Both Oregon and Washington are green in many senses of the word. However, unlike many places in the world, hitchhiking is illegal in most parts of the US. If you want to go backpacking in the USA on a budget, consider investing in a special annual pass. The US is often considered one of the most attractive countries in the world and many are drawn here just to see its natural attractions. Ecuador is a fantastic budget-friendly destination and is widely regarded as a great introduction to South America. RVs also cost more to rent, use more gas, and demand higher prices at campgrounds. With more than a month on your hands, you have free reign and control over your own American dreams. Since the 1960s, the US has been almost perpetually involved in war, most recently in the Middle East. Traveling without insurance would be risky so do consider getting good backpacker insurance sorted before you head off on an adventure. The Gringo Trail (The Classic South America Backpacking Route) Like 'gaijin' in Japan, 'gringo' is a word used to mean foreigner in Latin America. Daily backpacker budget: $30 to $40 (28 - 38) not including Galapagos. Philadelphia, where much of the USAs story began, to the rugged mountains of Alaska, the country is as massive as it is diverse and would take several years to fully explore. Pack light. Los Angeles is a great place to start your exploration of the most populated state. Here are some of the cant-miss stops on your USA backpacking adventure: STATES: New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia. Okay, Hawaii can be expensive. Especially if youre coming from a country with limited access to this fantastic plant, youll be truly impressed by the sheer variety and quality of American weed. Just stepping off the plane into a Southern city can feel like being transported to an alternate dimension. It'll also be the right size for day hikes, whether trekking in Torres del Paine National Park or for . If youre wondering how much would it cost to travel across the US, then here is a breakdown of various costs: Card is king in the US, and you can expect all big brands to work pretty much everywhere. So what about those lands beyond the shores of the Pacific or the wilds of Canada? In 1776, the declaration of independence was signed after revolutionary General George Washington. 1 swimsuit. This is a tricky subject because America seems to defy common sense in a lot of ways. After the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the Twin Towers, the USA has spent almost all of its money on the military while the quality of life continues to decrease for its citizens. The landscape here is rugged, primal, and mostly untouched by civilization. I consent to my personal information being processed in accordance with The Broke Backpackers. Bring your Student ID Card - That International Student Card will save you money if you're travelling as a student in Colombia. The requirements of this US tourist visa are much stricter than the VWP and will often require conditions like in-person interviews and background checks. Outside of certain areas, which will be obvious to you by the numerous patrolling policemen, the odds of you being a victim are pretty minimal. While Joseph Biden took office in January 2021, he and his party have failed to enact any real change, as the virus continues to kill many daily. You can also rent an RV or campervan to live the vanlife, which means you dont have to worry about packing camping gear. There are USA rail passes available for purchase with Amtrak. Volunteering abroad is an amazing way to experience a culture whilst helping your host community. Helpful Not Helpful. Be prepared and have the gear to be mostly self-sustaining. The Northeast, Midwest, Rockies, and Alaska are frigid and probably buried in snow. Denver, like most communities in the Rocky Mountains, is kind of the middle of fucking nowhere. If youre going on an overnight hike, make sure you have a good tent, sleeping bag, and a means to prepare food. STATES: Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine. During our year-long honeymoon, we spent 5 incredible months backpacking in South America. Mass shootings are a genuine and pervasive threat in society, particularly in schools, large buildings, or big events. Im going to be sharing with you all of my knowledge about the States. Now its time for the countrys most notorious state: yup, its time for a Florida road trip. While its location is great for the outdoors and breeding free-spiritedness, it sucks to drive to. Hawaii is very far away from the continental United States. West Coast people also behave differently where East Coasters are generally more blunt and unabashed, West Coasters are more genial but sometimes superficial. With similar climates, outstanding wine vineyards, vast mountain ranges, and endless beautiful beaches, this trio is easily one of the best backpacking Europe routes for . Cheryl Strayed (Goodreads Author) (shelved 101 times as backpacking) avg rating 4.04 739,513 ratings published 2012. You can expect higher costs in Western Europe with cheaper prices in Central and Eastern Europe. Fast food meal: $6 to $11. Both the West and East Coasts are perfect and theres usually not a cloud in the sky. With 50 states unique as 50 separate countries, backpacking the USA is an adventure unlike any other. This is partly why I was fascinated to read Hike Your Own Hike: 7 Life Lessons from Backpacking across America: The author, Francis Tapon, has made travel a priority and a way of life, and has fostered an adventurous spirit and a contagious passion as a result. If you wanted to leave the mountains, theres plenty more to see and do in greater Kentucky and Tennessee. People who want to make their own Great American road trip will obviously need their own vehicle to do so. 1 Mexico. For the Digital Nomads and laptop enthusiasts out there, you'll want a high-quality piece of technology - and we've got just the thing for you. France, Spain, and Portugal are easily one of the most classic combinations for European itineraries out there. 1.New York City, 2.Chicago, Illinois, 3.Los Angeles, California, 4.Miami, Florida. For all matters of finance and accounting on the road, I strongly recommend Wise the platform formerly known as Transferwise! Some of the larger cities, like Memphis, Tennessee offer a fantastic mix of Southern vibes and city convenience. Your best bet is to rent a car for 2 days to explore surrounding areas like Santa Monica, Malibu, and Venice Beach. 10 Money-Saving Tips for Colombia! GPSmyCity is one of the best for this with tours of over 1,000 cities. The Windy City is one of the coolest in America. So far weve covered 48 of the USAs 50 total states. Buy a Geopress: its the last water bottle youll ever buy. While the nation is gripped by snowstorms and cold, the Caribbean is warm, dry, and having a grand ol time. When the coronavirus hit in 2020, Donald Trump was a massive source of misinformation and downplaying of the virus. The US is not South Asia, Oceania, or Europe. Now for some of the best multi-day backpacking trips (and a whole lot of doobies!) To end your trip, check out Miami to get a taste of Latin America in the USA! The lush Oregon Coast is a logical next step, where you can make a pitstop in the quirky city of Portland before culminating your US backpacking adventure in Seattle, Washington. These are, of course, (mostly) outrageous stereotypes, but most will agree that Appalachia is a poorer and more discriminated region in the USA. For all campgrounds outside the main urban areas, you will, 99% of the time, need a car to reach them. That means that visiting TWO national parks alone (out of the 423 total in the USA) will run you a grand total of $70. Though backpacking in Hawaii is not necessarily affordable, with a little help, you can still visit on a reasonable budget. You arent going to save the world overnight, but you can be part of the solution and not the problem. All the staples are here: vodka, rum, gin, etc though certain regions do it better than others. The high-elevation state is undoubtedly one of the best places to hike in the country. Both organisations provide flights, food, accommodation, and spending money. Most of the worst crimes in the country happen in remote neighborhoods where tourists have no reason to go to anyway. But did you know that some of the finest North American architecture is preserved in the cities of Charleston, South Carolina or Savannah, Georgia? With no premiums for flights or hotel rooms, you can easily stay within budget and have the experience of a lifetime. Washington D.C. is the federal capital of this great land and an arc of enormous historical value. Better yet, Broke Backpacker readers also get a $40 with Outdoorsy! Choose Eastern Europe (Prague, Budapest, Sarajevo) for dirt-cheap excitement. It is essential to have a general concept of where you want to go, how much time you intend to . The state is located so far north that it takes a flight or week-long ferry to reach it from the Lower 48. The Midwest is often focused upon for all the wrong reasons: for being bitter cold in the winter, humid in the summer, and for unlucky economies. Vanlife is perhaps the most ideal way to see the US, though it might be hard (or extremely expensive) to acquire an affordable one on a tourist visa. Best of all, you won't have to deal with the grumpy train ticket vendors. You'll get discounts on museums, monuments and historical sites, as well as National Parks across the country. Always keep an eye on your luggage. STATES: Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota. The largest urban area in the Rocky Mountain states is Denver, Colorado. Pursue these as best you can as they can save you a lot of money. STATES: Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri. It can also refer to a low-cost form of travel, often staying in inexpensive accommodations like hostels, while carrying all necessary possessions in a backpack. Lesser visited Idaho, often relegated to a pitstop on road trips across America, is actually a really pretty place, especially around Sandpoint, the Sawtooth Mountains, and Sun Valley. Need help deciding between Dallas or Austin? Temperatures are lovely in the South and Southwest and a lot of major cities, like New Orleans and Miami, are kicking off festival season. Buy an AMK Travel Medical Kit before you head out on your next adventure dont be daft! Though it has an (undeserving) bad reputation, visiting Mexico is incredible. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); First, were going to talk about the best places to visit in the United States and how to do so. Fortunately, there are many ways to do so with no money. The best wine in America is found on the West Coast. Luckily weve got them covered! Many residents will talk your ear about how much its changed in the last few years. Remember that America is a really big place though so dont underestimate distances. But its the perfect place to travel and to live. Plus public services are the best in the country, and overall, it has the best quality of life. Our epic 4 month backpacking South America itinerary took us all across the continent, from the Amazon rainforest in the north to glaciers in the south. Alaska doesnt emerge from winter until May although the Northern Lights are peaking. Its one of the best things to do in the USA, because its fun and cheap too! But there are lots of subjects to cover when talking about backpacking America: how to get around the USA, where to lay your tired head for the night, and, crucially, how to save money along the way. Be sure to check Google Maps reviews to find the cheapest eats around whenever you roll into a new place. Be aware that getting through security can be a real pain in the ass. There is petty theft in the busier areas, particularly involving car break-ins and pickpocketing, but these can be avoided by standard safe traveling practices. All this negativity. If you make it to either, youre one lucky bastard. Plus you have Madison, Wisconsin, which is lowkey one of the great hidden gems of the Midwest. Broke Backpacker readers get a $10 discount when you sign up. 2. Applicants from 40 different countries can enter the United States visa-free for a period of 90 days. HikingAppalachian Trail. Have your emergency numbers with you. The Canadian Rocky Mountains are epic and the rugged coastline of British Columbia and Newfoundland are equally impressive. Its common knowledge that Chinese food in the US is not really Chinese anymore and Tex-Mex isnt really Mexican. While the modern form of America may have been nurtured further down on the Atlantic Seaboard, the first version of it was born in New England. The USA is an enormous country. Its the stuff (California) dreams are made of: the mystical ocean and the road that runs next to it. Taking a West Coast road trip is arguably one of the best things to do in the US. Overall, the best time to visit the USA as the weather is good almost everywhere and there are fewer tourists. If you still have some time, expand your horizons by driving through New England, one of the very best portions of the States. So I hope you become more inspired to continue being a responsible traveler. Of course, its weird, and, yes, the BBQ will probably lead to an early grave but if you visit The South with an open mind, you may just enjoy it. Most of the popular travel destinations will be close to a National Park, and we recommend you visit at least one. Filled with the lower 48s best beaches and wackiest people, Florida is an experience to say the least. New England still has its fair share of cool cities and the region also. To get your imagination going, here are some amazing random places in the USA: Weve tested countless backpacks over the years, but theres one that still stands the test of time: the backpacker-approved Osprey Aether. Things are just different in The South, for better or worse. Unfortunately, local buses also tend to be associated with crime and unscrupulous activities. Backpacking shows you how little you actually need. These offer nothing in the way of infrastructure, so youll have to rely on your own means, but are totally free. You'll understand why smart money and groundbreaking tourists are flocking to this undiscovered territory. If you havent seen the photosgoogle it, youre going to want to add this place to your USA bucket list. Bonus points if you visit Big Bend National Park or the Texas Hill Country. If its been a dry year, California is still battling forest fires. Safety while traveling abroad is a huge concern, and for good reason: tourists are like a walking bulls-eye. Forget boring accommodation book yourself an EPIC STAY! Her favorite cupcakes, chocolate cream, sell for $22 each. Learn how to repair your own bike and get used parts. Or, yknow you can stick to ziplock bags. A day pack can serve multiple purposes on a trip to South America. So the total cost for 5 of us backpacking Europe for 3 months was $9,352.That's around $3,100/month or $1870/person.Not too bad eh? In the US, these are often designated Wilderness Areas, which means that the wilderness is at least 5,000 acres in size. It's not offensive, but if you're alone in a dark backstreet of Bogot and someone's growling gringo at you, give them what they want and run. Most Americans never even make it here, so its even a bit offbeat.. Never get into the topic first, unless you know youre with like-minded people. In the US, the standard tread depth is measured in 1/32" increments, according to Tire America. Americans drink all kinds of booze. There are lots of different islands to visit in this massive archipelago around 700 actually and some are extremely vibrant. Between the vanity of Los Angeles, the ascendance of San Francisco, and the natural wealth of the state in general, its easy to overindulge here. Colin Fletcher. Did you know that the places to visit in Chicago even include sandy beaches? Also, consider applying for a travelers credit card! The Great Plains separate the East Coast and West Coast of the United States like an ocean. Im hard on the USA because Im from there. These parks are priceless treasures and are among the most cherished pieces of the USA. Man, backpacking is supposed to be a beautiful experience and beauty is exactly what you're going to see from your train window. How much money do you need to drive across America? I had gotten g. Make sure you alsopurchase aRentalCover.com policyto cover your vehicle against any common damages such as tires, windscreens, theft, and more at a fraction of the price you would pay at the rental desk. As a United States native, one who has gone on more than a few road trips, I know a thing or two about traveling in this country. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads usingthis link. Each nationality will require a different set of documents to travel to the USA using this process, so be sure to check with your local embassy on what you need. Another iconic location is the Half Dome, a rounded granite cliff right near the perfect picnic spot. Theyve been doing it since 2002 protecting, connecting, and inspiring independent travellers just like you. Worldpackers connects travellers with hostels, schools, NGOs and many more. Smaller but no less interesting cities, like Baltimore (MD), and Newark (NJ), also contribute greatly and are worth visiting themselves. Restaurant with Table Service: $15 to $20 and up. American culture is defined by blood, sweat, and tears, followed by a shot of whiskey. Aint that just beautiful? Great if youre a skier, but bad if youre everyone else. First off, it's important to realize the scale of many of our hiking destinations. Most will base themselves in the Midwests largest city, Chicago. With some of the best hikes in the country, and some of the best weed, it doesnt get much chiller than Denver. A $300 bike from Craigslist will do the trick or you can even get one for free through an Earn-A-Bike program. $46.59 2 Used from $46.59. Read the proceeding section for more information on renting a car in the USA. Votes: 3. . And at the end of the day, the government wants to keep you safe. Buckle up, buttercups were going on a road trip in the United States,right here,right now. I was confused. Pack one week's worth of clothing. You will meet many like-minded people. Its fosho the highlight of the East Coastif you have the time, a 4-day NYC itinerary is perfect to get a solid feel of the Big Apple. Police can and will arrest hitchhikers in many states. There are glaring issues, to be sure: systematic racism still exists, poverty is rampant, and overall public health is shockingly poor. Youll most likely need a visa to enter the USA, and I recommend applying for a B1/B2 visa if youre looking to volunteer. The most popular time to vacation in the United States, which means prices will be peaking. Not many people including most Americans make it all the way to Hawaii or Alaska. If youre traveling to the USA for the first time, you may not get a lot of pushback from the customs agent. It even comes with Osprey's All Mighty Guarantee. The Glacier National Park is another backpacking destination you shouldn't miss as you travel across America. A lot of foreigners couldnt name more than five cities in America and the ones they do name are always Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas, New York, and Miami. While often thought of as one group, they actually comprised hundreds of tribes that stretched from Alaska to Hawaii and all across the mainland. 1 rain jacket. And of course, no USA trip is complete without spending some days in Miami itinerary, the so-called Capital of South USA.. Foreigners can enter the United States either via the Visa Waiver Program or by acquiring an official US tourist visa at an embassy. You wont just save serious $$$, youll experience a different culture, cool projects, meet new people and integrate into the community in a different way. In 3 days, dont miss out on Club Space for the coolest sounds in the city, South Beach for beaches and bottles, and Key Biscayne for a more relaxing, natural beach day complete with water sports. SafetyWing is convenient, cheap, and trouble-free Insurance was never this easy! The Lone Star state is a bbq lovers go to, and if food doesnt appeal, perhaps the wide open landscapes will? Every budget backpacker has to learn how to don't look like a tourist. Save $$$ Save the Planet Save Your Stomach! Its rainbow-colored geysersespecially the world-famous Old Faithfulare unlike pretty much anything else, and the park also features a ton of hikes for all ability levels. . Go to site. After getting acquainted with the Sunshine State, continue onwards to New Orleans, one of Americas coolest cities before expanding your waistline in Austin, Texas. STATES: North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas. Stay somewhere EPIC and save your hard-earned dollars from houses to barns to castles and caves, there is an Airbnb for every occasion! All your belongings are in one bag while you are traveling. There is a lot of really interesting stuff going on here if you know where to look. Ah, perhaps the most popular gambling city on Earth? There are some cool cities here, such as Des Moines or Indianapolis for alternative reasons not to mention some very attractive outdoor areas, particularly around the Great Lakes. Many will say that the most beautiful places in the USA are not found in cities or towns, but in nature. LA might just have the best street tacos in the US, and as the city can get expensive, note nearby cheap food options when choosing your accommodation. Floridians are a category all their own. Directly below, youll find a list of sample USA itineraries followed by detailed breakdowns of each region. But Appalachia offers plenty to the curious tourist, more than other regions of the US. By the 1760s the colonies numbered 13 with more than 2.5 million inhabitants, contained alongside the Eastern Seaboard. Recreational weed is legal in more than a dozen states, but that doesnt mean what they have to offer is the same. Located in the far western corner of North America lies Alaska the largest and most wild state in the USA. 10 Days Backpacking the USA Itinerary - A Jetsetting Holiday. Some of the best camping is in Colorado though you can find them all over the US. The cheapest way to explore the US is with your own vehicle and a tent, though even then youll likely spend more than in Europe. By staying in warm climates for most of the year, we were able to avoid bringing along winter coats or cold weather gear. Up to 5x miles. a shirt can be a base layer in a cold climate or a top layer in a warm climate). 2023, The Broke Backpacker. Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. And when I say love, I mean need to party. They offer simple & flexible travel insurance, and safety advice to help you travel confidently. For days spent exploring the city, a 20- to 30-litre backpack will be the perfect size, with enough room to carry water, a camera and extra layers. Carry a tent and sleeping gear, water purifier, cooking equipment and comfy clothes. Moving along, make a stop in Santa Fe, New Mexico before making it to one of Americas most iconic states: Colorado. Then, of course, a couple of days in New York City. If you want to visit Wyoming, Montana, or Idaho, it will be a mission. California and Colorado are both A+ choices for the best vibes and shops. US bills are all green with various former presidents on them. Some of the most beautiful landscapes in America are its bleak and arid desert regions. Go to Museums on Sunday - They are free! All other countries that do not qualify for the Visa Waiver Program must apply for a regular visa for the US. You can make really good friends. Next, take a quick flight to the favorite place of many and explore Chicago. The majority of the international flights arrive at the airport in So Paulo. You'll never have to pay for gas, parking, tickets, or all the other money sucking expenses of car travel. If you want to cover a lot of ground in the United States, flying is the best option, especially if you only have limited time. Be a part of the solution and travel with a filter water bottle. Lets take a look at these distant states below. Its a dreamscape full of natural bridges, rocky portals, and passageways leading to God knows where. Finally, no trip to the Southwest is complete without seeing the otherworldly White Sands. Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas or its wormy tequila. United States Travel Guide. Answer (1 of 6): Ironically, my primary application for MIT was accepted, but I decided not to go there. Its about the same size as the entire European continent a landmass that hosts over 87 distinct peoples. So its not hard to believe that people may be (very) different depending on where theyre from. Brussels rocks cheap. Or you can stuff that whole deal off and buy the America the Beautiful Pass for$79.99. Visiting here will allow you endless opportunities to camp, hike, and explore. One of the most historically important cities in America, come to Philly for the sites, stay for the legendary food! Few actually realize that Mexico is astounding; see Chiapas and/or Copper Canyon. . Some major companies include Greyhound, Boltbus, and Megabus. Larger towns will have chains. That is precisely why Im writing this in-depth guide to backpacking the USA. Visiting Alaska could be an unforgettable experience as there are few places this pure left in the world. He was the first person to do a round-trip, backpacking the Continental Divide Trail. If Im being honest, it can be a hectic place and I often feel safer in Pakistan. Itll just be you and Mother Nature here, and its more likely that youll see more bears or bald eagles than people. Photograph: Andre Jenny/Alamy. Vibrant, storied, exciting, and never ashamed, staying in New Orleans is one of the most interesting things to do in the USA, not to mention one of the most fun. Unfortunately, racism is still a problem all over the country today. US tourist visa requirements do change regularly so please be sure to always check with the official government website. Join the conversation; visit the likes of Miami, San Antonio, or stay in Los Angeles and feel the Latin vibes. How you choose to get around will largely depend on your intended USA backpacking itinerary. So prevalent are Latino ethnicities that one day more Americans will speak Spanish than English. They're both 2,000+ miles long, with the PCT stretching from Southern California to Canada and the A.T. stretching from Georgia to Maine. Americans love to party. Burlington, Vermont is also a cool little hippy town and Providence, Rhode Island is also having a renaissance. Most people head immediately for lively Austin first. Use the discount code BROKEBACKPACKER. Buenos Aires (4 days) Experiencing the gritty yet charming "Paris of South America" Optional: Montevideo and Colonia in Uruguay (2 days) Experiencing a smaller more polite Buenos Aires; Iguazu Falls (1 day) UNESCO heritage site that dwarfs Niagara Falls Mendoza (2 days) Argentine wine country experienced by biking between vineyards and wine tastings I figured that I wouldn't make it through there anyway if I did go. Four whole states are just prairie and a large portion of Texas is as well. Prices for travel in Europe vary greatly depending on how far north, east, south, or west you travel. If you have the time though, the aforementioned states are totally worth visiting. 6 Top Tips for Backpacking Across America National Parks. Hawaii is wrapping up its rainy own season. But the state also has both Arches National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park, which are both stellar options. Whilst there are only two US visa types for tourists, it can be a little confusing sorting through the necessary qualifications and processes. Sometimes small towns have one or two family-run motels at good prices. Packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for thereal adventurers these babies are a travellers best kept secret. For the best 420 experiences, try the legal shops in Colorado, California, or Washington state for the most variety and coolest dispensaries.