There’s a whole lot of the US out there just waiting to be explored. So much so that it can be quite overwhelming working out where and how to start.
But with careful planning and preparation, you can get a lot of bang for your buck in terms of sights seen, miles traveled and experiences enjoyed.
Here we’ll be giving you plenty of tips to point you in the right direction, as well as suggesting a few places that are real must-visits. So, let’s get going on our journey.
5 places not to miss
It’s tough to pick just five places in the whole of the US of A to head for first, but we’ve done our best and here they are.
New York
The country’s most iconic city is everything you’d expect and much more besides. And even though you’ve seen the Empire State Building in pictures thousands of times, seeing it for real will still send shivers down your spine. However, a top tip is if you want to see the Empire State Building in all its glory, hop over to the Top of the Rock for the best view. With so much to see and do in the Big Apple, no visit there is ever going to be quite long enough to fit it all in. Make sure to sample the local food, from Michelin-starred restaurants to street carts, you can find it all in New York City.
Boston
Head north to Massachusetts and Boston promises you a very different experience. There’s plenty for everyone to enjoy whether you’re a history buff or a sports fan, a food lover, or a marathon runner. From visiting the bar where the classic 90s comedy Cheers was filmed to taking a tour of the home of the Red Sox at Fenway Park, Boston always going to hit a home run for you.
Las Vegas
Need we say more? Spectacular shows and even helicopter rides to explore the stunning natural wonder that is the Grand Canyon and its recently designated national monument. But the first thing most people think about is gambling when it comes to Vegas. Sin City is home to some of the largest casinos in the world so it can be fairly overwhelming. If you want to be ready to win big on the tables, it’ll pay to do some preparation. Luckily, you can play at a casino online for the USA where you can hone your skills in roulette, blackjack, and more before hitting the tables. With some preparation, you can make sure you feel more like James Bond in Diamonds Are Forever than Zach Galifianakis in The Hangover.
San Francisco
People are still leaving their hearts in San Francisco, and it’s easy to see why. The dramatic hilly streets are spectacular, and catching the tram is the perfect way to explore. Down by Fisherman’s Wharf you can watch the seals bask as you enjoy some of the country’s best seafood – and don’t miss out on a trip to the notorious Alcatraz.
Chicago
The Windy City is always ready to welcome you – and one of the best ways to get a look at all it has to offer is from the observation platform of the 1,300-foot Skydeck at Willis Tower. For a more ground-level experience take a boat tour down the river or onto Lake Michigan.
Setting your budget
Your budget for the trip is going to depend on how luxurious you want your trip to be. If you’re happy to stay in hostel-type accommodation and travel by bus, then a typical backpacking budget can be as little as $75 a day. You’ll also probably have to focus on free activities and walking tours and the like.
If you can go for $200 a day, then you should be able to eat out most nights and take the occasional taxi to get around.
But for $350 a day, you’re looking at a luxurious break staying in hotels and even being able to rent a car for at least a few days of the trip.
How to get around
If your budget allows it, flying is the quickest way to get around the country, although it’s not so great for your carbon footprint.
Trains are also a good way to cover large distances quite quickly. Trains in the US aren’t always cheap but getting a USA Rail Pass from Amtrak for $499 gives you 30 days’ travel across ten segments of the country.
Then there’s the good old Greyhound Bus or any of the other intercity bus companies. The longer in advance you book the cheaper it can be. So, you could be able to make the 7-hour journey from Chicago to Detroit for under $30.
Also very popular is ridesharing through Uber and Lyft – hitchhiking is a possibility too.
Where to stay
Again, this is going to be dictated by your budget and how much you’ll pay and the quality of the accommodation will hinge on that. Best of all if you can manage to couch surf your way across your trip staying with friends as accommodation is likely to account for most of your daily expenditure.
So, there you have it. Some tips about where to go, what to do, and how to get there. Now it’s time to start planning your trip in detail – and hitting the road.
