So more than almost any other country, youre really going to want to consider travel insurance that covers the US. So its not hard to believe that people may be (very) different depending on where theyre from. 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. Adam dreams of backpacking across Europe, therefore, each time he is paid, he saves ten percent of his income. The Bay Area has a wealth of jobs. PLUS, you save money and the environment! This is the first video is my series that covers my Hike Across America for Veteran Suicide Prevention. document.getElementById("ak_js_3").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); This website uses cookies to improve your experience. You don't need a storage unit to store it in. Police can and will arrest hitchhikers in many states. Be a part of the solution and travel with a filter water bottle. A road trip across America is costly and you could end up spending more than you originally planned to. Finally, no trip to the Southwest is complete without seeing the otherworldly White Sands. The park features over 700 miles of trails, along with a hike to a stunning hidden lake. 6 Top Tips for Backpacking Across America National Parks. Check out our helpful guide. Dont spend too long in LAtheres an entire coast to see. Things like learning a little bit of the language to get by can do wonders, and will mean you can understand more so people can't rip you off as easily. Ah, perhaps the most popular gambling city on Earth? The United States is HUGE and it would take a long time to visit each state once, never mind really get to know them. People who want to make their own Great American road trip will obviously need their own vehicle to do so. So even if you may not see the country at its best, rest assured youll still get to experience a whole lot that will absolutely make your trip worth it. Buy an AMK Travel Medical Kit before you head out on your next adventure dont be daft! 1. . Hawaii is wrapping up its rainy own season. Or, yknow you can stick to ziplock bags. Hit Downtown San Francisco and suddenly people are networking at underground concerts. Nature loversit doesnt get much better than this. Aint that just beautiful? You will have to empty and refill the various waste compartments and water tanks though, which will require a visit to the proper facilities. Marijuana is legal in more than a dozen states, which means one of the best things to do while backpacking the US is to get stoned. Plus you can get the very best poke in the world! In some parts of the Plains, youll find some spectacular landmarks, like Badlands National Park or Mt Rushmore (SD). Budget for Backpacking South America: Our first 6 months of travel costs If you're traveling around the region for a while, rail passes will likely be much cheaper than just booking individual trips. I'd really like to get on a Greyhound bus and go backpacking across America. Visiting Yellowstone National Park is a treat. Books | Work - WanderLearn with Francis Tapon Also beware of Spirit Airlines. Take some US dollars with you. For reference, Ive hitchhiked in India and Pakistan, yet even as a US citizen, would never do so in the US. For all matters of finance and accounting on the road, I strongly recommend Wise the platform formerly known as Transferwise! Luckily weve got them covered! Sometimes called extended trip packs or expedition packs, a good one typically costs between $200 and $400. 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. If youre keen on a different kind of experience during your trip, why not stay at one of thebest treehouses and cabins in Georgia? Germany can be staid or mind-blowing. 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. Beware of prices in these regions during this time. With similar climates, outstanding wine vineyards, vast mountain ranges, and endless beautiful beaches, this trio is easily one of the best backpacking Europe routes for . As a Broke Backpacker reader, youll also get a special discount of $10. The cheapest way to explore the US is with your own vehicle and a tent, though even then youll likely spend more than in Europe. This 40-litre backpack is high quality and surprisingly budget-friendly. 1) You make money or need to work online, or 2) you really really love your laptop. Taking a West Coast road trip is arguably one of the best things to do in the US. 6. Yes, it is possible to hitchhike in America. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads usingthis link. Unfortunately, local buses also tend to be associated with crime and unscrupulous activities. France, Spain, and Portugal are easily one of the most classic combinations for European itineraries out there. Some of the most beautiful landscapes in America are its bleak and arid desert regions. A lower daily budget for visiting the United States will be around $50-$70. 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars. . You'll be surprised by how inexpensive food, goods, and other items are in certain countries, but they add up! Coins are also still commonly used in the US and people will often give you exact change. Ecuador's cost of living is fairly low. The best option for cutting down on your total backpacking through Europe cost would be to travel in the . A GREAT misconception about America is that every resident falls under the same category. The PNW and Alaska are enjoying the sun before it disappears for 5 months. Both Oregon and Washington are green in many senses of the word. I dont know about you but I could use a vacation right about now, preferably in Maui. If youre wondering how much would it cost to travel across the US, then here is a breakdown of various costs: Card is king in the US, and you can expect all big brands to work pretty much everywhere. During our year-long honeymoon, we spent 5 incredible months backpacking in South America. The best wine in America is found on the West Coast. Few actually realize that Mexico is astounding; see Chiapas and/or Copper Canyon. This is partly why I was fascinated to read Hike Your Own Hike: 7 Life Lessons from Backpacking across America: The author, Francis Tapon, has made travel a priority and a way of life, and has fostered an adventurous spirit and a contagious passion as a result. Having a filtered water bottle means you can drink from just about any source. The Pacific Northwest, composed of Oregon and Washington, might be rainier and somewhat more dreary but the region is just gorgeous. The Grayl Geopress is the markets leading filtered water bottle protecting your tum from all the waterborne nasties. Check out where to stay in Zion National park if you visit. Travel light and leave behind what you don't need . If you have the time though, the aforementioned states are totally worth visiting. Packing Like A Pro And Traveling LightMy Ultimate Guide But there are lots of subjects to cover when talking about backpacking America: how to get around the USA, where to lay your tired head for the night, and, crucially, how to save money along the way. Backpacking is especially popular among young people. Need help deciding between Dallas or Austin? It wasn't until COVID that most Americans bothered to hop in their cars and do some serious road-tripping. Macroeconomics Flashcards | Quizlet Now, youre going to want to head East. With no money . (Simmer down now angry Texans, were getting there.). 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. The nearest cities Salt Lake City, Utah, and Albuquerque, New Mexico are both more than 6 hours away. They cant be blamed either the presence of places like the White Mountains and the Maine Coast, among many others, make New England one of the most beautiful places in the USA. The USA is an enormous country with an enormous amount of accommodation. Don't keep your eggs in one basket. Take one look at the red barns of the New England countryside, the vintage lighthouses of the coast, or the preserved historical landmarks, and youll know that people care about heritage here. If you wanted to leave the mountains, theres plenty more to see and do in greater Kentucky and Tennessee. Things are just different in The South, for better or worse. The cute town is close to two USA national parks and has a vibe all of its own. The state is also blessed with a ton of natural beautyMaines stunning Acadia National Park is a dream come true from July-August. But the United States is a big country, not to mention really expensive. That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we dont believe are up to scratch. STATES: Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine. If youre backpacking through the USA and have the opportunity, you absolutely have to go to a sports match. If youre traveling to the USA for the first time, you may not get a lot of pushback from the customs agent. Use rental car search engines to sort through the various car companies and find the right price. 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. When I graduated university back in 2015, there was only one thing I wanted to do, and that was see the world! 4. Spencer packed his backpack and set out on a 9-month trip around North America. For all campgrounds outside the main urban areas, you will, 99% of the time, need a car to reach them. 3. 9 Epic South America Backpacking Routes: The Best Itineraries and If youre staying at a campground that offers showers, electricity, or a mess hall, youll obviously have to pay more ($10-$30 per site, not person). 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. Budget Backpacking Trip to Europe: 32 Tips To Travel Cheap If you have 2 weeks to spend backpacking in South America, this is the best route for you. Hide money in a lipstick. The Midwest is often focused upon for all the wrong reasons: for being bitter cold in the winter, humid in the summer, and for unlucky economies. Read the proceeding section for more information on renting a car in the USA. Backpack Boston, Massachusetts to get a taste of one of the best cities in the USA. New England still has its fair share of cool cities and the region also. Sometimes small towns have one or two family-run motels at good prices. He has thru-hiked the Pacific Crest Trail and Appalachian Trail. Segregation persisted until the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was passed. 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. Close, Backpacking USA Travel Guide Budgets, Tips, Itineraries + More (2023). After some marijuana and mountain action, get ready for even more epic landscapes by staying in Moab, Utah for a few days. Its the stuff (California) dreams are made of: the mystical ocean and the road that runs next to it. Join the conversation; visit the likes of Miami, San Antonio, or stay in Los Angeles and feel the Latin vibes. Californians are often perceived as vain and superficial and care more about personal advancement than relationships. Sandwiched between the Puget Sound and Mt Rainier, its arguably the most beautiful city in America as well (on a clear day). Blessed with a stunning coast, many mountains, and a ton of legal weed, you simply cannot visit the USA and skip California. Once youre stuffed to the brim, hop on another plane to visit Los Angeles. One response to "United States of America (USA) Travel and Backpacking Guide" Its a dreamscape full of natural bridges, rocky portals, and passageways leading to God knows where. Flying. Clara visits the local bakery shop several times a week and knows the owner, Sam, very well. Some must-see East Coast spots include the nations lovely capital Washington D.C. and Philadelphia, home of the legendary Philly Cheesesteak. After spending three years in Eastern Europe, he wrote The Hidden Europe: What Eastern Europeans Can Teach Us. To end your trip, check out Miami to get a taste of Latin America in the USA! Better yet, Broke Backpacker readers also get a $40 with Outdoorsy! California is known for its big bold grapes like chardonnays, cabs, and merlots. Plus, now you wont be buying overpriced bottles of water from the supermarkets either! Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop! If youre trying to go backpacking in the USA with no money or very little of it, youd better use some of these travel hacks: Plastic washes up on even the most pristine beaches so do your part and keep the Big Blue beautiful! They're both 2,000+ miles long, with the PCT stretching from Southern California to Canada and the A.T. stretching from Georgia to Maine. Paperback. They may also have stronger ties to their cultural heritage as the East Coast has powerful diaspora communities (Irish, Italian, Polish, etc). Availability is always limited though. Seattle is a great place to either headway north to Alaska, or thousands of miles southwest to the true highlight of the USAbackpacking Hawaii. That being said, the routes that do exist are often stunning. But ultimately, it will be thrilling. Hawaii is getting dumped on by rain. I encourage anyone backpacking the USA to carefully observe the social nuances of each region and to discover the flavors of each. The United States isn't a popular destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Lock your bag with a simple clip. 1 pair pajamas. 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. Visiting here will allow you endless opportunities to camp, hike, and explore. Youd be surprised how much fun this style of luxury camping can be! Best Backpacking Destinations In Europe. There are also a number of American-ized dishes. Remote and massive albeit a bit expensive, Alaska is a nature lovers paradise. 2. Oaxaca City is a vibrant destination to explore, and Merida, the safest city in the country . Weed, coke, MDMA, acid, and a handful more are all easy drugs to find on the road in the USA. 07/11/2022. ) document.getElementById("ak_js_2").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); Well, folks that was one epic United States travel guide thrown down. Some of the most respected First Nation peoples, like the Comanche, Apache, and Crow, once roamed plains and, if were being frank, these peoples deserve more dominion over their ancestral homelands. a shirt can be a base layer in a cold climate or a top layer in a warm climate). Next, take a quick flight to the favorite place of many and explore Chicago. Its not hard to imagine that this is often considered the most boring part of the country. If you want to go backpacking in the USA on a budget, consider investing in a special annual pass. He has currently traveled to 100 countries. Thats also what makes a New England road trip one of the most quaint you can take in the entire country. And for half the money too! Unless youre planning to fly longer distances, there are only a few options for traveling from the US to a different country. Rate this book. If youre going on an overnight hike, make sure you have a good tent, sleeping bag, and a means to prepare food. Always keep an eye on your luggage. Travel in Cuba, once off-limits to Americans, is beginning to open up and traveling in Puerto Rico is a good time as well. Buenos Aires (4 days) Experiencing the gritty yet charming "Paris of South America" Optional: Montevideo and Colonia in Uruguay (2 days) Experiencing a smaller more polite Buenos Aires; Iguazu Falls (1 day) UNESCO heritage site that dwarfs Niagara Falls Mendoza (2 days) Argentine wine country experienced by biking between vineyards and wine tastings Most Americans never even make it here, so its even a bit offbeat.. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); First, were going to talk about the best places to visit in the United States and how to do so. How much money do you need to drive across America? Many will begin their USA backpacking trip in this region; NYC has a convenient international airport. In 1776, the declaration of independence was signed after revolutionary General George Washington. 3. While some people are living like royalty, some are getting by on less than $2/day thats comparable to living in Nicaragua. They are very open-minded and laid back though and can get along with just about anyone. Buy a Geopress: its the last water bottle youll ever buy. Last Updated: February 8, 2023. As a follow-up, Id like to remind you to never venture into the wilderness unprepared. So charmed is Wilder with Calista that he invites her to work as his . Get free accommodation in exchange for volunteering a few hours a day. 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. By the 1760s the colonies numbered 13 with more than 2.5 million inhabitants, contained alongside the Eastern Seaboard.