60 days in United States, Africa & South Pacific Itinerary

More than the country of car-packed streets seen in TV shows and movies, the United States of America is a complex and diverse home to over 300 million people living in a wide range of landscapes and climates. From its big-city skyscrapers to its sprawling natural parks, the country's ''melting pot'' combines many ethnic groups that share a strong sense of national identity despite their cultural differences. A country of road trips and big blue skies, the United States harbors orderly cities filled with restaurants, parks, museums, and innumerable sightseeing opportunities, as well as pristine natural areas perfect for a holiday in the great outdoors. To see as much as you can of this diverse land quickly, drive over some of the more than 6 million km (4 million mi) of highways leading through deserts, mountain peaks, fertile fields, and giant urban centers.

A primarily rural state, North Dakota is the ancient home of the Lakota tribe. Norwegian settlers once made up the European population, and one of the state's major attractions is the Norsk Høstfest, the largest Norwegian festival in the United States. The vast plains and never-ending sky inspire the many orchestras that call the state home. The spirituality of the music is second only to the spirituality of the people, as the state has the nation's highest percentage of churchgoing residents. The state's open fields are conducive to fishing, hunting, and winter activities.

With a desert in the north, an arid strip through the middle, and grassland areas in the south, Chad boasts a huge diversity of environments, wildlife, and plants. The country has always appealed to adventurous and daring travelers, with unadulterated landscapes and large animal populations the rewards for those bothering to visit. A ratcheting up of unrest, political violence, and terrorism in the 21st century has made travel to the country inadvisable, so it's not surprising mass tourism in Chad never really took off.

Though tourism in Gabon remains a fledgling industry, the benefits of exploring this untempered place of wildlife-rich rainforests and ethnic diversity are numerous. A large percentage of the country remains protected as national parkland, allowing the dolphins playing in the Atlantic and the chimps and forest elephants to breathe a sigh of relief. The population includes around 40 different ethnicities, but the country has thankfully avoided the conflict and ethnic violence common among many of its neighbors.

The savannahs of Kenya contain some of the most iconic sights in Africa, stirred in the minds of many when they think of the continent. Big cats, elephants, and rhinos remain major inhabitants of this vast country, with a number of safari centers running trips across the region's World Heritage-listed national parks. Trips to rural villages, where many travelers choose to join up various volunteer projects, represent some of the most inspiring and enriching things to do in Kenya.

South Sudan became the world's youngest nation in 2011, with the splitting of the continents largest state. The civil war that preceded the separation would inevitably leave deep traces on the psyche of the people and the stability of the political situation, but any initial optimism was quickly dimmed with government forces and rebel groups once more at war. The country boasts a fascinating mix of tribes and cultures and provides the setting for the second largest animal migration in the world, with antelopes crossing large swathes of the country. Despite this, holidays in South Sudan appeal to only a few daring travelers--tourism sector remains undeveloped and infrastructure lacking.

Australia is a country of breathtaking beauty and unforgettable adventure. From coast to coast you’ll find ancient rainforests, towering cities, stunning outback landscapes and white sand beaches. It’s not only the scenery that varies here, but also the lifestyle. Lay back and relax within a coastal paradise, explore the bustling laneways of a lively metropolis, or feed your sense of adventure in the most remote and remarkable pockets of the country. Whether you’re connecting with Aboriginal culture, tasting seafood straight from the ocean, or diving with gentle whale sharks, you’ll discover why there’s nothing like Australia.

The country's most populous state, California includes landscapes that range from the forested northern coast to harsh southern deserts. Sandwiched right in the middle of the state is a fertile valley, home to farms, vineyards, and orchards. California's cities offer diverse attractions, from amusement parks and upscale shops to award-winning restaurants and innovative art galleries. Outside the state's big urban centers, places to visit include some of the nation's most rugged national parks, ancient forests, towering mountain peaks, and ski resorts. More than just a surfing destination famous for its beaches and winding coastal roads, California also boasts one of the world's largest economies, bolstered by the booming tech industries.

A land of many faces, Oregon is at once a state of rugged rocky coastlines and deep forests, as well as vibrant cities and small towns packed with award-winning restaurants and trendy shops. With nearly half of its land covered by dense fir, redwood, and pine forests, the state protects varied plant and animal life inside three national parks. In addition to pristine waterfalls, beaches, and lakes perfect for a holiday in nature, Oregon also offers numerous urban tourist attractions. Portland, the state's largest metropolis, notably includes more breweries than any other city in the world, and its central location makes it an ideal base for day trips to Oregon's emerging wine region and many parks.

The mountainous state of Idaho houses some of the country's largest stretches of unspoiled nature. There are plenty of opportunities for adventurous holidays here, with rapids, canyons, snow-capped mountains, expansive lakes, and waterfalls higher than Niagara Falls. Those on vacation with access to a car can enjoy some of the most scenic drives in the nation while traversing Idaho's rugged landscape. Boise, the state's capital and most populous city, provides cultural attractions such as museums, galleries, and theater. The students of Boise State University contribute to the city's vibrant and growing nightlife scene.

A huge but sparsely populated land, Utah remains a major holiday destination offering plenty of year-round outdoor vacation ideas, including skiing, snowboarding, hiking, boating, horseback riding, and camping. The rugged terrain, defined by towering mountain peaks, deep canyons, and vast deserts, seems custom-made for adventurous nature lovers. With five national parks, the state has no shortage of pristine wilderness areas, causing many tourists to overlook the cultural attractions of its towns. Salt Lake City, the state's capital, features the headquarters of the Mormon Church, and draws over 5 million annual visitors. Utah also hosts several major film festivals each year, attracting young movie buffs from around the world.

The neon streets of Las Vegas represent only one chapter in the story of Nevada, a sparsely populated state offering travelers a chance to discover the country's western frontier. Utterly unlike the more populated parts of the North American continent, Nevada's landscape includes huge deserts where you can easily leave modern civilization behind and enjoy a tranquil vacation. For a taste of untamed Nevada, explore the network of paved and unpaved roads leading to some of the world's most rugged and desolate natural wonders. If trying to make a fortune is high on your itinerary, remember that in the first state to legalize gambling, a slot machine is never too far away. Even gas stations and small motels in the largely deserted rural areas offer some form of gambling to the passing traveler.