Five trailblazing reasons to explore the USA

The lure of Los Angeles and the neon-lit streets of New York may have the pulling power when it comes to a holiday in the USA. But true beauty also lies within the heart of this great continent where you will discover a tapestry of diverse landscapes, bounty of flavours, and sporting extravaganzas.

Stretching 4,473 kilometres between West Side Story and La La Land these urban jungles bookend the natural wonders of red rock canyons, white-capped mountains, and bluegrass hills. 

“The National Park is the best idea America ever had,” said statesman and environmentalist James Bryce. You can explore the 63 parks from Arches to Zion on our tailor-made itineraries and by private air which will take you directly from the Yosemite to Yellowstone.

No trip to the USA would be complete without sampling the authentic flavours of the American South or world-class wine in Napa Valley. We showcase below how you can enjoy insider access to top sporting events from basketball to baseball and be among the first to welcome back Formula One to the Las Vegas Strip.

In a country where landmarks are strangely familiar, you will walk a fine line in which the silver screen slowly begins to fuse with your golden moments. 

We are working in partnership with Brand USA to showcase this unmissable destination, and you can fly there with British Airways.

Top five reasons to explore the USA

1. The great outdoors

There is no shortage of space in a country of 50 states, five territories and the District of Columbia that span 9.83 million square kilometres. The awe-inspiring Grand Canyon cuts a swathe down the west coast while in the southeast the Florida Keys pepper the coastline with palm-studded islets. To the north, you will find freedom roaming the never-ending Great Plains.

After having our travel wings clipped during the pandemic, there is no better place to reconnect with nature than taking a road trip through the five national parks of Utah. Yellowstone is a natural showstopper of fire and brimstone featuring more than 10,000 geysers and psychedelic thermal springs. This is quite simply the epitome of the great outdoors with bison grazing on the prairie, azure lakes, snow-capped peaks, and a myriad of wildlife including grizzlies, moose, eagles, and wolves. 

Start your wild adventure in the 45th state with a private guide who will lead you from the orange-hue spires in Bryce Canyon to the mushroom-shaped rock pinnacles, or hoodoos, in Moab. While family-friendly trails and mountain biking can be enjoyed by all, the national parks are a thrill-seekers’ paradise offering canyoneering or rafting along the Colorado River. You can ride like a cowboy alongside our expert Wrangler and for a bird’s-eye view of towering red rock buttes and twisting canyons enjoy an exclusive helicopter ride. 

There is no other place in the world where you can embrace the great outdoors in this way and toast your daily adventures stargazing from a luxury lodge each night.

Suggested itinerary: Legendary Yellowstone & Wonders of Utah

2. Spectacular sport

Sport on a grand scale can be found in every city across the USA. Visit during Super Bowl and you will feel the frisson of excitement during the National Football League (NFL) final and extravagant half-time show.

Whatever your age or sporting passion you will find a destination in our tailor-made itinerary that serves up just what you are looking for whether it is baseball, basketball, or sitting trackside for the epic return of Formula One to Las Vegas (in November 2023).

After more than 40 years F1 is back racing on The Strip in the heart of the Mojave Desert. The circuit is bigger and better paving the way for future sporting dramas. The resort city is also home to the American Football team Las Vegas Raiders whose ground will host the 2024 Super Bowl. With our insider access, you can enjoy prime courtside seats and the chance to meet the cheerleaders after the game. 

While Miami plays host to F1 every May, you can also enjoy the raw thrills of Daytona International Speedway or take in some American football with the Miami Dolphins who play at the Hard Rock Stadium. 

We can secure the hottest tickets in town to watch the New York Knicks play basketball at Madison Square Garden or the Lakers in Los Angeles where you can meet the star players. If a baseball game is on your bucket list don’t miss the chance to watch the LA Dodgers in action.

For those who like to plan, don’t forget the FIFA Football World Cup 2026 will be held in 11 US cities along with three venues in Mexico and two in Canada. 

Suggested itinerary: Iconic Cities of America

3. As seen on screen

For a family holiday shot in technicolour, there’s no better country in the world to visit for a blockbuster experience. 

Fans of HBO’s Big Little Lies will relish the coastal drive, along Highway 1 between Monterey, Carmel, and Big Sur and take in scenes from the popular show. Viewers of The White Lotus can make their own footprints in the sand with a visit to Maui in Wailea, Hawaii – where the first series was filmed. Stay at Four Seasons Resort Wailea which has one of the best beaches and restaurants, including NOBU, on this volcanic island.

It is said that when Robert Redford was cast in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, the long-time Utah resident convinced the producers to film in his home state. You can follow in his footsteps with a visit to Zion National Park. Visit in January and you could be part of The Sundance Film Festival. Fans of Yellowstone with Kevin Costner can visit Park City where the early series was shot before moving to Montana.

No road trip is complete without a holiday soundtrack whether it is the twang of country music as you drive through the Carolinas which was the backdrop to Where the Crawdads Sing or Viva Las Vegas as you cross the Mojave Desert. 

Suggested itinerary: Classic California

Stay: Four Seasons Resort Wailea

4. Luxury experiences

Our little black book of contacts will accelerate you on a journey of discovery with immersive experiences and exclusive access to red-carpet events and Broadway shows.

You will feel like a movie star with a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the world’s largest movie studio. Enjoy a private tour of Universal Studios and priority access to theme park rides. Take the helm and skipper your own America’s Cup racing yacht as you sail under the Golden Gate Bridge. Adventure beyond the towering sequoia trees in Yosemite National Park with an astronomy-led night hike. 

Join our itinerary National Parks by Private Air which will take you to the rim of the Grand Canyon or charter your own jet to create the perfect balance of city, beach, and nature for your own family or group. Expect seamless transfers and your own onboard chef.

Stay in harmony with nature at some of the world’s most luxurious and remote locations from a hideaway in Utah to a chateau in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

Suggested itinerary: National Parks by Private Air

5. Culinary journeys

Sizzling steaks and freshly caught seafood make the US one of the world’s greatest food destinations. Texas may have its beef, Maine its lobster shacks, and Georgia its peaches, but you should also experience the cuisine of the American South. 

The distinctive flavours of Africa and the Caribbean make Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee a feast for the eyes and mouth. Discover more about the place and its people through the lens of epicurean characters.

Indulge in authentic Creole dishes and eat the best crawfish and gumbo in Natchez. Sample some lip-smacking barbecues and the best southern-fried chicken you have ever tasted. During your family holiday go behind the scenes in Nashville’s famed Goo’ Goo Chocolate Co. where you can make a candy bar to take home.

While the cuisine may take centre stage in many states, aim to include a visit to the Californian vineyards which you can explore on board the vintage Napa Wine Train allowing plenty of time for those all-important tastings. 

Finally, there’s no better way to round off your holiday than with a Manhattan sundowner overlooking the iconic skyline which reaches out toward this land of travel opportunities. 

Suggested itinerary: Immersive Deep South