Where To Go In The USA: Road Trips & City Trips And Our Tips
WELCOME TO THE USA!
Skylines in New York and Chicago, beach vibes in Miami, or a boat trip on the Mississippi River? The USA really has so much to offer, and we also visited Detroit, which is an often underrated city. But, where to go in the USA?
WHAT TO FIND HERE
OUR USA TRAVEL GUIDE
WHY TO TRAVEL TO THE USA
The land of unlimited possibilities. The land of contrasts. The land of the American Dream, where anyone can achieve anything. A country that offers everything from stunning national parks on the West Coast to the world’s largest metropolitan cities. A land that cannot be explored in just one trip and a place that you will always want to go back to. But what makes the USA such an exciting and unique travel destination?
Home to over 345 million people, the USA is the third-largest country in the world. You’re reading this USA Travel Guide because you’re wondering where to go in the USA and what to do in different places. Traveling to the USA isn’t the same as just traveling to the USA. Sounds strange? What we mean is that the USA is 27.5 times the size of Germany, and with that comes many differences in landscapes and cultures across the country. Everyone has seen pictures of New York, but what about Detroit or New Orleans? These places are just as fascinating, and sometimes they even feel more “American” than the more famous ones!Â
WHERE TO GO IN THE USA
As we’ve already hinted, the USA is massive, and you really need to think carefully about what you want to see before you go. Looking for the best road trips in the USA? Or perhaps you’re wondering which is the best city in the USA to visit? Also we were always looking for the best food in the USA!
We want to take you along on our trips across the United States, inspire you, and introduce you to cities you might not immediately think of. For us, the best experiences often come from combining visits to metropolises with exploring nature. We absolutely loved New York, but there’s one city that stole our hearts even more—Chicago! Not just because of Lake Michigan, but also because we started one of our most memorable road trips from there.
As we’ve already hinted, the USA is massive, and you really need to think carefully about what you want to see before you go. Looking for the best road trips in the USA? Or perhaps you’re wondering which is the best city to visit in the USA?
We want to take you along on our trips across the United States, inspire you, and introduce you to cities you might not immediately think of. For us, the best experiences often come from combining visits to metropolises with exploring nature. We absolutely loved New York, but there’s one city that stole our hearts even more—Chicago! Not just because of Lake Michigan, but also because we started one of our most memorable road trips from there.
We drove from Chicago to Detroit, then on to the Niagara Falls, and finally to Pittsburgh—what an incredible journey! These cities, full of energy, history, and unique vibes, are surrounded by such diverse nature. Picture this: turning on country radio, hitting the road, staying in motels, and just feeling that sense of freedom. That’s what it’s all about for us—the adventure, the unexpected moments, and the feeling of being in the states. By the way, in Detroit and Pittsburgh, local friends showed us around, so you can be sure that here you’ll get the best insights and recommendations for non-touristic places in these cities.
GOOD TO KNOW
Make sure to carefully check the visa requirements for the country you’re coming from. As a German, you need to fill out an ESTA form online, while Vicky, as a Peruvian, has to apply for a visa. It’s really important to know exactly what you need, otherwise, you may be denied entry! You can check the Homeland Security website.
The last time we flew from Guatemala to Chicago, everything went smoothly for us. Be prepared to answer a few questions from the immigration officer and have your return ticket and first hotel reservation ready. You should also be able to explain how long you plan to stay and what you intend to do.
In the United States, the official currency is the U.S. Dollar (USD). It’s everywhere accepted across the country, and you’ll find plenty of ATMs, currency exchange offices, and credit card options. We used our credit cards for most transactions, but it’s always a good idea to carry some cash for smaller purchases or places that may not accept cards.
The official language of the USA is English, and it is the primary language spoken across the country. However, the U.S. is incredibly diverse, and you’ll also hear many other languages, especially in cities with large immigrant communities. Spanish is the second most spoken language, particularly in areas with large Hispanic populations, such as Florida. While English is dominant, you’ll find that many signs, menus, and services are available in both English and Spanish in certain regions.
For us, English was sufficient for communication in most situations. Sometimes Vicky also used her Spanish in Florida.Â
- Florida: Best in winter (December to April) for mild weather, especially in places like Miami and Orlando. Avoid summer if you don’t like the heat and humidity.
- East Coast (NYC): Best in spring (April to June) and fall (September to November) for mild weather and fewer crowds.
- Chicago: Best in late spring (May to June) and fall (September to October) for comfortable weather and festivals. Winter can be very cold and snowy.
- Niagara Falls: Best in spring (May to June) and fall (September to October) for optimal weather and fewer crowds. Summer is the busiest, while winter offers a quiet, snowy beauty.
No matter when you choose to visit, each of these destinations offers a unique experience depending on the season, so plan accordingly to get the most out of your trip!
The standard plug used in the USA is Type A and Type B:
- Type A: Two flat parallel pins (unpolarized).
- Type B: Two flat parallel pins and a grounding pin (polarized).
Both of these plugs are used for most appliances, and Type B is often preferred for devices that require grounding (like laptops or larger electronics).
The voltage in the United States is 120V with a frequency of 60Hz. This is different from many other countries, especially in Europe, where the standard voltage is 220-240V.
- Adapter: If your device has a different plug type (like a European or UK plug), you’ll need a plug adapter to fit the US outlets. These adapters do not change the voltage, they just allow the plug to physically fit into the socket.
- Voltage Converter: If your device is not compatible with 120V (for example, if it’s designed for 220V), you’ll need a voltage converter to safely use your device in the US. Many modern electronics, like phone chargers and laptops, are designed to handle both 110V-240V, but you should always double-check your device’s voltage specifications.
- Generally Safe: Tap water is safe to drink in most cities and urban areas in the USA.But it tastes a lot like chlorine, so it’s not really delicious!
- Check Locally: In rural or remote areas, it’s worth checking whether the tap water is safe or if you should use bottled water.
- Lead and Contamination: In older buildings or places with infrastructure issues there might be concerns about lead or other contaminants. Always ask or check local reports if you have concerns.
The USA is generally safe for travelers, but, like any destination, there are areas that are safer than others. In Chicago, be cautious in neighborhoods like Englewood, Austin, and West Garfield Park. In New York City, areas such as Harlem, Brownsville (Brooklyn), and parts of The Bronx can be higher-risk. During our travels, we didn’t encounter any problems, but staying aware and following basic safety precautions will make your trip more enjoyable and stress-free.
