Confusion Leads to Confusion

Question

I didn't know what else to title my question/issue around this particular subject, but it seems that there's a lack of consistency even here on Kwiziq concerning this subject, evident because of the questions & answers here. There's a "fill-in-the-blanks" exercice that I just revisited titled "Voyage autour du monde" (https://progress.lawlessfrench.com/my-languages/french/tests/overview/1544705) that has two answers which contradict the lesson and feedback.

"Je visiterais d'abord la Californie, puis j'irais en Arizona." According to the lesson, and feedback the correct responses should be "Je visiterais d'abord en Californie, puis j'irais dans l'Arizona."

Ergo: Confusion Leads to Confusion.

Accepted Answer

Hi Drew,
In this case, it depends on the verb which is used.
The verb 'visiter un pays' = to visit a country will always take the definite article, le, la , les, l' - 
J'ai visité les États-Unis l'année dernière = I visited the United States, last year 
Je vais visiter le Méxique quand la crise sera finie = I am going to visit Mexico when the crisis is over 
Je visite l'Italie aussi souvent que je peux = I visit Italy as often as I can
But if you use aller it will be au/en/aux  :
Je suis allé/e aux États-Unis l'année dernière 
Je vais aller au Mexique quand la crise sera finie
Je vais en Italie aussi souvent que je peux
I hope this brings some clarification.