Welcome to the UNITED STATES!
Traveling across the United States can feel like a journey in itself — the distances are huge, the public transit can be subpar, and yes, things can get pretty expensive. But it’s also one of the most breathtakingly diverse countries in the world, and maybe I’m a little biased after living here my whole life… but there’s a reason I’ve never left.
From the west coast to the east coast, no matter the route you take, the landscapes in the U.S. change faster than anywhere I’ve ever traveled: ocean cliffs, red rock deserts, dense forests, rolling hills, and even swamps among others. There’s no shortage of iconic scenery. And beyond the natural scenery, cities like New York, San Diego, Las Vegas, and San Francisco have their own energy and culture that pull travelers in from all over the world. There’s always something new to see and countless reasons to keep coming back.
let’s talk about the essentials
These apply across most of the country, even though some details vary by state or even city.
☞ what to expect in different parts of the country:
Let’s figure out what vibe you want, and where you might want to go.
the west
I, of course, am biased to The West. The region is famous for its unforgettable scenery: mountains, forests, deserts, and long stretches of coastline. It’s the ideal region for road trips, national parks, and cities with strong outdoor cultures.
alaska & hawaii
(NOT PICTURED)
Though they sit far from the mainland, Alaska and Hawaii are two of the most unique and dramatic places in the U.S. Alaska remains one of my favorite places in the world for its mountains, fjords, glaciers, wildlife, and wide-open wilderness. On the opposite end of the spectrum, Hawaii offers tropical beaches, volcanic landscapes, lush valleys, and deep island culture.
the southwest
The Southwest blends desert landscapes with Native American and Mexican cultural influences. It’s sunny most of the year and known for unique rock formations and bold food.
the midwest
The Midwest is calm, spacious, and surprisingly fun if you like lakes, breweries, and road trips. It’s not flashy, but the people are friendly and summer here are exquisite. Winters? Brutal. But the food scenes in places like Chicago, Minneapolis, and Detroit make up for it.
the northeast
The Northeast has a unique way of mixing old colonial towns with major cities. Not to mention, it is also home to some of the best seasonal colors in North America. It’s typically walkable, full of history and well-known landmarks packed into a relatively compact area of the country.
the southeast
The South is known for its hot, humid weather, heavy comfort food and warm hospitality. The mix of historic and coastal towns make the south truly unique. It has everything from vibrant music hubs to beaches and forested getaways.
