USA Blogs

IT'S CHRISTMAS! The Flight Centre crew just LOVES the festive period, and what makes Christmas Day even more enjoyable? Why, a seasonal tipple of course! To mark... Read More »

The US Thanksgiving tradition is a bit of a mystery to us Brits. It’s just an excuse to don an elasticated waistband, eat turkey and drink eggnog… right? Wrong!... Read More »

If you’re anything like me, you have to put aside at least 30 minutes to say a tearful goodbye to your pets before every holiday. But, for those who really get... Read More »

Amid the frenetic day-to-day of work, bills, taxes and meetings, we sometimes forget how insignificant our lives are in the grand scheme of things. All it... Read More »

Whatever kind of adventure you’re seeking, there's somewhere in the USA that can truly deliver. Whether you’re after an idyllic coastline or bustling... Read More »

“The whole modern-day craft beer movement kicked off in California, with breweries like San Francisco’s Anchor and Sierra Nevada in Chico leading the charge. This... Read More »

Brash, bold and larger than life – on the surface a Vegas holiday can be a bit like Marmite: you either love it or hate it. But there’s so much more to this USA... Read More »

With its volcanic landscapes, bountiful beaches and world-class surf, Hawaii is a paradise in many ways. It’s no surprise, then, that the tropical archipelago has... Read More »

Though not technically a state in the U.S., Puerto Rico dwarfs almost half of America’s other states in terms of population, and, arguably, in terms of amazing places... Read More »

From bears to ice fields, mountains to moose, Alaska has everything an adventure enthusiast could hope for. Away from the stresses of the city, towns like Homer and... Read More »

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport is the second largest airport in the USA. If you’re in Dallas for a layover, you could easily spend your time checking out the... Read More »

When you think of eating out in Chicago, the first thing that comes to mind is pizza! I certainly had my fair share of it during my visit, but sadly, you can’t eat... Read More »

No matter where I am in the world, nothing makes me feel more festive than seeing a brightly-illuminated house, a fairylight switch-on, or a national icon decked in... Read More »

You know that festive feeling? The one where you crave nothing more than to be wrapped up in furs, a mug of hot chocolate in one gloved hand, and gift-laden shopping... Read More »

Straddling the diverse US states of California and Nevada, it’s no wonder Death Valley is a land of extremes. It’s best known for being the hottest place on earth... Read More »

Everyone loves dolphins. Their friendly smiles and playful nature fast-tracks them right to the top of many a must-see wildlife bucket list, with dolphin-watching tours... Read More »

With its year-round sunshine, soaring temperatures and miles of glittering coastline cradled by towering skyscrapers, Miami has long held the title of Florida’s most... Read More »

If you’ve done the USA’s west coast, and the east coast, or plan on visiting both, Dallas and Fort Worth should also be on your radar. As a three-hour flight from... Read More »

Heading off on an exciting New York City break soon? There’s no doubt about it, the Big Apple is a place like no other; dazzling skyscrapers frame the city, the... Read More »

Has anyone ever asked you what your favourite place in the world is? It’s a tricky one to answer – there are plenty of destinations I’ve visited and loved, but... Read More »

Bursting with amusements and attractions, Atlantic City is a small resort town known for its casinos connected by the world’s longest boardwalk. While this location is... Read More »

Rain poured from my hood, gritty chunks of tarmac dug into my ankles from where I’d been sat on the roadside, and I was desperately trying to keep my camera dry. I... Read More »

When people asked me what I was most looking forward to on my Californian road trip, I felt like they expected me to say driving over San Francisco’s iconic Golden... Read More »

Deep breath in. Grab onto the chains. Pray to whatever divine influence there is that you don’t lose your footing. I’ve never had a fear of heights. At least,... Read More »

The foggy but beautiful San Francisco is a city boasting a fascinating history, as well as culture and style in abundance. Full of hidden gems and fun things to do,... Read More »

I’ve wanted to hit the tarmac on an all-American road trip for as long as I can remember. It may sound like a bit of a cliché, but roof down, music up, wind in my... Read More »

Phil Murray, who recently joined a three-day Winter National Parks Tour operated by Bindlestiff Tours, interviews his tour guide, Joel Clark.My name is Joel Clark,... Read More »

Las Vegas will simply dazzle you with all the entertainment it has thriving through the veins of its city. It is the ultimate playground for adults, known for its... Read More »

I was staring for some time before my eyes adjusted to the light in the narrow sweeping passageway and made sense of what our Navajo guide was saying.“Can you see the... Read More »

The diversity of the United States makes for an eclectic selection of culinary delights. No matter which city you visit, you’re bound to find something to tantalise... Read More »

**WARNING: THIS BLOG POST HAS BEEN KNOWN TO CAUSE SEVERE HUNGER** When you go on holiday, chances are you’ll have heard all about your destination’s best... Read More »

I’m not ashamed to admit that I heart New York – I’ve even got one of those tacky mugs and innumerable NYC-themed shot glasses to prove it. This is surprising,... Read More »

Too many years ago to mention, I watched the classic John Wayne film Stagecoach as part of my A-level studies. Directed by John Ford, it was the very first film - but... Read More »

When you talk Texas, better-known destinations like Dallas, Fort Worth and Austin will no doubt spring to mind before Houston does. Even I admit that, before I went,... Read More »

Route 66. The Mother Road. The Main Street of America.Just a few hours after leaving Las Vegas, we were cruising down this legendary highway, heading to Seligman,... Read More »

When you’re whizzing through four US states in less than a week, it’s fair to say that you’re going to see a lot, and that you’re not necessarily going to... Read More »

Meet Phil Duncan. He's from Liverpool, he loves travel and he, er, loves eating pizza. Need we say more? Well, we do actually, mainly the fact that his love of... Read More »

There are a million or so reasons to visit New York City, but the question of where to stay can be a littler harder to answer. Most first-timers will head to one of... Read More »

The historic city of Boston is a confection of arts, music, sports and delicious cuisine. Whether you have two days or two weeks in this New England city, here... Read More »

I love lists: Shopping lists, to do lists, gift lists (for other people, not me); I would be lost without them all. Some lists are more serious than others but... Read More »

Winter, spring summer or fall – no matter the time of year in the UK you can always count on one thing: the unpredictability of the weather. So when you're getting... Read More »

Forget the traditional city tour – these adventures will give you a whole new perspective on NYC, and get your heart racing too...

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Choosing the right wine is a thing of great importance – especially in a grape-loving country like the USA. Indeed, Napa and Sonoma are actually the second-most... Read More »

It’s that time of year again: the last Tuesday before Lent, Shrove Tuesday, aka, Pancake Day. All across the country, families will be whipping up batches of pancakes... Read More »

Calling all travelling romantics! Planning the ultimate proposal, but not sure where to get down on one knee? Or no idea how to make your proposal so unique that it... Read More »

Flight Centre’s Alexandra Cronin gives us a whistle-stop tour of the Windy City, taking in food, architecture and lakeside living…

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Midway through my plate of delicious lobster ravioli, it starts: “Do you mind if I take a quick picture?” There’s a queue of tourists – writes Clare Thorp... Read More »

When most people are contemplating a trip to Florida, it’s usually the theme parks of Orlando, the Art-Deco glitz of Miami or the poolside living of Tampa that spring... Read More »

Venice Beach is one of the most interesting places to stay in Los Angeles. A sleepy beach town that’s anything but boring, there are so many... Read More »

The California desert is synonymous with the Wild West, cacti and of course, Coachella, but did you know it’s also a hiker’s dream destination? I went... Read More »

Just back from a whistlestop visit to Seattle, Ben Williams shares his experiences of tasting craft beers in the brewing capital of the USA...Not long after touching... Read More »

It's that time of year again – the day of winter thermals, wellies, fairground rides, food truck burgers and of course: SPARKLERS. Yup, you guessed it: it's Bonfire... Read More »

Best known for its beautiful beaches, lush green parks and world-famous zoo, there’s a reason they call San Diego ‘America’s Finest City’. But it’s not just... Read More »

Carving pumpkins, stocking up on sweet treats and watching a horror movie is all part and parcel of All Hallows Eve. Halloween is the perfect time to settle in and watch... Read More »

There are many ways to explore Seattle, Washington State’s largest city, and home of the original Starbucks. With the city and surrounding area filled with... Read More »

Taking us back to an era when travelling by train was a glamorous affair, these classic rail Journeys encourage us to take it easy and enjoy the... Read More »

A big state that’s big on flavour, Arizona will surprise and delight. Helen Wright gets a taste of what’s on offer from Pavle Milic, a pioneer in the Phoenix... Read More »

Hawaii’s Big Island has been making newspaper headlines all over the world in recent months. First, there were the eruptions of Kilauea in Hawai’i Volcanoes National... Read More »

Lights! Camera! Superhero action! Whether you like to admit it or not, everybody loves a good superhero. My personal favourite? Ant-man. Extreme sarcasm and the ability... Read More »

Covering 1,672 miles from the burnt-orange landscape of the Grand Canyon to iconic Santa Monica Boulevard, Flight Centre’s Alexandra Gregg put her pedal to the metal... Read More »

Whether you crave wildlife and adventure, or if relaxing on a beach and soaking up the sun and culture is more your thing, Hawaii has it all in droves. Made up of... Read More »

Diverse, vast and full of incredible sights to see and experiences to get immersed in – it can be tricky to know where to begin when holidaying in the USA. But... Read More »

Cruising down the Pacific Coast Highway from San Francisco to Los Angeles is one of the most iconic experiences in California. But when you’re not behind the wheel, or... Read More »

Brangelina. Bennifer. Tomkat. Combining the names of a celebrity couple seems to doom their union to failure. But what’s true in Hollywood is not true in travel, where... Read More »

I’ve been a bit spoilt with my USA travels this year. In fact, I’ve spent nearly a month over the pond in total, explored five states, six cities and three national... Read More »

Flight Centre’s California Expert Rachel Newton has worked at Flight Centre for four years and has been to California five times. She says: ”Anything you... Read More »

With its Latin flavour, beach culture and swanky shopping opportunities, Miami is so much more than just a Floridian port hub. In fact, it's unlike almost anywhere... Read More »

Located in Montana’s Rocky Mountains and along the Canadian border, Glacier National Park offers up 1,583 square miles of incredible natural scenery and beauty... Read More »

United Airlines offers unrivalled access to the USA, flying non-stop from London Heathrow to Washington, DC, its US hub. This makes the nation’s capital the perfect... Read More »

On 8th June every year, we mark World Oceans Day, a day of celebration and awareness for the world’s oceans and the adverse effects humanity and our planet... Read More »

Often misrepresented as a place for politics not play, Washington, DC is bursting with creativity and tasty bites. Here, our local food fanatic – Vina Sananikone... Read More »

We don’t call ourselves Travel Experts for nothing at Flight Centre! Our teams have travelled – and continue to travel – all over the world, experiencing different... Read More »

The music is pumping and the drink is flowing as crowds jostle for space around a stage. They’re not here for Beyonce or their favourite bluegrass musician. This is... Read More »

Catching sight of the Northern Lights is an experience which tops many travel wish lists – but imagine watching the colours dance across the sky with your pet pooches... Read More »

Embarking on a trip to one of the most fascinating cities in the USA? Before you head to New Orleans - whether it be for Mardi Gras or just to stuff your face with... Read More »

The world of wine can be an overwhelming one, but you don't need to be a connoisseur to appreciate the different varietals on a wine-tasting holiday. In fact,... Read More »

New England may be known around the world for having the best fall leaves display in the States, but there’s so much to see here all year-round. Our Experts have... Read More »

Most people visit Los Angeles to see Hollywood or Disney. Having been to both I would definitely recommend them but there is a lot more to see and do in this city. There... Read More »

Known as the birthplace of California, San Diego may not be the Golden State’s most famous tourist destination, but it still remains a city bursting with fun, history... Read More »

Chicago is a city bursting with amazing architecture, awesome art and fantastic food! It is often unfairly overlooked in favour of New York or San Francisco, but trust... Read More »

In a city famed for its beaches, pier, markets and art-filled streets, resident Evan Meyer – founder of the Beautify Earth initiative – leads the way on a... Read More »

Skiing is a holiday activity that people return to year after year. It’s fun, exhilarating and rewarding to speed down a beautiful snow-covered slope with the cool... Read More »

Once the dust has settled on the Champagne and fireworks, new year can be a gloomy time. It’s cold, it’s continuously dark, and spring feels like a million miles... Read More »

Los Angeles is home to almost two dozen beautiful beaches. Combine this with the glorious, year-round sunny weather that LA and Santa Monica are famous for, and... Read More »

What is it about a US road trip that makes it so appealing? Perhaps it’s the excitement of the open road, the freedom of the freeway, the ability to stop as and when... Read More »

Movie famous, home to the Hollywood sign and just a stone’s throw from the iconic Santa Monica Pier, it’s easy to conjure up a mental picture of Los Angeles… but... Read More »

I love horror. I mean love it. So much so that I spent over an hour preparing a rather intense scarecrow face last Halloween. I also love travel, so the thought of... Read More »

Even though it was May in New Orleans, Mardi Gras beads still hung from traffic lights, street signs and trees, three months on from Carnival season. And as we toured... Read More »

Nothing tells you that you’ve arrived in Las Vegas like the flashing lights from the slot machines and the sound of dropping coins. Sin City may be a gamblers’... Read More »

From the great landscapes of the American West to the cosmopolitan city of Denver, Colorado has much to offer, as writer Elle Griffiths discovers on a whistle-stop... Read More »

This summer I set off on the adventure of a lifetime, and spent three months hiking through the high desert and mountains of California, from the border of Mexico to the... Read More »

San Francisco is a dynamic city – there are so many attractions here that you’ll never run out of things to do, no matter how often you visit.Your first visit will... Read More »

It’s the subject of Jay-Z’s billboard hit, the stomping ground for Carrie Bradshaw, and the birthplace of Madonna. It’s a city that needs no introduction, and one... Read More »

To say it’s difficult to drag yourself away from the infinity pool at Hawaii's Sheraton Waikiki is more than just hyperbole. The fault lies with their floating... Read More »

This might just be our favourite Instatraveller yet. This month we caught up with Megan Peabody and her pet pig 'Hamlet the Beach Hog' to find out all about their... Read More »

Bold, brash and larger than life: Vegas is the USA at its most extreme. It’s also the USA at its most enjoyable. Immerse yourself fully in this OTT neon wonderland,... Read More »

Eating out is about more than just the food – the location, atmosphere and those extra-quirky touches make all the difference. And as the US is pretty big on... Read More »

“Well think about it – if you had 300,000 acres gentlemen, when was the last time you’d seen a woman, besides sisters and cousins? Cousins was looking good!”... Read More »

The USA features on most travel bucket lists; the dazzling lights of Vegas, coastal drives in California, shopping in New York City – the lot. But there’s one city... Read More »