Guide to the United States: everything you need to know to plan your trip

It is rare for a single country to bring together so much diversity in one territory. The United States is, above all, a mosaic of landscapes, cultures and atmospheres that unfolds before you according to your desires and pace. Every detail of your itinerary can make the difference between an ordinary trip and a stay that you will remember for a long time.

From New York City's towering skyscrapers to the dunes of Death Valley, past the colorful cliffs of the Grand Canyon and the vastness of Grand Teton, the country offers panoramas like no other. The American West, in particular, concentrates some of the world's most spectacular national parks. Monument Valley, with its rock formations that seem to have emerged from another era, along with the American parks of Utah and Wyoming, rank among the planet's rarest and most striking destinations. These landscapes naturally invite a tailor-made journey, the kind you craft according to your own desires rather than following a standardized itinerary.

Beyond the landscapes, the United States carry a strong cultural identity, shaped by centuries of immigration and multiple influences. New York alone is home to world-renowned museums, a thriving arts scene, and distinctly eclectic gastronomy. Further south, New Orleans vibrates to the rhythm of jazz and offers unique Creole cuisine. Los Angeles, for its part, embodies the energy of the Pacific Coast with its creative neighborhoods and a culinary scene in constant evolution. San Francisco captivates with its bohemian character and Asian influences, perceptible even on the plate.

The United States span multiple time zones and cover very different climate zones. The ideal time for your trip therefore depends above all on the regions you wish to explore. Here is an overview to help you plan your stay:

Spring and autumn remain the most versatile periods to explore the American West without the summer crowds. If you are planning a road trip through the American parks, book several months in advance, especially for sites like Grand Teton or Death Valley, which often fill up in peak season.

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With an area comparable to that of a continent, the United States require careful planning. To fully enjoy each stage, a tailor-made trip is far more essential than a fixed itinerary. Two major regions concentrate most of the must-sees.

Setting out to conquer the American West by car remains one of the most striking experiences you can have. Renting a car opens the way to exceptional itineraries: linking Los Angeles to Las Vegas, crossing Monument Valley at golden hour, stopping at Yellowstone's geysers, or watching the changing colors of the Grand Canyon at sunset. The American West brings together, on its own, national parks of rare beauty, among which Grand Teton ranks among the absolute favorites of those lucky enough to venture there. Hitting the road at your own pace, choosing your stops, and granting yourself a moment of serenity in the face of these grand landscapes is exactly what a road trip in the American West has to offer you.

New York remains one of the most fascinating cities in the world and deserves on its own several days of exploration, between its iconic neighborhoods, its museums, and its top-tier gastronomic destinations. Heading north toward Boston or south toward Washington, D.C., you traverse a region rich in history and remarkable architecture. This journey between the East and the West can easily be considered a complete stay, provided you organize it with the attention it deserves.

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Before you pack your bags, some practical information deserves your attention to prepare your stay with complete peace of mind:

• Entry requirements: a biometric passport and an ESTA authorization are required for French nationals.
• Currency: the US dollar (USD) is the official currency; bank cards are accepted everywhere.
• Time difference: between -6 and -9 hours depending on the state.
• Transport: renting a car is essential to explore the national parks and the American Southwest;
• Tips: expect between 18% and 25% in restaurants and for services in general.

Our Travel Planners' advice: consider booking your park admissions to American parks several months in advance, especially in peak season. Some sites, like the Grand Canyon or the parks of the American West, fill up quickly. A well-prepared tailor-made trip allows you to enjoy every moment, with no unpleasant surprises.

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