The United States
A wonderful, wacky, continent-sized adventure



From sea to shining sea…the wonderful and wacky, beautiful but bizarre, mesmerising and maddening United States of America is not so much one country as a collection of countries under a single star spangled banner.
Outsiders may struggle to grasp the scale of the US or to understand it—hardly surprising when the natives often seem to be strangers to each other. The super rich of Silicone Valley may not have much in common with the folks making ends meet in rural Kentucky; It can seem that the vast areas insultingly dubbed the 'flyover states' are a world apart from the cosmopolitan seaboard cities.
So how is a visitor to make sense of the vastness and variety of the USA? You can have fun trying, or you could just go along for the ride.
The first challenge is deciding which USA you want to see, because a lifetime’s worth of trips won't be enough.
There’s the natural America: The landscapes, of course, are mind-blowing, the wildlife fabulous. The national parks are unmissable, the mountains breathtaking. We all know about the Rockies, but what about the Appalachians—or the Sierra Nevada range, or the Cascades?
Away from mountains, the deserts are forbidding but unforgettable, the coastlines magnificent. From New England in the Fall, to the beaches of California, to the drama of Alaska; from hot springs to hotter volcanoes; from one of the highest points on earth to one of the deepest. All this and more is waiting for you.
Let’s not forget the cities, among the most vibrant on earth. But where to start? Perhaps with gaudy, in-your-face Las Vegas; or New York, one of the most exciting collections of humanity on the planet? Cool Boston? Sophisticated Seattle? It’s your choice.
And we haven’t touched on the sport, the food, music, the culture—the US has some of the finest art galleries, museums and theatres in the world—and of course the history which has shaped the can-do attitude that the rest of the world has come to associate with America, and the Americans.
Of course as with any good friend, you don’t have to be blind to the difficulties they may be facing to admire them, even love them. The US has its share of problems and there’s no point in pretending otherwise. But go with an open mind, open eyes and an open heart. Whichever America you opt for, prepared to be welcomed, surprised, enlivened and enriched.
16 days
The best of the American West
A route to the top natural and historic attractions
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Alaska
Super-sized wilderness
If you thought everything about the USA was big, well, Alaska is just... -
Anchorage
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Turquoise Lake
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Chugach National Forest
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Noatak National Preserve
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Kongakut River
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Kobuk Valley National Park
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Aleutian Islands
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Katmai National Park
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Denali National Park
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Great Kobuk Sand Dunes
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Lake Clark National Park and Preserve
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Western USA
Adventures on an American scale
The American West... -
Arizona
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San Francisco
California's greatest city
Crammed into less than 50 square miles and with a population of less than a million, small San Francisco packs a mighty punch... -
Los Angeles
Stroll along Hollywood Boulevard, spot your favourite TV and film stars on the Walk of Fame, and you can’t miss the hillside Hollywood sign... -
Las Vegas
Spend a day or two discovering the grandeur of Las Vegas and its famously flamboyant attractions... -
San Diego
A two hour drive south from L... -
Yosemite National Park
There are 800 miles of trails through the mountains and woodlands of Yosemite, where you can spot black bears, coyotes, bobcats and mule deer among other wildlife... -
Grand Canyon
Follow the trails to explore Grand Canyon National Park and be sure to stop at the canyon edge to fully appreciate its enormity... -
Death Valley National Park
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Napa Valley
Napa Valley is filled with lush vineyards that can be visited on foot or with the vintage railcars of the Napa Valley Wine Train which covers 36 miles... -
Palm Springs
Set in possibly the most biologically diverse ecosystem in the Americas, Palm Springs is not only a winter playground for celebrities, but also a stylish place to relax in hot springs, spas and top-class golf courses at the base of the San Jacinto Mountains... -
Estes Park
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Sedona
On arrival to the unique geological area of Sedona, you will be welcomed by red-rock monoliths, with names such as Coffee Pot and Cathedral, protruding from the desert landscape... -
Monument Valley
Pass through the Painted Desert with its kaleidoscope of colours to reach Monument Valley on the Arizona-Utah border... -
Utah
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Arches National Park
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Canyonlands
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Goblin Valley State Park
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Capitol Reef National Park
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San Rafael Swell
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Lake Powell
The concrete Glen Canyon Dam would dominate the scenery if it was not for the commanding Colorado River and the bright blue waters of Lake Powell that lap against the tall red walls of the canyon... -
Bryce Canyon
Within the Mormon State of Utah is this multi-coloured spectacle of protruding sandstone pinnacles that gather along the edges and deep inside Bryce Canyon... -
Zion National Park
Visit Zion National Park with its towering rock formations that have been carved over time with the help of the mighty Virgin River... -
Grand Staircase - Escalante
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Moab
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Mammoth Lakes
Journey through Death Valley and ascend the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the alpine resort of Mammoth Lakes, famous for its skiing and hiking trails... -
Santa Barbara
Backed by the dramatic Santa Ynez Mountains, Santa Barbara, is a hot-spot for white-sand beaches and palm-lined promenades... -
Monterey Peninsula
Monterey Peninsula offers a mix of wind-whipped beaches, hidden coves and delicious seafood... -
Lake Tahoe
Explore the surroundings of this clear mountain lake by bike, kayak or cruise, or relax on one of its beaches to enjoy the unique views of the Sierra Nevada mountains and the Carson Range... -
Sacramento
You can easily spend a few hours at the 28-acre Old Sacramento State Historic Park learning about The California Gold Rush, which took place in 1848–1855... -
Redwood National & State Parks
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Rocky Mountain National Park
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Great Sand Dunes National Park
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Mesa Verde National Park
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Yellowstone National Park
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Colorado
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California
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Washington
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Grand Teton National Park
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Joshua Tree National Park
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Louisiana
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Virginia
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Shenandoah National Park
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North Carolina
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West Virginia
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East Coast
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Tennessee
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The United States Travel Companies


Alaska Alpine Adventures
Small-group adventure holidays in Alaska
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Alaska |
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Small group tour |
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Active, Hiking & Trekking, Water Sports, Fishing, Nature & Wildlife, Birdwatching, National Parks |


Wildland Trekking
Hiking vacations in the US and beyond
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Arizona, Utah, Colorado, California |
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Custom itinerary, Small group tour, Private guided tour |
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Active, Hiking & Trekking, Backpacking, Camping, Nature & Wildlife, National Parks |


Bindlestiff Tours
Self-drive & private tours of the Southwest US
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San Francisco, Las Vegas, Yosemite National Park, Grand Canyon, Death Valley National Park, Monument Valley, Utah |
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Custom itinerary, Small group tour, Private guided tour, Self-guided tour |
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Family, Active, Hiking & Trekking, Road Trips, Nature & Wildlife, National Parks, Solo Travel |


Tour Estes Park
Personalized day tours of Rocky Mountain National Park
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Estes Park, Rocky Mountain National Park |
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Private guided tour |
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Active, Hiking & Trekking, Nature & Wildlife |


Sigs Rides
Guided & self-guided motorbike & cycling tours
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North America, East Asia |
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Custom itinerary, Small group tour, Private guided tour |
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Active, Biking, Road Trips |


Yellowstone Dreamin Adventures
Year-round wildlife tours of Yellowstone NP
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Yellowstone National Park |
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Small group tour, Private guided tour |
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Family, Active, Walking, Hiking & Trekking, Winter Sports, Fishing, Nature & Wildlife, Photography, Birdwatching, National Parks, Accessible Travel |


Hondoo Rivers & Trails
Discover Utah's canyon country
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Utah |
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Custom itinerary, Private guided tour |
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Family, Active, Hiking & Trekking, Camping, Horseback Riding, Nature & Wildlife, National Parks, Culture, Indigenous Tourism |


Off The Beaten Path
Exceptional trips for curious travelers
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The United States, Canada |
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Custom itinerary, Small group tour, Private guided tour |
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Luxury, Family, Active, Walking, Hiking & Trekking, Backpacking, Camping, Winter Sports, Fishing, Horseback Riding, Nature & Wildlife, Photography, Birdwatching, National Parks |


The Landing at Estes Park
Riverside retreat just outside Rocky Mountain National Park
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Estes Park |
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Family, Active, Nature & Wildlife, National Parks |


Tiny Town Cabins
Cozy cabin getaway in Estes Park
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Estes Park |
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Family, Active, Nature & Wildlife, National Parks |


Rams Horn Village Resort
Luxury vacation cabins in Estes Park
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Estes Park |
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Luxury, Family, Active, Nature & Wildlife, National Parks |


Yavapai Lodge
Prime location within Grand Canyon National Park
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Grand Canyon |
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Family, Active, Nature & Wildlife, National Parks |


Great Sand Dunes Lodge
Traditional lodge at the entrance of the National Park
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Great Sand Dunes National Park |
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Family, Active, Nature & Wildlife, National Parks |


Starry Nights Ranch B&B
Rustic B&B near Mesa Verde National Park
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Mesa Verde National Park |
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Family, Active, Nature & Wildlife, National Parks |


Rock Light Photo Tours
National park photography workshops
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Western USA |
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Custom itinerary, Small group tour, Private guided tour |
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Nature & Wildlife, Photography, National Parks |


Yellowstone Adventure Tours
Private safari tours of Yellowstone NP
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Yellowstone National Park |
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Custom itinerary, Private guided tour |
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Safari, Family, Active, Hiking & Trekking, Nature & Wildlife, National Parks |


Get In The Wild
Outdoor adventures in Utah & Washington
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Utah, Washington |
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Custom itinerary, Small group tour, Private guided tour |
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Family, Active, Hiking & Trekking, Backpacking, Camping, Climbing, Nature & Wildlife, National Parks |


Cheesemans’ Ecology Safaris
In-depth nature & wildlife tours in outstanding destinations
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The United States |
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Custom itinerary, Small group tour, Private guided tour |
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Cruise & Sailing, Safari, Family, Active, Nature & Wildlife, Responsible Travel, Conservation, Eco-travel |


Gondwana Ecotours
Private and Small Group Travel To Exciting Destinations
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Alaska, Louisiana |
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Custom itinerary, Small group tour, Private guided tour |
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Safari, Family, Active, Hiking & Trekking, Winter Sports, Nature & Wildlife, Photography, National Parks, Culture, Culinary, Food, Responsible Travel, Conservation, Eco-travel |


Elk Meadow Cabins
Family cabins in the heart of Redwoods
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Redwood National & State Parks |
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Custom itinerary, Private guided tour |
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Family, Active, Walking, Nature & Wildlife, National Parks |


Western River Expeditions
Best Whitewater Rafting Vacations in the West
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Grand Canyon, Utah |
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Custom itinerary, Small group tour, Private guided tour |
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Family, Active, Hiking & Trekking, Camping, Water Sports, Nature & Wildlife, National Parks |


Bryce Canyon Scenic Tours & Shuttle
Guided tours, bike rentals & more
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Utah |
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Custom itinerary, Small group tour, Private guided tour |
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Family, Active, Hiking & Trekking, Nature & Wildlife, National Parks |


Great Western Expeditions
Half, full and multi-day tours in Grand Teton & Yellowstone
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Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park |
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Custom itinerary, Private guided tour |
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Luxury, Family, Active, Hiking & Trekking, Nature & Wildlife, Photography, National Parks, Culture, Indigenous Tourism |


Yellowstone Hiking Guides
Guided tours for all ages and fitness levels
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Yellowstone National Park |
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Custom itinerary, Private guided tour |
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Family, Active, Hiking & Trekking, Backpacking, Camping, Water Sports, Nature & Wildlife, Photography, National Parks |


NAVTEC Expeditions
Utah adventure tours
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Utah |
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Custom itinerary, Small group tour, Private guided tour |
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Family, Active, Hiking & Trekking, Water Sports, Climbing, Nature & Wildlife, National Parks |


RVShare
RV rental across North America
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The United States |
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Self-guided tour |
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Family, Active, Overlanding, Road Trips, Nature & Wildlife |


Austin Adventures
Active vacations to the US and beyond
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Alaska, Western USA |
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Custom itinerary, Small group tour, Private guided tour |
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Cruise & Sailing, Luxury, Family, Active, Hiking & Trekking, Biking, Nature & Wildlife, National Parks |