Published 28th Jun. 2021
Reading time
1
The American West would not be the American West without Westerns. In this case, the Western was created by Italian Sergio Leone. Strolling through Monument Valley, Ennio Morricone's whining, sublime harmonica goes hand in hand with a cowboy jumping out from behind a rock.
2
A definite must-watch, not so much to relive the anguish of beautiful Tippi Hedren, who plays Melanie in the film, but to discover with delight the hills of San Francisco, and the other side of Bodega Bay, the place the birds attack, and where Hitchcock filmed the main shots of the film - a maniac for detail, he shot only the bare minimum in natural light in order to fully control the light and sound of his images.
3
This film can help you to understand the immensity of the landscapes of the American West before visiting. Feel the light, prepare to feel the thrill of driving on the long, straight roads of the great west, the impromptu stops in anonymous bars that line the sides of the road, which will only add to you memorable trip.
4
Dive into the immensity of Las Vegas while laughing along the way. Take some notes, check the place out. Once there, play a bit of roulette and also spot the difference: which neon lights, signs and garish architecture are still there? Which ones aren't there anymore and which ones are from the movie? The buildings in Las Vegas, whose spirit endures and shape changes, are like a cinematic setting that is constantly reinvented.
5
Winner of the Palme d'Or at Cannes and the Oscar for Best Screenplay, this film is a wonderful concentration of Los Angeles spirit. Created in the nineties with the distinct Tarantino touch, everything is so LA, from the diners and burgers (including the famous Big Mac scene), to the lighting, make-up, accessories and clothes from the West Coast, to even the intensity of the garish colours and the way everyone chews their gum.
Cover picture : Morgane Le Gall
From New York to California and all the states in between, our team knows the USA's hotspots incredibly well. What we really excel at, though, is the under-the-radar regions, thanks to our in-depth experience and the hand-picked guides we work with on the ground. Whether you’re travelling as a family or à deux, road trips are the ultimate way to explore the USA, and we're brimming with suggestions to improve journeys, from scenic route options to photogenic stop-off points (all based on our own experiences, of course). And if that's not enough, you'll have our in-country Concierge team on hand at all times for extra help and advice.
ENQUIRE NOWPractical advice and inspiration for your next trip
When it comes to postcard-perfect beaches, the USA has them in bucket-(and spade)-load. From California’s colourful coast and Florida’s buzzing beaches
4th August 2025 - USA Beaches & Islands
Americans know a thing or two about wide, open spaces, and our USA specialist, Dave, discovered what all the fuss was about during his research trip to the Rockies and the American West.
15th July 2025 - USA Travel Tips
With its dramatic landscapes, explosive geysers and wonderful wildlife, Yellowstone National Park is one of our favourite places in the USA. Spread across
30th June 2025 - USA Travel Tips
Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges