Visiting Alaska could be an unforgettable experience as there are few places this pure left in the world. Adam dreams of backpacking across Europe. Well worth having as it helps to have quick access to all your stuff. Hit Downtown San Francisco and suddenly people are networking at underground concerts. That said, camping is much cheaper and more fun than staying in a hotel. The most beautiful place in the US by far, Hawaii feels like another (very green) planet. Most people will fly at least once or twice within the United States. South of the border lies tropical shores and the mystical cultures of Mexico. Since then, has walked across America four times via its three major mountain ranges. They may also let you buy or extend a policy once youve started your trip and are already abroad which is super handy. The expression work hard, play hard is used here a lot and there are few things more rewarding than spending your hard-earned money on a night out. Youre going to hear me harp on this fact often, but the United States is fuckin huge. Hawaii is getting dumped on by rain. Never get into the topic first, unless you know youre with like-minded people. If you dont really care about civilization though, theres always the Great Lakes to explore. Throw in a huge array of unique lodgings: stay in a castle, treehouses, yurts, houseboats, and farm stays, plus with all the campgrounds you wont lack of options. Note that most national parks charge an entry fee. Applicants from 40 different countries can enter the United States visa-free for a period of 90 days. Each arrival is assessed on a case-by-case basis this means that you will be at the mercy of the customs agent every time you travel to the US. Sandwiched between the Puget Sound and Mt Rainier, its arguably the most beautiful city in America as well (on a clear day). 1 / 10. Bonus points if you visit Big Bend National Park or the Texas Hill Country. Mexico, sometimes considered part of North America, is a massive country and should be added to any backpacking itinerary of Central America. But ultimately, it will be thrilling. One of the main things people realize when returning from their first budget backpacking trip is they didn't need to pack as much as they did. Speaking of freak accidents, the US is the only developed nation on Earth without universal healthcare. He wrote Hike Your Own Hike: 7 Life Lessons from Backpacking Across America. With 50 states unique as 50 separate countries, backpacking the USA is an adventure unlike any other. Staying near Lake Michigan, for example, is always a good idea. By staying in warm climates for most of the year, we were able to avoid bringing along winter coats or cold weather gear. Californians are often perceived as vain and superficial and care more about personal advancement than relationships. Pursue these as best you can as they can save you a lot of money. The stunning and expansive national park can keep hikers busy for days, though most come to see the iconic Yosemite Falls. . Lesser visited Idaho, often relegated to a pitstop on road trips across America, is actually a really pretty place, especially around Sandpoint, the Sawtooth Mountains, and Sun Valley. Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail (Hardcover) by. Furthermore although this sounds very anti-feminist I would only recommend hitchhiking to males, and only to those who would know how to handle a worst case scenario: it has been associated with hundreds of murders and kidnappings. There is a certain romance to crossing the Great Plains though. The South is also predominantly Republican (AKA right-wing) and has the lowest Covid vaccination rates in the country. 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. 1. . So far weve covered 48 of the USAs 50 total states. offers a witty elegy for the last gasp of old Hollywood. . While pickpocketing is rare, car theft is an issue as are mass shootings due to a lack of gun laws or regulations in most states. a shirt can be a base layer in a cold climate or a top layer in a warm climate). Colin Fletcher. Clara visits the local bakery shop several times a week and knows the owner, Sam, very well. Of course, its weird, and, yes, the BBQ will probably lead to an early grave but if you visit The South with an open mind, you may just enjoy it. It may be one of the few real American foods, but BBQ is all we really need. Europe is huge, and there are so many fantastic places to visit. A great time to visit the United States! New Mexico is the least trafficked part of the Southwest and is probably more well-known for Breaking Bad than its actual attractions. SafetyWing is convenient, cheap, and trouble-free Insurance was never this easy! Glacier National Park can be found in Montana, which is easily one of the most beautiful states in the entire country. $46.59 2 Used from $46.59. Having lived in the USA for the first 25 years of my life, I sometimes have a hard time answering this question myself. Spencer packed his backpack and set out on a 9-month trip around North America. They will need to apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) beforehand. All the more reason to never leave! New England is the start of the USA as we know it. The East Coast may just be the most quaint part of the US. The Southwest is a desert filled with some of the most surreal and fantastic natural features you can imagine. The Glacier National Park is another backpacking destination you shouldn't miss as you travel across America. There are a lot of options when it comes to lodging. Both are wonderful ways to see cities, as well as the natural world. 4. If you have the time though, the aforementioned states are totally worth visiting. If you want to go backpacking in the USA on a budget, consider investing in a special annual pass. The $22 charged per cupcake is the _____ rice. Keep some small change in your pockets. The Windy City is one of the coolest in America. We suggest booking a campervan with Outdoorsy as they usually have a good selection and good prices. Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. 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. Most people head immediately for lively Austin first. Relatively cheap (roughly $50-$70 per night) motels can be found in many mid-size towns throughout the US. There are more cities besides Chicago worth seeing too. During our year-long honeymoon, we spent 5 incredible months backpacking in South America. Lets take a closer look at some of your USA expenses: Disclaimer: While prices in the US may vary depending upon what region youre in, this is a good general overview of what prices will look like overall. Germany can be staid or mind-blowing. Updated March 20, 2021. The requirements of this US tourist visa are much stricter than the VWP and will often require conditions like in-person interviews and background checks. The buildings are older, the food is more old-fashioned, and the cultural memory stretches further back. 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. US tourist visa requirements do change regularly so please be sure to always check with the official government website. Its a dreamscape full of natural bridges, rocky portals, and passageways leading to God knows where. Just dont piss them off. Though it has an (undeserving) bad reputation, visiting Mexico is incredible. 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. Free apps for self-guided tours. There is a lot of really interesting stuff going on here if you know where to look. Burlington, Vermont is also a cool little hippy town and Providence, Rhode Island is also having a renaissance. To avoid these extra fees. 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. (Simmer down now angry Texans, were getting there.). 6 Top Tips for Backpacking Across America. It can also refer to a low-cost form of travel, often staying in inexpensive accommodations like hostels, while carrying all necessary possessions in a backpack. Visiting here will allow you endless opportunities to camp, hike, and explore. If you want to visit Wyoming, Montana, or Idaho, it will be a mission. February 7, 2023. Not many people make the Midwest a part of their USA backpacking trip and its kind of a shame actually. Most will base themselves in the Midwests largest city, Chicago. 6. Toggle navigation Quote Master. The Bay Area has a wealth of jobs. From incredible eateries to summer days by the lake, dont forget to try the deep dish! Denver is becoming an increasingly popular city to both live in and visit. But also because of convenience; the East Coast Corridor is very well connected. The Great Plains separate the East Coast and West Coast of the United States like an ocean. South America is a hugely popular destination to brush up on your Spanish: Cusco, Peru; Buenos Aires, Argentina; Sucre, Bolivia; and Quito, Ecuador, are the most popular destinations to take a course. Be prepared for what life throws at you. STATES: Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota. Objectively speaking, many of the most iconic places in the USA are found on a Southwest road trip itinerary. Read on for American moments and scenes you just shouldnt skip. I'd say that's pretty good.ALASKA. This doesnt mean its impossible, but you should demonstrate a good travel history and strong ties to your home country for the best possible chance at success. In fact, theres roughly 5000 km between LA and NYC; if you were on a coast-to-coast road trip in the US, thatd be a whole lot of fuck-all in between. If you want to explore caves, unlit temples, or simply find your way to the bathroom during a blackout, a headtorch is a must. Up to 5x miles. Stay somewhere EPIC and save your hard-earned dollars from houses to barns to castles and caves, there is an Airbnb for every occasion! Read the proceeding section for more information on renting a car in the USA. You'll understand why smart money and groundbreaking tourists are flocking to this undiscovered territory. Im going to be sharing with you all of my knowledge about the States. How much money do you need to drive across America? If you don't have any stuff, you don't need an apartment to keep it in. Times Square is severely overrated, though the lights do look pretty cool at 3 AM post partying. Next up, head to Utah, another wild state blessed with stunning beauty, and some great places to camp on a budget. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads usingthis link. Might be that weed. More information. 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 . Travel light and leave behind what you don't need . Even legal stores often cannot accept cards due to nuanced legal issues. How much money do you need to drive across America? The United States isn't a popular destination for backpackers and budget travelers. From Mediterranean olive groves, to alpine forests all the way to spiralling mountain routes that pass shining sapphire lakes. If Im being honest, it can be a hectic place and I often feel safer in Pakistan. Secure that visa and book that ticket, American dreams are to be made! So prevalent are Latino ethnicities that one day more Americans will speak Spanish than English. 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. Weed is fully legal in the state, and you can find every strain and edible you can imagine. Im hard on the USA because Im from there. Cusco / Arequipa / Titicaca / La Paz / Uyuni / Atacama Desert. If youre traveling to the USA for the first time, you may not get a lot of pushback from the customs agent. Just use the discount code BROKEBACKPACKER and your membership is discounted from $49 a year to only $39. Brussels rocks cheap. Make no mistake, theres are a lot to do and see in the United States, so lets waste no time and get to it!