North America
North America  by John Lightwood,  Silver Fern Holidays – Regional Expert

New England . Grand Canyon . Yellowstone . Yosemite . Glacier . New York .  Boston

Great mountain ranges, wide open plains, never-ending horizons, crowded sidewalks, cosmopolitan cities, rural backwaters, neo-conservatism, neo-liberalism, fast food franchises, gourmet cuisine, Hollywood, Redwood, staggering wealth, abject poverty, a melting pot of cultures, languages and vociferous opinion – America’s diversity is its strength and equally its fascination for visitors.

Whether you choose to visit some of the main cities on a short break or head to one or more of the beautiful National Parks, you cannot fail to be impressed by the sheer scale of all things American. Above all, it’s the energetic buzz and can-do creativity of the American way of life which will leave a lasting impression.

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In order to get the most out of a tour itinerary to the USA it is important to be very selective of the sights you wish to see and the activities you wish to undertake in a particular region – otherwise you run the risk of a very superficial whistle-stop tour. The country’s geography lends itself to distinct regional itineraries – Boston, New York or Washington are the natural eastern gateway cities to the New England states of Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Cape Cod and New York State. Here there are endless opportunities for walking in the Green and White Mountains, whale watching, fishing or enjoying coastal walks along the eastern coastline.

Further south, Virginia offers historical trips to the Civil War sites of Richmond and Charleston as well as a wide range of outdoor activities in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Deep South of New Orleans, Savannah and Memphis provides an eclectic mix of distinctive architecture, a contested history and generous hospitality set to the background score of blues, bluegrass, jazz, gospel and contemporary rock and roll which all have their origin in the region. The food is a delight for the senses and palate, with Cajun crawfish, Creole gumbo and deep-fried chicken just some of the special dishes likely to be found on your hotel or restaurant menu.

In the Midwest the magnificent National Parks of Glacier, Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons form the country’s most formidable mountain barrier and offer a wide range of hiking trails amidst spectacular scenery, whilst in the southwest the unique rock formations, mesas and canyons of this semi-desert region are the familiar backdrop to countless Hollywood cowboy movies. The mighty Grand Canyon is of course the main draw for most visitors and is a fitting climax to tours which can include the National Parks of Bryce, Zion and Capitol Reef, the almost surreal Lake Powell and a drive through the legendary Monument Valley. Las Vegas is the usual entry point for travel within the southwest.

Similarly Los Angeles or San Francisco are the gateways to Yosemite, Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks. These beautiful parks can be particularly crowded in the Summer months, so Spring or Autumn are our suggested departure times.