The Great American Road Trip–LA to New York

There's a lot to see and do in LA, and we recommend spending extra time here if you'd like to explore Hollywood, Rodeo Drive, Santa Monica, Venice Beach and other hot spots around the city; speak to your sales agent to book extra accommodation. Enjoy free time today in Santa Monica, where the hostel is located, and check out the famous pier or hit the beach.

Be on celebrity-watch while passing by a few popular sites on the way out of LA, California's most glamorous city. Cruise through Orange County and along the incredible Pacific coastline to the truly remarkable San Diego. Sun, sand, food, and fun await us in this beautiful beach city. Once we have arrived you are free to adventure as you please. Soak up the sun on Mission Beach, hike along the sandstone cliffs of Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, spend the day at the city’s cultural hub – Balboa Park, or immerse yourself in the military and maritime history of one of the happiest cities in the U.S. In the evening, head to the Gaslamp Quarter District for dinner and live music. As the sun sets, watch the area come alive with numerous pubs and nightclubs and get ready for a night of fun!

Travel to the desert landscape of Joshua Tree National Park – a place that attracts everyone from stargazers to rock climbers. Stop, stare, and enjoy the scenery of the Mojave and Colorado deserts, and of course the famous Joshua trees, with their gnarled branches. The group will take a short hike amongst the boulders of this park before zooming off to cool off in the crystal-clear waters of the Colorado River at Lake Havasu.

Hit the road to get some kicks on Route 66. Dive into historic Americana and enjoy lunch at a famous joint and see if you can spot all the movie memorabilia. Afterwards, it’s off to the Grand Canyon to explore the massive gorges, ridges, and rock formations that make even the most skeptical of travellers become awestruck. Dive into a delicious pizza dinner as you sit with your newest adventures buddies and watch the sun dip below the canyon’s south rim.

Another day, another adventure! Not feeling a hike this morning? That's cool, you have the option to splurge on an unforgettable helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon. Get ready to feel incredibly small as the world opens up at your feet. For a quieter experience rent a bike to check out the south rim or go see the IMAX Grand Canyon movie. No matter what you decide, the epic views will be there.

Wave goodbye to this grand park as we take one last drive along the southern rim of the canyon. Then it’s time to eat some grub at a local Navajo food truck supported by Planeterra. With a full stomach and a happy attitude drive through the desert to discover one of the most majestic places on earth, Monument Valley. You have the option of getting deep into the valley with a 4x4 excursion with a local Navajo guide, or simply walk around yourself and admire this vast, colourful landscape and cool rock formations.

Grab your camera and break a sweat with a quick hike to iconic Horseshoe Bend. Stand overlooking this cool natural shape of the Colorado River and snap a few zen photos. Then, discover ghost towns, funky roadside attractions, and bask in the fading sun as you head into “Sin City”. Explore the Las Vegas strip in style on an optional VIP party limo ride with some fellow trip mates.

Full day to explore Las Vegas. Walk the strip and try your luck at the tables or slot machines. Or spend the day shopping, dining or poolside. In the evening opt to see one of the wildly entertaining shows Vegas is known for.

Zoom past towering cliffs and massive canyon walls as you enter Zion National Park and ready yourself for loads of exploring! Looking for a challenge? Hike to Observation Point on the Angel's Landing trail and take in the panoramic views of the park stretching out beneath you. Hoping for even more adventure? Head deep into the Narrows and hike through slot canyons with water flowing through them. Searching for more of a relaxing day? Simply walk along any of the other trails you can find and immerse yourself in this beautiful place.

Head out early for Bryce Canyon, where you’ll have a chance to walk amongst the famous hoodoos. Check out the amphitheatre and Queen’s Garden trail to take some fun pictures with your adventure buddies! In the afternoon head towards Moab along Scenic Byway 12 passing Grand Escalante National Monument and Capitol Reef National Park along the way. If you enjoy slot canyons and sandstone cliffs this may be your favourite part of the trip yet!

Welcome to Utah’s adventure capital—Moab! Get ready for a morning of endless adventure; from rafting through rapids, to hitting the trails on a mountain bike there’s so many ways to enjoy yourself in this natural playground. In the afternoon head out on a hike through some pretty surreal rock formations in Arches National Park with your group. The fun doesn’t stop here, you’ll end the day watching a gorgeous sunset at Dead Horse Point State Park.

Welcome to colourful Colorado! Get ready for things to get radical as you arrive in Glenwood Springs, where you can hike at nearby Hanging Lake, rent a bike in Glenwood Canyon, or go for a swim in the world’s largest hot springs pool.

Next up...good ole’ Wyoming! Spend the day reflecting, laughing, and relaxing as you travel to Flaming Gorge Reservoir. Get out, stretch those legs and maybe hike along the canyon rim, or explore the reservoir shoreline by kayak. Then, get ready for a show as you watch the sinking sun reflect off the red canyon walls and see how this canyon earned its name—don’t forget your camera!

“Yee-haw!” It’s off to the ‘ol mountain town of Jackson Hole—gateway to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. Marvel and pose at the town square’s elk antler arches, explore the countryside or splash through the rapids of the Snake River while whitewater rafting during a free afternoon. Then, enjoy a night out in with a true wild western atmosphere and visit a cowboy bar. Step back in time, imagine the run-down saloons and outlaws of the Old West, and try your hand at a little Western line dancing with your travel family at the Million Dollar Bar.

It’s off to Grand Teton National Park—home to some of the youngest mountains in the world. You’ll spend the day taking it all in. Grab your camera and your friends before immersing yourself in one of the top 10 visited parks in the U.S. Take a hike among the towering peaks, a quick dip into Jackson Lake, or keep your eyes peeled for signs of wildlife before crossing the Continental Divide en route to Yellowstone National Park, where you will stop for the night.

Yellowstone is beyond special. Geysers, waterfalls, wildlife, and scenic beauty are around every corner just waiting to be explored. In fact, Yellowstone National Park is a super volcano with the world’s largest active geyser field, boasting more than 10,000 geysers. The Park is also home to more wild animals than almost anywhere else in the U.S., including roaming bison, gray wolves, elk, black bears, and, of course, the famous grizzly bear. Travel through some of the most famous landmarks of Yellowstone, including Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, West Thumb, and Yellowstone Lake.

You guessed it! Today it’s the North Loops turn for a little love and exploration. Spend the day taking loads of photos and experiencing highlights like, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, scenic Grand Loop Road, and the ever-evolving geometrical terraces of Mammoth Hot Springs in Fort Yellowstone. Then it’s time to hit the road again to the university town of Bozeman, Montana. Get ready for an evening of free time to make some memories.

Let's keep moving through Montana; known as Big Sky Country. Travel through stunning scenery beneath miles of open sky along the way to Glacier National Park. Smile, learn, and laugh your way through largely untouched land, with over 20 glaciers, and 200 lakes and streams. The park has 730 miles of trails for you to enjoy so it should be easy to hike until you drop.

Another day, another chance to get out there and live your best life. Grab a friend or maybe a few and in your free time continue exploring Glacier NP with its many glaciers, lakes and streams with your free time. Feel the wind in your hair as you ride along the Going-to-the-Sun road, (voted one of the most scenic drives in the world), or take a selfie once you reach the Continental Divide. Your only real job today is to have a blast!

“The Hills are alive…” okay, we know, wrong country, but you’ll be wanting to sing this loud and proud as you drive further west to beautiful Coeur D’ Alene, Idaho! Surrounded by over 50 lakes, this town is an outdoor enthusiast's dream. There’s plenty to do and time to do it; walk the floating boardwalk, go mountain biking, or take part in water-sports on Lake Coeur d’Alene as the day goes by.

It’s on to the beautiful, moody, and wild Pacific Northwest. Watch as mountains give way to lush old growth forests and a world of green as you pass into the evergreen state of Washington on the way to Seattle.

The day is yours! Enjoy Seattle with your travel tribe; visit Pike Place Market, the first Starbucks location, or ride to the top of the Space Needle. Grab a selfie with the gum wall or the Fremont Troll, and make sure you grab a coffee at one of the 2,000 shops around the city.

Drive to the city of Portland. One of the most popular cities to visit north of California on the West Coast, Portland is artsy, funky and full of great eating and drinking options. Spend the afternoon getting to know this cool city.

After enjoying the quirkiness of Portland, continue on to Bend, consistently voted one of the best places to live in the US. Arrive in time to explore a bit of the town. Opt to canoe, kayak or check out one of the region's famous breweries.

Leave early to take in the sights at gorgeous Crater Lake National Park. Stare in awe at the crystal blue waters of one of the most pristine lakes on earth before continuing on to Redwood National Park, home to the tallest trees on Earth. Spend the evening amongst the gigantic coastal redwoods, and keep a keen eye for wildlife throughout the park.

Wake with the sun for a morning hike through mystic old growth forests. Travel down the coast before driving inland through California wine country. Opt for an afternoon wine tasting or relax amongst the vineyards en route before camping for the night outside of beautiful Napa Valley.

Continue on to idyllic Lake Tahoe, a jewel of the Sierra Nevadas. Known for it's crystal clear waters and sweeping mountain views, it is truly a nature-lover's paradise. Enjoy a free afternoon for hiking, lake activities or relaxing.

Marvel at the spectacular views of Yosemite National Park's magnificent peaks and granite domes while enjoying one of most scenic drives in California: Tioga Pass!

Full day to explore Yosemite National Park. Hike the many trails Yosemite has to offer and be inspired by this beautiful and amazing landscape. Option to rent bikes in Yosemite Valley.

Catch a glimpse of the Golden Gate Bridge on the way into one of America's most popular cities. Take an optional cable car ride over the steep hills or explore the city by bicycle.

Enjoy a free day to explore San Francisco.

Visit Santa Cruz and go for a stroll along the boardwalk. Marvel at the beautiful coastline and mountain ranges of Big Sur along the Pacific coast. Arrive in time for sunset on Morro Bay.

Journey along the stunning Pacific coast to the City of Angels. Stop in Santa Barbara for lunch in this famous coastal city as we make our way to LA (maybe sneak in a volleyball game on the beach if you have time). Your CEO will point out a few famous neighbourhoods and landmarks on the drive. And even though the trip ends upon arrival to Los Angeles you ca certainly book some post accommodation and continue enjoying one of most geographically diverse states in America.

We're not done just yet! It's time to give the East Coast some attention. Hop on a flight to the Big Apple, and get ready to see more highlights of the other side of the U.S.

Take a hike to explore this beautiful Finger Lakes region on foot, rent a kayak or paddleboard, or just relax by the lake. Opt to taste wine from one of the local vineyards.

An exciting adventure awaits in Niagara Falls. Feel the rushing waters of the falls taking the famous "Maid of the Mist Boat Tour." Return after darkness settles over the Niagara region and witness the Falls illuminated in a rainbow of colour!

Drive along Lake Erie, through the city of Cleveland before continuing on to Detroit. Detroit is having a resurgence and is quickly transforming with new markets, distilleries, art galleries, and restaurants popping up. Enjoy a free evening to explore this up-and-coming destination.

Continue west to Chicago. There's tons to do in the Windy City – walk along the river to Millennium Park, enjoy dazzling music, and stroll the boardwalk of the Navy Pier. Opt to ride to the top of the Willis Tower, or hit the town for a night out with the group.

Enjoy a free day to explore Chicago.

Follow the Kentucky Bourbon Trail to Louisville. Home of the Kentucky Derby, this city is a foodie haven filled with lively bars and farm-to-table restaurants. Enjoy a free afternoon to explore, and don't forget to indulge in some BBQ and bourbon.

Travel to the country music capital of the world. Head out for live music, line dancing, and cowboy nightlife tonight. Keep your eyes peeled for some of country music's biggest stars.

Nashville has so much unique culture to experience while visiting. No stay would be complete without trying some of the cities famous hot fried chicken, or visiting one of its many country bars or music museums.

In the afternoon, opt to walk in the footsteps of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll at Elvis Presley’s home, Graceland. See how the legend lived and discover videos, pictures, stage costumes, and much more. Then hear the music in Memphis, Tennessee! Explore the birthplace of Rock 'n' Roll, Home of Blues, and the starting point of soul. Music legends, including Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and B.B. King, made their marks on Memphis. Opt to check out the National Civil Rights Museum, located where Martin Luther King Jr was assassinated.

Crank up the jazz and drive into the home of Mardi Gras. Explore the French Quarter, and join the revellers on Bourbon Street 'til the early hours.

New travellers may join you today for the rest of the adventure. You are welcome to join them at a group meeting this evening, followed by an optional dinner.

Cross the state line into Florida and travel to Panama City Beach. This coastal town is surrounded by 27 miles of white sand beaches on the Gulf of Mexico. Enjoy an afternoon on the beach and opt to hit the town this evening.

Travel to the home of 'The Most Magical Place on Earth', Orlando. With great shopping, nightlife, and famous amusement parks like Disney World and Universal Studios, let your inner kid run wild!

Enjoy a full free day in Orlando. Opt to meet Mickey Mouse at Disney World or discover the magical world of Harry Potter at Universal Studios.

Head to historic Savannah, stopping en route in the oldest city in America, St. Augustine. Opt for a walk around the historic riverfront of Savannah, stroll through town admiring the architecture and oak trees covered in Spanish moss, or head out to Bonaventure Cemetery.

Travel to the city of Charleston, known for its historic, romantic charm. Explore the cobblestone streets and pre-civil war houses, and look across the water to Fort Sumter, the location of the first shots of the Civil War. Opt to visit the Charleston City Market before heading up the coast to camp for the night.

Travel to the US capital and tour the monuments by moonlight with your CEO.

There is so much to see and do in Washington DC that you can't see it all in one day. Take your time and spend a full day exploring this fascinating city.

Travel to New York, stopping in Philadelphia en route. Trip ends on arrival to New York. Opt to visit Times Square, stroll Central Park, check out Greenwich Village, or experience the famous nightlife of New York.