15 days in United States Itinerary

Writer Pearl Buck once called New York City “a place apart,” and this giant urban center remains unlike any other in the world.

For shopping fun, head to Fifth Avenue or Tiffany & Co.. The Metropolitan Museum of Art and St. Patrick's Cathedral are good opportunities to explore the local culture. Next up on the itinerary: wander the streets of Times Square, enjoy breathtaking views from Empire State Building, stop by Strand Bookstore, and take in the pleasant sights at Central Park.

To see photos, reviews, traveler tips, and tourist information, use the New York City travel planner.

Manchester, UK to New York City is an approximately 11-hour flight. You can also do a combination of flight and train; or do a combination of train, flight, and bus. The time zone changes from Greenwich Mean Time to Eastern Standard Time, which is usually a -5 hour difference. In September, New York City is somewhat warmer than Manchester - with highs of 30°C and lows of 22°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 7th (Fri) so you can travel to Washington DC.

The capital of the United States, the District of Columbia contains the lion's share of the country's most treasured monuments, memorials, and public museums.

On the 7th (Fri), contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Washington National Cathedral and then examine the collection at National Air and Space Museum. Here are some ideas for day two: pause for some photo ops at Lincoln Memorial, then stroll the grounds of Arlington National Cemetery, then get to know the fascinating history of Tomb of the Unknowns, and finally appreciate the extensive heritage of Capitol Hill.

To see other places to visit, reviews, photos, and tourist information, go to the Washington DC day trip planner.

Traveling by flight from New York City to Washington DC takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or drive. In September, daily temperatures in Washington DC can reach 32°C, while at night they dip to 21°C. On the 9th (Sun), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can travel to San Antonio.

As the state’s second largest city, San Antonio embodies Texas’ rich cultural heritage while maintaining the Old West charm of an oil town.

Kick off your visit on the 10th (Mon): get a taste of the local shopping with The San Antonio River Walk, take an in-depth tour of Guenther House, then admire the architecture and history at Mission Concepción, and finally hike along San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. On your second day here, appreciate the extensive heritage of La Villita Historic Arts Village, take an in-depth tour of The Alamo, then admire the architecture and history at Mission San Jose, then get into the urban bustle at Tower of the Americas, and finally take in the architecture and atmosphere at San Fernando Cathedral.

To find ratings, other places to visit, photos, and tourist information, use the San Antonio trip itinerary planner.

You can do a combination of train and flight from Washington DC to San Antonio in 6.5 hours. Other options are to do a combination of flight and bus; or drive. The time zone changes from Eastern Standard Time (EST) to Central Standard Time (CST), which is usually a -1 hour difference. In September, San Antonio is somewhat warmer than Washington DC - with highs of 40°C and lows of 26°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 12th (Wed) to allow time to travel to San Francisco.

San Francisco is a top holiday destination featuring scenic beauty and great ethnic and cultural diversity.

Popular historic sites such as Alcatraz Island and The Embarcadero are in your itinerary. Give yourself a bit of retail therapy at Union Square and City Lights Booksellers & Publishers. Take a break from San Francisco with a short trip to Wine Tours & Tastings in Napa, about 1h 10 min away. There's lots more to do: wander the streets of Fisherman's Wharf, snap pictures at Golden Gate Bridge, hunt for treasures at Ferry Plaza Farmers Market, and enjoy the sand and surf at China Beach.

To find maps, where to stay, other places to visit, and other tourist information, read our San Francisco trip maker .

Getting from San Antonio to San Francisco by flight takes about 6.5 hours. Other options: do a combination of bus and flight; or drive. The time zone difference moving from Central Standard Time to Pacific Standard Time is minus 2 hours. When traveling from San Antonio in September, plan for colder days in San Francisco, with highs around 27°C, while nights are a bit cooler with lows around 16°C. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 16th (Sun) to allow time for travel back home.