Be aware that getting through security can be a real pain in the ass. The Bay Area has a wealth of jobs. I encourage anyone backpacking the USA to carefully observe the social nuances of each region and to discover the flavors of each. Between his adventures trekking around Africa, travelling the Middle East, and traversing the steppes of Eurasia, he'll generally do as much as he possibly can to maximise his time in the wilderness and avoid anywhere the crowds go. 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. This will get you a dorm bed, groceries, bus tickets, and some extra spending money. Use the knowledge I have bestowed upon you amigos, to have the best trip possible! Note that an ESTA is not an actual visa for the US, per se (its a clearance). Aside from being an all-out blast, it will be a great immersion experience. The USA is an enormous country. Might be that weed. A visit to America isnt quite complete without Florida. The deciduous trees start to erupt in the Northeast and Appalachia. If you wanted to leave the mountains, theres plenty more to see and do in greater Kentucky and Tennessee. Some parts of the state feel like youve left the US altogether, while others will make all the Trump Supporter memes youd seen while living abroad come to life. It might just be the most extraordinary piece of nature in all of North America. STATES: North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas. For all matters of finance and accounting on the road, I strongly recommend Wise the platform formerly known as Transferwise! A road trip on the California Coast is hands down one the most romantic things to do in the USA and will probably be the first of many bucket list locations. $95. Which of the following is a comma splice? So its not hard to believe that people may be (very) different depending on where theyre from. Go out in Portland, Oregon and youll find people sitting in a pub or dive bar, casually drinking craft beers while they shoot the shit. You will have to empty and refill the various waste compartments and water tanks though, which will require a visit to the proper facilities. The gamblers paradise of Las Vegas is up next, or you could just stay in Utah if youre liking it. Chicagos one of the coolest places to stay for 2 days filling up on deep-dish pizza. Some of the best camping is in Colorado though you can find them all over the US. Then signup for Worldpackers, a platform that connects local hosts with volunteer travelers. All you need is a quarter. 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. The Rockies is one of the greatest mountains chains in North America and has become a defining feature of the Western United States. Two years later, millions of Americans do not believe it is real. Next, take a quick flight to the favorite place of many and explore Chicago. However, whenever you are volunteering do stay vigilant, especially when working with animals or children. Be prepared and have the gear to be mostly self-sustaining. Worldpackers connects travellers with hostels, schools, NGOs and many more. Though it isnt as dynamic as the East Coast or as warm as the South, the Midwest still has a lot of merits. Some of the larger cities, like Memphis, Tennessee offer a fantastic mix of Southern vibes and city convenience. Be sure to add these to your backpacking packing list for the USA: This is a regular looking belt with a concealed pocket on the inside you can hide up to twenty notes inside and wear it through airport scanners without it setting them off. Not many people make the Midwest a part of their USA backpacking trip and its kind of a shame actually. SafetyWing is convenient, cheap, and trouble-free Insurance was never this easy! ISBN: -97658-120-5 1. The reality is that if you are from a poor country it will be very difficult to get a US tourist visa even if your bank account is the same as someone from an EU nation. Did you know that the places to visit in Chicago even include sandy beaches? 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. Americas northern neighbor and the butt of one too many jokes about mooses and maple syrup, Canada is an amazing country to visit. The cost of a road trip across America will obviously vary depending on a few factors: We suggest doing your research ahead of time to find the best deal possible. If you get a service like a massage or a haircut, tipping is also typically expected. Many Americans only appreciate this country for its beach resorts e.g. Our road trip across America cost us $2,382, or an average of $149/day between both of us for a 16-day road . The United States is such an amalgamation of cuisines and borrows so much from so many cultures that its tough to nail what is really American. You might think that you need to bring five shirts, three dresses, and four pairs or shoes, but you don't. In reality, you'll wear two or three of those shirts. Hiking is a great way to experience the countrys nature and there is plenty of it to be found. Having lived in the USA for the first 25 years of my life, I sometimes have a hard time answering this question myself. Travel in Cuba, once off-limits to Americans, is beginning to open up and traveling in Puerto Rico is a good time as well. Moving along, make a stop in Santa Fe, New Mexico before making it to one of Americas most iconic states: Colorado. With no money . Denver is becoming an increasingly popular city to both live in and visit. Culturally, Appalachia has a reputation for being both agrarian and rebellious. Youd be surprised how much fun this style of luxury camping can be! From its inception and even beforehand, slavery was legal in the United States and Africans were forced to live and work in severely atrocious conditions by white slave owners until slavery was officially outlawed in 1865 by the 13th Amendment. For the Digital Nomads and laptop enthusiasts out there, you'll want a high-quality piece of technology - and we've got just the thing for you. Mount Sterling Loop Trail (Via Low Gap)Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee Length: 28.5 miles Elevation Change: 8,110 feet Days: 4-5 Trailheads: Low Gap Trailhead, Big Creek Trailhead Situated in the country's most visited national park, the Mount Sterling Loop Trail offers an intermediate-level backpacking trip to the peak of one of the tallest points in the park. Luckily, aside from 1 incident (in Peru), we felt safe the vast majority of the time during our 5 months of South America backpacking. He plans to visit all 54 African countries in 2013-2016. . Avoid acting like a tourist. If youre traveling to the USA for the first time, you may not get a lot of pushback from the customs agent. Spend a day exploring the many amazing historical places by cycle or scooter! STATES: West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, various satellite counties. Get Rail Passes. Adam dreams of backpacking across Europe, therefore, each time he is paid, he saves ten percent of his income. 1. . While some people are living like royalty, some are getting by on less than $2/day thats comparable to living in Nicaragua. You learn to organize yourself. Texas and the Southwest are a furnace at this time and it is tornado season in Middle America. You could be a shoestring backpacker and get by for relatively little money or you could spend everything you have on a bender of a holiday. For some cities there are many tours for special interests. For being one of the worlds most wealthy and powerful nations, the USA suffers from an unacceptable violent crime rate (ranked 143rd out of 230). For a lot of people, the Southwest is the best place in the USA. Make a pitstop at one of the scenic parts of Appalachia before getting into the last bit of your American adventure: an East Coast road trip. So I hope you become more inspired to continue being a responsible traveler. Broke Backpacker readers get a $10 discount when you sign up. The famous New York City, one of the most diverse metropolises in the world. For clothing, packing layers is more versatile (e.g. Bonus points if you visit Big Bend National Park or the Texas Hill Country. The GRAYL Geopress is hands-down the most effective one weve ever used as well! Everyone knows that Florida has the best beaches in the States. The meats are tender, the sauces are masterpieces, and the sides are copious. You wont just save serious $$$, youll experience a different culture, cool projects, meet new people and integrate into the community in a different way. Workers in the US face many more difficulties than those in other developed countries, so tipping can really make or break an employees shift. I wanted to be an architect. Man, backpacking is supposed to be a beautiful experience and beauty is exactly what you're going to see from your train window. Rhode Island is a great place to check out some Northern beaches, and staying in Portland, Maine is a must, especially if youre into seafood. Vibrant, storied, exciting, and never ashamed, staying in New Orleans is one of the most interesting things to do in the USA, not to mention one of the most fun. It's possible to spend less than 75 euros per day (or even less than 50 euros per day, if you're really thrifty) in Europe by adhering to a few rules. Its not like this region is totally featureless either. The most beautiful place in the US by far, Hawaii feels like another (very green) planet. You can do this itinerary in either direction, though I recommend starting in New York City; its got something for everyone, from attractions to some of the best restaurants in the country. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads usingthis link. New tires have a tread depth of 10/32". You will sometimes have to fill out a permit at one of these and often campsites are first-come-first-served, which means that popular ones fill up quickly. Or you can stuff that whole deal off and buy the America the Beautiful Pass for$79.99. Save $$$ Save the Planet Save Your Stomach! You can also rent an RV or campervan to live the vanlife, which means you dont have to worry about packing camping gear. During our year-long honeymoon, we spent 5 incredible months backpacking in South America. The Glacier National Park is another backpacking destination you shouldn't miss as you travel across America. Now were cooking with gas! There are plenty of different volunteer projects in the USA including teaching, construction, agriculture, and pretty much anything. If youre going on an overnight hike, make sure you have a good tent, sleeping bag, and a means to prepare food. Not many people including most Americans make it all the way to Hawaii or Alaska. The cute town is close to two USA national parks and has a vibe all of its own. In the centuries that followed, the country we know today was brutally colonized by various explorers and millions of natives were murdered. Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Brussels rocks cheap. If you want to go backpacking in the USA on a budget, consider investing in a special annual pass. If you have the time though, the aforementioned states are totally worth visiting. She buys them regularly. 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. When the coronavirus hit in 2020, Donald Trump was a massive source of misinformation and downplaying of the virus. He has currently traveled to 100 countries. The states amazing food and natural scenery make staying in Maine absolutely worth the effort. But the state also has both Arches National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park, which are both stellar options. $46.59 2 Used from $46.59. To put that into perspective, thats equivalent to walking the entire coastline of the Lower 48. 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. The Appalachian Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail (known as the A.T. and the PCT) are two of the most famous trails in the US. The US is often considered one of the most attractive countries in the world and many are drawn here just to see its natural attractions. There are USA rail passes available for purchase with Amtrak. 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. On average, you expect the cost of backpacking Europe to be approximately 42 - 105 per day (approximately $44 - $110 USD per day). The Mile High City is perhaps the best in the entire country come summer. Philadelphia, where much of the USAs story began, to the rugged mountains of Alaska, the country is as massive as it is diverse and would take several years to fully explore. For example, whiskey is quite good in Appalachia as this is where bourbon was created. To get your imagination going, here are some amazing random places in the USA: Weve tested countless backpacks over the years, but theres one that still stands the test of time: the backpacker-approved Osprey Aether. Reportedly, there are over 50,000 miles of trail systems in the US. South of the border lies tropical shores and the mystical cultures of Mexico. Americans also love drugs, probably a little too much. Glacier National Park may be one of the nation's most popular national parks, but thanks to its spacious 1,583 square miles of wilderness home to more than 762 lakes and 700 miles of hiking . Backpacking gives you a feeling of freedom. They will need to apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) beforehand. Hawaii has everything: lush jungles, dramatic peaks, and more than a few pristine beaches. These are, of course, (mostly) outrageous stereotypes, but most will agree that Appalachia is a poorer and more discriminated region in the USA. Its colder than the USA and people talk a little funny but it is far safer, more diverse, and arguably even more beautiful. Up to 5x miles. Our road trip across America cost us $2,382, or an average of $149/day between both of us for a 16-day road . Stay somewhere EPIC and save your hard-earned dollars from houses to barns to castles and caves, there is an Airbnb for every occasion! . Some of these are giant pits of debauchery; others are a bit tamer and family-friendly. A 10-day itinerary in the USA doesnt offer a whole lot of time to see the country, but youll still have lots of options with a larger budget. And when I say love, I mean need to party. Prices for travel in Europe vary greatly depending on how far north, east, south, or west you travel. If youre backpacking through the USA and have the opportunity, you absolutely have to go to a sports match. Plus you can get the very best poke in the world! Great if youre a skier, but bad if youre everyone else. Dont spend too long in LAtheres an entire coast to see. How To Walk Across America: Please visit the inspirational Nomadic Peace Caravan.The Nomadic Peace Caravan will be walking south from Canada to Mexico petitioning for the rights of nature, promoting peace and spreading education on sustainable living that works in harmony with all life beginning on Earth Day of 2020. Even legal stores often cannot accept cards due to nuanced legal issues. 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. 07/11/2022. ) Also, consider applying for a travelers credit card! We mentioned before that you can reach out to vehicle relocation services, like immova and Cruise America, as a way of saving heaps of cash on rentals. New England has a distinctly more old-school vibe than other Atlantic states. It may be one of the few real American foods, but BBQ is all we really need. The Lone Star state is a bbq lovers go to, and if food doesnt appeal, perhaps the wide open landscapes will? Yup, theres still more to do in the USA that we havent touched on yet. Washington D.C. is the federal capital of this great land and an arc of enormous historical value. While its location is great for the outdoors and breeding free-spiritedness, it sucks to drive to. Backpack Boston, Massachusetts to get a taste of one of the best cities in the USA. A 10-day itinerary in the USA doesn't offer a whole lot of time to see the country, but you'll still have lots of options with a larger budget. New England is the start of the USA as we know it. When the leaves turn gold and red in the autumn, its sublime. Those on a coast-to-coast USA road trip often speed through this part because there is supposedly nothing to do, but theres definitely something to see everywhere. They may also have stronger ties to their cultural heritage as the East Coast has powerful diaspora communities (Irish, Italian, Polish, etc). This metropolis is one of the most energetic cities in the USA and has a number of attractions that will both shock and entertain you. All rights reserved. Note that most national parks charge an entry fee. Hitchhiking is thought of as a homeless/criminal scene by most Americans, meaning most people will not stop unless someone is injured. There is no denying that the local Latin-American communities have had a huge influence on American culture. The South intimidates a lot of travelers because the region is unlike any other in the USA or the world for that matter. Train travel in the USA is not like train travel in Europe. Urban camping is also becoming quite popular and is an excellent way to experience a city without having to spend boatloads on a lodge. Some, like. You can make really good friends. Mass shootings are a genuine and pervasive threat in society, particularly in schools, large buildings, or big events. Close, Backpacking USA Travel Guide Budgets, Tips, Itineraries + More (2023). Its the stuff (California) dreams are made of: the mystical ocean and the road that runs next to it. Everything from hotels to B&Bs to hostels to beach bungalows can be booked while visiting. Every first-time traveler to the US has a few questions theyre just dying to know the answers to. Blessed with a stunning coast, many mountains, and a ton of legal weed, you simply cannot visit the USA and skip California. The Rocky Mountains offer some of the most epic outdoor experiences in the nation. 4. Its one of the best things to do in the USA, because its fun and cheap too! Random violence can occur any time, even in safe areas, even comparable to the likes of South America. Hawaii is getting dumped on by rain. 3. And if you really want to meet others who are also feeling the citys magic for the first time, stay in one of NYCs best hostels. He has walked across Spain twice. 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. That said, Southern America is not a scary or particularly ugly place to visit. Last Updated: February 8, 2023. People flock here for good weather, good vibes, good food, good beaches, and the chance to make it big. Use the discount code BROKEBACKPACKER. Stay in South Padre Island to experience one of Texas hidden gems. Want more deetz on why its so damn perfect?