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United States holidays : what do I have to know

The American dream : Myth or reality? It is time for you to answer this question and go on a trip to the USA. The immensity of its territory and the diversity of its landscapes make it well worth the effort to visit this continent-like country. Although it is difficult to visit the country in one go, check out our tips for planning your day in the USA. We'll also give you our list of must-see sights on each of the coasts to best prepare for your itinerary.

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What are the administrative steps to follow?

The first step in preparing for your travel to the United States or the USA is to complete the administrative steps. To do this, follow these steps:

  • Proceed with the online application for the ESTA form. Indeed, even for children, the passport will not be sufficient to enter the United States. It will have to be attached to this authorization for travel to the United States.
  • Choose the dates of your trip and book your airfare. If you intend to stay for less than 90 days, the ESTA will be sufficient and you will not need to apply for a visa. However, be careful to find out about the other conditions required (for example, you must have an electronic or biomedical passport and you must be from France or another country concerned by this measure).

Once these steps are taken or at least known, all you have to do is prepare your itinerary. So here is our list of must-sees that should help you in choosing your destination(s).

 

How to prepare for your trip to the East Coast

From Boston to Miami to Philadelphia to the capital city of Washington DC, the entire eastern seaboard of the United States seems worth the trip. However, this information should help you fine-tune your programme.

 

When to go

The climate varies between the northeast and southeast of the country. In the northeast, such as New York, winters are quite harsh and summers are warm. In the southeast, in states such as Alabama and Georgia, the climate is quite warm and humid. The case of Florida is a special case because the state has a subtropical climate.

 

Boston

 

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Capital of the state of Massachusetts, Boston is nicknamed the most European of American cities. It is one of the oldest cities in the country. You can:

  • Visit the Museum of Fine Arts Boston (MFA) otherwise known as the Museum of Fine Arts. It is one of the largest museums in the country. There are treasures from all over the world including musical instruments, paintings, photographs, prints, etc.
  • Go to Commonwealth Avenue, which is reminiscent of the Napoleonic era and 19th-century Paris.
  • Follow the Freedom Trail sightseeing route. From Boston Common to Bunker Hill, it will allow you to relive the city's history in the 18th and 19th centuries.
  • Freedom Trail

 

New York

New York is a unique city in the world. Artistic, historical, cultural, gastronomic… It embodies the American dream. You think you know it before you get there, but once you set foot in it, you realise that nothing beats the way it is covered. On the spot, you will be able to:

  • Fly around its various neighbourhoods, from Manhattan à Brooklyn through Chinatown and Soho.
  • Take a breath of fresh air; Central Park, the city's green lung.
  • Dive into the crowds and between the neon signs of Times Square.
  • Visit the iconic museums of the Upper East Side including the Metropolitan Museum.

 

Miami

 

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Miami is a city that never stops renewing itself. Since its real estate boom in the 1920s, it has had its ups and downs but is constantly being reborn even brighter. With its tropical feel and promise of a holiday, it is one of the country's most popular destinations. Here, you will be able to:

  • Practise many sporting activities in incredible settings. Golf, tennis, golfing; there is something for everyone.
  • Enjoy lazing on its white sandy beaches.
  • Take a trip to the Everglades National Park, the subtropical swamp home to many animals.
  • See the map of the park
  • Visit the Villa Vizcaya and its French-style museum and gardens.
  • Prince yourself of the atmosphere of South Beach, this lively Art D&eacute neighborhood.

 

La New Orléans

The New Orléans is located in Louisiana, on the banks of the Mississippi River. It is often the final destination of a road trip on the eastern seaboard of the United States as it brings the loop full circle and is the ideal gateway to Central America. Here's our selection of what you shouldn't miss if you're heading there:

  • The French Old Town aka the historic centre.
  • The Mercedes-Benz Superdome (usually referred to as the Superdome), an open stadium.
  • St. Louis Cathedral, the first Catholic cathedral in North America built in the early 18th century.

 

How to prepare your route on the west coast.

The western coast is home to some of the most impressive geological formations in the world. Because the United States is a land of contrasts, it also has the most jet-setting coastline in the country. Here are some must-see tours that will allow you to see both sides of the city.

 

When to go to the USA?

In the western United States, the climates are very varied. The main climate type is continental. It is characterised by particularly cold winters and hot and stormy summers. South of California, the climate is closer to that of the Mediterranean type.

 

California

 

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California is not called Los Angeles contrary to what many may think. The state alternates between urbanized areas on one side and wilderness on the other. Sea, mountains, desert, all kinds of landscapes. Here's what you really shouldn't miss:

  • Yosemite National Park is located east of San Francisco and was the world's first protected wildlife area from 1864. It was the legendary Abraham Lincoln who signed the charter. There are thousands of acres of forest, impressive mountains and amazing wildlife.
  • Los Angeles is a fascinating city. From the Universal Studios Hollywood park to the famous Disneyland USA, it's a sight to behold. Here, you can also walk the Walk of Fame, soak up the artistic atmosphere of Venice Beach, or take Route 66 to Santa Monica. Don't miss out on a few cultural stops, such as the Getty Center or the Getty Villa.
  • Death Valley is the largest national park in the US. And that is not its only record. It is also the hottest and driest spot in the country. In the summer, temperatures constantly rise above 40 degrees Celsius. You will discover a huge landscape, cut canyons, sand dunes, salt fields, and be prepared to discover an extremely rich nature!
  • San Francisco has no gal in the US. Bordered by the Pacific Ocean, the city has a unique atmosphere. Its unique lifestyle, culture and tolerance give it the image of an outward-looking city. Here, you won't want to miss out on its famous Golden Gate Bridge, riding a cable car, and visiting Alcatraz.

 

Las Vegas

When you think of the American West, you inevitably think of the west of Nevada and its oasis: Las Vegas. The city is located northeast of Los Angeles, in a valley on the borders of California, Arizona and Utah. Las Vegas was developed in the 1930s with the advent of gambling. So you can't miss the most famous casinos. But be sure to look beyond the clichés. A stop in the city is also a good opportunity for a cultural break with museums and shows at almost every casino. Las Vegas is finally the ideal starting point to discover the American Wild West.

 

The Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is a legendary national park in the United States. Two things strike you immediately when you see it: its grandeur and its beauty. Its rocks were carved out by the Colorado River and the oldest ones date back 1.7 billion years. A must-see on a road trip along the western coast of the United States, there are many ways to explore this open-air geological museum. For example, during a flight in a helicopter or a hike. However, the experience that awaits you is the same. You'll enjoy breathtaking views, especially at sunset and sunrise.

 

Yellowstone Park

The Yellowstone National Park was established in 1872 and is thus the first national park in the United States. It encompasses the wonders of the American West in its nearly 9,000 square kilometres. It is distinguished from other parks by its colourful hot springs. It also impresses with its mountains, geysers including Old Faithful and the Grand Canyon. You will encounter a rich and varied fauna, ranging from large mammals to small birds. You can also leave the paved paths to discover even more peaceful areas. Of the hundreds of miles of hiking trails through the region, some are less traveled and increase your chances of encountering wildlife living in the crowds.

 

The Antelope Canyon

 

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The Antelope Canyon is one of the most beautiful canyons in the country. Sculpted by water and wind, its walls are a deep orange. The two metre wide and 200 metre long canyon is divided into two parts: Upper Antelope Canyon and Lower Antelope Canyon. The former is the most visited area, the latter is less easily visited. There is Upper Antelope Canyon, a sublime sandstone gorge accessed through a fault in the mountain.

 

Overnight in the USA?

After learning about the administrative formalities and places to visit, you still need to know where you are going to stay. VeryChic private sales are the place to be. Through them, you can find a deal that offers you a cheap hotel in the US and airfare so you don't have to worry about anything. Imagine going on a private trip to New York or enjoying an all-inclusive trip to Las Vegas with our guaranteed extraordinary address offers. This could mean a trip to a prestigious address such as the Marriot Times Square New York NY in the USA. The perfect place to experience Marriott excellence in the heart of Manhattan. Or stay in a five-star hotel like The Palazzo Las Vegas NV located on the famous Las Vegas strip, near the world's most famous casinos.