With 50 states encompassing six time zones and every landscape imaginable, nobody does big and beautiful like the USA! Whether you’re looking for a sightseeing break in a fast-paced city, a sun-soaked beach holiday or an adrenalin-fuelled party in the desert, your perfect holiday is waiting for you in the United States.
It is estimated that around two-thirds of the American population have never left their home country, and with this amount of variety right on their doorsteps, who can blame them! Boasting some of the most exciting cities and iconic skylines in the world, the USA is a wonderland of destinations just waiting to be explored. You may be looking for a stylish shopping break on the streets of New York, a brush with the stars in celebrity hotspot Los Angeles, or a fun-filled family holiday at the theme parks of Florida – the choice is yours!
Few cities in the world can equal New York; its famous skyline, iconic landmarks and top class entertainment have made it a bucket list destination that will never go out of fashion. Once you’ve ticked off the major sights and spent an evening on Broadway, you can still shop ‘til you drop in the countless stores or escape the crowds in one of the city’s parks. New York is also a popular departure point for cruises around the rest of the States and the Caribbean, so why not combine your city break with a few weeks of sun, sea and sand?
Just a few hours north of New York lies Boston, a historic haven where colonial buildings sit beside modern skyscrapers in a charming mix of old and new. Autumn is a particularly lovely time to visit when the browning leaves turn the city’s parks into a dazzling mass of orange and gold.
If year-round sunshine and beautiful beaches are more your scene, grab your sun cream and head to Florida! The theme parks of Orlando are fun for kids and adults alike, while Miami is a great party city for both the young and the young at heart.
Over on the west coast, Los Angeles is your first port of call for sun and sand with a star-studded edge! Seek out your favourite film icon on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame, go celeb-spotting in Beverley Hills, or head to the coast to relax on the beaches of Santa Monica. 5 hours up the coast is quirky San Francisco, where the Golden Gate Bridge and iconic cable cars top a long list of must-see attractions.
In the desert of Nevada sits the infamous city of Las Vegas. Well deserving of the nickname ‘Sin City’, this hub of extravagance is well known for being an adult playground of casinos, exclusive nightclubs and luxurious hotels. Las Vegas offers a truly unique holiday experience, where you can drop by Paris, New York and Venice all in one trip. What more could you want?
Prepare to indulge on a holiday in the USA; restaurants are renowned for offering huge portions at tiny prices! Breakfast is a main event of the day, where a simple bowl of cereal is just the beginning; treat yourself to eggs ‘over easy’, delicious omelettes, or pancakes topped with bacon and maple syrup. Finish with a cup of coffee to give yourself a caffeine boost, and you’ll be set for the day!
For dinner, you’ll want to sample some typical American mains! Of course, top of the list are burgers, ribs and steak, readily available and cooked to perfection across the country, but there are also some regional specialities not to be missed. A visit to New York would not be complete without a refuelling stop at one of the city’s famous hot dog vendors, while Chicago is known for its deep-dish spin on the Italian pizza and San Francisco is fiercely proud of its seafood dishes, often made with locally sourced produce.
Eating out in the USA is surprisingly cheap, so you’ll find that it’s very possible to enjoy high-quality food without breaking the bank. From Michelin-star restaurants to cosy 50s diners, you’ll always have a range of choices to suit your price range. The USA is home to a mix of cultures, so you’ll also find a wide variety of international cuisine available. Americans tip generously when they eat out, so don’t forget to show your appreciation for good service!
US Dollar
English
GMT +0
$4
Around $25
7 - 11 hrs
(from London)
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