29 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.

A top destination for a holiday in nature, North Carolina provides a seemingly endless variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain climbing, and skiing. While the state's rural regions offer a taste of traditional Appalachian music and culture, its increasingly diverse big cities feature modern skyscrapers, renowned museums, and historical neighborhoods perfect for sightseeing tours. The coastal region, famous for its year-round temperate climate, attracts millions of annual visitors, making North Carolina the sixth most-visited state in the country. Though it's hard to find a quiet time of year in coastal North Carolina, the state's inland areas retain many secluded corners where you can experience the laid-back Old South atmosphere.

Composed of five distinct geographic regions with boundaries roughly parallel to the Atlantic coastline, South Carolina embraces rich history, scenic beauty, and outstanding cuisine. Originally established as a slave society dependent on the cultivation of rice and indigo, the state now boasts a diverse economy that includes massive production of textile goods, chemical products, machinery, and automobiles. Widely regarded as the beginning of the Deep South, the state remains a deeply conservative part of the country, fervently clinging to its religious and cultural traditions. South Carolinians are kind and open hosts to those who vacation here, eager to share the wealth of their cultural heritage with curious visitors. With many remarkable places to visit like Charleston and Hilton Head, your itinerary here is sure to be diverse and full of scenic attractions.

Founded in 1733, Georgia was one of the original 13 colonies that became the United States. Much more geographically diverse than most visitors realize, the state features a scenic seacoast, high mountain peaks, and large urban centers, with broad rural areas in between. Once famous mostly for historical attractions memorializing the Civil War era and the Civil Rights Movement, Georgia now draws tourists from around the world with its rich musical tradition and distinctive cuisine. Start your Georgian adventure in Atlanta, the state's economic powerhouse, and then road trip to the coastal barrier islands, nature preserves, and chic vacation resorts.

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.

Still relatively unspoiled by mass tourism, Mississippi epitomizes rich history and offers warm hospitality to those who vacation here. The Mississippi River forms most of its western border, so it's no surprise that this mighty waterway shapes the lives of people calling the "Magnolia State" their home. The river influences everything from the food they eat to the music they listen to. Perhaps the easiest way to discover Mississippi is to take a drive on the 715 km (444 mi) long national parkway, which follows a route used since pre-colonial times that's famous for its scenic beauty and attractions of historical interest. At the end of the parkway sits a town packed with nearly 600 antebellum homes.

Known as a focal point of the civil rights struggle in the 1960s, Alabama features diverse landscapes that include tall mountains, rolling hills, and gentle plains. Though still largely undiscovered by foreign visitors, Alabama offers tourists a chance to discover the distinct culture of the Deep South. In addition to well-preserved examples of antebellum architecture, this area also boasts an outstanding local cuisine, famous for traditional barbecue recipes passed down from generation to generation. Looking for outdoorsy things to do? Nature lovers on holiday can explore the state's beaches, rugged canyons, and lush river valleys.