USA tours & holidays

Being such a large country, the weather in the US is different depending on which area you are in and when. We’re talking drastically different.  

From June to August, summer on the East Coast and in the northern mountains brings warm weather and stunning landscapes without excessive heat, making it ideal for exploring. Meanwhile, the southern states and parts of California are unbearably hot. This is the time for coastal visits, refreshing swims or soaking up the 20 hours of daylight in Alaska, where outdoor adventures are at their peak.  

Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) are perfect for visiting national parks across the country with mild, comfortable weather and typically fewer crowds. These seasons showcase the beauty of the parks at their finest.  

In winter (December to February), head to the West Coast for milder temperatures if you’re looking to avoid the cold. It’s a great time to explore California, Joshua Tree and Death Valley. However, if snow is what you’re after, the Rocky Mountains in Colorado offer snowshoeing and magical views of snow-capped peaks.  

Learn more about the best time to visit the USA

With a variety of international influences, try Creole cuisine in New Orleans, traditional Jewish fare like bagels and pastrami sandwiches in New York, and barbecue in Texas. America’s got everything, from burger joints to taco shacks, organic cafes to refined Michelin-starred restaurants.

Things to try in the USA

Bagels

Whether smeared with cream cheese, stacked high with lox or toasted to perfection with some peanut butter, this easy grab-n-go breakfast might be one of the best ways to eat bread in the morning.  

Pizza

You’ll be hard-pressed to find somewhere in the US that doesn’t have pizza. There are several variations across the country, from the thick, deep-dish Chicago pizza to the thin New York sold by the slice.  

Gumbo

Gumbo is an iconic Creole dish most commonly served in Louisana and in other states down south. The thick, hearty soup has many variations, but the base is typically made by stewing tomatoes, bell peppers, okra, onion, celery and lots of herbs and seasonings. It’s then loaded with shellfish, chicken, sausage or other types of meat and is best served over a mound of rice. 

Fried Chicken

American-style fried chicken is a southern delicacy but is found all over the country, from crispy buffalo wings to buckets of chicken thighs seasoned up and served with plenty of sides.  

Cheeseburger

An iconic comfort food, you can’t go wrong with a juicy beef patty topped with melted cheese, often stacked with tomato, lettuce and other fixings on a soft bun. They’re a staple in most places, and for good reason.  

Barbeque

Another food that's fond of in the south but found all over, barbeque ranges from off-the-bone ribs to pulled pork or tender brisket, all marinated and smoked to perfection. The meat is the whole point, but it’s often served with creamy slaw, mac n’ cheese, baked beans and buttery corn.  

Learn more about what to eat in the USA

From the lush Everglades of Florida, through the red-hot deserts of Nevada to the urban jungles of New York and Philadelphia, the United States has many different environments and ecosystems within its boundaries. Sharing borders with Canada in the north and Mexico in the south, the United States has deserts, glaciers, freshwater lakes, rapid-filled rivers, mountain ranges, sprawling plains, forested national parks, beaches and bays.

The major national parks of America – Yellowstone, Zion, Yosemite, Bryce Canyon, Denali and Joshua Tree offer a glimpse into what much of America looked like before development. Lush vegetation, majestic mountains and sparkling lakes give deer, moose, bears, bison and many other species of wildlife a fertile home to live in. 

When travelling, you’re likely to see modern cities filled with traffic, skyscrapers and high-density housing, as well as sleepy towns, and Native American reservations. A complex network of highways connect the major cities, making overland travel a popular choice with visitors and locals alike. The great American road trip is still alive and well.

America’s history is one of exploration, colonization and transformation. Indigenous peoples lived across the lands for thousands of years before European settlers arrived in the 15th century. In 1776, the American colonies declared independence from Britain, leading to the Revolutionary War and the birth of the United States as its own new nation. Throughout the 1800s, the country expanded westward, displacing Indigenous nations and growing through immigration, industry and conflict. The 20th century saw the US emerge as a global economic and military power, influencing the course of world events. Today, America continues to evolve, driven by innovation and diversity.  

American culture reflects its complex history and diverse roots. Immigration plays a major role, blending many cultural traditions, cuisines, religions and festivals. At its core, the country values individualism, freedom and the pursuit of happiness. From Hollywood movies to fast food and Silicon Valley, American culture often focuses on entertainment, capitalism, creativity and technological advancement. The culture is also grounded in a deep love for sports, especially baseball and football.  

The nation’s resilience is celebrated in everything from fine art to folk traditions, while Native American communities continue to fight for the preservation of their traditions and heritage.  

1. Alaska

If the wild is calling, Alaska is answering. Enter a land of untouched wilderness, where mountains and dense forests are your playground. In Denali National Park, you can stand in the shadow of North America’s tallest peak, sharing the trails with grizzlies, caribou and moose. Cruise past towering glaciers, watch for orcas or paddle through Resurrection Bay among the rugged mountain vistas. Alaska is vast, raw and beautifully remote, making it a truly unique experience in the States. 

2. Utah

Utah is one big outdoor playground and an adventure-lovers dream. Imagine hiking through the sweeping red sandstone cliffs of Zion National Park and braving one of the country’s most iconic hikes, Angel’s Landing. Home to five national parks, Utah is packed with diverse scenery, from massive canyons and rugged cliffs to desert plains, all in one state. Spend your days hiking, climbing and wandering, then unwind beneath a canopy of stars in the quiet desert night.  

3. California

A treasure trove of adventure where sun-drenched coasts meet dramatic deserts and national parks, this is California. Stroll through vibrant cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco or get into the wild in Yosemite National Park, where you can gaze up at the massive Half Dome. Walk among ancient giant sequoias and chase waterfalls in one of the most breathtaking natural spots in the country.  

4. Arizona

This is your chance to visit one of the country’s most esteemed national parks: The Grand Canyon. Hike along its massive rim, where layers of red rock reveal millions of years of Earth’s history and connect with the traditions of the Navajo Nation. Enjoy a family-style Navajo meal prepared with care while you listen to stories about their land and heritage, gaining a deeper appreciation for the history that shapes this remarkable state.  

The official currency of the USA is the United States Dollar (USD).  

Major credit cards are widely accepted throughout the States. Smaller cafes and shops may not accept credit cards, but most do. It’s always safe to carry some cash around, just in case.  

ATMs are extremely common in the US, so finding them won’t be a problem in most towns and cities.