California
Not in the story-mood? Scroll down for the Quick Budget Fact Overview: an itemized information summary of the United States! ↓
California Dreaming. I close my eyes and let the mental images of sun-drenched beaches, Hollywood glitz, and faint strains of Hank Moody pass by. While those stereotypes aren't entirely unfounded, the Golden State is a far more complex and captivating place than its far-reaching international reputation might suggest. It's a land of staggering diversity, both in its landscapes and its people, drenched in its Mexican roots and rejuvenated by slight promises of the American Dream. From the chaos-ridden streets of San Francisco, to the rock ‘n roll tapestry of Los Angeles and laidback coastal ambience of San Diego. Beyond the bustling cities, the true appeal of California lies in its natural backdrop. Imagine standing in the shadows of the towering rock formations of Yosemite National Park, then picture yourself in the stark, otherworldly beauty of Death Valley, a land of extremes where the silence is almost deafening and the heat shimmers off the horizon. California is a place that can challenge you, surprise you, and ultimately, leave you utterly spellbound. Hey, they should write a song about it.
San Francisco
“If you’re going to San Francisco… be sure to wear some flowers in your hair.” The song* was the sole reason I wanted to set foot in this famous city one day, although I wouldn’t necessarily call all people… gentle. My very first encounter with both San Francisco and the entire state of California went as follows: I witnessed a man drive backwards out of his garage with the car door wide open, tumble out, have the then driverless car run him over (yes, you read that correctly) before ramming into a row of parked vehicles, after which he scrambled back behind the wheel and sped off into the wild, wonderful chaos of the city. I stood there, speechless, grappling with the sheer audacity of the situation. What truly cemented the experience, however, was the reaction of the bystanders. Or rather, the lack thereof. They continued on their merry way, totally unphased. A strong image. In that moment, I understood. This place on Earth must be downright apenuts, and I was ready to embrace the glorious madness.
* Well, okay, and maybe also the ridiculously cheap flight of the rather-crappy Frontier Airlines: A mere $38 flight from Portland, cheaper than a bus ride! Especially when you consider the airfare itself being a sole $3 (the rest being taxes, naturally). Hand luggage only, mind you.
San Francisco
“If you’re going to San Francisco… be sure to wear some flowers in your hair.” The song* was the sole reason I wanted to set foot in this famous city one day, although I wouldn’t necessarily call all people… gentle. My very first encounter with both San Francisco and the entire state of California went as follows: I witnessed a man drive backwards out of his garage with the car door wide open, tumble out, have the then driverless car run him over (yes, you read that correctly) before ramming into a row of parked vehicles, after which he scrambled back behind the wheel and sped off into the wild, wonderful chaos of the city. I stood there, speechless, grappling with the sheer audacity of the situation. What truly cemented the experience, however, was the reaction of the bystanders. Or rather, the lack thereof. They continued on their merry way, totally unphased. A strong image. In that moment, I understood. This place on Earth must be downright apenuts, and I was ready to embrace the glorious madness.
* Well, okay, and maybe also the ridiculously cheap flight of the rather-crappy Frontier Airlines: A mere $38 flight from Portland, cheaper than a bus ride! Especially when you consider the airfare itself being a sole $3 (the rest being taxes, naturally). Hand luggage only, mind you.
Too busy to read now? No problem, save it for later!
Save on Get Pocket | Save in Browser Bookmarks| Save on Instapaper
Save on Get Pocket | Save in Browser Bookmarks| Save on Instapaper
My favorite corner of this pleasant madhouse turned out to be the Mission District. Stepping into it is like falling through a time portal straight into Mexico. You’d better hablas español when engaging with the locals – the district’s seemingly official language. One almost forgets he’s in the United States, until you remember: this entire region was Mexico once, and the heritage is vibrantly alive (a history you can dive deeper into at the Oakland Museum of California). I stumbled in initially seeking street art, specifically the murals adorning Balmy Alley, which, for the uninitiated, is a concentrated dose of vibrant social commentary painted across houses, fences, and garages. But I stayed for the vibrant atmosphere and the promise of authentic Mexican street food (for triple the price of actual Mexican street food).
Besides Mission, San Francisco throws a few other visual punches pleasantly knocking me off my socks. Alamo Square is home to the six Victorian houses nicknamed the Painted Ladies, made famous by the '90s sitcom Full House. Then there’s the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, a fountain inexplicably chosen to represent the man's powerful oratory. I suppose the quote about a "stream of words" offered a tenuous connection… or (unknown fact) was he just really into fountains? A more thorough impression was left by the Palace of Fine Arts, nestled within the Golden Gate Park. This neo-classical masterpiece could easily be mistaken for a Roman landmark, complete with reflecting pools and exquisitely lit fountains. And if modern pop culture is more your thing, go look for the Yoda Fountain. Which exists, somehow. San Francisco’s Chinatown happens to be a really well-done Chinatown, which specifically represents a welcome sight around lunchtime or dinner. It’s the birthplace of Bruce Lee, FYI.
Besides Mission, San Francisco throws a few other visual punches pleasantly knocking me off my socks. Alamo Square is home to the six Victorian houses nicknamed the Painted Ladies, made famous by the '90s sitcom Full House. Then there’s the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, a fountain inexplicably chosen to represent the man's powerful oratory. I suppose the quote about a "stream of words" offered a tenuous connection… or (unknown fact) was he just really into fountains? A more thorough impression was left by the Palace of Fine Arts, nestled within the Golden Gate Park. This neo-classical masterpiece could easily be mistaken for a Roman landmark, complete with reflecting pools and exquisitely lit fountains. And if modern pop culture is more your thing, go look for the Yoda Fountain. Which exists, somehow. San Francisco’s Chinatown happens to be a really well-done Chinatown, which specifically represents a welcome sight around lunchtime or dinner. It’s the birthplace of Bruce Lee, FYI.
You’re at the USA’s famous West Coast, so sooner or later you inevitably find yourself venturing along the waterfront of San Francisco Bay. Odds are high you’ll bump into Pier 39, a touristy funfair complete with a Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. restaurant. Fisherman's Wharf is nearby, bustling with activity, magic shops, and overpriced everything. From the shore, the infamous silhouette of the Alcatraz Prison looms large. The name alone conjures up images of striped jumpsuits, clanging metal, and dead-stare inmates. Did you know that you can actually visit this once unhappy home for some of America's most infamous criminals? You just have to dig deep into that wallet. Capitalism, baby boy! For a closer (external) look on a budget, a day trip to Sausalito by ferry can do the trick. Pro tip: skip the expensive tourist boats and use your Clipper Card (the local transport pass, also readily available digitally on your phone wallet) for a cheap-ass $8 ride, sailing right passed Alcatraz. Sausalito itself is a beautifully located yet tourism-heavy town with its own offer of restaurants, shops and art exhibitions. From there, you can either take the bus back across the Golden Gate Bridge or, like me, embrace the walk! Traversing arguably San Francisco's most iconic landmark on foot is a rather surreal experience. The sheer immensity of the Golden Gate Bridge is truly felt on foot. The sidewalk is open daily from sunrise to sunset, offering a 2.7km (1.7 miles) stroll across. While noteworthy, I must admit: the San Francisco – Oakland Bay Bridge, which I gasped at from the plane, struck me as significantly more impressive with its staggering 7.2km (4.5 miles).
Speaking of Oakland: accessible via the BART transportation system, this is where I set up my temporary base. The first few days were spent housesitting for two feline overlords, the last with a deaf, former-hippie Couchsurfer, who had, in his youth, witnessed Jimi Hendrix live while tripping on acid. That, my friends, was probably the closest I was going to get to the quintessential images of San Francisco hippies. As otherwise, their whereabouts remained a mystery. With my host, I attended the "Festival of Lights," a hallucinatory immersive experience that felt, well, a bit like how he described his concert days.
Speaking of Oakland: accessible via the BART transportation system, this is where I set up my temporary base. The first few days were spent housesitting for two feline overlords, the last with a deaf, former-hippie Couchsurfer, who had, in his youth, witnessed Jimi Hendrix live while tripping on acid. That, my friends, was probably the closest I was going to get to the quintessential images of San Francisco hippies. As otherwise, their whereabouts remained a mystery. With my host, I attended the "Festival of Lights," a hallucinatory immersive experience that felt, well, a bit like how he described his concert days.
|
|
|
San Francisco FREE Sights / Activities
San Francisco PAID Sights / Activities
Full list here.
- Sights: Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco – Oakland Bay Bridge, Golden Gate Promenade, Palace of Fine Arts, Yoda Fountain, Painted Ladies (Alamo Square), City Hall, Transamerica Pyramid, Ferry Plaza Farmer’s Market, Pier 39, Fisherman’s Wharf, 16 Avenue Tiled Steps, Marthin Luther King Memorial, Telegraph Hill, Twin Peaks, Lotta’s Fountian, Balmy Ally Murals, Clarion Alley, Urbano Sun Dial, The Box Shop, Internet Archive Headquarters, Albian Castle, The Wave Organ, Fort Point National Historic Site, Cathedral of St. Mary The Assumption, Leroy King Carousel, Janis Joplin Tree, Peephole Cinema, Lombard Street, Union Square, Ghirardelli Square, China Town, Japantown, Mission Neighborhood, Presidio, Haight-Ashbury Neighborhood, The Embarcadero Neighborhood, Little Italy Neighborhood, Nob Hill Neighborhood, North Beach Neighborhood, Pacific Heights Neighborhood.
- Museums: Museum of the Eye.
- Hikes / Nature: Golden Gate Park, Lands’ End, San Francisco Bay, Baker Beach, Ocean Beach, Marshall’s Beach, The Coastal Trail, Woodline.
- Daytrips: Oakland.
San Francisco PAID Sights / Activities
- Sights: Alcatraz, Aquarium of the Bay, Sea Lion Center, Coit Tower.
- Museums: Oakland Museum of California, Walt Disney Family Museum, Exploratorium, California Academy of Sciences, Cable Car Museum, Musee Mecanique, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, De Young Museum, Legion of Honor, Misalignment Ai Museum, Asian Art Museum, San Francisco National Maritime Historical Park, Wells Fargo Museum, Magowan’s Infinite Mirror Maze, Audium Theatre of Sound-Sculptured Space, Institute of Illegal Images, Good Vibrations Antique Vibrator Museum, Beat Museum, Museum of Russian Culture, Gregangelo Museum, American Bookbinders Museum, Showgirl Magic Museum.
- Activities: Oracle Park (baseball), San Francisco Playhouse Theatre, Orpheum Theatre, San Francisco Symphonie, Church of 8 Wheels.
- Hikes / Nature / Daytrips: Sausalito, Japanese Tea Garden, Botanical Garden, Conservatory of Flowers, Angel Island State Park.
Full list here.
Los Angeles
Even the name rolls off the tongue with a whisper of sunshine, celebrity, and a feeling that you know the place, even if you have never physically been there. Even though it's the hometown of my dearest, it was my first time to set foot in this world famous city… and as he was still chained to his temporary desk in Seattle, unable to show me around, this triggered me to approach the City of Angels from a whole different perspective. A rather rough and loud one. Because LA isn’t only known for Holywood and all the glamour, fame and botox that entails, it’s also known as a cradle of rock where iconic bands such as Mötley Crüe, The Doors, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Guns ‘n Roses and Motörhead left their traces. So, ditching the typical tourist traps, my buddy Dave and I embarked on a pilgrimage… dedicated to the one and only personification of rock ‘n roll: Lemmy Kilmister.
Our journey began at the legendary Rainbow Bar, a place that now feels less like a bar and more like a living Motörhead museum. There, amidst the echoes of countless rock anthems, we raised a glass of whiskey on the exact spot where Lemmy daily drank it. We even ventured into the infamous “coke room,” a once-secret haven frequented by the likes of Slash and Nikki Sixx. Let’s just say the walls had stories to tell. From the Rainbow, we casually hopped by Lemmy's former home address, a somewhat surreal experience, and even ventured to his final resting place at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. The discolored patches of dried alcohol surrounding his area in the columbarium reveal the numerous toasts made in his memory. Our man’s in good company, by the way, resting almost next to another giant in metal: the one and only Ronnie James Dio. It was a melancholic moment, a testament to the enduring legacy of a true rock icon.
Even the name rolls off the tongue with a whisper of sunshine, celebrity, and a feeling that you know the place, even if you have never physically been there. Even though it's the hometown of my dearest, it was my first time to set foot in this world famous city… and as he was still chained to his temporary desk in Seattle, unable to show me around, this triggered me to approach the City of Angels from a whole different perspective. A rather rough and loud one. Because LA isn’t only known for Holywood and all the glamour, fame and botox that entails, it’s also known as a cradle of rock where iconic bands such as Mötley Crüe, The Doors, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Guns ‘n Roses and Motörhead left their traces. So, ditching the typical tourist traps, my buddy Dave and I embarked on a pilgrimage… dedicated to the one and only personification of rock ‘n roll: Lemmy Kilmister.
Our journey began at the legendary Rainbow Bar, a place that now feels less like a bar and more like a living Motörhead museum. There, amidst the echoes of countless rock anthems, we raised a glass of whiskey on the exact spot where Lemmy daily drank it. We even ventured into the infamous “coke room,” a once-secret haven frequented by the likes of Slash and Nikki Sixx. Let’s just say the walls had stories to tell. From the Rainbow, we casually hopped by Lemmy's former home address, a somewhat surreal experience, and even ventured to his final resting place at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. The discolored patches of dried alcohol surrounding his area in the columbarium reveal the numerous toasts made in his memory. Our man’s in good company, by the way, resting almost next to another giant in metal: the one and only Ronnie James Dio. It was a melancholic moment, a testament to the enduring legacy of a true rock icon.
But the rock 'n' roll gods weren't done with us yet. While holding court at the Rainbow, fate intervened. Members of the band Garden of Eden randomly offered us tickets to their show at The Whisky the very next night. Do I need to repeat that: The WHISKY – The Whisky A Go Go! Just saying the name sends a shiver or two down my spine. This legendary venue, established in 1964, practically invented the American rock 'n' roll club scene. It launched the careers of The Doors, Guns N' Roses, Mötley Crüe, Led Zeppelin, and countless other bands that wrote history. It was a show we intended on going to anyway, before the tickets were offered as a divine intervention, as who else was on the bill that night? Only Vinnie Appice, the powerhouse drummer who famously pounded the skins for Black Sabbath during their Dio era and beyond. A true titan of heavy metal drumming. It was an unforgettable evening, fueled by raw energy, deafening music, and a palpable sense of history… materialized in an actual photo with the man himself. Sometimes I just can’t believe my life.
Beyond our Lemmy-centric adventures, we crammed in as much LA rock history as realistically possible. We sought out significant spots of The Doors*, visited the recording spot of RHCP’s ‘By The Way’ (Chateau Marmont) and passed down the nude bars out of the hits of Mötley Crüe. Embellished with the obligatory stroll along Hollywood Boulevard, dotted with the stars of countless grand names in heavy metal embedded in the sidewalk in this city that breathes music.
* Barney’s Beanery (regular hangout of Jim Morrison… and Janis Joplin), Alta Cienega Motel (Jim Morrison’s primary residence from 1968-1970), Tail O’ The Pup (recording spot of LA Woman), The Whisky A Go Go (they used to be the house band).
A 100% return guarantee.
Los Angeles FREE Sights / Activities
Los Angeles PAID Sights / Activities
Full list here.
* Barney’s Beanery (regular hangout of Jim Morrison… and Janis Joplin), Alta Cienega Motel (Jim Morrison’s primary residence from 1968-1970), Tail O’ The Pup (recording spot of LA Woman), The Whisky A Go Go (they used to be the house band).
A 100% return guarantee.
Los Angeles FREE Sights / Activities
- Sights: Hollywood Walk Of Fame, Hollywood Sign, Hollywood Forever Cemetery, Forest Lawn Memorial Park (Lemmy Kilmister / Ronnie James Dio), Venice Canal Walkway, Original Farmers Market, Grand Central Market, Union Station, Venice Skatepark, Badbury Museum, University of Los Angeles (UCLA), UCLA Meteorite Connection, Corporate Head Statue, Sunset Boulevard, Garden of Oz, Great Wall of Los Angeles, Binoculars Building, Mosaic Tile House, Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, Central Library, Melrose Avenue, City Hall, Watts Towers, Mission Neighborhood, Little Tokyo Neighborhood, LA Fashion District, Chinatown, Koreatown.
- Museums: Travel Town Museum.
- Hikes / Nature: Venice Beach, Playa del Rey Beach, Will Rogers State Beach, Griffith Park, Echo Park, Runyon Canyon Park, Box Canyon.
Los Angeles PAID Sights / Activities
- Sights: Disneyland, Universal Studios Hollywood, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Walt Disney Concert Hall, TCL Chinese Theatres, The Greek Theatre, Orpheum Theatre, Hollywood Bowl, Madame Tussauds, Pantages Theatre, Dolby Theatre, Angels Flight Railway, Space Shuttle Endeavour.
- Museums: Griffith Observatory, The Getty Center, Petersen Automotive Museum, Battleship USS Iowa Museum, California Science Center, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, La Brea Tar Pits and Museum, The Broad, National History Museum, The Hollywood Museum, Hollywood Bowl Museum, Hollywood Wax Museum, Grammy Museum, The Nethercutt Collection, Museum of Death, Medieval Torture Museum, Museum of Contemporary Art, Bhagavad Gita Diorama Museum, Ripley’s Believe It Or Not, Hammer Museum, Autry Museum of the American West, Holocaust Museum, Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, Ferndell Nature Museum, Valley Relics Museum, Museum of Tolerance.
- Activities: Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, San Antonio Winery.
- Hikes / Nature / Daytrips: Topanga State Park, Will Rogers State Historic Park.
Full list here.
San Diego
Another one I added to the Cali-list: San Diego, a city perpetually bathed in sunshine and laidback vibes. My journey there, however, was a tad… unorthodox. Let's just say a frantic ESTA-visa run involving a whirlwind tour of Guatemala, Belize, and Mexico (because apparently, just popping into Mexico doesn't cut it anymore) culminated in a spectacularly ill-advised flight to Tijuana. Tequila, sexo, marihuana. The border crossing experience was enough to make me question my life choices, but thankfully, San Diego itself proved to be the perfect antidote. Part of the remedy came in the form of Amber, a Christmas-obsessed, exuberantly Jewish local whose infectious energy and insider knowledge transformed my visit into a string of genuinely fond memories. San Diego's reputation precedes it, and in retrospect I can conclude: quite rightfully so.
This city synonymous with sunshine and surf, offers far more than just its famed beaches, though a visit to at least one is practically compulsory. From the iconic Coronado Beach, with its shimmering sand and Victorian hotel backdrop, to the surfer's paradise of Pacific Beach and the secluded, clothing-optional Black's Beach, the coastline caters to every taste. Ocean Beach maintains a laid-back, bohemian vibe, while La Jolla Shores boasts gentle waves perfect for families and kayaking. Even canine companions have their own slice of paradise at Ocean Dog Beach, proving San Diego's commitment to inclusivity extends to our furry friends. For a taste of local life, join San Diegans for an evening stroll along the San Diego Bay Walk or the lively Mission Beach Boardwalk. You might encounter the imposing "Unconditional Surrender" statue, a powerful symbol of the end of World War II, depicting a sailor kissing a nurse, an immortalized scene based on a famous photograph. This monument serves as a poignant reminder of the city's connection to naval history. During my own visit, I was fortunate enough to witness a colorful Christmas lights boat show on the bay. As well as… lo and behold… a Christmas costume dog parade. Isn’t it just lovely, the things rich white people come up with to entertain themselves?
Another one I added to the Cali-list: San Diego, a city perpetually bathed in sunshine and laidback vibes. My journey there, however, was a tad… unorthodox. Let's just say a frantic ESTA-visa run involving a whirlwind tour of Guatemala, Belize, and Mexico (because apparently, just popping into Mexico doesn't cut it anymore) culminated in a spectacularly ill-advised flight to Tijuana. Tequila, sexo, marihuana. The border crossing experience was enough to make me question my life choices, but thankfully, San Diego itself proved to be the perfect antidote. Part of the remedy came in the form of Amber, a Christmas-obsessed, exuberantly Jewish local whose infectious energy and insider knowledge transformed my visit into a string of genuinely fond memories. San Diego's reputation precedes it, and in retrospect I can conclude: quite rightfully so.
This city synonymous with sunshine and surf, offers far more than just its famed beaches, though a visit to at least one is practically compulsory. From the iconic Coronado Beach, with its shimmering sand and Victorian hotel backdrop, to the surfer's paradise of Pacific Beach and the secluded, clothing-optional Black's Beach, the coastline caters to every taste. Ocean Beach maintains a laid-back, bohemian vibe, while La Jolla Shores boasts gentle waves perfect for families and kayaking. Even canine companions have their own slice of paradise at Ocean Dog Beach, proving San Diego's commitment to inclusivity extends to our furry friends. For a taste of local life, join San Diegans for an evening stroll along the San Diego Bay Walk or the lively Mission Beach Boardwalk. You might encounter the imposing "Unconditional Surrender" statue, a powerful symbol of the end of World War II, depicting a sailor kissing a nurse, an immortalized scene based on a famous photograph. This monument serves as a poignant reminder of the city's connection to naval history. During my own visit, I was fortunate enough to witness a colorful Christmas lights boat show on the bay. As well as… lo and behold… a Christmas costume dog parade. Isn’t it just lovely, the things rich white people come up with to entertain themselves?
Beyond the beckoning waves, San Diego presents a mosaic of distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character. Old Town, the "birthplace of California," transports visitors back to the mid-19th century with its preserved adobes and historical reenactments. A stark contrast can be found in the Gaslamp Quarter, a Victorian architectural marvel bustling with trendy restaurants, bars, and nightlife. Little Italy, a testament to the city's Italian heritage, tantalizes taste buds with authentic cuisine and charming piazzas. Meanwhile, the Spanish Village Art Center bursts with color, showcasing the talents of local artisans. One of my personal highlights came in the shape of Balboa Park, and specifically, its botanical garden. An odd statement coming from me, a botanical garden sceptic. The garden as well as the building itself is so stunning, it will convert the most apathetic observer. Don't miss the Spreckels Organ Pavilion either, home to the world's largest outdoor pipe organ. Catch a free concert on Sundays at 2PM and prepare to be thoroughly impressed by the sheer scale and sonic power of this magnificent instrument.
For a dose of sobering reality, consider a visit to Friendship Park. This emotionally loaded location allows families separated by the US-Mexico border to connect, see, and speak with each other after sometimes decades of separation. It's a powerful reminder of the human stories woven into the fabric of this nation and a stark visual representation of the complexities of immigration. Speaking of unusual sights, San Diego is rumored to be home to a few restless spirits. Dare to explore the Whaley House, often touted as one of America's most haunted houses, or the Villa Montezuma, a Victorian mansion steeped in paranormal lore. One quickly learns that American museums can make a serious dent in one's travel budget. Thankfully, San Diego offers a reprieve with the free Timken Museum of Art, a small but exquisite collection of European and American masterpieces.
For a dose of sobering reality, consider a visit to Friendship Park. This emotionally loaded location allows families separated by the US-Mexico border to connect, see, and speak with each other after sometimes decades of separation. It's a powerful reminder of the human stories woven into the fabric of this nation and a stark visual representation of the complexities of immigration. Speaking of unusual sights, San Diego is rumored to be home to a few restless spirits. Dare to explore the Whaley House, often touted as one of America's most haunted houses, or the Villa Montezuma, a Victorian mansion steeped in paranormal lore. One quickly learns that American museums can make a serious dent in one's travel budget. Thankfully, San Diego offers a reprieve with the free Timken Museum of Art, a small but exquisite collection of European and American masterpieces.
Those in need for a little urban escape don't have to venture far to find themselves immersed in dramatically different landscapes. Options abound for those craving a quick dose of nature: hike the dramatic cliffs of Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve for panoramic ocean views and a glimpse of rare Torrey Pines trees. For a more rugged coastal experience, explore the tide pools and craggy bluffs of Sunset Cliffs Natural Park. Yearning for something completely different? Head east to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, where you can wander among cacti and stunning geological formations. Or, if you prefer a more moderate hike closer to the city, discover the diverse trails within Mission Trails Regional Park. San Diego's backyard is surprisingly vast and varied.
San Diego FREE Sights / Activities
San Diego PAID Sights / Activities
San Diego FREE Sights / Activities
- Sights: Old Town, Gaslamp Quarter, Little Italy, Seaport Village, Spanish Village Art Center, San Diego Bay Walk, Mission Beach Boardwalk, Unconditional Surrender Statue, Spruce Street Suspension Bridge, Coronado Bridge, Whaley House, Villa Montezuma, Hotel del Coronado, Liberty Public Market, University of California Building, Spreckles Organ Pavillion (world’s largest outdoor organ, free concerts on Sunday 2PM), Friendship Park (allowing human contact between Mexico-US), Chicano Park Murals, San Diego California Temple, Mount Soledad National Veterans Memorial, Old Globe Theatre.
- Museums: Timken Museum of Art.
- Nature: Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, Sunset Cliffs Natural Park, Balboa Park & Botanical Garden, Presidio Park, Mission Bay Park, Coronado Beach, Ocean Beach, Black’s Beach, Pacific Beach, Windansea Beach, La Jolla Shores, Mission Beach, Ocean Dog Beach, Lake Cuyamaca, Mount Laguna, Shell Beach Tide Pools, Ho Chi Minh Trail, Sea Caves.
San Diego PAID Sights / Activities
- Sights: 1895 Loof Caroussel, Cabrillo National Monument, Point Loma.
- Museums: San Diego Museum of Us, Women’s Museum of California, San Diego Model Railroad Museum, USS Midway Museum, San Diego Air & Space Museum.
- Activities: Petco Park (baseball), Belmont Park, Shelter Island.
- Hikes / Nature / Daytrips: Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Mission Trails Regional Park.
Yosemite National Park & Surroundings
California's urban fame is well-earned, but as a devotee of nature, I sought solace in its wilder side. Yosemite National Park, its reputation of pure natural glory far transcending the national borders, beckoned.
Armed with nothing but a train ticket to Merced (120 miles away) and the naive assumption that adventure would simply unfold and eventually get me there, I embarked. Turns out, Yosemite isn't exactly amenable to the spontaneous wild camper and happy-go-lucky-traveler, like myself. Campground reservations are a must, and they vanish faster than free donuts at a police convention. Fortunately, a last-minute Couchsurfing invite at a staff campground saved me from sleeping under the judgmental gaze of the sequoias (I don’t know why life always works out for me). The campsite was surprisingly civilized: toilets, potable water, bear canisters, which were, according to the early risers, an essential, as some furry friends were indeed roaming the campsite under the morning dew.
Naturally, hiking was paramount. I prefer the immersive experience of longer treks, so I concocted a route that stitched together several of the main trails. For starters, the Four Mile Trail led me to the Sentinel Rock, followed by Union Point and the slightly anticlimactic Glacier Point (easily accessible by car, thus diminishing its appeal). My ambitious trek continued along the Buena Vista and Panorama Trails. A slight navigational miscalculation resulted in an unplanned detour into a neighboring valley, adding a few kilometers and some magnificent waterfall views to the itinerary. Finally, I looped back via the Mist Trail, exhausted but triumphant. The only casualty? A particularly aggressive insect, thick, black, and round, that delivered a sting of biblical proportions through my sock, prompting a shriek that likely reverberated through the valley.
California's urban fame is well-earned, but as a devotee of nature, I sought solace in its wilder side. Yosemite National Park, its reputation of pure natural glory far transcending the national borders, beckoned.
Armed with nothing but a train ticket to Merced (120 miles away) and the naive assumption that adventure would simply unfold and eventually get me there, I embarked. Turns out, Yosemite isn't exactly amenable to the spontaneous wild camper and happy-go-lucky-traveler, like myself. Campground reservations are a must, and they vanish faster than free donuts at a police convention. Fortunately, a last-minute Couchsurfing invite at a staff campground saved me from sleeping under the judgmental gaze of the sequoias (I don’t know why life always works out for me). The campsite was surprisingly civilized: toilets, potable water, bear canisters, which were, according to the early risers, an essential, as some furry friends were indeed roaming the campsite under the morning dew.
Naturally, hiking was paramount. I prefer the immersive experience of longer treks, so I concocted a route that stitched together several of the main trails. For starters, the Four Mile Trail led me to the Sentinel Rock, followed by Union Point and the slightly anticlimactic Glacier Point (easily accessible by car, thus diminishing its appeal). My ambitious trek continued along the Buena Vista and Panorama Trails. A slight navigational miscalculation resulted in an unplanned detour into a neighboring valley, adding a few kilometers and some magnificent waterfall views to the itinerary. Finally, I looped back via the Mist Trail, exhausted but triumphant. The only casualty? A particularly aggressive insect, thick, black, and round, that delivered a sting of biblical proportions through my sock, prompting a shriek that likely reverberated through the valley.
Not all of Yosemite's treasures demand hiking boots. A generous offer from my campfire companions led to a road trip through the park's northern reaches. While normally averse to experiencing national parks from behind a windshield, the sheer scale of Yosemite made driving a surprisingly effective way to appreciate its vastness. They intended to drop me off in June Lake, Mammoth Lakes' less-touristy cousin, but the village of Lee Vining, with its startling transformation into a desert landscape reminiscent of the Chilean Altiplano, captivated me. A massive lake dotted with islands, framed by golden autumn trees and barren rocks, was a feast for the senses! After a rejuvenating stop at an RV park (laundry and showers, basics that become luxuries in the wild), I hiked down to the lake, discovered a cluster of scenic free campsites alongside a babbling stream, and indulged in some evening and morning hiking routes. Lee Vining itself has a rather unfortunate claim to fame: named after a farmer who, shall we say, accidentally relieved himself of a significant portion of his anatomy (his DICK, I mean his DICK) with a misplaced firearm.
Fate intervened again at a gas station, where a chance encounter led to a ride far beyond June Lake, where I initially planned to go next.. The drive was stunning: a landscape of pastel-colored mountains and stark, desert beauty that demanded constant photo stops. Our journey also took us past a somber site, a former WWII internment camp where Japanese immigrants were unjustly confined. The final stop was Lone Pine, boasting a charming community campground that offered picnic benches, barbecue spots, toilets and even a scenic creek streaming right through it. It also served as the gateway to yet another of California's natural wonders: Death Valley, a place that, despite its ominous name, promised a whole new chapter of adventure...
Some Yosemite technicalities for us budget backpackers:
Fate intervened again at a gas station, where a chance encounter led to a ride far beyond June Lake, where I initially planned to go next.. The drive was stunning: a landscape of pastel-colored mountains and stark, desert beauty that demanded constant photo stops. Our journey also took us past a somber site, a former WWII internment camp where Japanese immigrants were unjustly confined. The final stop was Lone Pine, boasting a charming community campground that offered picnic benches, barbecue spots, toilets and even a scenic creek streaming right through it. It also served as the gateway to yet another of California's natural wonders: Death Valley, a place that, despite its ominous name, promised a whole new chapter of adventure...
Some Yosemite technicalities for us budget backpackers:
- The park is somewhat accessible by public transportation. The train to Merced is your gateway. From there, consider the adventurous and free option of hitchhiking. Alternatively, a seasonal bus connects Merced to the park, but be wary of the entrance fee bundled within the ticket: even if you possess the annual America The Beautiful national park pass, they’ll still make you pay this a second time.
- Wild camping is strictly prohibited within the national park borders, making campground reservations essential, and notoriously difficult to secure. These book up weeks in advance, so you either need to be organised or lucky. Free options exist just outside the park boundaries, such as Virginia Creek and Green Creek, for those willing to venture a bit further.
- Going off the grid into the Yosemite Wilderness for a backcountry hiking trip requires a wilderness permit. This isn't merely a formality; it's a crucial step towards preserving the delicate balance of the wilderness. Reservations are essential during peak season (late April to October) due to high demand. While you might dream of snagging a walk-up permit, the odds are heavily stacked against you. Your best bet is to participate in the lottery system, available 24 weeks in advance, with any remaining permits released on a first-come, first-served basis. Alternatively, a second batch of 40% of the reservations becomes available 7 days in advance. In the off-season, from October through April, wilderness permits are available without reservations or fees at self-registration or permit issuing stations.
- Resist the temptation to restock your supplies within the park itself. Do your grocery shopping in Merced, where budget-friendly supermarkets offer significantly cheaper options. A $40 food investment in Merced can provide ample sustenance for a couple of days, a far cry from the inflated prices you'll encounter inside of the park.
Death Valley National Park
Death Valley. The name itself conjures images of desolate landscapes, scorching heat, and perhaps a tumbleweed or two dancing in the distance. It's a land of extremes, holding the record for the hottest air temperature ever recorded on Earth, and the country’s lowest point (Badwater Basin) almost rubbing sides with its highest (Mount Whitney). My venture through Death Valley was, to put it mildly, unplanned. Like everything else I tend to do. After my somewhat chaotic yet pleasurable transverse across Yosemite, I approached Death Valley in a similar fashion. This American national park indeed presents a rather significant logistical hurdle if you're… let's say, "transportationally challenged," meaning I didn't have a car. Public transportation is downright non-existent. So, once again, I was faced with the prospect of relying on sheer luck and the kindness of strangers. Which, as it turns out, is a strategy that always seems to work somehow. It all started with the raccoons. Those masked bandits of the night, apparently known for their aggressive food-bag-molesting habits, prompting me to seek refuge for my precious provisions. I approached my campsite neighbors, a lovely couple encamped across the creek, and asked if I could stash my food bag inside their campervan. I could. I could also join them for dinner and a refreshing glass of red. The conversation then evolved, and they disclosed their plans of a trip to Las Vegas to visit their son. Through Death Valley. I was more than welcome to join them. There was just one “but”: They were thinking of stopping at a winery along the way, if I wouldn’t mind? I believe my inner monologue at that moment consisted of a rapid-fire, expletive-laden celebration. I am, after all, a self-confessed wino, and the prospect of discovering a hidden gem of a winery on the edge of Death Valley was almost too good to be true. Masking my uncontainable glee (with questionable success, I suspect), I simply responded, "Uhuh, that should work."
So, there I was, embarking on a Death Valley adventure fuelled by circumstance, powered by a shared love of wine, and utterly devoid of any preconceived plan. And what an adventure it turned out to be. Death Valley is more than just a hot, empty expanse. It's a place of surprising diversity and breathtaking vistas. Possible stops include Zabriskie Point, its golden, undulating hills radiating an almost alien beauty; the ethereal landscape of the aforementioned Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America, where the seemingly endless expanse of salt flats stretches out towards the horizon; Artist's Palette, with its vibrant hues of pink, green, and purple, painted by volcanic deposits and oxidation, is also a feast for the eyes. And of course, Dante's View, offering a panoramic vista of the entire valley, from the shimmering salt flats to the distant mountain ranges. Each stop offered a unique perspective on raw, untamed wildness of our planet. Enjoyed over a glass of wine.
Technicality: If you’re not staying overnight, no entrance fee or national park pass is required.
Death Valley. The name itself conjures images of desolate landscapes, scorching heat, and perhaps a tumbleweed or two dancing in the distance. It's a land of extremes, holding the record for the hottest air temperature ever recorded on Earth, and the country’s lowest point (Badwater Basin) almost rubbing sides with its highest (Mount Whitney). My venture through Death Valley was, to put it mildly, unplanned. Like everything else I tend to do. After my somewhat chaotic yet pleasurable transverse across Yosemite, I approached Death Valley in a similar fashion. This American national park indeed presents a rather significant logistical hurdle if you're… let's say, "transportationally challenged," meaning I didn't have a car. Public transportation is downright non-existent. So, once again, I was faced with the prospect of relying on sheer luck and the kindness of strangers. Which, as it turns out, is a strategy that always seems to work somehow. It all started with the raccoons. Those masked bandits of the night, apparently known for their aggressive food-bag-molesting habits, prompting me to seek refuge for my precious provisions. I approached my campsite neighbors, a lovely couple encamped across the creek, and asked if I could stash my food bag inside their campervan. I could. I could also join them for dinner and a refreshing glass of red. The conversation then evolved, and they disclosed their plans of a trip to Las Vegas to visit their son. Through Death Valley. I was more than welcome to join them. There was just one “but”: They were thinking of stopping at a winery along the way, if I wouldn’t mind? I believe my inner monologue at that moment consisted of a rapid-fire, expletive-laden celebration. I am, after all, a self-confessed wino, and the prospect of discovering a hidden gem of a winery on the edge of Death Valley was almost too good to be true. Masking my uncontainable glee (with questionable success, I suspect), I simply responded, "Uhuh, that should work."
So, there I was, embarking on a Death Valley adventure fuelled by circumstance, powered by a shared love of wine, and utterly devoid of any preconceived plan. And what an adventure it turned out to be. Death Valley is more than just a hot, empty expanse. It's a place of surprising diversity and breathtaking vistas. Possible stops include Zabriskie Point, its golden, undulating hills radiating an almost alien beauty; the ethereal landscape of the aforementioned Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America, where the seemingly endless expanse of salt flats stretches out towards the horizon; Artist's Palette, with its vibrant hues of pink, green, and purple, painted by volcanic deposits and oxidation, is also a feast for the eyes. And of course, Dante's View, offering a panoramic vista of the entire valley, from the shimmering salt flats to the distant mountain ranges. Each stop offered a unique perspective on raw, untamed wildness of our planet. Enjoyed over a glass of wine.
Technicality: If you’re not staying overnight, no entrance fee or national park pass is required.
Quick Budget Fact Overview
US Facts
Short History Recap
1565: 1st permanent European settlement: St Augustine, now Florida (Spanish). 1607: Jamestown, Virginia, founded by English. 17th-18th centuries: 100,000s of Africans brought in as slaves to work on cotton and tobacco plantations. 1763: Seven Years' War: England gets control over territory up to the Mississippi. ’74: Colonists form First Continental Congress. ’75: American Revolution: Continental Army under George Washington fight British rule. ’76: Declaration of Independence, colonies declare independence. ’83: Treaty of Paris, UK loses colonies. ’87: Founding Fathers, new constitution. ’89: George Washington first president. ’91: Bill of Rights, individual freedom. 1803: France sells Louisiana to US. ’08: Atlantic slave trade abolished. ‘12-’15: War of 1812 US -UK. Resistance by indigenous people. Massive European immigration. Number of states rises from 17 to 45.’46-48: Mexican War - US acquires large territories of Mexico, incl. New Mexico & California.’54: Abolitionists of slavery start Republican Party. ’60: Abraham Lincoln Republican president. ‘60-’61: 11 pro-slavery southern states secede from Union and form Confederate States of America = civil war with abolitionist northern states. ’63: Emancipation Proclamation by Lincoln, slaves in Confederate free. ’65: Slavery abolished in 13th Amendment. Lincoln killed. ’98: Spanish-American War = Puerto Rico, Philippines, Guam & Cuba American. US annexes Hawaii. 1917-’18: US mingles in WWI. Rejects membership of League of Nation. ’20: Women voting right. Sale and manufacture of alcohol forbidden. ’24: Indigenous people allowed citizenship. ’29-33: Wall Street stock market crash, triggers the Great Depression. Roosevelt’s "New Deal" recovery programme. Alcohol legal again. ’41: Japanese Pearl Harbour attack. Leads to US joining WWII against Axis powers. ’45: US drops 2 atomic bombs on Hiroshima & Nagasaki. ’47: Truman Doctrine: aid against communism. Start Cold War with Soviet Union. ’48: Marshall Plan. ‘50-’53: US participates in Korean War. ‘50-’54: Anti-communist crusade within US by Senator McCarthy.’54: Racial segregation in schools unconstitutional. Civil disobedience, pro African-American. ‘60: Nixon. ’61: Bay of Pigs = attempt to invade Cuba, unsuccessful. ’62: Cuban missile crisis. ’63: John F Kennedy assassinated. Johnson president. ’64: Military intervention Vietnam. Nationally, anti-discrimination law. ’68: Martin Luther King assassinated. ’69: Republican Nixon. Neil Armstrong on the Moon. ’73: Vietnam ceasefire. ’74: Watergate scandal, Nixon resigns. ’76: Carter. ’79: US embassy in Tehran hostage crisis. ’80: Reagan, Republican. Anti-communist. ’86: Bombing Libyan cities. ’88: Bush Sr. ’89: Panama invasion, Noriega arrested for drug-trafficking. ’91: Iraq War involvement. ’92: Clinton, democratic. ’92: Nafta. ’99: Nato bombardment Yugoslavia in response to Serb violence against ethnic Albanians in Kosovo. 2000: Bush Jr. ’01: 9/11, excuse for War on Terror. Invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq. Against Taliban. ’02: Department of Homeland Security. ’05: Hurricane Katrina. ’08: Democratic Obama, 1st black president. ’09: 1st Tea Party rally = protest against bailing out banks and introduce healthcare reform. ’11: Presumed Al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden killed. ’13: Snowden flees to Russia after leaking info on extensive internet and telephone surveillance by US. ’14: Diplomatic relations with Cuba. ’16: Trump. ’17: Trump restricts visas for Muslim-majority countries. Recognises Jerusalem as capital of Israel & sovereignty over Golan Heights. ’18: Trump meets Kim Jong-un (North Korea). New Trade deal with Canada & Mexico. ’19: Withdrawing troops from northern Syria. Turkey occupy Kurdish-run parts, create buffer zone. Trump impeached by House of Representatives on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. ’20: Covid-19 pandemic. Nationwide protests about killing of African-American George Floyd. ’21: Biden. ’25: Trump again.
US Facts
- Capital: Washington DC
- Language: English (Spanish)
- Population: ± 334.9mln
- Sq km: ± 9,833,517
- Currency: Dollar ($ - USD)
- Electricity Outlet: A + B / 120 V / 60 Hz.
- Country Code Phone: +1
- Emergency Phone: 911
- Visa: Some countries need to apply for a visa, which can be done here .Residents of visa-exempt countries can apply online for a visa waiver, called an ESTA.
- Vaccinations: None.
- Climate: The country is so huge, that we’re dealing with several climate zones. Find a map overview here.
- High season: June-August. Summer attracts most crowds due to school vacations.
Short History Recap
1565: 1st permanent European settlement: St Augustine, now Florida (Spanish). 1607: Jamestown, Virginia, founded by English. 17th-18th centuries: 100,000s of Africans brought in as slaves to work on cotton and tobacco plantations. 1763: Seven Years' War: England gets control over territory up to the Mississippi. ’74: Colonists form First Continental Congress. ’75: American Revolution: Continental Army under George Washington fight British rule. ’76: Declaration of Independence, colonies declare independence. ’83: Treaty of Paris, UK loses colonies. ’87: Founding Fathers, new constitution. ’89: George Washington first president. ’91: Bill of Rights, individual freedom. 1803: France sells Louisiana to US. ’08: Atlantic slave trade abolished. ‘12-’15: War of 1812 US -UK. Resistance by indigenous people. Massive European immigration. Number of states rises from 17 to 45.’46-48: Mexican War - US acquires large territories of Mexico, incl. New Mexico & California.’54: Abolitionists of slavery start Republican Party. ’60: Abraham Lincoln Republican president. ‘60-’61: 11 pro-slavery southern states secede from Union and form Confederate States of America = civil war with abolitionist northern states. ’63: Emancipation Proclamation by Lincoln, slaves in Confederate free. ’65: Slavery abolished in 13th Amendment. Lincoln killed. ’98: Spanish-American War = Puerto Rico, Philippines, Guam & Cuba American. US annexes Hawaii. 1917-’18: US mingles in WWI. Rejects membership of League of Nation. ’20: Women voting right. Sale and manufacture of alcohol forbidden. ’24: Indigenous people allowed citizenship. ’29-33: Wall Street stock market crash, triggers the Great Depression. Roosevelt’s "New Deal" recovery programme. Alcohol legal again. ’41: Japanese Pearl Harbour attack. Leads to US joining WWII against Axis powers. ’45: US drops 2 atomic bombs on Hiroshima & Nagasaki. ’47: Truman Doctrine: aid against communism. Start Cold War with Soviet Union. ’48: Marshall Plan. ‘50-’53: US participates in Korean War. ‘50-’54: Anti-communist crusade within US by Senator McCarthy.’54: Racial segregation in schools unconstitutional. Civil disobedience, pro African-American. ‘60: Nixon. ’61: Bay of Pigs = attempt to invade Cuba, unsuccessful. ’62: Cuban missile crisis. ’63: John F Kennedy assassinated. Johnson president. ’64: Military intervention Vietnam. Nationally, anti-discrimination law. ’68: Martin Luther King assassinated. ’69: Republican Nixon. Neil Armstrong on the Moon. ’73: Vietnam ceasefire. ’74: Watergate scandal, Nixon resigns. ’76: Carter. ’79: US embassy in Tehran hostage crisis. ’80: Reagan, Republican. Anti-communist. ’86: Bombing Libyan cities. ’88: Bush Sr. ’89: Panama invasion, Noriega arrested for drug-trafficking. ’91: Iraq War involvement. ’92: Clinton, democratic. ’92: Nafta. ’99: Nato bombardment Yugoslavia in response to Serb violence against ethnic Albanians in Kosovo. 2000: Bush Jr. ’01: 9/11, excuse for War on Terror. Invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq. Against Taliban. ’02: Department of Homeland Security. ’05: Hurricane Katrina. ’08: Democratic Obama, 1st black president. ’09: 1st Tea Party rally = protest against bailing out banks and introduce healthcare reform. ’11: Presumed Al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden killed. ’13: Snowden flees to Russia after leaking info on extensive internet and telephone surveillance by US. ’14: Diplomatic relations with Cuba. ’16: Trump. ’17: Trump restricts visas for Muslim-majority countries. Recognises Jerusalem as capital of Israel & sovereignty over Golan Heights. ’18: Trump meets Kim Jong-un (North Korea). New Trade deal with Canada & Mexico. ’19: Withdrawing troops from northern Syria. Turkey occupy Kurdish-run parts, create buffer zone. Trump impeached by House of Representatives on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. ’20: Covid-19 pandemic. Nationwide protests about killing of African-American George Floyd. ’21: Biden. ’25: Trump again.
Local Festivals
Budget Bites
- Wurstfest - Jan, Mount Angel
- Backcountry Festival - Jan, North Powder
- Portland Winter Light Festival - Feb, Portland
- Oregon Chocolate Festival - Mar, Ashland
- Oregon Shakespeare Festival - Mar, Ashland
- Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival - Mar-May, Woodburn
- Portland Cinco de Mayo - May, Portland
- Portland Rose Festival - May, Portland
- Musicfest NW - May, Portland
- Space Oasis Music Festival - Jun, Grass Valley
- Oregon Country Fair - Jul, Veneta
- Waterfront Blues Festival - Jul, Portland
- Pendleton Whisky Music Fest - Jul, Pendleton
- Pickathon - Aug, Happy Valley
- Oregon Jamboree - Aug, Sweet Home
Budget Bites
- Main Supermarket Chains (Oregon): Trader Joe’s, Safeway, Wholefoods, Grocery Outlet, Walmart, Fred Meyer, Kroger, QFC, Albertsons.
- Local Dishes (national): Hamburger, Hot Dogs, Buffalo Wings, BBQ Ribs, Roasted Turkey, Mac & Cheese, Meat Loaf, Sweet Potato Casserole, Fried Okra, Cobb Salad (avocado, chicken, hardboiled egg), Tex-Mex, Crab Cake, Corndogs, Clam Chowder, Gumbo, Jambalaya, Crayfish, General Tso Chicken, Chicago-Style Pizza, Chicken & Waffles, Biscuits and Gravy, Mission Burrito, Cheesesteak, Cornbread, Peanutbutter & Jelly Sandwich, Club Sandwich, Frybread, Po Boy (sandwich), Reuben Sandwich, Sloppy Joe, American Pancakes, Breakfast Burrito, Monterey Jack Cheese, Chocolate Chip Cookies, Chocolate Brownies, Fudge, Jell-O, S’mores, Donuts, Hushpuppies.
- The Veg Situation: Going veg is not so complicated in the United States, as vegetarianism and veganism is widely accepted. Most supermarkets contain veg products, be it very processed at times. Veg restaurants can be found here: https://www.happycow.net/north_america/usa/
- National Drink: Coca Cola.
Sleep Cheap
Mama Said
- Hostels / Hotels / Guesthouses: You probably knew already, before even booking your trip, that visiting the USA isn’t cheap. This goes for accommodation as well. Without being paid to say so, I love Booking.com: They have the biggest selection, are transparent about the final price and have an efficient search engine tailored to your specific needs (cheapest first!). If you use it often enough, Genius-discounts are applied. Air BnB is not what it used to be, price-wise, often displaying even higher rates than hotels. Be mindful of the additional booking and cleaning costs as well, as they can really add up. Writer’s Choice: In Portland I partly did a house- and petsit, and partly Couchsurfed. In Eugene I Couchsurfed as well. In Florence I wild-camped in the dunes, whereas in The Dalles I stayed in a hotel.
- Couchsurfing: allows you to stay with locals. Nowadays it has a moderate sign-up cost (unless you put a third-world country as homebase), but paying extra for verification is unnecessary: Positive reviews are way more important. Once active, there are no costs for staying at someone’s house. In order to get accepted, make sure to write an elaborate review explaining why you applied to this specific profile and think you and your host are a good match (copy-pastes tend to be ignored). The Couchsurfing community in the US definitely is a rather active one, incl. events organized in most of the cities. If you’re bikepacking you can also look into Warm Showers, which is a bikepacking community focussing primarily on 1-night stays.
- Wild Camping: is officially legal in the US on public lands and in national forests, grasslands and wildlife management areas. In national and provincial parks as well as in the backcountry camping is only allowed with a permit, sometimes for a fee.
Mama Said
- Safety: Overall, the United States is a safe country. Yet, all cities deal with a major drug addiction and homelessness problem, which can bring safety in jeopardy. Also, with guns legal to all, gun violence is always around the corner. Don’t trespass, interact with caution and like everywhere else in the world, go around using common sense.
- Tap Water: is safe to drink.
- The best credit/debit card for traveling is Wise, as they use the live conversion rates with minimal exchange fees. Wise also has the lowest fees for sending money to foreign accounts. That said, I do find their customer service rather questionable. Revolut is comparable, but they have higher exchange fees in the weekend and less wallet-options. Also, you can only wire money to Revolut in the currency you opened the account with, whereas Wise has IBAN’s from a wide variety of currencies, so you don’t have to pay a double exchange fee. Both Revolut and Wise have the option to open an American Dollar wallet. Most American ATMs charge a fee for cash outs, but card payments are accepted everywhere.
- Simcard: This can be of considerate cost in the United States. However, lately the market is opening up with more budget players entering the scene. During my 5-month visit, I order a Mint Mobile simcard, which has great coverage and offers low cost packages with particularly economical deals to new members. Other budget operators are Boost Mobile, Lyca, Mobile X, Ultra Mobile, Visible, Cricket, Metro and Tracfone. The main providers are AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon.
Transport
Next?
- Walking: The bigger American cities are quite spread out and designed for car traffic. Walking is generally a feasible option per neighbourhood, but might be too much of an effort on a city-wide level.
- Cycling: The United States does not have a cycling culture whatsoever. However, recently many cities are making an effort to promote this green way of transport by building cycle lanes and creating shared-bike-programs.
- Public Transport: Within the bigger cities, public transport is usually widely available. Expect an extensive bus network, potentially including a metro, tram or light rail network. On the coast, ferries are generally included in the public transit system. Day passes offer affordable deals within the city limits. To get from city to city, public transportation options are limited to bus lines and certain train connections. Smaller towns and villages are harder to reach.
- Taxi / Uber: The US has taxi apps such as Uber, Lyft and Easy Taxi.
- Train: The train network in the United States is limited. Trajectories are operated by Amtrak, BNSF Railway, Canadian National Railway, Canadian Pacific Kansas City, CSX Transportation, Norfolk Southern Railway and Union Pacific Railroad. The cities on the east- and west-coast are well-connected, but land inwards only certain routes are available. Find an overview on this map.
- Car Rental: This is not a cheap option in the US. However, the best deals can generally be found when the car is picked up from an airport or… from Las Vegas.
- Hitchhiking: is uncommon in the US, but certainly possible. Americans tend to be sceptical and scared in this regards, so it’s definitely not always easy to be picked up, yet I managed to get a ride on all the occasions when I tried to do so. Be aware that on some highway entries and around correctional facilities there are signs stating that hitchhiking is prohibited. More info on hitchhiking in the USA can be found on Hitchwiki.
Next?
In order to support the travelers’ community, I spend many hours per week to adequately document all information and advices for prospective visitors, accompanied by a (hopefully) entertaining insight into my personal observations and experiences. This service is and will remain free. However, if you voluntarily want to make a contribution and support my travels and thus the creation of new stories and information supply, here is the button you’re looking for:
Related:
- German Gems: Aachen, Frankfurt, Heidelberg, Dusseldorf, Cologne, Mulheim, Osnabruck, Baden-Baden... and of course Freiburg!
- The world's biggest metal festival: Wacken Open Air
- The perfect daytrip from Aachen: Maastricht & Southern Limburg gems
- More of the Netherlands: Den Bosch, Haarlem & Nijmegen... and 10 typical Dutch celebrations you shouldn't miss out on
- More metal in Holland: Into The Grave Festival in Leeuwarden
- Discover more Belgium: Antwerp & the most kick-ass Flanders itinerary!
- Europe's best skiing & hiking: Get your ass over to jaw-dropping Switzerland!
- Visit Europe's mini-countries: Gibraltar, Liechtenstein, Luxemburg, Kosovo & Wales!
- Relive history in Austria's majestic capital Vienna
- Unravel the mysteries of Serbia
- More European city-tripping: Copenhagen [Denmark], Vilnius [Lithuania], Frankfurt am Main [Germany] or Glasgow [Scotland]
- Where city and nature meet: Edinburgh, Scotland
- Budget Bucket List hitchhike trip to... Kosovo!
- The prettiest historical town in Romania: Sighisoara!
- The 3 golden rules to travel Sofia on a budget! & Why you shouldn’t miss out on Plovdiv! [Bulgaria]
- Discover the splendours of Turkey: Istanbul on a Budget & Reasons to visit Edirne
- German Gems: Aachen, Frankfurt, Heidelberg, Dusseldorf, Cologne, Mulheim, Osnabruck, Baden-Baden... and of course Freiburg!
- The world's biggest metal festival: Wacken Open Air
- The perfect daytrip from Aachen: Maastricht & Southern Limburg gems
- More of the Netherlands: Den Bosch, Haarlem & Nijmegen... and 10 typical Dutch celebrations you shouldn't miss out on
- More metal in Holland: Into The Grave Festival in Leeuwarden
- Discover more Belgium: Antwerp & the most kick-ass Flanders itinerary!
- Europe's best skiing & hiking: Get your ass over to jaw-dropping Switzerland!
- Visit Europe's mini-countries: Gibraltar, Liechtenstein, Luxemburg, Kosovo & Wales!
- Relive history in Austria's majestic capital Vienna
- Unravel the mysteries of Serbia
- More European city-tripping: Copenhagen [Denmark], Vilnius [Lithuania], Frankfurt am Main [Germany] or Glasgow [Scotland]
- Where city and nature meet: Edinburgh, Scotland
- Budget Bucket List hitchhike trip to... Kosovo!
- The prettiest historical town in Romania: Sighisoara!
- The 3 golden rules to travel Sofia on a budget! & Why you shouldn’t miss out on Plovdiv! [Bulgaria]
- Discover the splendours of Turkey: Istanbul on a Budget & Reasons to visit Edirne
