Top Tips and Handy Hints for Touring North America
21/03/2025
Are you daydreaming about touring North America? Then you’ve come to the right place! Hays Travel are experts in turning your holiday dreams into reality. Need some help on where to start? Below, you’ll find everything you need to know, from the top three places to visit in North America and what to pack to the top tour companies and even tips on how to much spending money you’ll need!
Why You Should Tour North America
North America is perfect for touring; whether you’re a nature fan, adrenaline junkie, foodie, music lover, or avid explorer. North America is made up of 23 countries bordered by the Arctic, Atlantic, and Pacific Oceans and South America and the Caribbean Sea. Discover everything from cold arctic places, hot deserts, lush forests, and tropical rainforest to one of the world’s largest waterfalls (Niagara Falls) and huge metropolises like Toronto, Mexico City, Havana, New York City, and Los Angeles.
Where Are the Best Touring Destinations in North America?
With so many incredible places to explore, it can be difficult to know where to start. But worry not, we’re here to put your mind at ease! Here are some of our favourite tried and tested touring destinations that should feature on your North America travel list.
Canadian Rockies
The Canadian Rockies boast North America’s highest mountain - Mount Denali, breathtaking scenery, charming towns and cities, iconic landmarks, fun activities, rich history and culture, and much more.
Top Stops: Banff, Jasper, and Lake Louise.
Why Visit the Canadian Rockies on a Tour:
Touring the Canadian Rockies by luxury coach or aboard the iconic Rocky Mountaineer train reveals natural sights at every turn. Banff leads to Bow Falls, Emerald Lake, a vibrant food and drink scene, and skiing on Sulphur Mountain. Follow the Icefields Parkway to Lake Louise; the gateway to Lake Louise ski resort, Lake Minnewanka, and Yoho National Park’s Takakkaw Falls. Jasper lets you ride the Jasper Skytram up Whistler Mountain, visit Maligne Lake and Athabasca Falls, and, as a designated Dark Sky Preserve, is perfect to stargaze and see the Northern Lights.
Route 66
Route 66, aka the “Mother Road”, was established on 11 November 1926 and proudly celebrates its centenary in 2026. This 2,448-mile-long historic highway starts at the famous Route 66 Begin sign on Chicago’s E. Adams Street and reaches the finish line in California’s Santa Monica.
Top Stops: St Louis, Arizona, and Oklahoma.
Why Visit Route 66 on a Tour:
The legendary Route 66 travels across eight states - Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. Our top ten not-to-be-missed highlights to look out for on a touring holiday include Amarillo’s unique Cadillac Ranch; the 1930s Americana at New Mexico’s Blue Swallow Hotel, and St Louis’ Chain of Rocks Bridge and Gateway Arch. Arizona’s Petrified Forest, Grand Canyon, and Meteor Crater; Oklahoma’s quirky Blue Whale of Catoosa and Rock Café, and California’s Santa Monica Pier are all well worth a visit too!
America's Deep South
Embark on a journey through America’s Southern States of Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee. Experience the best in Southern hospitality, varied history, live music, impressive natural sights, beautiful beaches, and tasty food.
Top Stops: Memphis, Nashville, and New Orleans.
Why Visit America’s Deep South on a Tour:
Delve into a rich musical heritage and much more! Visit Elvis Presley’s Graceland mansion, Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum, STAX Museum of American Soul, and Sun Studios in Memphis. Stop by Tennessee’s Country Music Hall of Fame and Johnny Cash Museum and watch Grand Ole Opry’s new stars, superstars, and legends of country music. Famous for its Mardis Gras and Creole and Cajun cuisines; New Orleans comes alive after dark with jazz and blues music in the bars and clubs along Bourbon Street and Frenchmen Street.
What to Pack for a Tour Through North America
With a touring holiday that takes care of all the little travel details the biggest thing you need to worry about is what to pack!
1. Clothing depends on the season: think cool, natural fabrics in the summer and warm layers in the winter months; with waterproofs as necessary
2. Comfortable Footwear: Whether you’re hiking through the countryside or sightseeing in busy cities, comfortable walking shoes or trainers are a must!
3. Travel Adaptors: USA and Canada plugs are either two flat parallel pins or two flat parallel pins with a grounding pin.
4. If you’re planning to go swimming, either indoors or outdoors, don’t forget your swimsuit.
What are the Top Sights in North America?
Not every touring holiday needs to be booked based on a destination. Sometimes your perfect tour can centre around a wish-list sight!
Statue of Liberty
New York’s Statue of Liberty is the ideal backdrop to the ultimate selfie. This 305-foot-tall statue stands on New York Harbor’s Liberty Island and was gifted to the United States to celebrate the 108th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence on 4 July 1884.
Top Tip: Buy tickets in advance for the ferry from Battery Park and to access to the pedestal and crown.
Insider Info: Avoid large queues and crowds by catching the first ferry of the day (around 08:30) between Tuesday to Thursday.
Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of North America, sits on the border between Canada and the United States. This amazing bucket-list site comprises the Horseshoe Falls, the American Falls, and the Bridal Veil Falls.
Top Tip: Late September and into October is the perfect time to visit with fall foliage adding vibrant colours to the falls.
Insider Info: Travellers on the Maiden of the Mist should take protective gear to keep dry and a waterproof camera to capture images.
Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World due to its natural beauty, immense size, and geological significance!
Top Tip: You need to buy an entrance pass for vehicles, motorcycles, and individuals by credit/debit card only at the three entrance stations to visit Grand Canyon National Park – 16 year-olds and under are admitted free of charge.
Insider Info: Avoid massive crowds by visiting on a weekday in the spring (March to June) or fall (September to November).
How Much Does It Cost to Travel to North America?
Now, onto the big question, the question you’re all wondering: how much will a touring adventure cost? Well, it depends on where you go, who you go with, and your travel style!
At Hays Travel we work with hundreds of suppliers and operators like Newmarket Holidays, Titan Travel, Riviera Travel, Hayes & Jarvis, and more to find you the best deals and most amazing touring itineraries on the market. From epic luxury adventures to pocket-friendly packages that take you into the heart of local gems; we have it all. Looking for some amazing tour ideas to get you started? Check some of our North America favourites.
But before you go, here's a quick breakdown of average costs for things you may want to indulge in outside your tour price.
Ready for a Touring Holiday to North America?
Check out our latest touring deals, speak to our holiday experts, and make this the year you say "yes" to an epic adventure. Go on, you know you want to!