Regardless of whether you're planning a family holiday or a romantic getaway with your loved one, peoples' expectations regarding holidays have increased to match their growing affluence and leisure hours. Since everyone goes on holiday now, where you go is just as important as whom you spend it with. For example: a holiday spent cross-country skiing over the Rocky Mountains is likely to be looked at much more favourably than a simple trip to the beach in California.

But don't despair: it's still possible to take your children or loved ones on holiday to simpler, classic holiday spots across the United States. The Grand Canyon, for instance, is still one of the most visited attractions in America and enjoyed by both children and adults alike. Located in Arizona, the Grand Canyon was carved by the path of the Colorado River and is, for the most part, contained in the Grand Canyon National Park - of which President Theodore Roosevelt was one of the major proponents. As both a geographical and geological wonder, the Grand Canyon appeals to everyone - whether it's your surly teenage daughter or your computer-game obsessed ten-year old son. So make sure it's on your list of essential places to visit in the USA.

If you're more interested in taking a beach holiday, why not visit Balboa Island - an area of Newport Beach, California. Balboa Island is comprised of about three artificial islands, with the community being joined to the mainland beach by a small, two-lane bridge and a fleet of three, three-car ferryboats. However, if this novelty isn't enough to keep you occupied on your holiday, then your sweet tooth will: Marine Avenue's snack shops sell Balboa's legendary frozen 'chocolate banana', while sweet-lovers should also try be the 'Balboa bar' - a square of vanilla ice cream on a stick dipped in chocolate, and prepared in a similar way to the chocolate banana.

If beach holidays are what you're looking for, then you can also visit traditional beach locations like Malibu, California or Miami, Florida. Malibu, in particular, is a great place to take a holiday: located in western Los Angeles County, it's a beachfront community well-known for its beautiful sandy beaches and warm climate. It's also home to famous Hollywood stars such as Robert Redford, Richard Gere and Whoopi Goldberg.

But whatever destination you choose for your holiday in America, you can rest assured that there are plenty of options available for accommodation. With affordable resort hotels in your chosen destination, you'll find all the modern amenities you're looking for - coupled with classic American hospitality, of course!

About the Author

Martin McAllister is a freelance online journalist. He lives in Scotland.