Almost everyone dreams of visiting the USA at least once in their lives. We have grown up with countless scenes from movies, we have listened to the most famous music bands, we have seen the movie stars, and so much more. So, we want to experience all this glamour first hand, at least once in our lives, and not just through media hype. However, the United States is huge, and also pretty expensive. Therefore, we are writing this article to cite our experiences and knowledge in order to help you decide which state to visit, as well as the costs of such a trip.
Table of Contents
General Information
- In order to enter the USA you need to apply for an ESTA. You will find information about how to apply here.
- The electricity current is 120V and the frequency is 60Hz. Plug types Α/Β.
- The currency is the US dollar. In order to be updated on currency exchange visit the website: XE Currency Converter.
- If you travel frequently it’s a good idea to get a surf roam sim for global internet with very low charge and use in over 200 countries, including the USA. For more information look here.
- Religion: As it is a multicultural nation you will meet every kind of race and religion, and they are all acceptable.
- The biggest cities based on their population are New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Hiouston and Philadelphia.
Budget
As the USA is made up of 50 different states we obviously have a huge range of options as to where to stay. The options differ according to the needs of each person, their preferences and their budgets. In the categories of low & mid budget we can find the following prices on average.
| EAST COAST | 28 €-110 € |
| MIDWEST | 23 €-83 € |
| NEW ENGLAND | 28 €-100 € |
| THE SOUTH | 23€-74€ |
| TEXAS | 23€-92€ |
| SOUTHWEST | 28€-92€ |
| NORTHWEST | 28€-100€ |
| CALIFORNIA | 28€-110€ |
| HAWAII | 32€-120€ |
| ALASKA | 28€-92€ |
As far as the high budget category goes flats or 3 star hotels can start from 180€ per night for a double room. However, they can even exceed 1000€ in a 5 star hotel in the center of Manhattan or in some beach resort in Hawaii.
Low cost hostels in the USA can be found here.
Traditional Food
One cannot really say that the USA has traditional food. There is a fusion of many cuisines, borrowed from many different cultures, and rendering it impossible to point some dishes out as being traditional. For example, Chinese food is not so Chinese and Τex Mex is not so Mexican. Below you will find the dishes which are most popular in the USA:
Hamburger: A tasty, unhealthy American classic. It started in Connecticut and has received various changes, such as the Hawaiian hamburger with pineapple and teriyaki, and the peanut butter and jam version.
Hot dog: Directly linked to the baseball culture. The main ingredient is the sausage in the bread roll with various other accompaniments.
Fried chicken: The main product of the South becoming more and more popular.
ΒΒQ: Probably the most American food that exists. Good quality steaks, marinated in sauce and lightly grilled. Well known brands are Texas BBQ, Kansas City, Carolina and Virginia.
Tex Mex: Texas and Mexico. Tex-Mex Cuisine mostly consists of shredded cheese, meat, beans, peppers and mainly tortillas. Less hot and spicy than the Mexican version and based on simple ingredients.
Donuts: Characteristic snacks which we have seen in many movies as well. A fried, round bun with various toppings such as sugar, chocolate, truffles, etc. There are also salty versions.
Organic Food: Over the years, there has been a huge increase in organic food and a focus on health. Not only will you find organic products in every health food store and supermarket but in some there will also be ready organic take-away meals. Of course, a lot of restaurants cater to vegans and vegetarians and organic consumers.
Find the best food and drink tours here.
Transportation
Bus: In every big city you will find a bus route that will take you anywhere. The most well known companies are Greyhound, BoltBus and MegaBus.
Train: The trains in America are not similar to the ones in Europe. They are limited and luxurious with expensive tickets.
Car: A very good idea is to rent a car and take a road trip between cities, such as the popular Route 66. Check for rent a car prices here.
Airplane: Transportation between states by plane is the most common, as distances are huge. For example, the flight from Los Angeles to New York is, on average, 6 hours by plane and 42 hours by car.
Less overpaying, more traveling. Find the best flight deals here.
What to Do
Mid-Atlantic
Delaware | Maryland | New Jersey | New York | Pennsylvania | Washington D.C.
Washington D.C.: The capital of the US, deriving its name from its first president and founder. You can visit The White House, Capitol, Obelisk and the historical Smithsonian institute. Also the monuments of the presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln are a few key points of interest whilst you are visiting Washington D.C..
Maryland: Known as the «Miniature of America». Offers many entertaining activities, from amusement parks (Trimper’s Rides and Amusement Park, Six Flags), to beaches (Ocean City Beach), nature lovers (National Park Washington Monument) and snow lovers (Wisp Resort).
New Jersey: You can visit sunny beaches like Atlantic City with the famous Boardwalk. Also you can visit the National Recreation Area and Delaware Water Gap, with the spectacular waterfalls. There are so many picturesque landscapes, the well known lighthouse Cape May, and many other interesting sights.
Philadelphia: The biggest city in the state of Pennsylvania, also known as “Philly”. It’s worth visiting the Bell of Freedom, which is in the Liberty Bell Center, and is considered a national heirloom. The movie Rocky Balboa was filmed there with the corresponding statue next to the Palace of Independence. For more information gathered from our trip to Philly look here.
New York:The Big Apple or the city that never sleeps. Roam around the skyscrapers, discover the many different neighbourhoods with their various cultures, take a walk in Central Park and live the city’s dream. For more information gathered from our trip to New York look here.
Top tours and activities for New York City can be found here.
The South
Alabama | Arkansas | Florida | Georgia | Kentucky | Louisiana | Mississippi | Carolina | Tennessee | Virginia | West Virginia
Arkansas: Directly linked to its mountains, lakes and rivers, this state offers many outdoor activities in nature.
Florida: The sunny city with Miami and Orlando, and Walt Disney and Universal Studios theme parks.
Louisiana: Let yourself sway to the rhythms of the rich jazz culture inNew Orleans. This city has an impressive nightlife and architecture.
Midwest
Illinois | Indiana | Iowa | Kansas | Michigan | Minnesota | Missouri | Nebraska | North Dakota | Ohio | South Dakota | Wisconsin
Route 66: The most famous route of the US, for which many songs have been written. Measures a distance of 2,451 miles and passes through Chicago, Illinois down to Santa Monica in California. Crossing over 8 states, a must-do road trip through the US by car or by motorbike like Easy Rider.
South Dakota: One of the most special attractions is the Rushmore mountain with the faces of the 4 presidents carved out on the edge of the cliff. You might be lucky enough to see flocks of buffalo and bison.
Illinois: Visit «the city of the winds», Chicago, famous for its modern art galleries, the high skyscrapers and its cutting-edge comedy.
The Southwest
Arizona | New Mexico | Oklahoma | Texas
Arizona: There is a spectacular array of landscapes and areas of geological interest, the most famous being the Grand Canyon, the enormous, colourful gorge with over 1.5 kilometres depth.
New Mexico:You will be entranced by the yearly air balloon festival, with the Mexican air, the Sandia Mountains and the local, spicy specialities.
Oklahoma: With dozens of technical lagoons,national parks, casinos, museums, a wide choice of nightlife and restaurants, the urban areas of Oklahoma City and Tulsa have a lot to offer.
The West
Alaska | Colorado | California | Hawaii | Idaho | Montana | Nevada | Oregon | Utah | Washington | Wyoming
Nevada:The city with the super shows, Las Vegas in the middle of Death Valley desert, with images we have all seen from movies and sayings like «whatever happens in Las Vegas, stays in Las Vegas.
Alaska : A few of the activities which this city has to offer are are the Northern Lights, admiring the whales, go fishing out in the open sea or live it up in the luxury cities of, δραστήριες πόλεις Anchorage and Fairbanks.
Hawaii: The tropical destination of the USA for water sports, relaxing on the beautiful beaches, exploring the volcano and diving on its beautiful reefs.
California: Enjoy surfing on its legendary waves, or cruise along Pacific Coast Highway in your car. Live the glamorous experience of Los Angeles and Hollywood.
New England
Connecticut | Maine | Massachusetts | New Hampshire | Rhode Island | Vermont
The periphery of New England, has a more old fashioned aura than the other cities of the Atlantic. The well preserved buildings, the quaint lighthouses on the coastline and the traditional food are the reasons for visiting.
Go skiing in the White Mountains, taste barrel beer in Maine, take a road trip to Cape Cod and eat as many lobster rolls as you can.
Packing Tips & and When to Go
Although you can visit the USA any time, be aware that climate changes from one state to another. So prepare your trip according to the zone you’re visiting. In most states winter lasts from December to April and summer lasts from June to September. The areas close to the northwest Pacific have better weather conditions, whereas in the Midwest, south and eastern coastline weather conditions are damper.
Autumn and Spring in the USA are sunny, with warm temperatures and occasional rainfall. From April until June the Midwest areas face serious hurricanes.
However, you have to keep in mind that the USA is characterised by diversity. You will come across extreme weather conditions, either too cold or too hot. For example, in Alaska the temperatures might reach -62 degrees celsius (!), whereas in Nevada in Death Valley the temperature may rise as far as 57 degrees celsius.
For this reason you must pack according to the area you are visiting. Always bringing along a compact umbrella, a hat for the sun and comfortable shoes as there is a lot to explore on foot.
PERSONAL FACT: We visited New York and Philadelphia in August and although it was quite hot there was a sudden rain pour. We hadn’t brought an umbrella so we had to buy one in New York for $18. Following that, we forgot our umbrella in the hotel and had to buy a second one in Philadelphia for another $18!
Useful Words
English is spoken everywhere. The spoken English differs in every state as in some states it’s American English and in other states it’s intermingled with various dialects, as for example in Canada. The second most spoken language is Spanish. In conclusion there will be no problem in communicating as everyone speaks fluent English. In the event you meet Spanish speakers we quote a few words so you may be able to exchange a few words.
| Yes | Si | Good morning | Buenos dias |
| No | No | Goodnight | Buenas noches |
| Hi | Hola! | I would like | Quisiera |
| How are you? | Cόmo estas | Thank you | Gracias |
| My name is | Me llamo | Please | Nada |
Useful Sites & Apps
In the last few years we have been travelling we have singled out some applications, which we use before every trip or during it. We have chosen them over others for their validity, ease of use and variety in the options they have to offer. We describe below in detail what these are together with their characteristics.
Booking.com
Booking.com is a popular online booking platform for accommodations worldwide. With a vast selection of hotels, apartments, villas, and more, Booking.com offers travellers the convenience of finding and booking their ideal stay in just a few clicks. The site’s user-friendly interface and extensive filtering options make it easy to narrow down search results based on specific preferences such as price, location, amenities, and more. As a result, Booking.com has become a go-to destination for travellers looking for hassle-free booking options. With competitive pricing and a loyalty program that rewards repeat bookings, Booking.com is a top choice for travellers seeking great deals and a seamless booking experience. Check for available rooms and prices for cities all over the USA here.
Air Bnb
With over one million properties all around the world, and always increasing. Ideal for a low budget stay even in expensive areas. Furthermore, because you stay in people’s villas, houses or flats you are made to feel more at home by the host of each destination and the homely surroundings.
Hotels.com
Hotels.com is a leading provider of hotel accommodation worldwide, offering booking services through its own network of localised websites. Once you reach 10 nights, you’ll have a free night which you can apply at checkout. You can earn multiple free nights by continuing to book with Hotels.com, though. The platform gives travellers one of the widest selections of accommodation on the net, including both independent and major chain hotels as well as self-catering in over hundreds of thousands properties worldwide. The company offers a one-stop shopping source for hotel pricing, amenities and availability. Find the best deals here.
Direct Ferries
Direct Ferries is a multi-platform impartial ferry ticketing service offering a quick and easy way to look, compare and book 1000’s of scheduled ferry crossings to virtually any ferry port in Europe with services also available throughout Africa, Asia, Australia, North America and South America. Offers the most comprehensive portfolio in the ferry transportation sector and a range of ancillary products from carefully selected partners including accommodation, train tickets and vehicle breakdown cover. Find the cheapest ferry tickets here.
TripAdvisor
Tripadvisor helps hundreds of millions of people each month become better travellers, from planning to booking to taking a trip. Travellers across the globe use the Tripadvisor site and app to discover where to stay, what to do and where to eat based on guidance from those who have been there before. With more than 1 billion reviews and opinions of nearly 8 million businesses, travellers turn to Tripadvisor to find deals on accommodations, book experiences, reserve tables at delicious restaurants and discover great places nearby. Find available offers and book your accommodation here.
Omio.com
Omio is a leading travel platform that helps you easily plan and book your trips. With a comprehensive network of trains, buses, and flights across Europe and beyond, Omio allows you to compare and choose the best travel options for your needs. Whether you’re looking for a quick day trip or an extended vacation, Omio’s user-friendly interface and competitive prices make it easy to create unforgettable travel experiences. Check available routes here.
Skyscanner
Skyscanner is a leading global travel search engine, helping millions of travellers find the best flights, hotels and car rentals. With a user-friendly interface and powerful search technology, Skyscanner makes it easy to compare prices and options across hundreds of travel providers, giving you the best deals for your trip. From budget to luxury, domestic to international, Skyscanner has everything you need to plan your next adventure. So whether you’re travelling for business or leisure, start your journey with Skyscanner and discover the world like never before. Available flights and prices can be found here.
GetYourGuide
GetYourGuide is an online marketplace for booking travel activities and experiences. With a wide variety of tours, activities, and attractions available in destinations around the world, GetYourGuide makes it easy to find and book unique experiences for your next trip. From city sightseeing tours and food and wine tastings to outdoor adventures and cultural experiences, GetYourGuide has something for every type of traveller. With a user-friendly website and mobile app, and a commitment to customer satisfaction, GetYourGuide is a top choice for travellers seeking memorable and authentic experiences.
Discover Cars
DiscoverCars.com offers a hassle-free car rental booking experience, with a wide range of rental car options available worldwide. Whether you’re travelling for business or pleasure, DiscoverCars.com offers competitive rates, 24/7 customer support, and flexible cancellation policies. With no hidden fees and a user-friendly interface, booking your rental car has never been easier. Choose from a variety of car rental options, including economy, luxury, and family-friendly vehicles, and enjoy the freedom of the open road on your next adventure. Book with DiscoverCars.com today and start exploring the world on your own terms!
Hotel Tonight
Here you will find last minute discounts on vacancies from hotels. This is an amazingly simple app and it doesn’t take long to book a room. You may search in each town for sights and maps. Furthermore, you can check the reviews and photos of other travellers in order to be sure about the trustworthiness of each hotel. It also has a 24/7 customer service. If you’re stuck somewhere and you need a room desperately, this is the perfect app for you.
City Maps 2Go
Maps for travelling, hiking, mountain cycling and many other activities. A necessary app for every adventure, activity or touring abroad. You may only download one map per country, whereas it was possible to download two in the past. For an additional map you need to pay.
You can mark all the places of interest on the map you have downloaded. Whether they are sights, shops, or restaurants you can use the directions guide to get there. The great advantage to this app is that you don’t need to have internet connection although it might get stuck a few times. Nevertheless, it is quite a reliable and useful app.
EXTRA TIP
Once you have marked all the places you want to visit prior to your trip, you can also book your accommodation accordingly. This way you can be sure you’ll be staying somewhere close to all places of interest.
iVisa.com
iVisa.com is an online platform that helps travellers obtain electronic visas, eVisas, and other travel documents quickly and easily. With an extensive database of travel requirements for over 200 countries and a user-friendly application process, iVisa.com makes it simple for travellers to apply for and obtain the necessary documents for their trips. Whether you’re planning a vacation, business trip, or other travel experience, iVisa.com can help you navigate the complexities of travel documentation with ease. More information for the necessary travel documents, depending on your nationality and destination can be found here.
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