Doesnt really matter if youre backpacking the USA alone or with a group theres tons of stuff to do here! But did you know that some of the finest North American architecture is preserved in the cities of Charleston, South Carolina or Savannah, Georgia? The USA's network of airports will connect you to pretty much anywhere in the country, with budget airlines competing to offer customers the best prices. They organise yo packing and minimise its volume too so you can pack MORE. From incredible eateries to summer days by the lake, dont forget to try the deep dish! The great thing about backpacking the USA's East Coast is that it's possible to make a custom travel itinerary that can be done entirely without renting a car. After getting acquainted with the Sunshine State, continue onwards to New Orleans, one of Americas coolest cities before expanding your waistline in Austin, Texas. After checking out the famous beaches, drive to Las Vegas for a quick stop to hopefully make some winnings before continuing onwards to some of the United States best national parks. This is a tricky subject because America seems to defy common sense in a lot of ways. Man, backpacking is supposed to be a beautiful experience and beauty is exactly what you're going to see from your train window. Our road trip across America cost us $2,382, or an average of $149/day between both of us for a 16-day road . So far weve covered 48 of the USAs 50 total states. Drink water from ANYWHERE. The East Coast hosts some of the most important cities in the USA, both economically and politically. Especially if youre coming from a country with limited access to this fantastic plant, youll be truly impressed by the sheer variety and quality of American weed. You can spend your trip just taking a road trip through Utahs national parks. The A.T. and the PCT. The West is a very different place from the East Coast. Traveling without insurance would be risky so do consider getting good backpacker insurance sorted before you head off on an adventure. World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. Now were cooking with gas! Rome is cheapish, crime-challenged and huge fun. 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. Tipping is expected at US restaurants as workers are not paid the minimum hourly wage, unlike in Europe. Backpacking gives you a feeling of freedom. The USA does have a couple of original dishes, which vary by region. 10 Money-Saving Tips for Colombia! Its expected that you tip around 10-15% of your total bill, though this is social etiquette and not a law. The Northeast and Midwest are beginning to thaw out after the long harsh winter and temperatures are rising on the West Coast. Weed, coke, MDMA, acid, and a handful more are all easy drugs to find on the road in the USA. I hope that you learned a lot from this article and about backpacking across the USA. Programs run through reputable work exchange programs, like Worldpackers, are generally very well-managed and highly reputable. Adam dreams of backpacking across Europe, therefore, each time he is paid, he saves ten percent of his income. There are plenty of different volunteer projects in the USA including teaching, construction, agriculture, and pretty much anything. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card. Aside from being an all-out blast, it will be a great immersion experience. Now for some of the best multi-day backpacking trips (and a whole lot of doobies!) So I hope you become more inspired to continue being a responsible traveler. 2 Weeks of Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay. The most beautiful place in the US by far, Hawaii feels like another (very green) planet. Again, thank you! Buses are ubiquitous in America and can transport you to just about any major city or town. Luckily, aside from 1 incident (in Peru), we felt safe the vast majority of the time during our 5 months of South America backpacking. If you havent seen the photosgoogle it, youre going to want to add this place to your USA bucket list. There are USA rail passes available for purchase with Amtrak. Want more deetz on why its so damn perfect? Train travel in the USA is not like train travel in Europe. New England has a distinctly more old-school vibe than other Atlantic states. Safety while traveling abroad is a huge concern, and for good reason: tourists are like a walking bulls-eye. 6 Top Tips for Backpacking Across America National Parks. With no premiums for flights or hotel rooms, you can easily stay within budget and have the experience of a lifetime. Its no wonder so many great American creatives have been inspired by this land. Use rental car search engines to sort through the various car companies and find the right price. Be a part of the solution and travel with a filter water bottle. Some must-see East Coast spots include the nations lovely capital Washington D.C. and Philadelphia, home of the legendary Philly Cheesesteak. Relatively cheap (roughly $50-$70 per night) motels can be found in many mid-size towns throughout the US. For one, everything is more spread out here; outside of the urban areas, theres a lot more open space and a lot longer drives. He plans to visit all 54 African countries in 2013-2016. . Public transportation doesnt jive well with this kind of time frame, so youre going to get acquainted with its many airports. Workers in the US face many more difficulties than those in other developed countries, so tipping can really make or break an employees shift. Keep in mind that ATMs will charge a fee, which can vary depending on the branch. 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). Make no mistake, theres are a lot to do and see in the United States, so lets waste no time and get to it! Aint that just beautiful? Or, yknow you can stick to ziplock bags. 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. Stay in South Padre Island to experience one of Texas hidden gems. ISBN: -97658-120-5 1. Its common knowledge that Chinese food in the US is not really Chinese anymore and Tex-Mex isnt really Mexican. Four whole states are just prairie and a large portion of Texas is as well. time, energy, and money. The state is located so far north that it takes a flight or week-long ferry to reach it from the Lower 48. In 3 days, dont miss out on Club Space for the coolest sounds in the city, South Beach for beaches and bottles, and Key Biscayne for a more relaxing, natural beach day complete with water sports. 158.1dc22 Library of Congress Control Number: 2005904842 Visit . In this video I go from Cape Henlopen, DE to Denton, . He was the first person to do a round-trip, backpacking the Continental Divide Trail. Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas or its wormy tequila. Here are some of the cant-miss stops on your USA backpacking adventure: STATES: New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia. Unfortunately, racism is still a problem all over the country today. You wont soon forget that lobster roll! American culture is defined by blood, sweat, and tears, followed by a shot of whiskey. Ah, perhaps the most popular gambling city on Earth? trekking gear), or find a cheap temporary fix instead of carrying something for one-time use. Otherwise, backpacking is a great opportunity to unplug and get offline for a while. By staying in warm climates for most of the year, we were able to avoid bringing along winter coats or cold weather gear. Close, Backpacking USA Travel Guide Budgets, Tips, Itineraries + More (2023). Get free accommodation in exchange for volunteering a few hours a day. 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! In the centuries that followed, the country we know today was brutally colonized by various explorers and millions of natives were murdered. Speaking of freak accidents, the US is the only developed nation on Earth without universal healthcare. Always keep an eye on your luggage. Visit Miami and be ready for mega nightclubs, dance bars, and copious amounts of cocaine. While the nation is gripped by snowstorms and cold, the Caribbean is warm, dry, and having a grand ol time. All the more reason to never leave! People flock here for good weather, good vibes, good food, good beaches, and the chance to make it big. Now its time for the countrys most notorious state: yup, its time for a Florida road trip. 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. There are more cities besides Chicago worth seeing too. Title. So more than almost any other country, youre really going to want to consider travel insurance that covers the US. The East Coast may just be the most quaint part of the US. Hawaii is getting dumped on by rain. 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. Texas is totally worth your time, even if you only make it to a few destinations. Dont spend too long in LAtheres an entire coast to see. If you wanted to leave the mountains, theres plenty more to see and do in greater Kentucky and Tennessee. Are we going to visit Hawaii or Alaska? Flying. The backpack we recommend most is the Osprey Farpoint 40 for men and the Osprey Fairview 40 for women. 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars. Youre going to hear me harp on this fact often, but the United States is fuckin huge. For reference, Ive hitchhiked in India and Pakistan, yet even as a US citizen, would never do so in the US. Be aware that getting through security can be a real pain in the ass. Few other places on Earth offer such natural diversity as the West, which consists of mountains, rainforests, deserts, an enormous coastline Need I go on? How much money do you need to drive across America? Full disclosure, America has terrible public transport; Ive been on buses in Pakistan that undoubtedly provide better and less sketchy service. We havent talked about Texas yet either! Completing the Continental Divide Trail (CDT) should gain you a doctorate in . You'll be surprised by how inexpensive food, goods, and other items are in certain countries, but they add up! Glacier National Park can be found in Montana, which is easily one of the most beautiful states in the entire country. Californians are often perceived as vain and superficial and care more about personal advancement than relationships. That means that visiting TWO national parks alone (out of the 423 total in the USA) will run you a grand total of $70. 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! Buckle up, buttercups were going on a road trip in the United States,right here,right now. Spend a few days staying in the amazing Grand Canyon, one of the most amazing natural landmarks in the US. So what are you waiting for? STATES: Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri. When the coronavirus hit in 2020, Donald Trump was a massive source of misinformation and downplaying of the virus. To get acquainted with Miamis unique culture, check out Little Havana and the famous Versailles Restaurant for authentic Cuban eats. In some parts of the Plains, youll find some spectacular landmarks, like Badlands National Park or Mt Rushmore (SD). Pack one week's worth of clothing. The best places to visit in the USA include NYC, Chicago, San Francisco, the beaches of Florida, Colorado, Hawaii, and the Pacific Northwest. If they were able to though, they would be greeted by some of the most paradisiacal and epic scenery in the world. All other countries that do not qualify for the Visa Waiver Program must apply for a regular visa for the US. Plus, now you wont be buying overpriced bottles of water from the supermarkets either! It's a great place to stay on a tight budget, especially outside of major tourist hubs like Tulum. Backpack Boston, Massachusetts to get a taste of one of the best cities in the USA. All the staples are here: vodka, rum, gin, etc though certain regions do it better than others. . Start out with these holidays and festivals in the USA next time youre there: On every adventure, there are 6 things I never go traveling without. If you want to go backpacking in the USA on a budget, consider investing in a special annual pass. The PNW and Alaska are enjoying the sun before it disappears for 5 months. Pay a visit to Detroit, Michigan; once the fallen angel of America, it is putting itself back together, piece by piece. My missus travels with all her clothes in ziplock bags:dont be like my missus. If you want to explore caves, unlit temples, or simply find your way to the bathroom during a blackout, a headtorch is a must. More and more migrants arrived, and the first British colonies were formed in the early 1600s. The best option for cutting down on your total backpacking through Europe cost would be to travel in the . While some people are living like royalty, some are getting by on less than $2/day thats comparable to living in Nicaragua. Driving in the USA will allow you the ultimate freedom and the chance to see many of its remote attractions and natural wonders. For example, whiskey is quite good in Appalachia as this is where bourbon was created. PLUS, you save money and the environment! Arizona is where youll find the legendary Grand Canyon in addition to several smaller but no-less-famous landmarks like Antelope Canyon, the Vermillion Cliffs, and Sedona. 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. And for transparencys sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. I was confused. More information. 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. From hospitality in Hawaii to social media management in Sacramento and everything in between, youll find a whole load of different projects to help out with. To avoid these extra fees. Keep in mind you can often rent gear locally (e.g. Again, the documents needed to travel to the USA under this visa vary on a case-by-case basis so I cannot tell you what you need. Some of these are giant pits of debauchery; others are a bit tamer and family-friendly. It is essential to have a general concept of where you want to go, how much time you intend to . This was once the edge of the map for American pioneers. US tourist visa requirements do change regularly so please be sure to always check with the official government website. If you want someone to do the planning for you, going on a Hawaiian Beach Tour with Global Work and Travel may be an option worth considering. Temperatures are lovely in the South and Southwest and a lot of major cities, like New Orleans and Miami, are kicking off festival season. Ralph is a former manager in the hospitality industry turned wild child. West Coast people also behave differently where East Coasters are generally more blunt and unabashed, West Coasters are more genial but sometimes superficial. But its the perfect place to travel and to live. 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. Many people are seen as unintelligent, which are more symptoms of unjust social dynamics (following the Civil War, the South became very poor). Last Updated: February 8, 2023. Backpacking shows you how little you actually need. Make sure you alsopurchase aRentalCover.com policyto cover your vehicle against any common damages such as tires, windscreens, theft, and more at a fraction of the price you would pay at the rental desk. Well, everyone, this is it: the best possible way to go backpacking the USA! Segregation persisted until the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was passed. And while backpacking in South America, just being a Gringo wearing a backpack can make you a target. Prices for travel in Europe vary greatly depending on how far north, east, south, or west you travel. Hike your own hike: 7 life lessons from backbacking across America / Francis Tapon p.cm Includes blibliographical references (p.) and index. If youre traveling to the USA for the first time, you may not get a lot of pushback from the customs agent. Carry a tent and sleeping gear, water purifier, cooking equipment and comfy clothes. 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. 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. You can also rent an RV or campervan to live the vanlife, which means you dont have to worry about packing camping gear. You may not have the time, money, or freedom to travel extensively, but if you're curious to read more than just a simple travelogue, this series is for you. 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. 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. Some of the best places in the United States for a backpacking trip are its many national parks, which are set up to preserve the natural splendor, ecosystem, and historical significance of a given area. However, whenever you are volunteering do stay vigilant, especially when working with animals or children. Availability is always limited though. Since the 1960s, the US has been almost perpetually involved in war, most recently in the Middle East. ALASKA Transportation $410.50 Groceries $71.18 Eating Out $299.87 Adventures $418.65. Paperback. Well talk about the best of America, including the finest lodges, the most beautiful parks, and the most rad cities. Youll need to arm yourself with some considerable knowledge though and know the best ways to save a buck while traveling in the USA. For any trip lasting a week or longer, choose a pack with a capacity of at least 4,500 cubic inches, or 75 liters, according to BackCountry.com. MATH TIME: The entry fee for Yellowstone National Park is $35. Save money. Chicagos one of the coolest places to stay for 2 days filling up on deep-dish pizza. 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. . For a lot of people, the Southwest is the best place in the USA. But if this is your second or third time visiting the US in the course of a single ESTA, you could get grilled. 3. LA might just have the best street tacos in the US, and as the city can get expensive, note nearby cheap food options when choosing your accommodation. document.getElementById("ak_js_3").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); This website uses cookies to improve your experience. A GREAT misconception about America is that every resident falls under the same category. There are hundreds of little towns with rich histories and some offer unique attractions, be they crafts or hot springs. Everything from hotels to B&Bs to hostels to beach bungalows can be booked while visiting. Even legal stores often cannot accept cards due to nuanced legal issues. Denver is becoming an increasingly popular city to both live in and visit. Its no wonder theft and other crimes are still an endemic issue in poorer areas. Meanwhile, Portland, Maine has been slowly winning the hearts of hipsters over the years. Continental Divide Trail: New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho and Montana, 3,100 miles. Be prepared and have the gear to be mostly self-sustaining. Police can and will arrest hitchhikers in many states. Et voil, in total we spent 1800, exactly on budget for 4 weeks in Uruguay. Passenger vehicles are the preferred method of traveling in the USA and do offer the most flexibility. We suggest booking a campervan with Outdoorsy as they usually have a good selection and good prices. Most of the worst crimes in the country happen in remote neighborhoods where tourists have no reason to go to anyway. And when I say love, I mean need to party. In 1776, the declaration of independence was signed after revolutionary General George Washington. You may end up enjoying the locals more than anything in Texas. You wont just save serious $$$, youll experience a different culture, cool projects, meet new people and integrate into the community in a different way. Filled with the lower 48s best beaches and wackiest people, Florida is an experience to say the least. Hike Your Own Hike: 7 Life Lessons from Backpacking Across America We do not represent World Nomads. The opioid epidemic has swept the nation; meth is a real problem in the Southwest and the heroin abuse in Seattle is shocking sometimes, so be aware of who youre doing drugs with. Get Rail Passes. If you're traveling around the region for a while, rail passes will likely be much cheaper than just booking individual trips. Bonus points if you visit Big Bend National Park or the Texas Hill Country. It goes without saying as well that some of the best hikes in the USA are found in the Rockies. A road trip across America is costly and you could end up spending more than you originally planned to. 4) BRAZIL ROUTE: 2-Week Itinerary is one of the best backpacking routes in Brazil. 2023, The Broke Backpacker. Worldpackers connects travellers with hostels, schools, NGOs and many more. Votes: 3. 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 . The state of California is the largest, most famous, and arguably most desirable state on the West Coast. That said, camping is much cheaper and more fun than staying in a hotel. Spencer packed his backpack and set out on a 9-month trip around North America. Theyve got broke backpackers in mind, as they offer the chance to pay in interest free instalments. For all their desolation, Southwest deserts are indescribably beautiful and incomparable to anything else. The buildings are older, the food is more old-fashioned, and the cultural memory stretches further back. There are glaring issues, to be sure: systematic racism still exists, poverty is rampant, and overall public health is shockingly poor. Overall, the best time to visit the USA as the weather is good almost everywhere and there are fewer tourists. This is the first video is my series that covers my Hike Across America for Veteran Suicide Prevention. One of the most historically important cities in America, come to Philly for the sites, stay for the legendary food! 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. Beware of prices in these regions during this time. 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. Relatively speaking, a backpacking trip is an inexpensive vacation alternative. World Nomads mission is to support and encourage travellers to explore their boundaries. Its the stuff (California) dreams are made of: the mystical ocean and the road that runs next to it. The meats are tender, the sauces are masterpieces, and the sides are copious. 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. Two years later, millions of Americans do not believe it is real. 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. Unfortunately, local buses also tend to be associated with crime and unscrupulous activities. 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 . At the time, they offered a degree in Architecture Engineering. It wasn't until COVID that most Americans bothered to hop in their cars and do some serious road-tripping. If youre keen on a different kind of experience during your trip, why not stay at one of thebest treehouses and cabins in Georgia? United States Travel Guide. The Northeast, Midwest, Rockies, and Alaska are frigid and probably buried in snow. They may also have stronger ties to their cultural heritage as the East Coast has powerful diaspora communities (Irish, Italian, Polish, etc). The modern capital of the US is not to be missed. The majority of the international flights arrive at the airport in So Paulo. These are, of course, (mostly) outrageous stereotypes, but most will agree that Appalachia is a poorer and more discriminated region in the USA. Then, of course, a couple of days in New York City. 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.