North America
USA
Majestic mountains, rugged deserts, sweeping plains, sun-kissed beaches, and countless other natural wonders, added to dynamic metropolises, iconic landmarks, and diverse communities… the USA is a land of superlatives and extremes, shaped by waves of immigration, with a new discovery around every corner.
Each city and region has its own charm. California is a classic choice for its legendary cities including Los Angeles and San Francisco and spectacular landscapes such as Pacific beaches, wildlife-rich mountains, and the Mojave Desert. And that’s not even to list the theme parks, entertainment, and fabulous food and wine.
World-class theme parks also draw the crowds to 'the Sunshine State’, but there’s so much more to Florida, from the retro chic of Miami and historic richness of St Augustine to the Atlantic surfing beaches, pearl-white sands of the Gulf, and gorgeous seaside chain of the Florida Keys.
Hawaii is a world apart, with an intoxicating blend of history, surf beaches, and natural sights: highlights range from Hawaii Volcano National Park to the Pearl Harbor Memorial in Honolulu.
A neighbour to California, Nevada is a must for lovers of the Wild West as well as such varied and monumental sights as the Hoover Dam and the neon-spangled Las Vegas Strip with its extravagant hotels, restaurants, casinos, and entertainment venues.
And New York hardly needs an introduction: it’s a place to visit again and again for its dazzling landmarks, its world-leading museums, art galleries, and theatres, and its overall vivacious feel across five fascinating boroughs.
Iconic Road Trips
Road trips are the quintessential way to explore the USA with its wide-open spaces inviting you to discover things at your own pace, and time to note all the little details and quirks that make this country what it is. Many routes take you through one or more of the USA’s famous 63 National Parks with their astounding ecology and geology – in California alone, there are nine to tour.
Other famous stretches in the Golden State include 17-Mile Drive which winds around the stunning Monterey peninsula from Pacific Grove to Carmel, and the Silverado Trail, which runs parallel to the Napa Valley’s Route 29 and takes in some of California’s most beloved wineries.
When to visit
From summer beach days to leaf-spotting during the fall foliage displays, and on to the festive finery and snow-capped peaks of winter, the USA is obviously a great place to discover all year round. If you're road-tripping, avoid Labor Day weekend; wine lovers will want to consider August (peak season for the wineries).
So-called 'shoulder seasons' are also worth considering if you aren't tied to school holiday dates; the weather will invariably be pleasant rather than baking hot, and the crowds will have started to thin. Depending on what you'd like to experience on your holiday, your Travel Counsellor can advise on the best times to visit.
Florida
The Orlando theme parks are at their least busy in January, and the weather as a whole is cooler and more pleasant here from November to April, with plenty of sunshine. Happily, this also coincides with manatee season, when these gentle giants migrate into freshwater estuaries, rivers, and springs, and with Miami's Art Deco Weekend, celebrating South Beach's colourful architecture and history. September is fabulous, too: temperatures are starting to ease and the theme parks and beaches much less crowded
Hawaii
Pleasant temperatures year-round make Hawaii a good choice in any month, although March stands out for the three-day Honolulu Festival, showcasing Hawaiian, Asian, and Pacific music, dance, arts, and crafts, and September for the month-long Aloha Festivals honouring Hawaiian culture, people, history, and customs. March to September is best for beach life and surfing, with the highest temperatures and lowest rainfall.
Nevada
The most comfortable temperatures in this state generally fall in spring (March to May) and early autumn (September and October) - ideal for hiking and other outdoor activities and sightseeing outside the summer heat. Winter is great if you like winter sports beneath crisp blue skies, and warming up inn steamy hot springs, while Las Vegas is even more fun than usual at Christmas, with opulent decorations, dazzling festive events, and spectacular ice rinks.
New York
Christmas in New York City is also legendary: think shimmering ice rinks galore, including one at the Rockefeller Center with its famous giant Christmas tree! ind The Pond at Bryant Park, and an array of atmospheric Christmas markets, from Grand Central Terminal's Holiday Fair to Columbus Circle and Union Square. And don't miss the famous live window displays with the likes of dancing elves and Santas - the best are by landmark department stores such as Macy's, Saks 5th Avenue, and Bloomingdales. That said, New York is a treat at any time of year.
California
Milder temperatures from late April to early June, and from late September to early November, are particularly good for those who come to Cali to hike, kayak, or mountain bike, as well as sightsee, enjoy the theme parks, and browse local farmers' markets. While if you love wine and want to spend time exploring some of Napa's glorious vineyards, especially in the Napa Valley, August to October sees the grape harvest time or 'crush' - a great time for winery tours and tastings.
California
Enjoy a wine-tasting weekend in the lush vineyards of the Napa Valley; go hiking, cycling, horse-riding or rafting in Yosemite National Park with its near-vertical mile-high cliff; and try paddle-boarding, canoeing, and fishing on glorious Lake Tahoe. Round things off with a delicious foodie tour of San Francisco’s colourful Chinatown.
Hawaii
Whale-watching in winter (November–February), exploring underwater caverns, snorkelling over coral reefs, surfing, and relaxing on the beaches of Maui are all among the fantastic things to do in the 50th state. But there are also historic sights and formidable landscapes including the Hawaii Volcano National Park and the Manawaiopuna Falls in Kauai – where Jurassic Park was filmed.
Nevada
Walk Vegas’ Strip after nightfall, to see its hotels and casinos bathed in all their neon-lit glory and its fountains choreographed to Sinatra and Gene Kelly tunes. Then head just west to the Red Rock National Conservation Area in the Mojave, for hiking, horse-riding, mountain-biking, and the unique geology, and admire the Hoover Dam on the Colorado River.
New York
Lots of new alfresco dining spaces are part of NYC’s modern open-air culture, as are whale-watching trips direct from Manhattan, and a new island park, Little Island on the Hudson River in the Meatpacking District. Other great things to do outdoors are rowing on the Lake at 72nd Street in Central Park and ambling around the New York Botanical Garden with its open-air art installations.
California – The French Laundry, Yountville
Opened by visionary and culinary pioneer Sally Schmitt in 1978, this three-Michelin-starred French–Californian restaurant occupies a listed historic building that started life as a saloon before serving as a steam laundry. It offers two daily nine-course tasting menus and a vegetarian Tasting of Vegetables.
Florida – Ulele, Tampa
Situated on the Gulf city’s Riverwalk, this restaurant occupies land that was home to many Native Americans, including the legendary young princess Ulele. It offers native-inspired food and drink, much of it based on ingredients from Floridian waters. It’s also endowed with its own micro-brewery.
Hawaii – La Mer, Honolulu
This famous restaurant blends romantic views over Waikiki Beach with award-winning French haute cuisine given a tropical twist. Much of it is based on locally sourced seafood. There’s also the adjoining L’Aperitif at La Mer, overseen by a former Ritz Paris head bartender.
Nevada - Joël Robuchon, Las Vegas
The city’s only three-Michelin-starred restaurant serves high-end French cuisine, including tasting menus, in an opulent setting in the MGM Grand Hotel. Designed to resemble an Art Deco townhouse, it has a lush garden terrace.
New York City – Café China, Midtown West
This revered and chic restaurant with decor evoking 1940s Shanghai serves unique dishes from Sichuan and other regions of China, plus an exceptional range of dim sum, while the house cocktails are sublime.
Playgrounds of America
18 nights | Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Orlando, Miami & Virgin Voyages Cruise
Set off on a luxury adventure starting in Las Vegas, enjoying world-class entertainment and opulent resorts. Fly to Los Angeles for VIP tours, shopping on Rodeo Drive, and coastal views in Malibu. In Orlando, experience premier attractions and gourmet dining in style. Continue to Miami for elegant beaches, Art Deco charm, and private yacht excursions. End with a Virgin Voyages cruise to Key West and Bimini, exploring tropical beaches and vibrant reefs for the ultimate in relaxation and luxury. Your personal Travel Counsellor can tailor-make this to your preferences and requirements.
