United States Vacations

You’ll engage with countless subcultures and communities across the country, from trailblazing musicians in New Orleans and Nashville to tech innovators in Silicon Valley, political leaders in Washington, D.C., and classic American cowboys still wrangling the spirit of the Midwest.

America's long history of political, social, innovative, and artistic trailblazers who shared the defining spirit of America; a spirit of innovation, entrepreneurship, personal liberty, and freedom have shaped American culture into what it is today. This same spirit propelled the American Revolution in the 18th century, establishing America as a groundbreaking experiment in representative democracy, promising endless opportunities for all. America’s counterculture is as equally as defining, from famed civil rights leaders, including Martin Luther King Jr., to antiwar activists and musicians such as Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, and many more.

From the bustling streets of New York City to the small towns of the Midwest, American culture is as varied as the landscapes that stretch across the continent. So, whether you're savouring a slice of deep-dish Chicago pizza, cheering on the Celtics in Boston, or marvelling at the wonders of Yellowstone National Park, American culture invites you to join the journey of exploration, discovery, and endless opportunity. 

For most places, spring (late March to late May) and autumn (late September to late October) are golden. These are the in-between seasons, sandwiched right before and after summer. Picture mild temperatures and fewer crowds—perfect for exploring the popular spots without breaking a sweat!

Travel essentials

• When exploring the USA and Canada, it's wise to carry local currency in small bills for smooth transactions. In the USA, you'll deal in US dollars, while in Canada, it's Canadian dollars. Tipping is common for services like taxis, dining, and bartending in both countries, so having a stash of small bills can be a handy travel companion.
• Another must-have is a universal travel adapter to avoid any electrical hiccups during your journey. Keep your devices charged and ready.
• Make extra copies of essential travel documents like your passport, travel insurance, and visa for added peace of mind. Accidents happen, and having backups ensures you're covered in case of unexpected twists.
• To enhance your comfort during travel, invest in a travel-specific pillow and blanket that are lightweight, compact, and, of course, cozy. Moving from one destination to another becomes a breeze with these travel buddies.
• Entertainment is key during long journeys, so pack a comfortable pair of headphones. Whether you're watching movies or listening to music, they'll keep you entertained, and bonus points if they have noise-cancelling capabilities.
• Lastly, stay charged on the go with a portable charger. Look for one that's lightweight, small, and boasts a long battery life to keep your electronics juiced up throughout your adventures. These essentials ensure you're well-equipped for an enjoyable trip! 

Geography

The United States comprises 50 states and 16 territories. These include the non-contiguous states of Hawaii and Alaska, as well as the offshore insular areas, including Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa.

Language Diversity

English is the official language of the United States, though you'll likely encounter regions or communities where Spanish, French, or other languages are prevalent, reflecting the country’s diverse population.

Sports Culture

Sports play a huge role in American culture, with baseball, football, basketball, and soccer being the most popular. Supporting the local team when travelling is a great way to meet locals.

Historical Significance

Be sure to visit the abundance of museums, monuments, and historic sites throughout the country to learn more about the defining moments of American history, from the American Revolution to the Civil Rights Movement, the attack at Pearl Harbor, and the Civil War.

Entertainment Capitals

Los Angeles and Los Vegas are widely considered the entertainment capitals of the world, with the former excelling in television and film production and the latter boasting world-class casinos, live shows, and extraordinary nightlife, attracting visitors from around the world.

National Parks

The United States boasts 63 national parks, including Yosemite, the Grand Canyon, and Yellowstone, one of the world’s first national parks.

Tipping Culture

Tipping is customary in many service industries, typically ranging from 15% to 20% of the bill in restaurants, taxis, and other services. 

American cuisine promises a deliciously diverse adventure of unique flavours and dishes heavily influenced by the many cultures and traditions that have shaped America over the past 248 years. America’s long history of diversity and immigration has curated unique culinary scenes across the country, from hearty New England clam chowder to savoury southern fried chicken and waffles. Variety and exuberance are defining traits of American cuisine, so don’t worry about running out of options, whether you’re seeking out fine dining experiences or cruising through the abundance of specialty grocers showcasing international cuisine. 

Here are some of our favourite dining options from around the United States: 

Hamburgers & Cheeseburgers

It’s fair to say the United States has mastered the hamburger and cheeseburger, from fast-food options at iconic chains like McDonald's, Burger King, or In-N-Out to premium burgers at Michelin-starred restaurants. No matter where you find yourself in the United States, you’ll almost certainly be able to track down this iconic American staple and discover countless delicious variations. 

Philly Cheesesteak

The Philly Cheesesteak is Philadelphia’s most iconic dish and is a must-try for any visitor. The delicious combination of hot beef and melted cheese squeezed into a long roll was invented by Pat Olivieri, a local hot dog vendor, in 1930, and since then, the sandwich has become an icon in Philadelphia and a favourite for many Americans across the country.  

Chicago Style Pizza

Chicago Style Pizza, or deep-dish pizza, is a delicious thick pizza resembling the shape of a pie, layered with cheese, fillings, and sauce in that order. Deep-dish pizza was invented in Chicago in 1943 but has since exploded in popularity across America. Many people debate whether Chicago-style pizza can even be considered pizza thanks to its unique shape and composition, so, be clear when ordering pizza in Chicago, or you may receive a pizza three inches thicker than expected. 

Apple Pie

Apple pie is one of the most iconic and delicious dishes in American culture despite its roots tracing outside of the country to Europe. Americans have been enjoying apple pie as early as the 18th century, and when advertising and wartime nationalism during the 20th century immortalized apple pie in American culture, creating iconic slogans such as “American as apple pie.” You're sure to find this sweet and savoury dish at most barbeques, celebrations, and holiday dinners, so make sure you save some room! 

Barbeque

Barbeque and grilling meat is another iconic American dish on par with apple pie, with 75% of American adults owning a grill or smoker and a majority of them using it year-round, according to a poll from Barbeque Lifestyle, Usage & Attitude. You’ll discover several delicious regional styles throughout the country, including in Memphis, West Tennessee, Kansas City, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Georgia, Hawaii, and more, each with unique flavours continuing to evolve. 

Coca-Cola

Since the invention of Coca-Cola in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1886, the refreshing carbonated soda has exploded in global popularity and become a defining brand and drink in American culture. The Coca-Cola Company is now the world’s largest beverage manufacturer and distributor, thanks to strategic partnerships with McDonald’s, iconic bottle designs, marketing campaigns, and the development and acquisition of new products, including Sprite, Fanta, and Fresca. 

Sazerac

Widely considered the first cocktail, the Sazerac is the official cocktail of New Orleans and a delicious variation of a cognac or whiskey cocktail. Originating in New Orleans and made with rye whiskey or cognac, absinthe, a sugar cube, and Peychaud’s bitters, the Sazerac embodies New Orleans’ exciting spirit and arguably kickstarted the cocktail movement in the United States.  

Napa Valley Wine

Napa Valley is considered by many as one of the world’s greatest wine-growing regions, on par with France, Spain, and Italy. Enjoy intimate wine tastings in beautiful open spaces at the hundreds of wineries across Napa Valley, producing its renowned Cabernet Sauvignon and excellent Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir. Any visit to California should include a tour of Napa Valley for a deliciously immersive wine-tasting experience.  

Bud Light

Beer has been the most popular alcoholic drink in America for centuries and the history of America’s beer industry is long and innovative, from prohibition to microbreweries. While Bud Light is not the oldest American light beer, it was the top-selling beer in America for 22 years from 2001 to 2023, beating other iconic American brands like Budweiser, Coors Banquet, and Miller Lite. Despite losing its number-one spot to Modelo in 2023, Bud Light remains a popular choice for beer drinkers seeking a refreshing light beer.  

Sierra Nevada Pale Ale

In contrast to Bud Light and other iconic light beers, Sierra Nevada Pale Ale showcases the best of American-brewed hop-heavy pale ales and kickstarted America’s love for local hoppy ales. First brewed in 1980, Sierra Nevada Pale Ale has grown into one of America's largest and most cherished independent breweries.