Do you know that the US National Park Service (NPS) that was established in 1916 now manages more than 400 parks and places, many of which are likely to be instantly recognisable to you through their natural beauty, historical significance, or their having been used as the backdrop to many films and TV programs.
If you're planning to visit the USA you may wish to consider building your stay around a visit to one of more of these treasures.
The First National Monument designated was the dramatic Devils Tower in Wyoming. You may recognise it from the 1970's film 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' when it was used in the climactic scenes.
Apart from the incredible rock formations the tower is regarded as sacred by the local plains indian tribes including the Blackfeet, Crow, Cheyenne and Arapaho.
The monument is open 24/7 every day apart from Christmas Day & New Year's Day, with the visitor centre open between 9am and 4pm daily.
To read the parks latest newsletter click here.
An attraction in the vicinity of Devils Tower is the world famous Mount Rushmore National Park in South Dakota.
Marvel at the huge sculptures of the heads of four American Presidents carved out of the Black Hills. See if you can recognise Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln & Roosevelt.
There is no charge to visit the memorial, but there are car parking charges. The grounds are open 247 apart from Christmas Day & New Year's Day.
To read more about the memorial click here.
For luggage for your American adventure click here.
Look at for suggestions for further National Parks to visit.
Thinking about holidaying in the USA? Where to go?
The snowy ski slopes? The popular Florida theme parks? The hustle and bustle of the big cities? The arid deserts? The lakes? The beautiful scenery? You're certainly spoilt for choice!
How about visiting Arizona?
A state of contrasts, Arizona incorporates outstanding stark beauty, family attractions, shopping and a big dose of native American culture.
The Hopi village of Oraibi is the oldest known native American settlement being built in 1100, and discovered in 1540.
The original London Bridge was moved to Lake Havasu City Arizona last century.
Well known attractions include the Hoover Dam in the Black canyon between Arizona and Nevada on US93, the Grand Canyon with its incredible views, and Indian Reservations with such evocative names as Apache, Navajo and Hopi. Who could fail to be enchanted by Tombstone - the site of the gunfight at the OK Coral?
Arizona's weather can encompass many extremes: Summer temperatures can rise to 100 deg F, and winters can produce snow 6 feet deep. Gale force winds can blow at any time, and flash flooding can be expected after heavy rains.
For more information on Arizona tourism click here.
For luggage for your American adventure click here.
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Monument Valley Arizona
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Grand Canyon
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Ever wondered what happens if you fly to the States and your checked in suitcase is not fitted with TSA locks?
The American authorities scrutinise all luggage passing through its borders, and in some cases open your suitcase for a more thorough look.
If your case has a TSA lock fitted there won't be a problem - the authorities have (and only they have) a master key that allows them to open the lock and to relock it when they are finished.
If your suitcase only has a conventional lock that you have applied then you will be in trouble. The inspector will use whatever force is necessary to open your luggage and this is likely to render the lock unrepairable and possibly also inflict some structural damage on your case.
When you collect your bags from the carousel you may well find that your case has been taped or strapped together as your non-TSA lock no longer works.
The TSA authorities will also have put a leaflet inside explaining that compensation is not payable for the damage, and it is probable that your travel insurance will also exclude such a claim.
The TSA website explains the need for your bags to have approved locks and you should find that your airline makes you aware of the requirement - don't ignore the advice, it could be costly.
