The United States Of America
The United States of America is a large country in North America, often referred to as the "USA", the "US", the "United States", "America", or simply "the States". It is home to the world's third-largest population, with over 310 million people. It includes both densely populated cities with sprawling suburbs, and vast, uninhabited and naturally beautiful areas.
The United States is not the America of television and the movies. It is large, complex, and diverse, with several distinct regional identities. Due to the vast distances involved, traveling between regions can be time-consuming and expensive.
Geography
The contiguous United States or the "Lower 48" (the 48 states other than Alaska and Hawaii) is bounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west, with much of the population living on the two coasts. Its land borders are shared with Canada to the north, and Mexico to the south. The US also shares maritime borders with Russia, Cuba, and the Bahamas.
The United States is not the America of television and the movies. It is large, complex, and diverse, with several distinct regional identities. Due to the vast distances involved, traveling between regions can be time-consuming and expensive.
Geography
The contiguous United States or the "Lower 48" (the 48 states other than Alaska and Hawaii) is bounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west, with much of the population living on the two coasts. Its land borders are shared with Canada to the north, and Mexico to the south. The US also shares maritime borders with Russia, Cuba, and the Bahamas.
Culture
The United States is made up of many diverse ethnic groups and its culture varies greatly across the vast area of the country and even within cities - a city like New York will have dozens, if not hundreds, of different ethnicities represented within a neighborhood. Despite this difference, there exists a strong sense of national identity and certain predominant cultural traits.
United States has literally thousands of distinct cultural traditions. One will find Mississippi in the South to be very different culturally from Massachusetts in the North.
The United States is made up of many diverse ethnic groups and its culture varies greatly across the vast area of the country and even within cities - a city like New York will have dozens, if not hundreds, of different ethnicities represented within a neighborhood. Despite this difference, there exists a strong sense of national identity and certain predominant cultural traits.
United States has literally thousands of distinct cultural traditions. One will find Mississippi in the South to be very different culturally from Massachusetts in the North.
Cost
An economical US trip is possible, but it is very, very easy to spend much more than you bargained for, no matter what your travel style. Mode of transportation is a big factor, as is destination: US cities don’t chip away at budgets, they jackhammer them into pieces.
Only the extremely thrifty will spend less than $100 a day. A comfortable mid-range budget typically ranges from $175 to $225 a day; this usually gets you a car, gas, two meals, a good hotel and a museum admission or two. Spending over $300 a day isn’t hard: just splash out a few times, drive a lot, and stay, eat and whoop it up in New York, Chicago, San Francisco etc.
We define a ‘midrange’ hotel very broadly (as $80 to $200) : in rural areas, $100 buys a princely night’s sleep, but in some cities, clean places start at $200. The same math holds for meals.
To travel on the cheap, plan on camping or hosteling ($15 to $25 a night), cooking some of your own meals, and touring by bus. It’s not hard, but it limits your flexibility and it’s slower (which isn’t so bad). Be wary of budget motel come-ons; the sign might flash $39, but it’s probably for a single and won’t include tax.
Traveling by car is often a necessity. A rental is a minimum of $40 a day (type of car, tax and level of insurance can push it higher), plus gas. Planning the great American road trip? Petrol could cost more than the car itself (say, another $20 to $40 per day).
Mainly, don’t forget the second part of that travel chestnut: after you halve your clothes, double your estimated budget, and it’ll work out fine.
An economical US trip is possible, but it is very, very easy to spend much more than you bargained for, no matter what your travel style. Mode of transportation is a big factor, as is destination: US cities don’t chip away at budgets, they jackhammer them into pieces.
Only the extremely thrifty will spend less than $100 a day. A comfortable mid-range budget typically ranges from $175 to $225 a day; this usually gets you a car, gas, two meals, a good hotel and a museum admission or two. Spending over $300 a day isn’t hard: just splash out a few times, drive a lot, and stay, eat and whoop it up in New York, Chicago, San Francisco etc.
We define a ‘midrange’ hotel very broadly (as $80 to $200) : in rural areas, $100 buys a princely night’s sleep, but in some cities, clean places start at $200. The same math holds for meals.
To travel on the cheap, plan on camping or hosteling ($15 to $25 a night), cooking some of your own meals, and touring by bus. It’s not hard, but it limits your flexibility and it’s slower (which isn’t so bad). Be wary of budget motel come-ons; the sign might flash $39, but it’s probably for a single and won’t include tax.
Traveling by car is often a necessity. A rental is a minimum of $40 a day (type of car, tax and level of insurance can push it higher), plus gas. Planning the great American road trip? Petrol could cost more than the car itself (say, another $20 to $40 per day).
Mainly, don’t forget the second part of that travel chestnut: after you halve your clothes, double your estimated budget, and it’ll work out fine.
Tipping
Tipping is standard practice across America. In city restaurants, tipping 15% of the bill is expected; less is OK in an informal diner, while top-end restaurants expect 20%. Bartenders expect $1 per drink. Taxi drivers and hairdressers expect 10% to 15%. Skycaps at airports and porters at nice hotels expect $1 a bag or so. It’s polite to leave a few dollars for the hotel maid, especially if you spend several nights.
Tipping is standard practice across America. In city restaurants, tipping 15% of the bill is expected; less is OK in an informal diner, while top-end restaurants expect 20%. Bartenders expect $1 per drink. Taxi drivers and hairdressers expect 10% to 15%. Skycaps at airports and porters at nice hotels expect $1 a bag or so. It’s polite to leave a few dollars for the hotel maid, especially if you spend several nights.
Money
Cash
The stable US dollar – aka greenback, simoleon or buck – is the only currency generally accepted in the country, though a few places near the Canadian border also accept Canadian dollars.
The US dollar is divided into 100 cents (¢). Coins come in denominations of 1¢ (penny), 5¢ (nickel), 10¢ (dime), 25¢ (quarter), the seldom-seen 50¢ (half-dollar) and the $1 coin. Quarters are most commonly used in vending machines and parking meters. Bills come in $1, $2 (rare), $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 denominations.
ATMs
ATMs are available 24/7 at most banks, and in shopping centers, airports, grocery stores and casinos. Withdrawing cash from an ATM using a credit card usually incurs a fee ($1 to $3), but if your home bank account is affiliated with one of the main worldwide ATM networks (Plus, Cirrus, Exchange, Accel), you can sometimes avoid the fee by using your bank card. The exchange rate on ATM transactions is usually as good as you’ll get anywhere.
Check with your bank or credit card company for exact information about using its cards in stateside ATMs. If you will be relying on ATMs (not a bad strategy), bring more than one card and carry them separately.
Cash
The stable US dollar – aka greenback, simoleon or buck – is the only currency generally accepted in the country, though a few places near the Canadian border also accept Canadian dollars.
The US dollar is divided into 100 cents (¢). Coins come in denominations of 1¢ (penny), 5¢ (nickel), 10¢ (dime), 25¢ (quarter), the seldom-seen 50¢ (half-dollar) and the $1 coin. Quarters are most commonly used in vending machines and parking meters. Bills come in $1, $2 (rare), $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 denominations.
ATMs
ATMs are available 24/7 at most banks, and in shopping centers, airports, grocery stores and casinos. Withdrawing cash from an ATM using a credit card usually incurs a fee ($1 to $3), but if your home bank account is affiliated with one of the main worldwide ATM networks (Plus, Cirrus, Exchange, Accel), you can sometimes avoid the fee by using your bank card. The exchange rate on ATM transactions is usually as good as you’ll get anywhere.
Check with your bank or credit card company for exact information about using its cards in stateside ATMs. If you will be relying on ATMs (not a bad strategy), bring more than one card and carry them separately.
Credit cards
Major credit cards are almost universally accepted. In fact, it’s almost impossible to rent a car or make phone reservations without one (though some airlines require your credit card billing address to be in the USA – a hassle if you’re booking domestic flights once here). It’s highly recommended that you carry at least one credit card; Visa and MasterCard are the most widely accepted.
Carry copies of your credit card numbers separately. If your credit cards are lost or stolen, contact the company immediately:
American Express (800-528-4800; www.americanexpress.com)
Diners Club (800-234-6377; www.dinersclub.com)
Discover (800-347-2683; www.discovercard.com)
MasterCard (800-622-7747; www.mastercard.com)
Visa (800-847-2911; www.visa.com)
Taxes
Sales tax varies by state and county; check out state sales taxes at Sales Tax Clearinghouse (thestc.com/STRates.stm). Hotel taxes vary by city.
Traveler’s checks
Because of ATMs, traveler’s checks are becoming obsolete except as a trustworthy backup. If you carry them, buy them in US dollars; local businesses may not cash ones in a foreign currency. Keep a separate record of their numbers in case they are lost or stolen. American Express traveler’s checks are the most widely accepted.
Major credit cards are almost universally accepted. In fact, it’s almost impossible to rent a car or make phone reservations without one (though some airlines require your credit card billing address to be in the USA – a hassle if you’re booking domestic flights once here). It’s highly recommended that you carry at least one credit card; Visa and MasterCard are the most widely accepted.
Carry copies of your credit card numbers separately. If your credit cards are lost or stolen, contact the company immediately:
American Express (800-528-4800; www.americanexpress.com)
Diners Club (800-234-6377; www.dinersclub.com)
Discover (800-347-2683; www.discovercard.com)
MasterCard (800-622-7747; www.mastercard.com)
Visa (800-847-2911; www.visa.com)
Taxes
Sales tax varies by state and county; check out state sales taxes at Sales Tax Clearinghouse (thestc.com/STRates.stm). Hotel taxes vary by city.
Traveler’s checks
Because of ATMs, traveler’s checks are becoming obsolete except as a trustworthy backup. If you carry them, buy them in US dollars; local businesses may not cash ones in a foreign currency. Keep a separate record of their numbers in case they are lost or stolen. American Express traveler’s checks are the most widely accepted.
Food
Food is much more than a mere means of subsistence. It is filled with cultural, psychological, emotional, and even religious significance. It defines shared identities and embodies religious and group traditions.
Today, food tends to play a less distinctive role in defining ethnic or religious identity. Americans, regardless of religion or region, eat bagels, curry, egg rolls, and salsa, and a Thanksgiving turkey. Still, food has become a class marker. For the wealthier segments of the population, dining often involves fine wines and artistically prepared foods made up of expensive ingredients. Expensive dining has been very subject to fads and shifts in taste. Less likely to eat German or even French cuisine, wealthier Americans have become more likely to dine on foods influenced by Asian or Latin American cooking.
Food also has assumed a heightened political significance. The decision to adopt a vegetarian diet or to eat only natural foods has become a conscious way to express resistance to corporate foods. At the same time, the decision to eat particular foods has become a conscious way to assert one's ethnic identity.
Food is much more than a mere means of subsistence. It is filled with cultural, psychological, emotional, and even religious significance. It defines shared identities and embodies religious and group traditions.
Today, food tends to play a less distinctive role in defining ethnic or religious identity. Americans, regardless of religion or region, eat bagels, curry, egg rolls, and salsa, and a Thanksgiving turkey. Still, food has become a class marker. For the wealthier segments of the population, dining often involves fine wines and artistically prepared foods made up of expensive ingredients. Expensive dining has been very subject to fads and shifts in taste. Less likely to eat German or even French cuisine, wealthier Americans have become more likely to dine on foods influenced by Asian or Latin American cooking.
Food also has assumed a heightened political significance. The decision to adopt a vegetarian diet or to eat only natural foods has become a conscious way to express resistance to corporate foods. At the same time, the decision to eat particular foods has become a conscious way to assert one's ethnic identity.
Symbols
Dedicated in 1886, "Liberty Enlightening the World" (known as The Statue of Liberty) is a gift from France to the United States of America to commemorate the 100-year anniversary of the birth of liberty in the US. and the end of slavery after the Civil War. She has since become a universal symbol of freedom, embraced by advocates of self-government the world over.
The American bald eagle was adopted as the national bird symbol of the United States of America in 1782. The bald eagle (Haliaeetus Leucocephalus) was chosen for its majestic beauty, great strength, long life, and because it's native to North America. In the wild, an eagle will live 30-35 years (up to 50 years in captivity). A full-grown bald eagle has a wingspan up to 7 feet. They fly up to 30 miles an hour and can dive at 100 miles an hour! Eagles feed primarily on fish, supplemented by small mammals, waterfowl, and carrion.
The rose was designated the official flower and floral emblem of the United States of America in 1986.
TOP PLACES TO SEE IN USA- East Coast
New York City, New York
New York City, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, let alone in the USA. And that's because New York has everything: landmarks, Broadway shows, five-star restaurants, luxury and boutique shopping, and fabulous people-watching opportunities.
New York City, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, let alone in the USA. And that's because New York has everything: landmarks, Broadway shows, five-star restaurants, luxury and boutique shopping, and fabulous people-watching opportunities.
Boston, Massachusetts
Boston is awash in history, from the Old North Church—made famous in Longfellow's poem about Paul Revere's midnight ride—to the Cambridge campus of Harvard University, the nation's oldest institute of higher learning, founded just a few years after Boston itself.
Boston is awash in history, from the Old North Church—made famous in Longfellow's poem about Paul Revere's midnight ride—to the Cambridge campus of Harvard University, the nation's oldest institute of higher learning, founded just a few years after Boston itself.
Burlington, Vermont
Vermont is the state with the most breweries per capita -- meaning you can visit lots of them without going too far. In Burlington alone you can visit Magic Hat Brewing Company, Switchback Brewery, Vermont Pub and Brewery and Zero Gravity Brewing. Home to the University of Vermont, Burlington is known to be politically active, progressive and always youthful. Its location on the shore of Lake Champlain and its proximity to mountains make it a great base for the outdoorsy types.
Vermont is the state with the most breweries per capita -- meaning you can visit lots of them without going too far. In Burlington alone you can visit Magic Hat Brewing Company, Switchback Brewery, Vermont Pub and Brewery and Zero Gravity Brewing. Home to the University of Vermont, Burlington is known to be politically active, progressive and always youthful. Its location on the shore of Lake Champlain and its proximity to mountains make it a great base for the outdoorsy types.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Another favorite city of America's Founding Fathers, in particular Ben Franklin, Philadelphia has many important colonial attractions, such as Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. This East Coast city is also home to great neighborhoods and markets, premier art museums, and fabulous food.
Another favorite city of America's Founding Fathers, in particular Ben Franklin, Philadelphia has many important colonial attractions, such as Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. This East Coast city is also home to great neighborhoods and markets, premier art museums, and fabulous food.
Washington DC, District of Columbia
Washington, DC, is particularly popular with American travelers who come to visit the many monuments and institutions in the Nation's Capital. As home to over 180 foreign embassies and consulates, DC also has a world-class flair worth checking out. And, of course, there are those famous cherry blossoms.
Washington, DC, is particularly popular with American travelers who come to visit the many monuments and institutions in the Nation's Capital. As home to over 180 foreign embassies and consulates, DC also has a world-class flair worth checking out. And, of course, there are those famous cherry blossoms.
Savannah, Georgia
Get a strong dose of Southern charm at this quintessential Georgia city. You will eat delicious food and won't spend a lot of money -- Savannah is incredibly affordable. Also, Downtown Savannah is one of the rare places with no open-container laws, so grab your beverage of choice and roam the streets during happy hour. The city is the oldest in Georgia, so it's rich in history and culture.
New Orleans, Louisiana
Boisterous, eternally-youthful and always a party, New Orleans offers the perfect balance of beautiful architecture, great food and a guaranteed good time. You can visit secluded bayous by airboat, take in the picturesque French Quarter, hang out in the revitalized Arts District and sample Cajun and Creole delicacies. And, of course, you can't beat the nightlife.
Boisterous, eternally-youthful and always a party, New Orleans offers the perfect balance of beautiful architecture, great food and a guaranteed good time. You can visit secluded bayous by airboat, take in the picturesque French Quarter, hang out in the revitalized Arts District and sample Cajun and Creole delicacies. And, of course, you can't beat the nightlife.
Chicago , Illinois
There are many places to visit and things to do in Chicago. Explore the depths of the ocean at the Shedd Aquarium. Catch a fly ball at Wrigley Field. Take in a show at The Chicago Theatre. Ride the Ferris Wheel at Navy Pier.
There are many places to visit and things to do in Chicago. Explore the depths of the ocean at the Shedd Aquarium. Catch a fly ball at Wrigley Field. Take in a show at The Chicago Theatre. Ride the Ferris Wheel at Navy Pier.
Few of Many East coast treasures
Niagara Falls is an incredible waterfall system located on the border between Ontario, Canada and New York of the United States.
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Located on Mount Desert Island in Maine, Acadia National Park feels like the perfect place for a quiet getaway.
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Watch minke, finback, and humpback whales glide through the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Cape Cod, Massachusetts.
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The most visited National Park in the United States.Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee/North Carolina
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Top Places to see in USA-West Coast
Seattle, Washington
The Emerald City is a top choice for West Coast travel, and a “must do” list includes Pioneer Square, Pike Place Market, the Space Needle, the Seattle Great Wheel, the original Starbucks and the Waterfront.
The Emerald City is a top choice for West Coast travel, and a “must do” list includes Pioneer Square, Pike Place Market, the Space Needle, the Seattle Great Wheel, the original Starbucks and the Waterfront.
Portland, Oregon
When a vibrant, thriving city is this close to an incredible natural paradise of ocean and mountains, the only phrase that fits is “The Best of Both Worlds.” Portland brings nature – and its bounty -- into the city, with farmers’ markets, microbrews and food trucks. And a mountain hike or bike is always just minutes away.
Portland has a strong cultural scene with high marks in music venues and movie theaters per square mile.
When a vibrant, thriving city is this close to an incredible natural paradise of ocean and mountains, the only phrase that fits is “The Best of Both Worlds.” Portland brings nature – and its bounty -- into the city, with farmers’ markets, microbrews and food trucks. And a mountain hike or bike is always just minutes away.
Portland has a strong cultural scene with high marks in music venues and movie theaters per square mile.
Los Angeles, California
The City of Angels always maintains its attractive facade, just as the glamorous residents do. When in Hollywood you have to go for a ride along the Sunset Boulevard, but there is much more to LA then just glamour boutiques, restaurant and celebrities taking their pets for a walk. The Sunset Strip is an ideal place for you to visit apart from beautiful Malibu and endless Venice Beaches.
The City of Angels always maintains its attractive facade, just as the glamorous residents do. When in Hollywood you have to go for a ride along the Sunset Boulevard, but there is much more to LA then just glamour boutiques, restaurant and celebrities taking their pets for a walk. The Sunset Strip is an ideal place for you to visit apart from beautiful Malibu and endless Venice Beaches.
San Francisco, California
Leave your heart in the City by the Bay, one of the loveliest towns anywhere on earth. You’ll never forget that first hilltop view of the Golden Gate Bridge, the fun of a bell-clanging cable car ride. Those treasured moments could only happen in San Francisco, a city that never fails to delight and charm its visitors.
Leave your heart in the City by the Bay, one of the loveliest towns anywhere on earth. You’ll never forget that first hilltop view of the Golden Gate Bridge, the fun of a bell-clanging cable car ride. Those treasured moments could only happen in San Francisco, a city that never fails to delight and charm its visitors.
San Diego, California
With a a near-perfect climate all-year-long, San Diego. It has many tourist attractions like Old town, Balboa park and Sea World. And then of course, there's the beaches and shoreline. Pacific Beach is great for people watching. La Jolla Shores is your best bet for a day at the beach, with kayak rentals, etc. La Jolla Cove is a great coastal walk with lovely views, seals, and posh shopping in La Jolla village. The Gaslamp Quarter along Fifth Avenue in downtown San Diego is the entertainment and dining center of town. A quieter alternative to the Gaslamp District is Little Italy, along India Street in downtown.
With a a near-perfect climate all-year-long, San Diego. It has many tourist attractions like Old town, Balboa park and Sea World. And then of course, there's the beaches and shoreline. Pacific Beach is great for people watching. La Jolla Shores is your best bet for a day at the beach, with kayak rentals, etc. La Jolla Cove is a great coastal walk with lovely views, seals, and posh shopping in La Jolla village. The Gaslamp Quarter along Fifth Avenue in downtown San Diego is the entertainment and dining center of town. A quieter alternative to the Gaslamp District is Little Italy, along India Street in downtown.
Las Vegas, Nevada
From gambling to shopping, and fine dining to entertainment, Las Vegas is one of America's most fascinating cities. Dubbed "The Entertainment Capital of the World," this desert city has something to offer everyone.
From gambling to shopping, and fine dining to entertainment, Las Vegas is one of America's most fascinating cities. Dubbed "The Entertainment Capital of the World," this desert city has something to offer everyone.
Few of many West Coast TREASURES
The Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona. is a gift that must be seen to be appreciated. Its immense size is overwhelming. The Canyon is 277 river miles long, up to 18 miles wide and a mile deep. The color and geological formations are breathtaking.
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Yosemite National Park, California. Chiseled, handsome granite rock formations--the largest monoliths in the world, just out of the pristine forest, frigid waterfalls from recently melted snow trickling down the warmed rocks playfully.
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Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming and extends to Idaho and Montana.It's a wonderland, the world's largest collection of geysers. A mountain wildland, home to grizzly bears, wolves, and herds of bison and elk, the park is the core of one of the last, nearly intact, natural ecosystems in the Earth’s temperate zone.
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Mount Rainier National Park, Washington.
Mt. Rainier, the snow-capped volcano known as Tahcoma to Indians, is arguably the most spectacular mountain peak in the lower 48 states. |