USA road trip: Cruisin’ from the Strip to the shore

It's finally happening: you're on the plane to Vegas! You imagine what it'll be like to cruise along the legendary Strip surrounded by bright, flashing neon lights, and before long, you're bang in the middle of it all! As soon as you arrive, you grab the keys to your hire car and your road trip officially kicks off – music cranked up, sunglasses at the ready, adventure mode on! First things first: in this desert heat, you simply have to cool off in the hotel pool! There's plenty of time for exploring later. Besides, the city only truly comes to life once the sun goes down, when the neon lights make the city sparkle like fireworks. Come nightfall, as you stroll along the famous Strip past all the fancy hotels and colourful illuminated signs, you can't forget to snap a selfie at the famous 'Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas' sign for your feed! Then, if you've got a head for heights, hit up The STRAT or the High Roller Ferris wheel for an unrivalled view across Sin City (both optional and payable on site). And for more must-sees, check out the Bellagio Hotel fountain show and the Mirage Hotel volcano show – both free, but far from basic!

Good morning, Vegas! Your first night in Sin City was wild, but you still want to dive right back into the glittering chaos? Then what's stopping you?! Stroll long the canals of Venice, make a detour to the Eiffel Tower or immerse yourself in ancient Egypt – no joke! Anything goes in Vegas, and with themed hotels like the Venetian, Luxor or Paris Las Vegas, each visit feels like a trip in itself. Sounds crazy? It is – but that's Vegas for ya! And if you like it really retro, the Neon Museum (admission's extra) has over 200 original neon signs from the early days of the Strip. Some are lit up again, others are showcased with spotlights in the evening, and all of them tell stories of a time when Vegas was even wilder.

The best way to survive the desert heat is by taking a dip in the hotel's pool! So you slap on some sun cream, grab a smoothie and chill out. If you want to see more of Vegas afterwards, Fremont Street is the place to be. What was once the heart of the entertainment industry is still home to loads of well-known casinos, like Golden Gate and Golden Nugget. And at 6 pm every day, the covered part of the street transforms into a huge party, with a free light show and several DJs! Who knows, maybe you'll be drawn into a casino or two yourself – because what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas! And if you thought that was impressive, just take a day trip to the Grand Canyon. It's a long drive, but 100% worth it, and you'll be rewarded with a jaw-dropping natural wonder. No photo can top this feeling!

Streets lined with palm trees, the radiant sun in the sky, the sound of the ocean in the distance and the occasional celebrity who crosses your path – Los Angeles welcomes you with a truly wide range of contrasts! What you've only ever seen in films and series is now waiting for you to come experience it. So hop in your hire car, put your foot down and get to it!
Time to find out how the stars in L.A. really live! Take a trip to Beverly Hills, roll along the iconic Mulholland Drive and check out the Walk of Fame, where over 2,800 pink stars are waiting for a selfie with you. And of course, don't miss the Hollywood Sign! Head to Griffith Observatory for the best view of it and enjoy the perfect combination of city vibes and sunset magic.