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United States Resources

Meagan — Thu, 18 Feb 2021 19:33:39 +0000

Are you dreaming of a vacation to the United States? With its rich cultural heritage, wide open spaces, and world-class attractions, it’s no wonder why so many travelers choose America as their destination. From bustling East Coast cities like New York and Washington D.C., to the adventure of the West Coast with destinations such as Yosemite National Park and Monument Valley, there is something for everyone! Whether you’re looking for vibrant city life or an outdoor escape away from it all – read on for everything you need to know about traveling in the United States!

Table of contents

Practical Info

Getting to the United States

You are going to have to fly. Then once you are there you may need to fly around within the United States because the country is massive.

When to go

Hypothetically, you could visit the United States during any season, depending on what you want to go for. Visit from June-August for beaches and summer activities, September-November for foliage, apple picking, and pumpkin carving. From November-December, many cities have dramatic holiday displays and decorations to admire, as well as plenty of events for the kids. December-February provide ideal months for skiing, snowboarding and other outdoor winter activities. The spring months of March-May are reserved for wildflower blooms, flower shows, Mardi Gras, and St. Patrick’s Day festivities.

For lower costs, visit in April-May or September-October. Prices for travel are high in November due to Thanksgiving.

What to See

New York City	Statue of Liberty, UN Headquarters, Empire State Building, Times Square, Nightlife
Los Angeles	Film Industry, Venice & Santa Monica Beaches
Washington, D.C.	Capital City, Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, White House
Chicago	Deep-Dish Pizza, Wrigley Field, Lakeside City
San Francisco	Golden Gate Bridge, Cable Cars, Hilly Bayside City
Boston	American Revolution History, Freedom Trail, Fenway Park, Seafood
Las Vegas	Gambling, Strip Clubs, Nightlife, Entertainment
Miami	Beach Life, Nightlife, Art Deco Architecture
Providence	Culinary Scene, Waterfire, Art, Culture
Seattle	Space Needle, Pike Place Market, Coffee
Orlando	Disney, Theme Parks, Family Destination
Salt Lake City	Skiing, Hiking, Outdoor Activities, Mormon Culture
Denver	Access to Rocky Mountains, Art Museums, Sports Games, Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Charleston	Antebellum Architecture, Southern Charm, Magnolia Plantation
San Antonio	Alamo, River Walk, Tex Mex

The United States is simply too big to list all of the major cities and their different personalities. Depending on your interests, you’ll surely find somewhere that suits you in the USA.

Getting around within the United States

This is one country where it’s almost necessary to rent a car. The rail system in the United States is not as well-connected as in Europe, and also much, MUCH more expensive! The country is so big that, if you want to do your own thing, renting a car is your best bet.

Flying within the country is also quite expensive – to be honest, I fly from Boston to Europe cheaper than elsewhere in the United States. If you must fly within the country, the budget airlines are Spirit, Frontier, and Jet Blue – just don’t expect much in the way of luxury (or leg room, for that matter).

Detailed USA Articles

Alabama

Gulf Shores

Arizona

California

Colorado

Denver
Vail

Florida

Georgia

Atlanta

Hawaii

Kauai

Princeville

Oahu

Idaho

Illinois

Chicago

Kentucky

Bowling Green

Louisiana

New Orleans

Massachusetts

Boston
Martha’s Vineyard

Missouri

Montana

Nevada

Las Vegas

New Mexico

Albuquerque

New York

North Carolina

Ohio

Cincinnati

Oklahoma

Tulsa

Oregon

Pennsylvania

Philadelphia

Puerto Rico South Carolina South Dakota

Rapid City

Rhode Island

Newport

Tennesee

Texas

Utah

Virginia

Washington, D.C.

Washington

Wisconsin

Lake Geneva

Wyoming

Yellowstone

Flight Resources

Skyscanner is the website I use for all of my flights. Other travelers also like Momondo.

Money-saving tip: Don’t input any dates to scan the best available times to go OR simply input ‘Netherlands’ instead of a specific airport – you may get a much cheaper flight!

Accommodation Resources

When I travel, I prefer to use VRBO. I book an entire apartment, giving me my privacy and the comfort of home amenities, such as a kitchen and washing machine. Since my dog(s) travel with me, it also allows me to filter based on pet-friendliness without the stress of disturbing hotel guests. Also, by getting your own apartment (or shared apartment), you’ll have use of the kitchen, allowing you to cook your own meals and save some cash by avoiding expensive dinners.

If you’re traveling long-term, VRBO usually offers discounts for stays of a month or more – the discounts are not as significant as in Europe, but it’s still worth a shot!

For run-of-the-mill hotel stays, Hotels.com usually offers the best deals. Also be sure to check out the Budget hotel chains, such as Motel 6, La Quinta, Super 8, and America’s Best Value Inn. Hostels can be overpriced in the United States and the hostel culture prevalent in Europe is virtually nonexistent.

Safety Tips

The United States falls somewhere in the middle in terms of safety. It’s such a large country with so many different areas, that it entirely depends on where you are going. That being said, all major cities have some aspect of danger to them, particularly in the ‘seedier’ areas. You’ll find areas you feel safe and areas you don’t feel safe in most all cities you visit. Trust your judgment and remove yourself from situations in which you feel unsafe.

Money Saving Tips

The United States is a fairly expensive country to visit, particularly when coming from most of the rest of the world. That being said, some regions of the country are definitely more expensive than others. Areas near larger cities and more populated states (New England, New York, D.C., California, Chicago) are going to be your most expensive places to visit.

If you want to visit the States but are looking for places that don’t cost quite as much, the Southern States (the Carolinas, Florida, Louisiana), the Pacific Northwest (Washington, Oregon), and areas that are further from major cities will likely be cheaper.

Go to a local grocery store and cook your own breakfasts and dinners. Eat out for lunch – most restaurants have lunch menus that have smaller portions and lower prices. Find BYOB restaurants to save money on alcohol.

If you don’t already have one, create a Pinterest account! Pinterest is an invaluable resource for travelers. Simply input ‘Free things to do in….’ and see all the great options that come up. There are plenty of free things to do in the major cities.

Speaking of cities, get yourself a city pass if you plan on doing a lot of sightseeing – museums, tours, public transport, etc. are usually highly discounted with the purchase of a city pass.

FAQs About Traveling to the United States

Do I need a visa to visit the United States?
- Visa requirements for visiting the United States vary depending on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. Citizens of some countries can enter the U.S. for short stays (up to 90 days) under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Others may need to apply for a tourist visa. Check with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa information.
What’s the best time to visit the United States?
- The United States is a vast country with diverse climates. The best time to visit depends on your destination. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are generally pleasant for travel across the country. Summer (June to August) is ideal for beach destinations, while winter (December to February) is perfect for winter sports in places like Colorado or Vermont.
What’s the currency in the United States, and can I use credit cards?
- The official currency is the United States Dollar (USD), and credit cards are widely accepted in most establishments. It’s a good idea to have some cash on hand for small purchases and in case you visit places that do not accept cards.
What languages are spoken in the United States?
- English is the primary language spoken in the United States. However, due to its diverse population, you’ll also find people who speak Spanish, Chinese, and other languages.
Is tap water safe to drink in the United States?
- Tap water is generally safe to drink throughout the United States. In rare cases, it’s recommended to use bottled water, which is readily available.
How do I get around the United States?
- The United States has a well-developed transportation system, including domestic flights, trains, buses, and an extensive road network. Rental cars are a common choice for exploring, but many cities also have public transportation systems like subways, buses, and trams.
What are some must-visit places in the United States?
- The United States offers a wide range of attractions, including New York City, Los Angeles, the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone National Park, and the beaches of Florida. Explore historic cities, natural wonders, and cultural sites.
What is American cuisine like, and are there vegetarian/vegan options?
- American cuisine is diverse, with dishes like hamburgers, hot dogs, barbecue, and regional specialties. Vegetarian and vegan options are available in most restaurants, particularly in larger cities.
Is it customary to tip in the United States?
- Tipping is customary in the United States. A 15-20% tip for good service in restaurants is standard. In cafes and bars, rounding up the bill or leaving a dollar per drink is common.
Is it safe to travel in the United States?
- The United States is generally considered a safe destination for travelers. Use common-sense precautions, such as safeguarding your belongings and staying aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded or tourist-heavy areas.
What should I pack for my trip to the United States?
- Pack clothing suitable for the season and activities you have planned. Comfortable walking shoes, layers, and any specific items you need for your destination, such as swimwear or hiking gear.
What is the legal drinking age in the United States?
- The legal drinking age for purchasing and consuming alcoholic beverages is 21 years old in the United States. Please adhere to these age restrictions when ordering alcoholic drinks in bars and restaurants.

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Destinations

Meagan — Wed, 04 Mar 2020 07:26:15 +0000

Scotland

Singapore

South Africa

Cape Town

Sri Lanka

Thailand

Turks and Caicos

Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City

Jamaica

Japan

Tokyo

Kuwait

Malaysia

Langkawi Island

Nevis

New Zealand

Panama

Prague

Scotland

Singapore

South Africa

Cape Town

Sri Lanka

Thailand

Turks and Caicos

Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City

India

Dublin

Jamaica

Japan

Tokyo

Kuwait

Malaysia

Langkawi Island

Nevis

New Zealand

Panama

Prague

Scotland

Singapore

South Africa

Cape Town

Sri Lanka

Thailand

Turks and Caicos

Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City

India

Dublin

Jamaica

Japan

Tokyo

Kuwait

Malaysia

Langkawi Island

Nevis

New Zealand

Panama

Prague

Scotland

Singapore

South Africa

Cape Town

Sri Lanka

Thailand

Turks and Caicos

Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City

Guyana

Honduras

India

Dublin

Jamaica

Japan

Tokyo

Kuwait

Malaysia

Langkawi Island

Nevis

New Zealand

Panama

Prague

Scotland

Singapore

South Africa

Cape Town

Sri Lanka

Thailand

Turks and Caicos

Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City

Guyana

Honduras

India

Dublin

Jamaica

Japan

Tokyo

Kuwait

Malaysia

Langkawi Island

Nevis

New Zealand

Panama

Prague

Scotland

Singapore

South Africa

Cape Town

Sri Lanka

Thailand

Turks and Caicos

Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City

Cambodia

Caribbean

Guyana

Honduras

India

Dublin

Jamaica

Japan

Tokyo

Kuwait

Malaysia

Langkawi Island

Nevis

New Zealand

Panama

Prague

Scotland

Singapore

South Africa

Cape Town

Sri Lanka

Thailand

Turks and Caicos

Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City

So far we’ve been to at least 29 countries. It’s been a while since I’ve tried to figure out how many. This list is not up to date. To see a full list of places I have written about using the category drop-down tool or you can use the search box.

Australia

Bahamas

Belize

Canada

Quebec

Costa Rica

Alabama

Gulf Shores

Arizona

California

Colorado

Denver
Vail

Florida

Georgia

Atlanta

Hawaii

Kauai

Princeville

Oahu

Idaho

Illinois

Chicago

Kentucky

Bowling Green

Louisiana

New Orleans

Massachusetts

Boston
Martha’s Vineyard

Missouri

Montana

Nevada

Las Vegas

New Mexico

New York

North Carolina

Ohio

Cincinnati

Oklahoma

Tulsa

Oregon

Pennsylvania

Philadelphia

Puerto Rico

South Carolina

South Dakota

Rapid City

Rhode Island

Newport

Tennesee

Texas

Utah

Virginia

Washington, D.C.

Washington

Wisconsin

Lake Geneva

Wyoming

Yellowstone

Belize

Cambodia

Caribbean

Denmark

Copenhagen

Dominican Republic

Punta Cana

England

London

Fiji

Menton
Paris

Guyana

Honduras

India

Dublin

Jamaica

Japan

Tokyo

Kuwait

Malaysia

Langkawi Island

Nevis

New Zealand

Panama

Prague

Scotland

Singapore

South Africa

Cape Town

Sri Lanka

Thailand

Turks and Caicos

Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City

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Finger Lakes Travel Guide

Meagan — Thu, 07 Aug 2014 21:58:57 +0000

The spectacular Finger Lakes Region is located in central New York State. It is one of the most beautiful and enchanting areas in the United States.

The Finger Lakes Region consists of a series of lakes resembling the fingers on a hand formed from the remnants of the glaciers eons ago. There are actually 11 lakes in the Finger Lakes region, but the area generally refers to the five primary lakes of Skaneateles Lake, Cayuga Lake, Seneca Lake, Keuka Lake, and Canandaigua Lake. The lakes, gorges, hills and vales are breathtaking, with pristine and unspoiled cold, clear waters. The sunrises and sunsets over the lakes and valleys are especially magnificent.

According to “I Love New York” (the official New York Tourism website), the central New York area of the Finger Lakes “consists of charming villages, exciting shopping, warm hospitality, and beautiful scenery.” The Finger Lakes Region welcomes travelers to explore its gorges and has outstanding recreational opportunities. One can travel on a 135-mile driving tour and discover how a Native American trail became the “Gateway to the Finger Lakes.”

From museums to world-class entertainment, the Finger Lakes Region has everything that a visitor hopes for. Tourism is a growth industry in the Finger Lakes and each year tourists spend some $200 million on vacations. The community is progressive yet retains the traditional charms of small town life.

New York’s Finger Lakes Region is an incredible area that our family has spent a lot of time exploring. After more than 10 trips to the area, we have put together a Finger Lakes Travel Guide to help you plan your own trip. From multiple wine trails, breathtaking state parks, indoor water parks, skiing, and new playgrounds they have a little bit of everything.

Finger Lakes Travel Guide

Where to Stay in the Finger Lakes

Hope Lake Lodge near Cortland, NY
Inn of the Finger Lakes
Belhurst Castle & Winery – Stay in a castle.
Finger Lakes RV Rental

Wineries Worth Visiting in the Finger Lakes

Montezuma Winery – The Montezuma Winery is by far my favorite winery in the world. Their wines are unique and award winning. Some of my favorites are Camper’s White, Diamond, Fat Frog Red, and Fat Frog White. If you like sweeter wines this is your place. They have lots of wines that are not sweet, but happen to have a large selection of both. Many wineries do not have such a variety of sweet wines. They have a gift shop too, that is absolutely adorable.
Cayuga Lake Wine Trail
CJS Vineyards – Small, but great wine. It is near Auburn.
Lakewood Vineyards – In Watkins Glen. Plan to visit here when you visit Watkins Glen State Park.
Hazlitt – Has an excellent Red Cat wine and they have wine slushies.
Knapp Wineries – They have a wonderful lunch.
Belhurst Castle – Has excellent brunch and it’s a cool place. They have peacocks on the grounds and it’s on the lake.
Seneca Lake Wine Trail tour

Things to do in the Finger Lakes

Attractions and Recreation

The Finger Lakes excels with entertainment and recreational opportunities throughout the year, including the Watkins Glen Speedway, Cruises on the Lakes, Festivals, a Renaissance Fair in Sterling, Sonnenburg Gardens, Timespell Laser Show, Roseland Water Park, numerous golf courses, and even a train ride on the Finger Lakes Scenic Railway. Winery tours are very popular with over 100 wineries in the region. The Finger Lakes provides a host of winter activities including skiing, skating, and ice fishing. One of the most popular features are the 45 local and state parks such as Letchworth, Seneca, Sampson, or Chimney Bluffs available for camping, hunting or fishing. Thousands each year visit these parks.

National Museum of Play in Rochester, NY

Seneca Lake State Park

Watkins Glen State Park – One of the seven wonders of the United States.

Ithaca Science Center – The science center features the Emerson Science Park, a large outdoor playground full of fun things for kids to do. They can climb, pull, make music, play with sand and water features, make huge bubbles, and more. Our whole family had fun playing with the levers. The kids were actually able to lift me! The outdoor area makes this museum stand out from other science museums. The outdoor area alone makes this worth the visit. They also have a neat putt putt area where each hole has a science lesson to go with it.Inside the museum you will find a whole assortment of handson exhibits, including a special place just for babies. My kids had fun playing with the water features and learning about space.

Culture

The Finger Lakes has many outstanding museums and art shows, including the Performing Arts Center, Granger Homestead & Carriage Museum, Sodus Point Lighthouse Museum, National Women’s Hall of Fame, Corning Museum of Glass, etc. The Region is also one of the richest communities for higher education with some of the best colleges in the country including Hobart and William Smith College, Keuka College, Ithaca College, Cornell University, and several excellent state and community colleges.

Shopping

Shopping is a pleasure with numerous small town stores with distinctive flairs and novelties, as well as with the larger malls such as the Seneca Outlet Mall, Eastview Mall, or the Arnot Mall. There are outstanding antique shops, flea markets, gift stores and numerous specialty shops both in the malls and in small towns like Skaneateles.

Where to eat in the Finger Lakes

The Finger Lakes has a wide range of restaurants available at all price ranges including the Belhurst Castle in Geneva, Warfields in Clifton Springs, the Wildflower Café in Watkins Glen, Taughannock Farms in Trumansburg, Steamboat Landing in Canandaigua, the Aurora Inn in Aurora, and many others.

Balloons Restaurant (Auburn) – I had the peppercorn steak and it was wonderful. The side I picked was the garlic mash and they were even better than the steak. I was with a lot of people and everyone was happy with their food. The service was great. The kids can get steaks for $10. My son accidentally threw his steak off of his plate and onto the floor while trying to cut it. The waiter was cool about it and replaced it. But he didn’t just replace it, he soothed our 7 year old, because he was super upset.
Nickels BBQ – Located in Watkins Glen

Overall the region provides good health care, has a low crime rate, low traffic rate, and excels with a community spirit without the hassles of big city living. The real appeal of the Finger Lakes, though, is the beauty of the nature and land. The lakes, gorges, parks, and valleys are spectacular to behold and there is a natural connection to the region which is almost spiritual in nature. Many who come to visit, decide to stay.

Should You Get Travel Insurance?

Don’t forget travel insurance! I’m a fan of Travelex insurance, because of the variety of options. Protect yourself from possible injury & theft abroad. I have gotten extremely sick twice now out of the country and Noah has had seizures in other countries, so I always recommend getting some sort of coverage. Read more about why you should always carry travel insurance here.

Car Rental

If you are looking for a car rental I recommend getting the car at the airport. It will make things easier. This entire area is easy to drive around in. Get a $14 a day car rental!

10 Exciting Water Sports in New York

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.

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Hope Lake Lodge in Cortland, NY

Meagan — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 21:00:00 +0000

Greek Peak Mountain Resort encompasses all kinds of fun including a stunning lodge for families.

Hope Lake Lodge

Hope Lake Lodge at Greek Peak Mountain Resort is a hotel and indoor water park, located in Cortland, NY part of the Finger Lakes. It’s near the NY Jets training camp and offers the perfect place for a family retreat.

Hope Lake Lodge is not only an award-winning beautiful hotel, it’s also the home of Cascades Indoor Waterpark. The entire area around Hope Lake Lodge is a recreation area. In the summer they offer zip lining, ropes courses, hiking, fishing, and all kinds of other fun activities. In the winter they offer skiing, tubing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and more.

On top of all that the rooms and suites are huge and have full kitchens! Here is a picture tour of our suite at Hope Lake Lodge.

In this living room photo is a full-size couch that can be unfolded into a bed.

You can not see the ski storage area from this picture, but along the wall facing the dining table is a ski storage nook. Having somewhere to put your skis is a must when picking out a place to stay near a ski area.

It was nice having the sink area separate from the shower area. It made getting ready quicker and anything that helps a family with three kids get faster quicker is a big deal.

I loved the fitness room. They provided towels and water. There were 2 or 3 tv’s in the room.

Cascade Indoor Waterpark

We stayed two nights at the hotel and all hotel guests get complimentary passes to the water park. Day passes are also available on certain days.

The water is kept at 84 degrees year-round. They have a wave pool, two body slides, two tube slides, an interactive play structure, and a kiddie pool with swings and a slide. They also have my favorite, an indoor/outdoor hot tub. Along with a regular pool inside and another outside. The outside pool is also kept at 84 degrees and can be entered from inside the water park.

Our kids had so much fun. They played in the wave pool for hours. I was glad there were no restrictions on who could use the wave pool. If your kid is under 42 inches they are required to wear a life jacket. My five year old wore a life jacket and the waves were fine for him. I also liked how compact everything is. I was able to easily keep an eye on all three kids at once.

Cortland, NY is near the Finger Lakes not far from Ithaca, NY.

Read Next:

Finger Lakes Travel Guide

Cayuga Lake Wine Trail

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