USA
I lived in the USA for about 10 years between undergrad, grad school, and then work life. Most of my travels have been around the East Coast as that is where I was located (in Maryland and DC). But I’ve also spent some time exploring this vast, beautiful country.
USA Travel Guides
Visiting the USA
Getting to the USA is pretty easy! There are several international airports around the country and frequent flights between cities and states. Train travel is not that common and can be very slow cross-country. You can also rent a car and do your own road trip!
When to visit the USA?
It all depends on where you’re going! Here is a brief guide based on some major cities you may plan to visit:
- Washington, DC and surrounding Maryland and Virginia areas: September-October. The summers are pretty hot and humid. It’s possible to escape some of the heat in the famous Smithsonian museums but you’ll likely be more comfortable in the autumn.
- Chicago, Illinois: April-October. Chicago’s spring and fall can remain pretty cold so plan to bring some warmer clothes if you don’t come in the heat of summer.
- Denver, Colorado: Year-round for summer hiking, Aspen’s autumn colors, spring adventures, and winter skiing.
- San Diego, California: Year-round! If you want to get into the water, then the waters are warmest in August. However, the city (and state) are temperate all year long.
Travel Tips
- Definitely do a road trip! There is so much natural beauty all around.
- Each state is a little bit like its own country. The culture in Washington, DC is different than that around Yellowstone National Park.
- If you’re planning to visit several national parks during your trip, consider purchasing an annual National Park Pass online or in-person to help cut down on your entrance fees. Each park usually charges $35 USD for a weekly pass. The annual pass is $80. If you purchase online you will need a US shipping address to send the card to.