Away from the spectacular Atlantic and Pacific coastlines, mainland USA extends from the Rockies and Sierra Nevada mountain ranges in the west to the Appalachian Mountains in the east. From the Mid West to the Gulf States, this is an area of outstanding natural contrasts. You'll find desert landscapes, tranquil lakes, rocky canyons, beaches, waterfalls, sand dunes, redwood forests and snow-capped mountains. Visit Las Vegas, Nevada's desert city, for bright lights and super-size casinos and take a helicopter flight over the nearby Grand Canyon for an unforgettable experience of one of the world's greatest natural wonders. 'Windy city' Chicago is a mid-western metropolis and home to over 3m people. It is acclaimed for its art, entertainment and sport, whilst Memphis draws heavily on its blues and rock n' roll heritage.
| New Orleans is very much open for business... |
Although ravaged by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, New Orleans is very much open for business. The main tourist areas, including the French Quarter, Magazine and Downtown are all on higher ground and sustained less damage and the spirit of the city makes it a great place to visit. Salt Lake City, in the state of Utah, sits at the foot of the rugged Wasatch Mountains and is the perfect spot for skiing or snowboarding. Famed for its powder snow and home to the 2002 Winter Olympics, Salt Lake City is great holiday destination for anybody who enjoys being outdoors.
May and June are ideal for a fly drive holiday due to cheaper prices, longer daylight hours and pleasant weather. Mid-summer is the height of the tourist season, although temperatures in the south and canyons can be too hot for some. Why not consider autumn as the weather is cooler and the prices are lower?
