Hawaii

As its nickname ‘the Green Island’ would suggest, the pristine beaches on Kaua’i’s North Shore are surrounded by verdant landforms from valleys to rugged cliffs, producing the most picturesque diorama in Hawaii. Kilauea lighthouse is great for unparalleled panoramic views, and a boat ride along the Napali Coast shows the waterfalls cascading into the sea from a different perspective.

The most populated of the islands – and the unofficial home of the humble pineapple – Oahu is the vibrant gathering place. North Shore is where the surfers look to hang ten, Ko Olina is its own community with shopping and golf on its doorstep, and alongside the nightlife of Waikiki is the National Historic Landmark of Pearl Harbour.

The largest yet youngest, Big Island offers a vast contrast to its siblings. More like otherworldly desert than rainforest, lava rocks flank the roadsides and the heat of the volcanoes can be felt under foot on the black sand beaches. Playing astronaut comes easy in these infernal lunar landscapes home to one of the world’s largest active volcanoes.  

Maui is all about the experiences; ride The Road to Hana, known as one of the world’s most scenic drives; watch the sunrise at Haleakalà National Park from the top of the crater (that’s one for the photographers and romantics); and fly over the cliffs of Molokini, there’s a significant chance that a full circle rainbow might appear.

Lana’i could be described as the island that time forgot. The smallest inhabited island, it remains untouched by the clamour of everyday life. Originally housing Hawaii’s largest pineapple plantation, Lana’i City is now home to a small handful of charming shops, cafés and a grassy park where watching the Spinner Dolphins in Hulopo’e Bay comes easy.

California is one great big road trip; with pinstripe vineyards, seal-inhabited coastlines, glowing cities and a sunny disposition at every stop.

The image of fir trees reflecting perfectly into glassy lakes while snow-capped mountains wrap on all sides; Canada’s all-encompassing landscapes act as a humble reminder that the best adventures defy explanation. 

Pearlescent shorelines, metropolitan delights and Peter Pan experiences aplenty – this sunshine state is simply a rollercoaster experience.

To speak of Las Vegas without mentioning its extravagance would be a crime, but ventures into the spiritual sphere of Native American country are equally as synonymous with this land.

A playground for presidents and poets and the birthplace of America itself, New England’s landscapes may change with the seasons, but its quaint charm is evergreen.

The steeliest shapeshifter of cityscape times, not even a local can pin her down – creating a smorgasbord of opportunities for even the littlest Apples to give it a good go and start trying.

As far as USA cities go, there’s no denying New York and LA revel in the spotlight; but get to know the personalities of their hidden gem siblings and you might just discover that the apple never falls too far from this family tree. 

Like one big simmering hot pot, the American South nourishes the soul; with its scrumptiously hearty recipes, smooth as velvet jazz scene, and magnetically bubbly spirit that brings everyone together.

Step outside of the USA’s vibrant cities and you’ll find some of nature’s finest creations sequestered away in the embrace of its many National Parks.