The Ul-TRI-mate USA famil opened my eyes to the depth and diversity of American travel experiences and just how much there is to recommend beyond the headline acts of New York City and Los Angeles.
Colorado: Culture, Cocktails and Cockpits
What doesn’t Colorado have? From vibrant food scenes to jaw-dropping nature and a buzzing cultural heart, Denver delivered on every level.
One of the standout moments was visiting the United Airlines Flight Training Centre – a true bucket list experience.
I got hands-on with simulators, witnessed a mid-air emergency drill and met the passionate people behind the airline.
I’ll never look at boarding a plane the same way again and I’ll forever be a better passenger because of what I learnt that day. Oh, and if you’re a fellow Aviation nerd, hit me up, I love sharing all the fun facts I learnt that day!
Upstate New York: The East Coast’s Best-Kept Secret
Buffalo was a surprise hit. Whether as a base for exploring Niagara Falls or as a cultural destination in its own right, it left a lasting impression.
The Buffalo AKG Art Museum, with its world-class collection, was a highlight – although hearing from our guide that visitor numbers were down in the last few months was heart breaking. It was a powerful reminder of the importance of tourism and supporting local communities.
And then there’s the Finger Lakes. This region gave me serious Martha’s Vineyard vibes. Charming, tranquil and unpretentious and with the most stunning homes you’ve ever seen!
The added bonus that I’ll be sharing with my clients is it being easily accessible by car. No ferry required!
Anaheim: Disney Magic and Baseball Fun
After a whirlwind of regional discoveries, we landed in Anaheim in California for three days of play.
Disney really is the happiest place on Earth, no matter your age. What impressed me was how seamlessly you could add on a baseball game. The Angel Stadium (home of the Los Angeles Angels) is just minutes from the parks, making it a perfect combination for families and sports lovers alike.
Breaking Misconceptions and Building Memories
What surprised me most about the trip? How different and diverse the lesser-known states are and the authentic, immersive experiences they offer.
It also challenged one of the biggest misconceptions about the USA: that all the food is unhealthy and terrible.
I ate some of the best meals of my life on this trip; from local produce to bakery-inspired treats, America certainly offers so much more than cheeseburgers and fries!
The famil also gifted me life-long memories, from flight simulations to lakeside sunsets. It was longer than your average famil – 12 days with mostly strangers – but by day three, our group felt like a big family.
We laughed that it was like a travel agent version of Farmer Wants a Wife with one male host and six lovely ladies!
Changed for Good
As an agent, this famil has changed how I sell the USA. It’s given me the tools and confidence to recommend off-the-beaten-path destinations – either as unique itineraries for repeat visitors or authentic add-ons for first timers.
I’ll definitely be back to the USA soon and I wouldn’t hesitate to join another long-haul famil like this again.
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