Why should you go on a road trip in America?

One of the best ways to experience the USA is behind the wheel of your own car. Here, you’ll enjoy a freedom you won’t find on a classic tour, like those we offer to many of our other destinations.

By choosing a self-drive holiday, you have the chance to make detours along your daily route. With time on your own, you can explore attractions near your planned path. Additionally, you’re more able to go at your own pace, stopping in towns or at sights that capture your interest along the way.

Our self-drive tours in the USA

Most of our tours to the USA are self-drive tours, where the transport for part or all of the tour is in your own rental car.

We’ve curated some of the best road trips in America, both across the western USA and in Florida, where you can discover famous landmarks as well as hidden gems. On our tours, we’ve mapped out the best routes so you can make the most of your journey.

Below, we’ve gathered some of the states you can explore on your self-drive tour in the USA.

Florida

A tour to Florida promises a sunny self-drive adventure brimming with unforgettable and relaxing experiences.

One of the most popular destinations in Florida is Orlando, home to world-famous theme parks like Walt Disney World and Universal Studios, which attract millions each year.

Nature enthusiasts can explore the Everglades National Park, a scenic wetland teeming with alligators, birds, and other wildlife.

Drive along the scenic Overseas Highway to the Florida Keys, which offers fantastic opportunities for diving and snorkelling in crystal clear waters, while cities like Miami present a vibrant cultural scene with lively nightlife, beautiful beaches, and a strong Latin American influence.

Arizona

Arizona in southwestern USA is renowned for its spectacular landscapes and rich cultural heritage.

A highlight is the Grand Canyon, an awe-inspiring natural chasm attracting millions annually who come to marvel at its stark beauty and hike its numerous trails.

Another notable Arizona attraction is the Hoover Dam on the Arizona-Nevada border. Built in the 1930s, this massive dam is regarded as one of the country’s most impressive and significant constructions. Standing 221 metres tall and 379 metres long, it prevents daily flooding while ensuring a consistent water supply to neighbouring states.

California

Choosing a road trip that includes California offers legendary routes, stunning natural beauty, and dynamic cities to explore.

In Los Angeles, experience Hollywood’s glamour and the beaches of Santa Monica, while San Francisco showcases the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and charming downtown neighbourhoods.

Magnificent natural experiences such as Death Valley and Yosemite National Park await nature enthusiasts in California, while the wine regions of Napa Valley and Santa Ynez Valley offer world-class wine tasting.

A tour to California is also filled with spectacular coastlines where you can make plenty of exciting stops, for example, on Highway 1, which truly shows why the USA is an ideal destination for a self-drive tour.

Nevada

Nevada offers an exciting mix of natural wonders and vibrant city life.

We can’t ignore Las Vegas, world-famous for its casinos, luxurious resorts, and an energetic nightlife where you can experience spectacular shows and entertainment.

In the areas surrounding Las Vegas, you can also enjoy extraordinary natural experiences. Drive, for example, just 45 minutes to the Valley of Fire State Park, where you’ll find large red sandstone formations adorned with depictions of animals, humans, symbols, and artefacts that are over 2,000 years old.

You can also drive about 2 hours to the Desert National Wildlife Refuge, where you’ll find the USA’s largest wildlife reserve outside Alaska. Established in 1936, the park’s main purpose is to provide a safe haven for the desert bighorn sheep. You can also encounter animals like the jackrabbit and the desert tortoise.

Utah

Utah offers a splendid combination of wild nature and breathtaking national parks, making the state a perfect destination for nature lovers and adventurers.

Bryce Canyon National Park is one of Utah’s most popular attractions, renowned for its impressive hoodoos – column-like rock formations in shades of orange, red, and white. Visitors can also explore the famous Navajo Loop Trail, a 2.1 km hiking route that takes you through a landscape filled with the tallest hoodoos. The view from the park’s trails is an unforgettable experience.

Not far away is Zion National Park, Utah’s oldest national park, where you can enjoy majestic canyons and follow the Virgin River as it winds through the rugged landscape. The park is not only known for its majestic orange-red rock landscape but also for its rich wildlife and especially its impressive birdlife with nearly 300 species.

Combine your road trip with a city break

Complete your self-drive holiday in the USA by extending your tour with a stay in one of America’s exciting cities.

You could, for example, extend your holiday with a tour to New York, where the USA’s perhaps most iconic city awaits to be explored. Other exciting cities you can visit include New Orleans, where you can experience southern charm in a city full of life, mystery, and history, and Miami, where the Sunshine State’s exotic city awaits with the perfect combination of relaxation and adventure. See your options under each tour.

Frequently asked questions about road trips in the USA

When planning a road trip, several questions may arise: Is it safe? Can you drive with your British driver’s licence? And similar queries. We have tried to answer the most frequently asked questions below.

What’s included in a self-drive holiday?

When you embark on a road trip in the USA with TourCompass, both flights (round-trip and potentially domestic flights at the destination), the car rental, accommodations, and scheduled excursions and activities are included.

However, if you wish to experience something on your own that’s not scheduled, any additional ticket prices are not included.

How much does it cost to go on a self-drive holiday?

The cost of a self-drive holiday in the USA depends on the route, schedule, and departure date. However, all prices include flights, car rental, hotels, and scheduled excursions.

It’s more expensive to travel during peak seasons, e.g., in the summer holidays and over Christmas and New Year, and cheaper outside of peak seasons. You can see starting prices for each tour.

Request a quote to get the price for your preferred self-drive holiday based on your departure date, airport, and any adjustments/upgrades or additional days.

Is it safe to drive in the USA?

The USA is fantastic to experience by car, as the roads are generally well-maintained, with speed limits in all states. As American cars can be very large, you’ll also find that some roads are wider than you’re used to back home.

You should be aware of local traffic rules. For instance, speed limits can vary depending on the number of lanes on the main road, and a few traffic rules might differ from state to state. However, the signage on American roads is good, so if you follow the road signs, you’ll be well-prepared.

As with all travel destinations, we recommend you exercise regular caution and follow local advice and guidelines, especially when driving in larger cities where there are many people, and the roads can be busy.

Can you drive in the USA with a British driver’s licence?

Yes, you can drive in the USA with your British driver’s licence. If your licence is in a language other than English, we recommend you also carry an International Driving Permit (IDP).

The International Driving Permit is required so that the authorities in America have a verified English translation of the information on your driving licence.

Which side of the road do you drive on in the USA?

In the USA, you will drive on the right side.

The steering wheel is therefore on the left side of the car, while the brake and accelerator are the same as in cars here at home. You will need to get used to changing gears with your right hand instead of your left. However, we only hire cars with an automatic transmission, which makes it easier to adjust to driving on the right side.

Most people quickly adapt to driving on the right side.

Do I need a visa to travel to the USA?

As a UK citizen, you generally do not need a visa to travel to the USA. Instead, you must apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization).

ESTA is an electronic pre-approval that allows you to travel to the USA without a visa for up to 90 days, provided you meet the applicable requirements.

You must apply online through the official channels at least 72 hours before departure, but it is advisable to do so well in advance. Read about the ESTA conditions and application process on our page with practical information.

Do you have further questions?

Planning a self-drive tour in the USA for the first time can be overwhelming, and we know there can be many questions when planning your tour. You can find answers to even more questions about driving in the USA here.

Are you ready to experience the freedom of a road trip in the USA? Take a look at our tours and contact our travel specialists – we’ll help you find the best route so you can have an unforgettable tour!

We look forward to helping you embark on the tour of a lifetime.

TourCompass – From tourist to traveller