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Introducing the United States

When should you go?
The US experiences all four Northern Hemisphere seasons, but the country's geographical range means you can find sunshine at any time of year. In the dead of winter, you can find beachgoers sunning themselves in San Diego, snowboarders zig-zagging down the slopes of world-class resorts, and hikers enjoying local trails all the way down to the Mexican border. 

Summer months (June-August) are ideal in nearly every corner of the country, especially in areas where snow tends to last well into spring, like the Rocky Mountains, the Northeast, and states along the Canadian border. An exception can be made for the low-lying deserts of the West and Southwest—areas like California's Death Valley and Joshua Tree are brutally hot outside of winter and spring. Spring and fall can be stunningly beautiful in mountain regions throughout the country, with wildflowers and fall foliage in abundance, though weather can be less predictable and regionally specific. 

Where should you go?
It's said that the US national parks system is "America's best idea," and you wouldn't be wrong to base your itinerary on that assumption. Yellowstone National Park is globally known for its natural wonders: waterfalls, geysers, and hot springs abound, and wildlife like bison, grizzly bears, and elk roam throughout. See the otherworldly rock formations of Arches National Park in Utah, visit the world's tallest trees in Redwoods National Park in California—the list goes on and on. 

How many days do you need?
You'll want to spend at least a week in the US to do it justice—and with 7 days, you'll still want to focus on one region.  Stick to California, for instance, and take a coastal drive up world-famous Highway 1 from Los Angeles to San Francisco, with stops in charming Santa Barbara and dramatic Big Sur. Or, spend your whole week exploring Yosemite's trails, waterfalls, and vistas. Add another week and combine two regions: add a train trip through Colorado to a Yellowstone excursion, or cycle through Utah before making stops in Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon.

Explore trips by duration: 5 days · 6 days · 7 days · 8 days · 9 days

Discover the National Parks

Explore "America's Best Idea" with these trips to some of the most awe-inspiring places in the country
Winter in Rocky Mountain National Park
Map of Colorado's National Parks - 7 Days
Colorado's National Parks - 7 Days

Start in Rocky Mountain National Park to see alpine lakes and towering peaks, then continue to Colorado National Monument to see red rock canyons and the ancestral land of the Ute people. Stop in Gunnison National Park to see the 2,000 ft deep sheer walls of the Black Canyon, then head to Great Sand Dunes National Park to climb 700+ ft tall sand dunes.

Half Dome in Yosemite National Park
Yosemite Road Trip from the Bay Area - 3 Days

Visiting the granite paradise of Yosemite National Park is a must for any traveler. The park has some of the highest cliffs in the world, including El Capitan, featured in the 2018 documentary Free Solo. A visit to Yosemite can be as relaxed or active as you choose. You can largely stay in the comfort of your car while taking short walks at vista points, take rewarding day hikes from a home base hotel or campsite, or go on a multi-day backpacking adventure in the wilderness. No matter what style you chose, a trip to Yosemite will make lasting impressions.

Badwater Basin in Death Valley
Map of Joshua Tree, Death Valley, and Red Rock Canyon - 7 Days
Joshua Tree, Death Valley, and Red Rock Canyon - 7 Days

Sojourn to the California and Nevada desert landscapes, best enjoyed in spring, winter and fall. Travel back in time to the Old West with a visit to Pioneertown, and hike through the aptly named Joshua Tree National Park to see its incredible desert fauna and rock formations. Climb the desert dunes of the Mojave Natural Preserve and peer out the window of your car to enjoy vast desert landscapes. Immerse yourself in the extreme and unique beauty of Death Valley before discovering the colorful Red Rock Canyon near Las Vegas.

Views of the Grand Canyon
Map of American Southwest National Parks Road Trip - 8 Days
American Southwest National Parks Road Trip - 8 Days

The southwestern corner of the United States is home to some of the most frequently visited national parks. From hiking through Zion National Park to soaking in views of the Grand Canyon, experiencing these natural landscapes is truly something special. Explore the picturesque Antelope Canyon and traverse the trails of Bryce Canyon while getting to know the American Southwest up close on this adventurous getaway.

Boat dock on Crater Lake
Map of California and Oregon Road Trip: Waterfalls, Volcanoes, and the Coast - 12 Days
California and Oregon Road Trip: Waterfalls, Volcanoes, and the Coast - 12 Days

This multi-day adventure takes you through the mist-shrouded Northern California coast, featuring the world's tallest redwood trees and verdant fern-covered gullies.  Three national parks, Redwood, Lassen Volcanic, and Crater Lake, showcase this area's diverse landscape and geological history.  Numerous state parks, awe-inspiring mountain peaks, and wondrous waterfalls all wait to greet you along the way.  Whether it's a volcano, lake, or towering tree, the sheer and immense beauty of what you encounter along this journey will inspire reverence for the region.

Alpine meadows blanket Mt. Revelstoke in the summer months
Map of Calgary to Vancouver Road Trip: Banff, Revelstoke, Nelson & Osoyoos - 9 Days
Calgary to Vancouver Road Trip: Banff, Revelstoke, Nelson & Osoyoos - 9 Days

This nine-day driving adventure focuses on the Canadian Rockies, including the Kootenay Rockies and the southern end of the vine-striped Okanagan. You'll explore British Columbia's impressive landscape, from emerald-green lakes to glacial rivers and rugged mountain tops. Challenge yourself with a half-day hike in Banff National Park, canoe the Columbia River Wetlands amid wildlife near Golden, and discover wines of the snaking Similkameen Valley en route to Vancouver.

Our Latest United States Content

Mt. Hood Reflected on Trillium Lake
Map of San Francisco to Portland Road Trip: Lakes, Waterfalls and Mountains - 10 Days
San Francisco to Portland Road Trip: Lakes, Waterfalls and Mountains - 10 Days

This multi-day adventure takes you from San Francisco through stunning lakes, snow-capped mountains, and amazing waterfalls that showcase Northern California and Oregon's diverse landscape and geological history.  From the boating paradise of Lake Shasta to the awe-inspiring Crater Lake, to Waldo Lake, the world's clearest alpine lake, the sheer beauty of what you will encounter will inspire reverence for this region.  Finish your trip in the foodie paradise of Portland, explore the many unique restaurants there, and enjoy a day exploring Willamette Valley for some wine tasting.

Boat dock on Crater Lake
California and Oregon Road Trip: Waterfalls, Lakes and Volcanoes - 10 Days

This multi-day adventure takes you through three national parks, Redwood, Lassen Volcanic, and Crater Lake, showcase Northern California and Oregon's diverse landscape and geological history.  Numerous state parks, awe-inspiring mountain peaks, and wondrous waterfalls all wait to greet you along the way.  Whether it's a volcano, lake, or towering tree, the sheer and immense beauty of what you encounter along this journey will inspire reverence for the region.

St. Augustine Beach, courtesy of Old Town Trolley Tours
Florida's Coasts & Keys - 9 Days

This 9-day road trip takes you around the state of Florida, visiting the best of both coasts. From America's oldest city to the Great Florida Reef, you'll enjoy a variety of activities on this trip around the Sunshine State, most focusing on its great outdoors. The itinerary starts and ends in Orlando, but the route can be easily adjusted for a starting point from any city in Florida.

Top Regions

California
California
Colorado
Colorado
New England
New England
Florida & the Southeast
Florida & The Southeast

the United States Travel Maps

Get the lay of land, and understand distances between the places you want to visit
Map Top Day Trips in the Bay Area - Explore the Best Backroads, Beaches and Towns
Top Day Trips in the Bay Area - Explore the Best Backroads, Beaches and Towns
View article
Map One Week in Northern California - 5 Unique Road Trip Ideas
One Week in Northern California - 5 Unique Road Trip Ideas
View article
Map Northern California Long Weekend Trips: Coastal Drives, Wine Weekends, & Sierra Exploration
Northern California Long Weekend Trips: Coastal Drives, Wine Weekends, & Sierra Exploration
View article

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Trip Reviews for the United States

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

Amazing Alaskan Adventure!
the United States | Jun 9 - Jun 14, 2025

Beverly
Beverly L.
Birmingham, MI | Reviewed on Jun 14, 2025
Leo did an amazing job preparing our itinerary and communicating with us. We enjoyed our Alaskan adventure immensely - especially the Kenia Fjords cruise and the dogsledding experience. Read more

Leo did an amazing job preparing our itinerary and communicating with us. We enjoyed our Alaskan adventure immensely - especially the Kenia Fjords cruise and the dogsledding experience.

Activity Reviews
Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise
Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise
Seward, AK

The scenery was Cornelius. Staff was superlative! Food was delivered promptly and it was delicious. We lived the chocolate cookies!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Dogsledding experience in Seward
Dogsledding experience in Seward
Seward, AK

This was amazing and very educational. We loved the ride with the dog team and the information about the dogs and the competitions they are involved in.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Prince William Sound cruise
Prince William Sound cruise
Anchorage, AK

This was very enjoyable. Gorgeous scenery!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Leo Cuesta
Leo
Leo Cuesta
Local specialist in USA | Replied on Jun 16, 2025

Hi Beverly,

Thank you for your review and I'm glad you and Barbara enjoyed your Alaskan adventure! It was a pleasure working with you and I hope to arrange another great trip for you in the future!

Vegas and National/state parks discovery-Great Experience with Leo and kimkim
the United States | Dec 4 - Dec 10, 2024

Jean-Marc
Jean-Marc R.
Dallas, TX | Reviewed on Dec 11, 2024
Great Experience with Leo and kimkim. Leo understood our project and his proposal after a slight tune-up was perfect. The trip was incredible, from day one up to the end. We had a very interesting discovery of Las Vegas landmarks, and an enjoyable show by Shania Twain. But most of our trip was dedicated to discovering the wanders of National and State parks of Arizona and Utah. All the guided and self-guided exploration were perfect. The Grand Canyon was more than an experience, it’s an... Read more

Great Experience with Leo and kimkim. Leo understood our project and his proposal after a slight tune-up was perfect. The trip was incredible, from day one up to the end. We had a very interesting discovery of Las Vegas landmarks, and an enjoyable show by Shania Twain. But most of our trip was dedicated to discovering the wanders of National and State parks of Arizona and Utah. All the guided and self-guided exploration were perfect. The Grand Canyon was more than an experience, it’s an emotion, the sun set, and sun rise were magic, not to forget the star gazing events organized by the park rangers.
Antelope canyon guided tour was amazing, we had a wonderful and very insightful guide (Orin Yellowman). We were also thrilled to discover Snow canyon state park and the wonderful Red Mountain resort next to its entrance, for sure we will go back, only 2 hours from Vegas, worth going straight from the airport to discover the beauty of all the trail with very kind support from park personnel.
Thanks to Leo who helped us create the best vacation possible.

Local specialist: Leo Cuesta
Leo
Leo Cuesta
Local specialist in USA | Replied on Dec 12, 2024

I'm glad you had an incredible trip Jean-Marc! Thank you for working with me on your vacation and I look forward to arranging another great trip for you in the future.

Trip of a Lifetime
the United States | Feb 13 - Feb 18, 2023

Olivia
Olivia L.
| Reviewed on May 21, 2023
My best friend, my dog, and I took an unforgettable road trip through California, all thanks to our incredible travel specialist Leo! From the planning stages to the actual trip, Leo's attention to detail, expertise, and personalized touch truly made this trip one of the most fun and special trips I've ever been on :) We traveled from Santa Barbara to San Francisco up the Pacific Coast Highway, stopping at the most beautiful beaches along the way! One of the highlights of the trip was our... Read more

My best friend, my dog, and I took an unforgettable road trip through California, all thanks to our incredible travel specialist Leo! From the planning stages to the actual trip, Leo's attention to detail, expertise, and personalized touch truly made this trip one of the most fun and special trips I've ever been on :)

We traveled from Santa Barbara to San Francisco up the Pacific Coast Highway, stopping at the most beautiful beaches along the way! One of the highlights of the trip was our whale-watching tour in Monterey Bay. Leo made sure to book us on the best cruise company, where we were fortunate enough to see WHALES!! along with dolphins and seals :) It was INCREDIBLE! The crew was fantastic, providing insightful information and answering all our many many many questions :)

Leo's excellent recommendations for hikes and lookout points allowed us to fully appreciate the beauty of California (this was my very time there), and even helped us find some less crowded and dog-friendly spots to enjoy! He was also incredibly responsive and supportive during the entire trip, checking in regularly to make sure everything was running smoothly and providing timely solutions to any unexpected changes or issues. Our kayaking tour was canceled due to wind, but Leo jumped in immediately and provided us with tonnssss of options!

I can't thank Leo enough for putting together this unforgettable trip. The memories we made on this trip will last a lifetime (the tattoos we got in Santa Barbara also will LOL)! Thanks a million, Leo! You're the best <3

Activity Review
Monterey Bay whale watching
Monterey Bay whale watching
the United States

IT WAS INCREDIBLE! We saw whales and dolphins! The crew was so very friendly, kind and patient. We had tons of questions and bothered them for a tour of the captain's room and they gave us a little tour of the inside! They were so funny and we really enjoyed our time on the boat! They told us tons of facts about the whales we got to see! On our cruise, we saw an adult female whale, with two juvenile whales and a bigger, male whale! It was so cool!! I would highly recommend going whale watching :) It was the highlight of my entire trip!

Quality of Experience
Had a place to sit inside and outside and plenty of viewing area for whales
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Everyone (staff) was hilarious and so kind. We quickly made friends with them and enjoyed chatting them and hearing all the knowledge they have about the whales, boats, ocean, etc.
Transport
10/10 great boat ride. Great driver-Captain gave us a tour and showed us how he steers the boat and then showed us the route we took!
Local specialist: Leo Cuesta
Leo
Leo Cuesta
Local specialist in USA | Replied on Aug 05, 2023

Hi Olivia,

Thank you for your wonderful review and photos and I'm glad you guys had an awesome time in California! Thanks for working with me for your trip and I hope to arrange another adventure for you in the future!

PS: Nice tattoos!

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