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Discover your next blockbuster adventure in the USA

Nevada Valley Fire State Park

United States of play!

Yep, the world would be a pretty boring place without the USA - the land that makes movie stars, has streets paved with their famous names and has homes in Memphis once graced by Elvis.

There’s so much to see and do, with a different experience in every state and around every corner.

For foodies, there is no better place. From the All-American diner to corn dogs at baseball games, you won’t go hungry in the land of Uncle Sam. It’s a huge country, with an even bigger To-do list. 

Each state offers a new adventure, a fresh flavour, and another story to tell. From mouthwatering food scenes that satisfy every craving, to epic landscapes and unforgettable moments that’ll have you saying “wow!” over and over again—this is a place built for making memories.

Come and talk to our USA travel specialists and together let’s start planning your stateside adventure today!

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Flight time.

A flight from Auckland to the West Coast of the USA, such as Los Angeles, takes about 12-13 hours. While it’s a long-haul flight, you’ll be arriving in the land of endless possibilities.

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Best time to go.

The best times to visit the West Coast of the USA are from April to June and September to November, when the weather is milder and the tourist crowds are thinner.

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Time difference.

The West Coast of the USA is 19 hours behind New Zealand. This significant time difference will require some adjustment.

Best USA Road Trips Ever

Our favourite things to do in the USA

View of Utah Arches

Glamping in Utah!

Have a stay ‘Under canvas’ in Utah at Zion or Grand Canyon National Park.

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People playing ice hockey

Head to a sports game

Grab a hot dog and popcorn and join the locals to watch a game.

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Ariel view of the drive from San Francisco to Big Sur

California dreaming!

West is Best - Hire a car and go on a roadie.

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Cars driving through Nashville Tennessee

Music, food and the South

If you are a fan of country, jazz, blues, or rock n’ roll, pack light and buckle up ready for an unforgettable musical journey.

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Person pouring glasses of red wine

Hit the wine road

Calling all wine lovers!

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Get your festival vibes on

Plan your trip to California’s hottest music festivals—Coachella and Stagecoach in Palm Springs!

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People ice skating in Bryant Park at Christmas time

A magical Christmas in New York

The Big Apple does Christmas better than anywhere else, and New Yorkers seize the opportunity to celebrate every moment of it.

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Rodeo Drive sign

Best. Shopping. Ever!

Shop 'til you drop with the best of LA Shopping from luxe boutiques to outlet steals.

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Our USA travel blogs

93% of customers who book with House of Travel rate us 5/5

"The VIP service I received when I walked into KC HOT. I felt really important."

Ngahuia

"Michelle did some great research to help me get to where I wanted with quite restrictive requirements from me"

Dave

"Maia was prompt in her replies, friendly, and provided a quality itinerary suggestion that met the brief."

Lewis John

Meet our USA specialists

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Vicky Baker

Vicky Baker

House of Travel High Street Lanes, Christchurch CBD

I can’t wait to meet you and help turn your travel dreams into reality! Originally from South Africa I have over 20 years experience working in New Zealand, South Africa and the UK, I genuinely love arranging holidays. I have a particular passion for Asia as a destination and extensive knowledge of family-friendly travel options. Let’s create an unforgettable journey together!

Vicky 
Ellie Gallagher

Ellie Gallagher

House of Travel Hobsonville

Working within the Travel industry was always my dream, I'm passionate about experiencing different cultures and immersing ourselves in history; it broadens the mind.  I look forward to connecting with you, and being a part of your next adventure.


Ellie

Danny Hooper

Danny Hooper

House of Travel Johnsonville

I have been in the travel Industry for 20 years and am convinced that it is the most exciting industry to be a part of.

I still get excited about all things travel and love exploring new and exciting destinations or passing on the knowledge and ideas to customers to ensure they have the most amazing experience on holiday. 

Danny

Melissa Topp

Melissa Topp

House of Travel Christchurch City

Travel really is my passion and I perhaps love organising it just as much as the actual travelling. Being able to open up options for people they had no idea they could accomplish is truly exciting. I love the scope of what we can accomplish as a travel agent; our systems, knowledge and relationships with the right people all add up to being able to organise a truly memorable trip. I’ve done it all from tours, safaris, ocean and river cruises, adventure travel, self-drives, rail journeys, family travel specialising in all things Disney and I love to share my knowledge to help you achieve the trip of your lifetime.

Outside of the office I like to spend my time skiing, horse riding, tramping, scuba diving, getting outside on our lifestyle block with my two little girls or enjoying a glass of pinot with a side order of chocolate mousse.


Years in the Industry: over 20

No. of countries visited: 50+

Favourite place to visit: Niue, no wait Cuba, hmm no maybe it’s Egypt….. Or Italy….

Next place on the list to visit: Disneyworld

·       “The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” – Augustine of Hippo


Why I love travel?

Travel gives us our greatest stories, our most cherished memories and countless irreplaceable learnings that we can choose to pay forward to others. It teaches us about ourselves and each other, it broadens our horizons and, just like a reset button, it forces us to refocus on what really matters.


My travel tips:

  • Pack your patient pants; Don’t sweat the stuff you can’t control. Your trip is much too short to stress. Did you miss your bus? No worries, there will be another one.. ATM out of money? Great! Take an unplanned road trip over to the next town and explore. I know it can be hard sometimes, but just take a deep breath and remind yourself that it could be worse.
  • Focus on value over deals. It’s so easy to not look past the initial $ signs when organising your trip but how much extra will there be in added costs once you are at your destination, lost time or enjoyment is that initial saving really going to cost you once you are there.
  • Wake Up Early To Avoid Crowds. Rise before sunrise to have the best attractions all to yourself while avoiding large tourist crowds. It’s also a magical time for photos due to the softer light and often providing great opportunities to interact with locals getting ready for their day. Sketchy areas are less dangerous in the morning too. Honest hardworking people wake up early; scammers and criminals sleep in…


My top 5 favourite destinations:

  • Rio De Janeiro – Such an incredibly vibrant city. Imagine, having dinner in a local favela, no other tourists in sight and locals from ages 1-99 all together, laughing, dancing to the live music, everyone talking to everyone. A local group of young people came down the street performing the traditional capoeira martial art/dance and everyone heads outside to watch and cheer them on. It is always the people that make the place and Brazil’s people are very bit as colourful as this amazing city.
  • Europe River cruise – A true holiday. Pull up each day in a different location, right in the heart of things, wander off the boat and go for it. Return when you feel like it to every luxury you could want, top class food and drink and every room has a front row view. No crowds, most ships have under 200 passengers and a great option for both first time travellers and more experienced as you tend to visit many of the smaller and often less visited towns.
  • Rocky Mountaineer train journey – Starting in Banff, which really feels like the Queenstown of Canada and ending in Vancouver, a stunning city just a few minutes’ drive and from the beautiful redwood forests this train journey is must do travel experience. Seeing the spectacular scenery of the Rockies from the comfort of your warmed up spacious leather seat, the mountains are not just to either side but also above you through the glass roof of the train.
  • Borneo – Here you can combine stunningly beautiful beach resorts with a visit to the jungle; see the Proboscis monkeys, baby turtles being released into the ocean and one of the only places in the world to see Orangutans in their native habitat. One of the least explored areas on the planet with many adventures to be had but you don’t need to skimp on luxury.
  • East Africa Safari – It is a strangely exciting experience to be told not to wander too far from your tent at night because wild animals are really all around you. From elephants wandering through our camp one evening, to hearing bison grazing in the grass around us while sleeping, Africa really is as wild as you hope it will be. So many travel experiences these days are replicas – shows put together for your enjoyment. Africa definitely is not; it could not get much more real. Seeing orphaned baby elephants playing football with each other, wandering over to you reaching out their trunk so smell you as you stand behind only a rope fence watching their antics is just one of the incredible experiences on offer in this amazing location.

What’s in my suitcase?

  • A dog bed. I kid you not. These days I’m travelling with two little ones in tow and as strange as this sounds it’s a life saver on long haul flights-pair it with one of those big inflatable pillows that go where your legs usually do and you have a comfortable bed for the little ones to curl up in.
  • A dirty laundry bag. One easy spot to place all the worn things and easy to take to the laundry with you while travelling or dump in the machine when home.
  • Earplugs. I need a good nights sleep be ready to do everything I have planned for the next day on my holiday and you just never know what noises you might want to shut out while travelling.


Melissa 

Best. Holidays. Ever!

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