3 Essential Us Destinations

By Author: Roberto Raffa
Total Articles: 10
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Don't even bother looking for the ‘real' America because such a notion really does miss the point of this vast and varied nation. However expensive the USA's physical parameters it still manages to pack in more cultural diversity across its 50 states than many continents. Imagine spending one day reveling in the decadent tropical heat of Miami and the next bracing the arctic wilderness of Alaska then boggle at the fact that two such disparate experiences are somehow contained within the borders of one country.

Yep, it's pretty much impossible to accommodate the awe inspiring breadth of the American experience in one visit but, on the upside, this is a nation that really does have something for everyone. The only thing left for anyone considering a visit is to decide which version of America they fancy. Below is an overview of three of our favourite cities in the US, our attempt at some sort of an introduction to the many and varied possibilities:

New York
What is there to be said about New York City that hasn't already been said a thousand times? The Big Apple's reputation precedes it to such an ...
... extent that it's more or less impossible for any first time visitor to arrive with anything less than an overwhelming sense of excitable anticipation. For any other city such a burden of expectation could easily prove too much to live up to, for New York however any such fear is almost immediately dispelled. This is a city whose unique energy grabs you irresistibly, a city whose ambience is at once thrillingly familiar from a thousand movies and yet still, somehow, pulse-racingly unexpected.

Of course New York boasts a plethora of worthwhile attractions, many of which will prove hard to resist even for those determined not to succumb to the usual tourist checklist destinations. But there really is something to be said for simply absorbing this great city's invigorating hubbub rather than dashing from one photo opportunity to the next.

Los Angeles
It's probably foolish to attempt a succinct summary of LA and, likewise, highly unlikely that a short visit will do this sprawling collection very distinct districts any sort of justice. The clichés are easy of course - LA is LaLa Land, a city built on dreams and fantasy, where impossible glamour veneers an all too real underbelly of rough edges and disappointment , where Hollywood sparkle flickers seductively across a surface of smog and traffic that stretches out into a seemingly endless suburban mass.

Perhaps it's best not to bother trying to deconstruct the ‘City of Angels' thoroughly self mythologized image, for the tourist LA is most likely a more manageable section of metro area at the heart of the city - Hollywood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Downtown. The itinerary seems likely to include such quintessential LA sites as Hollywood Boulevard, mansion gawping in Beverly Hills, window shopping in Rodeo Drive, hitting a beach or two, a rambling drive along Mulholland Drive or up to Malibu and, for those anxious to cram in a little culture a visit The Getty Centre.

All this might not get you any closer to really understanding this chimera of a city but, hey, what do you expect, this is LA after all.

Washington
Washington, DC, the home of US government, is a fascinating city and a must-see for anyone interested in politics and the progenitors of American democracy. Many of the places of interest are free, including what must surely be the first stop for any visitor to DC - the White House. The tours operate every day except Sunday, and bookings must be made well in advance.

The Smithsonian is a remarkable achievement, comprising sixteen museums including the National Portrait Gallery and the National Museum of Natural History, whose dinosaur and wild animal exhibits are a perennial favourite with children of all ages. As well as free admission, all of the Smithsonian museums are linked to the metro system, ensuring that budget travellers can still have a real experience in the city without spending too much.

The National Zoo is hugely popular with children, and is also linked to the metro. It's newest addition, baby panda cub Tai Shan, is sure to be a huge draw for the Zoo - another attraction which the city offers free of charge. Washington DC offers a genuinely educational experience for all who come to visit.

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