Coins are also still commonly used in the US and people will often give you exact change. For example, BBQ food takes on different qualities depending on where youre at and can be pretty different. Four whole states are just prairie and a large portion of Texas is as well. Right-wingers cannot be reasoned with. Here are a couple more instances of some famous American foods, broken down by region: Native Americans have been living on what is now the USA for centuries. 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! A road trip across America is costly and you could end up spending more than you originally planned to. Lock your bag with a simple clip. Glacier National Park may be one of the nation's most popular national parks, but thanks to its spacious 1,583 square miles of wilderness home to more than 762 lakes and 700 miles of hiking . $46.59 2 Used from $46.59. She buys them regularly. Once sleepy, the thriving metro of Seattle, home to loggers and mariners, is now a modern metropolis. The best wine in America is found on the West Coast. make your way to Denver, Colorado for a serious dose of mountains, forests, and the devils lettuce! An ambulance ride alone can cost $2000, and a day in a hospital for even a minor issue will easily run over $10,000. Its colder than the USA and people talk a little funny but it is far safer, more diverse, and arguably even more beautiful. I'd really like to get on a Greyhound bus and go backpacking across America. 3. So charmed is Wilder with Calista that he invites her to work as his . Oregon is like New Zealand-Lite and has just about every type of landscape possible. Be sure to check Google Maps reviews to find the cheapest eats around whenever you roll into a new place. Things like learning a little bit of the language to get by can do wonders, and will mean you can understand more so people can't rip you off as easily. You can do this itinerary in either direction, though I recommend starting in New York City; its got something for everyone, from attractions to some of the best restaurants in the country. Texas is totally worth your time, even if you only make it to a few destinations. These are just a few highlighted characteristics/stereotypes in a sea of cultural diversity. For a lot of people, the Southwest is the best place in the USA. There is a multitude of regions in this country and a multitude of tourist destinations that are inhabited by an even greater multitude of people. Adam dreams of backpacking across Europe, therefore, each time he is paid, he saves ten percent of his income. We mentioned before that you can reach out to vehicle relocation services, like immova and Cruise America, as a way of saving heaps of cash on rentals. Seattle is a great place to either headway north to Alaska, or thousands of miles southwest to the true highlight of the USAbackpacking Hawaii. For all their desolation, Southwest deserts are indescribably beautiful and incomparable to anything else. time, energy, and money. You can even find many yoga retreats that combine wellness sessions and exploration with their offering, which is another good way to explore Hawaii. The Great Plains separate the East Coast and West Coast of the United States like an ocean. Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail (Hardcover) by. 1 Mexico. Dont spend too long in LAtheres an entire coast to see. The Windy City is one of the coolest in America. We saved a lot of money and keep our costs down by renting houses instead of staying in hotels.. We wanted to stay around $3,000/month because we were renting out our house on Airbnb for around $4,000/month.So technically, we saved money by traveling Europe . To see plenty of US history, be sure to squeeze some days in Philadelphia, one of the USAs oldest cities. The West is a very different place from the East Coast. Note that an ESTA is not an actual visa for the US, per se (its a clearance). You can do so much here, from surfing to hiking to canyoneering to just being a beach bum. Worldpackers connects travellers with hostels, schools, NGOs and many more. West Coast people also behave differently where East Coasters are generally more blunt and unabashed, West Coasters are more genial but sometimes superficial. Each arrival is assessed on a case-by-case basis this means that you will be at the mercy of the customs agent every time you travel to the US. Clara visits the local bakery shop several times a week and knows the owner, Sam, very well. First, fly into Los Angeles to start your USA adventure. Taking a West Coast road trip is arguably one of the best things to do in the US. Drivers who are under the age of 25 will often be charged extra premiums for rental cars (theyre a reckless bunch). Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop! All the staples are here: vodka, rum, gin, etc though certain regions do it better than others. Now, youre going to want to head East. I hope that you learned a lot from this article and about backpacking across the USA. 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. Relatively cheap (roughly $50-$70 per night) motels can be found in many mid-size towns throughout the US. But the real question is is it better than Western Union?Yes, it most certainly is. 1 pair long underwear. Arizona is where youll find the legendary Grand Canyon in addition to several smaller but no-less-famous landmarks like Antelope Canyon, the Vermillion Cliffs, and Sedona. The largest urban area in the Rocky Mountain states is Denver, Colorado. Some of these are giant pits of debauchery; others are a bit tamer and family-friendly. You also cant miss the Yosemite Tunnel View, the famous vista that looks its absolute best when tinged with fall colors. The Grayl Geopress is the markets leading filtered water bottle protecting your tum from all the waterborne nasties. Et voil, in total we spent 1800, exactly on budget for 4 weeks in Uruguay. Some must-see East Coast spots include the nations lovely capital Washington D.C. and Philadelphia, home of the legendary Philly Cheesesteak. Backpacking Peru and Bolivia Route. 2 Week Backpacking Europe Route #2:France, Spain, and Portugal. Moving along, make a stop in Santa Fe, New Mexico before making it to one of Americas most iconic states: Colorado. The United States isn't a popular destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Relatively speaking, a backpacking trip is an inexpensive vacation alternative. For clothing, packing layers is more versatile (e.g. Recreational weed is legal in more than a dozen states, but that doesnt mean what they have to offer is the same. The USA is a land full of opportunities for backpacker volunteers. Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. So prevalent are Latino ethnicities that one day more Americans will speak Spanish than English. Theyre easy to use, professional, and relatively affordable. Weve tested the Geopressrigorouslyfrom the icy heights of Pakistan to the tropical jungles of Cuba, and the results are in: it WORKS. 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. Want to find some awesome volunteering opportunities in the USA? He plans to visit all 54 African countries in 2013-2016. . For example, whiskey is quite good in Appalachia as this is where bourbon was created. They may also let you buy or extend a policy once youve started your trip and are already abroad which is super handy. a shirt can be a base layer in a cold climate or a top layer in a warm climate). Things go wrong on the road ALL THE TIME. He has thru-hiked the Pacific Crest Trail and Appalachian Trail. Most of the popular travel destinations will be close to a National Park, and we recommend you visit at least one. Traveling without insurance would be risky so do consider getting good backpacker insurance sorted before you head off on an adventure. Otherwise, backpacking is a great opportunity to unplug and get offline for a while. David Morrissey . Between the vanity of Los Angeles, the ascendance of San Francisco, and the natural wealth of the state in general, its easy to overindulge here. Having a filtered water bottle means you can drink from just about any source. The state of California is the largest, most famous, and arguably most desirable state on the West Coast. Updated March 20, 2021. Filled with the lower 48s best beaches and wackiest people, Florida is an experience to say the least. Little Havana in Miami is particularly unique. 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. ISBN: -97658-120-5 1. 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. There are USA rail passes available for purchase with Amtrak. Most people will fly at least once or twice within the United States. American culture is defined by blood, sweat, and tears, followed by a shot of whiskey. New York is one of the most culturally diverse places in the world and is an anthropological wonder. Quite the opposite of Alaska, traveling to Hawaii means visiting a tropical paradise. 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. The Midwest is often focused upon for all the wrong reasons: for being bitter cold in the winter, humid in the summer, and for unlucky economies. 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. Best of all, you won't have to deal with the grumpy train ticket vendors. I always travel with a hanging toiletry bag as its a super-efficient way to organize your bathroom stuff. . 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. You will have to empty and refill the various waste compartments and water tanks though, which will require a visit to the proper facilities. Hike your own hike: 7 life lessons from backbacking across America / Francis Tapon p.cm Includes blibliographical references (p.) and index. Then, of course, a couple of days in New York City. This was once the edge of the map for American pioneers. Its about the same size as the entire European continent a landmass that hosts over 87 distinct peoples. The southwest and deep south return to lovely temperatures. You learn to organize yourself. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be. Business on the west coast IS about relationships though; business on the East Coast is often about grinding it out. The Lone Star state is a bbq lovers go to, and if food doesnt appeal, perhaps the wide open landscapes will? "I wasn't afraid of running out of money. If you don't have any stuff, you don't need an apartment to keep it in. Hawaii has everything: lush jungles, dramatic peaks, and more than a few pristine beaches. In the US, these are often designated Wilderness Areas, which means that the wilderness is at least 5,000 acres in size. Another iconic location is the Half Dome, a rounded granite cliff right near the perfect picnic spot. Continental Divide Trail: New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho and Montana, 3,100 miles. MATH TIME: The entry fee for Yellowstone National Park is $35. $95. February 7, 2023. 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. You'll never have to pay for gas, parking, tickets, or all the other money sucking expenses of car travel. 6. Its the stuff (California) dreams are made of: the mystical ocean and the road that runs next to it. Before leaving, stay in San Francisco, a city truly unlike any other in the states. Once you understand the East Coast style, youll start to feel like one of them. Mountains dominate the state. Learn how to repair your own bike and get used parts. Backpacking is the art of knowing what not to take. Paris is relaxed and affordable. Most of the worst crimes in the country happen in remote neighborhoods where tourists have no reason to go to anyway. But you also have to remember, the US is going through difficult times and is more divided than ever. Next up, head to Utah, another wild state blessed with stunning beauty, and some great places to camp on a budget. Youve been waiting a long time for this moment youre about to go traveling in the USA for the first time, ever. One of the most historically important cities in America, come to Philly for the sites, stay for the legendary food! STATES: Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine. So Americans love to party, but where are the absolute best parties to be found? Doesnt really matter if youre backpacking the USA alone or with a group theres tons of stuff to do here! Toggle navigation Quote Master. Getting from the East Coast to the West Coast is a 6-hour flight in itself, so if you want to see both LA and NYC this may be your only option. For days spent exploring the city, a 20- to 30-litre backpack will be the perfect size, with enough room to carry water, a camera and extra layers. Throw in a huge array of unique lodgings: stay in a castle, treehouses, yurts, houseboats, and farm stays, plus with all the campgrounds you wont lack of options. Go to Museums on Sunday - They are free! If they were able to though, they would be greeted by some of the most paradisiacal and epic scenery in the world. They are very open-minded and laid back though and can get along with just about anyone. Free apps for self-guided tours. You wont just save serious $$$, youll experience a different culture, cool projects, meet new people and integrate into the community in a different way. Pay a visit to Detroit, Michigan; once the fallen angel of America, it is putting itself back together, piece by piece. Get your money up at one of the many famous casinos! It goes without saying as well that some of the best hikes in the USA are found in the Rockies. Some cities actually struggle with drug problems. A decent head torch could save your life. Opposite of eastern Europe like Czech Republic, Slovenia, Hungary, Bulgaria or Ukraine are one of the cheapest countries . Even legal stores often cannot accept cards due to nuanced legal issues. They organise yo packing and minimise its volume too so you can pack MORE. 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. Fast food meal: $6 to $11. You arent going to save the world overnight, but you can be part of the solution and not the problem. Its no wonder theft and other crimes are still an endemic issue in poorer areas. The states amazing food and natural scenery make staying in Maine absolutely worth the effort. For the best 420 experiences, try the legal shops in Colorado, California, or Washington state for the most variety and coolest dispensaries. There is petty theft in the busier areas, particularly involving car break-ins and pickpocketing, but these can be avoided by standard safe traveling practices. . You will meet many like-minded people. Travel with a filtered water bottle instead and never waste a cent nor a turtles life again. The USA is an enormous country. Well worth having as it helps to have quick access to all your stuff. Rome is cheapish, crime-challenged and huge fun. Washington is the more mountainous and richer sibling to Oregon. They will need to apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) beforehand. Paperback. There are lots of different islands to visit in this massive archipelago around 700 actually and some are extremely vibrant. The modern capital of the US is not to be missed. So far weve covered 48 of the USAs 50 total states. Youll have to pay more if you have an RV because they take up more space, require waste disposal, and consume more electricity. Things are just different in The South, for better or worse. Plus you can get the very best poke in the world! California and Colorado are both A+ choices for the best vibes and shops. The majority of the international flights arrive at the airport in So Paulo. Might be that weed. With a myriad of waterfalls and a volcano here and there, this an American Arcadia. Larger towns will have chains. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. trekking gear), or find a cheap temporary fix instead of carrying something for one-time use. America IS mostly safe for travel, though the potential for random violence is much higher than in other developed countries. Some of the most respected First Nation peoples, like the Comanche, Apache, and Crow, once roamed plains and, if were being frank, these peoples deserve more dominion over their ancestral homelands. If youre short on time and want to see a lot though, you may end up buying a lot of plane tickets. Pursue these as best you can as they can save you a lot of money. Trains here are very limited and are ultimately a huge luxury (expensive tickets). 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. 3. Aside from being an all-out blast, it will be a great immersion experience. This 40-litre backpack is high quality and surprisingly budget-friendly. Also, know that buses stop often thus extending drive times. A lot of foreigners couldnt name more than five cities in America and the ones they do name are always Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas, New York, and Miami. There are hundreds, maybe thousands of celebrations going on year-round in the US. Ah, perhaps the most popular gambling city on Earth? Remember that America is a really big place though so dont underestimate distances. A road trip on the California Coast is hands down one the most romantic things to do in the USA and will probably be the first of many bucket list locations. You can find many quaint cabins in Idaho that offer unparalleled views of the natural surroundings. Colin Fletcher. Want to Read. 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. For some cities there are many tours for special interests. So what are you waiting for? This means we paid only $3245.62 out of pocket, for our seven month honeymoon, traveling all 50 States. Theyre eco-friendly, love to smoke (legal) marijuana, and are covered by some of the lushest woods in the country. So far, no regrets and a huge list of things I learned in my first month backpacking across South America. People who want to make their own Great American road trip will obviously need their own vehicle to do so. 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. The buildings are older, the food is more old-fashioned, and the cultural memory stretches further back. 1. With 3 weeks to go backpacking across the USA, travelers can fit 5 of the largest cities on the East Coast in a 21-day trip: Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Miami and Washington, DC. From its inception and even beforehand, slavery was legal in the United States and Africans were forced to live and work in severely atrocious conditions by white slave owners until slavery was officially outlawed in 1865 by the 13th Amendment. Daypacks for South America. 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. I wanted to be an architect. Lets not forget Californias moodier northern neighbor either. Travel light and leave behind what you don't need . 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. South of the border lies tropical shores and the mystical cultures of Mexico. Go on a great American road trip in search of the best BBQs in the US and see which regional variety suits you best. It might just be the most extraordinary piece of nature in all of North America. Categorization. Itll just be you and Mother Nature here, and its more likely that youll see more bears or bald eagles than people. Hawaii is very far away from the continental United States. So, if youre thinking about backpacking in the USA alone or with a group, regardless, just know that youll be safe as a tourist. Bring your Student ID Card - That International Student Card will save you money if you're travelling as a student in Colombia. If youre wondering how much would it cost to travel across the US, then here is a breakdown of various costs: Card is king in the US, and you can expect all big brands to work pretty much everywhere. Sign up to The Broke Backpackers EXCLUSIVE VIP AREA below and download our top backpacking guides as PDFs go offline with peace of mind! The gamblers paradise of Las Vegas is up next, or you could just stay in Utah if youre liking it. California is known for its big bold grapes like chardonnays, cabs, and merlots. 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. I dont know about you but I could use a vacation right about now, preferably in Maui. Staying near Lake Michigan, for example, is always a good idea. Photograph: Andre Jenny/Alamy. When you need a break from the hustle and bustle of the East Coast, head to New England. The original 13 Colonies, founded by English settlers, were based in this part of North America. When I graduated university back in 2015, there was only one thing I wanted to do, and that was see the world! Both Oregon and Washington are green in many senses of the word. Avoid acting like a tourist. Start out with these holidays and festivals in the USA next time youre there: On every adventure, there are 6 things I never go traveling without. I consent to my personal information being processed in accordance with The Broke Backpackers. With similar climates, outstanding wine vineyards, vast mountain ranges, and endless beautiful beaches, this trio is easily one of the best backpacking Europe routes for . 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. Earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.