Cheap flights to the USA from $748

The United States of America is a land of many climates, lively cities and natural wonders. Situated in the middle of North America, the country comprises 48 mainland states, as well as Hawaii and Alaska. American Samoa, Guam, Marianas, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands round out the list of U.S. territories.

Travellers can find a variety of experiences in U.S. cities. Whether you want to take in the energy and creativity of New York City or soak up some sun and entertainment in Los Angeles, there’s truly something for everyone. New England features plenty of history and picturesque scenery, especially in autumn during foliage season when leaves turn bright shades of yellow, orange and red. Music-lovers can take a road trip along the Blues Highway from New Orleans, through Mississippi and Memphis to Chicago.

In the South, Florida’s beaches and  theme parks will wow you. Head  to Disney World, Universal Studios and SeaWorld for some family fun.

California lines a large part of the West Coast, featuring everything from wine country, a rugged coastline and the Sierra Nevada mountains to the north to the southern cities of Los Angeles (home to Hollywood and most of the U.S. entertainment industry) and laid-back San Diego.

United States climate

Given its size, the climate varies throughout the US but some regions experience the changing seasons more intensely than others. The West Coast enjoys fine weather  year-round, while the Pacific Northwest Coast (Washington, Oregon) has cool summers and mild winters. The Midwest is known for its intense summers and winters and frequent tornadoes and thunderstorms, while Florida enjoys the warmest winters on the eastern coast.   

Getting around United States

Americans love their cars and their road trips, but there are many low-cost airlines, including no-frills leader Southwest, JetBlue, AirTran and Spirit Airlines to fly you around quicker.

If you’re intent on hitting the highways a la Route 66,  you’ll find all the major car rental agencies at most US airports, including Budget, Dollar, Hertz and Thrifty.

By bus: GotoBus.com has a handy online service for more than 100 bus companies and tours throughout the US, from budget to luxury options.

By rail: AmTrak (www.amtrak.com) covers the States and the major cities in Canada. Check online for routes and weekly specials.

What is good to know if travelling to United States?

• New York is a Mecca for shoppers, from mega-department and fashion stores to cutting-edge designer boutiques. Serious shoppers can maximize their time by taking a tour of one of the shopping districts. Shop Gotham’s two-hour walking tours (from about US$25) have been likened to having a shopaholic New Yorker show you the coolest places to shop.
• Get a culture fix at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, which presents an annual program of mostly free recitals and concerts by students, faculty and guest artists.
• Orlando’s majestic Harry P. Leu Gardens are a 20-hectare botanical oasis in the middle of the city. On site is a restored 19th century farmhouse, now a museum that evokes a time when citrus, rather than theme parks, dominated the region. (Gardens open daily from 9am-5pm; adult/child US$7/2; free admission on Mondays).
• In Las Vegas start the day with an all-you-can-eat buffet breakfast at the “killer whale in a sea of buffets” – at the Spice Market Buffet at the Aladdin Resort & Casino.
• Take a historic musical journey along the Blues Highway, from the Dixieland Jazz bars of New Orleans, to Memphis (and Elvis’s Graceland) and the blues trail along the Mississippi Delta to Chicago. The classic road trip takes you through the home of the blues. For information on festivals and events along the way, check out www.msbluestrail.org.
• Big Tip – don’t forget to tip. Between 15 and 20 per cent is standard in the US. Irate waiters have been known to follow non-tipping diners onto the street demanding an explanation.