The National Parks

Even more impressive is the scenery found within the confines of those nation parks. Any snooty European who scoffs at the huge number of Americans without passports might get an inkling as to why that might be when staring into the vastness of the Grand Canyon or up at the cascading waterfalls of Yosemite.

Another must visit would be Grand Canyon National Park, which has the added attraction of being the perfect natural complement to the glitz of Vegas. Take time out on a helicopter ride over and into the Canyon, or experience the very disconcerting view from the Skywalk that protrudes over the edge.

Yosemite National Park in California is another of the classics and makes for one of the most alluring combinations imaginable with a sophisticated city stay in San Francisco and a few days wine tasting in the elegant Napa and Sonoma valleys. Another region where lovely landscapes are conveniently located is Utah, home to Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park, home to sandstone peaks, Pink Cliffs pinnacles, cliffs and domes, flat topped mesas and arches respectively.