American culture gets everywhere and you probably already feel as though you know it well; it is the dominant world power and is there on our cinema and TV screens; we eat in American fast-food chains and shop in American stores. Yet until you have experienced America first-hand it is hard to convey the scale and variety of adventures on offer in the U.S.A. Everything about this country is awe-inspiring; every city has its own symbolic and cultural status. Where better to explore the world than in the land of freedom and opportunity? Selecting a single point that embodies America is difficult when there are so many iconic cities to visit; New York, Chicago, Seattle, Washington, San Francisco, Los Angeles... the list goes on. The landmarks are just as famous: The Grand Canyon, Golden Gate Bridge, The Empire State Building, Mount Rushmore and The Statue of Liberty. The rich possibilities of America do not need to be repackaged and sold to you; after all, the United States of America has already been selling itself on the global stage for over a century.
The bar is set sky-high for New York – and it still delivers. It’s the concrete jungle where dreams are made of, whether it’s a performer hoping to make it to the Broadway stage, an art lover browsing the MET gallery or a sports fan looking to tour the Yankee stadium. Once you’ve had a taste of the city that never sleeps, you’re left craving more.
If you’re taking a trip to the Wild West, then don’t skip out on the Grand Canyon. Named as one of the world’s seven natural wonders, its red and rocky landscape is exhilarating to explore. From the rugged trails and the breezy sky-walk to the turquoise waterfalls tucked inside gorges, the Grand Canyon is made for adventure.
As the largest waterfall in North America, Niagara Falls is a show-stopper! This astonishing attraction is straddled across the US and Canadian border, and this side of the water is where you’ll get to experience the scenery up close in all its splashing, misty glory. Plus, the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls are unique to the New York State.
Featuring golden stretches of sand and rolling red carpets, LA is off the charts. It’s an essential destination for movie lovers, and you could easily fill your days touring Universal Studios and pacing the star-studded Walk of Fame. For off-screen action, check out the vibrant rides at Santa Monica Pier and Venice Beach’s bustling boardwalk.
Between the lantern-lit Chinatown Alleyways, the revival-style homes of Haight Street, the charming cable cars that glide across the steep hills and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge… San Francisco is a top city destination. After exploring its cultural icons (many of which are free!), get acquainted with San Francisco’s diverse culinary palate!
Some call it “Sin City”, others call it “Disneyland for Adults” - but regardless, Las Vegas needs no introduction. What happens here stays here, but the city’s roaring nightlife, jackpot-hitting casinos and eclectic world tour architecture is an open secret. Las Vegas is a whole load of fun, no matter how you play your cards!
Yosemite stands out from the crowd for good reason. Its waterfalls reach record heights, and when the sun sets in February, look just like lava. Then there are the forests featuring groves that touch the sky! Add in the staggering rock formations like El Capitan which daredevil climbers aim to climb (even without ropes) and it’s an active paradise.
Drive one of the greatest routes in America as part of an epic USA road trip. Route 66 whisks you from the east to the west coast, starting in Chicago until you reach Santa Monica in Los Angeles. Explore the enchanting scenery of New Mexico, the spray-painted Cadillac Ranch of Texas and the neon lights of Las Vegas on this 3-week adventure.
Tennessee has a lyrical legacy like no other USA state, as it’s where legendary sounds like Country and Rock & Roll were born. When you’re not dancing downtown in Memphis and Nashville in Cowboy boots, or touring the spots where music legends like Elvis made it big, fill up on hot chicken and fiery BBQ, and learn more about history Down South.
New Orleans is an extraordinary cultural melting pot featuring Creole staple dishes like Gumbo and Jambalaya, French architecture and world-famous Jazz. Whether you take it slow in the blues bars or have come for Carnival, New Orleans promises adventure to the sound of sweet music. Start at Bourbon Street and see where your travels take you!
There’s magic in Miami. From the moment you step foot onto the sensational beaches lightly shaded by palm trees, your life is changed. Discover Art Deco wonders, Cuban cuisine and all the flavours of Latin America at the tip of Florida. You’ll feel like a VIP partying as the sun sets over this vibrant city blessed with incredible nightlife!
Orlando offers over a dozen theme parks to travellers, so you could easily spend weeks hopping between all the adrenaline-rush activities and colourful attractions! At the top of the queue are Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Studios, because who doesn’t want to explore sparkling castles, ride movie-themed rollercoasters or feel like a wizard?
America is the home to the fast-food nation and the origin of some of the most famous chains and brands in the world. However, beyond the big names, such as McDonalds, KFC etc. there are the little diners that started it all and it is worth visiting at least one to have your slice of Americana with a splash of syrup, bacon and pancakes. For the best burger in New York go to a Shake Shack, a small chain which do burgers of high quality for non-extortionate prices. A wide range of Italian food is also available in New York as is Asian food and also seafood and cheeses. With such a blend of cultures making up the fabric of New York it is unsurprising that there are such a range of different dining options.
Pinning down ‘American Cuisine’ is a tough task as each state has their own specialities, but common foods are steaks, burgers, pizzas, cheesecakes, milkshakes and pancakes; and that’s just scraping the surface. Areas of the Deep South will serve you ‘grits’, a corn based porridge which can be an acquired taste! You might also be served jambalaya, a Creole rice dish with meat and seafood, typical to the region. Where ever you go you are sure to get large super-sized American portions which come with a big smile. Remember to tip because in America the majority of waiting staff make most of their income through tips!
Have we mentioned that the United States is a vast country? The weather is different in every part of the United States and to give a general weather overview is virtually impossible. There are dramatic regional variations and it can also vary widely with the seasons.
Generally the summer is hot everywhere. The winter is very cold in the north and midwest regions, and warm in the southern states. The winter sees lots of snowfall in the north and rainfall in the east is significant throughout the year. In the northwest the rainfall can be heavy year-round.
In New York City the summers are very hot, the autumns bright and beautiful, the winters very cold and the springs short and warm. In Los Angeles it’s cool in the winter, warm in the spring and autumn, and very hot in the summer.
In the south, the summers are hot and humid, and the winters are quite warm, but can have lots of rain. In the southwest, the summers are dry and hot and the winters dry and warm.
The best option is to visit the BBC’s weather page (www.bbc.co.uk/weather) and to check your destination individually by state or city.
Visas may be required depending on your nationality, travel plans, and length of stay. It is important to check the FCDO travel advice for British travellers. Entry rules can change at any time, so always check with the relevant embassy before travelling.
To make things easier, we’ve partnered with The Travel Visa Company, a UK-based visa specialist. Their team can guide you on requirements and, for a fee, apply for visas on your behalf.
Much of American culture is very similar to British culture; just bigger, brighter and friendlier. It is worth noting that drinking is illegal under 21 and this can be quite strictly punished. Parts of America, particularly in the South, are very religious and conservative but if you respect everyone’s views you will find the American people are some of the happiest you’ve ever met - they are always ready to tell you to ‘have a nice day!’
There are no major health issues with travelling to America, just check our general guide to health when travelling.
No specific warnings, but it is advisable to check the FCDO website for any warnings before travel.
As with any major country, many American cities have some areas to be avoided and some incidences of crime. Using your common sense and keeping to well-trodden routes should help eliminate risks.
Please read our general guide to safety when travelling.
We do not recommend hiring motorbikes, scooters, ATV vehicles, quad bikes or other types of motorised vehicles whilst abroad. Safety and quality of vehicles vary considerably and the traffic conditions can be much more dangerous than what UK travellers are used to. Should you wish to go against this advice, you should ensure you are hiring from a reputable company and that your travel insurance covers you for such activities.
Travel is for everyone, no matter who you are or who you love. But for LGBTQIA+ travellers, picking a travel destination can take a bit of thought. So that's why we have put together this list of the best...
Looking to fly soon to Asia and Australia? You may be wondering what options are available to you or if you need to change your travel plans in response to ongoing airspace disruption in parts of the Middle East. Below...
Longing to travel this December? Say no more. Whether it’s cosy Christmas getaways, soaking up some winter sun, or ticking another country off your bucket list before the New Year arrives, this is the most wonderful time of...
Solo travel can mean something different to everyone. For many, solo travelling is exploring a destination while making new friends on group tours (fun fact: 70% of our travellers go solo!). For others, it’s discovering a place independently and...
Get ready to dust the cobwebs from the coffin to a spooktacular secret: our top 10 spooky destinations for Halloween! 🎃 Whether you're drawn to haunted cities, eerie vampire castles, or abandoned prisons, these spine-tingling spots are waiting for brave ghost...
Sunset lover? Who isn’t? There’s something about a beautiful sunset or sunrise that can make all your problems go away. So, whether you’re dreaming of fiery skies over the Serengeti, the sun coming up...
Film lovers, put that movie on pause and check out these TV and film locations around the world! Follow the footsteps of your favourite characters from Lord of the Rings, Dune: Part Two, Game of Thrones, and more epic classics...
Are you dreaming of touring the West Coast of America? Wondering what destinations to visit to live the American dream? We have got you covered! With glorious national parks to explore with stunning views to the sunny...
There has never been a better time to prioritise travel than right now! If you aren’t already planning your 2024 travels, this list will leave you inspired. Here’s our ultimate list for an epic year of travelling...
Get ahead of next year's travel trends! Find out what’s popular in 2024, from the best travel experiences to the top destinations. With a growing desire for authentic experiences and new adventures, find out why group travel is...