United States

The United States is best treated as several trips: the desert parks of the Southwest, the Pacific coast and Sierra, the northern Rockies, and the dense historic cities of the Northeast. Road-tripping is the default outside the big cities. National park reservations and timed entry now apply at several of the busiest parks.

Cities

New York City

New York is walkable block by block and connected by a subway that runs all night, with each borough holding a different version of the city. Manhattan carries the museums and skyline; Brooklyn and Queens carry much of the food and music. Four days covers two or three neighbourhoods and two major museums without rushing.

San Francisco

San Francisco is compact, hilly and frequently foggy in summer, with distinct neighbourhoods within walking or streetcar distance of each other. The bay, the bridge and the parks define the outdoor side; Chinatown and the Mission define the eating. It is the base for Yosemite, Napa and the Pacific coast highway.

When to go

See all seasons

• Spring: Desert wildflowers, mild cities, snow still high in the mountains.
• Summer: All mountain roads open; extreme heat in the desert parks.
• Autumn: New England colour, quiet parks, stable desert weather.

Entry & visas

Entry rules for this country aren't published here yet.

Always confirm entry rules with the official source before you book.