Nestled in the heart of the Midwest, St. Louis blends classic all-American appeal with a modern, cosmopolitan edge – all at an affordable price point. Captivating attractions, world-class sports, surprising histories and a culinary scene that will tantalize your taste buds are just the beginning of what you’ll discover in this friendly Missouri city.

Perhaps St. Louis’ most recognizable landmark, the awe-inspiring Gateway Arch commemorates the city’s role in the westward expansion of the USA. Soar to new heights – 192 meters, to be exact – aboard an enclosed tram to the top, where you’ll take in breath-taking panoramic views of the city and the Mississippi River below. Take time to wander the museum at the base of the Arch to learn more about the area’s history then explore the beautifully landscaped park grounds. Nearby, the National Blues Museum is the only attraction of its kind dedicated to preserving the rich history and global influence of blues music through immersive multimedia installations. Get to know this iconic U.S.-born musical style in four distinct exhibit halls, each archiving captivating artifacts and electrifying live performances from blues history.

If you’re looking to embark on a classic U.S. adventure along historic Route 66, St. Louis makes an excellent entry point for a journey down the legendary highway. Take a scenic stroll across the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge to see where Route 66 once crossed the mighty Mississippi River. Make a stop at the National Museum of Transportation to get a glimpse of the old-timey cars that travelled the Mother Road in its heyday.

Sports fans will also find plenty to cheer about on a trip to St. Louis. “America’s pastime” is centre stage at Busch Stadium, the home field for the beloved St. Louis Cardinals Major League Baseball team. After the game, make your way to Ballpark Village, a vibrant entertainment complex just across the street from the stadium, to enjoy shopping, dining and a deep dive into baseball history at the Cardinals Hall of Fame. Baseball isn’t the end of the story when it comes to St. Louis’ sports scene. The St. Louis CITY Soccer Club and St. Louis Blues Hockey Team both enjoy fervent support from their dedicated fan bases.

Springfield is a town of many legacies and reputations, from its prominent role in Route 66 history to its nickname "the City of the Ozarks." These stories are celebrated all across the city, at annual festivities and year-round attractions alike. Find intriguing road trip stops, a diverse culinary scene and unique shopping, all in an atmosphere that radiates classic Americana heritage. In Springfield, you can enjoy out-of-the-ordinary experiences while still feeling right at home.

Springfield is recognized as the official Birthplace of Route 66. The historic “Mother Road” linking Chicago, Illinois, and Los Angeles, California, got its name during a meeting of highway officials there in 1926. History buffs will want to cruise along local portions of the famous highway to see colourful murals and neon signs that bring the Mother Road to life. Dive deeper into the road’s history by checking out exhibits at the History Museum on the Square and classic cars at the Route 66 Car Museum. Venture just outside town to explore Gary’s Gay Parita, a charmingly restored 1900s gas station in nearby Ash Grove. Visit during August to celebrate the iconic highway with live music, car shows and a parade at the annual Birthplace of Route 66 Festival.

Much of Springfield’s charm lies in its duality: It’s just as easy to enjoy cultural pursuits in a bustling downtown as it is to get outside and experience nature. Kayak or paddleboard on peaceful waterways, bike scenic trails and soak in the splendor of Missouri's Ozark Mountains. The natural jewel of the area is Fantastic Caverns, the only cave system in North America large enough to accommodate a Jeep-drawn tram tour.

Back in town, Springfield’s arts scene is full of character. Catch a live performance at the historic Landers and Gillioz Theatres, then hit the streets of downtown to admire public art along Sculpture Walk Springfield. When hunger strikes, treat yourself to the city’s unique flavours. Dig into a plate of famed Springfield-style cashew chicken or try local favourites like Cafe Cusco or Black Sheep Burgers.

Founded in the early 1600s, Santa Fe is one of the oldest cities in the USA, as well as the oldest and highest-elevation state capital (2,200 meters above sea level). New Mexico’s oldest city retains a sophisticated feel – its Santa Fe style.

In Santa Fe, colourful open-air marketplaces, ancient buildings (the Palace of the Governors, for example, is the nation’s oldest continuously occupied public building), art galleries and museums sit side-by-side with sleek restaurants, exciting nightclubs and modern hotels. The plaza in downtown Santa Fe is filled with modern stores of all kinds situated alongside the Native American art market, which takes place underneath the portal at the Governor’s Palace.

Outside the city, highlights include Bandelier National Monument, which protects more than 13,000 hectares of canyon and mesa with petroglyphs, dwellings and masonry of indigenous cultures dating back more than 11,000 years. Or, travel the High Road to Taos, a 170-kilometer trip through the Sangre de Cristo Mountains dotted with Spanish Colonial and Pueblo Indian villages where you can tour historic buildings and shop for authentic crafts.

Off the Strip, an equal amount of fun awaits. Head over to Downtown Las Vegas and try the SlotZilla zip lines under the Viva Vision video canopy of the Fremont Street Experience. Passengers on the upper line “fly” over all the excitement of Fremont Street below. Besides the shops, dazzling lights and nightly shows, Circa Resort & Casino features Stadium Swim. The heated pool amphitheater, open throughout the four seasons, offers visitors a fabulous dip while catching the biggest sporting events on a massive, 143-foot screen. Other Downtown Las Vegas favorites include LONGBAR at The D Las Vegas, the intimate Downtown Cocktail Room, the lively feel of the Commonwealth and the Downtown Container Park. Back closer to the Strip, you’ll find live music at The Front Yard at Ellis Island Hotel, Casino & Brewery. Southern hospitality and cuisine await at The Orleans Hotel and Casino, while The Oyster Bar at Palace Station Hotel Casino serves up live-action seafood prepared before your eyes available 24/7.

The traditional and most recognized end of Historic Route 66 is the Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica, California, though the official, original route ended at 7th and Broadway in downtown Los Angeles. The iconic "End of the Trail" sign, a popular photo spot, is located on the pier.  

One of the world's most diverse cities, Los Angeles is home to countless global cultures and distinctive neighbourhoods, each offering something exciting. The city has so much going on that you'll want to give yourself plenty of time to explore. If you're after glamour, bustle and excitement, Los Angeles is the place for you.

Start with the storied attractions of Hollywood, such as the Walk of Fame, TCL Chinese Theatre and the Dolby Theatre, before strolling the section of Sunset Boulevard known as The Strip with its vibrant billboards, restaurants and famous nightclubs.

Music lovers will feel right at home in Downtown's L.A. LIVE complex, home to the GRAMMY Museum, which features exhibits and memorabilia tracing the history of popular music. Keep the vibes going at Crypto.com Arena, which hosts high-octane concerts. It's also where you'll go to watch professional sports teams like the National Basketball Association's Lakers, the Women's National Basketball Association's Sparks, and the National Hockey League's Kings.

Families won’t want to miss Universal Studios Hollywood for theme-park thrills, movie attractions such as The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ and Jurassic World, mind-blowing Super Nintendo World™ and the famed Studio Tour.

Start with the storied attractions of Hollywood, such as the Walk of Fame, TCL Chinese Theatre and the Dolby Theatre, before strolling the section of Sunset Boulevard known as The Strip with its vibrant billboards, restaurants and famous nightclubs.

Everyone in Los Angeles has a favourite beach, and each beach has its own vibe, from the famed Malibu to lively Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach and Redondo Beach.

Santa Monica’s 5.6-kilometer stretch of sand is marked by the world-famous pier. The pier – with its amusement park, arcade and aquarium – is a short walk from Santa Monica’s Third Street Promenade, an outdoor mall offering shopping in a festive environment.

Neighbouring Venice Beach is equally enchanting, but at the same time, a world apart. The beach is spacious and the bustling Boardwalk boasts an eclectic mix of locals, Muscle Beach, a skate park and famous outdoor basketball courts.

Beverly Hills and Rodeo Drive - Synonymous with high-fashion shopping and high-end dining, Beverly Hills is an ideal locale for window-shopping single-name stores, such as Chanel, Dior, Gucci, Lanvin, Tiffany’s and Valentino.

This is also a place to people-watch: Sip a latte outside one of the cafes on the palm tree-lined sidewalks and watch the luxury cars roll by, or see if you can spot one of the many celebrity residents disguised as everyday people.

Cultural Institutions - Another fantastic place to see stars – and panoramic views of the city – is the Griffith Observatory atop a hill in Griffith Park northwest of Downtown. 

Exposition park is home to several world-class museums. Check out the California African American Museum, California Science Center, Natural History Museum and the upcoming Lucas Museum of Narrative Art. Do some more museum hopping in Mid-City's Museum Row. Visit the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, which houses more than 13 million cinematic objects; the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, home to more than 120,000 works representing ancient and modern culture; the Craft Contemporary, with its unique exhibits of handmade art; the Page Museum, home to the La Brea Tar Pits, and the Petersen Automotive Museum, a can't-miss for car enthusiasts. 

On the Westside, there's the Getty Center with its soaring architecture and cosy museum rooms full of sought-after permanent and traveling art exhibits. Stop by the Skirball Cultural Center, one of the world's most dynamic Jewish cultural institutions; and the Hammer Museum, renowned as a showcase for emerging artists.