UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Don't miss any information about the United States of America: seasons, culture, and the best vacation spots in the US.

UNCLE SAM

Location

The United States of America is a country that is on the North American continent. Hawaii in the Pacific Ocean is also part of that country’s territory. The United States is the fourth largest country globally (9.5 million km²) and one of the most popular countries. The best vacation spots in the US are interesting, especially the wonderful nature parks! Travelers have loved cities like New York and Los Angeles, from many favorite movies and TV series.

Attention! The USA borders Mexico in the south and Canada in the north. Alaska borders Canada in the west. The nation is divided into 50 states, which may have laws and regulations that differ from each other. What is legal in a State in another one may already be forbidden, so read carefully the state’s rules and regulations that you plan to visit.

Capital

Washington, DC

Weather

The climate in the country is very diverse. There is a moderate climate, the Mediterranean and even the Arctic. For example, in Florida and Hawaii, you get into the tropics; in Alaska, you feel the polar cold.

  • There are a lot of tornadoes in the USA. You can find them all over the country, but there are particular areas (Tornado Alley) where these vortices are most common.
  • Hurricanes are another scourge of this country. You find primarily powerful wind gusts in southern states from June to December. Some of them have simply terrifying destructive power.
  • Earthquakes occur in the zone called the Ring of Fire. There’s increased volcanic activity, and there have been severe earthquakes.
  • As for drought, this phenomenon is rare, but the scale is hefty when it occurs. A lot of crops are being lost; farms are going bankrupt. Even after a prolonged heatwave, forest fires in California have become more frequent.
  • Floods are rare, mainly after hurricanes.

Estimated temperature by season (in degrees Celsius):

  • Winter (December 21 to March 20): -20°C (Alaska may reach -45°C) to +20°C.
  • Spring (March 20 to June 20): from -2 °C to +30 °C
  • Summer (June 20 to September 22): from +12 °C to +35 °C
  • Autumn (September 22 to December 21): from +2 °C to +25 °C
  • Hawaii has a tropical, humid climate. Rainfall is high. The average annual temperature ranges from +15°C to +25°C.

Currency

United States dollar (USD)

Time zone

From UTC-10 to UTC-5 (summer from UTC-9 to UTC-4).

How to get

You can get to the USA by:

  • plane (from most countries)
  • train (from Canada)
  • car
  • bus
  • walk (from Canada and Mexico)
  • sea cruise ferry (from the Bahamas and other Caribbean islands), but restrictions may apply.

You can get to Alaska by:

  • plane (from the USA and other countries)
  • bus
  • car
  • sea ferry (from the USA and Canada).

Hawaii can be reached by airplane.

Sometimes, you may need to transfer to the US mainland (Los Angeles or San Francisco).

Culture and art

The United States culture is very diverse because visitors formed the country worldwide. A mixture of different customs, cultures, and habits has developed a peculiar and lovely culture.

Famous writers (Twain, Poe, Melville, King, Hemingway, etc.), architects (Sullivan), musicians and singers (Armstrong, Presley, Jackson, etc.), directors and actors (Talberg, Scorsese, Monroe, Sheridan, Kelly, etc.), artists (Peel, Stuart, Ikins, etc.) were born here.

Architecture in the country is also diverse and innovative. If skyscrapers are only being built in other world cities, some will soon turn 100 years old in the USA.

It is also worth paying attention to the art and traditions of Native American people – Indians. Many of their settlements are in picturesque nature parks. The best vacation spots in the US Folklore are filled with exciting stories and legends about the spirits and coexistence of nature and animals. Many Indian tribes knew the stars very well and could navigate through them. Local plants not only ate but also made medicines out of them.

Art and craftsmanship are also strongly oriented towards nature and living harmoniously.

Hawaii

If you are in Hawaii, pay attention to the islanders’ culture. The legends the locals still believe in today, unusual musical instruments and sounds, will not leave you without emotion. They are made of a wide variety of colors, depending on the importance of the holiday. Don’t be surprised if you get a friendly welcome with the word “Aloha” (meaning peaceful greeting, farewell, and a wish of love) and a flower garland of the leu. According to an ancient tradition, such chaplets are given together with a kiss (now it is possible and without), and they can be removed only when the giver is not in sight.

Canoes can be skillfully carved here. There are even special rules in this case. And some Hawaiians are pretty good at navigating the ocean just by the stars. They passed this knowledge down to them from their ancestors.

We can’t help but notice the famous Hawaiian dance “hula.” This dance has two varieties – “hula kahiko” and “hula Ê»auana.” More ancient is considered “hula kahiko,” it was used for various rituals. And it’s performed on Hawaiian instruments at various religious events (holidays, weddings, etc.). The dance is usually described as an important story. “Hula Ê»auana” is a more modern form of dance. It is performed with local Hawaiian music and the contemporary Western one. Costumes are less open and traditional but no less original and exciting.

Cuisine

Food in the US is as varied as its culture. Recipes from many countries have been blended here. But what recipes aren’t there? Indian, Mexican, European, Asian, and African recipes. The menu usually includes meat, poultry, fish, seafood, legumes, rice, vegetables, and fruits. Meat or grilled burgers are popular as a cooking method. Americans also make soups, meat stews, pies, and other baked goods. Different fast-food restaurants are also widespread. In the USA, such famous fast-food products as McDonald’s and Burger King appeared.

We can mention famous modern dishes: clam chowder, tex mex, fried chicken, she-crab soup, turkey with apples, country-fried steak, burgers, boiled dinner, grilled beefsteak, jambalaya, apple pie, donate, brownie, muffins, banana split, and cheesecake. 

My God! How little do my countrymen know what precious blessings they are in possession of, and which no other people on earth enjoy!

The tourist season

We can distinguish the high seasons from May to September and December during the USA’s Christmas holidays. There are fewer tourists in October, February, and March, and we can also consider this time for visiting the best vacation spots in the US.

Beach holiday

From May to September.

For more information about the Best Family Beach Vacations in the U.S., click here.

Attention! Hurricane season begins in Florida from June to November. It rains a lot in June and September, and July/August can be wet and boiling, so it is better to come here in April and May. You can also lounge on Florida’s beaches in October/November (when there are no hurricanes) or March, but the water is cool enough for swimming.

City holidays

From April to November (or all year round in southern cities).

It can be hot and stuffy in summer, but there are fewer tourists in spring and autumn, and the climate is suitable for exploring tourist attractions in the USA.

Natural holiday

From April to November.

Spring and autumn can be rainy, and snow or hail can fall in some areas. Due to snow, some roads in famous natural parks may be closed during winter. In some places, long lines are forming in parks and parking lots. Remember that famous parks like Yellowstone and Yosemite are filled with crowds of tourists in summer.

Ski holidays

From November to April.

There are ski resorts practically all over the country. The air here is quite dry, and the snow is crumbly. There are various slopes, from light to extremely heavy. In some places, you can ski until June, but it is usually highlands. The major sites are Vail, Aspen, Killington, Park City, Lake Placid, Jackson Hole, Breckenridge, Telluride, Steamboat, Beaver Creek, Canyons, Winter Park, Squaw Valley, Deer Valley, Keystone, Mammoth Mountain, and Heavenly.

Festivals

There are many festivals with many themes, from musical to traditional culinary. Some of the famous celebrations are considered: Mardi Gras (February/March), Coachella (in April), Burning Man (in August), and Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta (in October).

Holidays with children

You can safely visit the best vacation spots in the US with children. The entire family will certainly not be bored here. Whether it’s a vacation in nature or the city, you can always find decent entertainment. You can visit various famous amusement parks and attractions, natural parks, exciting cities, and beautiful beaches in the US. And in Alaska, you can visit Santa Claus in the town of the North Pole.

Holiday adventures

The active rest of the USA to develop very well. You can choose what you like depending on the state and the specifics of the climate and nature. You can practice trekking, cycling, canoeing, rafting, surfing, windsurfing, diving, parasailing, sport fishing, climbing, skiing, and other exciting activities. For example, in Los Angeles, you can even dive a couple hundred meters deep into the ocean on a bathyscaphe.

PLEASURE & SAFETY

TOP 15 Destinations

1 New York City

2 Grand Canyon (Arizona)

3 Yellowstone National Park (Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho)

4 Mount Denali (Alaska)

5 Niagara Falls (New York – United States, Ontario – Canada)

6 White House (Washington)

7 Monument Valley (Arizona, Utah)

8 Golden Gate Bridge (San Francisco)

9 Washington Monument (Washington)

10 Walt Disney World Resort (Florida)

11 Las Vegas city

12 Mount Rushmore (South Dakota)

13 Hollywood (Los Angeles)

14 Lincoln Memorial (Washington)

15 Volcano Mauna Kea (Hawaii)

The major routes

Emergency phone numbers

911 – single emergency number (ambulance/fire / police)

511 – transport and traffic line

311 – the number of non-emergency services with no need for ambulance service by physicians or police (e.g., abandoned cars on the road, broken car signs, problems with pipes, etc.).

596-SURF – The Hawaiian surfing room on Oahu Island for weather updates.

SPECIAL MENTION

HAWAII

There is a well-developed infrastructure for tourists. There are various hotels, restaurants, and cafes for every taste, with local and international cuisine, many beaches, and excursions. You can practice water sports and enjoy the excellent scenery. Hawaii is very often visited to celebrate a memorable wedding. As for storms, they are rare. Their crucial period is from June to November. Tsunamis are also rare, mainly in the northern parts. The weather is more often favorable.

Beach season

The beach season is from May to October. August and September are the warmest months. In summer, the climate is relatively dry. Heavy heat does not happen, the air temperature is a maximum of 35 degrees Celsius, and the water temperature is about 25-28 degrees. In principle, you can come here of year, as there is no cold either. The coldest months are February and March. The temperature stays around 20-22 degrees; in rare cases, it can drop to 18-16 degrees Celsius. There is more rainfall in autumn and winter, and the climate is wetter. Water in the ocean warms up to about 22-24 degrees. The beaches here are stunning. But it isn’t easy to enter the water on some occasions. One of the most beautiful beaches in the world is Playa Lanikai on Oahu Island. In summer and winter, the waves are high enough. So on the wild beaches, be especially careful not to be carried away in the open ocean.

A natural holiday is all year round. The islands are quite different. In the east, and northeast, there is a lot of greenery and more rainfall; in the west and southwest, drier weather and less rain. Rain clouds are prevalent above many mountains, while the sun shines on the beach and holidaymakers bathe. Sometimes snow can fall in the mountains. Many islands have lovely hiking trails, and you can even take a bike tour somewhere. You can walk to volcanoes, waterfalls, and canyons. On the island of Oahu is the famous military base Pearl Harbor, where you can visit the memorial and battleship “Missouri” (entrance to the ship is paid).

Surfing in Hawaii

Surfing is very common in Hawaii. There are many surf schools, and enough surfers practice on the beaches. There are also many competitions for this sport on the islands and on different beaches, suitable for beginners and experienced athletes. You can ride almost all year round in the south; the waves are more moderate and calm, and the place is ideal for beginners. From November to April, significant waves formed off the coast are more suitable for experienced surfers in the north. The rest of the months are calmer and ideal for masked swimming.

ALASKA

Alaska is a unique, sparsely populated, “cool” state in the United States. The climate here is approaching the Arctic one. Summers are short, and winters are harsh. In the state’s north, in the winter months (especially February), severe frosts are reaching -45 degrees Celsius, and you can see the Northern Lights. There are white nights in summer.

City holidays are the right season for autumn, summer, and spring. During these periods, temperatures range from +5 to +32 degrees Celsius. You can visit the city’s sights. We should note that it is relatively humid and windy in March and April, so it is better to visit various museums and indoors.

Natural holiday – From May to September: In June and July, temperatures are the highest, approximately +25, +32 degrees Celsius, and light hours are long. Bathing in lakes is better only for hardened tourists, as the water is still cool enough. At the end of August and September, you can go hiking, climbing, and rafting. For fishing enthusiasts, this is also a great time. Attention! In September, they also start hunting for the big game. Be careful.

Ski holidays in November and December. The main skiing places are Alyeska Resort, Hilltop, Moose Mountain Ski Resort, Denali National Park, Birch Hill Ski & Snowboard Area, Eaglecrest, Mt Eyak Ski Area. Be careful, and use only official slopes.

OUR FAVORITE TRAVEL PICTURES

01

Monument Valley

Utah - Arizona

02

Grand Canyon

Arizona

03

San Francisco

California

04

Yosemite National Park

California

05

New York City

New York

06

Miami

Florida

07

Boston

Massachusetts

08

Death Valley National Park

California

09

Antelope Canyon

Arizona

10

Bryce Canyon National Park

Utah

11

Arches National Park

Utah

12

Canyonlands National Park

Utah

13

Dead Horse Point State Park

Utah

14

Mesa Verde National Park

Colorado

15

Newport

Rhode Island

16

Portland

Maine

17

Scenic Drive

Utah

18

The Big Island

Hawaii

FOLLOW OUR ADVENTURES

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