Whether you’re seeking the ultimate road trip experience across the United States, interested in hiking and exploring some of the nation's premier National Parks, hoping to uncover the mysteries of an ancient Central American civilization, or just craving a bit of solitude by the sea, Green Tortoise's destinations will inspire the intrepid and reflective alike.

TrekAmerica runs small-group adventure tours around the USA, plus Canada, Alaska and Mexico. Their trips are a unique combination of sightseeing and exciting activities that will take you to the big cities, national parks, remote beaches and many hidden places off the tourist routes. Hike in canyons and up mountains, explore deserts and glaciers, vast cities and off-the-beaten-track towns. 10% discount for gapyear.com readers!

Suntrek offers 81 small group adventure tours lasting from one to 13 weeks. Choose between adventure camping or lodging tours (cabins, ranches, hotels, hostels). The tours include all van rides, accommodation, camping and cooking gear, services of a professional tour leader, entrances to national parks and archeological sites, ruins or ghost towns, sightseeing and selected specials. 10% discount for gapyear.com readers!

Amtrak is the USA's national rail network, with 22,000 miles of track, from Seattle to Boston, Miami to Milwaukee. Trains travel to all the major US cities and cross some of the country’s most spectacular landscapes. The USA Rail Pass enables you to travel with maximum flexibility and comfort, at an affordable price: there are four rail passes to choose from, lasting from five to 30 days.

Greyhound buses are the classic way to travel around America on a budget. Greyhound sells seven-day, 15-day, 30-day and 60-day bus passes at backpacker-friendly prices, which allow you to travel all over the USA, Canada and Mexico. You can get pretty much anywhere on a Greyhound bus. There are no restrictions apart from the number of days, so you can travel as far as you like and visit as many destinations as you can pack in!

In case you hadn’t noticed, the USA is enormous. If you want to get from A to B quickly and comfortably, flying is sometimes the only way: you can fly from the East to the West Coast in five hours and from the North to the South in two. American Airlines is the largest airline in the World, running both internal and international flights: well worth checking out if you're in a hurry!

A car gives you the freedom to explore the USA at your own pace. It's one massive place and with a car, you're free to go where you want, when you want, without relying on buses, trains and planes. And if you share with other travellers it’s dead cheap! Holiday Autos have a huge range of cars for you to choose from - and the best bit is; they'll match any competitor's price if you manage to find something cheaper.