First, there's a long, hot climb to complete that will unsettle Alex Robertson as he sets out to explore Utah's Angel's Landing.

Prepare to be surprised by the Caribbean-like white sands of Florida's Emerald Coast, writes Tim Lamb.

That's a hard-won pearl of wisdom for visitors to Florida's Legoland hotel and park, warns Josie Clarke.

There's plenty more to Dallas than JFK, finds Megan Singleton.

In Orange County, Shandelle Battersby swaps fast food for fresh, sophisticated cuisine.

It may not be politically correct, but lucha libre is hilarious, finds Calum Henderson.

Josh Noel finds the island of Molokai non-touristy, caring and relaxed - not to mention friendly.

Louisiana's New Orleans is a comfortable road trip destination from Houston, writes Tim Lamb.

One thing that New Orleans does better than anywhere else is party, discovers Ewan McDonald.

Beignets and buskers are among the Big Easy's delights, writes Megan Singleton.

If jazz is your poison, be prepared to drink your fill in New Orleans, writes Sophie Barclay.

Sample the cowboy lifestyle - hire a car and visit the best that Houston and nearby Texas Hill Country have to offer, says Tim Lamb.

Ahead of Air New Zealand beginning its direct flights to Houston in December, Ewan McDonald visits the space base.

Brett Atkinson experiences the Alaskan wilderness in style at a private lake retreat.

The train tracks that criss-cross the US showcase a different side of the nation, discovers Sophie Barclay.

The Hard Rock Hotel has added a soft touch, embracing littlies as well as adults at its Cancun resort, finds Leena Tailor.

Top Gun suddenly feels real for Shandelle Battersby onboard an aircraft carrier in San Diego.

In Dallas, Winston Aldworth finds there's still plenty of heat in the conspiracy theories.

Getting up close and personal to a glacier is an unforgettable experience, writes Brett Atkinson.

Tim Stewart experiences exotic flavours on his chef's pilgrimage through Mexico.

Shandelle Battersby discovers an unusual local delicacy on the drinks menus of the storied Californian island.

Dave Watts and Chris Gill pick their favourite resorts in the US and Canada for beginners, experts and those in between.

Alex Robertson takes on the pistes and glades of Powder Mountain near Ogden in Utah.

From snowmobiles to dog sledding and golf, Wayne Heming finds more to do on the mountain than just skiing.

Giovanna Dell'orto achieves a long-held goal of conquering a three-day Grand Canyon trail.

Megan Singleton uncovers five of the best places to eat and drink in Chicago, from local-style popcorn to a two-Michelin Star restaurant.

Ryan Hooper samples both sedate and adventurous activities during a week in the Sunshine State.

Walking the scenic tracks around Maine's Acadia National Park is the best way to work up an appetite for some fabulous local fare, write Lisa Smith and David Taylor.

Though James Holmes' victims' families want to see justice done, many also fear the spotlight of a lengthy, painful trial will serve only to sensationalise the killer.

Fulfilling a long-held ambition, Ed Vulliamy drives the 3200km length of the US-Mexico border and discovers a land of beauty, poverty and paradox.