Each nationality will require a different set of documents to travel to the USA using this process, so be sure to check with your local embassy on what you need. The West is a very different place from the East Coast. If you want to cover a lot of ground in the United States, flying is the best option, especially if you only have limited time. Workers in the US face many more difficulties than those in other developed countries, so tipping can really make or break an employees shift. 1 pair long underwear. document.getElementById("ak_js_3").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Its expected that you tip around 10-15% of your total bill, though this is social etiquette and not a law. Opposite of eastern Europe like Czech Republic, Slovenia, Hungary, Bulgaria or Ukraine are one of the cheapest countries . Also, know that buses stop often thus extending drive times. Thanks to the countrys cosmopolitanism and booming economy, theres just about every type of alcohol imaginable in the USA. So what about those lands beyond the shores of the Pacific or the wilds of Canada? Luckily, aside from 1 incident (in Peru), we felt safe the vast majority of the time during our 5 months of South America backpacking. Ah, the Midwest home of cheeseheads, subarctic winters, and charming accents. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be. Rhode Island is a great place to check out some Northern beaches, and staying in Portland, Maine is a must, especially if youre into seafood. Every first-time traveler to the US has a few questions theyre just dying to know the answers to. He has walked across Spain twice. To end your trip, check out Miami to get a taste of Latin America in the USA! The United States isn't a popular destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Another iconic location is the Half Dome, a rounded granite cliff right near the perfect picnic spot. The meats are tender, the sauces are masterpieces, and the sides are copious. There are hundreds of little towns with rich histories and some offer unique attractions, be they crafts or hot springs. time, energy, and money. Votes: 3. Police can and will arrest hitchhikers in many states. When the leaves turn gold and red in the autumn, its sublime. People flock here for good weather, good vibes, good food, good beaches, and the chance to make it big. Its rainbow-colored geysersespecially the world-famous Old Faithfulare unlike pretty much anything else, and the park also features a ton of hikes for all ability levels. Plus public services are the best in the country, and overall, it has the best quality of life. The United States is HUGE and it would take a long time to visit each state once, never mind really get to know them. But you also have to remember, the US is going through difficult times and is more divided than ever. Note: Ecuador uses the US Dollar as its official currency. Smaller but no less interesting cities, like Baltimore (MD), and Newark (NJ), also contribute greatly and are worth visiting themselves. With 50 states unique as 50 separate countries, backpacking the USA is an adventure unlike any other. trekking gear), or find a cheap temporary fix instead of carrying something for one-time use. For clothing, packing layers is more versatile (e.g. US tourist visa requirements do change regularly so please be sure to always check with the official government website. Want to Read. With no money . Travel light and leave behind what you don't need . 3. From Mediterranean olive groves, to alpine forests all the way to spiralling mountain routes that pass shining sapphire lakes. Ecuador is a fantastic budget-friendly destination and is widely regarded as a great introduction to South America. So its not hard to believe that people may be (very) different depending on where theyre from. Buenos Aires (4 days) Experiencing the gritty yet charming "Paris of South America" Optional: Montevideo and Colonia in Uruguay (2 days) Experiencing a smaller more polite Buenos Aires; Iguazu Falls (1 day) UNESCO heritage site that dwarfs Niagara Falls Mendoza (2 days) Argentine wine country experienced by biking between vineyards and wine tastings Washington is the more mountainous and richer sibling to Oregon. Spend a day exploring the many amazing historical places by cycle or scooter! The lush Oregon Coast is a logical next step, where you can make a pitstop in the quirky city of Portland before culminating your US backpacking adventure in Seattle, Washington. First off, it's important to realize the scale of many of our hiking destinations. If youre short on time and want to see a lot though, you may end up buying a lot of plane tickets. Always keep an eye on your luggage. If you wanted to leave the mountains, theres plenty more to see and do in greater Kentucky and Tennessee. The Rockies is one of the greatest mountains chains in North America and has become a defining feature of the Western United States. The state is also blessed with a ton of natural beautyMaines stunning Acadia National Park is a dream come true from July-August. Best Backpacking Destinations In Europe. Seattle is a great place to either headway north to Alaska, or thousands of miles southwest to the true highlight of the USAbackpacking Hawaii. Its no wonder so many great American creatives have been inspired by this land. Southerners are warm, welcoming folk who prefer to live life to the fullest rather than get caught up with the details. With it, you get unlimited access to ALL federally-managed land in the U.S.A for FREE thats over 2000 recreational sites! Laid-back Amsterdam is totally packed. Appalachia is kind of a strange place, both in the geographic and cultural sense. This 40-litre backpack is high quality and surprisingly budget-friendly. Little Havana in Miami is particularly unique. There are lots of different islands to visit in this massive archipelago around 700 actually and some are extremely vibrant. At the time, they offered a degree in Architecture Engineering. If you want someone to do the planning for you, going on a Hawaiian Beach Tour with Global Work and Travel may be an option worth considering. For all campgrounds outside the main urban areas, you will, 99% of the time, need a car to reach them. Applicants from 40 different countries can enter the United States visa-free for a period of 90 days. Again, thank you! Its raining every day in the PNW. Want to find some awesome volunteering opportunities in the USA? Of course, its weird, and, yes, the BBQ will probably lead to an early grave but if you visit The South with an open mind, you may just enjoy it. Im going to be sharing with you all of my knowledge about the States. Youd be surprised how much fun this style of luxury camping can be! 1. The Gringo Trail is a great way to see . My missus travels with all her clothes in ziplock bags:dont be like my missus. The US is currently in an extremely contentious period where millions would literally still die for politics. West Coast people also behave differently where East Coasters are generally more blunt and unabashed, West Coasters are more genial but sometimes superficial. Buckle up, buttercups were going on a road trip in the United States,right here,right now. The first step in quickly getting money to be able to travel, is selling your stuff. Visiting Yellowstone National Park is a treat. And of course, no USA trip is complete without spending some days in Miami itinerary, the so-called Capital of South USA.. . STATES: North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas. So far, no regrets and a huge list of things I learned in my first month backpacking across South America. Never get into the topic first, unless you know youre with like-minded people. The Canadian Rocky Mountains are epic and the rugged coastline of British Columbia and Newfoundland are equally impressive. While backpacking across America in 1976, 21-year-old Greek musician Calista Frangopoulou has a chance encounter with real-life 70-year-old film director Billy Wilder at a Beverly Hills restaurant. Even legal stores often cannot accept cards due to nuanced legal issues. Blessed with a stunning coast, many mountains, and a ton of legal weed, you simply cannot visit the USA and skip California. Backpacking: He's walked across America 4 times and he walked across Spain twice. Many people are seen as unintelligent, which are more symptoms of unjust social dynamics (following the Civil War, the South became very poor). Objectively speaking, many of the most iconic places in the USA are found on a Southwest road trip itinerary. Up to 5x miles. My recommendation is to actually explore the USA a bit take the road less traveled and see parts of the country no one really knows about. Coins are also still commonly used in the US and people will often give you exact change. Juanedc. . Another option is the fun and more compact city of Boulder. Denver is becoming an increasingly popular city to both live in and visit. The state of California is the largest, most famous, and arguably most desirable state on the West Coast. That means that visiting TWO national parks alone (out of the 423 total in the USA) will run you a grand total of $70. The majority of the international flights arrive at the airport in So Paulo. Take an unforgettable North America REI Adventures Backpacking trip led by local guides. Some cities actually struggle with drug problems. Our road trip across America cost us $2,382, or an average of $149/day between both of us for a 16-day road . If you really want to go cheap, then take advantage of the many primitive sites in the US, also known as BLM land. Okay, Hawaii can be expensive. Backpacking in the USA is not cheap as hostels are rare and even roadside motels are very expensive. If youve been paying attention so far, then you already know theres a lot more to the USA than just these cities. Go to Museums on Sunday - They are free! The $22 charged per cupcake is the _____ rice. Oregon is like New Zealand-Lite and has just about every type of landscape possible. Paperback. Hide money in a lipstick. Most Americans never even make it here, so its even a bit offbeat.. Lock your bag with a simple clip. HikingAppalachian Trail. Stay in South Padre Island to experience one of Texas hidden gems. Most will base themselves in the Midwests largest city, Chicago. The USA's network of airports will connect you to pretty much anywhere in the country, with budget airlines competing to offer customers the best prices. Are we going to visit Hawaii or Alaska? Race and ethnicity are often celebrated in the USA but, although it is better than in previous decades, racism is still an issue. Appalachian people are often portrayed as hicks, rednecks, bootleggers, or inbred mountain people. Bring different types of plastic. Hawaii is wrapping up its rainy own season. It goes without saying as well that some of the best hikes in the USA are found in the Rockies. The East Coast may just be the most quaint part of the US. Make a pitstop at one of the scenic parts of Appalachia before getting into the last bit of your American adventure: an East Coast road trip. Plus, now you wont be buying overpriced bottles of water from the supermarkets either! Some of these are giant pits of debauchery; others are a bit tamer and family-friendly. For the Digital Nomads and laptop enthusiasts out there, you'll want a high-quality piece of technology - and we've got just the thing for you. Four whole states are just prairie and a large portion of Texas is as well. For some cities there are many tours for special interests. Most major cities have free walking tours but that's just the beginning of free. 3. So far weve covered 48 of the USAs 50 total states. All your belongings are in one bag while you are traveling. On February 26, 2011, Nate Damm stood barefoot in the Atlantic Ocean on the Delaware coast, then put his shoes on and started walking west. LA might just have the best street tacos in the US, and as the city can get expensive, note nearby cheap food options when choosing your accommodation. World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. You might think that you need to bring five shirts, three dresses, and four pairs or shoes, but you don't. In reality, you'll wear two or three of those shirts. Just make sure you choose a good place to stay in NYC thats near public transport. Americas northern neighbor and the butt of one too many jokes about mooses and maple syrup, Canada is an amazing country to visit. For more tropical vibes, the Caribbean is Americas favorite winter vacation. Mass shootings are a genuine and pervasive threat in society, particularly in schools, large buildings, or big events. Perhaps youve heard that North Carolina is probably one of the most beautiful places in the USA? The average cost of a honeymoon is between $4000-$5000 for just one destination. Philadelphia, where much of the USAs story began, to the rugged mountains of Alaska, the country is as massive as it is diverse and would take several years to fully explore. Average costs vary significantly in the western and eastern Europe. You arent going to save the world overnight, but you can be part of the solution and not the problem. One response to "United States of America (USA) Travel and Backpacking Guide" Well, everyone, this is it: the best possible way to go backpacking the USA! Its Global Peace Index is 122 out of 163, which puts it behind Kenya, El Salvador, and Bangladesh. There is a lot of really interesting stuff going on here if you know where to look. Everything from hotels to B&Bs to hostels to beach bungalows can be booked while visiting. That said, camping is much cheaper and more fun than staying in a hotel. Backpacking across Europe is a low-cost, autonomous, and touristic travel that frequently entails camping, sleeping in inexpensive hotels, and carrying all required goods in a backpack. People who want to make their own Great American road trip will obviously need their own vehicle to do so. There is a certain romance to crossing the Great Plains though. If youre staying at a campground that offers showers, electricity, or a mess hall, youll obviously have to pay more ($10-$30 per site, not person). Clara visits the local bakery shop several times a week and knows the owner, Sam, very well. Because its magical and theres really nowhere else like it. Quite the opposite of Alaska, traveling to Hawaii means visiting a tropical paradise. Oregon wine is more delicate and the pinots here are some of the best in the world. If you have the time though, the aforementioned states are totally worth visiting. Some of the larger cities, like Memphis, Tennessee offer a fantastic mix of Southern vibes and city convenience. Prices for travel in Europe vary greatly depending on how far north, east, south, or west you travel. If you get a service like a massage or a haircut, tipping is also typically expected. Backpacking gives you a feeling of freedom. All rights reserved. If youre just visiting a few American destinations that are in a specific region, you may get by on public transport or with your own car. There are also a number of American-ized dishes. The stunning and expansive national park can keep hikers busy for days, though most come to see the iconic Yosemite Falls. This means we paid only $3245.62 out of pocket, for our seven month honeymoon, traveling all 50 States. Marijuana is legal in more than a dozen states, which means one of the best things to do while backpacking the US is to get stoned. As a United States native, one who has gone on more than a few road trips, I know a thing or two about traveling in this country. If you stick to the budget accommodations, food, and tours listed here and ignore all my tips on saving money, you need about 65 EUR per day in Western Europe, 40 EUR in Eastern Europe, and about 85 EUR in Scandinavia. One of the most historically important cities in America, come to Philly for the sites, stay for the legendary food! America IS mostly safe for travel, though the potential for random violence is much higher than in other developed countries. If youre keen on a different kind of experience during your trip, why not stay at one of thebest treehouses and cabins in Georgia? Right-wingers cannot be reasoned with. Before leaving, stay in San Francisco, a city truly unlike any other in the states. Now were cooking with gas! Q3 Comma Splices and Fused Sentences. 158.1dc22 Library of Congress Control Number: 2005904842 Visit . It won't be as much about the 'you should visit here' stuff, you can find advice on that anywhere. With more than 700 miles of trails, spectacular lakes, pristine forests, and rugged mountains, there's no reason not to love and consider the Glacier as an ultimate hiker's paradise. Vanlife is perhaps the most ideal way to see the US, though it might be hard (or extremely expensive) to acquire an affordable one on a tourist visa. The USA is a land full of opportunities for backpacker volunteers. Keep in mind that ATMs will charge a fee, which can vary depending on the branch. This metropolis is one of the most energetic cities in the USA and has a number of attractions that will both shock and entertain you. Just use the coupon code BACKPACKER when checking out. I'd say that's pretty good.ALASKA. The park features over 700 miles of trails, along with a hike to a stunning hidden lake. Backpacking Peru and Bolivia Route. But the real question is is it better than Western Union?Yes, it most certainly is. Then signup for Worldpackers, a platform that connects local hosts with volunteer travelers. Also beware of Spirit Airlines. The USA is an enormous country with an enormous amount of accommodation. 1 Mexico. Stay somewhere EPIC and save your hard-earned dollars from houses to barns to castles and caves, there is an Airbnb for every occasion! The Southwest is a desert filled with some of the most surreal and fantastic natural features you can imagine. There are parts of The South that we already know about. A great time to visit the United States! During our year-long honeymoon, we spent 5 incredible months backpacking in South America. They will need to apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) beforehand. Hawaii is very far away from the continental United States. The gamblers paradise of Las Vegas is up next, or you could just stay in Utah if youre liking it. Be prepared for what life throws at you. For all their desolation, Southwest deserts are indescribably beautiful and incomparable to anything else. They are very open-minded and laid back though and can get along with just about anyone. Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail (Hardcover) by. 1. . Toggle navigation Quote Master. It even comes with Osprey's All Mighty Guarantee. For all matters of finance and accounting on the road, I strongly recommend Wise the platform formerly known as Transferwise! Larger towns will have chains. Youll need to arm yourself with some considerable knowledge though and know the best ways to save a buck while traveling in the USA. The most beautiful place in the US by far, Hawaii feels like another (very green) planet. 1 swimsuit. So the total cost for 5 of us backpacking Europe for 3 months was $9,352.That's around $3,100/month or $1870/person.Not too bad eh? The Windy City is one of the coolest in America. 2. In this video I go from Cape Henlopen, DE to Denton, . The cost of a road trip across America will obviously vary depending on a few factors: We suggest doing your research ahead of time to find the best deal possible. To find the best places to stay in US cities its worth doing some research beforehand: Camping is one of the great American pastimes and something that nearly every resident has done once in their life. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads usingthis link. Furthermore although this sounds very anti-feminist I would only recommend hitchhiking to males, and only to those who would know how to handle a worst case scenario: it has been associated with hundreds of murders and kidnappings. 07/11/2022. ) Most people head immediately for lively Austin first. Train travel in the USA is not like train travel in Europe. Brickell or South Beach are the best places to stay in Miami, though choose the latter if you want to spend most of your time by the water! We suggest booking a campervan with Outdoorsy as they usually have a good selection and good prices. Trains here are very limited and are ultimately a huge luxury (expensive tickets). Why? Our epic 4 month backpacking South America itinerary took us all across the continent, from the Amazon rainforest in the north to glaciers in the south. When you need a break from the hustle and bustle of the East Coast, head to New England. There are dozens of car rental companies in the US that offer an exponential amount of deals. Temperatures are lovely in the South and Southwest and a lot of major cities, like New Orleans and Miami, are kicking off festival season. Hiking is a great way to experience the countrys nature and there is plenty of it to be found. Photograph: Andre Jenny/Alamy. Spencer packed his backpack and set out on a 9-month trip around North America. Did you know that the places to visit in Chicago even include sandy beaches? The Glacier National Park is another backpacking destination you shouldn't miss as you travel across America. New Mexico is the least trafficked part of the Southwest and is probably more well-known for Breaking Bad than its actual attractions. New Orleans AKA the Big Easy is one of the countrys greatest treasures. The expression work hard, play hard is used here a lot and there are few things more rewarding than spending your hard-earned money on a night out. The Northeast and Midwest are beginning to thaw out after the long harsh winter and temperatures are rising on the West Coast. The United States is such an amalgamation of cuisines and borrows so much from so many cultures that its tough to nail what is really American. The opioid epidemic has swept the nation; meth is a real problem in the Southwest and the heroin abuse in Seattle is shocking sometimes, so be aware of who youre doing drugs with. While often thought of as one group, they actually comprised hundreds of tribes that stretched from Alaska to Hawaii and all across the mainland. Wyoming hosts two of the best national parks in the USA and those that make the effort to stay in Montana often regard it as the most beautiful place in America for nature lovers. There are hundreds, maybe thousands of celebrations going on year-round in the US. Youll also need to make sure you have your road trip packing list kitted out with the proper gear. Our road trip across America cost us $2,382, or an average of $149/day between both of us for a 16-day road . Daily backpacker budget: $30 to $40 (28 - 38) not including Galapagos. The South intimidates a lot of travelers because the region is unlike any other in the USA or the world for that matter. This is a tricky subject because America seems to defy common sense in a lot of ways. Just stepping off the plane into a Southern city can feel like being transported to an alternate dimension. To put that into perspective, thats equivalent to walking the entire coastline of the Lower 48. Racism is also very real, and vast swaths of the nation unfortunately still support white supremacy. 2 Weeks of Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay. Many residents will talk your ear about how much its changed in the last few years. 2 Week Backpacking Europe Route #2:France, Spain, and Portugal. The purpose of this book series is to share those lessons. But there are lots of subjects to cover when talking about backpacking America: how to get around the USA, where to lay your tired head for the night, and, crucially, how to save money along the way. This will get you a dorm bed, groceries, bus tickets, and some extra spending money. If you want to visit Wyoming, Montana, or Idaho, it will be a mission. With no premiums for flights or hotel rooms, you can easily stay within budget and have the experience of a lifetime. A 10-day itinerary in the USA doesn't offer a whole lot of time to see the country, but you'll still have lots of options with a larger budget. If youre in the countryside, youre more likely to be killed by bison in heat or a freak tornado. The small town of Taos is part spiritual enclave, part ski resort. Or you can stuff that whole deal off and buy the America the Beautiful Pass for$79.99. STATES: Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota. For reference, Ive hitchhiked in India and Pakistan, yet even as a US citizen, would never do so in the US. So charmed is Wilder with Calista that he invites her to work as his . Fast food meal: $6 to $11. Well talk about the best of America, including the finest lodges, the most beautiful parks, and the most rad cities. Everyone knows that Florida has the best beaches in the States. You may end up enjoying the locals more than anything in Texas. For example, whiskey is quite good in Appalachia as this is where bourbon was created. Few actually realize that Mexico is astounding; see Chiapas and/or Copper Canyon. If you dont really care about civilization though, theres always the Great Lakes to explore. Travel with a filtered water bottle instead and never waste a cent nor a turtles life again. Get your money up at one of the many famous casinos! If this is your case, start your trip to So Paulo. And for transparencys sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. To this day, the original spirit of pioneers and frontiersmanship still permeates the Rocky Mountain culture. If youre traveling to the USA for the first time, you may not get a lot of pushback from the customs agent. The high-elevation state is undoubtedly one of the best places to hike in the country. The USA does have a couple of original dishes, which vary by region. Drink water from ANYWHERE. Culturally, Appalachia has a reputation for being both agrarian and rebellious. The largest urban area in the Rocky Mountain states is Denver, Colorado. These are, of course, (mostly) outrageous stereotypes, but most will agree that Appalachia is a poorer and more discriminated region in the USA. Or that the city of Atlanta is no longer the gritty, crime-ridden place that it used to be? For being one of the worlds most wealthy and powerful nations, the USA suffers from an unacceptable violent crime rate (ranked 143rd out of 230). The South is also predominantly Republican (AKA right-wing) and has the lowest Covid vaccination rates in the country. Aint that just beautiful? Helpful Not Helpful. Sign up to The Broke Backpackers EXCLUSIVE VIP AREA below and download our top backpacking guides as PDFs go offline with peace of mind!