USA Archives

Why Ellis Island Deserves More Time Than the Statue of Liberty

Most visitors allocate more time to the Statue of Liberty than Ellis Island. And they shouldn’t. Optimising your Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island boat tour Ellis Island was the entry point for over 12 million immigrants. The Ellis Island Immigration Museum offers immersive exhibits…

Elephant Rock in Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada: Visitor guide

Elephant Rock is a sandstone formation with a natural arch resembling an elephant's trunk, located near the east entrance of Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada. This guide covers access hours, park entrance fees, how to get there, parking, trail options, what to see, and…

Which is the cheapest Las Vegas Cirque du Soleil show?

The cheapest Las Vegas Cirque du Soleil show is Mad Apple – but it’s not necessarily the best value for money. Are the Cirque du Soleil shows in Las Vegas worth the money? The Cirque du Soleil shows are a staple of the Las Vegas…

It’s worth visiting the Benjamin Franklin Museum in Philadelphia | Review

This Benjamin Franklin Museum review looks at one of the best hidden museums in Philadelphia. History-lovers will be engrossed by the exhibits about the polymath Founding Father. Benjamin Franklin in Philadelphia Benjamin Franklin’s name appears on pretty much everything in Philadelphia. Which isn’t a bad…

The view from the Humphrey Peak Lookout on the US-180W in Arizona.

The best route from Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon

The best route from Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon is via the US-180W, not the I-40W via Williams. It might take a few minutes longer, but the San Francisco Peaks scenery makes up for it. Using Flagstaff as a gateway to the Grand Canyon The…

Powell Point on the Hermit Road in Grand Canyon National Park.

How to drive Hermit Road at the Grand Canyon without taking the shuttle bus

Driving Hermit Road at the Grand Canyon Without the Shuttle Bus Hermit Road is open to private vehicles during winter months. Accessibility permits are available for travellers with disabilities. Shuttle buses operate from March 1 to November 30. Commercial bus tours are available year-round. Bicyclists…

Should I do a Grand Canyon day tour from Sedona?

The short answer No. Are you mad? The long answer The Grand Canyon and Sedona are almost undoubtedly the two most spectacular destinations in Arizona. It is also possible to do a day tour from Sedona to the Grand Canyon. The short-of-time may be tempted…

Driving through Death Valley, California.

My number one tip for visitors to Las Vegas

Why the best thing to do in Las Vegas is get out for a day. The golden rule of Las Vegas I have had the fortune (or misfortune, depending on your perspective) to visit Las Vegas several times. I’ve been for work, I’ve been for…

The John Harvard statue on the Harvard University campus, Massachusetts.

Understanding Harvard: Legends and Campus Life

Harvard University, rich in tradition and legends, offers intriguing stories, campus rituals, and a notable town-gown rivalry in Cambridge.

Visiting Montezuma Castle National Monument, Arizona: Prices, hours & history

The interior of Montezuma Castle in Arizona is off-limits to all except National Park staff. But here’s why the Montezuma Castle National Monument is worth visiting anyway. (Guide updated in January 2026) What is Montezuma Castle National Monument? Montezuma Castle is one of the oldest…