United States Holiday Guide

British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Lufthansa and Air France are among the multitude of airlines which fly to the US. Flights run daily from most major airports, and take 7-10 hours from the UK, depending on where your destination is.

Despite its enormous size and sometimes rough terrains, travelling around the US is fairly easy. The country is served by a substantial system of railways and excellent long-distance Greyhound coaches. Its domestic airline network is extensive, and many good-value flights are available. Road trips have recently experienced something of a revival, but you'll need to add on several days, if not weeks, to your itinerary if you're planning on covering long distances.

America's east and west coasts are draped with some splendid beaches. Whether you're posing along Miami's Ocean Drive or relaxing on the shell-encrusted dunes of the Gulf Coast, Florida remains a very popular destination for tourists young and old.

Holiday sun-seekers will also be spoilt for choice in California – head for Malibu, Venice Beach, or Santa Monica for the hottest action. Away from the mainland, Hawaii's beaches are a surfer's paradise – Oahu's Sandy Beach and Kapalua Bay in Maui provide some huge waves.

There are far too many options to summarise here, but plan well to make the most of your time. City lovers should consider vibrant New York, cool Miami, laid-back Boston, kitsch Las Vegas or glamorous Los Angeles.

If you prefer the outdoors, the US is home to several national parks, including Yellowstone, famed for its hot springs and geysers, Yosemite, which boasts stunning waterfalls and hiking trails, and Zion, in Utah, which features a number of giant, jaw-dropping gorges.

Wherever you are in the US, you shouldn't be too far away from some sort of attraction, be it natural or man-made. Visitors to the north-east should devote a day to seeing Niagara Falls. Although the nearby town is tacky and touristy, the 176ft-high falls themselves are spectacular.

If you're in Las Vegas and fancy escaping the crowds and the glitz for a day, you could do worse than take an hour-long flight to see the mile-deep Grand Canyon, which affords some truly awe-inspiring views. In Florida, look out for dolphin-spotting cruises or the chance to swim with manatees.

Regional variations are evident across the US, but generally the continent's cuisine reflects its history of natives and settlers. Depending on your whereabouts, you should be able to find anything from native Indian and Cuban cuisine to fast food and European dishes.

Florida, with its wide range of historical influences, has a very diverse and appetising cuisine, which takes in Native American, Hispanic and European dishes. Over on the west side, California's coastal position has seen it adopt many foreign delicacies, such as Mexican and Asian dishes, in particular sushi.

The US's cities and large towns offer an eclectic nightlife scene. Los Angeles, New York and Miami are renowned for their glitzy shows and all-night clubs and bars. Blues fans should head south to Memphis and St Louis, while jazz aficionados will be seduced by the smoky cafes of New Orleans or Chicago. Lovers of Motown, meanwhile, will appreciate a trip to the label's home, Detroit.

Due to the recent boom in gambling, in particular poker, cities such as Las Vegas and Atlantic City, with their proliferation of casinos and clubs, are as popular as ever. If you feel like celebrating a big win, or maybe drowning your sorrows, such cities also usually put on an array of concerts and shows throughout the night, often starring famous names – Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra and Barbra Streisand, have famously had lengthy runs in Vegas.

Thanks to the strength of the pound against the dollar, shopaholics can get even more for their money on a holiday or trip to the US these days. New York and Miami are meccas for designer clothing, while Orlando's International Drive is excellent for discount malls. Over on the west coast, Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills is littered with stores and boutiques from all the major high-class fashion and jewellery companies.

Most cities have factory outlets where you can buy designer clothes and shoes for bargain prices. Traditional Indian handicrafts such as blankets, quilts and jewellery also sell very well. Maple syrup, western-style clothes and west-coast salmon make good souvenirs or gifts.

The US' theme parks are a universal hit with kids and adults on holiday alike. Apart from the Disney parks in California and Florida, there are many other water parks and attractions, such as the Kennedy Space Center and the Everglades. Washington's museums are also child-friendly – kids will love the American History, Natural History, and Air & Space Museums, and the National Zoo.

Young ones will also love the many wilderness adventures on offer, particularly in Utah and Arizona, where you can enjoy hikes around the Grand Canyon, speedboat trips on Lake Powell and horse riding in Bryce Canyon National Park. Alaska's pristine glaciers and coastal scenery are best observed by boat or on a cruise holiday. The country also contains several top holiday ski resorts, including Lake Tahoe, Vail, Aspen and Breckenridge.