The Ultimate US Travel Guide - Part 1

I truly believe that everyone needs to explore the USA – yes, even those that already live here! The more I travel around the states, the more I realize that there is so much to offer! Each state offers something unique – whether you’re looking to experience a relaxing tropical holiday like Hawaii, or the wonders of our incredible National Parks, there’s something for every kind of traveler. The United States is the perfect destination for scenic drives, delicious food, cosmopolitan city life, wilderness, cultural diversity, beautiful beaches, and so much more.

#1- Oahu, Hawaii

Oahu is a dream vacation. From sprawling coastlines, and beautiful beaches, to a volcanic crater, a nature preserve, and a botanical garden, all just waiting to be explored. So drop everything you’re doing and you make that happen! Even if you must openly tag along and entertain yourself for a few days, you just go. I mean It’s Hawaii!

When to visit: Generally, the best weather in Hawaii can be experienced in June, July and September. This is when travelers can expect the least amount of rainfall along with warm water temperatures.

Where to stay?

Shoreline Waikiki Hotel the Aloha spirit is ready to play (3-star hotel)

What to do and where to go?

1. Diamond Head is a volcano and iconic landmark. The hike is less than a mile one way where you see an awesome view of the city and the ocean. The view isn’t just of the sky scrapers, you also get a good view of eastern Honolulu while going up the mountain.

2. Manoa Falls is a giant waterfalls and hiking trail. The vegetation on the way to Manoa Falls gets better and better throughout the hike. To escape the heat, doing a rainforest or waterfall trail is ideal. Koko Head is a peak with a trail to panoramic views.
   

3. Hanauma Bay is a nature preserve with a beach and turtles. This is on the far eastern side of Honolulu in Hawaii Kai. The water is a beautiful blue-green and there is plenty of coral to see!

4. Waikiki beach is an iconic beach were you can find dinning restaurants and bars. This is a great place to say that you’ve been there, since it’s so famous. The ABC stores have places for souvenirs such as Honolulu Cookies for a special treat. The beach itself is quite crowded, although it has some awesome sunset viewing.
   

5. Polynesian Cultural Center brings to life the spirit of Polynesia through its six Polynesian villages, and has evening show.
   

Favorites places: Lunch at Arvo Cafe (Price $) - Address: 324 Coral Street Suite 1A-104b, Honolulu, HI 96813

#2- Chicago, Illinois

The homeplace of Jazz, deep-dish pizza and the world’s first skyscraper, Chicago is second to no city! In fact, it was nicknamed the “windy city” because a majority of the buildings were reconstructed after the Great Chicago fire in 1871, establish the rebuilt Chicago skyline as the architectural epicenter it is today. When to visit: Visit Chicago between April and May or September and October for warm weather and fewer crowds. Summer is the most popular time, but prices are better just before or after summer months.

Where to stay?

Freehand Hotel Chicago located in the River North neighborhood – home to some of the city’s best art galleries, boutiques and restaurants. (3-star hotel) Address: 19 E Ohio St, Chicago, IL 60611

What to do and where to go?

1. Millenium park and Cloud Gate: Millennium Park is a green space with art and theater. Visitors flock to Cloud Gate, the stainless-steel sculpture which is best known as “The Bean.” This mirrored piece reflects the Chicago skyline and is best visited early in the morning to avoid crowds.
   

2. Navy Pier: It is a popular tourist attraction where you can find Ferris wheel, carousel, shops, food and more so visit early to avoid crowds.
   

3. Chicago Riverwalk: The Chicago Riverwalk is a scenic walkway where beautiful pedestrian walkways from Lake Shore Drive to Franklin street along the main branch of the Chicago River. Enjoy art installations, restaurants, bars and gorgeous views of Chicago along the Riverwalk.

4. Magnificent Mile: The Magnificent Mile windows sparkle with designer and luxury goods along Michigan Avenue. Enjoy unique architectural facades and the not to be missed historic water tower, which survived the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.

5. Skydeck and The Ledge: The tallest building in Chicago and the second-tallest in the U.S. boasts unmatched views and one of the most unique experiences, allowing you to stand on air at The Ledge. The Ledge consists of four platforms sticking out of the building with glass walls, ceiling and floor for the ultimate Chicago souvenir photos. Favorites places: Lunch at Cira Chicago - Mediterranean food (Price: $$) - Address: 200 N Green St, Chicago, IL 60607 Afternoon snack at Stan's Donuts & Coffee. The quickly expanding Stan’s Donuts shops carry colorful and fun donuts, bagels and shakes (Price: $) - Address: 181 Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60601 Dinner at Giordano's - Deep dish pizza chain (Price: $$) - Address: 223 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60606
   

#3- New Orleans, Louisiana

The romantic, French architecture mixed with Creole cuisine and the promise of dancing all night to jazz is a major allure. New Orleans is one of the most unique places in the USA: it’s a fascinating melting pot of French, Spanish, First American, and West African culture.

When to visit: April and May are lovely and warm, the perfect spring weather before the city becomes insanely hot and humid during the summer. The city is also fairly empty during the off-season between October and January – and what better time than October to visit one of America’s most haunted cities?

Where to stay?

The Quisby : Located in the Lower Garden District, the Quisby is a cozy and well-decorated hostel that’s walkable to almost everywhere you might want to visit during your trip in New Orleans. (2-star hotel) Address: 1225 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130

What to do and where to go?

1. French Quarter and Jackson Square is a buzzling nightlife and, obviously, the place to be. People travel all over the world to walk among the streets that almost feel like Paris. The streets are narrow, but beautiful and deserve at least a whole day wandering them, hopping from one restaurant to the next.
   

2. Mardi Gras a.k.a. Fat Tuesday, is a Carnival celebration of food; stop by Mardi Gras Worldfor an insight view of the a wild festivity of the country.
   

3. Frenchmen Street. In case you’ve been living under a rock, New Orleans is home to one of the best music live scenes in the country. My favorite to listen to down here is jazz! Frenchmen Street is THE place to find hopping jazz clubs, so head there at least one night for dinner, drinks and music!

4. Vodoo Tour and ghosts museum. The tour takes about 2 hours and is a to New Orlean’s history. All the tours are pretty much the same, no matter what company you go with, so get the one that’s cheapest and that the tour your first night.

5. Uptown & Garden District. Make sure to spend a day exploring the beautiful houses in the Garden District ! Grab a day pass on a trolley and ride it all the way to the Washington Square spot. You can also find there the Lafayette Cemetery. This is probably one of the prettiest cemeteries that is open to the public.
   

Favorites places: Lunch at Willa Jean - Southern American specialty. The brunch menu is equally as delicious and the decor in here is hipster-chic. (Price $$) - Address: 611 O’Keefe Ave, New Orleans, LA 70113 Afternoon tea at Salon By Sucre - Cafe (Price:$$) Address: 622 Conti St, New Orleans, LA 70130 Dinner at Brennan's - Creole cuisine inspiration. Located in a pink building on Royal Street, the place was constantly hopping (Price $$$) Address: 417 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70130

#4- Miami, Florida

Miami is where everyone goes to have fun in the sun. Famous for cruises, South Beach, Cuban food, and trendy nightclubs and parties, Miami is a wild and eclectric city. It is also where you can find beachside hotels, resorts, and the colorful art deco buildings around town in a glamorous paradise.

When to visit: The best time to visit Miami Beach is between March and May when the sun shines with temperatures in the high 70s and low 80s during the day. This part of Florida enjoys a subtropical climate, meaning it's usually warm year-round and a bit rainy.

Where to stay?

Generator Miami (3-star hotel) Located in the South Beach, Generator will be front and centre for the best that Miami has to offer. Address: 3120 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33140

What to do and where to go?

1. Miami Beach: From shopping to partying, this area of Miami Beach is well known for being trendy and full of shops and bars. South Beach can be more expensive than other areas, but it’s worth checking out while you are there. It’s the quintessential Miami experience.
   

2. Ocean Drive: Take a stroll down this iconic street with neon lights and Art Deco Buildings. A South Beach Food Tour with a stop on Espanola Way, is the perfect addition to a day at the beach!
   

3. Vizcaya Museum and Gardens: This European-style mansion offers a glimpse at life in turn-of-the-century South Florida. It was built by industrialist James Deering as a way to show off to all his friends, and is filled with Renaissance furniture and artwork.
   

4. Art Deco Historic District: It’s a mix of shopping, design and architecture, with a few restaurants established there too.

5. Little Havana District. Pay a visit to Little Havana, Miami’s Cuban neighborhood, which centers around “Calle Ocho” (SW 8th Street). Eat in one of the little restaurants, walk the vibrant streets, or get in on some salsa dancing.

Favorites places:

Brunch at Pura Vida Miami - Address: 110 Washington Ave #2, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Snack at Rosetta Bakery - Address: 929 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139

This was my first part of my Ultimate US Travel Guide! I hope this will help you plan your perfect trip to one of theses cities! Here are my discounts code and good deals:

• Get %25 off when you book for the first time with Booking: “555172C9”

• Airbnb is also a great way to arrange accommodation during your visit and offers a variety of apartment and rooms for rent across the city so you can experience the city feeling a little bit less like a tourist. If you sign up with this link below, you will get up to $55 off for your first booking:”LAETITIAP1519″