East coast of the usa by car. Beggar Guide on the East Coast of the USA. View the Statue of Liberty from the sea, visit the world's most famous museums and go inside the space station - for free

South America is the fourth largest continent on Earth. Its length from north to south is more than 7,000 km, from west to east - about 5,000, and total area reaches 17.8 km². Most of the continent is in the Southern Hemisphere. The total number of inhabitants is more than 385 million people: according to this indicator, South America ranks fourth among the continents. But if we discard the dry facts, one thing can be said: this is a whole world, unknown, bright, alluring and frightening at the same time. Each country on this continent deserves the closest study, the most curious tourists and the most enthusiastic reviews.

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How to get there

The cost of air travel to South American countries varies significantly on regular days and during sales periods. If a regular ticket can cost on average 1700-2000 USD, then sale and promotional tickets can be purchased with a discount of up to 50%. The most profitable option for Russians is to purchase a ticket to Venezuela (the cheapest can be purchased for 500-810 USD on days of maximum discounts). Or fly to relatively popular countries Caribbean, such as Cuba and the Dominican Republic, from where you can travel to the mainland by domestic airlines.

If you have time and money, you can arrange an unforgettable ocean trip: a boat trip to Buenos Aires will cost 1500-2000 EUR. Such a voyage will take much more time than a flight, because most often it is not just a voyage across the Atlantic Ocean, but a full-fledged cruise calling at ports in Europe and Central America.

Transport in South America

Air travel within the continent is quite expensive, but cruise travel by sea is widespread (the cost depends on the class of the liner). Railways are used primarily for freight transportation - very little passenger trains, but bus service is very common. Traveling by bus, of course, is less comfortable, but very economical (prices vary depending on the country and destinations - tourist or domestic). Moreover, there is very cheap rent cars.

Weather

Different parts of South America have different climates. In the north there is the equatorial zone with the highest temperatures in January, in the south there is the frosty polar zone. This is where you can meet New Year in a bikini under the scorching sun, and then go to a more familiar climate zone for ski resort in the Andean highlands. In the south of the continent, plump king penguins are walking around with might and main - Antarctica is close!

Hotels

If you find yourself in South America for the first time and are accustomed to the international class of service, choose large hotel chains (preferably international). Their rooms cost from 50-90 USD per night. Students and exotic lovers often stay in small hotels or private apartments - the cost can start from 15-20 USD per day. The appearance and amenities of housing will depend on the country, proximity to popular resorts and personal luck. Prices on the page are for October 2018.

Iguazu Falls

South American countries

Venezuela- a state in the north of South America, washed by the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. The capital is the city of Caracas. Here there are conditions for beach holiday- luxurious beaches of the Caribbean coast, a fashionable secluded holiday on the island of Margarita, and for the active: Avila National Park near Caracas, the Amazonian jungle, the highest waterfall on the planet - Angel, the longest in the world cable car 12.6 km long and the country's highest mountain peak - Pico Bolivar (4981 m).

Guyana- a state on the northeastern coast of South America. The capital is Georgetown. Almost 90% of the country is covered by humid jungle. It is precisely because of the unfavorable conditions for tourism in the traditional sense that Guyana is visited primarily by ecotourists. They are fond of the waterfalls of the Guiana Highlands, the Pakaraima Mountains, the Kaieteur and Iwokrama national parks, where visitors learn the wisdom of rafting, and also go on foot and horseback treks through the Rupununi savannas.

Guiana(or French Guiana) is the largest overseas region of France, located in northeastern South America. A French visa is required to enter Guiana. The administrative center is the city of Cayenne. 96% of the country's territory is occupied by tropical forests - this region is one of the most forested and environmentally friendly in the world. Tourist centers and villages local residents concentrated in the coastal strip, central areas practically deserted.

Colombia- a state in the north-west of South America, named after the great traveler. The capital is Bogota. Allowed for Russians visa-free entry to the territory of Colombia for up to 90 days. The country is famous for its historical heritage, many museums and the amazing fusion of European culture brought by the Spanish conquistadors in the 15th century and the Indian culture still carefully preserved in some areas of the country. Colombia has stunning nature: national parks, the peaks of the Sierra Nevada, the Amazon River, palm valleys and coffee plantations.

Paraguay called the heart of America, since this country is landlocked. Its population has retained its originality: the Guarani Indian dialect appears here state language on par with Spanish. The capital is Asuncion. “Guiana” is translated from Guaranese as “great river” - this refers to the Rio Paraguay (the third largest and longest river on the continent), dividing the country into the arid Gran Chaco plain and the humid areas between the Rio Paraguay and Rio Alta Parana rivers. The country has been favored by ecotourists and connoisseurs of superbly preserved architectural monuments from the period of the Jesuit state.

Peru- state on west coast South America. The capital is Lima. Fans of antiquities know Peru as the site of the Inca settlement - the Inca state of Tawantinsuyu was the largest empire of pre-Columbian America and still remains a mystery to ethnographers and archaeologists. Here is the famous Machu Picchu, which has become one of the new wonders of the world, and landscapes with the mysterious Nazca Lines, the origin of which scientists still cannot explain. In total, Peru has more than 180 museums and many archaeological parks, lost in the valleys of the Andes.

For Russian tourists Visa-free entry into Peru is open for up to 90 days.

Suriname- a state in the northeast of South America. The capital is Paramaribo. People come here in search of ecotourism unusual places: tropical forests, Atabru, Kau, Uanotobo waterfalls, Galibi reserve, Sipaliwini area, which occupies most of the territory, Trio, Acurio and Wayana Indian reservations.

Uruguay- a state in the southeast of South America. The capital is Montevideo. If you want to relax on the beach, visit Uruguay between January and April. Connoisseurs of colonial architecture will certainly enjoy the sights of Cologna and Montevideo. Every year, a month and a half before Easter, two days before Lent, Catholics in Uruguay host a colorful carnival.

Visa-free entry into Uruguay is open for Russian tourists for up to 90 days.

Chile- a state in the southwest of South America, occupying a long strip from the coast Pacific Ocean to the highlands of the Andes. The capital is Santiago. In Chile, balneological tourism is common (33 sanatoriums with water and mud therapy), beach holidays (Arica, Iquique, Valparaiso regions), as well as travel to the national parks of La Campana, Torres del Paine, to Lake San Rafael, to the towns of Altiplano and San Pedro and, of course, to the famous Easter Island. For lovers alpine skiing- 15 resorts with slopes from the most extreme to simple.

Ecuador is located in the north-west of the mainland and gets its name from the Spanish “equator”. The capital is Quito. Particularly noteworthy are the Galapagos Islands, famous not only for their fauna, but also for their fantastic beaches, Oriente National Park and a journey through the Amazon, the El Kayas region with 200 lakes and lagoons, the ancient cultural monument of Ingapirca and museums of the colonial and pre-colonial eras in Quito.

Introduced for Russian tourists visa-free regime visiting Ecuador for up to 90 days.

In addition, South America includes disputed island territories South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, as well as the Falkland Islands (Malvinas), which are still disputed by Great Britain and Argentina. Tourists arrive on the islands in cruise tours. The most common activities are mountaineering, hiking and kayaking. The Falkland Islands (Malvinas) are places almost forgotten by tourists. In terms of climate, their territory is close to Iceland: cold, strong winds, and not only seagulls, but also plump king penguins scurry along the coast.

Nature of South America

After the breakup of the Gondwana continent at the end of the Cretaceous period into Africa, Australia, Antarctica and South America, the latter remained an isolated continent. The Isthmus of Panama, which connects what is now North and South America, appeared about three million years ago, significantly influencing the flora and fauna of the continent.

The variety of landscapes and climatic zones amazes the tourist’s imagination. The Andes, the world's longest mountain range, is also called the "ridge" of South America, stretching almost its entire length for 9 thousand km. The most high peaks- Aconcagua (6960 m) in Argentina and Ojos del Salado (6908 m) are covered with snow all year round. The movement of the earth's crust in this region, which continues to this day, causes earthquakes and eruptions of active volcanoes.

The famous Amazon flows here, the second largest river on the planet, always full of water thanks to its numerous tributaries. On its banks rise the endless Amazonian jungle, so dense that some parts of it remain unexplored to this day.

The Amazon jungle is called the “lungs of the planet.”

In contrast to the wet tropical forests The Amazon mainland is home to one of the driest places on the planet - the Atacama Desert in northern Chile. Argentina and Uruguay have hot and dusty pampa steppes.

There are vast lakes in South America, and high waterfalls, and rocky islands. From the north the continent is washed by warm waters Caribbean Sea, while its southernmost point - the island of Tierra del Fuego - is subject to frequent cold storms Atlantic Ocean.

From the North Atlantic to the Gulf of Mexico, the east coast of the United States offers some of the most spectacular beaches in the world. Beautiful areas and cozy towns stretching along sandy shores welcome millions of visitors every year.

Although there are hundreds of beach towns scattered across America, the most famous are 6 resort towns located from the coast of Maine to the coast of Mexico.

Bar Harbor, Maine. Located on Mount Desert Island in Maine. The population of the island town is about 6,000 people. As the summer sun takes over, crowds of locals open their beaches to capture the highly anticipated season.

Enjoying hot summer temperatures and cool Atlantic waters, Bar Harbor vacationers will always find a great place to unwind. When the swell is low, many locals and visitors alike decide to swim to the islet of Bar to enjoy the magnificent views in a calming isolation from the outside world.

But don't forget about the tide hours. Don't linger on the island—at high tide, 10 feet of water (3 meters) will cover the path back to town. About a hundred cruise ships arrive in Bar Harbor each year from late spring to early fall, bringing thousands to this eastern pearl.

In addition to summer beach life, Bar Harbor is also popular for many types of active rest- from kayaking to hiking in Acadia National Park. When you see how much Bar Harbor has to offer, it's no surprise that... beach town bears the title of one of the best in all of America.

Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Whether you're traveling through Falmouth, Brewster, Orleans or Provincetown, the Cape is a must-see New England destination between May and September. From Nantucket Sound to Cape Cod Bay lies a slice of off-mainland paradise.

It's teeming with public beaches, charming hotels and incredible seafood restaurants. Brewster is home to Ocean Edge Resort, renowned as one of the leading resorts on the Cape. It offers your choice of rooms from single rooms to multi-room apartments.

Every visitor will find accommodation to their liking. Tennis courts, golf courses and sandy beaches, stretching along the calm waters of Cape Cod Bay are just a few of the amenities of these places. A trip to the very tip of the peninsula will take you straight to Provincetown. Its narrow streets, eclectic bars and restaurants and quaint shops create a magical atmosphere.

One of the most treasured places Cape Cod National Seashore. At the behest of President John F. Kennedy in 1961, approximately 40 miles of Cape Cod's coastline facing the Atlantic Ocean was preserved as pristine as Mother Nature had created this area.

While you're on the National Seashore, don't miss the opportunity to drive through the countless sand dunes on a buggy. This is still possible because such a tour existed before Kennedy's announcement.

You get a truly fantastic experience on tours that go beyond everyday life. Explore Cape Cod and you'll see why so many people return every year.

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. For many years, those who come here for the first time understand from their own experience why these places are so praised. Just being “on the island” is worth it. From world-class golf courses to 12 miles of sandy Atlantic beach, Hilton Head attracts millions of vacationers each year.

Some stay here for a few days, and some decide to spend the winter here altogether. By weather conditions Hilton Head claims to be one of the most livable places in the country.

It is also home to the annual PGA stop known as The Heritage Golf Classic, located in Golf Links Harbor Town, as well as the site of the Atlantic Coast's largest annual wine festival, which takes place in early March. Hilton Head will give you so much more than just being on a beautiful beach.

Singer Island/West Palm Beach, Florida. Heading down Florida's Atlantic coast, travelers come across West Palm Beach. Singer Island, located just north of West Palm Beach, was named after the family of the inventor of the Singer sewing machine.

The beautiful white sandy beaches are high class resorts such as Marriott Resort and Beaches Resort & Spa, occupying the east coast. On the western side of the island, in the sea area, there are wonderful restaurants. Moving south, you notice how the atmosphere changes from calmer to energetic. Developed in 2000, City Place brought back to life the business center of the city, which “disappeared” in the 80s and 90s.

In addition to renowned restaurants, clubs and theaters, City Place can also offer you high-end apartments occupying the upper levels of the buildings. Just a few blocks from here is the famous “Yuzhnoe” Rodeo Drive", also known as Worth Avenue.

In the next few blocks you will find elite restaurants, exclusive designer boutiques and many more fashionable places. The average winter temperature here is 25 degrees Celsius, and the summer temperature reaches 35 degrees, making Singer Island/West Palm Beach one of the most suitable places for a beach holiday.

Sarasota/Siesta Beach, Florida. Siesta Kay annually gives you a taste of what one of the best beaches on the planet. For those who live in Sarasota or those who simply vacation here, Siesta Key is a place to gather and celebrate on any occasion.

There is a very vibrant lifestyle here. What makes Siesta Cay so special is its incredibly long public beaches. On the northern tip of the island you will find a place called Siesta Cay Village. These three to four blocks are full of quaint shops and restaurants that make you want to relax and enjoy your vacation.

Lovers water transport At the southern tip of the island there is a harbor for excursion boats. So, whether you want to spend time on Sarasota Bay, or relax in a lounge chair on the sandy shores of the Gulf of Mexico, then Siesta Cay is the place for you!

South Padre Island, Texas. Famous for encounters with dolphins, aquatic species sports, and just relaxing in the sun, South Padre Island welcomes millions of tourists from around the world every year. When do they start in March-April? spring break, the island provides hundreds of families with its open spaces.

Located along the Gulf of Mexico, South Padre Island has a subtropical climate. In winter the temperature here is 20 degrees, and in summer it rises to 35. Resort hotels, apartments and family apartments occupy the entire coastline bay.

One of the most impressive water parks in all of America is located on South Padre Island. Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark annually attracts thousands of people who are not afraid to make dizzying descents along all kinds of slides.

South Padre Island is hit by many storms each year, but time after time, this beach paradise becomes even more resilient to the elements and better for visitors. Interest in this resort is growing like never before, and now it’s not hard to guess why.

Vostochnoe offers a myriad of vacation spots for you and your family. From Maine and the cool waters of the North Atlantic to the Gulf of Mexico, there is something for everyone looking for a great time by the sea.

The car gives the driver many advantages, the main one of which is complete freedom of action. An unusual trip will give you incredible drive and a lot of new impressions along the way.

An amusing trip

Exploring a new and unfamiliar world in a foreign country is a very exciting activity, and the only thing that will cause some inconvenience is fatigue from driving a car for a long time.

It is best to book a car in advance, because sometimes it happens that on the spot the desired option it may not turn out to be. The East of the United States differs from the West in having the lowest car rental prices.

What should you remember before starting your trip?

Before you start traveling along the East Coast of the United States by car, you should take care of some important points so that the trip is not overshadowed by anything:

  • Some for rent vehicle It is not enough to present a Russian license; the driver will also be required to have an international one.
  • Knowledge of local regulations is required traffic to avoid violations and fines in a foreign country. It is best to get acquainted with the traffic rules in advance, that is, at home, before starting an exciting adventure.
  • Make sure you also rent a GPS navigator, which will help you navigate in unfamiliar areas in the best possible way. The use of paper cards, which are sold at every gas station, cannot be discounted.
  • Plan your route at home and don’t forget about traffic jams major cities.
  • When visiting the East Coast of the United States, be aware of tolls.
  • Don't rely on your credit card alone. Some places may not accept it, so cash will definitely be required when traveling.
  • Do not put strangers in the car for personal safety reasons.

Popular tourist area

What attracts travelers to the East Coast of the United States? The tourist zone of continuous urban development is the oldest historical part of the country - in 1776, the Region in which the first settler colonies arose was signed in Philadelphia, which is the real cradle of American culture, full of attractions.

The East Coast, which stretches from the borders of Canada to the large peninsula of Florida, is home to the country's largest cities. Endless spaces are full of variety climatic conditions and picturesque landscapes that will take your breath away.

Memories that last a lifetime

A memorable road trip along the East Coast of the USA is an exciting acquaintance with large and small cities, extraordinary natural phenomena and architectural monuments preserving the history of America.

When making a planned trip by car, foreigners understand how diverse the huge country is. The road trip will not leave anyone indifferent, and the memories of it will stay with you all your life.

Yosemite National Park

What to see on the East Coast of the USA for those who are going on a long trip for the first time?

One of the most breathtaking sights will be the ancient one located in the state of California. The magnificent landscapes, which Mother Nature has worked on for centuries, will delight any visitor. Fantastically beautiful waterfalls, forests, and mountain complexes will amaze you with their majesty and power.

It is best to come here by car in the spring, when the snow melts everywhere, feeding water flows, and in the fall during prolonged rains. But in winter, travelers will be surprised by the frozen cascades, which will remind them of natural magic.

Philadelphia full of attractions

What else attracts the East Coast of the USA? Committing car trip in America, you can’t help but visit Philadelphia - one of the oldest. Only there you can understand how dear the history of the state is to the Americans, who keep the Liberty Bell, which notified everyone about the signing of a declaration important for the state.

It is best to walk along the quiet and narrow streets with low-rise buildings, leaving your car nearby. Full of attractions, the city is famous for the buildings in which the fate of the country was decided.

Memorable corners

One of them is Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4th. To enter a building that is iconic for all Americans, you must go through strict security controls. Inside this important UNESCO-listed landmark, daily tours are offered to explore some of the most significant events in American history.

Philadelphia is also a major financial center, and one cannot ignore the Downtown business district, where the most high building city ​​with a height of 247 meters. The Comcast Center skyscraper is a popular tourist spot.

The city has several observation platforms that offer amazing views of modern architectural structures.

Traveling around Philadelphia, you plunge into the traditions of American society, carefully preserving the memory of past events. After the city filled with the spirit of patriotism, you can go on a trip to the entertainment corners of the country.

USA, East Coast: what to visit? Entertainment capital of Orlando

The city of Orlando is rightfully considered the capital of all entertainment events. Here are the most magical places that everyone dreams of being in. The colorful world created by human hands is interesting to both adults and children, so everyone who wants to get to the East Coast of the United States includes the city in their route in advance.

The Disneyland entertainment center, consisting of several theme parks, is located on a vast area of ​​100 square kilometers near Orlando. An incredible number of attractions, river cruises around the park, colorful parades of famous Disney cartoon characters, Laser show and daily fireworks displays attract millions of visitors every year.

Of course, this pleasure is not cheap: you have to pay more than 100 dollars for a ticket, and you will have to fork out the same amount to visit the water park. Therefore, be prepared that returning to childhood costs a lot of money, but despite the high cost, it will become one of the main events of the trip.

Key West - Tropical Paradise

After an entertaining trip around nature reserves, cities filled with history, entertainment centers The perfect ending to your driving adventure is a visit to southern city USA.

Key West (Florida), located on the eponymous small island, - the abode of bliss and relaxed rest. You can drive around the entire city, where time seems to stand still, and see not only the alluring beaches, but also the noteworthy architecture. Here is E. Hemingway's house, a butterfly observatory, and an aquarium, which you should definitely check out.

No one here will have a question about which ocean washes the East Coast of the United States. The island is located on the border of the Atlantic Ocean and captivates with its incredibly blue water surface. Paradise It becomes a real outlet for many, and people come here to enjoy an incredible feeling of freedom and happiness.

The Value of Travel

A leisurely car ride will allow you to admire the magnificent views of America, known for its contrasts. Exploring a previously unfamiliar world is a very exciting activity, and only on such trips do you understand the value of travel that brings incredible amount impressions.

In order to obtain a US visa, it is better to already have a visa history. According to statistics, those who have been to other countries are given a visa more easily. In order to apply for a visa, you need to fill out a visa application form on the website, pay a fee and go through an interview, as well as submit your fingerprints. The consular fee is $160. Even if you are applying for a visa for short term, they usually issue it for 3 years. You can stay in the country for no longer than 180 days at a time. If you have already applied for a visa and less than 11 months have passed since its expiration, then you can get a second visa without an interview.

How to get there


Most cheap option- fly to New York. A two-way ticket from Moscow costs approximately 20,000 rubles. Best route- ride from New York to Miami by land, visiting the most interesting cities. You can return by plane. Two weeks should be enough.

Getting Around the East Coast and Beyond

Buses


The USA is a country of highways. Most Americans have cars. Mostly foreigners and the poor travel by bus. On board buses there is usually Wi-Fi, power sockets and toilets of questionable cleanliness. You can take food on board, but not alcohol.


The biggest bus companies in the USA these are Megabus and Greyhound.


Greyhound is an older, more expensive and conservative company that has cash registers and waiting rooms.


If you're taking Megabus, book your ticket online and prepare to wait for the bus outside near the sign. Its main routes cover the East Coast and the Midwest. Greyhound has a more extensive route network.

It's cheapest to buy tickets in advance. Megabus sometimes has “$1 ticket” promotions, but they are quite difficult to catch. Tickets cannot be returned, but you can change the date for an additional fee. There is a commission of $2.5 per purchase. Greyhound has rental tickets, but they are noticeably more expensive.

A convenient aggregator for searching and purchasing tickets for all major bus networks - Wanderu.

Buses usually depart on schedule, but there are delays. It is better to arrive 15–30 minutes before departure. Tickets are sold without seats, so whoever gets a good seat first, well done. You can book a ticket with a seat for an additional fee.

When purchasing a document at the ticket office and at the time of boarding, you need to have some document with you (licence, ISIC, passport). For both companies, you can carry 22.5 kg of luggage and about 10 kg of hand luggage free of charge.

Car rent

The USA is an ideal country for traveling while driving. To rent a car, you need a regular Russian license (plastic card) and bank card. It is officially required credit card, but Russian debit cards, as a rule, do not indicate that they are debit, plus some cards pass as credit cards with a limit of 0 rubles, so they are usually suitable. Some rental companies only allow you to rent a car if you are over 21 years old.

Car rental prices vary greatly depending on the region, timing and location where you rent the car. The price listed on the website often does not include insurance.

It is often cheaper to rent a car at the airport than in the city. There is almost always a surcharge if you return the car to a place other than where you bought it. The cheapest rental company known to the author is Fox (from $14 per day without insurance on a special offer). Groupon has discount coupons for rentals from Alamo.

At gas stations, prices are indicated for 1 gallon - this is approximately 3.8 liters. Gasoline prices at different gas stations often differ markedly. On average, a gallon costs $2.5–2.7. . Install the Gas Buddy app on your phone - it shows gas stations with the lowest prices on a map.

When paying by card, the terminal often asks for a ZIP code. This, surprisingly, is actually a postal code.

Traffic laws and fines vary from state to state. Almost everywhere you can turn right when the light turns red. The speed limit in most states is 70–75 mph. Speed ​​map.

Free car

For those who want to save a lot and are ready to adapt, there is a car transportation service. You are offered a car with a full tank for a given route. Travel time is usually limited, plus you need to provide proof of your driving history.

Trains

The railroad was the main means of transportation in the 19th and first half of the 20th centuries, until the advent of automobiles. After the crisis of the 80s, when many railway companies went bankrupt, all main directions were transferred to the state company Amtrak. Most people don't use intercity trains.

In the USA, traveling by train is several times more expensive than traveling by bus.

Hitch-hiking

Hitchhiking is not popular in the USA, and it is used mainly by homeless people and marginalized people. Because of this, the selection here is much worse than in many other countries. As in Europe, in the US it is illegal, unsafe and ineffective to vote while standing directly on a highway. It is several times easier for a single woman to hitchhike than for a couple of different sexes. It is better to look as clean and tidy as possible. Cardboard signs with your destination are popular, but you can vote without them.

Hitchhiking is illegal in some US states and national parks (here about the details). In most states, it is illegal to be on the roadway (that is, in the grass five centimeters from the side of the road - already legal).

Many hitchhikers have complained about problems with the police, who are not aware of the laws of their own country. The police drove past the author of the article four times, but none of the law enforcement officers took any interest in her.

Most transit roads are highways. Americans often prefer to travel more long route on the motorway, rather than the shorter one - on a local road. It is better for a hitchhiker to try to adhere to this rule. All highways are divided into toll (“turnpike”) and free (“interstate”).

Toll roads are equipped with “service stations” - gas stations with an expanded range of services (restaurants, shops, information center). It is most convenient to vote at such gas stations. To find out their location, pick up a map of the state from the "tourist information" kiosk.

On free highways, far-travelling cars are concentrated in three places - at information centers (there are at the entrance to each state), in rest areas ("rest areas") and at large gas stations. Truckers prefer large gas stations like Flying J and Love's.

On exits from big cities or at major junctions, the chances of catching a far-reaching car are also very good. Junctions between two major highways tend to be inconvenient for voting due to high speeds. You should avoid exits to small towns and small gas stations - there may be almost no cars there. Sometimes, once you find yourself in such a place, it’s easier to go to reverse side to a larger exit or gas station and look for the car there.

Cards

You can get it at the information centers free card state with marked “service station” and rest areas. Gas stations sell bulky, cheap atlases for truckers with gas stations, rest areas, and other useful information($7).

Money

In the USA you can bring both cash dollars and money on a card. Sometimes problems arise with chip cards - they are not always accepted in small populated areas. In some banks (for example, Bank of America), a tourist can open a free debit card with a non-withdrawable balance of $1,500 (at the time the account is closed, the money can be withdrawn; if the balance decreases, the card is no longer free).

Please note that prices in stores are excluding taxes. Depending on the state, the price at the checkout will be 5–15% higher than on the price tag.

Connection

There are several large mobile operators in the United States. AT&T has the best coverage, with T-Mobile in second place. The prices are approximately the same - from 0.99 cents per card, each call and SMS - 1 dollar. There are a variety of packages that include internet and calls (about $30). Special offers can be viewed on the operator’s websites.

Housing

Accommodations on booking.com in New York start from about $30 per person or $50 for two. Airbnb is a little cheaper - from $20. In other cities, hostels start from $20 per bed, hotels - from $60.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is popular in the USA. It is easiest to find accommodation for the night in large non-tourist cities, the most difficult are in New York, Chicago and San Francisco. It is useful to write an open request in them. You can also consider the suburbs - people there are more accepting and receive fewer requests. The main thing is to make sure in advance that he goes there public transport. In Washington DC the subway is quite expensive and the price depends on the distance, but in New York it is not.

Homeless shelter

Homeless shelters are a much less trashy option than their name might suggest. It's usually pretty clean there. The author did not have the opportunity to spend the night there, but other travelers mentioned that they used this option and remained alive and well. Although this may be a survivor's mistake.

Tent

Most land in the United States is privately owned. You can put up a tent on private property only with the permission of the owner, who, as a rule, is not possible to find. Officially, you can pitch a tent for free in the forest belt marked on the map as National Forest. Tents are mainly allowed near churches and in Walmart parking lots.

Food and drink


A distinctive feature of the USA is that here you can not spend a single dollar on drinks during your entire trip.

In most places, tap water is safe to drink. Even in a good restaurant, you can not order drinks, but ask for plain tap water. It's absolutely free, Americans themselves use it all the time.

There are usually drinking water fountains in parks and on central streets, as well as near public institutions.

One lunch at a supermarket food court or one main course at a cafe costs an average of $7–10. In some cities you can find inexpensive fast food. Supermarkets have a deli section with ready-to-eat food by weight. To find cheap food, it is useful to install the Yelp app. It shows the nearest cafe on the map according to specified parameters (for example, the cheapest or with Chinese food if you are tired of burgers).

Grocery stores

In the US, products are often sold in unusually large packages, and price has little to do with size. In the city, groceries can be purchased at pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens). This is probably due to the price of the license - it is easier to open a pharmacy than a supermarket.

The cheapest products can be found at stores like Walmart and Target. They are often located on the outskirts of the city.

The USA makes good wine and beer. The cheapest place to buy it is in large supermarkets. California is considered the wine state, although there are wineries near New York. If you wish, you can go to the winery. Typically tastings cost $5–10 per set.

Cloth

Stable low prices and good special offers can be found in outlets on the outskirts of the city. Sometimes outlets look like small towns with streets, fountains and parks.

IN THE USA great amount great second hand shops. They are called Thrift Stores.

Among them there are two types of stores - “decent” second-hand stores with expensive clothes in retro style and “simple” ones with clothes from the mass market (2 – $5 per item). But even in the latter you can dig up some very decent things. The easiest way to search for thrift stores is on the Yelp app.

During the sales season, many clothing stores lower prices to almost the same level. It makes sense to look at American Eagle, Uniqlo, H&M, Blue Navy. Often they are located next to each other on the street or in the same shopping center.

Attractions


So much has been written and filmed about New York that it’s hard not to get confused in the variety of information. New York is considered expensive city, but in fact, it offers a lot of completely free and almost free entertainment.

Times Square

The famous square, shining with neon, is especially beautiful in the evening hours. There are eternal crowds of tourists and souvenir shops. People dressed as superheroes and movie characters offer to take photos for money.

Rooftop bars


One of the features of New York is bars on the roof of a skyscraper. As a rule, entry is free. Alcoholic drinks in such bars start from $8–10. If you spend a long time at a bar, the waiters may be interested in you, but you can often blend in with the crowd and avoid buying a drink. You can find such a bar on the Yelp app by searching for rooftop bar.

Metropolitan Museum of Art

Entry to one of the country's main museums requires a donation. There is a recommended donation amount, which many take as a price entrance ticket. In fact, you can pay at least 1 dollar.

Excursions

If you speak English, take free tours from Free tours by foot. Everyone is expected to leave a tip at the end, but no one insists.

There are tours of Lower Manhattan, where the famous bull stands, excursions to Greenwich Village, where the characters of “Friends” lived, walks through Chinatown, Little Italy and more.

The same tours are available in all major cities. They are found when you type the phrase “free walking tour (city name)” into a search engine.

Statue of Liberty free


The best way to see the Statue of Liberty from the water is to take the free Staten Island Ferry. He walks several times an hour. There are paid excursions that drop off on the island where it is located, but they usually involve standing in line and a crowd of people around.

Central Park


A huge park in the city center. Very picturesque. You can come here with food, drawing supplies, or a yoga mat.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania


Former capital of the USA. This is where Betsy Ross sewed the first American flag. The Declaration of Independence was signed here and Ben Franklin was buried here. Also here is the Liberty Bell - one of the symbols of the United States along with the Statue of Liberty and Plymouth Rock. The best place in the country to learn more about where this country came from and who was at its origins. At the same time, you can read Franklin's memoirs - an incredibly funny, well-written and useful book.


In the city center there is memorial Complex, including the house where Washington stayed and the very same bell. Entrance to the complex is free.

Still on the steps Art Museum there is a monument to the movie boxer Rocky - it was along these stairs that he ran up in the famous film. Many people repeat this exercise. It is recommended to download the song The Eye of a Tiger in advance.

Washington, DC

America's best city for visiting museums. The museums are free, some of them have free tours. It is better to allocate several days to museums - almost all of them are large and interesting. In addition to museums, there is the FBI headquarters, well known to X-Files fans. It is possible to get there by going through a complex registration procedure. Those interested in politics will enjoy the Library of Congress and other government buildings open to the public. The city also has the National Mall, a mile-long park. The presidential inauguration takes place here.


There are many in the park famous monuments that you have seen in movies and TV series. Here you can also take a photo with the White House in the background. It's a pity they're not allowed into the Oval Office.


The best day to be in Washington is the 4th of July. On this day, Independence Day is celebrated in America, and you can watch the parade and fireworks.

Washington DC's Best Free Museums

National Air and Astronautics Museum


An excellent museum that displays rockets, planes, spacesuits and pieces of space stations.

National Gallery of Art


Impressionists first began to be sold in the USA, and only then in Europe. Because of this, a huge number of famous works have ended up in private collections in the United States. There are not many places in the world where you can see their work for free. Other areas of European and American art are also represented in the museum.

National Museum of Natural History


Butterflies, dinosaurs, animals and minerals live here.

Museum of the American Indian


Basically, the houses, art and household items of various tribes living in the United States are collected here.

Baltimore, Maryland


The city is famous for having the largest number of Art Deco buildings in the United States. Free attractions include the Washington Monument, which you can climb.

The city has a paid ($9) War of 1812 Museum, which houses the original text of the American anthem.

Richmond, Virginia


A red brick town that burned to the ground during the Civil War. Here is the famous Monument Avenue, a street where at every major intersection there is a monument to one of the famous supporters of the Confederacy. There are rumors that they want to dismantle the monuments, since the war between the North and the South is perceived by many liberal-minded Americans as a war for the rights of the black population (spoiler: in fact it is not). Accordingly, Southerners are associated with defenders of slavery.

There are many museums dedicated to the Civil War. They are all paid, but you can buy a combo ticket.

Tredegar Iron Works- a former factory converted into a museum dedicated to the Civil War. Ticket costs $12.

The White house Confederation- the house where Confederate President Jefferson Davis lived. Inside, the home furnishings were preserved, including incredibly ugly carpets. The excursion is included in the ticket price. Combined with the adjacent Museum of the Confederacy, tickets cost $18.


You can visit the Capitol and the home of the current state governor for free. Both offer free tours every hour in the morning.

Charleston, South Carolina

One of the most pompous and wealthy cities of the old South with luxurious architecture, horse-drawn carriages and centuries-old trees with hanging moss. Have you seen Gone with the Wind?


Free rides around the city tourist buses. Their routes are on the map, which can be obtained from the tourist information kiosk.


In Charleston, you can officially swim in the fountains. At the same time, the fountains here are extremely majestic.

Savannah, Georgia


Charleston's younger sister. An incredibly picturesque, green, quiet and pleasant town with beautiful architecture.

St. Augustine, Florida


The oldest one today existing cities USA. The city was founded by the Spaniards and is strikingly different from everything to the north. The city's main source of income is tourism. Retirees living in nursing homes in Florida especially like to come here. The city has a fort where Osceola, the Seminole leader, was once held, as well as the oldest house and oldest school in America.

Miami, Florida


The city is divided into two parts: Miami Beach, a narrow strip of hotels and beaches on a spit, and central Miami. City of salsa, Spanish language and Cuban culture, city snow-white beaches And warm sea. There is no need to go to museums here. Just lie down on the sand and watch white seagulls circle over the endless ocean.

 

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