There is no doubt that the United States is one of the most popular holiday destinations on the planet. From the glittering lights of New York City to the wind-swept plains of the Midwest and the cerulean blue waters of the Pacific coastline, there is indeed something here for everyone. However, this presents many travellers with a rather interesting predicament. With so many amazing sights to behold, how are we to know where to visit? The United States is a truly vast nation and in order to appreciate what it has in store, it is a good idea to take a look at what many consider to be the top tourist destinations.
New York City
Why not start off with the most well-known destination? The Big Apple is visited by millions of tourists from around the world, and for good reason. The city that never sleeps is home to what can arguably be called the most well-known skyline in existence. Furthermore, the patchwork nature of New York City enables it to be an ideal destination for children, adults and everyone in between. Some major sights include the Statue of Liberty, Wall Street, the glittering facades found within Manhattan, the Brownstone homes of Brooklyn and the famous Freedom Tower. As this city is so large, it is always a good idea to plan your itinerary well in advance of your intended departure date.
Los Angeles
Home to the stars as well as to famous neighbourhoods such as Beverly Hills, Los Angeles is the second-most popular tourist destination within the United States. Unlike New York City, Los Angeles is associated with amenable weather throughout the majority of the year. Arriving here in the winter will therefore not present an issue. Chinatown, the Los Angeles Zoo, Hollywood and Disneyland are a handful of options at your immediate disposal. The fact that Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) offers numerous flights from London as well as from other portions of Europe signifies that the holiday of your dreams is indeed much closer than you think. Assuming that you are taking a direct flight, the average time is anywhere between 10 and 12 hours.
Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls is one of the Seven Wonders of the World and you will fully appreciate such a status at first glance. More than 50,000 gallons of water tumble over the escarpment every second and the sound alone is truly mesmerising. Many will arrive here for their honeymoon due to the decidedly romantic nature of its confines. Another advantage of this destination is that a short trip across the Peace Bridge enables you to access the Canadian side of the falls. Many feel that this provides an even more stunning view of what can only be called an unforgettable natural wonder.
The South East
The south east portion of the United States is also appealing to many travellers. Its decidedly balmy weather is perfect if you have been looking for an escape from the doldrums often associated with the United Kingdom. Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and Mississippi are some of the states which you can choose to experience. The best way to learn which ones suit your fancy is to perform a good amount of research.
Your Top Travel Tips
Of course, the sheer number of travel options within the United States would require tens of thousands of words to explain. It is nonetheless a good idea to mention some top travel suggestions before concluding. For instance, always take a look at the exchange rates and use your bank for these services; airport exchange centres are often associated with high fees. Purchase your tickets at least 12 weeks in advance if you are looking to save money or if you happen to be on a limited budget. Some other suggestions include:
When travelling to the south-east, try to avoid the hurricane season.
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Bring traveller's cheques for an extra level of security.
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It is wise to purchase a travel health insurance plan before departing.
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When renting cars, plan your route in advance as well as its associated expenses.
There is no doubt that the United States will provide you with memories to last a lifetime. Please feel free to use this brief article as a guide when preparing for your amazing journey.
