America has always been a popular holiday destination, with 50 varied states to explore.
Whether spending time in fast-paced cities, relaxing on sandy beaches or diving into a star-spangled celebration of American culture, the choice of activities seems endless.
Even though current times are challenging, looking ahead, there’s a sense of optimism in future travel.
Tour operator Abercrombie & Kent has reported an uptick in inquiries for US holidays, coinciding with a change at the White House – a phenomena dubbed as the Biden Boost.
Seeking some inspiration? Here are a few suggestions to spark a sense of stateside wanderlust.
Best scenery: Utah
Utah is one big, mountainous playground, with epic backdrops. Visit Arches National Park, home to more than 2,000 naturally formed sandstone arches and towers; marvel at the deep canyons of Canyonlands National Park; and explore the red desert of Capitol Reef National Park.
Filmed on location in the state, classic movie Thelma & Louise celebrates its 30th anniversary this year – providing even more reason to go. American Sky offers a 14-night Utah Mighty Five and Beyond By Motorhome itinerary from £1,755 per person, including flights.
Best wildlife: Alaska
Few roads connect the glaciers and Arctic tundra of Alaska, America’s wildest state. From June to October, it’s one of the best places to view brown bears as they hunt for salmon and parade along rivers with young cubs. Kodiak Island is home to a population of extra-large animals, who thrive in the 1.9-million-acre Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge.
Study the bears from viewing platforms or make more intimate observations from hides. Windows On The Wild offers a seven-night Bear Viewing On Kodiak Island itinerary from £5,955 including flights from London.
Best food: San Francisco
In a land of super-sized portions and endless variety, food can shape a journey across the States. San Francisco has more than 5,000 restaurants and cafes – more per capita than any other major city in the US.
Vice President Kamala Harris is a fan of the SoMa district, an area dotted with food trucks and late-night diners. In between meals, tourists can explore the Golden Gate Bridge, hang out in hippy district Haight-Ashbury, or trundle uphill on a 19th Century cable cars to admire the city’s giddy views. Virgin Holidays offers a seven-night break from £2,528, including flights and car hire.
Best road trip: Route 66
The most iconic four-wheel journey in the world, Route 66 slices through the country’s cultural heartland. Starting in Chicago, travel through Oklahoma, St Louis, Amarillo and Albuquerque, stopping to see the Grand Canyon and Petrified Forest national parks. Ending in LA, the trip clocks up more than 2,000 miles. Titan Travel offers a 17-day Historic Route 66 escorted tour from £3,199, including transport, and flights from London.
Best city: New York or Las Vegas
The stars of many blockbuster movies, New York and Las Vegas have A-list appeal. Take a trip to the Big Apple to shop in the East Village, catch a show on Broadway or wander through Manhattan’s maze of skyscrapers.
Twin with a stay in Vegas for glitz, glamour and fun, where 24-hour casinos and non-stop neon blur the boundaries between day and night. American Sky offers seven-nights at the Royalton Park Avenue in New York and the ARIA Resort & Casino in Vegas from £1,599 inc flights and accommodation.
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