Discover USA: A Guide to History, Safety & Travel Tips

The USA Travel Guide: History, Helpful Safety & Travel Tips

Travel Guides
USA

By: Craig

The allure of the United States of America is felt by citizens of countries all over the world. When you picture the USA you think of landmarks, culture, events, food and of course, history.

All of these elements combine to make the USA a great travel destination. However, with 50 states to see and boundless land to cover, it can be easy to feel a little overwhelmed when planning a holiday to America.

At the end of the day, everything from their transport system to the side of the road they drive on is different, So to enjoy the trip of a lifetime and tick off all your bucket list items, preparation is key. This way, you know exactly where to go, how to get there and what to see..

Discovering America: A Brief Overview of the USA

As one of the most important countries in the world, it makes sense that America’s geographical and cultural heritage is equal parts vast and complex.

From Coast to Coast: Geography of the USA

As the world’s third largest country in size, the American landscape encompasses everything from tropical beaches, rocky mountain peaks and Great Lakes to prairie lands and even barren deserts.

To help you get your bearings, the US is divided into six regions:

New England, which is home to states such as Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Vermont
The Mid-Atlantic incorporates states including New York, Delaware and Maryland
The South refers to places like North and South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and Alabama
The Midwest is, in part, made up of Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Indiana and Minnesota
The Southwest is home to Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas
The West refers to, in part, Alaska, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Oregon and Utah

Melting Pot of Cultures: Embracing American Diversity

Due to its vast size and welcoming nature, it makes sense that America has earned the label of being a melting pot of cultures. In fact, the US has one of the most complex cultural identities in the world.

With over tens of millions of immigrants (historically from Latin-America and more recently from Asia) making their way to the country in the hopes of achieving the American dream, the current most common spoken languages are English and Spanish.

As a result of this, many of America’s cities celebrate everything from Chinese and Spanish customs, and they have incorporated cuisines from all over the world into their everyday food and drink.

Unmissable Sights: Key Destinations in the USA

Thanks to a beautiful and vast landscape and many iconic movies and TV shows, there are unmissable sights littered throughout the six regions. While some of the key destinations in the USA are tourist hot spots, there are lesser known gems that are simply not to be missed.

From Cities to National Parks: The Top Places to Visit

Covering a seemingly boundless terrain means that the American landscape offers the best of both worlds. Look in one direction and see deep blue oceans. Turn in the opposite direction and lose yourself in dense parklands.

With so much ground to cover and so many sights to see, it’s worthwhile noting the top places to visit. This way, you can curate an itinerary that ticks off bucket list items and hidden spots you’d hate to miss.

To start with, no visit to the USA is complete without a trip to New York City. Arguably one of the most famous cities in the world, it’s best to spend at least a few days in the concrete jungle where dreams are made.

One of the top things to do is to walk the High Line, a historic freight rail line converted into a public park, where you’ll be treated to art installations, modern architecture and a completely different perspective of the city. If you still have energy left in your legs, walking the Brooklyn Bridge is also a must - just watch out for cyclists!

New York has also acted as the backdrop to some of the world’s premiere entertainment. For lovers of the iconic New York series like Sex and the City, take a guided tour showcasing Carrie’s stoop and where the girls had many a brunch.

New York City

In the nighttime, there is nothing like heading to Times Square for a Broadway show to watch something new, or head to some of Broadway’s longest running shows to see what all the fuss is about.

New York City’s nightlife is rivalled by the vibrant atmosphere in cities like New Orleans, Houston and Miami. From Little Havana to South Beach there is never a dull moment in Miami. The city is equally as beautiful in the daytime thanks to its wetlands area, the Everglades National Park.

Las Vegas

Similarly, Las Vegas is full of sights by day and by night. From the Hoover Dam to Death Valley National Park, these are to be seen to be believed. Once the sun goes down, you won’t be able to resist the pull of the Strip’s flashing lights and promise of world class entertainment.

Hollywood

Speaking of entertainment, for most, there is no place like Hollywood. From Beverly Hills to Bel Air there is a certain allure to Los Angeles. Home to reality and movie personalities alike, a walk or drive down Rodeo Drive is sure to leave you feeling like a star.

Chicago

Not to be outdone, Chicago’s Magnificent Mile boasts high end luxury stores. For those who appreciate the great outdoors, Chicago, set on the shores of Lake Michigan, is renowned for beautiful parklands and pristine beaches. However, nothing compares to Hawaii’s world famous beaches.

Washington, DC and Boston

For those looking to embrace the rich history of this great country, Washington, DC and Boston are a must. In DC there is history around every corner, So consider taking a nighttime tour of the famous monuments and landmarks for a unique experience. Boston is the oldest colonised city of the USA, so spend a few days here to appreciate the breadth of the Freedom Trail with its 17 locations significant to America’s history and also the city’s passionate sporting scene (think the Red Sox, Celtics and the Bruins).

National Parks

For a change of scenery, head west to Yellowstone National Park. Covering nearly 3, 500 square miles, the park resides mostly in Wyoming, but is also located in Montana and Idaho, and is most famous for the Old Faithful geyser, however the park also boasts diverse wildlife, hot springs and mud pools.

From one extreme to the other, Colorado is a playground in both summer and winter. In summer, hiking, mountain biking and rafting is second to none. During winter, look no further than ski towns like Vail, Aspen and Telluride for incredible slopes, accommodation and food.

Seattle

In the Northwest corner of the US lies the coastal city of Seattle, However, if you arrive at the right time of the year, you will be treated to picturesque snow capped mountains, and the only better view is that of the Space Needle Tower.

Disneyworld

Speaking of iconic views, no list of US destinations would be complete without mentioning Orlando. The land of entertainment parks, Orlando has something for everyone. Think Disney World’s iconic castle, Universal Studios’ movie set tours and the Kennedy Space Centre.

Navigating the USA: Your Guide to Transportation

When it comes to navigating the USA, there is a lot of ground to cover. Some people may prefer to use public transport systems while others want to maximise their time and fly in and out.

For those with time on their side, consider travelling on the national Amtrak rail network or by Greyhound bus. While rail is typically more expensive than bus travel, train travel can be both relaxing and picturesque, especially when travelling between New York and Los Angeles.

Car Rentals and Domestic Flights: Covering Long Distances

To minimise your travel time, you could look into hiring a car or taking domestic flights between cities. With discount airlines a dime a dozen in the US, you can cover large distances without breaking the bank, although for the best deals, book at least three weeks in advance.

Car hire in the USA

Look for unlimited mileage packages from companies such as Hertz and Avis
Rental cars will generally be more expensive at rental companies’ airport branches when compared to their inner city locations

Tips on driving in the USA

Americans drive on the right-hand side of the road
Big city travel can be a nightmare in terms of traffic

Best Times to Visit the USA: Weather and Seasonal Highlights

Each American state is known for their unique weather conditions, so the best time to visit the US will vary in each state. For example, the east coast is known to experience all four seasons, while the southern states are faced with a hot summer and mild winter. .

Understanding the American Climate: Region-Specific Weather

Between January and April it’s best to steer clear of the northern states due to cold conditions and heavy snowfall. However, this is the perfect time to visit the southern states because sunshine is almost guaranteed.

By May there is the real sense that spring has sprung. With this in mind, plan visits to the northern parts of the US, but steer clear of Hawaii, as this month is its peak rainfall season.

June to August should be set aside for trips to the northern, northeast and southern states of the US. Come the Autumn months of September and October, Hawaii is back on the visit list, as well as places like New England, New York and Washington.

Marked by colder and shorter days, the northern half of the country will experience the first snowfall in November, while temperatures in Florida and the deep south are still warm.

Celebrate Like a Local: Events and Festivals in the USA

One of the great things about the US is that virtually every city knows how to hold a major event that is the envy of the rest of the world. From sporting tournaments to concerts and parades, there is always something to be celebrated.

The beginning of the year is packed full of events. Held in January in Park City, Utah, the Sundance Film Festival plays host to the best new feature movies, shorts and documentaries.

However, arguably the biggest event of the year- the Super Bowl - is held in February.

The US has a great passion for sports and the Super Bowl draws an even bigger crowd depending on who the performers are for the halftime entertainment. Festivities can be enjoyed at the ground, outside the stadium and even in local bars and restaurants.

Another key event is the Masters Golf Tournament. Held at the prestigious Augusta National Golf Club in April, this sporting event is a bucket list item. Also in April? Coachella. Two weekends of live music from the world’s biggest acts - it has become a cultural phenomenon.

There is no greater celebration of American culture than Independence Day on the 4th of July, which is marked by parties, barbecues and fireworks. From there, attention is turned to the US Open, one of tennis’ biggest events.

The next great event is Halloween. Over the top celebrations ensue where homes are decorated, families dress up and trick or treating lasts for hours. While a lot of the cities go all out, New York and San Francisco are the pick.

An important holiday that can be celebrated by locals and tourists alike is that of Thanksgiving. Many restaurants remain open so there are plenty of options to sit down and enjoy an authentic Thanksgiving meal after attending the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Perhaps the biggest holiday event is left until the end of the year. There is nothing quite like New Year’s Eve in America. For those who can brave the crowds, the place to be is huddled in New York’s Times Square, enjoying the concerts and waiting for the ball to drop.

Embracing Local Culture: Customs and Etiquette in the USA

Every country, city and town in the world has unique little idiosyncrasies. For travellers, learning the customs and etiquette that go along with this can prove difficult. With this in mind, it’s best to do a little research before arriving in a new destination.

In such a diverse country like the US where a myriad of languages are spoken and many religions are observed, it’s important to remain polite and steer clear of stereotypes.

In terms of more specific advice, it’s important to know how little things differ between countries like America and Australia. For example, in Australia, tipping isn’t as commonplace, while in America, tipping is almost second nature. Particularly in taxis or at restaurants, the general rule of thumb for tipping is usually 15%, although this can change subject to the type and quality of service provided.

In America, while the main language is English, they have different colloquialisms. While these generally won’t be too much of a barrier, it’s helpful to be aware that some individuals may look at you funny if you ask to be pointed towards the nearest ‘service station’, use ‘gas station’ instead!

Staying Safe in the USA: Important Safety Information

Another key tip when travelling to the US is to prepare yourself for the likelihood of a natural disaster. While Australians for example may have to be on alert for fires and floods, Americans must be mindful of hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes and snow storms.

With this in mind, expect heatwaves in the southern states, and hurricanes and floods in Florida and Alabama, while snow storms can strike on the West and East coasts.

Another key difference is the animals you might encounter on your journeys. Did you know that Bears call 40 out of the 50 states home?. Meanwhile, only Alaska and Hawaii are safe from the presence of snakes, and to avoid alligators, keep away from freshwater areas in Florida and Louisiana.

Making headlines around the world is of course the gun violence prevalent in America. On that note, It is also important to be aware of the higher petty crime rates in certain areas of Detroit, St. Louis, Chicago, Baltimore and Memphis.

Emergency Numbers and Safety Contacts

For peace of mind and to feel prepared, consider travelling with a list of emergency numbers and safety contacts either on your phone or in a notebook. For each destination you plan to visit, have a page of relevant contact information including:.

Local police department
Local fire department
Local hospital
Doctor
Dentist
Pharmacy

You may already be familiar with this number from watching an American movie or television series, but it’s also worth noting that the nationwide emergency number is 911. Meanwhile, poison control can be contacted on 1-800-222-1222.

The Embassy of Australia, which is located in Washington, DC operates from 8:30am - 5:00pm, Monday through Friday. Their contact number is +1(202) 797 3000. For 24-hour assistance, the consular emergency helpline can be reached on +61 2 6261 3305.

Local Laws: What Travellers Need to Know

Along with unique customs, as with every country, the US has their own laws, rights and regulations. Take the time to learn the basics to ensure you are safe and not breaking any rules.

A few notable laws include:

In the majority of states, the legal drinking age is 21, and the maximum number of drinks a person can be served at any given time will vary from state to state, so check before you go!

Driving on the right-hand side of the road

It is a requirement to pull over should an emergency vehicle need to pass
School buses cannot be passed when red lights are flashing.

In terms of rights, it is important to note that under the Constitution’s Bill of Rights, the American people have an explicit right to freedom of speech as well as the right to keep and bear arms.

Dollars and Sense: Currency and Costs in the USA

When travelling to the US, it is important to be aware that they have a unique currency system. US money is comprised of coins known as a penny (one cent coin), nickel (five cent coin), dime (10 cent coin) and quarter (25 cent coin) as well as dollar, five dollar, 10 dollar, 50 dollar and 100 dollar bills.

For travellers, it’s good to have some coins in order to pay for items at newsstands or when washing clothes at the Laundromat.

It’s also wise to travel with either a debit card or travel card. While exchange rates will affect how much money you will end up with, having a card means that you can simply withdraw the amount that you have budgeted for each day..

Budgeting Your Trip: Typical Travels Costs & Tips

America is a great travel destination, not just because of the landmarks and scenery, but also because you can travel on a budget. The average daily travel budget for a mid-range holiday in the US is about $AUD500 per person, although you can certainly travel for cheaper.

The above figure accounts for about $200 per night for a double room, and the rest is for food and entertainment.

Some tips to help make your budget go further:

Consider staying longer in a destination as room rates may lessen
Snap up last minute deals for sporting or musical events as they tend to be cheaper
When it comes to eating out, don’t be afraid to simply leave a standard tip
Look into buying a multi-pass if you’re planning to visit a few attractions

Safeguard Your Journey With Travel Insurance

Oftentimes a trip away is the result of months of planning and savings. That is why it is so heartbreaking when something goes wrong, whether it be a natural disaster that forces you to cancel your flight, your favourite bag is stolen or an emergency medical situation lands you in hospital.

Travel insurance can help to reimburse you for those unexpected expenses that you may incur when things go wrong. To find the travel insurance policy that best suits your budget and type of trip to the US, , it’s important to research different travel insurance types. Knowing what is and is not covered can help you to narrow down your choices, and if you have any questions, you can always contact the travel insurance company to get more information.

Jetting off to the USA

As one of the most popular destinations in the world, the USA has much to offer travellers of all types, including families, seniors, friends, digital nomads and single travellers keen to explore and enjoy.

From iconic landmarks and breathtaking landscapes to unique cultures and once in a lifetime events, planning a trip to the USA should be on everyone’s bucket list.

With a little research and forward thinking, planning a trip to such a big country has never been easier or more rewarding.

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The USA Travel Guide: History, Helpful Safety & Travel Tips