You can fly from the UK to San Francisco, with regional airports at Reno or Sacramento. Currency: US Dollar Time difference: (GMT-8) Flight from the UK: 10 hours 45 mins Visa: Visa or waiver form/ESTA Language: English National dish: Hamburger If you're flying into San Francisco, transfers to Lake Tahoe take around three hours.

In winter months, the majority of activities centre on skiing and other snow sports. The area is heaven for ski lovers, with seven top-class resorts, including Heavenly, Kirkwood, Squaw Valley and Northstar Resort. During the summer, the region is a magnet for those who want to explore the miles of trails on foot or by horseback to see the breathtaking vistas, with guided tours taking place regularly. There are also six golf courses, offering excellent facilities in stunning locations.

Visitors to Lake Tahoe can enjoy some fantastic food and drink, which will be more than welcome after a day on the slopes or hiking through the hills. You can start your day with a full breakfast and then choose from a range of cuisines in the evening, including steaks, seasonal oysters and gumbo. If you fancy exploring the resorts, there are plenty of local restaurants that serve everything from American diner classics and Mexican specialities to Italian pizza and Mediterranean dishes.

If you're visiting Lake Tahoe in the summer, then some of the main attractions are the beaches that fringe the lake and run for miles. At the southern end, you'll find the most secluded spots, including Baldwin, Kiva and Pope, and those wanting to snorkel or dive should head to the eastern side and Sand Harbour. You can get a real feel for the vast size of the lake by hiring a kayak and taking a guided tour of the water; you might even get to see one of the local bald eagles.