Luckily weve got them covered! After spending three years in Eastern Europe, he wrote The Hidden Europe: What Eastern Europeans Can Teach Us. Race and ethnicity are often celebrated in the USA but, although it is better than in previous decades, racism is still an issue. The purpose of this book series is to share those lessons. Next up, take some time to see the charming region of New England before spending a few days in Washington D.C. heading to the sweet Southern locales of Charleston, South Carolina and Savannah, Georgia. He was one of the seven finalists to the California Outdoors Hall of Fame. Tipping is expected at US restaurants as workers are not paid the minimum hourly wage, unlike in Europe. While often thought of as one group, they actually comprised hundreds of tribes that stretched from Alaska to Hawaii and all across the mainland. 2 Week Backpacking Europe Route #2:France, Spain, and Portugal. Better yet, Broke Backpacker readers also get a $40 with Outdoorsy! 07/11/2022. ) While the nation is gripped by snowstorms and cold, the Caribbean is warm, dry, and having a grand ol time. Youll most likely need a visa to enter the USA, and I recommend applying for a B1/B2 visa if youre looking to volunteer. They are very open-minded and laid back though and can get along with just about anyone. All this negativity. Visiting Yellowstone National Park is a treat. Again, thank you! Worldpackers: connecting travellers withmeaningful travel experiences. Motel 6 and Econo Lodge are usually two of the cheaper chain options, but use Google Maps to scout prices. Outside of certain areas, which will be obvious to you by the numerous patrolling policemen, the odds of you being a victim are pretty minimal. 6. 6 Top Tips for Backpacking Across America National Parks. Take some US dollars with you. Burlington, Vermont is also a cool little hippy town and Providence, Rhode Island is also having a renaissance. 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. 1 pair pajamas. Weve tested the Geopressrigorouslyfrom the icy heights of Pakistan to the tropical jungles of Cuba, and the results are in: it WORKS. Some, like. With some of the best hikes in the country, and some of the best weed, it doesnt get much chiller than Denver. Our road trip across America cost us $2,382, or an average of $149/day between both of us for a 16-day road . They cant be blamed either the presence of places like the White Mountains and the Maine Coast, among many others, make New England one of the most beautiful places in the USA. Adam dreams of backpacking across Europe. If this is your case, start your trip to So Paulo. 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. How much money do you need to drive across America? Nature loversit doesnt get much better than this. Oregon is like New Zealand-Lite and has just about every type of landscape possible. This metropolis is one of the most energetic cities in the USA and has a number of attractions that will both shock and entertain you. People flock here for good weather, good vibes, good food, good beaches, and the chance to make it big. Yup, theres still more to do in the USA that we havent touched on yet. Its fosho the highlight of the East Coastif you have the time, a 4-day NYC itinerary is perfect to get a solid feel of the Big Apple. STATES: Utah, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada. Some states have much more expensive camping, California and Hawaii being the most expensive, so keep this in mind! Go to Museums on Sunday - They are free! Few other countries were founded upon such a huge immigrant population and have molded together quite so much. Now its time for the countrys most notorious state: yup, its time for a Florida road trip. Taking a tent backpacking is not always practical but hammocks are lightweight, cheap, strong, sexy (chicks dig hammocks), and allow you to pitch up for the night pretty much anywhere. In fact, marijuana is legal in numerous states with more joining the party every year. If youve been paying attention so far, then you already know theres a lot more to the USA than just these cities. Well, everyone, this is it: the best possible way to go backpacking the USA! Lassen Volcanic National Park, California, Use an American road trip planner app to plot routes. Plus you can get the very best poke in the world! So prevalent are Latino ethnicities that one day more Americans will speak Spanish than English. MATH TIME: The entry fee for Yellowstone National Park is $35. Overall, the best time to visit the USA as the weather is good almost everywhere and there are fewer tourists. For example: East Coasters are generally frank in their speech and can be perceived as rude. Sante Fe is a quirky little town with a vibrant art scene. With more than a month on your hands, you have free reign and control over your own American dreams. Washington is the more mountainous and richer sibling to Oregon. 1 / 10. Urban camping is also becoming quite popular and is an excellent way to experience a city without having to spend boatloads on a lodge. Now for some of the best multi-day backpacking trips (and a whole lot of doobies!) And for half the money too! Just dont piss them off. Hide money in a lipstick. We suggest booking a campervan with Outdoorsy as they usually have a good selection and good prices. That said, Southern America is not a scary or particularly ugly place to visit. Visa is the most widely used type of card in the US and can be used virtually anywhere. How much money do you need to drive across America? Why? There are glaring issues, to be sure: systematic racism still exists, poverty is rampant, and overall public health is shockingly poor. So its not hard to believe that people may be (very) different depending on where theyre from. Also, know that buses stop often thus extending drive times. There are USA rail passes available for purchase with Amtrak. Et voil, in total we spent 1800, exactly on budget for 4 weeks in Uruguay. Choose Eastern Europe (Prague, Budapest, Sarajevo) for dirt-cheap excitement. Its expected that you tip around 10-15% of your total bill, though this is social etiquette and not a law. Oregon wine is more delicate and the pinots here are some of the best in the world. When you travel to some of the most beautiful places in the USA, you come to realize the full extent of the plastic problem. Especially if youre coming from a country with limited access to this fantastic plant, youll be truly impressed by the sheer variety and quality of American weed. Sign up to The Broke Backpackers EXCLUSIVE VIP AREA below and download our top backpacking guides as PDFs go offline with peace of mind! Both Oregon and Washington are green in many senses of the word. The famous New York City, one of the most diverse metropolises in the world. You also cant miss the Yosemite Tunnel View, the famous vista that looks its absolute best when tinged with fall colors. Once youre stuffed to the brim, hop on another plane to visit Los Angeles. You will sometimes have to fill out a permit at one of these and often campsites are first-come-first-served, which means that popular ones fill up quickly. The South is also predominantly Republican (AKA right-wing) and has the lowest Covid vaccination rates in the country. There are a lot of different climates in the USA; each one determines when and where you ought to visit. Floridians are a category all their own. California is known for its big bold grapes like chardonnays, cabs, and merlots. Did you know that the places to visit in Chicago even include sandy beaches? The Rockies is one of the greatest mountains chains in North America and has become a defining feature of the Western United States. Objectively speaking, many of the most iconic places in the USA are found on a Southwest road trip itinerary. This will get you a dorm bed, groceries, bus tickets, and some extra spending money. Located along the Sierra Mountains in California, you shouldnt miss out on staying in Yosemite while backpacking the USA. The landscape here is rugged, primal, and mostly untouched by civilization. If youre in the countryside, youre more likely to be killed by bison in heat or a freak tornado. If youre keen on a different kind of experience during your trip, why not stay at one of thebest treehouses and cabins in Georgia? Now were cooking with gas! World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. Times Square is severely overrated, though the lights do look pretty cool at 3 AM post partying. Aint that just beautiful? Weed is fully legal in the state, and you can find every strain and edible you can imagine. The PNW and Alaska are enjoying the sun before it disappears for 5 months. Well worth having as it helps to have quick access to all your stuff. SuccessPsychological aspects. Many will say that the most beautiful places in the USA are not found in cities or towns, but in nature. There are parts of The South that we already know about. Keep some small change in your pockets. There are many forms of travel in the USA and each has its own price tag attached. The meats are tender, the sauces are masterpieces, and the sides are copious. Both are wonderful ways to see cities, as well as the natural world. 6 North America 6.1 North America Backpacking Tent Revenue by Company (2020-2022) 6.2 North America Backpacking Tent Revenue by Type (2017-2028) 6.3 North America Backpacking Tent Revenue by . Campgrounds range in amenities and will be more or less expensive depending on what services are there. Be aware that getting through security can be a real pain in the ass. Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop! Few actually realize that Mexico is astounding; see Chiapas and/or Copper Canyon. They may also have stronger ties to their cultural heritage as the East Coast has powerful diaspora communities (Irish, Italian, Polish, etc). Get free accommodation in exchange for volunteering a few hours a day. If theres one region that you must, its the iconic desert of the Southwest. $46.59 2 Used from $46.59. Best Backpacking Destinations In Europe. 1. "I wasn't afraid of running out of money. While backpacking across America in 1976, 21-year-old Greek musician Calista Frangopoulou has a chance encounter with real-life 70-year-old film director Billy Wilder at a Beverly Hills restaurant. The best wine in America is found on the West Coast. Start your trip in Cusco, the ex-capital of the Inca Empire. Before leaving, stay in San Francisco, a city truly unlike any other in the states. There are also a number of American-ized dishes. Daypacks for South America. The modern capital of the US is not to be missed. Applicants from 40 different countries can enter the United States visa-free for a period of 90 days. Save $$$ Save the Planet Save Your Stomach! 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. You may not have the time, money, or freedom to travel extensively, but if you're curious to read more than just a simple travelogue, this series is for you. From incredible eateries to summer days by the lake, dont forget to try the deep dish! Theres a reason why many people consider it to be the center of the world. Note that an ESTA is not an actual visa for the US, per se (its a clearance). Sometimes small towns have one or two family-run motels at good prices. Coins are also still commonly used in the US and people will often give you exact change. More information. Americans also love drugs, probably a little too much. For any trip lasting a week or longer, choose a pack with a capacity of at least 4,500 cubic inches, or 75 liters, according to BackCountry.com. With no premiums for flights or hotel rooms, you can easily stay within budget and have the experience of a lifetime. Driving in the USA will allow you the ultimate freedom and the chance to see many of its remote attractions and natural wonders. Adam dreams of backpacking across Europe, therefore, each time he is paid, he saves ten percent of his income. For the Digital Nomads and laptop enthusiasts out there, you'll want a high-quality piece of technology - and we've got just the thing for you. This is partly why I was fascinated to read Hike Your Own Hike: 7 Life Lessons from Backpacking across America: The author, Francis Tapon, has made travel a priority and a way of life, and has fostered an adventurous spirit and a contagious passion as a result. There are some cool cities here, such as Des Moines or Indianapolis for alternative reasons not to mention some very attractive outdoor areas, particularly around the Great Lakes. That being said, there ARE ways to travel on a budget in the US and you CAN have a great time. There are hundreds of little towns with rich histories and some offer unique attractions, be they crafts or hot springs. 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. The state is also blessed with a ton of natural beautyMaines stunning Acadia National Park is a dream come true from July-August. Denver is becoming an increasingly popular city to both live in and visit. Glacier National Park can be found in Montana, which is easily one of the most beautiful states in the entire country. Unfortunately, local buses also tend to be associated with crime and unscrupulous activities. After getting acquainted with the Sunshine State, continue onwards to New Orleans, one of Americas coolest cities before expanding your waistline in Austin, Texas. 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. Join the conversation; visit the likes of Miami, San Antonio, or stay in Los Angeles and feel the Latin vibes. Meanwhile, the entry fee for the neighbouring Grand Teton National Park is another $35. I had gotten g. Texas is totally worth your time, even if you only make it to a few destinations. The USA is a land full of opportunities for backpacker volunteers. 1 rain jacket. 10 Money-Saving Tips for Colombia! Each region that we have covered so far in the USA travel guide has some distinct qualities. Self-actualization (Psychology) I. With a myriad of waterfalls and a volcano here and there, this an American Arcadia. You can even find many yoga retreats that combine wellness sessions and exploration with their offering, which is another good way to explore Hawaii. US tourist visa requirements do change regularly so please be sure to always check with the official government website. Budget traveling isn't the best around the United States, but hostels and campsites are your best bet for saving money while backpacking. California and Colorado are both A+ choices for the best vibes and shops. The park features over 700 miles of trails, along with a hike to a stunning hidden lake. Categorization. The gamblers paradise of Las Vegas is up next, or you could just stay in Utah if youre liking it. The Northeast, Midwest, Rockies, and Alaska are frigid and probably buried in snow. In some parts of the Plains, youll find some spectacular landmarks, like Badlands National Park or Mt Rushmore (SD). Make no mistake, theres are a lot to do and see in the United States, so lets waste no time and get to it! However, whenever you are volunteering do stay vigilant, especially when working with animals or children. Blessed with a stunning coast, many mountains, and a ton of legal weed, you simply cannot visit the USA and skip California. Smaller but no less interesting cities, like Baltimore (MD), and Newark (NJ), also contribute greatly and are worth visiting themselves. Be prepared and have the gear to be mostly self-sustaining. All of these are often considered among the most photographed places in the USA. It is essential to have a general concept of where you want to go, how much time you intend to . Maybe youve been planning your USA backpacking trip for awhile, scouring sources and friends for information about where to go, what to do, how to travel in the USA. 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. Theres river rafting, skiing, hunting, climbing, sport fishing, and a whole lot more here. An ambulance ride alone can cost $2000, and a day in a hospital for even a minor issue will easily run over $10,000. 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. Most of the popular travel destinations will be close to a National Park, and we recommend you visit at least one. Once you understand the East Coast style, youll start to feel like one of them. Again, the documents needed to travel to the USA under this visa vary on a case-by-case basis so I cannot tell you what you need. Which of the following is a comma splice? 1 swimsuit. And if you really want to meet others who are also feeling the citys magic for the first time, stay in one of NYCs best hostels. Man, backpacking is supposed to be a beautiful experience and beauty is exactly what you're going to see from your train window. Be a part of the solution and travel with a filter water bottle. Close, Backpacking USA Travel Guide Budgets, Tips, Itineraries + More (2023). I always travel with a hanging toiletry bag as its a super-efficient way to organize your bathroom stuff. The nearest cities Salt Lake City, Utah, and Albuquerque, New Mexico are both more than 6 hours away. The US is currently in an extremely contentious period where millions would literally still die for politics. 4. (Simmer down now angry Texans, were getting there.). In 2008, the United States elected Barack Obama, an African-American who was the countrys first non-white president in over 250 years of history. With your own car, youll get to go where you want, sleep where you want, and do what you want. Best Travel Itineraries for Backpacking the USA, best places to visit in the United States, same size as the entire European continent. Mass shootings are a genuine and pervasive threat in society, particularly in schools, large buildings, or big events. Keep in mind you can often rent gear locally (e.g. Theres even a known moniker of Florida Man as there have been hundreds of absolutely insane things that continue to happen in Florida with that as a headline. Cheryl Strayed (Goodreads Author) (shelved 101 times as backpacking) avg rating 4.04 739,513 ratings published 2012. This is particularly ESSENTIAL in the USA as its for-profit healthcare system means you could be given a 5 figure bill for even minor injuries. All the staples are here: vodka, rum, gin, etc though certain regions do it better than others. 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 . The majority of the international flights arrive at the airport in So Paulo. 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. Passenger vehicles are the preferred method of traveling in the USA and do offer the most flexibility. Americans love to party. Backpacking shows you how little you actually need. This 40-litre backpack is high quality and surprisingly budget-friendly. Since the 1960s, the US has been almost perpetually involved in war, most recently in the Middle East. The Gringo Trail (The Classic South America Backpacking Route) Like 'gaijin' in Japan, 'gringo' is a word used to mean foreigner in Latin America. The Canadian Rocky Mountains are epic and the rugged coastline of British Columbia and Newfoundland are equally impressive. You wont soon forget that lobster roll! Some of these are giant pits of debauchery; others are a bit tamer and family-friendly. If you havent seen the photosgoogle it, youre going to want to add this place to your USA bucket list. Unless youre planning to fly longer distances, there are only a few options for traveling from the US to a different country. He wrote Hike Your Own Hike: 7 Life Lessons from Backpacking Across America. Worldpackers connects travellers with hostels, schools, NGOs and many more. Use Bookawayto find the best deals on transport buses, planes, trains, and ferries. But also because of convenience; the East Coast Corridor is very well connected. Keep in mind that ATMs will charge a fee, which can vary depending on the branch. Volunteering abroad is an amazing way to experience a culture whilst helping your host community. That being said, America is a (mostly) safe place, at least for tourists. They organise yo packing and minimise its volume too so you can pack MORE. Be sure to check Google Maps reviews to find the cheapest eats around whenever you roll into a new place. If you are granted an ESTA, which is valid for 2 years, you are not actually guaranteed entry into the USA. So, if youre thinking about backpacking in the USA alone or with a group, regardless, just know that youll be safe as a tourist. To find the best places to stay in US cities its worth doing some research beforehand: Camping is one of the great American pastimes and something that nearly every resident has done once in their life. Some major companies include Greyhound, Boltbus, and Megabus. If the tread on your tires is 2/32" or less, you need to replace them. 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars. Brussels rocks cheap. Make sure you alsopurchase aRentalCover.com policyto cover your vehicle against any common damages such as tires, windscreens, theft, and more at a fraction of the price you would pay at the rental desk. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. The city that never sleeps is more of a feeling than a place, and is undoubtedly the coolest city in Americaplus it has public transportation. He plans to visit all 54 African countries in 2013-2016. . While some people are living like royalty, some are getting by on less than $2/day thats comparable to living in Nicaragua. Carry a tent and sleeping gear, water purifier, cooking equipment and comfy clothes. London is spendy and friendly. New England still has its fair share of cool cities and the region also. We eventually set our budget for 4 weeks in Uruguay at 1800 - 450 a week - with max 30 a night on accommodation for both of us. document.getElementById("ak_js_2").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); Well, folks that was one epic United States travel guide thrown down. For all matters of finance and accounting on the road, I strongly recommend Wise the platform formerly known as Transferwise! This is the first video is my series that covers my Hike Across America for Veteran Suicide Prevention. Larger towns will have chains. Go out in Portland, Oregon and youll find people sitting in a pub or dive bar, casually drinking craft beers while they shoot the shit. Americans drink all kinds of booze. Two years later, millions of Americans do not believe it is real. Yes, it is possible to hitchhike in America. A $300 bike from Craigslist will do the trick or you can even get one for free through an Earn-A-Bike program. Drink water from ANYWHERE. Im going to be sharing with you all of my knowledge about the States. As the first destination of our travels, it was hard to know what to budget for backpacking South America's most expensive country. They're both 2,000+ miles long, with the PCT stretching from Southern California to Canada and the A.T. stretching from Georgia to Maine. 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 . The East Coast hosts some of the most important cities in the USA, both economically and politically. Buses are ubiquitous in America and can transport you to just about any major city or town. Southerners are warm, welcoming folk who prefer to live life to the fullest rather than get caught up with the details. In this video I go from Cape Henlopen, DE to Denton, . Also beware of Spirit Airlines. America is one of the greatest social experiments in the history of the world. Updated March 20, 2021. 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. 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. But its the perfect place to travel and to live. So more than almost any other country, youre really going to want to consider travel insurance that covers the US. $95. The country was filled with separate restaurants, buses, and schools, and mixing of races was not allowed. There are plenty of different volunteer projects in the USA including teaching, construction, agriculture, and pretty much anything. So far weve covered 48 of the USAs 50 total states. LA might just have the best street tacos in the US, and as the city can get expensive, note nearby cheap food options when choosing your accommodation. Take an unforgettable North America REI Adventures Backpacking trip led by local guides. Just make sure you choose a good place to stay in NYC thats near public transport. But did you know that some of the finest North American architecture is preserved in the cities of Charleston, South Carolina or Savannah, Georgia? STATES: West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, various satellite counties. HikingAppalachian Trail. document.getElementById("ak_js_3").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Buy an AMK Travel Medical Kit before you head out on your next adventure dont be daft! New England has a distinctly more old-school vibe than other Atlantic states. Never get into the topic first, unless you know youre with like-minded people. Theyre a proud bunch and want everyone to know it but theyre honestly some of the best folk in the States. Many Americans only appreciate this country for its beach resorts e.g. In 3 days, dont miss out on Club Space for the coolest sounds in the city, South Beach for beaches and bottles, and Key Biscayne for a more relaxing, natural beach day complete with water sports. Backpacking is especially popular among young people. If youre going on an overnight hike, make sure you have a good tent, sleeping bag, and a means to prepare food. A 3-week itinerary for the USA is a great chunk of time to allow you to see multiple regions in the USA and, not only that, enjoy them as well. Youll need to arm yourself with some considerable knowledge though and know the best ways to save a buck while traveling in the USA. 1 Mexico. So even if you may not see the country at its best, rest assured youll still get to experience a whole lot that will absolutely make your trip worth it. Your laptop deserves a proper pack, and we know a good few! I consent to my personal information being processed in accordance with The Broke Backpackers.