Lusso USA specialist Julie Hammond shares her personal recommendations for travelling in the States…

Why should I visit the United States?

I can think of at least 50 reasons – the states themselves. Each one is different, with its own identity and personality, quirks and idiosyncrasies. It’s hard to think of a single country that offers more variety, from the red rock canyons of Arizona in the south to the big skies and prairies of Montana in the north. But that’s the joy of travelling in America, there’s a lifetime of journeys to discover in one country. 

How long would you recommend going for?

It really depends on what you’re looking to do. Cities like Chicago, Seattle, New York or Philadelphia can be enjoyed on a city break of three to five nights. A trip to Disney World in Florida can easily be fitted into a half-term week. But if you’re planning to tour around then I’d recommend at least a fortnight, perhaps more. America is a vast country and it’s no coincidence that the majority of holidays we sell are self-drives. Hiring a car – perhaps even a classic like a Mustang – gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace, stopping when you want to soak up the sights, and for that you need time.

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

Definitely bottling my own wine in California’s Sonoma Valley. With its balmy Mediterranean climate and more than 200 days of sunshine a year, California is America’s greenhouse, responsible for over 80% of its wine production, most of which comes from Napa and Sonoma. I had the chance to bottle some of my own wine at Buena Vista Winery, the second oldest in the state. I found the process so fascinating I’ve been recommending it to agents ever since. 

What’s your favourite US state and why?

More of a collection than a single state but I adore New England, especially in autumn – or ‘fall’ as they say there – when the leaves on the trees turn a brilliant tapestry of scarlet, gold, purple and orange. Boston, Massachusetts, makes a wonderful base from which to explore the area, though the real fun lies in making your own discoveries along quiet leafy byways – stopping at cider mills for a refreshing drink, stocking up on maple syrup from a Vermont country store, or posing for photos by quaint covered bridges and iconic, red-roofed barns.

Do you have a favourite American hotel?

I have many, many favourites but one that always springs to mind is The London West Hollywood at Beverly Hills. From its spacious suites to its rooftop pool overlooking Los Angeles and its enormous private cinema – home to many a celebrity screening – a stay here feels like you’re part of the jet set.

Which of the tourist hotspots live up to the hype?

It’s got to be Las Vegas. A temple to Americana, Sin City is brash, fun and strangely alluring, and certainly lives up to its razzle-dazzle reputation. It’s not trying to be Rome, Paris or Venice – or only ironically – but that’s the whole point. It’s an experience in itself and it’s best to surrender to it. And when you’ve had your fill of limousines, casinos and glitzy dinner shows there’s a host of natural wonders just beyond the city limits, not least of which is the mighty Grand Canyon, best seen from the air on a helicopter tour – a worthwhile splurge if ever there was one. 

Where should I go to get off the tourist trail?

Head to Vermont’s north-east corner with its big skies and open spaces for vivid autumnal hiking well away from the crowds. Or book a luxury, all-inclusive stay at The Resort at Paws Up, a 37,000-acre dude ranch in the pristine wilderness of western Montana. 

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

For me it’s the City by the Bay, glorious and bohemian San Francisco. Go in autumn or winter for the clearest days (summer fog often obscures the views), hire a bike and cycle across Golden Gate Bridge. Take the vintage tram from outside the Ferry Building along the palm-lined boulevard to Pier 33 and catch the boat out to Alcatraz (book a month in advance). An excellent free audio tour dramatically brings to life the realities of confinement in the prison, both for inmates and staff.

Once back at the pier, search out the steep Filbert Street Steps, a thigh-busting climb through tumbling cliffside gardens, made much more palatable by the breathtaking views of the bay below. At the top, continue along Filbert to Hyde and hop aboard a cable car for a hair-raising ride down the city’s steep hills to Fisherman’s Wharf. 

Where can I find the most breathtaking views?

Yosemite National Park in northern California. The park’s natural attractions have become icons of the American landscape. I could never tire of gazing at Half Dome, the park’s trademark 8,842-foot peak, or at El Capitan, the largest single granite rock on earth, twice the size of the Rock of Gibraltar. Or at the magnificent Yosemite Falls, the highest on the continent. 

Where should I take the family?

Southern California provides ample attractions to keep families entertained. Start in Los Angeles with fun-filled days at Universal Studios Hollywood and Disneyland Park. Then take an open-top bus tour for a glimpse at the houses of the rich and famous before heading down the coast to stylish San Diego and Coronado Island, known for its broad, family-friendly beaches and soft sand. For a taste of true luxury, stay at Hotel del Coronado, which sits on 26 acres of Pacific Coast beachfront. 

Where should I go if I’m looking for adventure?

For adventure, Arizona has it all. From the epic chasm of the Grand Canyon and the giant Saguaro cacti of the Sonoran Desert to the magnificent monoliths of Monument Valley, the state is at the centre of America’s adventure scene. There’s no shortage of ways to explore it all either, be it hiking to the floor of the Grand Canyon, white-water rafting on the Colorado River, mountain biking through Red Rock State Park, or soaring in a balloon above the stark desert floor. 

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

If it were me, I’d take a flight to Nantucket, 30 miles off the Massachusetts coast, and check into the White Elephant. It offers everything you’d want from a Nantucket hotel – classic style, sunny nautical interiors, close-up sea views – and a few things you might not have counted on, like a full-service spa looking out across the harbour. It’s a great base from which to explore the high-end boutiques and fabulous restaurants that the island has to offer.

What’s the one meal I shouldn’t miss?

Clam chowder and lobster rolls in New England – a seafood lover’s dream!

What’s the best way to sample American culture?

Visit Plimoth Patuxet in Plymouth, Massachusetts, a living history museum that brings to life the era of the 1620s and how life was like for the pilgrims that settled here four centuries ago.

Where would you like to go in America that you haven’t yet been?

I love the outdoors and am dying to explore more of America’s national parks, like Yellowstone in Wyoming, famous for its hot springs and gushing geysers, and Bryce Canyon in Utah, known for its crimson-coloured rock spires called hoodoos. Oh, and of course Hawaii. I mean, who can resist the lure of the Aloha State?

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