Travel - USA

USA

If there’s a country you can visit that offers practically every kind of holiday ‘under one roof’, then the USA is it.

In 2019, the USA was the fourth most popular country in the world visited by UK travellers and it’s easy to see why. You can visit on a short break or plan an exciting multi-centre trip, chase the sun, or hit the slopes. From mountains to deserts, gorgeous beaches to stunning National Parks, there is so much choice!

Live it up in the Big Apple

No other city in the world is as iconic as New York and if you plan a city break here there will never be a dull moment! It’s a good idea to plan an itinerary in advance. Don’t be too strict about it, but as there’s so much to see and do, definitely have a list of highlights and priorities.

If you’re an art lover be sure to visit MoMA and the Guggenheim, if you’re a foodie, grab some pizza in Little Italy or visit Brooklyn for a lazy brunch. Decide which monuments and tourist attractions you most want to visit. For most, like the Empire State Building, you can book tickets in advance. The same with Broadway shows. Another great thing about New York is it’s bustling all year round. You can go in November and December to soak up the Christmas buzz (not to mention the shopping) or in the spring to enjoy the river cruises and rooftop bars. 44

Family magic in Florida

Another very popular tourist destination in the US is Florida, especially Orlando and the theme parks. There are several different ways to ‘do’ Disney, and it can be a bit confusing, so it’s worth being as organised as possible. This is where I would suggest always speaking to a personal travel consultant who will be able to pull together all the logistics - flights, car hire, a great choice of villas or hotels, plus all your Park tickets.

For total Disney immersion, stay at one of their resorts. By doing this, you can pre-book restaurants and you can also get early entry to the parks and fast passes to skip the queues. Disney (and Universal) is a magical experience for the whole family and you can always combine it with a few days of ‘down time’ at the beach in Clearwater for example, making Florida the perfect choice for a family getaway.

The home of Country and birthplace of rock ‘n roll, you can join a fantastic array of organised tours through America’s heartland. Combine a trip to Nashville with a stop in Memphis and then head down to New Orleans to soak up the jazz music and party vibes.

Be sure to visit the historic music studios that launched the careers of Elvis and Johnny Cash and the home of Country music, the Grand Ole Opry. You could always time your trip so that it fits in with the legendary festival, Mardi Gras in New Orleans or the Beale Street Music Festival in Memphis, and a lot of the tours include fantastic extras like cookery lessons and back-stage tours.

The great outdoors

If you’re a wildlife and adventure lover then you’ll be in your element in the USA. America is renowned for its national parks and the wild landscapes of Utah, Arizona and California (to name a few) are seriously impressive!

I was lucky enough on a recent trip to visit both the Grand Canyon and Yosemite National Park and these stunning, imposing, landscapes certainly make you feel both little and lucky! If you enjoy active holidays then you can sign up for rock climbing, cycling and white-water rafting, or if you’re an adventure seeker splash out on a helicopter ride. This is an incredible way to see the sights of the Grand Canyon.

If you’re a winter sports fan, then America has some brilliant ski resorts too. The American Rockies are home to some of the best skiing anywhere. Aspen in Colorado, for example, is a great choice as it caters well for everyone from beginners to pros, plus has a great range of shops and lively après-ski venues.

Lucy Allen Personal Travel Consultant Notjusttravel/waitingworld lucyallen.notjusttravel.com e: lucy.allen@notjusttravel.com p: 07512 784700