developing colds.

✓ Antacids - For those prone to acid reflux disease, though you can also easily get these from local pharmacies.

✓ Motion Sickness Medication - To avoid getting dizzy or nauseous while on the road, plane or boats.

✓ Anti-Diarrhea Medication - For those times when your system just isn’t cooperating.

FIRST AID KIT

Prepare for the Kid’s Occasional Fall

✓ Antibiotic Ointment - Pack a mini Neosporin for falls and scratches.

✓ Band Aids  - For kids, pack cutely colored and patterned bandages to lessen their anxiety after a fall.

✓ Tweezers  - Tweezers can help in removing splinters that might have gotten caught in the skin or in the wound.

✓ Alcohol  - Great for disinfecting before touching the wound.

✓ Hand Sanitizer - Milder than alcohol and ideal for sanitizing kid’s hands.

✓ Wipes - Great for disinfecting hands, face and even areas you want to sanitize like the dining table or sink area.

✓ Thermometer - Must have for determining and tracking body temperature of kids, best to opt for a digital thermometer .

✓ Gauze Pad and Medical Tape - Better option for larger and deeper wounds.

✦ TOILETRIES & OTHER BODY ESSENTIALS ✦

✓ Travel Size Shampoo, Conditioner and Soap - Bring travel-sized versions of your favorite shampoo, conditioner and soap. If you’re very low maintenance, hotels usually provide for these items. Or you can buy these products locally.

✓ Toothbrush and Toothpaste - Again, some hotels provide disposable toothbrushes and mini toothpastes. You can bring your own to be on the safe side.

✓ Deodorant - A must have especially when traveling to a warm, tropical region. Deodorant sticks  are more ideal since they last longer and won’t leak.

✓ Face Moisturizer  - Transfer your favorite facial moisturizer in a small plastic bottle to save space in your luggage.

✓ Sunscreen - There are travel-size sunscreens you can opt to bring like this one from Coppertone. They have packs of 6 which are perfect for the family!

✓ Body Lotion or Cream - Pack a mild body lotion or cream that the entire family can use with trusted brands like Cetaphil or CeraVe .

✓ Razor - Make sure to bring a separate facial razor for dad and a body razor for mom!

OTHER ESSENTIALS

✓ Insect Repellent Lotion - If you’re traveling to a tropical destination, it’s a must to bring an insect repellent lotion. Opt for natural scented ones that won't have that toxic smell  (especially harmful around the kids).

✓ Contact Lens and Solution - Can’t forget these babies… Also a must to bring an extra contact lens case just in case!

✓ Nail Clippers - Long nails are more prone to germ infestation! Make sure you bring a small but good quality nail clipper that the entire family can use. You are allowed to bring these on airplanes too!

✓ Pads / Tampons - For moms out there, don’t forget to bring at least one pack of sanitary pads or tampons in case your visitor of the mont h comes during the trip.

✓ Hair Tools - Hair brush, comb, hair ties and leave in conditioner are all the essentials for a month long trip. Optional: Consider bringing a mini hair dryer  and travel straightening iron  perfect for slipping in the side of your suitcase. Pro-packing tip: When traveling to a different country, do NOT stick either of these items into the plug without a converter . Read more here about which countries need converters.

✓ Cosmetics - It’s ideal to store cosmetics and makeup in a  clear makeup bag . Only bring makeup items that you can’t live without. In tropical regions, it’s not recommended to wear thick foundations, but instead to opt for tinted moisturizers. Pack an everyday lip, natural blush and mascara for going out at night.

✦ ELECTRONICS & ACCESSORIES ✦

✓ Laptop  - It’s not recommended to bring a laptop unless you have work to do or your work is remote. Opt for a tablet if you can! Pro Tip: Find out if there is a safe in the places you’ll be staying. You might need to leave important items in there when going out for the day .

✓ Disposable / Waterproof Camera  - Only bring your “real” camera if you must! Phones will do the trick for the most part, and you’ll save space in your luggage without the heavy gear. Bringing a disposable or waterproof camera is a great idea for water sports, days at the beach, or just fun days to capture moments without a phone.

✓ Chargers  / Power Bank  - With all the different phones in the family, one is bound to be dead before the end of the day. Pro Tip: Always be prepared and bring a  mini power bank in your bag each day (make sure it’s charged the night before).

✓ Headphones / Kiddie Headphones  - Bring the least bulky headphones you have for yourself and hubby, and get the kids their own colored ones.  Putting on their favorite show will keep them occupied (and quiet) for a good chunk of time.

✦ COMMONLY FORGOTTEN ITEMS ✦

✓ Portable Water Bottle - Sure you can opt to buy bottled water once at your destination. You could save money and stay more hydrated when you each have your own bottle. Pro-packing tip: Bring one portable water bottle for each member of the family, designate a specific color for each individual. Pack the bottles into the side of everyone’s backpack before leaving for the airport. Make sure they are empty for TSA Security check! After getting through, you can all fill up your bottles at the water fountain.

✓ Sunglasses and Extra Glasses - Don’t be that person who left their sunglasses in the car! Pack these (in a case) the night before. It’s also a great idea to bring an extra pair in case you lose or break them. Bring  kiddie sunglasses  for your kids to protect their sensitive eyes.

✓ Entertainment for Kids - You can bring small toys such as blocks, miniature cars, paper dolls and small character figures so kids can be entertained while on the road. Crayons are also must-bring entertainment items since they can easily entertain a kid for a few hours. For older kids, try magnetic or portable games like a  chess travel set .

✓ Vitamins / Birth Control / Retainers - These items are all a must! Make sure to check these items off your list before leaving the house.

How to organize your one-month packing list

Now that you have a complete packing list for month-long trip, what’s next?

The next step is organizing your essentials in a way that each member of the family can easily find what they need, when they need it.

Our favorite travel product has to be our Complete Bundle . This set comes with 12 different items, clear packing cubes in various sizes, and additional fun accessories like laundry and shoes bags.

Thanks to Paula from Beauty Through Imperfection for this awesome photo of her kids organization!

You can pack smaller clothing items in the medium packing cubes while larger clothing items can go in the large packing cubes . The small packing cubes can be used for thin shirts, underwear & socks or cosmetics/toiletries.

Thanks to Aimee from The Crazy Craft Lady for sharing how she organizes her kids backpacks for the plane!

You can even split one suitcase with your partner or child. Opt for two different colors and designate one color for yourself and another color for your husband or kid. These cubes are perfect for organizing the kids toys in their backpacks (shown above). It’s the ideal set for families going on a month-long trip! If you need more packing cubes, you can buy them separately to add to your complete bundle.

Color coding and organization has never been easier with clear packing cubes !

Not sure how to organize your luggage using packing cubes? Check out this Ultimate Guide on How to Use Packing Cubes for Suitcases for more goodies.

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Driving in the U.S. if you are not a citizen

Depending on the U.S. states you will visit, you may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) as well as a driver's license your country.

Learn about IDPs and how to get one before you visit the U.S.

An IDP is a form of identification that many countries around the world recognize. It allows you to drive legally in a different country.

• Not every U.S. state requires an IDP. Contact the state department of motor vehicles for each state you plan to drive in to see if they require an IDP.
• You must get an IDP before your trip. The U.S. does not issue IDPs to foreign visitors.
• To get an IDP, contact the motor vehicle department of the country that issued your driver's license. The fees and amount of time it will take to receive your IDP will depend on the issuing country.
• You may need both your license and an IDP to rent a car in the U.S. Check the rental company's policies and other requirements in advance.

Driver's licenses if you are living in the U.S. as a permanent resident

If you are a citizen of another country and are living permanently in the U.S., you may be eligible to apply for a driver's license from the state where you live.

• The residency requirement for obtaining a U.S. driver's license is different in each state.
• Contact your state department of motor vehicles to check the ID requirements and find out how to apply for a license.
• A state driver's license allows you to drive anywhere in the U.S.

LAST UPDATED: May 23, 2024

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Best romantic getaways in the u.s. for 2024.

Sometimes it's necessary to take a break from the stresses of real life and spend quality time with the person you love. And what better way to do that than to travel? To help you and your sweetheart plan the ideal romantic retreat, whether it's for an anniversary or just because, U.S. News considered ambiance, privacy and access to couple-friendly activities to rank the best romantic getaways in the USA. Use this list to pick your next one-on-one vacation, and vote for your favorite locales below. Looking to stay even closer to home? Check out these romantic weekend getaways by state .

Kaua'i

Napa valley, charleston, sc, big sky, mt, amelia island, adirondacks, martha's vineyard, jackson hole.

Kaua'i offers many distinct ways for both thrill-seeking and sun-worshipping couples to up the romance factor. You and your sweetheart can lounge on secluded beaches , relax in a private luxury villa or go on a kayaking adventure along the picture-perfect Napali Coast. For even more opportunities to marvel at nature, check out Kaua'i's scenic state parks like Koke'e and Waimea Canyon. Once you've tackled the Hawaiian island's trails hand in hand, consider booking a private helicopter tour for a bird's-eye view you and your better half will never forget.

Few things are more romantic than sharing a remote island with your beau. Lanai's exclusivity can make it feel like the two of you are alone with the Hawaiian island breeze. Head to a luxury hotel or resort to indulge in high-end cuisine and soak up some sun by the pool before exploring the tiny island's landscape side by side. For a memorable hike that requires little effort, follow the short trail from the Four Seasons Resort Lanai to the Pu'upehe overlook. Also known as "Sweetheart Rock," this landmark offers stunning views of Hulopo'e Bay, especially at sunset.

Brimming with rolling vineyards , cozy wine caverns, chic restaurants and top-notch hotels, this wine lover's paradise 60 miles north of San Francisco is the ultimate romantic getaway. Wine enthusiasts can sip Napa's award-winning reds at intimate venues like O'Brien Estate and Jarvis Estate or while savoring gourmet cuisine on the Napa Valley Wine Train. When couples need a break from being wined and dined, they can explore the scenic Napa River via kayak, take to the skies on a hot air balloon ride, or visit the town of Calistoga in northern Napa Valley for its spas and hot springs.

Another ideal retreat for wine connoisseurs , Sonoma is known to be more laid back than its neighbor, Napa, and boasts more than 425 wineries. However, strolling through vineyard vines isn't the only must-do activity for twosomes. Outdoor lovers will want to explore regional parks such as Taylor Mountain (for its trails) and North Sonoma Mountain (to enjoy a picnic surrounded by the peaks of Santa Rosa and the Sonoma Valley). Plenty of Sonoma's hotels offer spa treatments, but what could be more memorable than a massage in a 22-foot wine barrel? Book side-by-side treatments at Magical Massage for a one-of-a-kind experience.

A low-key getaway, Charleston, South Carolina, is filled with pastel-hued historic homes, art galleries and tasty Lowcountry cuisine (perfect for foodie couples). To dial up the romance, take in the sights from a horse-drawn carriage or sign up for a sunset harbor cruise just for two. For a quiet shoreside escape free from crowds, head to one of the nearby beaches like Sullivan's Island. Accommodations range from beachfront resorts to charming bed-and-breakfasts but keep in mind you'll likely have to pay a pretty penny for a stay in the historic district.

It's easy to proclaim your love when you're suspended atop red rocks and looking out upon miles of colorful Arizona landscape. After working up a sweat hiking Sedona's sandstone buttes, bring those romantic vibes indoors for a couples massage at one of the city's world-renowned wellness retreats . Or, if you and your amour prefer relaxing with a glass of vino, save time for a self-guided tour of the Verde Valley Wine Trail, which boasts 15 venues ranging from small tasting rooms to vast wineries sprawling along the banks of Oak Creek. At night, hold your loved one close and gaze at the star-filled sky.

Travel to Big Sur for its windswept coastline and rugged mystique. This peaceful destination carved out of the California coast offers a couple of luxurious hotels, but nature is the real star in Big Sur. Outdoor enthusiasts can hike the area's redwood-lined trails and admire picturesque Pfeiffer Beach before setting up a tent and roughing it beneath the stars. For an atmospheric picnic, head to Sand Dollar Beach, where couples can admire the scenery sans the crowds. For a more upscale outing, take a day trip to Carmel-by-the-Sea for its art galleries and fairy tale cottages.

Let Big Sky's vast terrain, fresh air and rustic romance carry you and your loved one away from the ins and outs of everyday life. Every winter, couples flock to this Montana destination for its top-notch ski resort (complete with a heated chairlift), though the offseason has its charms, too (think: fly fishing on scenic rivers, hiking under an endless blue sky or taking a road trip to Yellowstone National Park.) For a curated Montana experience, spring for an all-inclusive ranch, where you'll find private cabins, homegrown cuisine and personalized service.

What could be more romantic than a sunrise beachfront horseback ride for two? Or a private sunset cruise aboard a 40-foot catamaran? You and your love can experience this and more on Amelia Island, one of Florida's Atlantic coast barrier islands. Hop on bikes and explore the scenic Amelia Island Trail, or pedal to downtown Fernandina Beach for its Victorian-style architecture, antique shops and galleries. After a day spent sightseeing, pamper weary muscles with a couples massage at one of the luxury resorts that call the island home.

This tiny Massachusetts island exudes New England charm. Stroll arm in arm with your sweetheart down cobblestone streets, unwind on white sand beaches and snap selfies in front of iconic lighthouses, such as Brant Point Lighthouse and Great Point Lighthouse. Then, grab a lobster roll to share from one of the island's premier seafood restaurants, and revel in the extraordinary Atlantic Ocean views from the Sconset Bluff Walk. When you're ready to retire for the night, you'll have your pick of quaint Nantucket inns.

Whether you time your trip for summer boating, fall leaf peeping or snow season, upstate New York makes for an intimate setting. Depending on when you visit, you can bond with your beloved on a sleigh ride, a paddling trip or a scenic hike, where you'll be treated to awe-inspiring views of the Adirondacks' forests, lakes and mountains. When you're adventured out, bop between some of New York's most iconic small towns, including Saranac Lake and Lake Placid, for local dining and shopping. What's more, you can choose from accommodations ranging from luxe lodges packed with amenities to secluded wooden cabins for two.

Savannah, Georgia, is tailor-made for a weekend getaway. Spanish moss hangs over sidewalks that lead past hundreds of historic homes. The lively River Street area features a bevy of shopping, dining and nightlife options, while nearby islands provide a relaxing respite. Meanwhile, Forsyth Park provides the ultimate romantic backdrop for memorable couples photos, and if you're feeling brave, you can hold each other tight during a ghost tour at the hauntingly beautiful Bonaventure Cemetery. For charming digs in the heart of the city, hang your hat at one of Savannah's charming bed-and-breakfast accommodations, or rent a snug carriage house.

If your ideal romantic escape entails a lazy agenda, shingle-covered beach houses and quaint towns, Martha's Vineyard is just the place. On this Massachusetts island, you can relax on quiet beaches, sample decadent fare at upscale restaurants and explore the historic Edgartown Lighthouse, which offers incredible views of the harbor and neighboring Chappaquiddick Island. On a warm, sunny day, venture to Oak Bluffs, where you'll find charming gingerbread cottages at The Campground. For the ultimate romantic retreat, book a stay at one of the island's top hotels, some of which offer complimentary bike rentals, beach chairs and continental breakfast to guests.

Reconnect with your sweetie during a getaway to Jackson Hole. This piece of Wyoming paradise is ideal for all kinds of outdoor pursuits, including hiking and skiing. Should you need to soothe your aching muscles after an active day, go for a dip in the Granite Hot Springs, Astoria Hot Springs or your high-end resort's outdoor hot tub. Whether your dream romantic vacation includes horseback riding through the majestic Grand Teton National Park, sipping wine by a crackling fireplace or unwinding at a world-class spa, Jackson Hole is the perfect place for you and your other half.

For lovebirds who enjoy skiing and cuddling up by a fireplace, Aspen is the perfect place for a romantic getaway. Spend your days sharing ski lifts in the snow-capped mountains before partaking in the highly touted après ski scene. If you arrive during the warmer months, take advantage of superb hiking and scenic gondola rides. Then, retreat to one of the many hotels and resorts that offer glitzy accommodations for two – not to mention some must-visit spas . If you're not ready to turn in just yet, Aspen's nightlife options include plenty of live music venues, clubs and cocktail lounges.

With 40 miles of protected seashore, this region of Massachusetts offers plenty of space for that long walk on the beach. And the slow pace of Cape Cod means you don't have to focus on the hustle and bustle of daily life – you can spend quality time together swimming, biking and eating fresh seafood instead. Cape Cod is also home to a handful of breweries and wineries, so you can toast to your special someone during a tasting. Splurge on one of the Cape's five-star accommodations for spectacular ocean views and sumptuous amenities like soaking tubs for two, in-room fireplaces and private balconies.

Vote to Add these Destinations to the Rankings

Willamette Valley

Santa Barbara

Fredericksburg, TX

San Luis Obispo

Newport, RI

Grand Canyon National Park

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Try this pro trick for an affordable and stress-free summer vacation

• Travelers are facing high prices and crowds this summer.
• The best way to get around the high prices and crowds: Be flexible.
• There are ways to become flexible during the busiest travel season of the year, from planning your trip to the tools that get you there.

Life is full of compromises, and that will never be more true than when you're traveling this summer.

Flights will be packed. Just before Memorial Day, the Transportation Security Administration set a new record for most air travelers screened. It checked nearly 3 million passengers on May 24, surpassing the previous record set last Thanksgiving. U.S. airlines are projecting a record summer . They expect to fly 271 million passengers in June, July and August, up 6% from last summer.

Roads will be jammed. GasBuddy’s latest summer travel survey predicts 76% of Americans plan to take a road trip sometime between Memorial Day and Labor Day — up 18% from last summer.

Check out   Elliott Confidential , the newsletter the travel industry doesn't want you to read. Each issue is filled with breaking news, deep insights, and exclusive strategies for becoming a better traveler. But don't tell anyone!

Hotels are full, too. Average hotel occupancy will rise to 63.4%, the highest level since 2019, according to the consulting firm HVS .

Learn more: Best travel insurance

There's only one way to get around the high prices and crowds: Be flexible.

"With peak season prices, crowds, flight delays and more, your itinerary should be in pencil — not pen," said Bill Smith, CEO of Landing , a company that offers flexible rentals. "Being flexible can help to minimize your travel spend while maximizing your adventure this summer."

There are ways to become flexible during the busiest travel season of the year, from planning your trip to the tools that get you there. Being a more flexible traveler also means thinking about travel a little differently — bending but not breaking.

Should you repeat your vacation? Let's settle this once and for all.

Junk fees: Travelers are drowning in junk fees during the summer of surcharges

Ways to become more flexible this summer

So, how do you become more flexible? Here are a few examples:

• Fly to another city. Sometimes, the place you're trying to visit is too popular — and expensive. That's what happened to Phil Strazzulla when he tried to visit Milan last summer. Airline ticket prices were more than $1,000. But he could fly to nearby Zürich, Switzerland, for less. So he did. "Not only did this save us more than $300 for each ticket, but the drive over the mountains was spectacular," recalled Strazzulla, who runs a software review company. "Travel flexibility can result in cost savings — and a unique experience."
• Go off the beaten path. Being truly flexible can mean getting outside your comfort zone a little. "Instead of Rome, Italy, go to the Puglia region," said Lynna Goldsby, a cruise planner with Travel With Lynna. "Instead of London, try Normandy or Bath." Trying these alternate destinations can still satisfy your travel itch but also reduce your expenses for lodging, restaurants, tours and transfers, she said.
• Take a detour. Airfares are often less expensive if you fly out of the way through an airline's hub. Don't waste that opportunity, said Linda Robert, a travel coach with Back in the Groove Again. Airlines such as Icelandair, Qatar Airways and Copa have stopover programs that allow you to enjoy a day or two at their hubs before continuing to your vacation destination, often at no extra cost. "This strategy enriches your travel experience and offers a cost-effective way to see more places," she said. 

Here are a few useful flexibility tools

There are a few new ways to be flexible. 

For example, Landing, which is a favorite of digital nomads and location-independent workers, rolled out a new tool this week. Its 12-month Flex Stay program offers renters the opportunity to save up to 30% on monthly rates by committing to living with Landing for a year, which has locations in more than 375 cities.

"This new offering gives members the freedom to roam throughout our nationwide network of fully furnished apartments as much — or as little — as they’d like throughout the year," said Smith.

Another newish feature is Airbnb's flexible dates search , which lets you select a period of time rather than a specific date, to see more options. Airbnb introduced the feature during the pandemic, and it can help you save as much as 20% on vacation rental accommodations.

One of my all-time favorite tools is available on almost every self-respecting online travel site. It's the ability to search for airfares or hotel rates based on a more flexible schedule. Google Flights and Kayak are great at showing you more flexible options. Pro tip: Don't limit your flexibility to dates; select a region you want to travel to, which may include an alternate airport.

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You can also be flexible when it comes to the rate you pay, said Virginia Tech hospitality and tourism professor Mahmood Khan. Hotels cut their rates by about 20% if you pay upfront (but you have to be sure you're going because those lower rates are usually nonrefundable).

"At times, selecting a hotel away from busy destinations, yet comfortable for commuting, helps in finding an economical deal," he added.

But how do you put it all together this summer, including the flexible itinerary and the tools? Funny you should ask.

What are some more ways to increase your travel flexibility?

There are also new strategies to increase your travel flexibility, which can help you save money and a big headache when you're on the road. 

"A critical skill is knowing how and when to put white space into your itinerary," said Stephanie Chastain, owner of Infinite Ireland Travel, a boutique travel consultancy. "A too-rigid schedule leaves travelers vulnerable to travel hiccups that disrupt well-intended plans."

What is white space? It's literally that — a blank page on your itinerary. An empty afternoon with free time. A leisurely breakfast instead of getting up at the crack of dawn for an all-day tour. It's a rest day every two or three days, to prevent yourself from vacation burnout and to give your schedule some wiggle room.

Even the experts keep relearning the lesson of flexibility. For example, I had to fly from Anguilla to Miami at the last minute recently, and the flights were crazy expensive — around $800 for a one-way ticket. Just as I got ready to book, I realized that Anguilla is a short ferry ride away from St. Martin, which has more flights. 

Total savings: $200. 

Being flexible means thinking about travel in a different way than everyone else. It's the belief that there are many ways to get to your destination and that if you don't get there on the exact day your vacation starts, it's not the end of the world. Travel companies love sticking it to you when you absolutely must be in one place at a fixed time. Be a contrarian. But don't go too far.

Bend so you don't break

Some of the best travel advice for people who want to be flexible comes from veteran travel advisor Susan Sherren, who runs Couture Trips , a travel agency. She told me that lowering your expectations is one of the best ways to stay flexible.

"Life isn't perfect," she said. "Your trip will likely involve unforeseen and unpredictable events."

One more thing: Being too rigid is a recipe for a terrible trip. I've made that mistake before, and believe me, it's no fun.

You don't want to take it too far. By all means, schedule your flight on a weekday to avoid high fares. Try booking your flight by using one of the flexible fare features on Google Flights or Kayak, or check out Landing's new flex program. 

But if you make too many compromises, it won't be much of a vacation. You'll end up staying in a motel in the suburbs, far away from all the attractions, and missing all the fun. Be flexible, but be smart. 

Bend — but don't break.

Christopher Elliott  is an author, consumer advocate, and journalist. He founded  Elliott Advocacy , a nonprofit organization that helps solve consumer problems. He publishes  Elliott Confidential , a travel newsletter, and the  Elliott Report , a news site about customer service. If you need help with a consumer problem, you can  reach him here  or email him at  [email protected] .

The Key Points at the top of this article were created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and reviewed by a journalist before publication. No other parts of the article were generated using AI. Learn more .

Security Alert May 17, 2024

Worldwide caution, update may 10, 2024, information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

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• Both parents or guardians must approve that we can issue a passport to a child, and go with the child to apply in person.
• If one or both parents or guardians cannot apply with their child, you will need to show us more documents.
• You cannot renew your child's passport using Form DS-82.
• Passports for children under age 16 are only valid for 5 years. 

Steps to Apply

1. fill out form ds-11 and print it.

Use our Form Filler tool  to fill out your child's form on a desktop or laptop computer and then print it. If you are experiencing technical issues with the Form Filler, download a PDF . 

Tips to complete your child's form :

• Do not sign your child's form until asked to do so by a passport acceptance agent or employee. 
• You can apply for a passport book , a passport card , or both documents.
• You may ask for a larger passport book with more visa pages, at no extra cost, by checking the 'large book' box at the top of the DS-11.

2. Get Evidence of U.S. Citizenship (and a photocopy)

Your evidence must be an original or replacement copy. The document must have the official seal or stamp of the office which issued it. You must submit one of the following documents for your child:

• Issued by the city, county, or state of birth
• Lists applicant's full name, date of birth, and place of birth
• Lists the parent(s)' full names
• Has the date filed with registrar's office (must be within one year of birth)
• Has the registrar's signature
• Has the seal or stamp of the city, county, or state which issued it
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth
• Certificate of Citizenship
• Please note you must also provide a document, such as a birth certificate, that lists the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of the child. Full validity means the document is or was valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for children under 16. 

If you cannot submit one of these documents, go to our  Citizenship Evidence page  for more information.

Paper only : You cannot submit digital evidence of U.S. citizenship such as a mobile or electronic birth certificate. You must submit physical evidence of U.S. citizenship and a photocopy of the document. 

Returning your child's document : We will return your child's document in a separate mailing up to 8 weeks after you receive the new passport.

Tips for making a photocopy :

• Black and white (no color)
• Use 8.5 inch by 11 inch paper
• Use a single side of the paper

If you do not submit a photocopy, you must submit a second copy of your citizenship evidence. We will keep this copy for our records.

3. Show Your Relationship to Your Child

You must submit a document that lists the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of the child. Examples include:

• U.S. birth certificate (also evidence of U.S. citizenship)
• Foreign birth certificate
• Adoption decree
• Divorce or custody decree
• A court order

Some documents, like a U.S. birth certificate, show  both  U.S. citizenship and parental relationship. These documents must be originals or certified copies (not photocopies).

You and your child may have different last names, as long as the document showing your relationship to your child lists your full name.

If your name is different than the one on the document showing your relationship to your child, submit proof of your legal name change.

4. Get a Photo ID (and a photocopy)

Both parents or guardians must bring a physical, photo ID and a photocopy of it. If your photo ID is from a different state than the state in which you are applying, bring a second photo ID. 

You must show at least  one  of these photo IDs:

• Valid or expired, undamaged U.S. passport book or passport card 
• In-state, fully valid driver's license or enhanced driver's license with photo
• Certificate of Naturalization 
• Certificate of Citizenship 
• Government employee ID (city, county, state, or federal)
• U.S. military or military dependent ID
• Current (valid) foreign passport
• Matricula Consular (Mexican Consular ID) used by a parent of a U.S. citizen child applicant
• U.S. Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) used by a parent of a U.S. citizen child applicant
• Trusted Traveler IDs (including valid Global Entry, FAST, SENTRI, and NEXUS cards)
• Enhanced Tribal Cards and Native American tribal photo IDs
• In-state, fully-valid learner's permit with photo
• In-state, fully-valid non-driver ID with photo
• Temporary driver's license with photo

If you do not have one of these photo IDs, go to our  Identification page  for more information.

5. Show More Documents (if both parents or guardians cannot apply)

• Both parents or guardians must approve that we can issue a passport to a child, and go with the child to apply in person.
• If one or both parents or guardians cannot apply in person with their child, you will need to show more documents.

Important : Submit  Form DS-3053  and other notarized statements within three months of signing them.

6. Provide a Photo

You must provide one photo with your child's application. Go to our  Passport Photo page  for photo requirements and to see examples of photos. 

• Do not attach or staple your child's photo to the form. The acceptance agent or passport employee will review the photo and staple it to your form.
• Some  passport acceptance facilities
• A company which offers photo services
• Home. Ask your friend or family member to take your child's photo. Print it on glossy or matte photo quality paper. 

7. Calculate Fees

When applying using Form DS-11, you will pay two separate fees - an application fee and an execution (acceptance) fee. You will pay the application fee to the U.S. Department of State, and the execution (acceptance) fee to the facility which takes your application. 

• Add $60 to your application fee if you want  expedited service .
• Add $19.53 to your application fee if you want us to ship your completed passport in 1-2 days after we issue it.  

Child Applicants :

For more information on how to pay and a full list of fees, go to our  Passport Fees  page.

*How to fill out your check and pay the application fee to the U.S. Department of State. Please note you must pay a separate execution (acceptance) fee. 

Families may write one check or money order to the U.S. Department of State if they are applying at the same time. The check or money order must include the name and date of birth of each applicant.

8. Find Location to Apply

In the United States:

• Traveling in more than 3 weeks?  Go to a  passport acceptance facility  such as a post office, library, or local government office. Check with the facility to see if you need to make an appointment. 
• Traveling in less than 3 weeks?   Make an appointment  to apply at a passport agency or center.

In another country:

• Contact your  U.S. embassy or consulate .

9. Track Your Application Status

You can  subscribe to email updates  about your application status, and  learn more about each status update .

It may take 2 weeks from the day you apply until your child's application status is “In Process.” 

Frequently Asked Questions

How will you send my child's passport and supporting documents.

You will get multiple mailings. The number of mailings depends on what document(s) you asked for.

Passport Book : You may get your new passport and citizenship documents in two mailings. You may wait 8 weeks after getting your passport before you get a second mailing with your citizenship documents. We will return the passport book using a trackable delivery service.

Passport Card : You may get your new passport card and your citizenship documents in two mailings. You may wait 8 weeks after getting your passport before you get a second mailing with your citizenship documents. We only send the passport card via First Class Mail. We do not send cards using 1-2 day delivery services.

Both a Passport Book and Card : You may get three separate mailings:

• New passport book
• New passport card
• Citizenship documents

Contacting Us : If you have been waiting more than 8 weeks for your documents, call us at  1-877-487-2778  to report that you have not received your documents. 

If you want us to reimburse you for a lost supporting document, you must contact us within 90 days of the date which we mailed your passport. You will also need to provide a receipt to show the cost of replacing the document. 

Can I pay for faster delivery and return shipping?

Yes. You may choose one or both of the following shipment options:

• Delivering application to us : Pay for Priority Mail Express for faster shipping. The price for this service varies depending on the area of the country.
• Returning the passport to you : Pay $19.53 for 1-2 day delivery. This means you will receive your passport   1-2 days after we send it. Include this fee with your check or money order payable to the U.S. Department of State. Do not submit a return envelope to us with postage pre-paid. 

You may receive your passport and supporting documents in separate mailings. If you are renewing a passport card, we will send it to you via First Class Mail. We do not use 1-2 day delivery services if you only applied for a passport card.

What countries require Form DS-3053 "Statement of Consent" to be notarized at an embassy or consulate?

In certain countries, a DS-3053 must be notarized at a  U.S. embassy or consulate  and cannot be notarized by a local notary public. Currently, these countries include:

Special Passport Fairs

Find a Special Passport Fair  near you!

We're holding special passport fairs all across the United States to help you get your passport more easily. New events are added to our site every week.

Most events are for first-time applicants and children, (who use Form DS-11). If you can use Form DS-82, you can renew by mail at your convenience!

Processing Times

Routine:  6-8 weeks*

Expedited: 2-3 weeks and an extra $60*

*Consider the total time it will take to get a passport when you are booking travel.  Processing times only include the time your application is at a passport agency or center.

• It may take up to 2 weeks for applications to arrive at a passport agency or center. It may take up to 2 weeks for you to receive a completed passport after we print it. 
• Processing times + mailing times = total time to get a passport

Urgent Travel:  See our Get my Passport Fast page. 

How to Apply for your Child's Passport

Watch this video to learn how to apply in person for your child's U.S. passport!

External Link

You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State.

Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message.

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2024 Total Eclipse: Where & When

Eclipse explorer.

For a mobile-friendly or full-screen version of this interactive map, visit go.nasa.gov/EclipseExplorer .

The Monday, April 8, 2024, total solar eclipse crossed North America, passing over Mexico, the United States, and Canada. The total solar eclipse began over the South Pacific Ocean. Weather permitting, the first location in continental North America that experienced totality is Mexico’s Pacific coast at around 11:07 a.m. PDT.

The path of the eclipse continued from Mexico, entering the United States in Texas, and traveled through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Small parts of Tennessee and Michigan also experienced the total solar eclipse. The eclipse entered Canada in Southern Ontario, and continued through Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Cape Breton. The eclipse exited continental North America on the Atlantic coast of Newfoundland, Canada, at 5:16 p.m. NDT.

This table provides the time that totality began in some U.S. cities in the path of totality. These areas also experienced a partial eclipse before and after these times.

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More From Forbes

New construction surges in latin america and the caribbean.

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Latin America and the Caribbean welcome new construction growth.

Latin America And The Caribbean have become prime real estate markets for developers seeking to capitalize on the exciting growth of these destinations. For example, at the close of Q1 2024 Latin America’s hotel construction pipeline marked a whopping 11% increase, signaling a surge in hospitality development in the region. With a high supply of new hotel openings anticipated for 2025, hoteliers in the region can capitalize on demand from North American travelers.

Under CEO Sloan Dean’s leadership, Remington Hospitality has quickly grown its presence within the Latin America and Caribbean markets over the past year. Recognizing the heightened importance of community in the CALA region, the hotel management company recently opened an office in Miami to leverage local partnerships and foster authenticity.

CEO Sloan Dean, Remington Hospitality

Dean recently offered insights into these burgeoning markets.

What has been the impetus behind the construction surge in both Latin America and the Caribbean?

The construction surge in Latin America and the Caribbean is largely driven by an increase in lifestyle, wellness and experiential travel, particularly among higher-spend customers. These travelers seek value-conscious experiences that offer true luxury and extensive amenities, and this demand shows no signs of slowing down. Additionally, the region's construction surge has been positively influenced by the rebound of the travel market following the significant impact of COVID-19. Trends have been moving consistently in a positive direction, signaling a strong recovery.

Best High-Yield Savings Accounts Of 2024

Best 5% interest savings accounts of 2024.

The primary customers fueling this surge are Americans and Canadians, who benefit from the ease of access provided by direct flights to the region. From the hotel owners' perspective, Latin America and the Caribbean need best-in-class hotel management companies, and we see an opportunity to enter that market and offer those services.

Furthermore, specific locations like the Dominican Republic are seeing heightened activity due to their appeal to both tourists and a large number of Dominican expatriates living in the U.S. These expatriates frequently travel back to the Dominican Republic for extended stays, contributing to the sustained demand for new construction projects.

What prompted Remington Hospitality to move into these markets?

Remington Hospitality's decision to move into these markets was driven by several strategic factors. Firstly, the potential for significant revenue growth was a major attraction. The hospitality market in these regions, particularly in the Caribbean, is dominated by branded hotels, with 80-90% being either owner-managed or brand-managed. This leaves very little room for third-party management companies, creating a substantial gap in the market.

Recognizing this gap, we saw an opportunity to provide an alternative option for hotel owners. By entering these markets, we can offer a new solution for hotel owners who are either unwilling or unable to manage their properties themselves, or who do not want to enter into long-term agreements, typically ranging from 20 to 30 years, with major brands.

We’ve strategically positioned ourselves to capture a portion of the market comprising dozens of owners seeking flexible and professional management solutions. This move not only fills a significant void in the market but aligns with our broader goal to explore expansion in areas where customers want our business.

Within the next four to five years, CALA will become Remington Hospitality’s highest growth area on a percentage basis. We’ve entered markets in Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico, and anticipate expanding our presence as owners seek sophisticated third-party management options.

The luxury market is surging in the CALA region.

Describe what luxury development looks like in these regions.

Luxury developments in the Caribbean and Central America differ from those in the U.S. because these properties focus heavily on all-inclusive experiences. In CALA, all-inclusive resorts are a major component of luxury offerings. Understanding this, they have intentionally recruited professionals with experience in all-inclusive hospitality, recognizing its paramount importance for the success of many luxury resorts in these areas.

In contrast, luxury developments in the U.S. often emphasize exclusive, customizable experiences and high-end amenities without necessarily focusing on the all-inclusive model. The approach in CALA, with its emphasis on comprehensive packages that include lodging, dining and activities, caters to a different market segment looking for a seamless, hassle-free vacation experience. Wellness and health-oriented amenities are also popular. There is a growing trend towards soft-branded hotels that offer personalized services and a more intimate guest experience.

Describe your leadership approach to providing third-party management services.

I’m highly dedicated to authenticity and diversity, prioritizing bringing different perspectives and ideas to the table. I am also focused on giving back to local communities and creating opportunities to support Remington’s associates. Renowned for delivering unforgettable experiences, including locally authentic bar and food offerings, wellness packages, eco-tourism and exceptional guest services in the U.S., our team is committed to bringing these guiding principles to our services in the CALA region.

To enter the CALA market, we developed a highly tailored approach to resonate with the local community, as well as the financial and development landscape. Our Head of Task Force Sales is from Puerto Rico, helping us understand the cultural nuances we might not be as familiar with primarily operating in the U.S. so far.

We are also highly relationship-oriented, recognizing that community is a core value of business in the region and focusing on collaborating with local partners. U.S. business models tend to be highly transactional in nature, and we want to ensure that we do it right. We recently opened an office in Miami to develop local partnerships and foster authentic connections. Four of our senior leaders are originally from the CALA region, speak fluent Spanish and possess a unique understanding of the region. This is a key element toward delivering memorable beverage and food experiences for our guests and creating profitable revenue streams for our owners.

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LGBTQ+ Pride

Family member reflects on new york military veteran who reveals in obituary he is gay.

NEW YORK -- A military veteran who went on to serve as a firefighter and owned a local radio station revealed in his obituary that he was gay, a secret he said he held his entire life.

Col. Edward Thomas Ryan died at age 85 on June 1, the first day of Pride Month, his niece Linda Sargent told " Good Morning America. "

After listing his career accolades and his survivors, Ryan's obituary, published June 8 in the Albany Times-Union, included a message that he wrote prior to his death.

"I must tell you one more thing. I was Gay all my life: thru grade school, thru High School, thru College, thru Life," the obituary reads. "I was in a loving and caring relationship with Paul Cavagnaro of North Greenbush. He was the love of my life. We had 25 great years together. Paul died in 1994 from a medical Procedure gone wrong. I'll be buried next to Paul."

Ryan's message continued, "I'm sorry for not having the courage to come out as Gay. I was afraid of being ostracized: by Family, Friends, and Co-Workers. Seeing how people like me were treated, I just could not do it. Now that my secret is known, I'll forever Rest in Peace."

Sargent said her uncle, whom she called Uncle Ed and whom she cared for in his final years, spoke with her about the message he wanted to share after his passing.

"I said, 'Uncle Ed, if that's what you want to tell the world, tell the world that you're gay. Don't be ashamed of it,'" Sargent recalled. "He was a great man, and I'm just so sorry that he had to hide who he was."

Ryan lived most of his life in upstate New York, including Albany, where he died, and Rensselaer, where he was raised.

He attended a local Catholic church and was the youngest of six siblings, all of whom are now deceased, according to Sargent.

Though Ryan was close with his family, Sargent said she does not remember him discussing his private life, including his sexual orientation.

"I think his siblings knew, but it was never spoken about," Sargent said.

Sargent said she never met the longtime partner, Cavagnaro, whom Ryan wrote about in his obituary. But she said she did hear her uncle talk in his final days about wanting to reunite with Cavagnaro after his death.

"He wanted to go home. He wanted to be with him, that I do know," Sargent said. "He never had another partner after that. He was the love of his life."

Sargent said she believes Ryan feared facing backlash if he publicly discussed his sexual orientation earlier in life, especially due to his military service.

As far back as World War II, the U.S. Department of Defense had a policy that "empowered the military to pursue -- or 'ask' -- service members suspected of engaging in homosexual acts," according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

It was only in 2010 that the subsequent "don't ask, don't tell" law -- which banned LGBTQ service members from serving openly in the military -- was repealed.

Sargent said that because he was so private, Ryan declined to have military honors at his funeral and requested a very private farewell.

In the days since his obituary was published, Ryan's story has gone viral, which Sargent said she sees as a final "salute" for her beloved uncle.

"I talk to him, like, 'Uncle Ed, you don't even know what's going on down here. You don't know what your obituary did to people around the world. People are sending messages from all over,'" Sargent said, adding, "In a way, he got his salute and got to open doors for other people."

She continued, "Hopefully he's at peace."

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