Don't say "I have been to the US" if you only went to New York, that's like saying "I have been to Europe" if you only went to Paris.
The US is a huge place and each state is like a different country with different scenery, laws and people. If you take for example a flight from Seattle to Miami (Places I cover below), It is a 6 hour flight! Seattle in Washington state has a different climate, the first western settlers were from Scandinavia and it has that Scandinavian style scenery and culture, where as Florida was first settled by the Spanish and more recently Cubans and other people from Central and South America. It has a tropical climate and a culture that reflects the countries the settlers brought with them. Shops and restaurants are open late in Florida, but close much earlier in Washington State (many restaurants in smaller towns are shut at 9pm! for example ) and Washington State has similar laws to Europe, where as Florida does not have MOT's and decent minimum wages especially for restaurant workers, so tipping is vital there. They choose their own laws voted by the residents in their state. Washington state citizens choose to increase tax to fund public transport, Florida residents voted against doing that. Therefore you will find good public transport when you visit Seattle, but will need a car in Florida.
I think this is the biggest misconception people have about the US, that all states are pretty much the same, just different scenery. You must make sure you know the laws of each state you visit as they do vary, especially driving laws, which often are listed on signs as you enter that state by road.
Take a look at these places, parks and road trips below and see which ones interest you.
Crime is higher than the UK, so you must take care to research areas of each city that are dangerous, but most crime is between rival drug gangs. Gun crime is at an unprecedented level, but it doesn't put me off going there. Tourists are generally safe in the US if you do avoid the most dangerous cities and parts of the cities I mention. The police force are not like ours in the UK. You must keep your hands on the steering wheel if stopped and follow their instructions, keeping your hands visible. You must have your driving licence on you at all times as well. I have been to the US for every year for the past 32 years and have felt safe in most places I have visited. Areas close to a major airport tend to be higher crime neighbourhoods, so get well away from these areas before stopping, especially at night.
Generally if you are searching for somewhere to stay, if you see a Trader Joes on the Map it is likely to be a safer neighbourhood than one with lots of fast food. However not all poorer areas are unsafe and tend to have great street food, atmosphere etc, so don't be afraid, just seek advice on the safety of that area first. we have had great food in some sketchy areas, that I wouldn't want to miss, I am just saying be careful and ask for advice from locals before just setting a sat nav to some areas I wouldn't recommend.
Also don't forget Americans don't understand the 24hr clock, unless they are in the military, so remember this if travelling on a domestic flight.
The US is a huge place and each state is like a different country with different scenery, laws and people. If you take for example a flight from Seattle to Miami (Places I cover below), It is a 6 hour flight! Seattle in Washington state has a different climate, the first western settlers were from Scandinavia and it has that Scandinavian style scenery and culture, where as Florida was first settled by the Spanish and more recently Cubans and other people from Central and South America. It has a tropical climate and a culture that reflects the countries the settlers brought with them. Shops and restaurants are open late in Florida, but close much earlier in Washington State (many restaurants in smaller towns are shut at 9pm! for example ) and Washington State has similar laws to Europe, where as Florida does not have MOT's and decent minimum wages especially for restaurant workers, so tipping is vital there. They choose their own laws voted by the residents in their state. Washington state citizens choose to increase tax to fund public transport, Florida residents voted against doing that. Therefore you will find good public transport when you visit Seattle, but will need a car in Florida.
I think this is the biggest misconception people have about the US, that all states are pretty much the same, just different scenery. You must make sure you know the laws of each state you visit as they do vary, especially driving laws, which often are listed on signs as you enter that state by road.
Take a look at these places, parks and road trips below and see which ones interest you.
Crime is higher than the UK, so you must take care to research areas of each city that are dangerous, but most crime is between rival drug gangs. Gun crime is at an unprecedented level, but it doesn't put me off going there. Tourists are generally safe in the US if you do avoid the most dangerous cities and parts of the cities I mention. The police force are not like ours in the UK. You must keep your hands on the steering wheel if stopped and follow their instructions, keeping your hands visible. You must have your driving licence on you at all times as well. I have been to the US for every year for the past 32 years and have felt safe in most places I have visited. Areas close to a major airport tend to be higher crime neighbourhoods, so get well away from these areas before stopping, especially at night.
Generally if you are searching for somewhere to stay, if you see a Trader Joes on the Map it is likely to be a safer neighbourhood than one with lots of fast food. However not all poorer areas are unsafe and tend to have great street food, atmosphere etc, so don't be afraid, just seek advice on the safety of that area first. we have had great food in some sketchy areas, that I wouldn't want to miss, I am just saying be careful and ask for advice from locals before just setting a sat nav to some areas I wouldn't recommend.
Also don't forget Americans don't understand the 24hr clock, unless they are in the military, so remember this if travelling on a domestic flight.
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