Originally posted by frank3
Here's about about myself:
- I prefer not to visit large cities (nonetheless amazing, but I wanted something else)
- I'm interested in :
history,
culture,
relaxing,
sightseeing,
meeting the Americans
I can understand even this small list raises ALOT of options...
But I'll think about all!
Yeah, some of the questions I can think of include.....
History: Long subject in it's own right.
Early Colonial America, Our Civil War, The Wild West, Gold Rushes, Cowboys and Cattle Ranches, Riverboats, Railroad history,....anything in particular?
Culture: That can be a tough one. Many places with thick culture can sometimes also be vary wary of outsiders, some can be very welcoming. Large population centers that see higher crime rates can also have guarded suspicious communities (as well as more dangerous to lone travelers). There are many kinds of culture in America as well. Many ethnic and regional cultures can be found in many places. A lot of diversity here.
Relaxing: Sitting at a beach? Camping? Sidewalk cafes? Coffee Shops? Relaxing outdoors or indoors? Relaxing at a Hot Springs?
Sightseeing: Natural wonders? Historical architecture? Small Communities? Wildlife? Monuments?
Meet Americans: Consider Bed and Breakfast (private homes that rent rooms to travelers), Hostels (more bohemian), and Kampground Of America (KOA) (lot's of fellow travelers, older American's, families, and most people who run KOA's are friendly and good natured) for places to stay and meet Americans.
Do you want some freedom to change plans, or would you prefer to join a package deal with fellow travelers where the organizers take care of much of the travel and details?
Also is the general climate you would like to see: Seaside, Mountains, Desert, Great Plains/flatlands, wetlands and areas with swamps and marches, great rivers, Colder or Warmer, Wetter or Drier, Low Altitude or High Altitude.
If there is more than one spot of interest, you might consider traveling between them by train rather than fly, depending on the time you have available. A good train with a sleeper cabin/car and dinning car, with a good view of the surroundings can be a nice trip. Trains are not a primary means of travel in the states, so you tend to get travelers that are more romantics, and less in a hurry, than those that fly.
I agree with Krusher that the most economical (aside from the bike and gear itself) and best way to see the country is by motorcycle, but unless you are already a good rider, and have the proper riding gear, this probably is not the route to take. And a good bike you could depend on for a decently long trip with enough storage space for clothes, camping gear, and the rest is not exactly cheap. There are bikes to be rented in the states, and organized tours, if that looks like a good option though.
