New York and East Coast
Duration : 10 days
Route : New York (5 nights) → Washington DC (2 nights) → Boston (2 nights) → New York (1 night)
Custom travel to the USA
The USA is one of the world's most complete destinations, where vertical New York meets southwestern deserts, where tropical Florida dialogues with Alaska's icy landscapes, and where every state reveals its own character. From Manhattan's skylines to the Western national parks (Yellowstone, Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Zion), from California beaches to Louisiana bayous, from the Rocky Mountains to the Everglades, the country offers unmatched geographical, cultural, and culinary diversity.
Highlights
- New York: Manhattan, Brooklyn, museums, and Broadway
- California: San Francisco, Los Angeles, Highway 1, Yosemite
- Western parks: Grand Canyon, Bryce, Zion, Monument Valley
- Florida: Miami, Keys, Everglades, Orlando
- Deep South: New Orleans, Nashville, Memphis
Sample itineraries
Great American West: national parks
Duration : 16 days
Route : Las Vegas (1 night) → Grand Canyon (1 night) → Page / Antelope Canyon / Horseshoe Bend (1 night) → Monument Valley (1 night) → Bryce Canyon (1 night) → Zion (2 nights) → Las Vegas (1 night) → Death Valley (1 night) → Yosemite (2 nights) → San Francisco (3 nights) → flight to LA → Los Angeles (2 nights)
West Coast and Pacific Coast Highway
Duration : 14 days
Route : San Francisco (3 nights) → Napa Valley (1 night) → Monterey / Carmel (1 night) → Big Sur (1 night) → Santa Barbara (1 night) → Los Angeles (3 nights) → Joshua Tree (1 night) → San Diego (2 nights) → flight to SF (1 night)
Deep South and Florida: music and tropics
Duration : 12 days
Route : New Orleans (3 nights) → Louisiana bayou (1 night) → Memphis (2 nights) → Nashville (2 nights) → flight Miami (3 nights) → Florida Keys / Key West (2 nights) → return flight
Hawaii: three islands and Polynesian tradition
Duration : 12 days
Route : Oahu / Honolulu (3 nights) → flight Maui (4 nights, Hana Highway, Haleakala) → flight Big Island (4 nights, volcanoes, Mauna Kea) → return flight Honolulu
When to go
The USA can be visited year-round depending on the region. For East Coast and Washington DC: April-June and September-October (stifling and humid summer, cold winter). For West Coast and California: almost year-round (Mediterranean climate in the south, oceanic in the north). For Western parks (Grand Canyon, Bryce, Zion): April-June and September-October (40 °C+ summer in Death Valley). For Yellowstone: June-September (snow other months). For Florida: November-May (rain June-October, hurricanes). For the South (New Orleans, Nashville): spring and autumn (humid summer).
- Spring (March – May) — Western parks, East Coast, West Coast, south
- Summer (June – August) — Yellowstone, Alaska, West Coast, California parks
- Autumn (September – November) — New England (foliage), West Coast, Southwest, Napa
- Winter (December – February) — New York at Christmas, Florida, Aspen, Hawaii, southwest desert
Practical information
In the USA, ESTA is mandatory (apply online before departure, valid 2 years, around $21). Biometric passport required. Systematic tipping: 18-22% in restaurants (calculated before tax), $1-2 per bag at hotels, 15-20% in taxi/Uber. Prices shown exclude tax (sales tax) variable by state (0-9%). Tap water good everywhere. Cards accepted everywhere, cash rarely needed. Emergency number: 911. Extremely high medical costs: travel insurance essential. Some urban areas to avoid at night (check locally).
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time for a USA trip?
April-June and September-October offer the best conditions across most of the territory (East Coast, West Coast, Western parks). For Yellowstone: June-September. For Florida: November-May. For New York at Christmas: December.
How long for a USA trip?
Minimum 10 days for New York + another point of interest. 14-16 days for the Western parks grand tour. 21 days to combine East Coast + West Coast. The country is vast, better to concentrate.
What budget for a custom USA trip?
As a guideline, €2,800-€4,000 per person for 10-14 days in comfort, excluding flights. For an upscale trip with exceptional hotels: €6,500-€12,000. Paris-NY flights: €500-€1,200, Paris-LA: €700-€1,500.
Do I need a visa to travel to the USA?
No visa for French citizens for tourist stays under 90 days, but ESTA (electronic travel authorization) is mandatory. Apply online before departure (around $21, valid 2 years). Biometric passport required.
How do I get around in the USA?
Rental car for most itineraries (Western parks, Highway 1, Deep South). Subway in NY, SF, Boston, DC, Chicago. Domestic flights (Delta, United, JetBlue) to connect East and West Coast. Picturesque but slow Amtrak trains. Economical Greyhound bus.
Should I rent a car in the USA?
Essential for Western parks, Highway 1, Deep South. Unnecessary in NY, SF, DC (excellent public transit). French license accepted for short rentals, international license recommended. Minimum age 21, young driver surcharge until 25.
How does tipping work in the USA?
Tipping is systematic and part of waiters' salary: 18-22% in restaurants (calculated before tax), $1-2 per bag at hotels, 15-20% in taxi/Uber, $1-2 per drink at bars. Not tipping is very badly perceived.
Is the USA safe for a trip?
Generally safe for tourists who stay in recommended zones. Vigilance in some urban areas (Skid Row in LA, Tenderloin in SF, some parts of NY after midnight). Extremely high medical costs: travel insurance essential.
How to pay in the USA: card or cash?
Cards are accepted everywhere (Visa, Mastercard, Amex). Cash rarely needed, except for tips and food trucks. ATMs abundant. Apple Pay and Google Pay widespread.
Is the USA suitable for a family trip?
Absolutely. Family-oriented country (Disney, Universal parks, kid-friendly restaurants, hotels with pools). Favor Florida (Orlando, Miami) for kids, West Coast (San Diego, Los Angeles) or Western parks for teens.