What is the best way for me to see the USA?

Question

I am British and after I finish University, in the summer, I want to spend a couple of months travelling the USA. I have spoken to a couple of American friends about where to visit and how to plan my trip. so in 2 months I get to see as much of the USA as possible.

I'd like to the see the big cities but I am primarily an outdoors type of guy; I am quite happy sleeping under the stars and hiking all day.

My friends live in NYC and coastal South Carolina respectively; they have suggested I either take a 'W' shaped route across the USA, starting in NYC and taking in South Carolina, or a broader 'V' shape (trace the letters across a map of the USA). Either way I'd end up on the northern west coast.

Does this sound like a good plan to you? Bearing in mind I would mostly be walking or using public transport (no internal flights). Also, will there be an issue with me gaining access to the USA as I will have no fixed address whilst travelling, save my friends.

Thanks!

I can stretch to 3 months tops

Answer 1

If you want to see as much of the USA as possible I think you need transport.
Maybe a second hand car you can sell before leaving the country.
You can still do lots of hiking and camping in the campgrounds, canyons, forests and parks.

It is just that the USA is huge and often there are many things to see in each state.
Transport will get you to these places of interest faster and give you longer to stay there.
I appreciate that you enjoy this method of travelling but on foot a lot of your holiday time will be used up by just walking.

We did a six month tour in an RV and found we had to backtrack several times.
I cannot vouch for the V or W shape idea.
We zig-zagged across the northern states, down the eastern seaboard then ziz-agged back across the southern states.

May I suggest you purchase a good atlas, Rand McNally have a book size one.
It has mileages, scenic routes, forests, national parks, campgrounds, attractions etc. all marked.
Then you need to pick out the places you want to visit; cities, towns, attractions, parks etc.
Then work out your best route between these places.

The north west woud be a great area to end your trip, no matter which route you employ.
Oregon and Washington state are both very beautiful.

You will have not trouble getting into the USA on a visa.
You don't need an address to visit the country.
Many people just stay at hotels.
At immigration they may ask where your staying and what your visit is for.
Just answer with; I'm here on holiday to vist my friends in........

I have included a link to Greyhound, it traverses the entire country. It may be of some help.
http://www.greyhound.com/home.asp

Also Amtrak, train travel is fun and fabulous in any country:
http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=Amtrak/HomePage

Have a safe trip.

Answer 2

Going with friends is very enriching. They can show you all the great places they know. If you go places they are unfamiliar with, use Ask Yahoo! to get specific details on other places. Local folks always know what's best to see. There are hostels popping up in many places, and KOA (Kampgrounds Of America) has lots of campgrounds you can use. I must caution you not to camp in areas you are unfamiliar with. There are some very dangerous people out there who use camping out to hide from the law.

Which ever route you use, you will take home many memories that will last a life time. From experience, I strongly recommend you take a diary, even if it's just in outline style. I look back at mine from 35 years ago in Japan, and am surprised by things I have forgotten that were so special. Take lots of photos, and get people in them. Buildings are interesting, they do tell you where you are, but it's the people you have fun with. (Or do you talk to buildings?) Those will turn out to be your best photos years later. The "sites" all have post cards you can buy.

If you are going to go to Northern California, I can tell you a lot about Old Sacramento, the site of the gold rush. I had an Honors History class about it. I lived there for 55 years. I know the places to go -even who you can trust to tell you where to stay for less money. Have fun.

Answer 3

Hike the Appalachian Trail. It is a mountain trail that runs from Maine to Georgia. Start in New York and finish in South Carolina. It will be an experience of a lifetime.

Answer 4

Once you leave large cities in the states..you can be in the middle of nowhere.....
it can be dangerous to sleep under the stars....
as for hiking..if you plan on crossing the states on foot...you will in all probability be walking alongside some interstate highway....
it's not a good idea....
if you really want to see the states...start in new york city first....it's gorgeous....
south carolina has those gorgeous beaches....
you can visit more on your next trip.

Answer 5

Have you thought about doing some voluteer work along the way, this is always the best way to get to grips with the community and really SEE the country you are visiting as you become part of the community arther than a passing spectator?

Answer 6

Some friends of mine went to the States for a holiday but bought an old car there and used this for travelling around, and when the left they just sold it. At least you could sleep in it if needs be as well.

Answer 7

I've always wanted to do this trip, myself!

I had planned, that, - if ever I had the MONEY, (which I don't right now) I would, either hire a "HARLEY-DAVIDSON", and take the famed "ROUTE 66", - or go "COAST TO COAST", on a "GREYHOUND" BUS! Love the WHOLE idea, of EITHER option!

Sounds WONDERFUL! Enjoy it, - whatever you choose to do! Don't forget to send us a POSTCARD, or two, from wherever you are!

Answer 8

You didn't score, our tw@t of a goalie threw the ball in the net. But, yes, it was a goal. Let's not be arrogant and claim it was a good shot though, we just have a shite keeper playing :O)

Answer 9

Take the next moon shuttle i think mr branson's is the next to go!! from it you will be able to see the whole of the states and even Canada

Answer 10

Come to Arizona, !!! Salt Lake City, Lake Havasu, frontier cities, mexico, etc etc etc ....