USA ROAD TRIPS by MAX

I am all checked in for my Virgin Atlantic flight tomorrow. Flying on a Saturday is quite unusual for me as there was always a supplement to pay but this flight and accommodation for 7 nights has been a real bargain. I have downloaded the Orlando Airport Visitor Toll Pass App and have to go the vending machine in any of terminals A, B or C to collect the rear view mirror pass by scanning the QR…

I can’t quite believe this but I will be arriving in Orlando on 4th July just in time to see some special firework display or displays to celebrate with America on her 250th birthday. This is a completely unscheduled break and another Virgin Holiday bargain that I discovered so close to this special celebration. I land at approximately 18:00 and flying into Orlando (MCO) for the first time since…

Happy 250th Birthday From Block Parties to a UFC cage on the lawn of the Whitehouse there is an enormous programme of events planned for this very special birthday. Americans are planning memorable road trips and Route 66 that traverses eight states has been sharpened up new signage and attractions have been renovated. Home Page Great American Road Trip New York’s Times Square is dropping…

The march of the Beaver across America is picking up pace. A new location in Arizona just outside of Phoenix will be opening in June 2026. The popular roadside attraction of gigantic service station and convenience store anticipates opening in Louisiana, Wisconsin and Kansas in 2027. Buc’ees opened a new location in Ohio close to Huber Heights earlier this year. If you have never had the…

  The momentum is building and USA’s ‘Mother Road’ the iconic Route 66 celebrates 100 years in 2026. Established in 1926 the highway runs from Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California a total 2448 miles. It traverses 8 states and it connects isolated and rural communities as well as some major cities such as Oklahoma. Route 66 still captures the nostalgic era of America. Forgotten way points…

Discover some of America’s Airports Animal Therapy Heroes The growing trend across America’s airports to offer teams of therapy animals is topped by the adorable and appropriately adorned Llamas and Alpacas at Portland International Airport. Introduced in 2023 they have become local celebrities at the newly opened main terminal.  They offer anxious travellers a chance to interact with the…

National Park Service (NPS) announces the best dates for viewing Cherry Blossom along the Tidal Basin The brutal winter season has delayed the Cherry Blossom viewing season and the NPS has just announced that 2026 will be expected between 29 March and 01 April. These dates are still subject to the weather conditions.  The peak date is when 70% of the Yoshino Cherry Blossoms are open. There are…

Rapidly gaining the title of the most visited attractions in the Tampa area you must visit next time you are on the Gulf Coast in Florida. The unimaginative title of ‘The Tampa Electric Company’ doesn’t sound like somewhere you would want to make part of your vacation time.  During the winter months Florida is famed for the migration of ‘Snow Birds’ from the bitter winters of the North East of…

Without being inside the Magic Kingdom or Epcot Whilst gorging on Winter Sun last week in Kissimmee the January high broke all Florida records and also the lowest temperature for the state in the same period it was a superb week from the gloom of British winter. Our accommodation was on the 8th floor of the Delta by Marriott in Celebration bang in between Main Gates East and West. Our room was…

I am back on my travels and having to take advantage of using up my annual accrued leave. Virgin Atlantic Holidays came up trumps for the second time in three months and we are going to stay in Celebration between the Main Gates of East and West to the Walt Disney World. The weather will be reasonably warmer than the UK and heating our bones will be welcome. The philosophy is used by the Manatee…

2026 America turns 250   Happy New Year and welcome if you have never visited my website before. 2026 is a massive year of celebration for the United States of America. The video above shows the Washington Monument unveiling the year long America 250 celebration.  The Semiquincentennial year was kicked as the 2026 ball dropped in New York’s Times Square. Uniquely there will be another chance in…

Massive price increase! Applying for your ESTA – Electronic System for Travel Authorisation in preparation for your dream holiday for the first time or simply renewing it for two more years! As part of the incumbent administration’s Big Beautiful Bill the cost has changed. As of 27 September 2025 an ESTA will cost each individual a whopping $40! Increasing from $21 for each application is nearly…

‘America First’ Pricing to start in 2026 The US Department of the Interior announced this week that non residents will have to pay hefty fees on top of the entrance prices at SOME National Parks from 01 January 2026.  A new fee of $250 for an annual pass or $100 per person in addition to the standard fees. This is all part of the ‘America First’ initiative introduced by the current…