USA

The USA is a vast country, with world-class cities to visit, and which you choose will come down to your personal interests when travelling.

Washington, D.C. is the US capital, known for its famous sights and national treasures, including the most iconic: the White House, the Capitol Building, the Lincoln Memorial and the Smithsonian museums. This is a great city to walk around and discover what it has to offer.

New York City is a city that must be experienced to be fully appreciated, with sights like the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Plaza, the Chrysler Building, Central Park, Times Square, 5th Avenue, the 9/11 Memorial and Museum and, of course, the famous Statue of Liberty. There are plenty of shopping meccas to discover and fantastic food to enjoy, typical of this fascinating city. In the evening, why not take in a Broadway show? There are plenty to choose from.

Los Angeles, in Southern California, has always been a city linked with movie stars and glamour. The suburbs of Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Bel Air are home to the rich and famous. If you are a movie buff, then this is the place for you! Nearby Anaheim is home to Disneyland, a joy for young and old. You will find shopping all over LA; however, a visit to Rodeo Drive is a must, even if you cannot afford the prices.

The picturesque city of San Francisco has charming streets, stunning views and fantastic outdoor dining. Take a cruise on San Francisco Bay to Alcatraz or a drive over the Golden Gate Bridge, before wandering down to Fisherman’s Wharf for lunch. Then hop on one of the historic cable cars to see more of what this city has to offer. The views will astound you!

Las Vegas is the city of lights in the desert, one that has been attracting visitors for decades with huge resorts that have all kinds of attractions and shows to entice you. Your entertainment options are vast, with some of the music industry’s top stars holding residencies here and playing to sold-out audiences every night. Cirque du Soleil offers another unique experience and, of course, each resort has something to entertain guests, from dancing fountains to an erupting volcano. If you wish to enjoy a day out of the city, why not visit the surrounding areas, which include the Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, Death Valley National Park and Valley of Fire State Park?

New Orleans is a true mixture of cultures, with a strong French and Spanish influence. Jazz music, Cajun and Creole cuisine and the architecture of the French Quarter set this city apart. A highlight not to be missed each year is Mardi Gras, when elaborate costumes and outrageous floats light up the streets and music can be heard everywhere, as the celebrations seem to be endless.

Miami is most definitely a beach destination; however, you can find great beaches all over Florida. Miami offers a unique feeling, with its Cuban vibe along Calle Ocho in Little Havana and the Art Deco District in Miami Beach, which recalls the 1930s. Take a day to visit Everglades National Park to see the alligators, turtles and multitude of birds in this wetland area. Orlando, in Florida, is home to Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Studios and SeaWorld, making it a great place for families.

The Hawaiian Islands are an archipelago of eight major volcanic islands, several atolls and numerous smaller islets in the North Pacific Ocean, and a top beach destination. Located on the Hawaiian island of Oahu, Waikiki is a suburb of Honolulu known for its beautiful golden-sand beaches that stretch along the oceanfront. Rent a surfboard and hit the waves, take to the shops and enjoy the numerous dining options in the evening.

Alaska is situated to the northwest of Canada and borders it to the east, with its snow-capped peaks, glaciers, wild rivers and wide-open spaces. It has a real frontier attitude that can be experienced in places like Anchorage, Fairbanks and Juneau. This state is a popular place to take a cruise along the Inside Passage, where towering mountains extend right down to the sea. Alaska is an outdoor destination offering a multitude of options, including camping, mountaineering, canoeing and fishing. In winter, visit the ski resorts or catch a glimpse of the northern lights.

Boston is a city of historical significance, where the famous Freedom Trail leads past some of the city’s most famous and historic sights. This picturesque city has a unique charm, sitting along the oceanfront, with ferries connecting the outer suburbs. Modern skyscrapers stand next to old buildings, while art galleries and public spaces, like Boston Common, give this city a quaint, small-town feel. It is also home to the famous Boston Pops Orchestra.

Philadelphia, or Philly, is famous as the birthplace of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Philadelphia has a rich history. Sights include the Liberty Bell; Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and Constitution were signed; the Betsy Ross House, the birthplace of the American flag; and the Rocky Statue and Rocky Steps from the self-titled movie. This city has some fascinating museums along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and a delicious food scene, where you can try a Philly cheesesteak.

Chicago is situated on the shores of Lake Michigan, a lovely city with parks and a beautiful waterfront with amazing beaches. It has great art and cultural attractions, including the Magnificent Mile along Michigan Avenue, Millennium Park, the Art Institute of Chicago, Navy Pier and the views from the Willis Tower Skydeck.

Other places not to be missed include the Utah national parks, which are well worth visiting. They are home to Arches National Park, with its canyons, arches, natural amphitheatres and oddly beautiful rock formations; Zion National Park, known for its hiking trails, soaring cliff walls, waterfalls and the river running through the valley; and lastly Bryce Canyon National Park, with its huge natural amphitheatre providing the base for a forest of colourful rock pinnacles. There are also the Colorado Rocky Mountains, Yosemite National Park and Yellowstone National Park to visit.