The Ultimate Guide to USA Holidays: Costs, Best Routes & Travel Tips
The Ultimate Guide to USA Holidays: Costs, Best Routes & Insider Travel Tips
The Honest Expert Guide to Planning Your USA Holiday
Why the USA Tops So Many Travel Wish Lists
From the neon lights of Las Vegas to the calm of the California coast, the USA is a traveller’s playground of contrasts. But with 50 states, multiple time zones, and endless routes to explore, planning a trip here can feel overwhelming.
That’s where we come in.
At ItsSo Travel, we’ve helped hundreds of travellers design tailor-made USA holidays — from Route 66 adventures to multi-centre city escapes — that run smoothly from start to finish.
This guide is designed to answer the questions you actually have about USA holidays:
- How much do they really cost?
- Which routes and regions suit first-timers best?
- What’s the best time of year to go?
- Should you self-drive, take a tour, or mix both?
- And is it really worth booking with a travel expert rather than online?
Let’s dive in.
- Summary:
A holiday to the USA typically costs between £1,200 and £3,500 per person depending on route and duration. The most popular itineraries include the West Coast, East Coast, Florida, and Deep South. Spring and autumn are ideal for travel, and UK visitors need an ESTA before entry.
💰 How Much Does a Holiday to the USA Cost?
This is the question we’re asked most — and the truth is, it depends on where, when, and how you travel.
Here’s a guide to typical starting prices (per person, based on twin sharing):
| Holiday Type | Duration | Typical Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| East Coast city break (New York, Boston, Washington) | 5–7 nights | £1,200–£1,800 |
| West Coast self-drive (San Francisco–LA–Vegas) | 10–14 nights | £2,000–£3,000 |
| Deep South music trail (Nashville–Memphis–New Orleans) | 10–12 nights | £2,300–£3,200 |
| Florida family holiday (Orlando & beaches) | 10–14 nights | £2,000–£3,500 |
| Escorted coach tour (classic national parks) | 14 nights | £3,000–£4,000 |
💡 Expert tip: Flights and car hire are the two biggest variables. Booking early and letting us bundle these with hotels and experiences can save hundreds — and keeps everything financially protected.
Read more on How Much Does a USA Holiday Cost
🗺️ The Best USA Routes for First-Time Visitors
There’s no single “best” way to do the States — but there are a few tried-and-tested favourites depending on your travel style.
1. Classic West Coast
Route: San Francisco → Yosemite → Los Angeles → Las Vegas
Think coastal drives, vineyards, desert scenery, and national parks. Ideal for couples or families who want a mix of cities and landscapes.
2. East Coast Icons
Route: New York → Washington D.C. → Philadelphia → Boston
Perfect for history, architecture, and world-class museums — with optional side trips to Niagara Falls or Cape Cod.
3. Deep South Discovery
Route: Nashville → Memphis → New Orleans
A music lover’s dream with blues, jazz, and southern food. Add a detour to the Great Smoky Mountains for nature and charm.
4. Florida Fun
Route: Orlando → Miami → The Florida Keys
Beaches, theme parks, and sunshine — this is the USA’s playground for families and winter sun seekers.
5. National Parks & Canyons
Route: Vegas → Zion → Bryce → Monument Valley → Grand Canyon
Epic scenery and star-filled skies. Best combined with short drives or an escorted adventure.
📆 When’s the Best Time to Visit the USA?
Because the country’s so vast, there’s always somewhere ideal to visit:
| Region | Best Time to Go | Avoid If Possible |
|---|---|---|
| Florida | Nov-Apr | July–Sept (hurricane risk) |
| California | Apr–Oct | Nov–Feb (some coastal fog) |
| New York & East Coast | Mar–Jun / Sept–Nov | Jan–Feb (cold) |
| Deep South | Mar–May / Sept–Nov | June–Aug (humid) |
| National Parks | May–Sept | Dec–Mar (snow closures) |
💡 Pro tip: Travelling in the “shoulder seasons” (spring or autumn) gives you better weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices.
💡 The ItsSo Difference: We don't just book. We qualify. We ask the right questions to understand what you actually want, not just where you want to go. We'll tell you honestly if your dream itinerary is too rushed or if you're missing out on a local gem we stumbled across.
🚗 Self-Drive, Escorted Tour, or City Break – What’s Right for You?
Choosing the right style of USA holiday makes or breaks the experience.
- Self-Drive Adventures – Ultimate flexibility and freedom. Ideal for confident drivers who love scenic routes.
- Escorted Tours – Stress-free and sociable. Great for first-timers or those who prefer not to drive.
- Tailor-Made Multi-Centres – Fly-drive hybrids where we handle logistics and bookings for a seamless experience.
- City Breaks – Perfect short escapes — New York, Chicago, or San Francisco with guided day tours and handpicked hotels.
At ItsSo Travel, we design all of these — fully protected, expertly crafted, and built around you.
✈️ Travel Tips from the Experts
- Plan early for the best prices – Flights and car hire rise sharply 3–6 months before departure.
- Factor in internal flights or one-way car fees – They can add £100–£250 per person.
- Pack for climate variety – You might start in the desert and end at the coast.
- Get an ESTA in advance – UK citizens need this travel authorisation for entry.
- Book with a bonded agent – For full financial protection (ATOL, ABTA, and Trust Account backed).
🧭 Why Book Your USA Holiday with ItsSo Travel?
Because planning America isn’t just about booking flights — it’s about connecting the dots.
We:
✅ Design routes based on your pace, interests, and budget
✅ Handpick trusted hotels, car hire, and excursions
✅ Handle all ATOL/ABTA protection
✅ Provide local knowledge from first-hand experience
✅ Save you hours of stress and uncertainty
Whether it’s Route 66, California dreams, or a New York Christmas, we’ll make sure every detail is seamless.
🌟 Ready to Plan Your USA Adventure?
Your dream American journey starts here.
Pop into one of our Torquay shops, or request a bespoke itinerary online.
👉 Enquire Now About Your USA Holiday
🔗 Related Articles
Coming soon:
- How Much Does a Holiday to the USA Really Cost?
- USA Self-Drive Holidays: Top Routes for First-Timers
- Escorted Tours vs. Self-Drive USA: Which Is Right for You?
- Best Time of Year to Visit Different Regions of the USA
- USA Multi-Centre Holidays Explained
- The Hidden Costs of Booking a USA Holiday Online
- 10 Essential Travel Tips for Your First USA Trip
- USA Holiday Planning Checklist (Free Download)
- East vs West Coast: Which Is Best for Your First Visit?
- Why Book Your USA Holiday with a Travel Expert?
