This is (IMO) the best way to experience the natural beauty of the US, which is probably our biggest tourist draw. The cute town is close to two USA national parks and has a vibe all of its own. From hospitality in Hawaii to social media management in Sacramento and everything in between, youll find a whole load of different projects to help out with. STATES: Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine. Utah, famous for stone arches and the Mormon religion, probably has the densest collection of state and national parks in the country. All the more reason to never leave! In the US, these are often designated Wilderness Areas, which means that the wilderness is at least 5,000 acres in size. We mentioned before that you can reach out to vehicle relocation services, like immova and Cruise America, as a way of saving heaps of cash on rentals. Im going to be sharing with you all of my knowledge about the States. Brickell or South Beach are the best places to stay in Miami, though choose the latter if you want to spend most of your time by the water! You will meet many like-minded people. But you also have to remember, the US is going through difficult times and is more divided than ever. To put it simply, backpacking the USA is going to be a long, sometimes crazy experience. Alaska doesnt emerge from winter until May although the Northern Lights are peaking. Some of the best places in the United States for a backpacking trip are its many national parks, which are set up to preserve the natural splendor, ecosystem, and historical significance of a given area. Our road trip across America cost us $2,382, or an average of $149/day between both of us for a 16-day road . 1. If you havent seen the photosgoogle it, youre going to want to add this place to your USA bucket list. Staying near Lake Michigan, for example, is always a good idea. Opposite of eastern Europe like Czech Republic, Slovenia, Hungary, Bulgaria or Ukraine are one of the cheapest countries . That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we dont believe are up to scratch. 4. People flock here for good weather, good vibes, good food, good beaches, and the chance to make it big. US tourist visa requirements do change regularly so please be sure to always check with the official government website. Its no wonder so many great American creatives have been inspired by this land. When Christopher Columbus discovered America in 1492, he actually thought he had reached India, thus how the misnomer American Indians came to be. Save money. Sometimes called extended trip packs or expedition packs, a good one typically costs between $200 and $400. Oaxaca City is a vibrant destination to explore, and Merida, the safest city in the country . Stay somewhere EPIC and save your hard-earned dollars from houses to barns to castles and caves, there is an Airbnb for every occasion! 1 pair pajamas. Next up, take some time to see the charming region of New England before spending a few days in Washington D.C. heading to the sweet Southern locales of Charleston, South Carolina and Savannah, Georgia. I always travel with a hanging toiletry bag as its a super-efficient way to organize your bathroom stuff. Save $$$ Save the Planet Save Your Stomach! All other countries that do not qualify for the Visa Waiver Program must apply for a regular visa for the US. If you get a service like a massage or a haircut, tipping is also typically expected. Hawaii is very far away from the continental United States. This was once the edge of the map for American pioneers. Philadelphia, where much of the USAs story began, to the rugged mountains of Alaska, the country is as massive as it is diverse and would take several years to fully explore. Everything from hotels to B&Bs to hostels to beach bungalows can be booked while visiting. Doesnt really matter if youre backpacking the USA alone or with a group theres tons of stuff to do here! West Coast people also behave differently where East Coasters are generally more blunt and unabashed, West Coasters are more genial but sometimes superficial. Fast food meal: $6 to $11. For days spent exploring the city, a 20- to 30-litre backpack will be the perfect size, with enough room to carry water, a camera and extra layers. If you wanted to leave the mountains, theres plenty more to see and do in greater Kentucky and Tennessee. People who want to make their own Great American road trip will obviously need their own vehicle to do so. Now were cooking with gas! Meanwhile, Portland, Maine has been slowly winning the hearts of hipsters over the years. The famous New York City, one of the most diverse metropolises in the world. A $300 bike from Craigslist will do the trick or you can even get one for free through an Earn-A-Bike program. America IS mostly safe for travel, though the potential for random violence is much higher than in other developed countries. You can do this itinerary in either direction, though I recommend starting in New York City; its got something for everyone, from attractions to some of the best restaurants in the country. Rome is cheapish, crime-challenged and huge fun. Youll need to arm yourself with some considerable knowledge though and know the best ways to save a buck while traveling in the USA. From its inception and even beforehand, slavery was legal in the United States and Africans were forced to live and work in severely atrocious conditions by white slave owners until slavery was officially outlawed in 1865 by the 13th Amendment. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance. Some of the best camping is in Colorado though you can find them all over the US. I was confused. For all their desolation, Southwest deserts are indescribably beautiful and incomparable to anything else. Get a quote below or read our in-depth review! However, whenever you are volunteering do stay vigilant, especially when working with animals or children. If you don't have any stuff, you don't need an apartment to keep it in. Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop! Of course, its weird, and, yes, the BBQ will probably lead to an early grave but if you visit The South with an open mind, you may just enjoy it. Its no wonder theft and other crimes are still an endemic issue in poorer areas. Sometimes small towns have one or two family-run motels at good prices. Theres a lot to The South that may surprise you. You wont just save serious $$$, youll experience a different culture, cool projects, meet new people and integrate into the community in a different way. Never get into the topic first, unless you know youre with like-minded people. Take some US dollars with you. Get free accommodation in exchange for volunteering a few hours a day. While often thought of as one group, they actually comprised hundreds of tribes that stretched from Alaska to Hawaii and all across the mainland. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). Then signup for Worldpackers, a platform that connects local hosts with volunteer travelers. I wanted to be an architect. a shirt can be a base layer in a cold climate or a top layer in a warm climate). 2023, The Broke Backpacker. It wasn't until COVID that most Americans bothered to hop in their cars and do some serious road-tripping. Budget traveling isn't the best around the United States, but hostels and campsites are your best bet for saving money while backpacking. Lassen Volcanic National Park, California, Use an American road trip planner app to plot routes. Southerners are warm, welcoming folk who prefer to live life to the fullest rather than get caught up with the details. Few actually realize that Mexico is astounding; see Chiapas and/or Copper Canyon. A visit to America isnt quite complete without Florida. Aint that just beautiful? Theyre easy to use, professional, and relatively affordable. For reference, Ive hitchhiked in India and Pakistan, yet even as a US citizen, would never do so in the US. The requirements of this US tourist visa are much stricter than the VWP and will often require conditions like in-person interviews and background checks. California and Colorado are both A+ choices for the best vibes and shops. The USA is a land full of opportunities for backpacker volunteers. World Nomads mission is to support and encourage travellers to explore their boundaries. Its rainbow-colored geysersespecially the world-famous Old Faithfulare unlike pretty much anything else, and the park also features a ton of hikes for all ability levels. One of the main things people realize when returning from their first budget backpacking trip is they didn't need to pack as much as they did. In 2008, the United States elected Barack Obama, an African-American who was the countrys first non-white president in over 250 years of history. Few other countries were founded upon such a huge immigrant population and have molded together quite so much. In 3 days, dont miss out on Club Space for the coolest sounds in the city, South Beach for beaches and bottles, and Key Biscayne for a more relaxing, natural beach day complete with water sports. Getting from the East Coast to the West Coast is a 6-hour flight in itself, so if you want to see both LA and NYC this may be your only option. Its really hard to fault California for anything besides having too much. The southwest and deep south return to lovely temperatures. Outside of certain areas, which will be obvious to you by the numerous patrolling policemen, the odds of you being a victim are pretty minimal. Use the discount code BROKEBACKPACKER. If they were able to though, they would be greeted by some of the most paradisiacal and epic scenery in the world. If you really want to go cheap, then take advantage of the many primitive sites in the US, also known as BLM land. The South is also predominantly Republican (AKA right-wing) and has the lowest Covid vaccination rates in the country. The GRAYL Geopress is hands-down the most effective one weve ever used as well! The Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, even the neon lights of Las Vegas; all of these sights are deeply ingrained in the American consciousness. Keep in mind you can often rent gear locally (e.g. Wear a money belt or an alternative. California is known for its big bold grapes like chardonnays, cabs, and merlots. A road trip on the California Coast is hands down one the most romantic things to do in the USA and will probably be the first of many bucket list locations. Our epic 4 month backpacking South America itinerary took us all across the continent, from the Amazon rainforest in the north to glaciers in the south. Go to site. For more tropical vibes, the Caribbean is Americas favorite winter vacation. Backpacking across Europe is a low-cost, autonomous, and touristic travel that frequently entails camping, sleeping in inexpensive hotels, and carrying all required goods in a backpack. Texas and the Southwest are a furnace at this time and it is tornado season in Middle America. That said, camping is much cheaper and more fun than staying in a hotel. Theyre a proud bunch and want everyone to know it but theyre honestly some of the best folk in the States. Some of the larger cities, like Memphis, Tennessee offer a fantastic mix of Southern vibes and city convenience. Applicants need to contact the nearest embassy to acquire this info. Be prepared and have the gear to be mostly self-sustaining. 3. 1) You make money or need to work online, or 2) you really really love your laptop. STATES: Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri. Especially if youre coming from a country with limited access to this fantastic plant, youll be truly impressed by the sheer variety and quality of American weed. Race and ethnicity are often celebrated in the USA but, although it is better than in previous decades, racism is still an issue. Most of the worst crimes in the country happen in remote neighborhoods where tourists have no reason to go to anyway. Both are wonderful ways to see cities, as well as the natural world. Applicants from 40 different countries can enter the United States visa-free for a period of 90 days. Mountains dominate the state. Unless youre planning to fly longer distances, there are only a few options for traveling from the US to a different country. But the state also has both Arches National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park, which are both stellar options. Most of the state itself lacks infrastructure outside of the Anchorage region. Why stay in a naff hotel when you can stay in a cosy, stylish local house instead? Germany can be staid or mind-blowing. They organise yo packing and minimise its volume too so you can pack MORE. After the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the Twin Towers, the USA has spent almost all of its money on the military while the quality of life continues to decrease for its citizens. Pay a visit to Detroit, Michigan; once the fallen angel of America, it is putting itself back together, piece by piece. For example, whiskey is quite good in Appalachia as this is where bourbon was created. New Orleans AKA the Big Easy is one of the countrys greatest treasures. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card. Volunteering abroad is an amazing way to experience a culture whilst helping your host community. And those that do may have ulterior motives. Passenger vehicles are the preferred method of traveling in the USA and do offer the most flexibility. Spend a day exploring the many amazing historical places by cycle or scooter! Self-actualization (Psychology) I. In the meantime, here are three stellar parks that should absolutely be on your backpacking USA bucket list. Plus, now you wont be buying overpriced bottles of water from the supermarkets either! This is partly why I was fascinated to read Hike Your Own Hike: 7 Life Lessons from Backpacking across America: The author, Francis Tapon, has made travel a priority and a way of life, and has fostered an adventurous spirit and a contagious passion as a result. Backpacking Peru and Bolivia Route. Though it isnt as dynamic as the East Coast or as warm as the South, the Midwest still has a lot of merits. While some people are living like royalty, some are getting by on less than $2/day thats comparable to living in Nicaragua. The great thing about backpacking the USA's East Coast is that it's possible to make a custom travel itinerary that can be done entirely without renting a car. Well, everyone, this is it: the best possible way to go backpacking the USA! The A.T. and the PCT. An ambulance ride alone can cost $2000, and a day in a hospital for even a minor issue will easily run over $10,000. But did you know that some of the finest North American architecture is preserved in the cities of Charleston, South Carolina or Savannah, Georgia? Just use the discount code BROKEBACKPACKER and your membership is discounted from $49 a year to only $39. SafetyWing is convenient, cheap, and trouble-free Insurance was never this easy! Be sure to check Google Maps reviews to find the cheapest eats around whenever you roll into a new place. Okay, Hawaii can be expensive. Note that an ESTA is not an actual visa for the US, per se (its a clearance). The opioid epidemic has swept the nation; meth is a real problem in the Southwest and the heroin abuse in Seattle is shocking sometimes, so be aware of who youre doing drugs with. He has thru-hiked the Pacific Crest Trail and Appalachian Trail. Alaska and Hawaii are the odd men out. Best of all, you won't have to deal with the grumpy train ticket vendors. There is petty theft in the busier areas, particularly involving car break-ins and pickpocketing, but these can be avoided by standard safe traveling practices. Youll have to pay more if you have an RV because they take up more space, require waste disposal, and consume more electricity. Throw in a huge array of unique lodgings: stay in a castle, treehouses, yurts, houseboats, and farm stays, plus with all the campgrounds you wont lack of options. Backpacking gives you a feeling of freedom. Aside from being an all-out blast, it will be a great immersion experience. Plus you can get the very best poke in the world! 1 visor/hat. We saved a lot of money and keep our costs down by renting houses instead of staying in hotels.. We wanted to stay around $3,000/month because we were renting out our house on Airbnb for around $4,000/month.So technically, we saved money by traveling Europe . Rail passes (like the Eurail Pass in Europe or the JR Pass in Japan) are a great way to save money when it comes to train travel. Now its time for the countrys most notorious state: yup, its time for a Florida road trip. Close, Backpacking USA Travel Guide Budgets, Tips, Itineraries + More (2023). He has walked across Spain twice. As the first destination of our travels, it was hard to know what to budget for backpacking South America's most expensive country. Full disclosure, America has terrible public transport; Ive been on buses in Pakistan that undoubtedly provide better and less sketchy service. You learn to organize yourself. Start your trip in Cusco, the ex-capital of the Inca Empire.