Are Americans really better at barbequing than Australians? That's the question the Australia Vs USA World BBQ Champion Cook Off 2015 will answer.
Five nationally-recognised Aussie BBQ duos will be facing off against one another in Sydney on Friday 27 November to determine who will represent our nation of exceptional barbequtionists.
The BBQ champions will be flown over to Chicago courtesy of United Airlines and embark on a BBQ-lover's trip around the States with Trafalgar.
They'll then meet the current USA BBQ Champions to determine once and for all which country is better at grilling a juicy steak (or chicken, pork or any other meat they deem suitable and delicious).
The art of competitive grilling will be on show in Sydney and the USA
It's too late for us mere mortals to step up to the Webber and raise our stainless steel tongs, but that doesn't mean you can't embark on your own overseas jaunt Stateside.
Here are 10 tours with Trafalgar that will ensure you're happier than a barbeque running on gas.
1. San Francisco & Wine Country Delights
The West Coast greets all who enter with its world-renowned wine country and San Francisco big-city living. The sights, tastes and experiences of California, from San Fran to Sonoma and Napa, are on offer during this chilled-out journey.
Top 5 Highlights
- San Francisco 60s walking tour
- Optional trip to Yosemite National Park
- Napa Valley Wine Train experience
- Specialist wine-making experience
- Shopping at Oxbow Public Market
2. Scenic Parks Explorer
Anyone who has a love for scenic nature and unique wildlife will be bouncing in their seat during this ultimate national park adventure through the USA. Trafalgar's Mother Nature-inspired journey covers seven parks including Bryce Canyon, Yellowstone, Canyonlands and Grand Canyon.
Top 5 Highlights
- Crossing the Oregon Trail
- Optional raft trip on Snake River (seasonal)
- Mount Rushmore visit
- Cliff House dwelling in Mesa Verde National Park
- Optional Grand Canyon helicopter flight
Seeing the Grand Canyon from the sky is an experience not soon forgotten
3. East Coast USA & Canada
Combine two North American countries during this outrageous tour that includes the USA's East Coast and multiple Canadian cities. The exclusive journey features stops at New York City, Boston, Washington DC, Montreal, Toronto and Quebec City, along with a visit to the marvellous Niagara Falls.
Top 5 Highlights
- City tour of New York
- White House in Washington DC
- Boat ride at Niagara Falls
- Optional winery dinner in Quebec City
- Notre-Dame Basilica in Montreal
4. Northern California
Is there a more complete and immersive journey across the north of California? The jury remains quiet. Perhaps they're part of the crowd on Trafalgar's popular West Coast tour that covers San Francisco, Sonoma and Napa wine regions, Monterey on the coast and epic natural attractions in Big Sur, Yosemite and Lake Tahoe.
Top 5 Highlights
- Pier 39 marketplace in San Francisco
- Hot-air balloon ride over Napa Valley
- Overnight stay in Yosemite National Park
- Local dining on regional produce in Monterey
- Cowell Redwoods State Park walk
Take in the Napa Valley from a hot-air balloon
5. Florida's Sunshine Trail
Heading down to where the sun rarely stops shining, this exciting journey covers the best elements of America's Sunshine State: Florida. Guests are shown top attractions in Miami and Key West, along with visits to the wildlife-rich Everglades and fascinating Kennedy Space Center.
Top 5 Highlights
- Tour of St Augustine, America's oldest city
- Veteran astronaut meeting at Kennedy Space Center
- Key Lime Pie tasting at Key West
- Miami Art Deco District tour
- Airboat ride through the Everglades
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6. Tastes & Sounds Of The South
Y'all never tasted food or heard music quite like that produced down in the southern states of America. Travellers on this Trafalgar journey have the opportunity to get their fill of both with music immersion in Nashville and Creole cooking in New Orleans among other city visits.
Top 5 Highlights
- Ryman Auditorium tour in Nashville
- Visit to Graceland, Elvis Presley's home
- Local Southern dining experience in Natchez
- Creole cooking class in New Orleans
- Marie Laveau's Historic Voodoo Museum
The former home of the King
7. The Californian
Gain deeper understanding and appreciation for the state of California during this all-over journey. Beginning in the south with iconic cities such as Los Angeles and San Diego, the tour heads north to San Francisco, Paso Robles and the natural marvel, Yosemite National Park.
Top 5 Highlights
- Optional visit to San Diego Zoo
- "Hollywood Behind the Scenes" walking tour
- Paso Robles local wine and food experience
- After-hours at Yosemite Falls
- Wine tasting in the Napa Valley
8. Route 66
Known as the 'Main Street of America', Route 66 has inspired writers, filmmakers and notable historians with its unique roadside attractions and on-the-road romance. With a focus on enjoying the journey not the destination, this tour ventures out from Chicago to Los Angeles, stopping at bucket-list experiences along the way.
Top 5 Highlights
- Route 66 Association Hall of Fame and Museum
- Anheuser-Busch Brewery tour
- Cadillac Ranch pop art installation
- Overnight at the Grand Canyon
- Las Vegas and Los Angeles city visits
Cadillac Ranch is one of the many roadside attractions on Route 66 (Image: Richie Diesterheft/Wikipedia)
9. Trans-American Grand Adventure
Trafalgar's most comprehensive USA tour is an epic three-week journey from one side of the country to the other. Beginning in Los Angeles, guests are taken to one famous city after the other, combining natural marvels with fascinating metropolises all the way to New York City.
Top 5 Highlights
- Niagara Falls winery dining experience
- Locally guided tour of the Grand Canyon
- John Wayne Birthplace Museum
- Gettysburg battlefield
- Local guide in New York City
10. Hawaiian Explorer
For a long time Hawaii has drawn visitors from all over with its promise of island paradises, enriching local culture and luxurious resorts. Guests on this trip will see the promise fulfilled during relaxed exploration of Big Island, Oahu and Maui.
Top 5 Highlights
- Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial
- Optional scenic flight over Big Island
- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
- Beachfront accommodation at stunning Kaanapali Beach
- Manta rays at the Manta Ray Learning Center
Where vibrant green meets soft white sand on Kaanapali Beach
