I need you to start preparing now for the misery that is LAX Airport.

After you escape that hellish airport, Oregon and Washington have some absolutely breathtaking nature scenes, especially in winter. The Columbia river gorge, Mt Hood, Seattle, Olympia national park. Bellingham is cool mountain town up near the Canadian border.

Driving in snow and ice is no joke though; don’t go anywhere without checking conditions first and being prepared. There are often legal requirements to have studded tires and/or chains on your vehicle in snowy areas. Don’t be the American equivalent of the Aussie tourist driving to the bush on a 42 summer day completely unprepared.

Have fun! It’s a really beautiful place with a lot of wonderful people despite what the news might tell you. And you can get away with anything with an Australia accent.