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VISITING NORTH AMERICA - PART 1

VISITING NORTH AMERICA - PART 1

Date: 2019-03-30

Come get a mega slice of Americana on a road trip through the USA. The East Coast is packed with sophistication, foodie delights and amazing sights you could ever want – from fabulous New York down to fun-filled Florida. Whether you want to soak up the sun on the gorgeous beaches of Miami, take an air boat ride through the Everglades or unleash your inner child at Disney World, there’s something for everyone here. One thing’s for sure – the USA is crammed with adventure in every direction. Ready to go exploring?

BEST PLACES TO VISIT

16.DENVER

The city offers a mix of urban excitement and natural surroundings that other American cities can only dream of. You can hike the Rockies’ trails or ski the slopes, explore the museums, sampling a few of its famous brews and even go on a brewery trial. Denverites are much more laid-back than residents of other major American cities, promoting an active, outdoorsy culture that thrives on good food and craft beer. The population also exhibits a passion for art, culture and cuisine. You can wander around in the Art Museum of Larimer Square before grabbing a basket of Rocky Mountain oysters along the Capitol Hill district's Restaurant Row. For kids there is plenty to keep them busy from a world-class zoo to the fascinating branch of the US Mint.

17.SEATTLE

It's home to some of the country's best coffee and a thriving arts scene, plenty of history, culture and some exciting outdoor activities. Surrounded by water the city's favorite outdoor pursuits include kayaking, hiking and camping. The nearby Olympic Mountains and the giant Mount Rainier are visible from many spots in the city; ski slopes are just a short drive away. Art lovers will appreciate the glass-blown pieces at Chihuly Garden and Glass as well as the works on display at the Seattle Art Museum. Maritime enthusiasts can explore the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks and watch the ships putter by. The city boasts dozens of craft breweries and food markets, making it one of the Best Foodie Destinations in the USA.

18.CHICAGO

America's third-largest city has been described in a myriad of ways throughout its lifetime. The intense immigration surges throughout the 20th century brought a host of new identities to the city, including Greek, Polish, Italian, Irish and Jewish. The city boasting a thriving arts scene, various shopping districts and a cornucopia of eateries. The skyscrapers and public art are absolutely worth admiring – stroll along the Chicago Architecture River Cruise or pass a few hours in Millennium Park and you'll find yourself spending lots of time looking upward. For a view over the city, head to Willis Tower's Skydeck Chicago or the John Hancock Center's 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck. The city offers exceptional museums, a thriving sports culture and deep-dish pizza that takes delicious to whole new depths.

19.WASHINGTON D.C

The marbled monuments and high-profile politicos, Washington, D.C., has saddled with a reputation as a stuffy government-driven town. The city offers a host of renowned museums, interesting neighborhoods, restaurants, cafes, boutiques and clubs. You can visit the White House, U.S. Capitol and the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History or stroll around the Tidal Basin. But if you've already seen the national landmarks, get a feel for the city's more youthful ambiance, highlighted by its urban neighborhoods, marquee art galleries and vibrant farmers markets.

20.NEW YORK

Cool, cosmopolitan, crowded, constantly evolving … the Big Apple blends big city splendor with small-town charm. You can experience a vibrant culture permeating each of the city's distinctive neighborhoods and boroughs. Visit the East Village and Brooklyn to check out indie boutiques, iconic bakeries and trendy coffee shops. Afterward, peruse the racks of the sleek shops lining Fifth Avenue, admire the cutting-edge art collections at the MoMa and the Met, catch a memorable show on Broadway or sit down for a meal in one of the restaurants. The city's twinkling lights and chaotic corners invite you to embrace every New York minute, explore every enclave and create your own urban adventure.

You can visit North America anytime of the year.

THINGS TO REMEMBER

  • Make sure your passport is valid
  • Know your visa situation
  • Buy a TSA-approved lock
  • Know the rules about transit
  • Book your airport transfer
  • Turn off your mobile data
  • Understand tipping etiquette
  • Be prepared to pay more than you think
  • 911 is the emergency number in the US.
  • Make sure you have health and travel insurance before your visit – health care costs are some of the highest in the world here.
  • The US is one of only a few countries to still use the Imperial system. So, think of height in feet, distance in miles, temperature in Fahrenheit, and weight in pounds.
  • Credit cards and bank cards are usually the preferred mode of payment. Ring your bank before travelling – even domestically – so they’re aware you’ll be using your bank card.
  • The US spans six time zones; make sure you know which time zone your destination is in for your flights and airport transfers.
  • Hot tip: make the most of the incredible National and State Parks in the US, they’re some of the best in the world.