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USA

A vast nation of diverse cultures and boundless opportunities

USA. The greatest country in the world to visit!

Yep, the world would be a pretty boring place without the USA - the land that makes movie stars, has streets paved with their famous names and has homes in Memphis once graced by Elvis. There’s so much to see and do, with a different experience in every state and around every corner. For foodies, there is no better place. From the All-American diner to corn dogs at baseball games, you won’t go hungry in the land of Uncle Sam. It’s a huge country, with an even bigger To-do list.

Come and talk to our USA travel specialists and together let’s start planning your stateside adventure today!

Flight time.

A flight from Auckland to the West Coast of the USA, such as Los Angeles, takes about 12-13 hours. While it’s a long-haul flight, you’ll be arriving in the land of endless possibilities.

Best time to go.

The best times to visit the West Coast of the USA are from April to June and September to November, when the weather is milder and the tourist crowds are thinner.

Time difference.

The West Coast of the USA is 19 hours behind New Zealand. This significant time difference will require some adjustment.

Our favourite things to do in the USA

Glamping in Utah!

Have a stay ‘Under canvas’ in Utah at Zion or Grand Canyon National Park.

Head to a sports game

Grab a hot dog and popcorn and join the locals to watch a game.

Ariel view of the drive from San Francisco to Big Sur

California dreaming!

West is Best - Hire a car and go on a roadie.

Cars driving through Nashville Tennessee

Music, food and the South

If you are a fan of country, jazz, blues, or rock n’ roll, pack light and buckle up ready for an unforgettable musical journey.

Hit the wine road

Calling all wine lovers!

Get your festival vibes on

Plan your trip to California’s hottest music festivals—Coachella and Stagecoach in Palm Springs!

People ice skating in Bryant Park at Christmas time

A magical Christmas in New York

The Big Apple does Christmas better than anywhere else, and New Yorkers seize the opportunity to celebrate every moment of it.

Best. Shopping. Ever!

Shop 'til you drop with the best of LA Shopping from luxe boutiques to outlet steals.

Glitz, Glamour & Grand Prix Las Vegas Style!

USA

Buckle up for a Southern USA Musical Roadie!

USA

Beat the blues at Mardi Gras in New Orleans

New Orleans

A magical Christmas in New York

New York

New Year, New York!

Katrina Cole, HOT Botany Junction, discovers there is no better place to celebrate New Year’s Eve than in the Big Apple!

Disneyland - Celebrate 100 years of wonder!

Bridget Fogarty, HOT Marketing, plans her 16th trip to the Happiest Place on Earth to take part in the 100 year celebrations

The ultimate USA roadie!

The USA has so much to offer – and the best way to stumble across unique experiences, marvel at extraordinary vistas, explore charming small towns, and discover hidden gems is to hire a car and hit the open road!

Hidden gems you'll love in the Americas

When planning a great American adventure, the sheer size of both continents can be overwhelming. To help, we suggest the next places you’ll love, based on better known places you might have already enjoyed!

Quick guide - The Hawaiian Islands

Stay on O‘ahu for glorious beaches and a Waikiki buzz, then escape to a heavenly neighbour island. All yours within a 35 to 45 minute flight, add some extra dazzle to your island dream.

Swap the tourist traps for the real Hawai'i

So Hawai'i is on your top-pick list? Good stuff.

Our Ultimate Guide to Anaheim - Where to Shop, Eat and Play

With two Disney Theme Parks – Disney California Adventure Park and Disneyland Park – and an energetic entertainment, dining and shopping district, Anaheim is one of the favourite holiday destinations on the West Coast.

9 Reasons to visit Disneyland Resort in California

Disney’s magic is unlike anything else. Here’s what you don’t want to miss!

Top things to see & do in North America

So the USA is on your top-pick list? Good stuff. With a country of such diversity, every state feels completely different. And then there's Canada — a Kiwi fave. Here are a few of our favourite things to see and do in both countries.

America for music lovers

Discover music's past and present in the USA; your musical pilgrimage to the very heart of jazz, pop and rock n’ roll.

Epic self-drive road trips across the USA

Considering how expansive the country is, hiring a car and self-driving around the nation can be a great way to see the sights.

13 must read tips for the NYC first-timer

New York is blessed with glamour, elegance and timeless beauty. For the first-time Big Apple visitor, here's your definitive guide to the city that never sleeps!

The USA's 7 most iconic cities

Whether you’re after a hip urban jungle or a charming historic ‘hood, you’re sure to find it in the USA. Here's our pick for the best of the best.

13 movie landmarks in New York City

However you call it, New York is one of the most famous cities in the world and one of the most touted in pop culture. It’s the setting of novels and comic book series, the topic of Top 40 songs and anything reading “NYC” is a fashion staple.

Why should you visit Utah

Sunsets and starlit nights await. On your guard, people; Utah’s out to seduce you.

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Meet our USA specialists

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Brenda Taylor

House of Travel Timaru

17 years in the business and I am passionate about every holiday I book! My goal is to keep our clients satisfied and loyal for future services plus giving you the security of booking through an agent. I can help with planning travel, booking transport, accommodations, insurance, tours, cruises, special events.

Some of the destinations I have explored: Hong Kong, Brisbane, Queensland, Tropical Northland Queensland, Melbourne, Sydney, Great Barrier Reef, Alaska multiple state in the USA, Canada, Fiji, Rarotonga, Aitutaki.

Brenda

Jay Irvine

House of Travel Barrington

With my own experience in travel, along with my corporate background as well.

I have been able to book a wide variety of trips ranging from flop and drop holidays through to sport events and everything in between.

Jay

Janine Taylor

House of Travel New Plymouth

I have a passion for travel and have visited a range countries.

I would love to share my experiences with you and help you plan your trip of a lifetime.

Janine

Petra Otte

House of Travel Wellington City

Having spent 40+ years, 30 owning my own HOT outlet here in the heart of Wellington, in this exciting and ever changing industry you could say that extraordinary resilience is at the top of my skite sheet given the many and varying challenges that have faced travellers over the years.

My clients and colleagues describe me as a passionate people person, who endeavours to get the best out of a traveller's investment.

It is important for me to be inclusive of everyone within a travelling party, to hear the voice of each traveller, and ensure everyone's wishes are met.

Having been to all continents bar Antarctica which is high on my list, I have also travelled in all styles from budget overland backpacking to luxury cruises which allows me to relate to all clients and work with you for what is best for you.

Petra