21 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.

Thanks to a Mediterranean climate and idyllic location in Northern California, Napa Valley is one of the top wine producing regions in the world. This, coupled with the area's breathtaking scenery, abundance of quaint B&Bs, and exquisite local gastronomy, makes Napa Valley one of the country's most popular spots for peaceful weekends and romantic getaways. While wine tasting and vineyard tours are the traditional things to do, the region offers a variety of other attractions, including hot air balloon rides, spa treatments, and trips aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train.

The “Sunshine State,” Florida became a favorite winter destination for the affluent crowd over a century ago. Today, the state attracts visitors from around the world with its golden beaches and modern theme parks. You can spend your entire vacation enjoying the state's highly developed seaside areas, but remember that some of Florida's best-kept secrets are in secluded locations. Visit the big cities and their comfortable resorts offering top-notch dining and nightlife, but leave some time to see the peninsula's swampy landscape, filled with wild creatures and native plants. Farther away from the tourist-packed urban areas, the untamed wetlands of Florida offer a selection of things to do, such as kayaking, boat rides, and numerous other outdoor activities.

Home to the country's most populous city, the state of New York is a major gateway for immigration into the United States, but also one of the nation's prime holiday destinations. Take a trip down the state's numerous wilderness trails and scenic roads to visit quaint small towns, sandy beaches, historical estates, and artist colonies. Though the majority of visitors head for the big-city restaurants, theaters, and museums, you can venture deeper into the rugged and remote mountain areas to discover a world of picturesque forests, rivers, mountains, and lakes. New York also boasts the nation's largest forest preserve, encompassing much of the northeastern lobe of the state.

Often overshadowed by its legendary neighbor, New York, New Jersey holds its own as a land of thriving industrial cities, sprawling farmland, and lively coastal towns. Called the Garden State, New Jersey is a hub of entertainment and cultural attractions for the east coast, from the famous sandy beaches and carnival-like atmosphere of the Jersey Shore to alluring Atlantic City, the Las Vegas of the east. New Jersey also boasts a wealth of historical places to visit, including battle sites and memorials, such as George Washington's Revolutionary War headquarters.