In some parts of the Plains, youll find some spectacular landmarks, like Badlands National Park or Mt Rushmore (SD). Many people are seen as unintelligent, which are more symptoms of unjust social dynamics (following the Civil War, the South became very poor). Want to find some awesome volunteering opportunities in the USA? Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Once you understand the East Coast style, youll start to feel like one of them. The GRAYL Geopress is hands-down the most effective one weve ever used as well! Having lived in the USA for the first 25 years of my life, I sometimes have a hard time answering this question myself. Many will say that the most beautiful places in the USA are not found in cities or towns, but in nature. Since the 1960s, the US has been almost perpetually involved in war, most recently in the Middle East. Most appealing though are the warm, welcoming locals, who are often eager to show foreigners how great the Midwest can be. Social stratification is rampant throughout society. Because its magical and theres really nowhere else like it. The USA is a land full of opportunities for backpacker volunteers. Packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for thereal adventurers these babies are a travellers best kept secret. Read the proceeding section for more information on renting a car in the USA. Book your transport on Bookaway NOW. While the nation is gripped by snowstorms and cold, the Caribbean is warm, dry, and having a grand ol time. Et voil, in total we spent 1800, exactly on budget for 4 weeks in Uruguay. Most of the worst crimes in the country happen in remote neighborhoods where tourists have no reason to go to anyway. Most likely, people are fleeing to Florida, the South, and Hawaii during this time as theyre warm and dry. Remote is the best word to describe Alaska. Backpacking across Europe is a low-cost, autonomous, and touristic travel that frequently entails camping, sleeping in inexpensive hotels, and carrying all required goods in a backpack. With more than 700 miles of trails, spectacular lakes, pristine forests, and rugged mountains, there's no reason not to love and consider the Glacier as an ultimate hiker's paradise. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Some states have much more expensive camping, California and Hawaii being the most expensive, so keep this in mind! Both the West and East Coasts are perfect and theres usually not a cloud in the sky. So what are you waiting for? In the US, the standard tread depth is measured in 1/32" increments, according to Tire America. 7 Life Lessons From Backpacking Across America" (SonicTrek Press, $24.95) is an unusual mix of how-to advice, self . And for half the money too! Categorization. Have your emergency numbers with you. For some cities there are many tours for special interests. Backcountry permits are cheap, you can rent backpacking gear from a local outfitter and traveling to your trailhead of choice will . So, if youre thinking about backpacking in the USA alone or with a group, regardless, just know that youll be safe as a tourist. Sante Fe is a quirky little town with a vibrant art scene. Buy an AMK Travel Medical Kit before you head out on your next adventure dont be daft! Use rental car search engines to sort through the various car companies and find the right price. STATES: Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota. 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. Furthermore although this sounds very anti-feminist I would only recommend hitchhiking to males, and only to those who would know how to handle a worst case scenario: it has been associated with hundreds of murders and kidnappings. 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. Each nationality will require a different set of documents to travel to the USA using this process, so be sure to check with your local embassy on what you need. Right-wingers cannot be reasoned with. There are more cities besides Chicago worth seeing too. Staying near Lake Michigan, for example, is always a good idea. You arent going to save the world overnight, but you can be part of the solution and not the problem. They offer simple & flexible travel insurance, and safety advice to help you travel confidently. Californians are often perceived as vain and superficial and care more about personal advancement than relationships. STATES: North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas. In 2008, the United States elected Barack Obama, an African-American who was the countrys first non-white president in over 250 years of history. You can do so much here, from surfing to hiking to canyoneering to just being a beach bum. If you still have some time, expand your horizons by driving through New England, one of the very best portions of the States. 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. 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. Burlington, Vermont is also a cool little hippy town and Providence, Rhode Island is also having a renaissance. Washington D.C. is the federal capital of this great land and an arc of enormous historical value. These offer nothing in the way of infrastructure, so youll have to rely on your own means, but are totally free. If this is your case, start your trip to So Paulo. Laid-back Amsterdam is totally packed. Oregon wine is more delicate and the pinots here are some of the best in the world. Drivers who are under the age of 25 will often be charged extra premiums for rental cars (theyre a reckless bunch). Many residents will talk your ear about how much its changed in the last few years. Paperback. Budget traveling isn't the best around the United States, but hostels and campsites are your best bet for saving money while backpacking. New York is one of the most culturally diverse places in the world and is an anthropological wonder. RVs also cost more to rent, use more gas, and demand higher prices at campgrounds. Blessed with a stunning coast, many mountains, and a ton of legal weed, you simply cannot visit the USA and skip California. 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. 4. Big developed western Europe countries like Germany, France, and England are countries that empty the wallet faster. The Bay Area has a wealth of jobs. 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. Most major cities have free walking tours but that's just the beginning of free. US bills are all green with various former presidents on them. Why? The number one thing NOT to do in the USA is to bring up politics with strangers. Denver is becoming an increasingly popular city to both live in and visit. All of these are often considered among the most photographed places in the USA. The cute town is close to two USA national parks and has a vibe all of its own. After getting acquainted with the Sunshine State, continue onwards to New Orleans, one of Americas coolest cities before expanding your waistline in Austin, Texas. The buildings are older, the food is more old-fashioned, and the cultural memory stretches further back. My missus travels with all her clothes in ziplock bags:dont be like my missus. Most people head immediately for lively Austin first. 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. Adam dreams of backpacking across Europe, therefore, each time he is paid, he saves ten percent of his income. Im going to be sharing with you all of my knowledge about the States. If you really want to go cheap, then take advantage of the many primitive sites in the US, also known as BLM land. 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. 1 / 10. Pay a visit to Detroit, Michigan; once the fallen angel of America, it is putting itself back together, piece by piece. 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? If you are granted an ESTA, which is valid for 2 years, you are not actually guaranteed entry into the USA. Most people will fly at least once or twice within the United States. The South is also predominantly Republican (AKA right-wing) and has the lowest Covid vaccination rates in the country. In Brazil, most of the large cities are great locations for learning Portuguese. Well, everyone, this is it: the best possible way to go backpacking the USA! Between Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and every other park in the state, there is an endless amount of things to do in Utah. Always keep an eye on your luggage. While Joseph Biden took office in January 2021, he and his party have failed to enact any real change, as the virus continues to kill many daily. You'll get discounts on museums, monuments and historical sites, as well as National Parks across the country. Visiting the East Coast will be a unique cultural experience. These enormous freshwater bodies actually mimic the sea in a lot of ways you can surf here sometimes and there are portions that may even resemble the Caribbean. document.getElementById("ak_js_3").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); This website uses cookies to improve your experience. A $300 bike from Craigslist will do the trick or you can even get one for free through an Earn-A-Bike program. Some of the most beautiful landscapes in America are its bleak and arid desert regions. The cost of a road trip across America will obviously vary depending on a few factors: We suggest doing your research ahead of time to find the best deal possible. Backpacking is especially popular among young people. Though backpacking in Hawaii is not necessarily affordable, with a little help, you can still visit on a reasonable budget. Unless youre planning to fly longer distances, there are only a few options for traveling from the US to a different country. 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. He has thru-hiked the Pacific Crest Trail and Appalachian Trail. Hike Your Own Hike: 7 Life Lessons from Backpacking Across America It wasn't until COVID that most Americans bothered to hop in their cars and do some serious road-tripping. But Appalachia offers plenty to the curious tourist, more than other regions of the US. You will sometimes have to fill out a permit at one of these and often campsites are first-come-first-served, which means that popular ones fill up quickly. Most of the popular travel destinations will be close to a National Park, and we recommend you visit at least one. 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. 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. Utah, famous for stone arches and the Mormon religion, probably has the densest collection of state and national parks in the country. 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. Her favorite cupcakes, chocolate cream, sell for $22 each. Geographically, Appalachia is defined by the Appalachian Mountains, which form the largest chain in the Eastern United States. Hiking is a great way to experience the countrys nature and there is plenty of it to be found. There are so many places to visit in New York you might want to tag on a few days. So what about those lands beyond the shores of the Pacific or the wilds of Canada? Juanedc. The best option for cutting down on your total backpacking through Europe cost would be to travel in the . The state of California is the largest, most famous, and arguably most desirable state on the West Coast. There is a certain romance to crossing the Great Plains though. For example: East Coasters are generally frank in their speech and can be perceived as rude. On February 26, 2011, Nate Damm stood barefoot in the Atlantic Ocean on the Delaware coast, then put his shoes on and started walking west. For food, try going to supermarkets and . All your belongings are in one bag while you are traveling. Once sleepy, the thriving metro of Seattle, home to loggers and mariners, is now a modern metropolis. Located in the far western corner of North America lies Alaska the largest and most wild state in the USA. Updated March 20, 2021. You can also rent an RV or campervan to live the vanlife, which means you dont have to worry about packing camping gear. There are parts of The South that we already know about. 2. Business on the west coast IS about relationships though; business on the East Coast is often about grinding it out. The meats are tender, the sauces are masterpieces, and the sides are copious. The Rocky Mountains offer some of the most epic outdoor experiences in the nation. Get Rail Passes. Never get into the topic first, unless you know youre with like-minded people. Youre going to hear me harp on this fact often, but the United States is fuckin huge. Aside from being an all-out blast, it will be a great immersion experience. To say that Americans, as a whole, are cowboys or business sharks or talk like theyre from The OC is a gross misrepresentation. Larger towns will have chains. And while backpacking in South America, just being a Gringo wearing a backpack can make you a target. Aint that just beautiful? The deciduous trees start to erupt in the Northeast and Appalachia. There are some great hostels in Boulder if youre on a budget. The United States isn't a popular destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Glacier National Park can be found in Montana, which is easily one of the most beautiful states in the entire country. Prices for travel in Europe vary greatly depending on how far north, east, south, or west you travel. Take some US dollars with you. Choose Eastern Europe (Prague, Budapest, Sarajevo) for dirt-cheap excitement. 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. All you need is a quarter. 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. ALASKA Transportation $410.50 Groceries $71.18 Eating Out $299.87 Adventures $418.65. Though it has an (undeserving) bad reputation, visiting Mexico is incredible. To put it simply, backpacking the USA is going to be a long, sometimes crazy experience. By staying in warm climates for most of the year, we were able to avoid bringing along winter coats or cold weather gear. She buys them regularly. Pack light. Backpack Boston, Massachusetts to get a taste of one of the best cities in the USA. Last Updated: February 8, 2023. Applicants need to contact the nearest embassy to acquire this info. He was the first person to do a round-trip, backpacking the Continental Divide Trail. For example, BBQ food takes on different qualities depending on where youre at and can be pretty different. With more than a month on your hands, you have free reign and control over your own American dreams. A lot of states from other regions are actually touched by these mountains like North Carolina, Pennsylvania but only one state is actually fully engulfed by them: West Virginia. Are we going to visit Hawaii or Alaska? Hit Downtown San Francisco and suddenly people are networking at underground concerts. Go to site. Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail (Hardcover) by. You don't need a storage unit to store it in. 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? 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. Maybe youve been planning your USA backpacking trip for awhile, scouring sources and friends for information about where to go, what to do, how to travel in the USA. In this guide we will help you plan a backpacking trip through Southeast Asia for men and cover everything someone would need to know before they go for it. Weed, coke, MDMA, acid, and a handful more are all easy drugs to find on the road in the USA. Since then, has walked across America four times via its three major mountain ranges. STATES: West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, various satellite counties. 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. Thats also what makes a New England road trip one of the most quaint you can take in the entire country. Backpacking: He's walked across America 4 times and he walked across Spain twice. 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. You can make really good friends. Be a part of the solution and travel with a filter water bottle. . If Sam raised the price to $2.50 , Clara would buy her favorite cupcake from the coffee shop down the . 1 pair long underwear. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance. You wont just save serious $$$, youll experience a different culture, cool projects, meet new people and integrate into the community in a different way. Why stay in a naff hotel when you can stay in a cosy, stylish local house instead? Texas is totally worth your time, even if you only make it to a few destinations. The park features over 700 miles of trails, along with a hike to a stunning hidden lake. Washington is the more mountainous and richer sibling to Oregon. For reference, Ive hitchhiked in India and Pakistan, yet even as a US citizen, would never do so in the US. World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. The backpack we recommend most is the Osprey Farpoint 40 for men and the Osprey Fairview 40 for women. Lets take a look at these distant states below. Theres a reason why many people consider it to be the center of the world. Random violence can occur any time, even in safe areas, even comparable to the likes of South America. The gamblers paradise of Las Vegas is up next, or you could just stay in Utah if youre liking it. Hide money in a lipstick. Another option is the fun and more compact city of Boulder. Having a filtered water bottle means you can drink from just about any source. Now for some of the best multi-day backpacking trips (and a whole lot of doobies!) Close, Backpacking USA Travel Guide Budgets, Tips, Itineraries + More (2023). 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. If youre in the countryside, youre more likely to be killed by bison in heat or a freak tornado. Reportedly, there are over 50,000 miles of trail systems in the US. From Mediterranean olive groves, to alpine forests all the way to spiralling mountain routes that pass shining sapphire lakes. Plus, get3 free months on your membership during their summer promo! Lassen Volcanic National Park, California, Use an American road trip planner app to plot routes. Just use the discount code BROKEBACKPACKER and your membership is discounted from $49 a year to only $39. Also, know that buses stop often thus extending drive times. A visit to America isnt quite complete without Florida. Some of these are giant pits of debauchery; others are a bit tamer and family-friendly. Americans cant get enough of their sports; some are diehard fanatics. My recommendation is to actually explore the USA a bit take the road less traveled and see parts of the country no one really knows about. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be. The purpose of this book series is to share those lessons. That said, camping is much cheaper and more fun than staying in a hotel. It may be one of the few real American foods, but BBQ is all we really need. Most tourists come here for a short vacation, visit one or two cities, and then head home. All other countries that do not qualify for the Visa Waiver Program must apply for a regular visa for the US. Colin Fletcher. Ecuador's cost of living is fairly low. Once youre stuffed to the brim, hop on another plane to visit Los Angeles. 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. (Simmer down now angry Texans, were getting there.). Camping in the USA can be done in many places: at a beach, in the woods, in the mountains, or just in someones backyard. Use the knowledge I have bestowed upon you amigos, to have the best trip possible! As a United States native, one who has gone on more than a few road trips, I know a thing or two about traveling in this country. Just dont piss them off. Its not hard to imagine that this is often considered the most boring part of the country. The US is often considered one of the most attractive countries in the world and many are drawn here just to see its natural attractions. To put that into perspective, thats equivalent to walking the entire coastline of the Lower 48. These parks are priceless treasures and are among the most cherished pieces of the USA. Both organisations provide flights, food, accommodation, and spending money. Hawaii has everything: lush jungles, dramatic peaks, and more than a few pristine beaches. After spending three years in Eastern Europe, he wrote The Hidden Europe: What Eastern Europeans Can Teach Us. Plus public services are the best in the country, and overall, it has the best quality of life. That said, Southern America is not a scary or particularly ugly place to visit. Race and ethnicity are often celebrated in the USA but, although it is better than in previous decades, racism is still an issue. 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. Doesnt really matter if youre backpacking the USA alone or with a group theres tons of stuff to do here! If you want to go backpacking in the USA on a budget, consider investing in a special annual pass. February 7, 2023. time, energy, and money. 2023, The Broke Backpacker. This means we paid only $3245.62 out of pocket, for our seven month honeymoon, traveling all 50 States. Make no mistake, theres are a lot to do and see in the United States, so lets waste no time and get to it! Passenger vehicles are the preferred method of traveling in the USA and do offer the most flexibility. You can find many quaint cabins in Idaho that offer unparalleled views of the natural surroundings. You bet cha. So I hope you become more inspired to continue being a responsible traveler. He plans to visit all 54 African countries in 2013-2016. . Yup, theres still more to do in the USA that we havent touched on yet. Save $$$ Save the Planet Save Your Stomach! As a Broke Backpacker reader, youll also get a special discount of $10. Next up, head to Utah, another wild state blessed with stunning beauty, and some great places to camp on a budget. US tourist visa requirements do change regularly so please be sure to always check with the official government website. Quite the opposite of Alaska, traveling to Hawaii means visiting a tropical paradise. Now, youre going to want to head East. Be prepared and have the gear to be mostly self-sustaining. The South intimidates a lot of travelers because the region is unlike any other in the USA or the world for that matter. Single-use plastic bottles are a MASSIVE threat to marine life. The Gringo Trail is a great way to see . Outside of certain areas, which will be obvious to you by the numerous patrolling policemen, the odds of you being a victim are pretty minimal. trekking gear), or find a cheap temporary fix instead of carrying something for one-time use. 2 Week Backpacking Europe Route #2:France, Spain, and Portugal. Some, like. With no money . Sign up to The Broke Backpackers EXCLUSIVE VIP AREA below and download our top backpacking guides as PDFs go offline with peace of mind! David Morrissey . It hosts many of the best museums and national monuments in the country, most of which are, crucially, free! You will meet many like-minded people. 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. Paris is relaxed and affordable. Stay somewhere EPIC and save your hard-earned dollars from houses to barns to castles and caves, there is an Airbnb for every occasion! The best places to visit in the USA include NYC, Chicago, San Francisco, the beaches of Florida, Colorado, Hawaii, and the Pacific Northwest. Theres a lot to The South that may surprise you. So Americans love to party, but where are the absolute best parties to be found? Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel. All rights reserved. The Gringo Trail (The Classic South America Backpacking Route) Like 'gaijin' in Japan, 'gringo' is a word used to mean foreigner in Latin America. This is particularly ESSENTIAL in the USA as its for-profit healthcare system means you could be given a 5 figure bill for even minor injuries. If youve been paying attention so far, then you already know theres a lot more to the USA than just these cities. New tires have a tread depth of 10/32". Keep some small change in your pockets. Also beware of Spirit Airlines. New Orleans AKA the Big Easy is one of the countrys greatest treasures. The country was filled with separate restaurants, buses, and schools, and mixing of races was not allowed. 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. Buckle up, buttercups were going on a road trip in the United States,right here,right now. 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. Most will base themselves in the Midwests largest city, Chicago. We do not represent World Nomads. But the real question is is it better than Western Union?Yes, it most certainly is. Cheap Restaurant Meal / Take-Out: $8 to $15. Programs run through reputable work exchange programs, like Worldpackers, are generally very well-managed and highly reputable. make your way to Denver, Colorado for a serious dose of mountains, forests, and the devils lettuce! The East Coast hosts some of the most important cities in the USA, both economically and politically. 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. 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. In the meantime, here are three stellar parks that should absolutely be on your backpacking USA bucket list. Though it isnt as dynamic as the East Coast or as warm as the South, the Midwest still has a lot of merits. The state is located so far north that it takes a flight or week-long ferry to reach it from the Lower 48. United States Travel Guide. Few other countries were founded upon such a huge immigrant population and have molded together quite so much. Title. The $22 charged per cupcake is the _____ rice. A lot of foreigners couldnt name more than five cities in America and the ones they do name are always Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas, New York, and Miami. Most of the state itself lacks infrastructure outside of the Anchorage region. It's not offensive, but if you're alone in a dark backstreet of Bogot and someone's growling gringo at you, give them what they want and run. Americans party a lot and in many different ways. There are hundreds of little towns with rich histories and some offer unique attractions, be they crafts or hot springs. Average costs vary significantly in the western and eastern Europe.