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East to West Coast Adventure with Topdeck, USA

If you’re looking for the ultimate US road trip, Topdeck’s “Get Social: USA East to West” tour is hard to beat. Covering major cities, iconic landmarks and breathtaking national parks, it packs it all into one unforgettable adventure. The tour typically runs from March to September, which means you can expect warm weather across most states and comfortable conditions for outdoor activities.

New York City: Meeting the Group

The tour began in New York City, where the group met for the first time and was introduced to our guide, Jess. Many had arrived a few days early to explore the city, but everyone quickly bonded over dinner and drinks that evening. Later that night, a group of us made our way to Times Square at midnight to catch the little-known art show displayed across the giant screens, a unique and memorable way to kick off the trip.

Philadelphia and Washington DC: History, Bikes and Baseball

The next morning, we boarded our brand-new, spacious and honestly very comfortable coach and headed for Washington DC, stopping in Philadelphia along the way. We ticked off the Rocky Steps, saw the Liberty Bell and devoured a classic Philly cheesesteak. DC became an unexpected highlight. On arrival, a nighttime illumination tour let us see the monuments beautifully lit, but my personal favourite was the bike tour around the National Mall the following morning. Cycling between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument in the September sun was the perfect mix of history, fresh air and fun. Thanks to Jess’s insider recommendations, we also attended our first baseball game, an incredibly American experience that none of us would have otherwise arranged ourselves.

The tour itself is well organised, with accommodation in hotels (not hostels), all transport, breakfast, some meals and certain activities covered in the booking cost. A wide range of optional extras covering main attractions across the country allows you to personalise the trip depending on your interests and budget. Jess went above and beyond, recommending other events happening at the time and helping our big group book onto these. Being a group of like-minded, social 18 to 35-year-olds, we all chose to spend almost every evening together. With that in mind, cash comes in handy on this trip, as splitting large tabs in bars and restaurants is not always well received.

Even the coach journeys were part of the fun. Some caught up on sleep after big nights out, while others played games, watched films or simply admired the ever-changing view that makes travelling America by road the best way to see it. Long drives were broken up with stops at Walmart, Target, typical American fast-food chains and Buc-ee’s, which is an attraction in itself.

Nashville and the South: Music, Cowboy Culture and Fun

Heading south, we arrived in Nashville, one of the standout stops for many of us. The live music scene, with country and rock, was incredible, nights out were unforgettable, and we fully embraced the cowboy and cowgirl theme with bull riding and boot shopping. We highly recommend Kid Rock Bar for dancing the night away in Nashville. From there, we continued through Fort Worth and Dallas, where cowboy culture and history came alive. We saw a cattle drive, and Jess organised our first rodeo, giving us a true Texan experience along with mouth-watering, authentic Texan BBQ. In Dallas, we explored the JFK assassination site and local markets before heading west, stopping at the Cadillac Ranch, an interactive art installation marking the point where the landscapes start to shift dramatically.

Continuing west, Memphis was a dream for Elvis fans. Walking down Beale Street, exploring the massive Bass Pro Shop and visiting Elvis’s home, Graceland, were unique experiences. By the time we reached New Orleans, the weather had turned, but it added to the city’s unique atmosphere and the thrilling swamp tour through gator territory. We indulged in traditional gumbo, as well as beignets at Café du Monde, explored the French Market and ended nights dancing in karaoke bars, collecting plenty of bead necklaces along the way (if you know, you know). Classic New Orleans vibes, rain and all.

Santa Fe, Albuquerque and Durango

Santa Fe felt like stepping into another world with clay buildings, vibrant markets, art exhibitions including Georgia O’Keeffe and flamenco dancers performing in the town square. Albuquerque added a quirky twist with Breaking Bad references and hot-air balloons rising at sunrise. In Durango, Colorado, we enjoyed river walks and night swimming in the natural hot springs, a perfect reset before more adventure. We then travelled through iconic landscapes, including the incredible Monument Valley, also known as Forrest Gump Point, and into Navajo Nation, where we experienced a jeep tour and tried giant Navajo tacos, portion sizes you definitely want to share.

The Grand Canyon and More

One of the biggest highlights of the trip is, of course, the Grand Canyon. Seeing it for the first time is breathtaking. I booked the optional helicopter ride before walking the Rim Trail to take it all in, although I would say the views are fairly similar from both. If I were to do it all again, I would consider spending the extra money on a helicopter ride that descends into the canyon, offering a perspective impossible from the rim alone and allowing you to be fully immersed.

While the tour was structured for us, we still enjoyed flexibility and spontaneity. This included organising our own visit to a shooting range, not for everyone but something many in the group wanted to do while in America, and even sneaking our way into a frat party. With this in mind, the trip really does become what the group decides to make it.

Las Vegas to California

Las Vegas was everything you would expect and more. Topdeck now books you into the infamous Flamingo Hotel on the Strip, which was amazing, complete with actual flamingos. We snapped photos by the Vegas sign and went to the lavish XS Nightclub, where The Chainsmokers were performing. A surreal moment for me was being pulled from the crowd onto the stage to perform during the show, something that could only happen in Vegas. Between the Bellagio fountains, the Sphere and endless entertainment, Vegas felt like a whirlwind. I wished we had a third night in Vegas since it really is so big, and bear in mind that Sunday nights are quieter, even in Vegas.

The final stretch took us through Death Valley to Santa Monica Pier, ending Route 66 on the West Coast, a perfect full-circle moment. The tour officially ends in Los Angeles, but many of us stayed on to explore the Hollywood Hills, the boulevard, Beverly Hills, Universal Studios and Disney. As we all got on so well, we joined each other’s excursions, extending the adventure. Doing this part without Jess and Topdeck made us really appreciate how challenging it is to get around, as long distances, high costs and endless logistics quickly add up.

Why We Recommend Topdeck

The trip is fast paced, full on and packed with experiences. You see so much of America on this tour, helping you make the most of your annual leave. Travelling across the US alone can be overwhelming, with huge distances, costs and tricky logistics. This tour takes that stress away, letting you focus on being present, making memories and adding anything extra you might want to do while there. For first-time travellers to the US, the group setting and having a dedicated guide also make the experience feel safe and straightforward. Even in big cities or unfamiliar environments, being with a group and a knowledgeable trip leader removes a lot of the uncertainty that can come with travelling alone.

Our only wish was that Topdeck put us all in touch ahead of the tour so we could explore New York together, but this might be something you can request when booking. Topdeck often have great last-minute deals, as well as student discounts, so keep an eye out for those to make the trip even better value. Let us know if you have been on this tour or travelled with Topdeck and what you think.

By Klaudia Burton