From incredible eateries to summer days by the lake, dont forget to try the deep dish! Avoid acting like a tourist. New Mexico is the least trafficked part of the Southwest and is probably more well-known for Breaking Bad than its actual attractions. Always be sure that you take the correct hiking gear with you hiking shoes, backpack, etc and always have a plan. Secure that visa and book that ticket, American dreams are to be made! Pack one week's worth of clothing. Go to Museums on Sunday - They are free! Hawaii is wrapping up its rainy own season. If you still have some time, expand your horizons by driving through New England, one of the very best portions of the States. Restaurant with Table Service: $15 to $20 and up. The Canadian Rocky Mountains are epic and the rugged coastline of British Columbia and Newfoundland are equally impressive. Mexico, sometimes considered part of North America, is a massive country and should be added to any backpacking itinerary of Central America. If you stick to the budget accommodations, food, and tours listed here and ignore all my tips on saving money, you need about 65 EUR per day in Western Europe, 40 EUR in Eastern Europe, and about 85 EUR in Scandinavia. In fact, the highest in North America, Denali, is here in Alaska. Unless youre planning to fly longer distances, there are only a few options for traveling from the US to a different country. But Appalachia offers plenty to the curious tourist, more than other regions of the US. Learn the lingo. Note that an ESTA is not an actual visa for the US, per se (its a clearance). Keep some small change in your pockets. New Orleans AKA the Big Easy is one of the countrys greatest treasures. Availability is always limited though. Best of all, you won't have to deal with the grumpy train ticket vendors. The crime, though unfortunate, is contained. Get free accommodation in exchange for volunteering a few hours a day. The state of California is the largest, most famous, and arguably most desirable state on the West Coast. Many will begin their USA backpacking trip in this region; NYC has a convenient international airport. 1 pair long underwear. Which of the following is a comma splice? A road trip across America is costly and you could end up spending more than you originally planned to. Be aware that getting through security can be a real pain in the ass. They offer simple & flexible travel insurance, and safety advice to help you travel confidently. These enormous freshwater bodies actually mimic the sea in a lot of ways you can surf here sometimes and there are portions that may even resemble the Caribbean. If youre in the countryside, youre more likely to be killed by bison in heat or a freak tornado. Zion National Park is perhaps the most stunning (and therefore most famous) of Utahs national parks. The USA is an enormous country. HikingAppalachian Trail. Hitchhiking is thought of as a homeless/criminal scene by most Americans, meaning most people will not stop unless someone is injured. It even comes with Osprey's All Mighty Guarantee. California and Colorado are both A+ choices for the best vibes and shops. And of course, no USA trip is complete without spending some days in Miami itinerary, the so-called Capital of South USA.. I had gotten g. If you make it to either, youre one lucky bastard. Its largest city, Portland, is regularly mocked for being a mecca for hipsters and beer snobs but its becoming more these days. First, fly into Los Angeles to start your USA adventure. Keep in mind that ATMs will charge a fee, which can vary depending on the branch. Every first-time traveler to the US has a few questions theyre just dying to know the answers to. Sometimes called extended trip packs or expedition packs, a good one typically costs between $200 and $400. Always keep an eye on your luggage. That is precisely why Im writing this in-depth guide to backpacking the USA. I figured that I wouldn't make it through there anyway if I did go. Itll save you aload of time when organising transport and youll probably nab an EPIC DISCOUNT too! Or you can stuff that whole deal off and buy the America the Beautiful Pass for$79.99. Germany can be staid or mind-blowing. Pay a visit to Detroit, Michigan; once the fallen angel of America, it is putting itself back together, piece by piece. Pursue these as best you can as they can save you a lot of money. This means that Appalachia is a bit of an interzone between the South, Midwest, and East Coast regions. 1 bra and 1 sports bra (Julie only) 1 scarf (Julie only) We designed our around the world itinerary for an almost "endless summer.". The most beautiful place in the US by far, Hawaii feels like another (very green) planet. Overall, the best time to visit the USA as the weather is good almost everywhere and there are fewer tourists. Plus public services are the best in the country, and overall, it has the best quality of life. . A 3-week itinerary for the USA is a great chunk of time to allow you to see multiple regions in the USA and, not only that, enjoy them as well. Votes: 3. This is (IMO) the best way to experience the natural beauty of the US, which is probably our biggest tourist draw. Helpful Not Helpful. 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. Bring your Student ID Card - That International Student Card will save you money if you're travelling as a student in Colombia. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance. Earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening. We swam in the Caribbean at Tayrona National Park in Colombia; we swam with playful baby seals in the Galapagos Islands; we hiked ( ok, crawled on our hands and knees) on The Quilotoa Loop in the Andes in Ecuador; we crossed the La Balsa border into Peru . 3. At the festivals of course! 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. I encourage anyone backpacking the USA to carefully observe the social nuances of each region and to discover the flavors of each. The state is located so far north that it takes a flight or week-long ferry to reach it from the Lower 48. It won't be as much about the 'you should visit here' stuff, you can find advice on that anywhere. 10 Days Backpacking the USA Itinerary - A Jetsetting Holiday. Getting from the East Coast to the West Coast is a 6-hour flight in itself, so if you want to see both LA and NYC this may be your only option. Et voil, in total we spent 1800, exactly on budget for 4 weeks in Uruguay. The Windy City is one of the coolest in America. For some cities there are many tours for special interests. All the staples are here: vodka, rum, gin, etc though certain regions do it better than others. Four whole states are just prairie and a large portion of Texas is as well. Hawaii is very far away from the continental United States. Alaska doesnt emerge from winter until May although the Northern Lights are peaking. 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. Just dont piss them off. The USA does have a couple of original dishes, which vary by region. Many people are seen as unintelligent, which are more symptoms of unjust social dynamics (following the Civil War, the South became very poor). When Christopher Columbus discovered America in 1492, he actually thought he had reached India, thus how the misnomer American Indians came to be. Once sleepy, the thriving metro of Seattle, home to loggers and mariners, is now a modern metropolis. Not many people make the Midwest a part of their USA backpacking trip and its kind of a shame actually. The southwest and deep south return to lovely temperatures. These are usually very affordable ($5) and offer enough amenities, like an outdoor toilet and running water, to ensure youre comfortable. Get your money up at one of the many famous casinos! Meanwhile, Portland, Maine has been slowly winning the hearts of hipsters over the years. Once youre stuffed to the brim, hop on another plane to visit Los Angeles. Daily backpacker budget: $30 to $40 (28 - 38) not including Galapagos. These are just a few highlighted characteristics/stereotypes in a sea of cultural diversity. If youre backpacking through the USA and have the opportunity, you absolutely have to go to a sports match. For all their desolation, Southwest deserts are indescribably beautiful and incomparable to anything else. 2023, The Broke Backpacker. Im going to be sharing with you all of my knowledge about the States. Having lived in the USA for the first 25 years of my life, I sometimes have a hard time answering this question myself. For days spent exploring the city, a 20- to 30-litre backpack will be the perfect size, with enough room to carry water, a camera and extra layers. To avoid these extra fees. My missus travels with all her clothes in ziplock bags:dont be like my missus. The $22 charged per cupcake is the _____ rice. Continental Divide Trail: New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho and Montana, 3,100 miles. The best places to visit in the USA include NYC, Chicago, San Francisco, the beaches of Florida, Colorado, Hawaii, and the Pacific Northwest. Unfortunately, racism is still a problem all over the country today. Carry a tent and sleeping gear, water purifier, cooking equipment and comfy clothes. The lush Oregon Coast is a logical next step, where you can make a pitstop in the quirky city of Portland before culminating your US backpacking adventure in Seattle, Washington. Traveling without insurance would be risky so do consider getting good backpacker insurance sorted before you head off on an adventure. Oregon is like New Zealand-Lite and has just about every type of landscape possible. 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. Then, of course, a couple of days in New York City. 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. Hawaii has everything: lush jungles, dramatic peaks, and more than a few pristine beaches. Be prepared for what life throws at you. The purpose of this book series is to share those lessons. The Grayl Geopress is the markets leading filtered water bottle protecting your tum from all the waterborne nasties. If the tread on your tires is 2/32" or less, you need to replace them. Located in the far western corner of North America lies Alaska the largest and most wild state in the USA. 4. Then signup for Worldpackers, a platform that connects local hosts with volunteer travelers. If you want to cover a lot of ground in the United States, flying is the best option, especially if you only have limited time. The Rockies, Midwest, and Great Plains start to receive dustings of snow. With more than 700 miles of trails, spectacular lakes, pristine forests, and rugged mountains, there's no reason not to love and consider the Glacier as an ultimate hiker's paradise. Take an unforgettable North America REI Adventures Backpacking trip led by local guides. You can even find many yoga retreats that combine wellness sessions and exploration with their offering, which is another good way to explore Hawaii. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). Here you can enjoy killer food and reliable public transport. 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. Theres river rafting, skiing, hunting, climbing, sport fishing, and a whole lot more here. You will have to empty and refill the various waste compartments and water tanks though, which will require a visit to the proper facilities. By the 1760s the colonies numbered 13 with more than 2.5 million inhabitants, contained alongside the Eastern Seaboard. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads usingthis link. With your own car, youll get to go where you want, sleep where you want, and do what you want. Start your jet-setting itinerary by spending 3 days visiting New York City, the so-called Capital of the World. Dont miss out on the artsy vibes of Williamsburg and Central Park, which might just be one of the only times the US has succeeded in creating a free, public green space. Adam dreams of backpacking across Europe. If youre keen on a different kind of experience during your trip, why not stay at one of thebest treehouses and cabins in Georgia? The Glacier National Park is another backpacking destination you shouldn't miss as you travel across America. Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel. I consent to my personal information being processed in accordance with The Broke Backpackers. Most likely, people are fleeing to Florida, the South, and Hawaii during this time as theyre warm and dry. Applicants need to contact the nearest embassy to acquire this info. (Simmer down now angry Texans, were getting there.). STATES: Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri. Keep in mind you can often rent gear locally (e.g. Appalachia is kind of a strange place, both in the geographic and cultural sense. Luckily weve got them covered! $$425). 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars. 158.1dc22 Library of Congress Control Number: 2005904842 Visit . With it, you get unlimited access to ALL federally-managed land in the U.S.A for FREE thats over 2000 recreational sites! Backpacking Europe Suggested Budgets. 3. Its not like this region is totally featureless either. Opposite of eastern Europe like Czech Republic, Slovenia, Hungary, Bulgaria or Ukraine are one of the cheapest countries . Never get into the topic first, unless you know youre with like-minded people. The Northeast and Midwest are beginning to thaw out after the long harsh winter and temperatures are rising on the West Coast. We do not represent World Nomads. They organise yo packing and minimise its volume too so you can pack MORE. World Nomads mission is to support and encourage travellers to explore their boundaries. Use Bookawayto find the best deals on transport buses, planes, trains, and ferries. Sometimes small towns have one or two family-run motels at good prices. Denver is becoming an increasingly popular city to both live in and visit. It was then that the USA became a country in the city of Philadelphia. He was the first person to do a round-trip, backpacking the Continental Divide Trail. Having a filtered water bottle means you can drink from just about any source. 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. Nature loversit doesnt get much better than this. This is the first video is my series that covers my Hike Across America for Veteran Suicide Prevention. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Buy a Geopress: its the last water bottle youll ever buy. 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. Did you know that the places to visit in Chicago even include sandy beaches? These offer nothing in the way of infrastructure, so youll have to rely on your own means, but are totally free. The East Coast may just be the most quaint part of the US. The PNW and Alaska are enjoying the sun before it disappears for 5 months. Paris is relaxed and affordable. Plus you can get the very best poke in the world! Little Havana in Miami is particularly unique. Blessed with a stunning coast, many mountains, and a ton of legal weed, you simply cannot visit the USA and skip California. I hope that you learned a lot from this article and about backpacking across the USA. The USA takes up a pretty large chunk of the North American continent. Public transportation doesnt jive well with this kind of time frame, so youre going to get acquainted with its many airports. A $300 bike from Craigslist will do the trick or you can even get one for free through an Earn-A-Bike program. New England has a distinctly more old-school vibe than other Atlantic states. Also beware of Spirit Airlines. Its not hard to imagine that this is often considered the most boring part of the country. Ecuador is a fantastic budget-friendly destination and is widely regarded as a great introduction to South America. There are more cities besides Chicago worth seeing too. Now for some of the best multi-day backpacking trips (and a whole lot of doobies!) The best wine in America is found on the West Coast. We saved a lot of money and keep our costs down by renting houses instead of staying in hotels.. We wanted to stay around $3,000/month because we were renting out our house on Airbnb for around $4,000/month.So technically, we saved money by traveling Europe . Man, backpacking is supposed to be a beautiful experience and beauty is exactly what you're going to see from your train window. Weed is fully legal in the state, and you can find every strain and edible you can imagine. 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. Get a quote below or read our in-depth review! So, if youre thinking about backpacking in the USA alone or with a group, regardless, just know that youll be safe as a tourist. Some states have much more expensive camping, California and Hawaii being the most expensive, so keep this in mind! STATES: Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota. It may be one of the few real American foods, but BBQ is all we really need. You arent going to save the world overnight, but you can be part of the solution and not the problem. 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. Weve all heard of how hedonistic and fun visiting New Orleans can be. Here are a couple more instances of some famous American foods, broken down by region: Native Americans have been living on what is now the USA for centuries.