Dreaming about Holidaying in the USA? Check out the Best Places to Visit in the USA and Have a Memorable Vacation in 2021

The United States of America (USA) is one of the most popular destinations of the world, whether it is for migration, higher education, jobs or a vacation. It is one of the richest countries in the world that offers abundant opportunities for anyone who is determined enough to take them. A living testament to what hard work can achieve, USA is the Rome of the modern world and an inspiration for many across the globe. The sprawling length and breadth of the nation has many marvels that are worth a visit. So plan your next vacation in the United States and get amazed by the land of dreams.

The US, like every other country in the world, has its own way of functioning. It has its own specific set of rules that foreigners might find odd and confusing. But as the adage goes, “Be a Roman in Rome”, it is much better to know about these rules and be prepared for them rather than complain about the inconvenience they are causing you. Here are 5 things every traveller must know about the United States of America:

Tipping service personnel is common across the globe but it is not done as extensively as it is done in the US. Even though it is entirely up to you whether you want to pay a tip or not, yet there is an unsaid rule that compels you to give 15-20% of your bill as a tip. You don't just tip restaurant servers but also bartenders, room service providers, taxi drivers, doormen, hotel porters, concierge and housekeepers. You are exempt from paying the tip if your bill includes service charges. So, it is always smart to keep change handy in your pockets when touring the USA.

Public transport is scarce in the United States. Those places that have public transport either provide infrequent service (hours between two route buses) or it is restricted within a large city or town. So the best option is to rent a car for the duration of your visit to the US. This will save you a lot of trouble while travelling in this vast country and might also save you some money.

When we shop we usually check the price tag before putting it in the shopping cart, to assess whether the object falls within our budget or not. Well if you do that in the US, you might find yourself in some monetary trouble. The sales tax on products is not included in the price tag in most states in the country. So you might end up paying way more in the end. Also, different states handle displaying sales tax in different ways, so be careful to avoid confusion.

The USA differs from other countries in its use of the metric system. While most other countries measure in millimetres, centimetres and kilometres, USA measures in feet, inches and miles. Tourists might find this confusing in the beginning but there is no way around other than getting used to it. The most you can do for yourself is to convert the value to the system you are familiar with.

There is no other way to say this – the USA is an expensive country. You might find paying way more than you would pay for the same product in your own country, but that’s how it is in the US. So travel with a lot of money when in the US to ensure that you have a smooth and comfortable tour.

The USA is geographically a large country and hence it is not lacking in places to visit. From picturesque mountains to iconic cities, the USA has something for every traveller. It becomes difficult to chart a travel itinerary with so many places to choose from. You would want to experience most of the US through the places you visit. Follow this BP Guide to get the best tour of this country.

The splendour of the Rocky Mountains can be best experienced in Colorado. It is the perfect natural retreat for people who are spent with the exhaustion of daily life and want to escape the grind to rejuvenate. The climate of the mountains and the small towns scattered on the mountainsides are salubrious to both your body and soul. During the summers, you can occupy yourself with activities like hiking, rafting and mountain biking. If you visit during the winters you can take part in skiing and snowboarding. If you are not the athletic type then you can soothe your senses with the mesmerizing mountain landscape. Drive along the Million Dollar Highway and San Juan Scenic Byway or take a rail ride on the Silverton and Durango Narrow Gauge Railroad to soak in the surrounding natural beauty. You can also visit the Mesa Verde National Park to look at native American cliff dwellings. Some of the best towns to visit and stay in the Rockies are Telluride, Aspen, Vail, Durango, Ouray and Silverton.

One of the most breathtaking natural wonders of the world, the Grand Canyon is a must-visit place for any traveller considering a trip to the United States. Gazing towards the endless horizon while atop the canyon and witnessing the fathomless depth below will surely overwhelm you. The southern tip of the Grand Canyon is the most visited part of this natural marvel through every inch of it is worth a visit. Due to snowfall, the northern part of the canyon remains inaccessible in winter so it would not be advisable to visit it during the colder months of the year.

Boston is not only the largest city in the state of Massachusetts but was also the epicentre of the American Revolution. It is also a hub of education so you will get to see a lot of world-class education centres and testaments of history when you visit here. Walk around some vintage, cobblestone streets meandering through exciting neighbourhoods, take a stroll on the historic Freedom Trail, soak in America's rich history by visiting the museums and go boating on the Charles River or walk along its esplanade. You can take a break from this history lesson by visiting the Franklin Park Zoo, the Public Garden and the New England Aquarium. Another thing to try out when in Boston is the exciting New England cuisine. The best time to visit this historic city is from April to May and from October to November.

The capital city of the United States of America has a special charm of its own. A city that harbours the vintage charm of the bygone times, Washington DC is a perfect example of neoclassical architecture and a homogeneous mixture of both the old and the new. It houses many museums and historic monuments that include The White House and Capitol Building among others. It has aesthetic art galleries as well but it also has a buoyant nightlife to balance the scales. Washington DC is a city where you can experience both the classic and the modern and thus it is a must-visit place for travellers to the US. The best time to visit Washington DC in March to May and September to November.

New York City needs no introduction. Appropriately called “The City That Never Sleeps”, New York City possesses a vibrancy that is still unmatched by any other city in the world. From the towering skyscrapers of Wall Street and Manhattan to the verdant avenues in Central Park, New York City is a living testament to what human beings can achieve with brain and brawn. This city is the epitome of urban lifestyle – energetic nightlife, popular bars, multi-cuisine diners, Broadway shows, the glitter and glitz of Times Square, shopping outlets and the buzz of being a global centre. It also houses the iconic Statue of Liberty, the unique brownstone buildings and world-class exhibition halls. But the best feature of New York is its cosmopolitan population. New York City is cosmopolitan in the truest sense of the term. You will find people from all around the globe living in the city. This makes the city culturally one of the most colourful places on earth. Anytime is the best time to visit New York and experience its unparalleled vibrancy.

If the name of Las Vegas does not ring a bell then you probably have been living under a rock. This city is the entertainment capital of the world and the Mecca of party animals. The city is synonymous with world class casinos, legendary nightclubs and extravagant lifestyle. A single stretch of road called the Las Vegas Strip is the home to many famous hotels, casinos and recreation centres. The dazzling lights and sounds of this place and that of downtown will erase any worries that you have. There is literally no end to entertainment in Las Vegas. In fact, there is so much to do here that you either run out of money or time before you get to experience all that the city has to offer. Moreover, it is not just a city of lights, music, gambling and opulence. There are two museums, one exhibition centre, one conservation park and a light and sound show that you can visit during sober times.

Phoenix is a large sprawling city that is the perfect getaway for a lazy vacation. The city along with the small townships on its outskirts are known for luxurious golf and spa resorts. It is a great getaway if your idea of a vacation is golfing, shopping and relaxing beside a pool. Phoenix also affords picturesque desert landscapes and activities like hiking and mountain biking. You can also go for stargazing in the desert at night. Since it’s situated in a desert, summers can be very oppressive so it’s best to avoid visiting it during that time. October to April remains pleasant and is the best time to visit Phoenix especially if you have planned many outdoor activities.

New Orleans is unlike any city in the United States. It has a strong influence on Spanish and French cultures making it seem more like a city situated in the Caribbean. On top of it, the architecture of the French Quarter is the most eye-pleasing part of the place. The city is known for its sumptuous Creole and Cajun cuisine, jazz music and the Mardi Gras event when celebrations seem never-ending. At that time of the year, the streets are filled with elaborate costumes, the sound of upbeat music and the laughter of joyous people. Needless to say, the best time to visit this place is during the Mardi Gras celebrations but if the crowd is not your thing then avoid visiting New Orleans at that time. December to May is a good time to visit this place but avoid visiting during June to November as hurricanes and storms are common then.

Orlando attracts more than 52 million visitors every year and that’s expected considering it is the home of the renowned Walt Disney World Theme Park. This theme park marvel on the banks of the Buena Vista lake is reason enough for you to make Orlando a must visit place. Besides, Disney World is not the only theme park in Orlando. There are many others and each one of them is as good as the other. Some of these amazing parks are Gatorland, Legoland Florida and SeaWorld. But Orlando is not just about theme parks. It also possesses beautiful landscapes with greenery and lakes. There are also museums and other cultural centres like the John Kennedy Space Centre and Forever Florida conservation park to occupy yourself with when you are saturated with theme parks. The best time to visit this place is between January and April.

Miami is famous for its nightlife and beaches. Besides, this seaport city is considered the cruise capital of the world so get ready to pamper yourself with luxurious cruises along the Miami waterfront when you visit the city. Miami is also the arts, entertainment, media and financial hub of the United States of America. So you will not be lacking in activities there. From the nightlife of South Beach to the buzz of Calle Ocho and Little Havana, Miami is filled to the brim with infectious energy. Apart from this, you can enjoy golf, tennis, deep sea fishing, boat shows and auto races, and world class art festivals. A walk along the shores of the famous Miami Beach is also an experience of its own. The best time to visit this amazing city is between March and May.