Why You Should Travel the US and How to Do It Right
Traveling the US is a dream for many people, and for good reasons. The US is a vast and diverse country, with something for everyone. Whether you are looking for natural wonders, cultural attractions, historical landmarks, or urban adventures, you will find them in the US.
But traveling the US is not without its challenges. You need to plan ahead, budget wisely, and be prepared for different climates, cultures, and regulations. That’s why this guide is here to help you. In this guide, you will learn:
- How to choose the best destinations for your interests and budget
- How to get around the US by plane, train, bus, car, or bike
- How to find the best accommodation, food, and entertainment options
- How to stay safe, healthy, and respectful while traveling the US
- How to make the most of your trip and create unforgettable memories
This guide is based on my own experience of traveling the US for over a year, as well as the tips and insights from other travelers and locals. I hope it will inspire you to explore this amazing country and discover its beauty and diversity.
How to Prepare for Your US Adventure
If you are dreaming of visiting the United States, you might be wondering how to plan your trip. The US is a huge and diverse country, with so many attractions and destinations to choose from. Whether you want to explore the iconic cities, the stunning national parks, the cultural diversity, or the historical landmarks, there is something for everyone in the US.
But before you pack your bags and hop on a plane, there are some things you need to consider and prepare for your US adventure. In this section, we will provide you with some useful information and tips on how to plan your trip, such as:
- Budget: Traveling in the US can be expensive, depending on where you go and what you do. According to Budget Your Trip, the average daily cost of traveling in the US is $224 per person. This includes accommodation ($134), transportation ($39), food ($42), and entertainment ($9). Of course, these costs can vary widely depending on your travel style and preferences. You can save money by staying in hostels or Airbnb, using public transportation or ridesharing, cooking your own food or eating at cheap restaurants, and looking for free or discounted activities and attractions. You should also set aside some money for emergencies and unexpected expenses.
- Visa: Depending on your nationality, you may or may not need a visa to enter the US. Most travelers from countries that participate in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) can enter the US without a visa for up to 90 days, as long as they have a valid passport and an approved Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). You can check if your country is eligible for the VWP and apply for an ESTA online at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/. The fee is $14 and the application takes about 20 minutes. You should apply at least 72 hours before your departure. If your country is not part of the VWP, you will need to apply for a visa at the nearest US embassy or consulate. The type of visa you need depends on the purpose and duration of your trip. You can find more information about visa types and requirements at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas.html. The visa application process can take several weeks or months, so you should start as early as possible.
- Transportation: The US is a vast country, so getting around can be challenging and time-consuming. The most convenient way to travel between different states or regions is by flying. There are many domestic airlines that offer cheap flights, such as Southwest, JetBlue, Spirit, Frontier, and Allegiant. You can compare prices and book flights online at https://www.wanttotravel.fun/. Another option is to take a train, which can be scenic and comfortable, but also slow and expensive. Amtrak is the main train operator in the US, and you can check routes and fares at https://www.amtrak.com/. If you want to save money and have more flexibility, you can take a bus. There are several bus companies that offer low-cost and long-distance services, such as Greyhound, Megabus, BoltBus, and FlixBus. You can find and book bus tickets at https://www.busbud.com/ or https://www.wanderu.com/. If you want to have more freedom and control over your itinerary, you can rent a car and drive yourself. This can be a great way to explore off-the-beaten-path places and enjoy the scenery along the way. However, you should also consider the costs of gas, tolls, parking, insurance, and maintenance. You also need to have a valid driver’s license and meet the minimum age requirements.
- Accommodation: The US offers a wide range of accommodation options for every budget and taste. You can stay in hotels, motels, hostels, Airbnb,
How to Plan Your US Trip: Regions, States and routes
The United States is a vast and diverse country, with something for every traveler. Whether you are looking for nature, culture, history, entertainment, or adventure, you will find it in the US. But how do you decide where to go and what to see? Here are some tips to help you plan your US trip.
First, you need to have an idea of the different regions and states of the US, and what they offer. The US can be roughly divided into six regions: Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, Southwest, West, and Alaska and Hawaii. Each region has its own characteristics, climate, culture, and attractions.
The Northeast is the oldest and most densely populated region of the US. It includes states like New York, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Maine. Here you can find some of the most iconic landmarks of the US, such as the Statue of Liberty, the White House, and Niagara Falls. You can also enjoy the rich history, culture, and cuisine of cities like Boston, Philadelphia, and Washington DC.
The Southeast is the warmest and most humid region of the US. It includes states like Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, and Tennessee. Here you can experience the diverse and vibrant culture of the South, from the music of Nashville and Memphis to the food of New Orleans and Charleston. You can also enjoy the beautiful beaches, islands, and wildlife of Florida and the Carolinas.
The Midwest is the heartland of the US. It includes states like Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, and Wisconsin. Here you can explore the great lakes, rivers, and plains that shaped the American identity. You can also visit some of the largest and most dynamic cities of the US, such as Chicago, Detroit, and Minneapolis.
The Southwest is the arid and rugged region of the US. It includes states like Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, and Nevada. Here you can discover the stunning landscapes and natural wonders of the desert, such as the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, and Death Valley. You can also experience the rich and diverse culture of the Native Americans, Mexicans, and cowboys.
The West is the most geographically diverse region of the US. It includes states like California, Oregon, Washington, and Colorado. Here you can enjoy everything from the sunny beaches and glamorous cities of California to the snowy mountains and forests of Oregon and Washington. You can also visit some of the most famous national parks of the US, such as Yosemite, Yellowstone, and Zion.
Alaska and Hawaii are the two non-contiguous states of the US. They are both unique and spectacular destinations that offer a different perspective on the US. Alaska is the largest and most sparsely populated state of the US. It is a land of wilderness, wildlife, and adventure. Hawaii is the smallest and most isolated state of the US. It is a tropical paradise of volcanoes, beaches, and culture.
Once you have an idea of what each region and state has to offer, you can start planning your itinerary. Depending on how much time you have and what your interests are, you can choose to focus on one or more regions or states or to travel across different ones. There are many ways to travel within or between regions or states: by car (road trip), by train (Amtrak), by bus (Greyhound), by plane (domestic flights), or by boat (ferries).
Some examples of popular itineraries or routes are:
- The East Coast: from Boston to Miami (or vice versa), passing through New York City,
Philadelphia,
Washington DC,
Baltimore,
Richmond,
Charleston,
Savannah,
Orlando,
and Miami.
- The West Coast: from Seattle to San Diego (or vice versa), passing through Portland,
San Francisco,
Los Angeles,
and San Diego.
- The Southern Route: from New Orleans to Los Angeles (or vice versa), passing through Houston,
San Antonio,
Austin,
El Paso,
Tucson,
Phoenix,
Las Vegas,
and Los Angeles.
- The Northern Route: from Chicago to Seattle (or vice versa), passing through Milwaukee,
Minneapolis,
Fargo,
Billings,
Bozeman,
Yellowstone National Park,
Salt Lake City,
Boise,
and Seattle.
- The Cross-Country Route: from New York City to San Francisco (or vice versa), passing through Philadelphia,
Pittsburgh,
Columbus,
Indianapolis,
St Louis,
Kansas City,
Denver,
Salt Lake City,
Reno,
and San Francisco.
How to Travel Smart and Safe in the US
The US is a vast and diverse country with many attractions and experiences to offer. However, traveling in the US can also pose some challenges and risks that you should be aware of and prepared for. In this section, we will share some practical tips and tricks on how to travel smart and safe in the US, covering topics such as money, health, safety, and emergencies.
Money: How to Save and Spend Wisely
One of the biggest expenses of traveling in the US is transportation. Depending on your itinerary and preferences, you may need to use a combination of flights, trains, buses, car rentals, or ridesharing services. To save money on transportation, you should plan ahead and compare different options, look for discounts and deals, book in advance, and avoid peak seasons and times. You can also use apps like Skyscanner, Rome2rio, Wanderu, or GasBuddy to find the best prices and routes.
Another major expense of traveling in the US is accommodation. The US has a wide range of accommodation options, from hotels and motels to hostels and Airbnb. To save money on accommodation, you should research different areas and neighborhoods, look for reviews and ratings, book in advance, and negotiate prices if possible. You can also use apps like Booking.com, Hotels.com, Hostelworld, or Airbnb to find the best deals and offers.
Food is another significant expense of traveling in the US. The US has a rich and diverse culinary scene, with many regional specialties and ethnic cuisines. However, eating out can also be costly and unhealthy. To save money and eat well in the US, you should cook your own meals whenever possible, shop at local markets and grocery stores, avoid tourist traps and chain restaurants, and look for coupons and discounts. You can also use apps like Yelp, TripAdvisor, HappyCow, or EatWith to find the best places to eat and drink.
Health: How to Stay Fit and Well
Traveling in the US can be physically and mentally demanding. You may encounter different climates, altitudes, time zones, allergens, pollutants, or pathogens. You may also experience stress, fatigue, jet lag, or culture shock. To stay fit and well in the US, you should take care of your body and mind by following these tips:
- Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated
- Eat a balanced diet and avoid junk food
- Get enough sleep and rest
- Exercise regularly and stretch your muscles
- Wear appropriate clothing and sunscreen
- Avoid alcohol, tobacco, and drugs
- Carry a first aid kit and basic medications
- Get vaccinated and insured before your trip
- Consult a doctor if you feel sick or injured
Safety: How to Avoid Trouble and Danger
The US is generally a safe country to travel in, but it also has its share of crime, violence, natural disasters, terrorism, or civil unrest. To avoid trouble and danger in the US, you should be aware of your surroundings and follow these tips:
- Research your destination and know the local laws, customs, culture, and etiquette
- Avoid areas that are known to be unsafe or have high crime rates
- Keep your valuables hidden or locked up
- Don’t carry large amounts of cash or flash your money
- Don’t accept rides or gifts from strangers
- Don’t walk alone at night or in dark places
- Don’t get involved in fights or arguments
- Don’t participate in illegal or risky activities
- Be respectful and friendly to the locals
Emergencies: How to Deal with Unexpected Situations
Despite your best efforts to travel smart and safe in the US, you may still encounter some unexpected situations that require immediate action or assistance. In case of emergencies in the US, you should know how to deal with them by following these steps:
- Stay calm and assess the situation
- Call 911 if you need urgent help from the police, fire department, or ambulance
- Contact your embassy or consulate if you need legal or consular support
- Contact your family or friends if you need emotional or financial support
- Contact your travel insurance company if you need to make a claim
We hope that these tips and tricks will help you travel smart and safe in the US. Remember that traveling is an adventure that can enrich your life with new experiences and perspectives. Enjoy your trip!
Discover the Diversity of the US
The US is a vast and diverse country, with something for everyone. Whether you are looking for nature, culture, history, or entertainment, you will find it here. Here are some of the best experiences and activities that you can enjoy during your US travel.
- Explore the stunning national parks. The US has 63 national parks, each with its own unique beauty and wildlife. You can hike, camp, bike, kayak, or just admire the scenery. Some of the most popular parks include Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Zion, and Glacier.
- Visit the world-class museums. The US has some of the finest museums in the world, covering a wide range of topics and interests. You can learn about art, history, science, technology, and more. Some of the most famous museums include the Smithsonian Institution in Washington DC, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Getty Center in Los Angeles.
- Experience the vibrant festivals. The US is a melting pot of cultures and traditions, and you can witness this diversity in its festivals. You can celebrate music, food, art, sports, and more. Some of the most exciting festivals include Mardi Gras in New Orleans, SXSW in Austin, Coachella in California, and Oktoberfest in Cincinnati.
- Taste the delicious food. The US is a food lover’s paradise, with a variety of cuisines and dishes to suit every palate. You can try regional specialties, such as barbecue in Texas, pizza in Chicago, lobster in Maine, and gumbo in Louisiana. You can also sample ethnic foods from around the world, such as Mexican, Chinese, Italian, Indian, and more.
Final Thoughts: How to Make the Most of Your US Travel Experience
You have reached the end of this comprehensive guide for United State travel. We hope you have learned a lot from it and are ready to plan your dream trip to this amazing country. Whether you want to explore the natural wonders, the cultural diversity, the historical landmarks, or the modern attractions, the US has something for everyone.
But don’t just take our word for it. Experience it for yourself! Book your flights, hotels, car rentals, and tours today and get ready for an unforgettable adventure. You won’t regret it!
And when you come back, don’t forget to share your feedback and questions with us. We would love to hear from you and help you with any travel-related issues. You can also join our online community of travelers and exchange tips and stories with other like-minded people.
Thank you for reading this guide and happy travels!
