Southwest USA Road Trip – 16-Day Luxury Self-Drive Itinerary

What to Expect from Your Southwest Road Trip

Embark on an unforgettable 16-day self-drive journey through the American Southwest, starting from the Pacific Coast of California and traveling through Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and Nevada — with the option to extend into Utah’s National Parks.

This expansive region offers dramatic landscapes, vibrant Native American heritage, and a rich blend of American and Mexican cultural influences. From iconic landmarks to lesser-known gems, you'll explore tribal lands, historic towns, and natural wonders — all at your own pace.

Expect open roads, panoramic views, and authentic experiences that connect you to the land’s spirit and stories. Yes, you'll cover some distance, but every mile brings you closer to the heart of the Southwest.

When to Plan Your Southwest Vacation

For optimal weather, we recommend traveling in spring (March–May) or fall (September–November), when temperatures are mild and ideal for outdoor exploration.

Summer brings long, dry days and minimal rain — perfect for photographers, but be prepared for high heat, especially in desert regions. Winter is less predictable; while it's quieter, snowfall or storms in higher elevations may require flexibility and route changes.

Estimated Starting Rate (Mid to Luxury)

16-day itinerary

Handpicked hotel and resort recommendations

Suggested routing through iconic landmarks and scenic drives

Rental car included (mid-size SUV or similar – upgrades available)

Optional cultural, guided, and outdoor experiences

Personalized support and local travel expertise

Estimated Starting Price:

This is a base estimate. Final pricing varies based on season, room category, vehicle selection, and added experiences.

REQUEST YOUR PERSONALIZED ROAD TRIP QUOTE

Your Journey, Your Way – Tell us what you envision, and we’ll create a custom travel quote tailored to your preferences. Whether you're dreaming of a stylish 4-star escape or a luxury 5-star cross-country adventure, we’ll craft an experience that reflects your travel style and interests.
Consultation Fees & Pricing Transparency:

FREE: General starting price estimate
$150: Detailed quotation for individuals/couples/families
$500: Detailed quotation for groups
$800+: Detailed quotation for the Ultimate Luxury Road Trip

Why do we charge consultation fees? Each quote is custom-built by our expert Travel Designers to reflect your unique vision. This ensures exclusive experiences, premium services, and the attention to detail your journey deserves.

Fill out the form below, and let’s start planning your dream U.S. Road Trip.

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INCLUDES

15 nights in 4-star or 5-star accommodations, selected to match your preferences
Rental car for the full duration (SUV or equivalent – upgrades available)
Unlimited mileage - CDW insurance
Suggested self-drive itinerary with curated highlights and scenic stops
Access to local travel support and recommendations throughout your journey
All hotel taxes and service charges

EXCLUDES

All International/Domestic Flights
Fuel, tolls, parking fees, and resort charges
Resort Fees (most hotels charge daily resort fees; these are never included
Meals, beverages, and gratuities
Admission to parks, attractions, and guided experiences (unless pre-booked)
Travel insurance and personal expenses
Extended Car Insurance
Everything not expressly indicated in "The Price Includes"

PRICE

From $5,875.00 per person (based on 4- and 5-star hotel mix, double occupancy) Pricing varies based on season and customization. Request your quote today.

MORE INFO & FAQ

Driving in the United States – What You Need to Know

Planning a self-drive road trip in the United States? Here are a few important tips to help you travel smoothly and confidently:

Driving Etiquette: Passing on the right is permitted in the U.S. and commonly practiced, especially on highways with multiple lanes. Don’t be intimidated by wide roads — it’s all part of the experience!
Right Turn on Red: In most states, you’re allowed (and often expected) to turn right at a red light unless a sign prohibits it. Always come to a complete stop before turning.
Parking Rules: Always check signs for restricted hours and meter rules — some areas are free during evenings or weekends. Never park in front of a fire hydrant, even if there's no sign. If marked spaces are painted on the ground, be sure to center your vehicle properly within the lines.
Toll Roads: Many tolls in the U.S. — often marked as Toll or Turnpike — are cashless and use automated systems like E-ZPass or FasTrak. Be careful not to enter lanes marked as “FasTrak Only” if you don't have a pass. Have cash or a credit card ready for tolls that still accept manual payment.
Speed Limits & Police Stops: Stick to posted speed limits. Driving more than 5–10 mph over the limit can lead to fines. If stopped by law enforcement, keep your hands visible on the steering wheel and follow instructions calmly and respectfully.
Navigation & Roadside Assistance: We highly recommend traveling with GPS navigation and a reliable roadside assistance plan for added peace of mind during your journey.

Room Configurations in the U.S.

Please note that triple and quadruple hotel rooms in the U.S. typically include:

Triple rooms: One large bed + one smaller bed OR two large beds
Quadruple rooms: Usually two large beds (double/double or queen/queen)

These configurations may vary by hotel brand and location.

Tipping in the United States

Tipping is standard practice in the U.S. and not typically included in the price of services. As a general guide:

Restaurants: 20–25% of the total bill
Hotel staff (bellhop, housekeeping): $2–5 per service
Private drivers or guides: 15–20% depending on service level

Need More Tips?

When booking with USA Welcome and New York Welcome, our Travel Designers will provide additional insights and personalized advice to help you make the most of your USA road trip experience.

Disclaimers

Inclusions: As outlined in the "Included in the Price"
Exclusions: Everything else not specifically outlined in the "Included in the Price"
Discounted Rates: Baby, Kid, Senior and any other discounted Rate only applies to the specified Age-Limit. National ID required at Voucher Exchange as proof of Age.
Please Note:

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Supplier & Local Operator Guarantee

“When purchasing your vacation activities don’t take a guess!”

Our team carefully selected all local operators we collaborate with to ensure that our clients get the best possible service. All products we advertised in our website are offered by reliable suppliers that have been in business for several years and that are recognized to be leaders of excellence in the travel industry. In your travel documents, you will find complete information on the local operator, including contact numbers in case of an emergency. If you need additional help our customer service will be happy to further assist you, contact us!!

Testimonials & Reviews

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4.9

Based on 250 reviews

What They
Say

Devonnec770 | TripAdvisor

I’m the biggest fan of Fall activities, but haven’t had a chance to do anything beyond Apple Picking in NJ. I decided to take a last minute 2 day trip with a friend in Hudson Valley, but didn’t know where to start [...] Thankfully I was able to use New York Welcome to do the hard work for us [...]

From TripAdvisor - October 2021

Breanna A. | TripAdvisor

Irene was a FANTASTIC tour guide! She was so knowledgeable about the area and was so patient with all our questions. We stopped to use the bathroom and we got coffee halfway through, she was so kind! It was a pleasure learning about Brooklyn from you!

From TripAdvisor - April 2022

American Southwest Road Trip – Native Lands, National Parks & Iconic Landscapes

What to Expect from Your Southwest Road Trip

When to Plan Your Southwest Vacation

Estimated Starting Rate (Mid to Luxury)

HIGHLIGHTS

REQUEST YOUR PERSONALIZED ROAD TRIP QUOTE

INCLUDES

EXCLUDES

PRICE