Added: 01/17/2006 |
United States vacation for the first-time travelerNeedless to say that a United States vacation can be as diverse as the country is and there is something for each traveler. It is difficult to characterize the USA as wholeness due to its size and diversity, but an overview can help travelers see some differences and plan their United States vacation according to what interests them most.
The continental United States is bound by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west with these two coasts housing premier USA beaches and all-inclusive resorts, providing great opportunities for a leisure United States vacation. There are three major mountain chains in the US, the Appalachian Mountains, the Rocky Mountains and the combined Sierra Nevada and Cascade ranges. Numerous adventurous travelers enjoy hiking, biking, skiing, camping and other sports, as well as the spectacular sightseeing in the mountains all around the year. If you plan an explorative United States travel, here is North America, open for discoveries and adventures all the year round like it was many centuries ago, while Delaware with its world-famous lodgings for lovers makes it perfect for a honeymoon vacation in the United States.
The cities, rated as the most popular to plan a United States vacation, include Washington, New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Chicago, while larger top United States vacation destinations are Aspen, Bend, Cape God, Daytona Beach and the Grand Canyon.
Depending on your destination, you will come across different cultures every time you visit the USA, regardless a stereotype of the general American culture, promoted by American movies all over the world. In fact, it is impossible to say that one culture, including art, manners, religion, cultural values and the knowledge, typifies America. You will see diverse and distinct cultures indeed.
However, despite your United States vacation destination, there are several important things to know for a USA first-time traveler.
Currency exchange centers are relatively rare. Some banks convert foreign currency to US dollars, though it is difficult to say which banks surely do it and which do not, and in any case, the exchange is often unfavorable and a time-consuming process. Therefore, it is better to exchange currency while at home and use credit cards, such as Visa and MasterCard that are widely acceptable.
The USA is notable for a variety of restaurants and an astonishing number of fast food and chain restaurants. You will notice that alcoholic beverages are not usually served in these restaurants, while soft drinks are common. There are also family restaurants that do not serve alcoholic drinks as well. Many restaurants deliver the food, ordered by phone, to your hotel or home and both locals and visitors find it convenient to take your food out.
In large cities a hotel is the most common form of lodging with the price, varying from eighty dollars to two hundred per night. Affordable and nationwide chains of hotels are the Amerisuites and Microtel that are found in the majority of US cities. Both brands offer amenities and services, common to an expensive hotel, but at well-reasonable prices. In rural areas a motel is the most preferred type of accommodation. Motels often provide inexpensive rooms with a limited number of amenities, including a telephone, a TV, a bed and a bathroom.
Finally, but still very important, any traveler should make sure to have either the traveler's insurance or the insurance, provided by his government before traveling to the USA. The USA is the only country that has no national universal healthcare system and Americans generally use the private health insurance. As a result, it is quite costly to get some health care without the insurance.
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