Question:
Asked by KP on April 4th, 2012
Tags: Road Trips
Answer:
Hi there –

This sounds like an amazing trip! Because you will be touring the U.S. from coast to coast, I would recommend flying from Washington, D.C., to one of your West Coast destinations. Once you're in California/Nevada, you might consider rail travel (http://www.amtrak.com) or renting a car to travel between your destinations. Some of the most scenic drives in the U.S. wind through parts of the West Coast. I particularly like the drive from Las Vegas to San Francisco.

Best,
Sam

Question:
Asked by Stephanie Durrant on March 13th, 2012
Tags: Maine
Answer:
Stephanie,

I would spend some time on the state of Maine's official travel website. Here is that address for you:

http://www.visitmaine.com/

In particular, I think you'll find this page helpful:

http://www.visitmaine.com/attractions/

(This page lists ideas for things to do across the state, allowing you to filter your choices by interest category.)

I also like this page, which breaks ideas down for you based on which season you plan to visit:

http://www.visitmaine.com/seasons/

Personally, I really like Portland. I've written about it in my blog before, and you can read that here:

http://insiders.seeamerica.com/insiders/american_cities_insider/action.blogdisplay/blogID.213

I hope this helps, but please don't hesitate to contact me again!

Best,
Sam

Question:
Asked by mehdi on March 2nd, 2012
Tags: Los Angeles
Answer:
Mehdi,

I will provide a few links that you might find helpful, but my specialty is in suggesting ideas for your travels rather than suggesting how to make your travel arrangements. In regard to your question about traveling to Los Angeles, I would advise you to conduct a flight search using your favorite website (if you don't have a favorite, try Kayak.com). Though there are no stations in the particular cities you mentioned, you could also look into Amtrak (rail) service; additionally, Greyhound (bus) service does operate between Nashville and Los Angeles. Here are the links you'll need:

http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=Amtrak/HomePage
https://www.greyhound.com/default.aspx

Finally, in terms of locating a reasonably priced hotel in Los Angeles, you will find accommodations listed on the city's official website, which I'll provide at the end of this paragraph (by the way, this site is a terrific resource for anything else you might need to learn about L.A., from restaurant and event listings to maps, transportation information and special offers.

http://discoverlosangeles.com/

Best to you!
Sam

Question:
Asked by Marianne on February 24th, 2012
Tags: Chicago, Kansas City, Nashville, Road Trips
Answer:
Marianne,

What a wonderful opportunity for you and your husband. Without knowing where you've traveled previously, I am going to make three suggestions. Feel free to write me again if you'd like some additional ideas.

1. Bloomington, Indiana, is beautiful in April and presents just enough to do across a few days (which leaves you time to make the drive as slowly as you wish, and to add a stop in Chicago for some big-city fun!). Read this post (link below) I did last year on Bloomington. If you haven't already visited the college town, I think you'll love it for its landscaping, recreational trail, farmers' market, shops and restaurants:

http://insiders.seeamerica.com/insiders/american_cities_insider/action.blogdisplay/blogID.162

2. If you don't mind driving a little farther, you could spend a week in Nashville, Tennessee. The city is so much more than music (though you'll find no shortage of museums, landmarks and live performance venues in which to celebrate the city's musical heritage). Take an open-air bus tour downtown (offered through Grayline); roam the grounds of Andrew Jackson's Hermitage; stroll Cheekwood Botanical Garden; visit Belle Meade Plantation. Bonus: Nashville is offering April deals. You can see those here:

http://www.visitmusiccity.com/visitors/awesomeapril

3. With a week, Kansas City, Missouri wouldn't be out of your reach, and I really like it as a couple's getaway. You can see a show at the amazing new Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts and explore Kansas City's entertainment districts (think trolley rides, art galleries and studios, boutiques, restaurants). Try the Crossroads Arts District and the Kansas City Power & Light District for fun by day or night. Here are two helpful links:

My blog post about the Kauffman Center and KC's entertainment districts:

http://insiders.seeamerica.com/insiders/american_cities_insider/action.blogdisplay/blogID.268

Kansas City's official visitor site (look for free attractions, itinerary suggestions and more):

http://www.visitkc.com/index.aspx

Question:
Asked by Kerry Renshaw on February 17th, 2012
Tags: Chicago, Family, Road Trips, St. Louis
Answer:
Kerry,

American spring breaks are typically about one week long, so I'd like to make a suggestion tailored to that time frame and your starting point. What about making a triangle: from Indianapolis, head up to Chicago, Illinois; down to St. Louis, Missouri; and back home? This ensures you're never in the car for longer than a five-hour stretch, and concentrates your free time in two of America's famously family-friendly cities.

Here's a terrific list of things to do with your family in St. Louis:
http://explorestlouis.com/visit-explore/discover/st-louis-kids/

And in Chicago:
http://chicagolikealocal.com/category/family/

Do me a favor and let me know how it goes. Happy travels!

Sam

Question:
Asked by Brenda Caroen on January 22nd, 2012
Tags: New Mexico, Santa Fe, Shopping
Answer:
Brenda,

The New Mexico Tourism Department publishes its official visitor guide online here, and specifically recommends Tesuque Village Flea Market and the Palace of the Governors Portal in Santa Fe.

Happy shopping!

Sam

Question:
Asked by Cindy on January 12th, 2012
Tags: Theme Parks, Travel Info
Answer:
Cindy,

For current specials, check the "Deals" section of this page of the See America website.

Best,
Sam

Question:
Asked by Bob Cloncs on January 10th, 2012
Tags: Travel Info
Answer:
Bob,

Start by spending some time on this page of the See America website. Under "Find a Travel Specialist," you'll see a list that includes tour operators that may be able to assist you in your planning. Good luck!

Sam

Question:
Asked by nattasha on November 14th, 2011
Tags: Road Trips
Answer:
Nattasha,

Nothing is better than an all-American roadtrip, so I say GO FOR IT. According to Mapquest, the destinations are about 33 hours apart. Spread over 10 days, I think that's totally do-able, especially when you consider the amazing stops you can make along the way (including Chicago, Illinois; Denver, Colorado; and Las Vegas, Nevada).

Best!
Sam

Question:
Asked by Braxton on November 11th, 2011
Tags: Travel Info
Answer:
Braxton,

I don't personally have experience with a tour operator like this, so I would recommend conducting a general web search for "tour bus trip Florida Arizona," for example. Many bus tour routes will be regional in scope, but this operator, for example, has a few cross-country options: http://www.greentortoise.com/adventure-bus-tours-cross-country.html

As you are researching, be sure to inquire about customer reviews (starting by reviewing the tour operator websites to see what you can find); also, joining or reviewing topics on consumer travel forums (such as TripAdvisor.com) can add insight.

Best,
Sam