USA holidays

What's most astonishing is making constant jaw-dropping discoveries. No other country has made such an impact on the modern world. Not bad for a country that is only just over 200 years old. Despite the feeling of déjà vu caused by films and the media, there is always something different about the USA. The scale is one thing. We talk about the 'great outdoors', the Grand Canyon, Montana's nickname as the 'Big Sky' state, and cities that sprawl or reach for the sky. The American Frontier was first and foremost a quest for territory and ever since it has been the subject of an indelible nostalgia: the end of the Wild West, the end of cowboys roaming free 'on the range', the end of Indians in pursuit of massive herds of buffalo, and the end of innocence. American history may be short by comparison to that of Europe, but there once was an 'old America'. The US has (re)generated more myths than the Greeks and Romans combined. The country's culture, be that its art, literature, pop or counter-culture, cinema or music, is as diverse, energetic and impactful as any on the planet.

There is no perfect age at which to go on a USA holiday; after all, this is the place where everything is possible. Baby boomers bring both their parents and children on a 3G (three generational) holiday and everyone comes to discover the homeland of a cultural empire that spans the world.

The car is king in the States, as long as there is not too much driving involved. Visiting more than one place is essential, but be sure to take the time to get up close and personal. America can be a very profound place. You could pick a favourite theme to shape your trip: music along the Mississippi; train travel; a wagon ride to Oregon; a canoeing trip to Missouri Breaks; snorkelling with manatees in Florida; heli-skiing at the foot of Alaskan glaciers; following the Santa Fé Trail; visiting modern art museums; sweeping through national parks in a campervan; flying over Hawaii by helicopter.

The American West is huge, so unless you have months to spare, we will help you to narrow down the choices. San Francisco, Los Angeles, Denver, or Seattle? Glacier, Bryce or Crater Lake? Sioux or Apaches? Billy The Kid or Jesse James? Colorado or Columbia? How much adventure and action do you want? Then compare that with how much you want to drive in the time you have. We will help you solve this problem.

'I wanna wake up in a city that doesn't sleep…', follow Frank's advice but book early as it can sometimes feel like the whole world wants to visit New York, starting with the Americans themselves. The city is now a far cry from the New York of 'The Godfather' or 'Gangs of New York', but New York is still so fascinating that its hotels are crowded and prices increase due to demand even when the quality is quite patchy. Fortunately, there is always something going on.

Miami makes the most of its beach location, especially since the decision was taken to protect the rows of beautiful pastel Art Deco buildings along the beachfront. With stylish hotels, fun themed restaurants, chic boutiques, trendy museums and luxurious hideaways, the omnipresence of art works here takes a seaside getaway of Miami and a trip to Florida to a new level.

In New Orleans, as in the nearby bayou (wetlands), there's a sense of indolent sophistication illustrated by the splendour of the old plantation houses, but paired with a frenzy of energy best encapsulated by the region's amazing musical heritage. What better place than Louisiana to relax and enjoy a Southern Comfort on a rocking chair in the afternoon haze before experiencing a cocktail of new rhythms on a night out, whether for Mardi Gras or at any other time of year.

Designed from scratch, Las Vegas is a twinkling urban mirage in the middle of the Mojave desert and an almost imaginary world where everyone can relax. Like moths to a flame, visitors are caught up in the illusion of this fantastic theme park. The world's biggest popstars perform in the casinos, which are also home to hotels, shopping centres, museums and entertainment venues. This is a place where high bidding and high rolling go hand in hand. Some find it vulgar, but every once in a while...

California represents the best of America. With its legends, history, dazzling landscapes from desert to endless snowfields, magical cities, nine national parks, artistic vitality, and countless museums, California is a fully-fledged holiday destination. It is so vast that it would be unrealistic to try and see it all in a single trip.