Overview
USA, the United States, is one of the world’s most diverse travel destinations, spanning vast landscapes, iconic cities, world-famous landmarks, and a rich cultural heritage.
Stretching from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean, the country offers everything from bustling metropolitan centres and spectacular national parks to tropical beaches and rugged mountain ranges. Visitors can experience an extraordinary variety of attractions, lifestyles, cuisines, and natural wonders across its fifty states.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit the United States is between April and October, when weather conditions are generally favourable for sightseeing, road trips, and outdoor activities. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures in most regions, while summer is ideal for national parks, coastal destinations, and family holidays. Winter attracts visitors to world-class ski resorts and warmer destinations such as Florida, California, and Hawaii.
Getting Around
The United States is a vast country with an extensive transportation network. Domestic flights are often the most efficient way to travel between distant regions, while rental cars are highly recommended for road trips and exploring rural areas. Major cities offer public transportation systems including buses, metro networks, and commuter trains. Ride-hailing services and taxis are widely available, although a car is often necessary outside urban centres.
Safety and Local Etiquette
The United States is generally safe for tourists, especially in major destinations and tourist areas. Visitors should take normal precautions, be aware of their surroundings, and secure personal belongings in crowded locations. Americans generally value politeness, punctuality, and personal space. Tipping is customary and expected in restaurants, bars, taxis, hotels, and many service-related businesses.
Food and Water
The United States offers one of the world’s most varied culinary scenes, influenced by cultures from across the globe. Popular foods include burgers, barbecue, seafood, steaks, Mexican cuisine, Italian dishes, and regional specialties unique to different states. Dining options range from food trucks and casual diners to award-winning restaurants. Tap water is safe to drink throughout most of the country and meets high public health standards.
Day Trips and Excursions
Popular excursions include visiting the Grand Canyon, exploring the geothermal wonders of Yellowstone National Park, admiring the waterfalls of Niagara Falls, and driving along the scenic Pacific Coast Highway. Visitors can also discover historic towns, wine regions, theme parks, mountain resorts, and dozens of world-renowned national parks.
Essence of the United States
The United States captures the spirit of diversity, innovation, and exploration. Its combination of vibrant cities, breathtaking natural landscapes, cultural influences from around the world, and endless travel opportunities makes it one of the most fascinating destinations on the planet. Whether seeking adventure, culture, history, entertainment, or relaxation, visitors can find virtually every type of travel experience within the country.
Highlights in the United States
- The iconic New York City is home to world-famous attractions including Times Square, Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, and Broadway.
- Washington, D.C. showcases the nation’s political heritage through landmarks such as the White House, Capitol Building, Lincoln Memorial, and Smithsonian museums.
- The spectacular Grand Canyon is one of the world’s most impressive natural wonders and a highlight of the American Southwest.
- Yellowstone National Park offers geysers, geothermal landscapes, abundant wildlife, and some of North America’s most remarkable scenery.
- The vibrant city of Las Vegas is famous for its entertainment, luxury resorts, nightlife, and world-class shows.
- San Francisco attracts visitors with the Golden Gate Bridge, historic cable cars, Alcatraz Island, and its picturesque waterfront.
- Beach enthusiasts can enjoy Miami Beach, Hawaii, and the coastline of Southern California, offering sunshine, surfing, and stunning coastal scenery.
Visitors can also explore national parks, attend major sporting events, experience world-famous theme parks, discover cultural festivals, and enjoy some of the most diverse entertainment options in the world.
Visited places in USA:
California
Grand Canyon
Harrisburg
Monument Valley
Washington DC
- The United States consists of 50 states and a federal district.
· English is the primary language, although Spanish is widely spoken in many regions.
· The country spans multiple time zones.
· Domestic flights are often the fastest way to travel long distances.
· Tap water is generally safe to drink nationwide.
· Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, including contactless payments.
· Tipping is customary and expected in restaurants, bars, taxis, and many service industries.
· Electrical outlets use Type A and Type B plugs with a standard voltage of 120V.
· Distances between cities and attractions can be significantly greater than many visitors expect.
· Most national parks charge entrance fees.
· The official currency is the United States Dollar (US$).
· Travel insurance is highly recommended due to potentially high medical costs.
· Comfortable footwear is recommended for city sightseeing and national park exploration.
The United States has a highly diverse climate, ranging from arctic conditions in Alaska to tropical weather in Hawaii and southern Florida.
- Spring (March to May) — mild temperatures, blooming landscapes, and excellent conditions for city breaks, road trips, and national park visits.
- Summer (June to August) — warm to hot weather across most of the country, ideal for beaches, outdoor activities, and family holidays.
- Autumn (September to November) — cooler temperatures and spectacular fall foliage, particularly in the northeastern states and mountain regions.
- Winter (December to February) — cold and snowy conditions in northern regions, while southern states and tropical destinations remain comparatively warm and sunny.
The most popular period to visit is from April to October, when weather conditions are generally most favourable for sightseeing, road trips, national parks, and outdoor activities throughout much of the country.
So far, visiting USA allowed me 6 different trips, starting in Orlando and Miami in Florida. Six years later, a package trip took us to New York, Washington DC, Harrisburg and Corning, before crossing to Canada in Niagara Falls.
Seattle, Tacoma, Pittsburgh, Saint Louis and Philadelphia were visited in professional trips.
A great trip to California (driving from San Francisco to Los Angeles, visiting Santa Barbara and San Simeon) and Las Vegas, visiting also the Grand Canyon and Monument Valley was unforgettable.
USA-East and west trips
1992 – Florida
My first time in the USA was in 1992, visiting only Orlando and Miami in Florida.
1998 – East cities
In 1998 we met a French team in Paris (booking in Degriftour, later bought by Last Minute), to make a circuit that took us to New York, Washington DC, Harrisburg, Corning, and Canada.
2004 – West
In 2004 we went west to California in a well-planned trip that included two nights ins New York to fight Jetlag.
A flight to San Francisco, and a car to drive to Los Angeles, visiting Monterrey, Santa Barbara and San Simeon in the way) and to drop in the airport, before flying to Las Vegas, from where we visited also Bryce and Grand Canyon and Monument Valley, before returning to the East.
Arizona and Utah
Travelling to the west two visits were mandatory, in Utah and Arizona – the Grand Canyon and Monument Valley. We respected it.
The canyons are a powerful image of nature, but Monument Valley touched me more deeply.
Surely my vision is seriously limited by the way we visited – flying from Las Vegas, and landing in the Grand Canyon and Monument Valley, just flying over Lake Powell.
I read about the not very friendly way Europeans dealt with Indian when the territory was parted. I read about the hard condition that most natives have to accept, in the reserves where they were confined. Looking at the deserts of Arizona we have to think: How do they manage to live in search a hard environment?
Arizona, Utah and tourism
Here, the answer is automatic: tourism. The entrance to the park is only possible escorted by local Indians, who also explore the restaurant and gift shop. That’s serious and useful work. But… before that? And the other millions that don’t have the memories of John Wayne to sell?
John Wayne was not there. Unfortunately, he will never be, but his memory stays in each rock and in each trail. The strange formations are no surprise for anyone but give us a feeling of being in some familiar place. And the whole makes us reflect about the power of movies, that gave a universal dimension to that park.
Professional trips to USA
In 2002 I had to go again to Corning, visiting Rochester and Niagara Falls, via New York.
in 2004 I had to go to Seattle, and Tacoma, flying back to Pittsburgh, and from there driving to New Jersey, with a stop in… Corning.
Planned trips
Next trip, I don’t know when, should be to New Orleans, but now… we wait.
Wrong! I didn’t wait and went to Saint Louis in June, with a stopover in Philadelphia, to add something in the center to my USA-East and West trips. However, New Orleans will keep on waiting!
Chicago
“The Blue Chicago Nightclubs”
In the first half of 1999 I was fortunate enough to live for 5 months in downtown Chicago and must confess I did really spend quite a few hours of my life watching the live performances at the Blue Chicago Nightclubs. LOL.
All Blue Chicago clubs are located on Clark Street, Chicago’s downtown.
Officially announced there’s only two clubs but on reality there’s also (there was in 1999) a 3rd club right on the basement of the Blue Chicago Store.
The one located on the basement is not being publicized that much for liquor drinks are not licensed to be sold and for it’s pretty much used for performances to younger visitors.
Back then, in 1999, the $7 dollar cover charge allowed free-entrance into the 3 clubs.
For general reference my personal 3-top must-visit “landmarks” in Chicago are Sam’s Wines for Wine, Goose Island Brewery for Beer and Blue Chicago‘s 3 nightclubs for Music.
Besides those 5 months of 1999, I’ve also visited the city of Chicago in 2001, 2002, and twice in 2004. Every time I go to Chicago those 3 places referred above are the ones I never want to miss :)…
Address: 534 North Clark Street – Chicago.
Phone: (+1) 312-642-6261 / 312-661-0100
Website: http://www.bluechicago.com
Oak Street Beach
Oak Street Beach, is one of Chicago’s most popular spots to visit, in Spring & Summer season, of course.
The beach is very popular among sunbathers. Sporting fans for in-line skaters, cyclists, running and volleyball practices might also find on Oak Street beach the ground for their amusement. :)
* My Portuguese friends pictured here:
– Pedro Silva.
– Pedro Almeida.
– Marta Pinheiro.
– Mário Ferreira (myself).
– Patricia Churro.
Updated Jun 14, 2009Address: 1000 N. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60611.
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