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Introduction to the USA

The American people love their country. Outgoing and minded to good service, they love to make sure visitors enjoy their stay, appreciate their history, enjoy their entertainment and take part in the story of their country.

Southern USA

One of the America’s playgrounds, the south eastern region includes the state of Florida. Here you’ll find major theme parks and attractions like Walt Disney World, Sea World, Universal Studios and the space-related Cape Canaveral. Yet adults can have fun too – head south for a sunny, relaxing time in Miami or the Florida Keys.

Moving up the coast, along the Gulf of Mexico, leads to New Orleans – one of America’s most culturally interesting cities and a hub of fine cuisine and southern style.

The great state of Texas I one of the largest. Its big cities like Dallas and Houston and centres of commerce and industry, but the whole region is inspired by its Mexican heritage, from its food to its place names and relics of the past like The Alamo in San Antonio.

Central USA

The Midwest is largely flat, but at its western extreme reaches the great Rocky Mountains in Colorado and Wyoming, where popular ski resorts and scenic road trips are essential.

To the north is Chicago, known as the Windy City, while further east are cities like Nashville and Memphis where America’s music industry owes so much. Fans of rock ‘n’ roll and country music still flock to these places to experience the grand old music halls and to hear today’s up and coming stars perform.

Western USA

The west coast of the USA is where you’ll find California, one of its most populous and attractive states. It is home to the spectacular city of San Francisco, Mexican-themed San Diego, and the sprawling metropolis of Los Angeles. Made up of many smaller cities, LA is famous for its Hollywood film industry, celebrity residences in Beverly Hills and Malibu, Walt Disney Land and Universal Studios and sunny seaside Santa Monica.

But head inland to discover the wonders of Yosemite National Park, or head over the border into Nevada where Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon are located. Further north is the great wilderness area of the Pacific Northwest and the high-tech city of Seattle.

Hawaii and Alaska

As different as chalk and cheese, Alaska and Hawaii are the newest states and offer something completely different. Wild, frozen and remote, Alaska is a haven for wildlife, fishing and outdoor pursuits. Hawaii is a tropical resort, with spectacular beaches, volcanoes and resorts.

History of the USA

For winter sports and skiing, head to Colorado, Wyoming or New England. Places like Aspen, Vail, Jackson Hole and Lake Placid are all geared up for the visitors with hotels and amenities close to the ski runs.

Or perhaps your visit will include a road trip through the vast landscapes of New England, Arizona’s Grand Canyon, Yellowstone National Park, South Dakota’s Badlands, California’s coast roads or the Pacific Northwest. All along the way are convenient motels which are better than you’d expect, or you can plan to stay at a spa or resort along the way.

Las Vegas is one of America’s top attractions. It is geared around evening entertainment and you should stay on the famous Strip, where giant themed resort hotels and casinos are all interlinked to protect visitors from the heat outside. Their amenities are top class.

Of the larger cities, New York, Miami, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Chicago all have hundreds of hotels of all styles.

For resort and spa accommodation, head to the more rural attractions like New England, the Florida Keys, the ski resorts of Colorado and Wyoming, parts of Arizona and California, Hawaii and Alaska. Many of these areas also have exclusive, sometimes luxury B&Bs in fine old houses to try.

In recent years there has been a boom in self-catering accommodation inspired by websites like Airbnb.com which has unleashed everything from room shares to exclusive city apartments and country retreats, and it’s worth looking for what might be on offer on these platforms while booking your accommodation.

Yet there is so much more. America has over 400 national parks spread across the entire nation, and none so famous as Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming or Yosemite National Park in California.

New England is the closest part of the country to Europe, where settlers first arrived and where the founding of the nation was initiated. Boston is its largest city, and there are many pretty towns both inland and along the coast, with colourful forests and pretty lakes to explore, not to mention great food and resorts.

The Southern States bring their own attractions, including golden beaches, great food, and fabled cities like New Orleans with its French culture, or Dallas and Houston in sunny Texas.

Along America’s northern border you’ll find one side of Niagara Falls separating it from Canada, and the Great Lakes. The city of Chicago sits on the short of Lake Michigan, giant skyscrapers glinting in the sun and much to see on the ground.

In Seattle hipsters may enjoy a coffee or tourists may ascend the Space Needle for a view over Puget Sound, which leads to many small islands and Olympic National Park.

Far to the north, and separated from the rest of the county, Alaska is the USA’s largest state. At its far reaches it is within touching distance of Russia. But most visitors choose to take a cruise up its Inside Passage, or take day trips and excursions from the largest city, Anchorage. This playground offers a lot of variety for the outdoors enthusiast keen on exploring its untouched expanses.

Then there are the family attractions. Both California and Florida excel with theme parks and other attractions like Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and Sea World.

In the South West there are the Rocky Mountains of Colorado with their winter ski resorts, melting into the desert states like Arizona and Utah with the remains of the Wild West.

In Texas are sights like the Alamo and great shining cities along with fantastic food to enjoy, influenced by its cross-border neighbour Mexico.

The north east United States is where you’ll find New England where you can tour pretty little towns or enjoy fine sea food, plus take a tour of the autumn leaf colours and discover the birth of America along Boston’s Freedom Trail.

The west coast is full of American icons, from San Diego in the south, through the vast Los Angeles with all its TV and movie heritage and celebrity. Further north the coastline winds through American film and literature until it reaches the great city by the Bay, San Francisco where you can visit the penitentiary of Alcatraz on its own island or stroll along Fisherman’s Wharf looking up at the city on its many hills. Inland California boasts one of its most spectacular places in Yosemite National Park.

Over the border into Nevada is the original Sin City; Las Vegas. Today one of the largest cities in the country, its glittering, themed hotels have everything from large shows and nightlife, to great eateries, theme parks and of course gambling.

North West America is a quieter, more majestic place of hills, forests, lakes and volcanoes. Its crown is the city of Seattle, famed as the home of big businesses in the aerospace and technology world, plus the birthplace of Starbucks coffee.

Taking an American road trip is one of life’s great travel goals. Nearly every state has its own favourites, taking in good views and local attractions. The most famous is Route 66, once the main road between Chicago and Los Angeles and now almost a museum of itself. Then there’s Highway 1 between Los Angeles and San Francisco which takes in the coastal towns and views which The Beach Boys sang about.

The two remoter states of Alaska and Hawaii are worlds apart. The former is a vast frozen wilderness where people go hunting and exploring the great outdoors, while the latter is a place to relax and enjoy fine resorts, food, entertainment and culture.

Other parts of the country have their own indigenous dishes which locals will recommend. In the South West you should sample a Texas barbecue, or Mexican food like tacos, influenced by its proximity to the border.

In New Orleans you can sample creole cooking at its finest, while in New England seafood like Maine lobster and clam chowder are served fresh from the ocean. Maple syrup is also produced in the northern forests by the bucketload and fit perfectly with an American pancake.

Naturally America is also famous for fine dining. In all major cities you can find top quality establishments which bring authentic, quality food experiences for tall tastes. New York City in particular has some of the best restaurants in the country.

Rail travel in America is not as widespread or convenient. The Amtrak network is vast, but often slow and with few daily services on longer routes (even if some are very scenic). However, the North East Corridor (including Boston, New York, Philadelphia and Washington DC) does have a more complex rail network and various other metro areas have rail networks.

In large cities there is usually a metro or underground rail system. The largest are in New York City, Boston, Chicago, Washington DC, Atlanta, Cleveland, Los Angeles and Baltimore.

Nearly all urban areas have complex bus networks which are easy to use, but often are not the most comfortable option. The Greyhound bus network covers longer distances.

Taxis, shuttle buses and private cars are easy to arrange for more point-to-point travel, and are common in all tourist areas and larger cities.

Renting a car for any longer stays, or where getting around on a daily basis is essential, is a great way to have complete flexibility over your trip. There are usually outlets of all major hire companies at airports and in downtown locations. You’ll usually need to be at least 25 to hire a car. America has a huge and efficient road network, with Interstates covering long distances across the country and linking all major areas of population.

The time of your visit should also take into account the activities you hope to do. Ski resorts in the Rockies or New England are at their best in December and January, and the leaf peeping season comes into full effect in mid-October.

There are also many events, often local to particular states, which are worth visiting. It is worth checking the tourist websites for the regions you’re visiting to discover what’s on.

The busiest times to visit most parts of the United States are in mid-Summer and around the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons. During these times you can expect crowded airports, attractions and hotels in tourist areas fully booked.

Live life to the max in Las Vegas, shopping at its boutiques, gaming with the high rollers and enjoying the shows. But stay at the Aria Sky Suites for luxury above and beyond the rest of the hotels on the Strip.

Visit Miami Beach for the sea, sunshine and essential sunglasses. Stay at the Hotel South Beach, between the ocean and the city, for a romantic getaway.

Southern California has a lovely climate. The Hotel Del Coronado in San Diego is one of America’s most famous hotels, with spa facilities and a location close to the city and beach.

Visiting the Rockies brings all of the fun of the slopes, as well as the apres ski, with upmarket resorts also offering boutique shopping, nightlife, and great hotels. Stay at the Alpenhof Lodge or Amangani Resort in Jackson Hole, Hotel Jerome in Aspen, or the Arrabelle at Vail Square in Vail.

Explore the best of New England with a tour of the fall foliage, the coastal villages, or the winter ski resorts. Upstate New York and the Berkshires in Massachusetts are the classiest parts, where you can stay in a traditional boutique hotel, or one of the lakeside resorts with all of the luxury you’d expect.

New York is arguable the greatest city on earth and has no shortage of iconic hotels and places to eat, as well as new entrants which are redefining luxury travel. The Plaza or the Peninsula are well known hotels, but try also the Beekman or The Conrad as an alternative.

In Hawaii, there are urban hotels on Oahu, relaxing resorts on Maui, or boutique options on Kauai, Molokai and Lanai where fewer people venture. Whichever you choose, there are beaches and the islands’ natural beauty to surround yourself with.

Wherever you travel in the USA, you can expect high levels of service and quality of furnishings in all but the cheapest accommodation. The American people know how to treat visitors and to make their stay enjoyable.

Weather in the USA

Visiting the United States of America soon? See below for the latest weather forecast for Washington DC.

WASHINGTON D.C. WEATHER