Discover the United States

There's more to Hawaii than just beaches, according to US specialist Gillian. With six main islands to discover, you can spend your days exploring ever-changing volcanic landscapes, snorkeling with manta rays, taking a helicopter flight over cliffs, and soaking up the Polynesian culture.

One-time resident Dawn suggests a self-drive route through New England. It allows you to take in the cobbled streets of Boston, the rocky Maine coast, the White Mountains, Vermont's winding country lanes and the sandy shores of Cape Cod.

Route 66 is one of the most iconic drives in the US, stretching for 2,400 miles from Chicago on the Great Lakes, to Los Angeles in the west. US specialist, Rob, details his experience of the route, and the highlights along the way.

Fall unfurls across New England like a patchwork quilt of scarlet, ochre, russet and gold. Specialist Alice suggests a route that will let you take in the region's sleepy shore towns, granite mountains, clapboard villages and, of course, the vibrant foliage.

Our specialists will have traveled the routes we offer so you can rest assured that you'll get the most from your self-drive vacation in the US. They'll also plan the best places to stay, things to see and do, and even what car is most suited to your needs.

Discover the best road trip ideas in the US, hand-picked by our specialists, from island-hopping trips in Hawaii to red-rock vistas in the Southwest. We also share some of the experiences you can have as you stop along the way.

Juxtaposing extreme wealth and stark poverty, the South's plantations shine a light on the region's past. US specialist Carla shares her recommendations on which plantations to visit for a thorough grounding in the South's history.

Hawaii is known for its powdery beaches and swaying palms, but the islands of this tropical archipelago have much more to offer. One of the best ways to experience Hawaii away from the crowds is on a fly-drive tour, giving you the flexibility and freedom to immerse yourself in the culture and history of the Aloha state at your own pace.

A quieter alternative to California, the Pacific Northwest is home to stratovolcanoes, temperate rainforest, deep gorges and a wild coastline. USA specialist Alex shares his highlights of the region, from outdoor activities to food tours in the characterful cities of Portland and Seattle.

USA specialist David picks some of his highlights for a family vacation in California. From enjoying the different cultures in San Francisco to whale watching in Monterey, touring the film studies in Los Angeles to exploring Redwood National Park, California has a range of experiences for all ages.

Alaska specialist Sam shares his favorite places and experiences in Alaska, from watching brown bears catching salmon at Brooks Falls to flying over glaciers and active volcanoes in a small plane.

Florida is blessed with both an Atlantic and a Gulf of Mexico coast, and there are a number of self-driving routes throughout the state that combine coastal highlights with some of the region's most recognizable attractions inland. USA specialist, David, drove across the Florida Keys on his recent trip.

Take a fly-drive along the California coast and explore some of the region's most captivating towns, cities and national parks, from glamorous LA, home of the US film industry, to the dramatic geological spectacles of Yosemite National Park.

As a honeymoon destination, the United States has a lot to offer. US specialist, Carl, picks some of his top choices, from exploring San Francisco and driving the Pacific Coast Highway to staying on a ranch in the Rocky Mountain states and experiencing the swamplands and culture of Louisiana.

A self-drive down the Blue Ridge Parkway will take you from the nation's capital, Washington D.C. on a journey of discovery through Virginia, North Carolina and Tennessee. You'll uncover historic towns and marvel at the splendid scenery of national parks such as Shenandoah and Great Smoky Mountains.