Is the US REALLY a worthwhile destination?
 

Thinking of an overseas visit from Germany - but is there REALLY worthwhile places to visit in the US? My wife says yes - I'm not so sure. Please advise me.

This is joke, right?

trevor, <BR> <BR>of course, but depends on what you like to do. if you want some crazy hiking and wilderness, check out the western areas like california, arizona, washington, oregon. <BR> <BR>if you like big cities, chicago, new york can't be beat. you will find true melting pots and an amazing array of foods and cultures. <BR> <BR>you could check out the new england area for its charm, beautiful landscapes and awesome seafood. <BR> <BR>shit, what makes you so weary? i would wanna go anywhere. <BR> <BR>danny

no, this is no joke! I just want to know what we should do/go. We are used to safari's in Africa, far East, Australia - they are really great places. Please, I would like some real feedback

Okay, Trevor. The United States is vast, incfedibly diverse country, scenic-wise. <BR>Do you want great cities with loads of museums, theater and lots of other culture? Try New York, Chicago, Washington, etc. <BR>Do you want great cities with great personalities? In addition to the above, try San Francisco, New Orleans, etc. <BR>Do you want majestic beauty beyond belief? Try Yosemite National, the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone National Park, the Grand Tetons, Rocky Mountain National Park, Glacier National Park, etc., etc., etc. <BR>I could go on and on and on. Sorry, but no safaris to match Africa, but the United States has a hell of a lot to offer,, and it is really worthwhile seeing! What do you want to see and do? <BR>

I haven't been to Africa, but I have been to Australia and the wildlife there is pretty hard to beat that is for sure.But we have some really great places here.There is no way to see it all in one trip. San Deigo is a great west coast city. Utah has Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon and within 100 miles from them is the Grand Canyon. <BR> New York might be someplace you would like. I can't really say I am crazy about it my self however, to many people for me.I did like Nigera Falls however.I am sure if you read some good travel books you will come up with some very good place that you will love. We do have alot of good places.

Well, I like the magestic coutryside, but I suppose a great city or two would be worthwhile - we have 3 weeks. Would love advice. Thanks very much for your reply. Sorry to sound unsure - it's just that other countries have given us incredible adventures

Thanks Joann, much appreciated - anyone else out there? I've checked out a few books this evening - I like the sound of death valley and yellowstone and New York and The Grand Canyon - but what can you do in 3 weeks?

with three weeks, California is a perfect destination. Fly into San Francisco, spend a few days there and then rent a car. You can drive to Lake Tahoe, or Yosemite, or up or down Pacific Coast Highway.

Some places in the U.S. that you're not going to find anywhere in Europe, probably not in the world: <BR> <BR>1) Yellowstone -- half the WORLD'S geysers are located in this park. The thermal features are more accessible than anywhere in the world. <BR> <BR>2) Grand Canyon -- in terms of size and color, this cannot be beat. Perhaps TOO accessible; it can get crowded unless you're willing to walk for thirty minutes. Then you escape 90% of the crowds. <BR> <BR>3) New York. Quick -- name cities with more Irish than Dublin. More Italians than Florence. More Jews than Tel Aviv. New York is ALL of these, plus the largest Chinese population outside of Asia. I won't mention the museums, art galleries, nightlife, restaurants, shops, cultural diversity, and general excitement; because you CAN find any quality higher in any ONE of those categories in many places around the world. But where can you find ALL of that in one places? Nowhere. <BR> <BR>4) Arches Nat Park. You're not going to find this many natural arches in so small a place anywhere else. <BR> <BR>5) Redwood/Sequoia Nat Park. World's tallest trees. World's largest trees. <BR> <BR>6) Yosemite. Okay, MAYBE you'll find valleys and waterfalls this spectacular elsewhere, but you'll have to look pretty hard! <BR> <BR>May I suggest flying into Los Angeles, renting a car, and then driving around to some of the national parks in the list above. You won't be able to see them all in three weeks, so pick and choose carefully!

trevor, <BR> i spent 3 weeks in the u.s.a. in may and can't wait to go back. it's a pity new zealand is so far away! <BR> we landed at l.a.x., hired a car, and off we went. we checked out l.a. for a couple of days then drove up to san francisco, an absolute must-see. <BR>yosemite was breathtkingly beautiful. <BR>we drove through the mojave to las vegas and then into utah. i'm sure you will enjoy the sights as much as we did. also if you go to the grand canyon make the trip to monument valley, we drove through coming from mesa verde and it was beautiful.

Not really. Just about as interesting as going to Germany.

Trevor, please stay home. If you are too lazy to do even the basic research, you are wasting your time.

I think you'll find the scenery very worthwhile and varied. My favourite, although it's hard to choose, would be the Arizona area - all those splendid saguaros standing like statues on the landscape, the amazing cave dwellings, the red rock, plus a dry climate (in parts) not unlike some regions of Africa. Fly over the Grand Canyon if possible. You will be awed! I also like the Dakotas, but I may be a minority. I would visit San Francisco because, well, it's San Francisco. California also has some beautiful rolling landscape inland, and then there's the coastline that continues dramatically through Oregon. I find something of interest nearly everywhere in the US - from the architecture to sand dunes, rain forests, mountains, prairie, cities and towns. The people are generally very welcoming too.

PS. Not that I would leave out the eastern states. I just haven't had much experience with them.

Trevor, dearie, your choices in travel hitherto suggest that you prefer unpopulated natural wonders, in which case the US has an enormous amount to offer, as many of the responders have already noted; and I might add Alaska (which currently still belongs to us)to the list. You could spend your entire 3 weeks just covering the mountains and deserts of the far west -- there are several mountain ranges and lots of desert. Our national park system alone will comprise sights and expanses worth the trip, and a quick visit to http://www.us-parks.com/ will get you started. <BR> <BR>But perhaps you are one of those travellers who sit back in your seat on the train, bus or car and challenge an area to "impress me," rather than doing a little detective work and digging out the treasures. I hope not, because there are some other things to see in our urban areas that might require a little self-education to appreciate. <BR> <BR>A prime example would be Chicago's incredible architecture. In three days you can see a definitive concentration of some defining 20th c. architecture -- from the high-rises of the Loop designed by Louis Sullivan and others (there are 2 impressive architectural tours available) to the residential architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright in Oak Park (tours available) to (a couple of hours northwest) Taliesen (his school and residence) near Madison, WI. My own taste says that this work was far more human, graceful, and accessible than anything done by Bauhaus -- but at least it's there for you to compare. <BR> <BR>Or there is a fair amount of American pioneering history to be discerned in cities of the former frontier (Chicago south and west), including pioneer villages, things like the Amana colonies and the various ghost towns of the west. I invite midwesterners and far-westerners to add specifics to that list. Before you begin your sophisticated Teutonic yawn about pioneering, consider that in Europe one would have to go back 1500 years for examples of humans having to survive in and populate a wilderness, while American pioneers did so here a scant 150 years ago -- the record is much fresher and some may well have been relatives of yours.

No.

YES! What is your WIFE interesting in seeing? Here is some Virginia & DC info: Any interest in American Civil War & Revolutionary history? We always get lots of german tourists in virginia and you can rent a car and drive most of the route of General Lee's retreat! Smithsonian, museums & monuments in DC are not duplicated anywhere in the world. Mount Vernon, George Washington's plantation. In Virginia: Manassas, Richmond and Petersburg battlefields, Williamsburg & Yorktown. one of the most beautiful and BEST amusement parks ANYWHERE: Busch Gardens Williamsburg with outstanding roller coasters. Chincoteague & Assateague Islands with wild horses, birds, all sorts of unique Chesapeake Bay life.

Are you any relation to Sjoerd on the Euro forum?

Thanks so much for the freeback good and bad! No, nothing to do with Sjoerd - whoever he/she is. Folks, I've done masses of homework on the US - I just want your great advice. Please keep it coming. The parks sound amazing - I'm concerned they'll be packed out with tourists though. I'm also keen to see a 'real' American city.

As opposed to all our "fake" cities? <BR> <BR>

After reading your messages, no, I don't think you'd find the USA a worthwhile place to visit. <BR>Don't make it your destination. Travel elsewhere -- I'm sure you'll read about a pick a country you would find enjoyable.

I noticed someone mentioned Alaska. I haven't been there yet, but I am planning a trip next year.It looks like you like wildlife as much as I do so I thought I would point out a place there I have been considering.Katmai National Park in Alaska has a place called Brooks river,and in July and September the big Brown bears gather to catch salmon.I am told you can get pretty close.You have to take a float plane in from King Salmon Alaska; if I have my information correct.And of course Alaska has Whales,Otters,Sea lions,Puffins,eagles, moose, Carbou. <BR> We were in San Diego this summer for 3 days.I loved it there.It is a pretty city setting on the bay.We spent a day at Seaworld,which has a Dolpin interaction Program that last for about 2 hrs.You have a trainer with you and you get to give the Dolpins commands,touch and just interact with the Dolphins.It was right up there with the first time I touched a Koala and a Kangaroo.They have an area there called Old Town that had the best Mexican food. <BR> You are going to have a hard time making up you mind,but planning is part of the fun I think.

Actually, there are some "really worthwhile" places, but unfortunately there are no "REALLY worthwhile" places. <BR> <BR>Yellowstone: that great scenery is mostly just painted cardboard. And the boardwalks in the geyser basins are actually there to hide the steam pipes. Grizzlies? Nope, college students in bear suits. <BR> <BR>Grand Canyon: It's all done with mirrors and latex paint, I'm afraid. <BR> <BR>San Fransisco: Ok, here's the true story. SF is not actually a real city at all. It started as the set for a Steve McQueen movie and just got out of control. Ditto Los Angeles. <BR> <BR>Statue of Liberty? Imported. <BR> <BR>Disney World: The whole "Disney experience" is acheived through an unethical but effective combination of IMAX theater technology and mind-altering drugs. (Why do you think they located in in Florida, after all?) <BR> <BR>Niagara Falls: Because of an obscure clause in the Treaty of Ghent, this natural wonder does not belong to either Canada or the US. It's actually part of Luxembourg. So while it might be a REALLY worthwhile place, it's unfortunately not in the US. <BR> <BR>In fact, the only worthwhile place I can think of here in the US would be Rock Springs, Wyoming. I suggest you book a two weeks stay in Bucky and Lorlene's Sidewinder Motel. But hurry, the best rooms go quickly. <BR> <BR>(You have to admit, your post just begs for this type of response.) <BR>

Trevor, what time of year were you thinking about coming? It makes a big difference, weather and scenerywise. If you are thinking about coming in the autumn, I'd recommend the Northeast. It usually still gets warm during the day and cool at night; in New England you can drive around to the little towns (many with good early settler historic sites) and enjoy the beautiful scenery and foliage. There are hundreds of small inns all over the place. You'd also be close to Boston and New York City, so you could enjoy the museums, concerts and cultural activities. I haven't been to the Southern US outside New Orleans, so I can't say much about that area of our country, other than the idea of going there for a vacation doesn't appeal to me. Northern Arizona (Sedona, Flagstaff, Grand Canyon) are also nice areas for scenery and hiking--if you've heard Arizona is terribly hot, these areas that I mentioned aren't so bad, even in the summer; the higher elevations keep them cool, except for if you hike to the bottom of the Canyon. Other than that, there are a lot of places in California; I lived in LA for a while and I didn't think there was much to see there, cultural or scenic. Unless you are into seeing what "Hollywood" is all about.But San Francisco, Yosemite and Wine Country would be worth a visit at just about any time. Yosemite gets quite a bit of snow in the winter; I wouldn't choose to go then, but it depends on what kind of scenery and activities you're looking for. Did your wife give you any indication of what she considers "worthwhile"? Historical, cultural, natural? <BR> <BR>Just as another note, I had to go to Northern Germany (Bremen and Hamburg) for a family obligation a few years ago, and I couldn't find anything to do there. Even my parents who are always into walking all over the place to every museum or historic site were bored. If anyone planning a trip asked me if there was anything worthwhile to see there, I would most definitely say no. I can't say anything about the rest of Germany, but I've enjoyed every other part of Europe I've been to much more. Except for Bucharest.

Don't insult Trevor. I've visited many places in Germany that were delightful: the Rhine valley, anything in Bavaria, Munich and Garmisch-Partenkircken, the black forest, Fussen. Visiting northern Germany is like visiting Detroit or Gary, Indiana, or other industrial areas. Sorry--don't mean to offend Detroit or Gary, just trying to think of industrial places. <BR> <BR>Trevor, I suggest you fly to Denver, Colorado, or Salt Lake City, Utah (site of the 2002 Winter Olympics), and make a circular tour of Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, northern Arizona, and back to Colorado (or Utah). Be sure to visit Rocky Mountain National Park just north of Denver. In most of our parks, you drive in and look UP at the mountains and scenery. You DRIVE up and over the mountains in Rocky Mountain Park. It's spectacular! <BR> <BR>If you start in Salt Lake City, you can go south to visit Zion, Bryce, the north rim of the Grand Canyon (no need to take the long and arid drive around to the south rim), other parks in Southern Utah, then into Colorado, Rocky Mountain National Park, up into Wyoming, to see Yellowstone and Grand Teton Parks and Jackson, and back to Salt Lake City. Our distances between places are much greater here than in Europe. You will have to spend 5 or 6 hours driving time between some of these places, and that is only if you're on an interstate highway. Other major destinations may be only an hour or so away from another, so study a map and get a good idea of the time you need. In addition, if you want to spend a couple of days hiking, rafting, etc., at some of these destinations, you may not be able to fit all of them in. But I believe you can make this circle tour and allow some slow time/hiking/relaxing time in three weeks. Please let us know what you decide to do.

Trevor: Since you say you've already done a lot of research, list the outline of your trip, where it begins (which city) and where you are thinking of completing the US. And then list 15-25 places you believe you want to see. The reason I ask is that I would like some evidence that you've given this some thought and some work. Just a suggestion: never start with a dumb question such as should i visit the US, and then follow it with a blank slate that you expect others to fill it in for you. There's far too much of asking others to do one's thinking on Fodor's these days. And if you have to ask whether you should include the US on your trip, then you are risking some jabs. Frankly, I don't much care for travellers who take your approach. I always do my own research first, then tell others exactly what I may do, and then sk for some "fine-tuing" advice. That's just my approach - others are very free to disagree, and I'm sure they will.

L-good comments. I completely agree. It is impossible to try and plan a stranger's trip to the US, w/o the basic info, to at least the major cities they want to visit. This forum should be about specific questions, advice on places other people have been - not whether or not we think he should travel to such a large country! <BR>And to "The Real Story" - that reply was HYSTERICAL! <BR> <BR>TM

Absolutely not! NO NO NO - go to someplace fun like Siberia

Try France, they like German tourists

New York, New York, New York. If you want to see the most fabulous city in the world amke this your fist stop. I've been to all the major cities the world over and nothing compares to my home town. Trust me when I tell you New York makes Berlin look like Siberia.

No - it cannot compete withAfrica or Australia, but it is still worth visiting. Despite the diversity (Grand Canyon v NYC) - there is a certain 'sameness' about the whole country. Partly for that reason - it is an excellent destination for families. But although you will find beauty - nothing in the US feels 'different', possible becuase of its exposure on tv etc. <BR> <BR>As for all of you who ask questions like 'this is a koke, right?' and say things like 'stay at home' - you all ask similar questions to that of Trevor's about other countries (Is Ireland worth visiting?, Is Spain any different to France?.....) - Trevor came to this forum for advice - not arrogance!

Trevor, you must realize that your question is quite argumentative and suggests you are not the sharpest knife in the drawer....oh to be rich,idle, and bored! <BR> <BR>1)If this is in fact a serious question, please get a few books on the subject and educate yourself about travel. I suspect you have been missing a lot on your previous journeys if this is your attitude! <BR> <BR>2)Send your wife and a friend to the US and you stay home. She deserves a vacation.

Why should one read a book when the question is about the US? Nobody ever makes this suggestion when the poster asks about Europe, Asia etc.!

I do read books on travel as well as using online resources such as this one. As I am new to this board, that would be my suggestion to anyone who is researching something! You remember books, right??? :P

Betsy, As you are new, you may not know that people come here for first-hand opinions of real travelers. Therefore, it is usually not helpful to just respond and say "Read a Book!" If you have something helpful to say, however, feel free to say it.

Trevor, I think it might have helped if you had defined what kinds of experiences you find "worthwhile". :) <BR> <BR>That said, I'll add my two cents. A lot of people here have mentioned New York, and I'm a New York native. New York isn't like anyplace else in the US. It's sort of like London with a lot more people crammed into a much smaller space, and with a more energized (and to many, stress-inducing) atmosphere. <BR> <BR>New England is full of charming towns with pretty scenery, both inland and on the coast. However, the Northeast is densely populated, and it sounds like that's not what you're looking for. So I'll second the many people here who have told you to head west. Just rent a convertible so you don't miss the wide open spaces. :)

Trevor's post is just this side of a troll, but his later posts suggest what he thinks is a good trip -- it's a matter of non-European scenery, rough topography, exotically undeveloped -- I'd call it pith-helmet adventure. Trevor, there are only so many places left on earth where one can safari, trek, etc., and you obviously began with an image of the US that ruled such places out. We aren't all DisneyWorld or Mean Streets, you know. Take a look at the satellite photo of the world at night that was circulating on this forum around Christmas and note how many parts of the US lack lights. From northern Maine to the Everglades to the North Woods to the desert to all of the Rockies to the Far Northwest of mountains and volcanoes and Puget Sound -- there is a lot of space here where there is "nothing." <BR> <BR>But if you miss the cities, you'll miss something too. And I strongly disagree about the "sameness" someone was talking about -- yeah, sure, you can find a McDonald's in most small towns, but the differences between a Manhattanite and someone who lives in an Atlanta suburb and someone who lives on an Indian reservation and someone who lives in a fishing village and someone who lives in Las Vegas are substantial.

O.K. No one has mentioned Texas. Dallas and Ft. Worth are diverse cities with all kinds of cultural activities with great museums and the historic stock yards with real rodeos and a longhorn cattle drive thru that district, in Ft. Worth German tourists seem to love that sort of thing. Don't forget to try our gut bustin' chicken fried steak while here in Texas. Houston is pretty neat too but HOT and HUMID during the summer. NASA space center outside of Hou. is worth a trip too. Good luck and hope you enjoy your visit.

Trevor: <BR> <BR>Not only are there a mulitude of great places to visit in the US, but it is the best place to visit in the world. There is not anything that you cannot find to do or see in this great land of ours. Mountains, ocean, desert, large cities, quaint rural areas, you name it and we have got it. Not only do you have vast choices in topography and climate, you also have a very large variety of ethnic groups with their great food and cultures. This is the place to be. I have traveled to many countries of this world but none beats the US.