from
WorldWeb.com Travel Guide
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The Statue of Liberty |
Without a doubt no other travel destination
in the world offers such a combination of diversity and dynamism as the United
States. Yet while the United States is so varied and under constant
change, it has unique characteristics that are common to the whole nation and
some changes - particularly those of a social or political nature take longer
here than virtually anywhere else in the world. It is these very dichotomies
of dynamic conservatism and homogenous inimitability that make the U.S. such
a fascinating place from all perspectives.
The United States is also the ideal travel destination because its infrastructure
lends itself perfectly to travel. A large amount of this vast country can be
experienced over a comparatively short period of time. An incomparable network
of highways and the world’s most extensive airline system make this possible.
So it's perfectly feasible to enjoy the urban electricity of New
York City, then sample the legendary hospitality and history of the
South and conclude with the casual sophistication of California
all within a ten day to two week time span.
Accommodations and food services are all of a high standard. While budget properties
and restaurants can be lacking in character, cleanliness and hygiene are almost
always of an acceptable level. The variety of geographical features and charming
cultural quirks make this country a treasure trove for a positive travel experience.
Additionally recreational opportunities are seemingly unlimited, sports of all
kinds are high on the list of priorities for most Americans and this is reflected
in the wide variety of available activities and sports venues. An array of cultural
experiences from lounge-lizard acts to world-class opera and theater is also
available in most parts of the country.
America is so familiar to the world
and because of mass media is, “in a way,” home to nearly everyone. A significant
proportion of the world’s populace have seen movies and T.V. shows that originate
in the states. And those privileged enough to be able to afford a visit to the
USA certainly have been exposed to American mass media. The familiarity of America
is comforting and encourages visitors to perhaps partake in activities they
wouldn’t feel completely safe experiencing in a less familiar place. This certainly
applies to such things as high tech adventure experiences for example helicopter
rides or sky diving.
At the same time while mass media has made American society familiar, it would
be a mistake to make generalizations or assumptions. America surprises a lot
of people; many visitors enjoy it far more than they thought they would. Many
false negatvie assumptions about America are based on pre-conceived notions
acquired through exposure to mass media. In the USA there is always something
new and different to be enjoyed and experienced.
History and Culture
Though a relatively young country by world standards, the history of the
United States goes back eons before the first European settlers arrived. The
Native Americans were believed to have originated in Eastern Asia and migrated
across the ice flow of the Bering Strait sometime before 10,000 BC. At the time
of the arrival of the first Europeans in the late 1400s and the 1500s Native
American cultures were advanced in many regards. They had a sophisticated system
of government and their resource and environmental management skills were far
advanced compared to those of the white settlers. Sadly the remains of these
cultures have been decimated by war, disease (introduced by European viruses
to which they had no resistance) and political machinations. What remains of
these noble people is a fraction of what could have been was it not for the
European settlement. This fact should never be overlooked when documenting the
unprecedented success of the European settlers.
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Bridge at Grand Canyon |
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That the origins of today’s United
States began less than 500 years ago to become the great world power it is today
is truly remarkable. From the time Columbus “discovered” America in 1492, -
he actually landed in the Caribbean - and the Spanish landed in
Mexico in 1519, settlement seemed to explode and ever since the United
States has been the desired place of residence for hundreds of millions of outsiders.
Initially settlers came from the great European powers of the day, and rivalry
between these often manifested itself in the expansion of their American colonies
and the battles fought for them. The Spanish were the first to settle what is
now Florida,
Arizona, New Mexico
and California. The
Dutch settled the area around the Hudson River in modern day New
York State and the British settled in Virginia,
later taking over the Dutch colonies in the North East. The French traveled
down the Mississippi spreading out from their colonies in modern-day
Canada.
Evidence of this early period and the various settlements can be seen in countless
preserved or recreated historic sites. Though the most significant country of
the ‘New World’ America treasures its history and has set the world standard
in preserving it and making it attractive for visitors both from within and
outside the country. British influence expanded as its power in Europe grew,
and they took over much of the territory that was previously French or Dutch.
The Revolutionary war in the late 1700s brought independence from the British.
From that time on the United States has always been a major player on the world
stage. The country became increasingly a melting pot especially with the mass
immigration into the country that took place in the late 1800s after the Civil
War until well into the 1920s. Immigrants came from all over and in particular
Italian, German, Irish, Scandinavian, Chinese and Jewish influences were added
indelibly to the nation’s cultural mosaic.
Always a major part of that mosaic
since the nation’s inception, African-Americans have played a huge role in developing
the country. Despite supposed freedom since the Civil War emancipation has been
painfully slow. The contributions of the African-American have been crucial
to the economic wellbeing of the U.S. since the beginning and continue to be
so. Similarly the influence on music and the arts is monumental. So much of
American music - from country to rock - has its roots in African America.
Enter the dawn of the 20th Century and the advent of mass communication;
America could no longer remain isolated, despite thwarted attempts to remain
so. These attempts ended once and for all on December 7th 1941 with
the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
From this date on the ‘sleeping giant’ was definitely awake and kicking. The
United States was a major world power in an instant. Since then this has merely
been compounded. The unrivalled influence of the U.S. driven mass media has
enhanced this power by an immeasurable degree.
Climate
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| Surfing,
A Popular Sport in the USA |
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The climate of the United States
varies considerably, not just from region to region but from season to season
within a region. Places that can be bitterly cold in winter can be stiflingly
hot in summer. Fortunately for the traveler this is very much alleviated by
incredible central heating systems that are, in cooler climates, just about
universal, and remarkably efficient air-conditioning that for some works
almost too well. Always bring a sweater or wrap to counter over zealous air-conditioning
systems, and for those not used to efficient central heating, something sleeveless
or light to wear indoors in winter may also be a good idea.
The US encompasses many variants of climate, and everything from some of the
world’s hottest deserts to high alpine terrain, and warm semi-tropical coastal
regions to inland continental regions that endure the extremes of summer and
winter. In fact practically every type of climate on earth can be experienced
in the U.S.A. There is no temperature table or chart in existence that could
fit here and cover all the possible variations of the U.S. climate. Therefore
it is best to consult weather information for individual regions to gauge what
the expected temperature or level of precipitation will be during a particular
time of year there.
Transportation
The United States has the most comprehensive
airline network in the world. Despite consolidation and takeovers a still seemingly
endless number of airlines cover the country, and incredibly low fares can be
enjoyed, even if service standards have fallen. Today most major cities are
directly connected to the rest of the world through international flights. Those
cities serving lesser population bases are also easily reached from abroad via
frequent connections to international hubs. Even the most remote places are
seldom very far from a regional airport.
The network of well-engineered roads, highway, interstates and turnpikes is
equally extensive. Nowhere loves or is more dependent on the automobile than
America. Though it takes longer, there is no better way of getting a great perspective
on life in the USA than by taking a ‘road trip.’ Rentals of all sorts of vehicles
are available just about anywhere. Some visitors will purchase a used vehicle
and undertake an extensive journey, perhaps from coast to coast, or a more intensive
trip within one or several regions. At the end of their journey they will resell
their vehicle.
Rail travel has undertaken somewhat of a renaissance in recent years. The controversial
Amtrak has revamped an incredibly neglected system, at an incredible
cost. For lovers of train travel it is worthwhile though, and a great asset
to the US tourism infrastructure. While certainly not high speed except
in the heavily populated Boston
to Washington D.C.
corridor, Amtrak provides a high degree of comfort and affords a unique viewpoint
as America rolls past the picture windows of the rail coach. A wide range of
accommodation options exist on long distance trains and these include reclining
coach seats and various sleeper accommodations with beds, some of these offer
private facilities. Depending on the accommodations booked and the length of
journey meal service is provided either at additional cost or as part of the
ticket price.
Long-distance bus travel within the
US is also well developed. Greyhound,
along with some other companies provides service from just about anywhere, and
its possible to buy a thru-ticket to any other point in the U.S. or Canada,
and even certain places in Mexico. Long-distance buses are air-conditioned and
equipped with comfortable reclining seats, restrooms and tinted windows. Regular
stops are made for refreshments and to enable passengers to stretch their legs.
An attractive possibility for visitors
to the U.S. is to purchase an Amtrak or a Greyhound pass that offers unlimited
travel on their specific networks for a predetermined number of days.
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American
Bald Eagle |
Local public transportation in the
United States often referred to as “Public Transit” varies considerably.
Cities such as San Francisco and many of the large centers on the Eastern Seaboard
have enviable systems utilizing buses, light rapid transit, subways and even
trolley cars. Washington D.C. has a remarkable subway or Metro network. Other
cities have such poor transit that they leave visitors with no alternative but
to rent a car. The increasing cost of fuel, parking and concern for the environment
due to smog and traffic congestion are making public transit more popular and
pressure on authorities to provide it is ever increasing.
Regions
The U.S. is so vast that it’s not possible to see it all in one visit. It
would take a great deal of time to see everything, and even few Americans have
achieved this. It’s probably advisable to limit an itinerary to one or two regions
per visit in order to really get to experience the country in any kind of depth.
Combining two regions can offer a huge contrast within one vacation, for example
one could divide one’s time between say New York City and Washington D.C., and
then take the five hour flight across the nation and experience something totally
different in Southern California.
To see what each individual state has to offer, select the States that interest
you from the list below.
