12 days in United States Itinerary

More than the country of car-packed streets seen in TV shows and movies, the United States of America is a complex and diverse home to over 300 million people living in a wide range of landscapes and climates. From its big-city skyscrapers to its sprawling natural parks, the country's ''melting pot'' combines many ethnic groups that share a strong sense of national identity despite their cultural differences. A country of road trips and big blue skies, the United States harbors orderly cities filled with restaurants, parks, museums, and innumerable sightseeing opportunities, as well as pristine natural areas perfect for a holiday in the great outdoors. To see as much as you can of this diverse land quickly, drive over some of the more than 6 million km (4 million mi) of highways leading through deserts, mountain peaks, fertile fields, and giant urban centers.

The vast White Mountains cover not only a quarter of New Hampshire, but also a good portion of western Maine. A popular holiday destination for hiking and camping throughout the year, this mountain range includes some of the most rugged terrain in New England. Most of the area is public land, with a number of state parks and a sprawling national forest. The range includes 48 peaks over 1,200 m (4,000 ft) tall, popularly known as the "four-thousand footers." Mount Washington stands out among these, at 1,917 m (6,288 ft), as the highest peak in the northeastern section of the United States. To explore the mountains while on vacation, you can park at the national forest's trailheads, but be sure to purchase a parking permit at any of the area's visitor centers first.

Located on the southern shore of Massachusetts, Cape Cod contains some 15 towns and two islands. The arm-shaped peninsula is a popular holiday destination throughout the year because of its historical attractions, art galleries, award-winning restaurants, and a scenic coastline dotted by sandy beaches. Start your sightseeing in Provincetown, located at the very tip of the cape and famous for being the site of the first Pilgrims' landing in 1620. From there you can hit up all of the Cape's other small towns, renowned for their comfortable bed and breakfasts and distinctive cuisine of fresh fish and oyster dishes. This maritime community features more than a dozen lighthouses. Part of experiencing the Cape means a trip to its two islands--which showcase several lighthouses and numerous restaurants.