Between Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and every other park in the state, there is an endless amount of things to do in Utah. 1 swimsuit. Youre going to hear me harp on this fact often, but the United States is fuckin huge. . You wont just save serious $$$, youll experience a different culture, cool projects, meet new people and integrate into the community in a different way. Our road trip across America cost us $2,382, or an average of $149/day between both of us for a 16-day road . Every first-time traveler to the US has a few questions theyre just dying to know the answers to. One response to "United States of America (USA) Travel and Backpacking Guide" Because its magical and theres really nowhere else like it. Once you understand the East Coast style, youll start to feel like one of them. Americas northern neighbor and the butt of one too many jokes about mooses and maple syrup, Canada is an amazing country to visit. 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. How much money do you need to drive across America? 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. 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? Urban camping is also becoming quite popular and is an excellent way to experience a city without having to spend boatloads on a lodge. Both organisations provide flights, food, accommodation, and spending money. Unfortunately, racism is still a problem all over the country today. Public transportation doesnt jive well with this kind of time frame, so youre going to get acquainted with its many airports. Zion National Park is perhaps the most stunning (and therefore most famous) of Utahs national parks. The Canadian Rocky Mountains are epic and the rugged coastline of British Columbia and Newfoundland are equally impressive. Oregon is like New Zealand-Lite and has just about every type of landscape possible. You can do so much here, from surfing to hiking to canyoneering to just being a beach bum. Visiting Alaska could be an unforgettable experience as there are few places this pure left in the world. When Christopher Columbus discovered America in 1492, he actually thought he had reached India, thus how the misnomer American Indians came to be. Then, of course, a couple of days in New York City. This is (IMO) the best way to experience the natural beauty of the US, which is probably our biggest tourist draw. With your own car, youll get to go where you want, sleep where you want, and do what you want. You'll never have to pay for gas, parking, tickets, or all the other money sucking expenses of car travel. You can also rent an RV or campervan to live the vanlife, which means you dont have to worry about packing camping gear. Even legal stores often cannot accept cards due to nuanced legal issues. Next up, take some time to see the charming region of New England before spending a few days in Washington D.C. heading to the sweet Southern locales of Charleston, South Carolina and Savannah, Georgia. Your laptop deserves a proper pack, and we know a good few! These offer nothing in the way of infrastructure, so youll have to rely on your own means, but are totally free. Last Updated: February 8, 2023. Best Backpacking Destinations In Europe. Few actually realize that Mexico is astounding; see Chiapas and/or Copper Canyon. Four whole states are just prairie and a large portion of Texas is as well. Note that most national parks charge an entry fee. So far, no regrets and a huge list of things I learned in my first month backpacking across South America. Remember that America is a really big place though so dont underestimate distances. They organise yo packing and minimise its volume too so you can pack MORE. If Sam raised the price to $2.50 , Clara would buy her favorite cupcake from the coffee shop down the . Americans cant get enough of their sports; some are diehard fanatics. This will get you a dorm bed, groceries, bus tickets, and some extra spending money. Coins are also still commonly used in the US and people will often give you exact change. Its the stuff (California) dreams are made of: the mystical ocean and the road that runs next to it. 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. And for half the money too! You also cant miss the Yosemite Tunnel View, the famous vista that looks its absolute best when tinged with fall colors. Don't keep your eggs in one basket. Lassen Volcanic National Park, California, Use an American road trip planner app to plot routes. Learn how to repair your own bike and get used parts. 6 North America 6.1 North America Backpacking Tent Revenue by Company (2020-2022) 6.2 North America Backpacking Tent Revenue by Type (2017-2028) 6.3 North America Backpacking Tent Revenue by . In fact, the highest in North America, Denali, is here in Alaska. STATES: Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho. The US is not South Asia, Oceania, or Europe. While often thought of as one group, they actually comprised hundreds of tribes that stretched from Alaska to Hawaii and all across the mainland. Hike your own hike: 7 life lessons from backbacking across America / Francis Tapon p.cm Includes blibliographical references (p.) and index. Most of the worst crimes in the country happen in remote neighborhoods where tourists have no reason to go to anyway. Itll save you aload of time when organising transport and youll probably nab an EPIC DISCOUNT too! Join the conversation; visit the likes of Miami, San Antonio, or stay in Los Angeles and feel the Latin vibes. If Im being honest, it can be a hectic place and I often feel safer in Pakistan. The landscape here is rugged, primal, and mostly untouched by civilization. The USA aint exactly cheap folks this is already one of the most expensive countries in the world and isnt getting any more affordable anytime soon. Go to Museums on Sunday - They are free! As the first destination of our travels, it was hard to know what to budget for backpacking South America's most expensive country. Rate this book. 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. Its fosho the highlight of the East Coastif you have the time, a 4-day NYC itinerary is perfect to get a solid feel of the Big Apple. Hit Downtown San Francisco and suddenly people are networking at underground concerts. I have been using World Nomads for some time now and made a few claims over the years. Spend a few days staying in the amazing Grand Canyon, one of the most amazing natural landmarks in the US. This doesnt mean its impossible, but you should demonstrate a good travel history and strong ties to your home country for the best possible chance at success. If you dont really care about civilization though, theres always the Great Lakes to explore. Most people head immediately for lively Austin first. 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. Votes: 3. Broke Backpacker readers get a $10 discount when you sign up. Be prepared and have the gear to be mostly self-sustaining. 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. 6 Top Tips for Backpacking Across America. While backpacking across America in 1976, 21-year-old Greek musician Calista Frangopoulou has a chance encounter with real-life 70-year-old film director Billy Wilder at a Beverly Hills restaurant. Backpacking Peru and Bolivia Route. There are some cool cities here, such as Des Moines or Indianapolis for alternative reasons not to mention some very attractive outdoor areas, particularly around the Great Lakes. $46.59 2 Used from $46.59. The famous New York City, one of the most diverse metropolises in the world. 2. Be sure to add these to your backpacking packing list for the USA: This is a regular looking belt with a concealed pocket on the inside you can hide up to twenty notes inside and wear it through airport scanners without it setting them off. Secure that visa and book that ticket, American dreams are to be made! Then signup for Worldpackers, a platform that connects local hosts with volunteer travelers. 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. The East Coast is also home to Washington DC the federal capital of the USA. People flock here for good weather, good vibes, good food, good beaches, and the chance to make it big. This 40-litre backpack is high quality and surprisingly budget-friendly. But did you know that some of the finest North American architecture is preserved in the cities of Charleston, South Carolina or Savannah, Georgia? Oaxaca City is a vibrant destination to explore, and Merida, the safest city in the country . If they were able to though, they would be greeted by some of the most paradisiacal and epic scenery in the world. Be sure to check Google Maps reviews to find the cheapest eats around whenever you roll into a new place. Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas or its wormy tequila. 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. Its common knowledge that Chinese food in the US is not really Chinese anymore and Tex-Mex isnt really Mexican. She buys them regularly. Next up, head to Utah, another wild state blessed with stunning beauty, and some great places to camp on a budget. 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. Check out some of these potential activities and then go search for the best places in America yourself! Finally, no trip to the Southwest is complete without seeing the otherworldly White Sands. Alaska doesnt emerge from winter until May although the Northern Lights are peaking. Money adds up: Don't be fooled by the currency. If the tread on your tires is 2/32" or less, you need to replace them. Fortunately, there are many ways to do so with no money. 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. Our favorite online platform for holding funds, transferring money, and even paying for goods, Wise is 100% FREE with considerably lower fees than Paypal or traditional banks. 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. You'll understand why smart money and groundbreaking tourists are flocking to this undiscovered territory. When youre not outdoors, the cities of Vancouver, Montreal, and Toronto are among the coolest metros in North America as well. The original 13 Colonies, founded by English settlers, were based in this part of North America. The best option for cutting down on your total backpacking through Europe cost would be to travel in the . Taking a tent backpacking is not always practical but hammocks are lightweight, cheap, strong, sexy (chicks dig hammocks), and allow you to pitch up for the night pretty much anywhere. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card. Most of the popular travel destinations will be close to a National Park, and we recommend you visit at least one. Geographically, Appalachia is defined by the Appalachian Mountains, which form the largest chain in the Eastern United States. Photograph: Andre Jenny/Alamy. So, if youre thinking about backpacking in the USA alone or with a group, regardless, just know that youll be safe as a tourist. Unfortunately, local buses also tend to be associated with crime and unscrupulous activities. . They will need to apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) beforehand. 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. If you have the time though, the aforementioned states are totally worth visiting. Most likely, people are fleeing to Florida, the South, and Hawaii during this time as theyre warm and dry. Business on the west coast IS about relationships though; business on the East Coast is often about grinding it out. The first step in quickly getting money to be able to travel, is selling your stuff. Check out our helpful guide. Texas and the Southwest are a furnace at this time and it is tornado season in Middle America. You can do this itinerary in either direction, though I recommend starting in New York City; its got something for everyone, from attractions to some of the best restaurants in the country. So what are you waiting for? In the meantime, here are three stellar parks that should absolutely be on your backpacking USA bucket list. Things are just different in The South, for better or worse. The crime, though unfortunate, is contained. Quite the opposite of Alaska, traveling to Hawaii means visiting a tropical paradise. The East Coast hosts some of the most important cities in the USA, both economically and politically. To end your trip, check out Miami to get a taste of Latin America in the USA! You arent going to save the world overnight, but you can be part of the solution and not the problem. You might think that you need to bring five shirts, three dresses, and four pairs or shoes, but you don't. In reality, you'll wear two or three of those shirts. Lets not forget Californias moodier northern neighbor either. 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. While the modern form of America may have been nurtured further down on the Atlantic Seaboard, the first version of it was born in New England. So the total cost for 5 of us backpacking Europe for 3 months was $9,352.That's around $3,100/month or $1870/person.Not too bad eh? Many will begin their USA backpacking trip in this region; NYC has a convenient international airport. For one, everything is more spread out here; outside of the urban areas, theres a lot more open space and a lot longer drives. document.getElementById("ak_js_2").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); Well, folks that was one epic United States travel guide thrown down. Perhaps youve heard that North Carolina is probably one of the most beautiful places in the USA? Theres even a known moniker of Florida Man as there have been hundreds of absolutely insane things that continue to happen in Florida with that as a headline. Keep in mind that ATMs will charge a fee, which can vary depending on the branch. The amount of times that this archipelago has been named the most beautiful place in the world is beyond count now. All your belongings are in one bag while you are traveling. Having a filtered water bottle means you can drink from just about any source. Backcountry permits are cheap, you can rent backpacking gear from a local outfitter and traveling to your trailhead of choice will . After getting acquainted with the Sunshine State, continue onwards to New Orleans, one of Americas coolest cities before expanding your waistline in Austin, Texas. Reportedly, there are over 50,000 miles of trail systems in the US. 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. Youve been waiting a long time for this moment youre about to go traveling in the USA for the first time, ever. Avoid acting like a tourist. Rome is cheapish, crime-challenged and huge fun. Yes, it is possible to hitchhike in America. Sell Your Shit. You can even find many yoga retreats that combine wellness sessions and exploration with their offering, which is another good way to explore Hawaii. For food, try going to supermarkets and . Just dont piss them off. Her favorite cupcakes, chocolate cream, sell for $22 each. The high-elevation state is undoubtedly one of the best places to hike in the country. There are so many amazing things to do in Colorado! Hawaii is very far away from the continental United States. I encourage anyone backpacking the USA to carefully observe the social nuances of each region and to discover the flavors of each. 4) BRAZIL ROUTE: 2-Week Itinerary is one of the best backpacking routes in Brazil. After some marijuana and mountain action, get ready for even more epic landscapes by staying in Moab, Utah for a few days. Free apps for self-guided tours. If you want to see a particularly interesting US city, you can also hit up Hotlanta AKA Atlanta, Georgia.