This is the United States, an immense land that boasts diversity in its people, its wildlife and its landscapes. Make your way from the glistening beaches and wind-battered coasts to cities that eventually give way to wide open spaces where mountains, impressive monoliths, endless plains, beautiful lakes and charming towns await.
The Highlights
New Orleans
Few cities in the US can compete with the electric vibe of New Orleans. This Louisiana city is home to jazz music, the Creole and Cajun cultures, and the biggest Mardi Gras celebration in the country. A visit here is essential, especially if to experience a different culture, rub elbows with the locals, and feast on Cajun dishes. Make sure you join a Second Line Parade and consume a few beignets.
San Francisco
Is San Francisco in your sights? Home to the Golden Gate Bridge, an almost supernatural fog that never seems to disappear and colourful neighbourhoods are just a few of the sights you will encounter. There’s also Alcatraz Island, site of the notorious former prison that beckons for exploration. If time allows, you can continue the road trip down to Los Angeles or visit neighbouring Sacramento.
The Grand Canyon
How exactly the Grand Canyon was formed is still up for debate. The undisputed fact, however, is that this herculean landmark in the United States is one of the biggest, deepest and most spectacular canyons in the world. Visits to its north and south rims are an absolute must, as is a hike or two to the bottom if you can carve out the time. Stay for two or three days to see the highlights.
Grand Teton National Park
Jackson Hole, Wyoming, is home to one of the most striking landmarks in the United States. The Grand Tetons may be young, but it’s no less staggering than its older counterparts. Its incredible jagged peaks dominate the valley and have been the venue for many hiking or rock climbing excursions. It’s also beautiful year round, and Jackson Hole itself is home to the best snow in the US.
Washington D.C.
Whatever the current political climate, Washington, D.C. continues to be one of the most impressive cities in the US with The White House as its prime draw. The National Mall, the manicured area in the heart of the city, is home to beautiful landmarks such as the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, the Reflecting Pool, the State Capitol, and a number of museums.
The Big Island of Hawaii
Though more than five hours away from Los Angeles by plane, the Hawaiian islands are worth their weight in gold. The Big Island of Hawaii, specifically, is full of places worth pulling over for: the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park where lava actively flows, the lush Waipio Valley, the Mauna Kea observatories and the Thurston Lava Tube. Turtle-frequented beaches and waterfalls can easily be found.
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The Location
Sandwiched between Canada and Mexico, the North Pacific and the North Atlantic, the US is a massive country in North America. From London, its northeastern region is an 8h nonstop flight. From Sydney, the Pacific coast is a 14h flight.
Capital City
Washington, D.C. is the capital city of the United States. It is nestled between the states of Virginia and Maryland, and it boasts some of the most beautiful and historic architectural structures in the country.
Main Airport
There are many hubs for domestic and international flights in the US. Two of its busiest are John F. Kennedy International Airport, 19 miles away from Manhattan, and Los Angeles International Airport, about 15 miles away from downtown Los Angeles.
Language Spoken
The official language of the United States is English, with Spanish being the second most common language.
Currency
The United States uses the US Dollar. The currency code is USD. While there are a few businesses that are cash only, credit and debit cards are generally accepted in the whole country. ATM machines are everywhere except in the most remote areas.
Visas
Citizens of several countries are able to travel visa-free to the US for 90 days or less. These countries include Australia and New Zealand, and the UK, however, visitors will need to apply for The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). Check with your embassy for the most up to date information.
Electricity
The United States uses the 110V/60Hz electrical voltage and frequency. The standard plugs are those with two flat parallel pins and those with two flat pins and a third round grounding pin. Check to see if you need an adapter and a converter.
Vaccinations
There are currently no vaccination requirements for travellers visiting the United States. Infectious disease outbreaks are uncommon, but they can happen. Check Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website to stay informed.
Emergency Calls
For emergencies, dial 911. This number is for the police or an ambulance, or in case of fire.
When to Visit
Peak Season
JUNE TO AUGUST
The busiest months for the US are the summer months (June to August) as well as the holiday season (Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year) when children are off from school. Local traffic mixes with tourist traffic and descends upon the country’s top destinations in massive numbers. However, due to its size, the best season to visit really depends on the region you’re visiting. Some parts are incredibly humid in the summer and best avoided. Others, like Wyoming and the Pacific Northwest, are beautiful in the summertime or there are places like California that are incredible year round.
Low Season
JANUARY TO MARCH
The low seasons are also dictated by each region or area. However, it can be said that factors that make the low season more appealing to the discerning set include lower rates, fewer crowds, still pleasant weather and are typically more accessible when children in the US are back in school. Generally, mid-January through March is great if you like cooler weather, May is best for spring blooms, and September is perfect for summer. But again, each region boasts its own low season so meticulous research is highly recommended especially if you’re touring the whole country.
