The United States is a country of contrasts: from Hawaii to Alaska, lifestyles, weather and attractions change. When it's sunny and warm in Miami, it snows in North Dakota – so one article “What to see in the USA” will not do. This time, let's talk about what attractions are worth seeing in the States and what restrictions may await on the way to them.
Conditions for entering the USA
For Russians, the conditions for entry are almost classically difficult: you need a visa. On March 1, 2021, Moscow and Yekaterinburg began issuing visas to the States for students and transit (types F1 and C1/D). In Yekaterinburg, you can also get a tourist visa B1/B2 – but only if you do not need an interview. In addition, you can apply for a visa in other countries where there is a US embassy – for example, in Kazakhstan or Lithuania.
If you have a visa, then you only need to take a COVID test no earlier than 72 hours before departure, and welcome to the USA – the borders are open.
It seems to us that the best format for traveling around the States is by car or in a motor home. It is stylish, inexpensive and beautiful – you have time to admire the changing landscapes outside the window. In the case of a motorhome, the situation is quite remarkable: you don’t have to worry about where you will sleep, you just need to stop by the campsite.
Photo: cruiseamerica.com
Where to start?
We picked up seven locations from which you should start your acquaintance with the world outside the usual cities:
1. The most heavenly – Hawaii
We start with the most pleasant – from the volcanic islands , where the green of the jungle, blackening lava and the beating waves of the Pacific Ocean meet.
Chips: volcanoes – a lonely shield volcano Mauna Kea and a whole national park with two active volcanoes and several obsolete craters; black and red volcanic beaches and lost waterfalls
What to do? Surfing, jungle trekking, eating exotic fruits
Season: year-round summer on the islands. The minimum precipitation occurs in April-October.
Restrictions: 72 hours before arrival, pass a NAAT test for covid, register with the state.
Photo: wallup.net
2. The most photographed – Monument Valley
At this point, they combined natural attractions that can outdo the Grand Canyon in beauty: this is Antelope Canyon and the bends of the Colorado River. You must have seen these gigantic blocks in one of the westerns: withered grass, scorching heat, a cowboy on a wild horse … & nbsp;
Chips: red striped rocks forming vaults overhead; boundless expanses and the smell of freedom
Things to do? In the company of a Navajo Indian guide, walk among the walls and stairs of the canyon, saddle a horse or get lost in a car among weathered sandstone monoliths.
Season: the most gorgeous photos are taken at dawn or in the “golden hour” before sunset, the most comfortable time will be in May-October.
3. The most bearish is Alaska
This state has to live in isolation from others: it is separated from Russia by the thin Bering Strait, from the rest of the states by Canada.
Features: grizzly bears, volcanoes, deer and seals – everything is very similar to Kamchatka, but with the American rhythm of life.
What to do? In summer – visit one of the national parks – Katmai or Dinali. In winter, go skiing, catch the northern lights and pet deer.
Season: for the first meeting, it is preferable to go in the summer – from May to September.
4. The most volcanically active is Yellowstone National Park
A huge caldera, formed after the explosion of an ancient volcano, now covers an area of about 9 thousand square meters. m – and is one of those places where it is easiest to see the geyser and enjoy the volcanic landscapes.
Features: wild and free nature in one of the most geologically unusual places in the US
What to do? Drive a car through the park, see bears and bison, catch an erupting geyser in the frame.
Season: April-May, September-October.
Restrictions: at the moment, until May 2021, the possibility of accommodation in the park is closed, you can monitor the information on the official website of the national park.
Photo: i.artfile.ru
5. The noisiest is Niagara Falls
It is worth flying to the border with Canada to see the most powerful waterfall in North America. Spoiler: there are actually three waterfalls.
Chips: noise, splashes and lots and lots of water. Reach the rapids – the river rages there too.
Things to do? Ride on a boat, fly a helicopter over a waterfall or climb onto that observation deck where the spray flies right in your face.
Season: May-October
Photo: gdenahoditsya.ru
6. The most embracing is Sequoia National Park
Chips: the largest trees on the planet growing in the national park – hiking is held in high esteem here. Sequoias are so massive that tunnels and dwellings have even been cut down in them.
What to do? Go inside one of the trees, hug another – maybe not alone, and climb Moro Rock and go down to Crystal Cave.
Season: July-September, early October
Photo: staff-online.ru
7. The snow-whitest is Death Valley
Chips: the lowest point of the country – Badwater Basin – located below sea level, the highest temperature in the USA – a record of +56.7 °С, the wildest place for hiking.
What to do? Find the Devil's golf course, look at the Valley from above and walk along the salt marsh.
Season: March, April or October, November.
The USA requires mobility and thoughtfulness, so it's easier to book an author's tour. They are different: for those who are just discovering this country, and for those who have been living in the States for a long time. How much does an author's tour cost? On average $200-250 per day. For this money, you get an organized trip in a fun company, unfamiliar locations and cool photos for Instagram.