USA in a rooftop tent: Wild West to California Dreamin'

Your dream is coming true! You've waited so long for this, and now the day has finally come! You board the plane to Los Angeles, close your eyes and dream one last time of the adventures that await you before they finally come true. And the best thing about it: the time difference means you arrive in Los Angeles on the same day, which means you can get out and start exploring right away.
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.

Already feel like you're in a film? Well, if you don't yet, at least by the time you're standing on the famous Santa Monica Pier, looking at the colourful Ferris wheel and the rattling roller coaster, you will! After all, this setting has served as a backdrop for tons of them. The view of the Californian coast and the ocean from the wooden bridge is simply fantastic, and you're snapping pics left and right. Venice Beach is, of course, also on your list for the day. When you arrive, the Ocean Front Walk is bustling with life, and nowhere else can you experience the California lifestyle as closely as here. At Muscle Beach, you find bodybuilders slinging weights as artists spread out their masterpieces among the graffiti-covered buildings, restaurants and cafés. And the various street musicians provide the best source of entertainment while you enjoy a cold drink.

You're standing in front of your fresh set of wheels at the camping equipment hire agency with sparkling eyes: rooftop tent, camping kitchen, a table and chairs – it's all there in your new Jeep! You hop behind the wheel and take a deep, excited breath. Adventure is in the air! A quick stop at the supermarket to stock up on provisions, and then you leave Los Angeles behind. Where to? That's entirely up to you! This is exactly how America should be experienced – with the feeling of endless freedom. Need a little inspiration? Cruise over to Joshua Tree National Park. And if you still have some energy left when you get there, go on a hiking tour through the bizarre landscape right from the campsite and check out the yucca palms that give the park its name. Otherwise, just wait till nightfall and enjoy some stargazing. It's super easy to do in Joshua Tree Park because it gets super dark here. Sweet dreams!
Recommended campsite: White Tank Campground

On your way east, California shrinks into the distance, and you soon find yourself zooming through the impressive Arizona landscape. As soon as you make it to Kingman, it's time to get off the highway and onto Route 66. The stretch to Seligman – the alleged birthplace of Route 66 – is considered one of the best-preserved sections of the historic road. So you take in all the sights and soak up the feeling of freedom before zipping off to make an extra special stop before arriving at your new campsite: the Grand Canyon! And lucky for you, your route leads past some of the best lookouts on the South Rim. Whether from Mather Point or the Desert View Watchtower, the view of the mighty canyon is simply indescribable (optional, payable on site). Make sure to grab some pics of the glowing red rock formations before you finally reach your destination at Lake Powell, then enjoy your reward for the long day of road trippin': the sunset at Lone Rock Beach!
Recommended campsite: Lone Rock Beach Campground