North America

The United States is full of dramatic scenery and unique landscapes, which means its perfect for embarking on adrenaline-filled mountain biking adventures. Some of the best mountain bike trails in the U.S. offer a memorable outdoor experience, whether you’re looking for challenging obstacles, a smooth ride with stunning views or steep climbs designed to test your strength.

The United States is home to over 20 fascinating UNESCO World Heritage sites, all recognized for their cultural significance. If you plan to tick a few of these off your bucket list, you’ll need the help of our comprehensive guide that details how to visit them, when to go and the best hotels near UNESCO sites.

Affectionately known as “The Mother Road”, Route 66 offers the quintessential American road trip experience. Stretching from Chicago to the Santa Monica Pier, the legendary Route 66 road trip is arguably one of the most famous in the world, crossing eight states and three time zones. The trip will take you past some of the country’s most iconic roadside scenes, from neon signage and middle-of-nowhere truck stops to kitschy Americana.

New York City offers the ideal base for scenic road trips, where you can swap the concrete jungle for charming coastal cities, mountain towns and picturesque wine regions. You can explore some of America’s most iconic cities on a road trip from New York City, from the postcard-perfect New England landscapes in Newport, Rhode Island to the 19th-century facades and cobblestone streets in Alexandria, Virginia.

In a city with as much personality as New Orleans, deciding where to stay can be a real challenge. The Crescent City is a quilt of dynamic districts and charismatic quarters, each with its own unique charm and personality. You’re going to want to base yourself centrally if you want to take full advantage of all that’s on offer. It’s surprising then that many first-timers in the city overlook Central Business District hotels. Snuggly squeezed between the French Quarter and Garden and Warehouse districts, these upscale establishments are on the doorstep of the city’s best restaurants, live music venues, and historic sites.

Arizona’s biggest city is famous for its dusty red landscape and strikingly blue skies. But there’s far more to a stay in Phoenix than just great weather. Like the mythical bird from which it takes its game, this is a city with a surprising ability to reinvent itself. Give yourself a couple of days to look around, and you’ll discover gorgeous mountain hikes, an endearingly quirky bar scene, and a smattering of peculiar local galleries.

Colorado is considered a playground for adventurers, featuring spectacular natural scenery that includes bucket-list hikes, gorgeous lakes and the captivating Rocky Mountains. A Colorado road trip offers access to some of the best stretches of highway in the U.S. where you can explore the state’s array of exciting cities, national parks, pioneer towns and mountain resorts.

Forget the Central Park in mid-winter and the One World observation deck — New York looks its best when viewed through the bottom of a glass. From sunsets over the Manhattan skyline to landmark views you couldn’t otherwise enjoy without breaking into someone’s Midtown penthouse, New York’s hotels with sky bars offer one-of-a-kind vantage points.

Nothing ruins the fun of a relaxing getaway more than tourist crowds, long lines and packed beaches. For a stress-free retreat, consider one of these alternative under-the-radar...