Get swept away on a grand journey in the US

16th Mar 2012 by Just You

America's famous sights and cities have been immortalised on screen countless times, but anyone who has visited the country will tell you that there is no substitute for seeing the real thing.

From cities thrumming with life, culture and activity to canyons whose beauty lies in their desolation, the US offers spectacles and experiences that cannot be matched in any other country.

National parks and canyons

America is an immense country, and nowhere is its sheer scale better represented than in its national parks and canyons.

Singles holidays in the US provide the opportunity to see the faces of some of the nation's legendary historical figures enshrined in stone at Mount Rushmore before heading to the site of the Battle of Little Big Horn, where General Custer made his last stand.

After taking in these famous and historically significant locations, visitors can head to Yellowstone National Park to see memorable sights including a waterfall twice the height of Niagara and the geyser Old Faithful.

Towering stacks of red rock and majestic arches can be seen in the Arches National Park, while Monument Valley and the Grand Canyon offer some of the most spectacular and quintessentially American vistas that the country has to offer.

Solo travellers taking a tour of the country's national parks and canyons will also have the chance to stop off in Salt Lake City and enjoy an overnight stay on the Strip in Las Vegas.

Head to the west

The Golden West, as it is affectionately known, boasts a number of attractions that ensure it remains popular among travellers year after year, from iconic landmarks to a reliably warm climate.

Holidaymakers exploring the area will be offered an array of urban experiences in vibrant and fascinating cities such as San Francisco, which is home to the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman's Wharf and other sights.

An optional excursion takes guests on a harbour cruise beneath the bridge, offering the chance for history buffs to spot Alcatraz Island, the site of an infamous maximum-security prison that closed in 1963.

A drive south affords views of beautiful seascapes along the Pacific coast, before visitors arrive in San Luis Obispo and head on to Santa Barbara and Los Angeles. There are countless experiences on offer in LA, from a walk along Sunset Strip to a visit to Universal Studios.

Single travellers can finish their tour of the Golden West by visiting Palm Springs and Las Vegas before taking in the incomparable sight of the Grand Canyon.

Texas and New Orleans

Texas and New Orleans seem a world away from the bright lights, glitz and glamour of the west, but these unique destinations offer plenty of sights and experiences that set them apart as tourist destinations.

Visitors starting their journey in Texas can soak up the buzz and excitement of some of the state's biggest cities, starting with Dallas and locations such as Pioneer Plaza and the Arts District. At Dealey Plaza, people with an interest in American history can head to the Sixth Floor Museum to learn more about the assassination of John F Kennedy.

Guests can also gain an insight into a significant aspect of Texan heritage in Fort Worth, which is home to the Cowboy Hall of Fame and Cowtown Coliseum.

Other experiences on offer in the state include walking tours of Austin, cruises along the San Antonio river and a visit to the Nasa space centre in Houston.

New Orleans is famous for its musical heritage and boasts countless bars and venues where holidaymakers can listen to jazz while sampling local cuisine. Music can also be enjoyed during a dinner cruise on an authentic paddle steamer.

During their time in the city, visitors can check out Lake Pontchartrain and the French Quarter and possibly embark on a boat trip through the Louisiana swamps.