Picture watching the sun dip behind Manhattan’s skyline from a rooftop bar, or spotting a herd of elk grazing at dawn in Yellowstone. Add a white-knuckle rafting run down the Colorado River, a hand of blackjack in Las Vegas and a slow walk over Boston’s cobblestones. Travelling to the Land of the Free gives you the chance to do all that and more.
Few countries tuck so much into a single trip. California’s sun-drenched beaches sit a few flights from Chicago’s world-class museums, Miami’s after-dark energy and Wyoming’s geothermal wilderness, each pulling in a different kind of traveller for a different kind of thrill.
Whether you’re travelling alone, on a couple’s getaway or on a family holiday, the question in the USA is rarely what to do, but where to begin. Careful planning is what turns a list of landmarks into a well-paced, authentic trip. At White Trails, we tailor USA tour packages to complement your specific interests and desired pace. Nothing is rushed or run-of-the-mill.
Ah, the City that Never Sleeps! Lose yourself in the crowds and giant LED screens of Times Square, catch a Broadway show or head to Fifth Avenue for some retail therapy. Picnic in Central Park, take in the view from the Empire State Building and ride the ferry out to the looming Statue of Liberty. Then wander SoHo, Brooklyn and Greenwich Village: every neighbourhood here has its own personality and a customised New York tour can be built around whichever ones call to you.
A trip to the nation’s capital means diving headfirst into politics, culture and history. From White House and Lincoln Memorial to the Capitol Building and Smithsonian museums, there’s much to see. Visit in spring and the city, wrapped in cherry blossoms, is unforgettable. Catch the changing of the guard at Arlington, wander Georgetown and stop for buttermilk pancakes at Founding Farmers.
As one of the oldest American cities, Boston toes the line between modernity and colonial charm. Walk along Freedom Trail to turn back the clock, unwind at a quaint café in Beacon Hill or take the family to the Museum of Science. Travellers often row a boat on the Public Garden lagoon, catch a thrilling Red Sox game at Fenway Park or spend an evening at Faneuil Hall Marketplace.
From bold architectural sights and impressive art museums to a vibrant gourmet scene, Chicago is known for its versatile spirit. From Willis Tower’s Skydeck, make sure to capture arresting city views. Then discover striking buildings up close from a river cruise.
Walk off the after-effects of a deep-dish pizza in Millennium Park or spend an afternoon at Navy Pier or Lincoln Park Zoo with the kids.
Who wouldn’t want to visit the City of Angels? Besides visiting the world-renowned Hollywood Sign, enjoy immersive experiences at Universal Studios Hollywood. Santa Monica Pier, with its rides, cafes and views, is worth a trip too. You could take a stroll by Hollywood’s Walk of Fame or spend a day enjoying Disneyland. The Getty draws art lovers with its collection and its gardens, while Griffith Observatory delivers some of the city’s best views. Round it off with Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills or the bohemian streets of Venice Beach.
Experience the best of this iconic city with a curated Los Angeles tour with White Trails.
San Francisco is always dressed to impress. It’s the perfect city to capture memorable photographs, from the Golden Gate Bridge to the hairpin bends of Lombard Street. Take the ferry across to the imposing Alcatraz Island, browse the food carts and spot sea lions at Pier 39 or head out to Muir Woods for a hike among the famed redwoods. Every corner mixes waterfront views with a distinct architectural style.
If you’re taken in by the Golden City, choose a customisable San Francisco tour with White Trails.
Lights, luxury, fine dining, gambling, adventure: that’s Las Vegas. Start with a walk along the Las Vegas Strip, teeming with neon lights, nightclubs, upscale restaurants and casinos. Maybe you’d want to try your luck at a game?
Catch Bellagio’s fountains in action and visit The Neon Museum for something offbeat. For some adventure, Red Rock Canyon has hiking, cycling and rock climbing set against dramatic desert views, with helicopter trips on offer for those who want it from the air. A Las Vegas tour with White Trails can pair the glitz of the Strip with a day trip out to the canyon, so you get both the buzz and the backcountry.
Orlando’s theme parks make it easy to leave everyday life behind. From Walt Disney World and Universal Studios to Magic Kingdom and Epcot, there’s an endless list of things to explore and enjoy. SeaWorld brings visitors face to face with penguins and dolphins, while Universal’s Volcano Bay keeps things thrilling for families who don’t mind the water. Travellers love Orlando for its family-friendly fun and accessibility.
No prizes for guessing what this coastal city is most known for: Miami Beach! Stroll down the boardwalk, get some sun or splash in the water. Ocean Drive draws in art deco enthusiasts, while Wynwood Walls is a canvas of vibrant street murals. Bayside Marketplace covers shopping and gourmet bites, and culture lovers should make time for the Vizcaya and Pérez museums.
Many interesting pockets of wilderness envelop the USA. Visit them for outdoor adventure, dramatic views and wildlife rendezvous:
Mild days, landscapes in bloom
Warm to hot, peak tourist season
Cooler days with occasional rain
Cold in the north, mild in the south
American food is much more than burgers and hot dogs. Try fresh seafood in New England, barbecue in Texas and proper bagels in New York. Louisiana is the place for Cajun cooking, while California is known for its farm-to-table cuisine.
In New York, the Thanksgiving Day Parade is awe-inspiring, complete with floats and live performances. Many travellers also time their trips to catch the Comic-Con in San Diego. Utah's Sundance Film Festival, Austin's music festivals and California's Coachella all draw crowds, as does the Super Bowl if you're travelling in early February. Foodies should look out for Taste of Chicago and the South Beach Wine & Food Festival.
For designer labels, head to Madison Avenue and SoHo in New York, Michigan Avenue in Chicago or Melrose Place in Los Angeles. Miami's Design District and The Shops at Crystals in Las Vegas are also worth a browse. For something more local, Seattle, Hollywood (Florida) and Texas all have excellent farmers' markets, while flea markets in Chelsea, Charleston, Nashville and Portland are good for handmade finds.
Most tourists need a B1 or B2 visitor visa to travel to the USA. The process typically involves:
Make sure your passport is valid for the length of your trip, and carry your travel itinerary, accommodation confirmations, employment details and financial statements. Processing times vary through the year, so apply well ahead, especially around the holidays. On arrival, immigration officers may ask about your visit, so keep supporting paperwork handy.
The US dollar is the official currency. A few things to keep in mind:
Domestic flights connect major cities like Los Angeles, New York, Miami and San Francisco. Hiring a car offers some flexibility. Public transport is reliable in most major cities. Licensed taxis and ride-sharing apps cover short trips easily in most metropolitan areas.
Pack for the season and the regions on your itinerary, but a few essentials hold true:
While you will generally find Americans to be polite and approachable, follow basic etiquette guidelines:
Staying connected with loved ones back at home while on your U.S. holiday is simple. Pick from:
If you’re planning a trip to the USA, travelling for at least 10 days to two weeks lets you explore a couple of key cities extensively. You can also plan road trips or visit multiple natural attractions. White Trails' USA tour packages are flexible on length, so you can plan based on your convenience.
Yes, the USA offers something for every age, from beaches and lush outdoors to museums and theme parks. White Trails can also tailor USA tour packages to meet your distinct preferences, so everyone has a wonderful time.
Start planning your trip to the USA 4 to 6 months before the tentative departure date. This way, you will have adequate time for booking flights, selecting accommodation, preparing for visa appointments and crafting a personalised itinerary.
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