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 thing's 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, Las Vegas! Your first night in Sin City was already unforgettable, and you'd love to jump right back into the hustle and bustle. So, what's stopping you? Get back out there! How about a stroll along the canals of Venice or to the Eiffel Tower in Paris? Maybe a trip to ancient Egypt? We're talking about the various themed hotels of course, which are modelled after different countries around the world. Whether it's the Venetian, the Luxor or the Paris Las Vegas, each hotel takes you to a world of its own. Vegas is wild. There's no doubt about that! And Las Vegas wouldn't be Las Vegas if it didn't have a graveyard for the Strip's discarded neon signs. At the Neon Museum (optional, entrance fee payable on site), you'll have the chance to marvel at over 200 of the city's old neon signs. Some of them have already been restored and are back in working order; all the others are showcased with spotlights in the evening and remind visitors of days long passed.

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, step on the accelerator and get to it!
See for yourself how the stars live in the world-famous metropolis on the Pacific Coast. Take a trip to Beverly Hills, then head to Hollywood, stroll down the famous Walk of Fame and take a closer look at the more than 2,800 shimmering pink stars that line Hollywood Boulevard. And what's the one thing you definitely can't miss on a trip to L.A.? The famous Hollywood Sign! You can also enjoy a perfect view of it at another one of L.A.'s famous sights, the Griffith Observatory.