As a country founded on the concept of immigration, it’s no wonder that the United States is one of the most ethnically diverse places in the world
The United States is home to the jazz-fueled streets of New Orleans, the sea salt air of Maine and the electricity of New York City. From the friendly hellos and corn fields of the Midwest, to the baked desert sunsets of the Southwest and that California cool that runs along the West Coast, this vast country is infused with sprawling natural beauty and regional charm.
Drop by the colorful festivities of a powwow on a Native American reservation. Hit Miami for spicy salsa clubs and Latin cuisine. Or take it easy in Tennessee with some blues and BBQ. Whether you come seeking the untouched wilderness of Alaska, the tropical wonderland of the Hawaiian Islands, monuments and museums of Washington, D.C. or the fertile vineyards of Wine Country in Northern California, the United States shares itself with its guests in a way no other country can.
Where to go in United States of America
1. Grand Canyon
To experience some of the most inspiring views America has to offer, plan a trip to Grand Canyon National Park. The Colorado River weaves its way through the 277-mile-long canyon, making it a top destination for whitewater rafting. The Arizona park is also a superb spot to hike, offering scenic paths like the Bright Angel and North Kaibab trails. Regardless of how you choose to spend your time in the Grand Canyon, you’re sure to feel small against its towering rock formations and expansive vistas
2. Yosemite National Park
A vacation at Yosemite National Park in California is all about reconnecting with nature. Spend your visit checking out famous landmarks like Half Dome and Glacier Point or hiking Cathedral Lakes, the Mist Trail and other popular paths. You’ll also want to save time for admiring Yosemite’s numerous waterfalls, including the towering Yosemite Falls, which is one of the tallest waterfalls in the world.
3. Yellowstone National Park
America’s first national park provides plenty of attractions to excite nature lovers, from steaming geysers to bubbling hot springs to hiking trails that stretch more than 900 miles. Plus, animal fans will appreciate a visit to the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center to learn about local wildlife. If you’d rather look for wild critters inside the park, spend a few hours driving through the Hayden and Lamar valleys. Both areas are considered popular havens for Yellowstone National Park’s resident bison, wolves and grizzly bears
4. Maui
With idyllic beaches and verdant parks, Maui offers ample opportunities to relax. Here, you can spend your days admiring the scenery as you cruise along the Road to Hana, fly above the island in a helicopter or lounge across the black sands of Waianapanapa State Park. If you’d rather cool off than sunbathe, sign up for a snorkeling tour. Sampling Maui’s seafood is also a must, but don’t overlook other island delicacies like haupia, a creamy coconut custard
5. New York
Known for its diverse cultural scene, the Big Apple boasts so many things to do that it puts most of its U.S. peers to shame. Whether you choose to spend the day perusing the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s exhibits, catching a show on Broadway or trying the city’s famous New York-style pizza, chances are you’ll never find yourself feeling bored here. When you need some respite from the city’s busy street life and soaring skyscrapers, retreat to scenic Central Park or the artsy High Line.
6. San Francisco
San Francisco’s culture has been affected by diverse ethnic groups and many social movements. The best way to get a glimpse of the City by the Bay’s character is to explore its neighborhoods on foot or by cable car. From the Mission to the Castro, visitors will find various boutiques and eateries serving authentic regional cuisine like Mexican, Italian or Chinese. Just be sure to come prepared with a sturdy pair of walking shoes and some sunscreen
7. Washington D.C.
The nation’s capital has a lot going for it. Iconic landmarks like the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument allow you to sightsee for days. Plus, the city’s plethora of Smithsonian museums gives you plenty to do on rainy or hot days. When the weather cooperates, explore some of the District of Columbia’s green spaces, such as the U.S. National Arboretum or Rock Creek Park. No visit would be complete without checking out the city’s lively restaurant and bar scene
8. New Orleans
Few American cities are home to cultures as unique as the Big Easy’s. Offering a blend of influences from the Caribbean, Europe and other locales, New Orleans has a distinct personality. Music lovers flock here to immerse themselves in the city’s rich jazz, blues and rock ‘n’ roll scenes. Meanwhile, foodies can feast on everything from gumbo to beignets to po’boys in between sightseeing. After filling up on tasty fare, check out Bourbon Street’s nightlife or sign up for an evening ghost tour.
9. Boston
There are three main reasons why people plan a trip to Boston: to learn more about U.S. history, catch a baseball game and tour some of the country’s best universities. The 2-mile-long Freedom Trail, which connects Boston Common to the Bunker Hill Monument, offers a terrific overview of the city’s rich history, while Fenway Park is a must-see attraction for baseball fans. What’s more, Boston is home to top-notch universities known for their charming architecture, picturesque green spaces and wicked smart students
9. Miami
Travel to this South Florida city to experience a melting pot of cultures. The vibrant food and nightlife scenes are worth the trip alone, so grab a frita (a Cuban-style hamburger) in Little Havana before dancing the night away in one of the city’s countless clubs. If you’re not a fan of clubbing, don’t fret: Miami offers a variety of museums filled with exhibits about the city’s unique art, history and culture, plus proximity to the famous sands of Miami Beach.
10. Las Vegas
Sin City astounds travelers with its smorgasbord of offerings. Whether you choose to spend your trip testing your luck at its casinos, enjoying its highly regarded buffets or relaxing at its extravagant spas and by its chic pools, Las Vegas offers something for everyone. Though the bulk of Las Vegas’ can’t-miss activities and attractions are available on the Strip, travelers hoping to avoid the area’s thick tourist crowds can venture outside the city to go hiking or sightsee via helicopter
11. Charleston
Beautiful architecture, relaxing beaches and plenty of Southern charm are the defining elements of Charleston, South Carolina. Start your day in the Battery, where you can catch an incredible sunrise over the city’s harbor. Then, check out the city’s historical sites and museums, including the Civil War-era Fort Sumter and the Aiken-Rhett House Museum. Once you’ve worked up an appetite following a busy day of sightseeing and exploring the city’s picturesque streets, savor some of Charleston’s mouthwatering low country cuisine at a local restaurant. Must-try dishes range from fried catfish to shrimp and grits.
12. Denali National Park
In the northern part of the Alaska Range, Denali National Park is the one of the largest in the United States and encompasses North America’s highest mountain. Denali is the 20,320-foot peak’s traditional name, but modern explorers dubbed it Mount McKinley. The name is a strong point of local contention. But names aside, the six million acres of wide river valleys, tundra, high alpine ranges, and glacier-draped mountains are purely spectacular. A single road leads into the park, and only park-approved buses are permitted to travel beyond Savage River. Views of Denali can be enjoyed from the park road, weather permitting.
Located midway between Anchorage and Fairbanks, Denali is the home of grizzly bears, wolves, reindeer, elk, and other animals. More than 167 species of birds have been recorded in the park. Another favorite among the park’s many things to do are the Sled Dog Kennels, which offer demonstrations and are home to dozens of energetic huskies.
A fjord edged with glaciers, Tracy Arm is located south of Juneau and is a popular destination for cruise ships and boat tours. Waterfalls tumble down the sharp rock walls and glaciers calve, creating small icebergs. The scenic setting lies within the Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness of the Tongass National Forest. At the head of the fjord sit the twin Sawyer Glaciers. Wildlife sightings are common on tours, whether it’s a brown bear or moose on land, or the whales and seals that inhabit these waters.
Tracy Arm offers just a small slice of glacier viewing in Alaska. Other tourist favorites include Glacier Bay National Park, northwest of Juneau, and Prince William Sound, near Anchorage.
14. Kenai Fjord National Park
Protecting much of the fjord-riddled coastline of the Kenai Peninsula (south of Anchorage), this national park offers some of the best sightseeing in Alaska. Not only do panoramas take in the many glaciers of the 700-square-mile Harding Icefield and an uninhabited coastline, but the national park is home to monstrously large brown bears that feed on the fat-rich salmon. Many tourist options converge in the surrounding areas, be it the end of Hwy 1 in Homer, or the terminus of the Alaska Railroad and access to the Exit Glacier, both in Seward.
15. Alaska Highway
Also known as the Alaska-Canada Highway (Alcan Highway), The Alaska Highway runs from Dawson Creek in British Columbia (Canada) through the Yukon Territory to Delta Junction near Fairbanks. It was built for military purposes in 1942, during WWII, in the record time of only eight months. But since the end of the war, the route has been the most important means of access by land to the Yukon Territory and southern Alaska, and a favorite with recreational vehicle travelers. The highway passes through Whitehorse, Canada before crossing the international border into Alaska and ending in Delta Junction. Motels, shops, and gas stations lies at intervals of 30-50 miles
16. Iditarod National Historic Trail
Alaska’s only National Scenic Trail, the Iditarod National Historic Trail consists of a network of trails totaling more than 2,300 miles between Nome, on the Bering Strait, and Seward, near Anchorage. Originally used by ancient hunters and later by gold prospectors, the trail is now used, and best known, for the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. Extensive landscapes surround the entire route, offering beautiful views of mountains, glaciers, and wildlife. Although it is primarily a winter trail, hikers do use sections during the summer months including the popular Crow Pass Trail within Chugach State Park.
17. Seward
The journey to Seward is equally as alluring as the small town itself. To reach the community south of Anchorage, visitors travel by way of the Seward Highway. Here, along the shoreline of Turnagain Arm, stretches of the rugged Chugach State Park meet the saltwater. Or tourists can take the scenic Alaska Railroad. Beside the appeal of the town’s excellent Alaska SeaLife Center, Seward is a base for exploring Kenai Peninsula attractions, such as Exit Glacier, and area fjords by boat.
Departing from Kenai Peninsula, avid wildlife watchers head to the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge, established to protect the Kodiak bear and other rare animals.
Facts –
Best Time to travel : May, June, July, August, September
Capital : Washington D.C.
Currency : American Dollar (USD) : Currency Converter
Although credit cards are widely accepted in America, we recommend our guests carry some cash (~$50) to use in circumstances when credit cards are not accepted or in destinations where ATMs are not readily available
Language : English
Time Zone : From east to west they are Atlantic Standard Time (AST), Eastern Standard Time (EST), Central Standard Time (CST), Mountain Standard Time (MST), Pacific Standard Time (PST), Alaskan Standard Time (AKST), Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time (HST), Samoa standard time (UTC-11) and Chamorro Standard Time (UTC+10).
Weather :
Northern USA attracts a largely similar climate from coast to coast, but has defined seasons. Winter can bring heavy snowfall and frozen lakes, while spring often starts as late as May, bringing colourful flora and fauna. Summer temperatures range from warm to very hot – cities in particular can feel stifling, but the coasts and national parks are usually cooler. Autumn, meanwhile, is renowned for the changing colours of the leaves.
Southern USA has less obvious seasons, but distinct regional differences, with the climate becoming more humid towards the east. Winter is dry and warm, becoming colder further north, while summer is ideal for beach relaxation or hiking in national parks, although it can be very hot and humid. Spring and autumn are the best times to travel, with pleasant temperatures throughout. Hurricanes can occur in the southeast during August and September.
Electricity : In Canada the power plugs and sockets are of type A and B. The standard voltage is 120 V and the standard frequency is 60 Hz.
VISAS, PASSPORTS, AND OTHER ENTRY REQUIREMENTS : You are responsible for obtaining and paying for all entry documents (visas, etc.) and for meeting all health requirements (inoculations, etc.) as required by the laws, regulations, or orders of the countries you will visit. We cannot accept liability if you are refused entry onto any transport or into any country for failure to carry correct documentation.
A visa for your visit to United States of America is necessary. If you hold a passport from another country, check with your local consulate about requirements for travel to USA.
BUDGETING AND SHOPPING – When budgeting for your trip, keep in mind that the cost of goods, including food, drinks, and souvenirs, may differ significantly from what you’re used to at home. In the western United States, cowboy hats, cowboy boots, western shirts, and leather products such as belts and wallets are always popular souvenirs. Other regional finds include books on the Western National Parks, Native American handicrafts including pottery, rugs, jewelry, and rugged outdoor wear. Along the coast, regional wines, artisan handcrafts, coffee, salmon (Pacific Northwest), cedar planks (for cooking), and hand-made chocolates are popular souvenirs. San Francisco in particular, is known for its shopping at Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown, Union Square, and dozens of boutique shops.
Los Angeles and Las Vegas are shopping hotspots of the west Las Vegas features a wide array of outlets and
Los Angeles has its famous Rodeo Drive and Melrose Avenue, and the Universal City Walk near Hollywood
FOOD SPECIALTIES – United States is known for a wide variety of specialties. Among them, western-style BBQ, fresh seafood in the Northwestern states, fabulous beef, game meats including venison and elk, fresh trout, green chili, beef jerky, Indian fry bread, breakfast burritos, and the legendary Rocky Mountain Oysters