USA travel guides- where can I go?
Bordering two oceans - the Pacific on the west coast and the Atlantic on the east - the USA's vast size presents a whole host of fantastic travel opportunities for you to take part in, so whether you're after golfing holidays in the USA, shopping trips to New York, want to head to Disney World, a fly-drive in America trip or indulge in heart-pumping adventurous pursuits, reading our selection of USA travel guides could provide you with some inspiration about where to visit.
There are a number of stunning cities and regions where you can indulge in such activities, including Chicago, San Francisco in California, the state of Florida on the south-east coast, Las Vegas and New York, one of the most famous cities in the world. From shopping trips to New York to golfing holidays in America, the US has a wide array of things to see and do so why not check out our USA mini guides?
Get active with the USA travel guide
Want to take part in some adventure activities during your US break but unsure where to start and what to do? Our San Francisco mini guide suggests heading to the Californian city. Located on the west coast, you may find that a holiday to San Francisco allows you the chance to try your hand at fishing and sailing. The city is also well-known for its hills so why not hire a bike and go for a ride? Not only could it be an effective way to take in the local scenery it can also help you to burn off some calories.
If you want to take a more leisurely approach to physical activity during your break - you are on holiday after all - why not head to one of the numerous golf courses that can be found in the US? Reading our Golf in America holiday guide could help you find the best places to practice your putting. Florida in particular is one place that you should check out if you're after golfing holidays in America. The cities of Fort Lauderdale, Miami and Jacksonville are just a few of those in the so-called Sunshine State that give you the chance to get to grips with your swing and lower your handicap.
Shop 'til you drop with the USA travel guide
If your idea of doing physical activity while on holiday involves giving your credit card a workout, then you will find there are plenty of opportunities to shop until you drop in the US with shopping trips to New York coming highly recommended.
New York, America's largest city, is home to a number of large department stores including Bloomingdale's, Macy's and Saks Fifth Avenue, all of which offer a wide variety of luxury products meaning New York shopping offers plenty of chances to splash the cash. However, there are also a range of smaller independent retailers and boutiques that will offer products you just can't find anywhere else, so our New York shopping travel guide could help you track down the most exclusive items.
The US is well-known for its expansive shopping malls, offering a wide variety of shops, restaurants and leisure facilities - such as cinemas and bowling alleys - all under one roof. If you're keen to take in such an American shopping experience, our Chicago travel guide could help. Why not head to Water Tower Place? Located on Michigan Avenue, the outlet sells jewellery, men's and women's clothing and sporting goods among other items.
With so many shopping opportunities, you should find the USA is a perfect place to pick up souvenirs of your travel experience either to keep for yourself or to give to your loved ones back home.
Location & geography
The United States of America (USA) is a constitutional federal republic comprising fifty states and a federal district. The country is situated mostly in central North America, where it lies between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, bordered by Canada to the north and Mexico to the south. The state of Alaska is in the northwest of the continent and the state of Hawaii is an archipelago in the mid-Pacific. The country also possesses several territories scattered around the Caribbean and Pacific. Because of its large size and wide range of geographic features, nearly every type of climate is represented in the United States.
Capital city
Washington D.C is the political powerhouse of the nation, offering iconic sights, superb free museums, green parks, top-notch restaurants and buzzing bars. Visitors can explore famous sights such as the White House, Lincoln Memorial and the soaring Washington Monument. Besides political sights, there are interesting neighbourhoods, each with its own character and culture. The most famous is historic Georgetown, with elegant colonial houses, boutiques and lively nightlife.
Natural world
At least 7,000 species and subspecies of indigenous US flora have been categorized. Forests contain pine, oak, maple, spruce, beech, birch, hickory, ash, walnut, gum, and sycamore. The Pacific forest has enormous redwoods and Douglas firs. The southwest has giant cactus, yucca, and the Joshua tree. Grasslands stretch the country where moisture lacks. Wildflowers bloom in all areas.
Animal life includes large mammals (such as deer, moose, antelope, and bears) Important furbearers (foxes, mink, raccoon, beaver, skunk, and squirrels) birds (ducks, geese, herons, owls, hummingbirds, sparrows, woodpeckers, swallows, chickadees, and finches) All sorts of fish are plentiful in lakes and rivers. Four poisonous snakes survive, of which the rattlesnake is the most common. Alligators appear in southern waterways.
Food & drink
Traditional American cuisine uses ingredients and indigenous foods employed by Native Americans and early European settlers. Dishes vary from region to region and have influence from modern cultures too, as well as being known for its ‘fast food’ industry.
Some traditional Dishes include:
Hot-Dog (popular snack at BBQ’s and events, a sliced bun with a sausage, sauces and fried onions on top)
Meatloaf(ground meat formed into a loaf shape and baked or smoked)
Clam chowder (any chowders containing clams and broth. Often with diced potato, onions and celery)
Health & safety
There are no specific health risks associated with travel within the USA. Travel within the United States is generally trouble-free, however travellers should be aware that the US shares with the rest of the world an increased threat from terrorist incidents. Travellers should also be alert to the dangers of car and street crime in cities and should use common sense and take basic precautions. Hurricanes are common between June and November, putting the southern USA, including the Gulf Coast and the eastern US, at risk.
Travelling
UK passport holders require a valid passport for travel to the USA.
