43 days in United States & Tahiti 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.

The second largest of the eight major Hawaiian Islands, Maui features a rugged landscape ranging from high mountain peaks to deep valleys. Half of Maui lies within 8 km (5 mi) of the coastline, and most tourists come for the sandy beaches, many of them backed by fashionable resorts offering every modern convenience. Diversity of tourist attractions is Maui's major allure, with each of the island's shores offering a different set of vacation ideas. You can swim with dolphins, snorkel with sea turtles, or hike over the otherworldly landscapes of the world's biggest dormant volcano. A foodie paradise, the island also features dozens of small farms and gourmet restaurants.

The largest and probably best-known of the French Polynesian islands, Tahiti remains synonymous with turquoise coral lagoons, lush tropical vegetation, and palm-fringed beaches of black, volcanic sand. Tall, green mountains rise out of the blue ocean, lined with deep valleys, foaming waterfalls, and tumbling streams. Settlements skirt the island, including French Polynesia's small but vibrant capital Pape'ete, where colorful architecture, a bustling market, and smiling locals generate a great deal of charm. Top things to do here include exploring the island's rugged interior, as well as experiencing the traditional culture through archeological sites and hip-shaking music and dance.