Traveling in the United States of America
New York City
The United States of America is one of the largest and most diverse countries in the world. It's geography varies dramatically between the two coasts. It's city's each have their own feel and culture and the small towns hold on to traditional mindset that is often missed by the casual tourist. The country is bordered to the north by Canada and to the south by Mexico. Because of its large size, it has varying climates that range from bitterly cold, to subtropical. There are a variety of reasons to come to the U.S., but one of the most popular is the national parks. The United States has a well established and impressive national park system. The parks vary in nature from the Grand Canyon, which is impressive not only in its size, but also its colors, to Hatteras National Seashore on the eastern coast of North Carolina. Alternatively, if you're looking to visit some interesting cities, there are many options. You can go star spotting in Los Angeles, or check out a Broadway show in New York.
The large size of the country makes visiting it somewhat challenging. The U.S. has a very car dependent culture and you will likely have to rent a car for at least part of your trip, particularly if you hope to explore any of the national parks. Some of the larger cities have decent public transportation systems, but the intercity transportation system is lacking. If you hope to explore more than one region of the country it is advisable that you take a plane flight. Flights can be reasonably priced and there are a handful of domestic airlines that serve the country. For the best deals travel during the week and book your tickets well in advance. While there may be some good last minute deals, these are in no way guaranteed and if your trip lacks flexibility then it's better to plan ahead.
At A Glance
- The U.S. is best visited during a series of several different trips. Because it is so large and difficult to travel around, you'll do better if you visit one region at a time. Some people choose to do a highlights tour and see New York, San Francisco and perhaps one national park. A better option is to pick one part of the country and explore it in more depth.
- If you want to avoid renting a car, the best area to visit is the northeast. There are trains and buses that connect the major cities, so it is possible to travel around without renting a car or taking a flight. The larger cities in these areas also have decent public transportation systems so it's easy to travel within the city without a car as well.
- One of the best seasons to visit this country is during the fall months. In many areas the leaves are changing color and the landscape is beautiful. Children are also back in school so the crowds are less and the prices are usually lower.
- You'll find plenty of great beaches on both coasts. If you're hoping to see a dramatic and rocky coast line, surf in the largest waves, and enjoy urban beaches, then the west coast is your best option. If you're looking for more natural beaches, warmer water for swimming, and more traditional towns, then head to the east coast.
- If you're hoping to visit any beaches then it is best if you avoid college spring break periods. These breaks usually fall between early March and late April and can be a busy and expensive time to be at the beach. Unless you specifically want to take part in the partying then your best option is to visit at a different time.
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Looking for a party hostel in Hawaii or Miami? Traveling alone to LA or New Orleans? Want a budget hostel in NYC?
Top Tourist Attractions
Golden Gate Bridge: This beautiful bridge in San Francisco is even more striking because its bright color is contrasted by the backdrop of green hills and the blue bay. Many people rent bikes for the day and spend some time biking across the bridge and then taking the ferry back to the city.
Grand Canyon: One of the most popular national parks in the US, this canyon is most beautiful when it's lit up at sunrise or sunset. It can get quite hot during the summer months, but if you're here during the fall or spring the weather will be ideal.
Broadway: This is where you can catch the best shows in New York City. You can get discount tickets around town the morning of so do some research in advance and it'll cut down on the cost.
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to manage your expectations when it comes to your travel budget. While many people like to see themselves as "budget" travelers on a shoestring budget, most find this type of travel uncomfortable. Think about what you enjoy and how you've traveled previously. Are you drawn to resorts, hotels, vacation rentals, or do you prefer hostels, instead? How important is eating out to you? And what type of transportation do you prefer? Your answers to these questions will greatly affect your overall travel budget.
The Truth on Budget Travel
People often say you can visit the United States of America for just $121 daily, but unless you're okay with sacrificing many comforts, be ready to shell out a lot more.
Backpackers can typically make that budget work, but it usually requires sleeping in dorm-style hostels, eating at the most affordable restaurants or fast food spots, taking public transit or walking, and sticking to free sights.
Thankfully, the United States of America offers a wide variety of hostels, with the largest selection found in Pasadena, New York City, and San Francisco.
Is Your Travel Style Average?
For families and couples traveling for fun, staying in a mid-range hotel, eating at popular restaurants, and visiting famous museums and attractions with entry fees is typical. Most visitors will want to go to Bellagio Fountains in Las Vegas, Balboa Park in San Diego, or Central Park in New York City on their trip. As you can expect, most of these experiences come at a price, so it's safer to plan for a trip budget around $325 per person each day.
With so many hotels and vacation rentals in the United States of America, you'll have no trouble finding a place that suits your needs. If you're splitting the cost with a partner, friend, or kids, you'll be able to reduce the daily per-person costs, too. You'll find plenty of family-friendly areas like Los Angeles and San Francisco where hotels and restaurants cater to little ones. Consider staying at The Inn on Siesta Key in Siesta Key or Croad Vineyards - The Inn in Paso Robles for a kid-friendly experience. For couples visiting Valle Crucis, check out Mast Farm Inn for a romantic place to stay. Find more hotel options for families and couples in our hotel costs guide for the United States of America here.
Want to Escape the Daily Grind in Style?
For a lavish experience with the highest level of comfort and service, expect a price tag around $928. Booking five-star hotels, dining at top restaurants, splurging on once-in-a-lifetime excursions, and hiring private drivers will put you in the luxury travel tier. You'll be enjoying the good life in places like Moab and Gainesville. Or you could plan an multi-day adventure by booking a higher end tour such as America's Magnificent National Parks - offered by Insight Vacations.
