Welcome to the USA

The USA is so vast that one could travel for a lifetime and still not see everything. However, you should not miss these ten experiences:

1. New York City at Night — The skyline from the Top of the Rock or Edge, the lights of Times Square, a Broadway show, and pizza at midnight. There's no place in the world that feels like this. → Chap. New York
2. Grand Canyon — Sunrise at the South Rim — 1.8 billion years of Earth's history at a glance. When the first rays bathe the rock layers in orange, red, and gold, it leaves everyone speechless. → Chap. Southwest
3. Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) — The legendary coastal road between San Francisco and Los Angeles, past the cliffs of Big Sur, the beaches of Malibu, and the elephant seals of Piedras Blancas. → Chap. California
4. Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island — The quintessential symbol of America. The ferry from Battery Park, Lady Liberty up close, followed by the moving immigration museum on Ellis Island. → Chap. New York
5. Yosemite Valley — El Capitan, Half Dome, and Yosemite Falls in a single valley. One of the most impressive places on Earth, no matter the season. → Chap. California
6. Route 66 — Experience the Myth — The "Mother Road" from Chicago to Santa Monica. Abandoned motels, retro diners, endless straights through the desert, and the feeling of boundless freedom. → Chap. Southwest
7. Key West — Sunset at Mallory Square — At the southernmost point of the continental USA, with street performers, Hemingway flair, and the most Caribbean sunset north of the tropics. → Chap. Florida
8. Na Pali Coast, Kauai — Emerald green, 1,200-meter-high cliffs plunging vertically into the sea. Accessible only by boat, helicopter, or on foot. Jurassic Park was filmed here. → Chap. Hawaii
9. Monument Valley at Sunset — The iconic mesas of the Navajo Nation, known from hundreds of Westerns. Most beautiful in the warm light of the golden hour. → Chap. Southwest
10. Indian Summer in New England — When the forests of Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine turn into a sea of red, orange, and gold in October, it's one of the greatest natural spectacles in the world. → Chap. New England

The USA spans 9.8 million km² and four time zones on the mainland. Each region has its own unique character:

🗽 New York & East Coast

For whom: City travelers, culture lovers, first-time visitors
New York City is a must for every first-time USA visitor: Manhattan, Brooklyn, the museums, the food, the energy. Plus Washington D.C. with the free Smithsonian museums, historic Philadelphia, and the Niagara Falls. The East Coast is the most historic region of the USA.

🌴 California

For whom: Road trip fans, diversity seekers, nature lovers
The Golden State has it all: the metropolis of Los Angeles (Hollywood, Venice Beach), charming San Francisco (Golden Gate, Cable Cars), the spectacular coastal road Highway 1, and the national parks Yosemite, Sequoia, and Joshua Tree. California alone is enough for three trips.

☀️ Florida

For whom: Families, beach lovers, theme park fans
The Sunshine State guarantees good weather, endless beaches, and the highest concentration of theme parks in the world (Walt Disney World, Universal Studios). Miami's Art Deco district, the Florida Keys to Key West, and the Everglades swamps make Florida the perfect vacation destination.

🏜️ Southwest (Arizona, Utah, Nevada)

For whom: Adventurers, nature lovers, road trip fans
The most dramatic landscapes in the USA: Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Antelope Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Zion, Arches, and Death Valley. Plus Las Vegas as a surreal contrast. A road trip through the Southwest is an experience you'll never forget.

🌺 Hawaii

For whom: Beach lovers, nature lovers, honeymooners
Six main islands, each unique: Oahu (Waikiki, Pearl Harbor), Maui (snorkeling, Road to Hana), Big Island (active volcanoes), Kauai (dramatic coasts). Tropical warmth year-round, perfect waves, and the most relaxed culture in the USA.

🍂 New England

For whom: Fall travelers, history buffs, gourmets
The six states in the northeast (Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine) offer the legendary Indian Summer, Ivy League universities, historic port cities, Acadia National Park, and the best lobster rolls in the world.

The USA is so vast that there is no universal best travel time. Each region has its own climate — from subarctic in Alaska to tropical in Hawaii.

Overview by Region

Climate Table: New York City

The USA offers the perfect experience for every taste:

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Families with Children

Recommendation: Florida (Orlando) or California (Los Angeles/San Diego)
Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, SeaWorld, Legoland, San Diego Zoo — the USA is the ultimate family paradise. Kid-friendly restaurants everywhere, free refills on soft drinks, huge hotel rooms at a fair price. Budget: from $150/day (about €140) for a family of four without park tickets.

💑 Couples & Honeymooners

Recommendation: Hawaii (Maui/Kauai) or California (Big Sur/Napa Valley)
Romantic sunsets on Maui, wine tastings in Napa Valley, boutique hotels in San Francisco, or an evening at Brooklyn Bridge Park with a view of Manhattan. Budget: from $250/day (about €230).

🎒 Backpackers & Solo Travelers

Recommendation: California (Hostels) or Southwest (Camping)
The USA is more expensive than Southeast Asia, but with hostels (from $30/night), camping in national parks ($15–35/night), and supermarket food (Trader Joe's, Whole Foods Salad Bar), it's doable. Budget: from $70/day (about €65).

🏔️ Outdoor & Adventure

Recommendation: Southwest or California (National Parks)
63 national parks, thousands of hiking trails, rafting on the Colorado River, climbing in Yosemite, surfing in California. The America the Beautiful Pass ($80, about €74) is valid for a year for all national parks — unbeatable offer!

🛍️ Shopping Fans

Recommendation: New York or Los Angeles
Premium outlets with 30–70% discounts on brands like Nike, Levi's, Coach, Michael Kors. The 5th Avenue, SoHo, Rodeo Drive. Technology (Apple, Bose) often 20–30% cheaper than in Germany. Duty-free allowance: €430 when returning to the EU.

🍔 Foodies

Recommendation: New York, Los Angeles, New Orleans, or San Francisco
The USA has one of the most diverse food scenes in the world: Michelin-starred restaurants in NYC, tacos in LA, Cajun in New Orleans, seafood in Maine, BBQ in Texas. Street food and food trucks from $5–10 (about €5–9).

The USA is not a cheap travel destination — especially accommodations and food are significantly more expensive than in many European countries. However, the price-performance ratio is right for rental cars, technology, and shopping.

Daily budget per person (in $ and €)

Example daily budget "Mid-range" (2 people, New York)

Price examples (guidelines 2025/26)