Lusso Senior Travel Advisor Clare Sheldrick shares her memories and must-dos from travelling in the States…

Why should I visit the United States?

There is so much to experience in one country, yet despite its size it’s so easy to get around – be it by plane, train or automobile!

What’s your fondest memory from your time in America?

I loved my time at The Ranch at Rock Creek beneath the big skies of Montana. Having not ridden a horse for a long time I was slightly nervous about spending time on a ranch but the staff, like the horses, were exceptional and immediately put me at ease. With 6,600 acres and miles of trails to explore, the privately guided, small-group rides were some of the best I’ve had anywhere in the world.

What has surprised you most about travelling in the States?

How easy it is to get around. I have flown by plane and helicopter, taken trains and hopped on ferries, but the most convenient and flexible way to discover the USA is to self-drive, which allows you to go at your own pace, stopping at whatever takes your fancy along the way. We’ll help you find the vehicle that’s right for you and your companions, be it a soft-top convertible for cruising in the sunshine or an SUV for better sit-up-high views. We can even arrange motorhome and motorcycle hire.

What’s your favourite city and what must I do while I’m there?

New York without a doubt. All the clichés are clichés for a reason, so be sure to picnic in Central Park, gaze in awe at Times Square and ride the ferry to Liberty Island. But leave time for some of the newer attractions too, like walking the High Line (below), a 1.5-mile urban park that snakes through the Meatpacking District 30 feet above street level. It offers fabulous views of the Hudson River and won’t cost you a dime to enjoy.

What’s your favourite US state and why?

I love New York State, perhaps unsurprisingly given that New York is my favourite city. But there’s a lot to be said for venturing beyond the Big Apple, not least to natural attractions like Niagara Falls, the craggy peaks of the Adirondacks and the picturesque vineyards of the Finger Lakes.

Which of the tourist hotspots live up to the hype?

If you’re in San Francisco you should certainly visit Alcatraz. Once home to such notorious criminals as Al Capone, America’s most famous prison makes for a wonderful half-day excursion, and the self-guided audio tour gives a fascinating insight into life on ‘The Rock’.

Do you have a favourite American hotel?

Probably The St. Regis New York, if only for the celebrated King Cole Bar. According to legend, the Bloody Mary was first concocted here in 1934 and the bar has been featured in numerous movies, including The Devil Wears Prada.

Where can I find the most breathtaking views?

Take a helicopter flight from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon. On the way you get mind-blowing views of Hoover Dam (below), Lake Mead, the Mojave Desert and an extinct volcano called Fortification Hill. You then fly for over ten miles through the canyon itself before landing for champagne on a private bluff above the Colorado River. The canyon views are insane, as are those of the neon Strip as you land back in Las Vegas.

Where should I take the family?

For a good old-fashioned family holiday, head to the beaches of Cape Cod in New England. The powdery sand and calm waters of the cape’s south side are especially child-friendly, while the tumbling dunes and heavy Atlantic surf of the east coast are great for family beach hikes and building sandcastles. There are opportunities for biking, fishing and boating, as well as whale-watching and dolphin-spotting tours. The cape is easily accessed from Boston, which itself boasts the riverfront Boston Children’s Museum (full of interactive exhibits and hands-on activities), the Franklin Park Zoo and the New England Aquarium.

Where should I go to get back to nature?

Southern Florida is amazing for nature lovers. Head into the Everglades with a naturalist guide to spot pelicans, alligators, dolphins, turtles or even manatees, which live almost exclusively in the warm waters off Florida’s south coasts. Or head further south to the Florida Keys, which offer some of the best marine life encounters in the States. Dive the Shipwreck Trail off Key Largo. Kayak or paddleboard through the mangrove islands of the Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge in search of manatees, dolphins and graceful wading birds. Snorkel among rainbow-coloured parrotfish in the Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary. Or head west from Key West by boat or by seaplane to Dry Tortugas National Park (below), seven small islands in the Gulf of Mexico home to the former Civil War prison Fort Jefferson and renowned for their abundant sea life and spectacular coral reefs.

Where is best for a beach holiday?

I’d recommend Santa Monica. It’s hard to believe this cool and laidback city is just 15 miles from downtown LA. Its beach is dominated by the iconic 1909 Santa Monica Pier, with its carnival rides, souvenir shops and genuine 1920s carousel. Within sight of the pier – and one of only two hotels to sit right by the ocean – is Shutters on the Beach, which manages to combine the vibe of an upscale beach house with the amenities of a luxury hotel, including a celebrity-favoured spa and a couple of terrific restaurants.

What should I do if I’m looking to treat myself?

Check into The Breakers in Palm Beach, Florida. Just a five-minute drive from swanky Worth Avenue – Florida’s answer to Rodeo Drive – it’s the perfect place for a spot of retail therapy and oceanfront pampering. It may be well over 100 years old, but with millions invested in its upkeep each year, The Breakers still regularly tops lists of the nation’s most luxurious resorts.

What’s the one meal I shouldn’t miss?

Head to Cafe Luxembourg on the Upper West Side in New York. The quintessential French bistro is always crowded with locals and the excellent menu includes classics like moules frites, steak tartare and roast chicken. Beauty & Essex on the Lower East Side is another great option. Hidden behind a functioning pawn shop, it’s run by celebrity chef Chris Santos and is widely regarded as one of New York’s most beautiful restaurants. Or if it’s breakfast you’re after, try Penelope on Lexington Avenue. It’s so popular you may have to queue out the door, but the blueberry pancakes and avocado toast are more than worth the wait.

To speak to Clare about booking your dream trip to the States, call Lusso on 01625 591 111.