USA (contiguous)


Florida Keys, USA
The Caribbean Stepping Stone of the USA
Os United States continental islands seem to close to the south in its capricious peninsula of Florida. Don't stop there. More than a hundred islands of coral, sand and mangroves form an eccentric tropical expanse that has long seduced American vacationers.
Miami, USA
A Masterpiece of Urban Rehabilitation
At the turn of the 25st century, the Wynwood neighbourhood remained filled with abandoned factories and warehouses and graffiti. Tony Goldman, a shrewd real estate investor, bought more than XNUMX properties and founded a mural park. Much more than honoring graffiti there, Goldman founded the Wynwood Arts District, the great bastion of creativity in Miami.
tombstone, USA
Tombstone: the City Too Hard to Die
Silver veins discovered at the end of the XNUMXth century made Tombstone a prosperous and conflictive mining center on the frontier of the United States to Mexico. Lawrence Kasdan, Kurt Russell, Kevin Costner and other Hollywood directors and actors made famous the Earp brothers and the bloodthirsty duel of “OK Corral”. The Tombstone, which, over time, has claimed so many lives, is about to last.
Miami beach, USA
The Beach of All Vanities
Few coasts concentrate, at the same time, so much heat and displays of fame, wealth and glory. Located in the extreme southeast of the USA, Miami Beach is accessible via six bridges that connect it to the rest of Florida. It is meager for the number of souls who desire it.
Little Havana, USA
Little Havana of the Nonconformists
Over the decades and until today, thousands of Cubans have crossed the Florida Straits in search of the land of freedom and opportunity. With the US a mere 145 km away, many have gone no further. His Little Havana in Miami is today the most emblematic neighborhood of the Cuban diaspora.
Grand Canyon, USA
Journey through the Abysmal North America
The Colorado River and tributaries began flowing into the plateau of the same name 17 million years ago and exposed half of Earth's geological past. They also carved one of its most stunning entrails.
Mount Denali, Alaska
The Sacred Ceiling of North America
The Athabascan Indians called him Denali, or the Great, and they revered his haughtiness. This stunning mountain has aroused the greed of climbers and a long succession of record-breaking climbs.
Juneau, Alaska
The Little Capital of Greater Alaska
From June to August, Juneau disappears behind cruise ships that dock at its dockside. Even so, it is in this small capital that the fate of the 49th American state is decided.
Monument Valley, USA
Indians or Cowboys?
Iconic Western filmmakers like John Ford immortalized what is the largest Indian territory in the United States. Today, in the Navajo Nation, the Navajo also live in the shoes of their old enemies.
Talkeetna, Alaska
Talkeetna's Alaska-Style Life
Once a mere mining outpost, Talkeetna rejuvenated in 1950 to serve Mt. McKinley climbers. The town is by far the most alternative and most captivating town between Anchorage and Fairbanks.
Las Vegas, USA
Where sin is always forgiven
Projected from the Mojave Desert like a neon mirage, the North American capital of gaming and entertainment is experienced as a gamble in the dark. Lush and addictive, Vegas neither learns nor regrets.
Navajo nation, USA
The Navajo Nation Lands
From Kayenta to Page, passing through Marble Canyon, we explore the southern Colorado Plateau. Dramatic and desert, the scenery of this indigenous domain, cut out in Arizona, reveals itself to be splendid.
Death Valley, USA
The Hottest Place Resurrection
Since 1921, Al Aziziyah, in Libya, was considered the hottest place on the planet. But the controversy surrounding the 58th measured there meant that, 99 years later, the title was returned to Death Valley.
San Francisco, USA
San Francisco Cable Cars: A Life of Highs and Lows
A macabre wagon accident inspired the San Francisco cable car saga. Today, these relics work as a charm operation in the city of fog, but they also have their risks.
Mauna Kea, Hawaii
Mauna Kea: the Volcano with an Eye out in Space
The roof of Hawaii was off-limits to natives because it housed benevolent deities. But since 1968, several nations sacrificed the peace of the gods and built the greatest astronomical station on the face of the Earth.
pearl harbor, Hawaii
The Day Japan Went Too Far
On December 7, 1941, Japan attacked the Pearl Harbor military base. Today, parts of Hawaii look like Japanese colonies but the US will never forget the outrage.
PN Katmai, Alaska
In the Footsteps of the Grizzly Man
Timothy Treadwell spent summers on end with the bears of Katmai. Traveling through Alaska, we followed some of its trails, but unlike the species' crazy protector, we never went too far.
Valdez, Alaska
On the Black Gold Route
In 1989, the Exxon Valdez oil tanker caused a massive environmental disaster. The vessel stopped plying the seas, but the victim city that gave it its name continues on the path of crude oil from the Arctic Ocean.
Skagway, Alaska
A Klondike's Gold Fever Variant
The last great American gold rush is long over. These days, hundreds of cruise ships each summer pour thousands of well-heeled visitors into the shop-lined streets of Skagway.
The Haight, San Francisco, USA
Orphans of the Summer of Love
Nonconformity and creativity are still present in the old Flower Power district. But almost 50 years later, the hippie generation has given way to a homeless, uncontrolled and even aggressive youth.
Manatee Creek, Florida, United States of America
Florida Keys, USA

The Caribbean Stepping Stone of the USA

Os United States continental islands seem to close to the south in its capricious peninsula of Florida. Don't stop there. More than a hundred islands of coral, sand and mangroves form an eccentric tropical expanse that has long seduced American vacationers.
by the shadow
Miami, USA

A Masterpiece of Urban Rehabilitation

At the turn of the 25st century, the Wynwood neighbourhood remained filled with abandoned factories and warehouses and graffiti. Tony Goldman, a shrewd real estate investor, bought more than XNUMX properties and founded a mural park. Much more than honoring graffiti there, Goldman founded the Wynwood Arts District, the great bastion of creativity in Miami.
Earp brothers look-alikes and friend Doc Holliday in Tombstone, USA
tombstone, USA

Tombstone: the City Too Hard to Die

Silver veins discovered at the end of the XNUMXth century made Tombstone a prosperous and conflictive mining center on the frontier of the United States to Mexico. Lawrence Kasdan, Kurt Russell, Kevin Costner and other Hollywood directors and actors made famous the Earp brothers and the bloodthirsty duel of “OK Corral”. The Tombstone, which, over time, has claimed so many lives, is about to last.
Bay Watch cabin, Miami beach, beach, Florida, United States,
Miami beach, USA

The Beach of All Vanities

Few coasts concentrate, at the same time, so much heat and displays of fame, wealth and glory. Located in the extreme southeast of the USA, Miami Beach is accessible via six bridges that connect it to the rest of Florida. It is meager for the number of souls who desire it.
A kind of portal
Little Havana, USA

Little Havana of the Nonconformists

Over the decades and until today, thousands of Cubans have crossed the Florida Straits in search of the land of freedom and opportunity. With the US a mere 145 km away, many have gone no further. His Little Havana in Miami is today the most emblematic neighborhood of the Cuban diaspora.
Grand Canyon, Arizona, Travel North America, Abysmal, Hot Shadows
Grand Canyon, USA

Journey through the Abysmal North America

The Colorado River and tributaries began flowing into the plateau of the same name 17 million years ago and exposed half of Earth's geological past. They also carved one of its most stunning entrails.
Mount Denali, McKinley, Sacred Ceiling Alaska, North America, Summit, Altitude Evil, Mountain Evil, Prevent, Treat
Mount Denali, Alaska

The Sacred Ceiling of North America

The Athabascan Indians called him Denali, or the Great, and they revered his haughtiness. This stunning mountain has aroused the greed of climbers and a long succession of record-breaking climbs.
Whale Hunting with Bubbles, Juneau the Little Capital of Great Alaska
Juneau, Alaska

The Little Capital of Greater Alaska

From June to August, Juneau disappears behind cruise ships that dock at its dockside. Even so, it is in this small capital that the fate of the 49th American state is decided.
View from John Ford Point, Monument Valley, Nacao Navajo, United States
Monument Valley, USA

Indians or Cowboys?

Iconic Western filmmakers like John Ford immortalized what is the largest Indian territory in the United States. Today, in the Navajo Nation, the Navajo also live in the shoes of their old enemies.
Ditching, Alaska Fashion Life, Talkeetna
Talkeetna, Alaska

Talkeetna's Alaska-Style Life

Once a mere mining outpost, Talkeetna rejuvenated in 1950 to serve Mt. McKinley climbers. The town is by far the most alternative and most captivating town between Anchorage and Fairbanks.
Treasures, Las Vegas, Nevada, City of Sin and Forgiveness
Las Vegas, USA

Where sin is always forgiven

Projected from the Mojave Desert like a neon mirage, the North American capital of gaming and entertainment is experienced as a gamble in the dark. Lush and addictive, Vegas neither learns nor regrets.
Horseshoe Bend
Navajo nation, USA

The Navajo Nation Lands

From Kayenta to Page, passing through Marble Canyon, we explore the southern Colorado Plateau. Dramatic and desert, the scenery of this indigenous domain, cut out in Arizona, reveals itself to be splendid.
Hikers below Zabriskie Point, Death Valley, California, United States of America
Death Valley, USA

The Hottest Place Resurrection

Since 1921, Al Aziziyah, in Libya, was considered the hottest place on the planet. But the controversy surrounding the 58th measured there meant that, 99 years later, the title was returned to Death Valley.
Back in the sun. San Francisco Cable Cars, Life Ups and Downs
San Francisco, USA

San Francisco Cable Cars: A Life of Highs and Lows

A macabre wagon accident inspired the San Francisco cable car saga. Today, these relics work as a charm operation in the city of fog, but they also have their risks.
On hold, Mauna Kea volcano in space, Big Island, Hawaii
Mauna Kea, Hawaii

Mauna Kea: the Volcano with an Eye out in Space

The roof of Hawaii was off-limits to natives because it housed benevolent deities. But since 1968, several nations sacrificed the peace of the gods and built the greatest astronomical station on the face of the Earth.
USS Arizona, Pearl Harbour, Hawaii
pearl harbor, Hawaii

The Day Japan Went Too Far

On December 7, 1941, Japan attacked the Pearl Harbor military base. Today, parts of Hawaii look like Japanese colonies but the US will never forget the outrage.
female and cub, grizzly footsteps, katmai national park, alaska
PN Katmai, Alaska

In the Footsteps of the Grizzly Man

Timothy Treadwell spent summers on end with the bears of Katmai. Traveling through Alaska, we followed some of its trails, but unlike the species' crazy protector, we never went too far.
ice tunnel, black gold route, Valdez, Alaska, USA
Valdez, Alaska

On the Black Gold Route

In 1989, the Exxon Valdez oil tanker caused a massive environmental disaster. The vessel stopped plying the seas, but the victim city that gave it its name continues on the path of crude oil from the Arctic Ocean.
white pass yukon train, Skagway, Gold Route, Alaska, USA
Skagway, Alaska

A Klondike's Gold Fever Variant

The last great American gold rush is long over. These days, hundreds of cruise ships each summer pour thousands of well-heeled visitors into the shop-lined streets of Skagway.
Creepy Goddess Graffiti, Haight Ashbury, San Francisco, USA, United States America
The Haight, San Francisco, USA

Orphans of the Summer of Love

Nonconformity and creativity are still present in the old Flower Power district. But almost 50 years later, the hippie generation has given way to a homeless, uncontrolled and even aggressive youth.

Map


Money and costs


The US currency is the US Dollar (USD). ATMs are plentiful throughout most of the country. Credit card payments are commonplace throughout the territory.

ACCOMMODATION

There is absolutely everything in the United States but the most widespread types of accommodation across the country are the motel and the business hotel. You'll find them everywhere – especially along roadsides and highways – some identified by very high neon signs, visible from a long distance. They can cost from €20 to €150 per night depending on the place, the season and if there is an important event nearby.

Os business hotels are in full expansion across all states. They have intermediate prices between motels and conventional hotels. They are also very common along the highways.

Hotels are more common in central areas of cities than motels and business hotels. They are more expensive but also offer more comfort and more services. More affordable accommodation, usually for young people, also emerges in the US as hostels and youth-hostels, many of them affiliated with organizations such as the American Youth Hostel. Stay in these hostels costs between €10 to €50 per night in a double room, depending on the city and time of year.

Outside the cities and especially in coastal and rural areas, numerous B&Bs (Bed & Breakfasts) appear in country houses adapted for hotel functions. They can cost from €50 to €500 per night, as the name implies, with breakfast included in the price.

These and other areas will likely be equipped with several campsites that welcome customers in tents or, often, in their own RV's. They cost between €5 to €25 per car.

FOOD

In the capitalist homeland of fast and junk food the restaurants almost they are practically everywhere and give access to very affordable meals – €3,50 to €6 a full Big Mac-style menu depending on the place – but with the nutritional defects that are usually pointed out to them.

Apart from this type of food and similar, in certain cities but not only, it is possible to find restaurants with cuisines from almost all over the world, either serving meals at the table or buffets it's from takeout.

One level above the restaurants fast food, are the fast casual where the food is of substantially better quality, freshly prepared at prices ranging from €5 to €9.

Like many of the previous restaurants, the dinners appear on the side of roads but also in big cities. They are also open 24 hours a day and are priced higher than those of fast food fast casual, with full meals easily reaching €10 to €20.

In US restaurants that are more sophisticated than those before, it is likely that you can find more refined meals, including high quality fresh fish and meat, elaborate salads, wine lists from around the world, etc. etc. Expect to pay €20 to €50 per meal in the most affordable. In the really exclusive and upgrade, 50€ may not even pay the entrance fees.

INTERNET

As is well known, few countries are more technological. You will almost certainly find free internet in all types of accommodation, in countless cafes, public libraries and even in entire areas of the main cities. It is also possible to buy sticks USB (pens) from various brands to have internet with you where to take your laptop.

Longer and more complex contracts with major operators can still prove complicated due to the requirement for a US social security number.

How to go


VISA AND OTHER PROCEDURES

Portuguese citizens are exempt from applying for a visa to enter the US, for tourist purposes and up to 90 days. They must, however, complete, well in advance, a request for Electronic ESTA Travel Authorization. Brazilian citizens must apply for a visa to visit the US More information at US Passports & International Travel – Brazil

HEALTH CARE

No permanent health risks worthy of note.

For more information on traveling health, see the Health Portal of the Ministry of Health and Tropical and Traveler Medicine Clinic. In FitForTravel find country-specific health and disease prevention advice (in English).

TRIP TO THE USA

TAP (tel: 707 205 700) flies directly from Lisbon to New York/Newark and Miami. Other partners of Star Alliance including the United fly from Lisbon and other European destinations to several other cities in the USA for from €500 round trip.

Must Do's


  • New York
  • Niagara Falls
  • grand canyon​
  • Las Vegas
  • ​Yellowstone National Park
  • ​Olympic National Park
  • Big Sur
  • San Francisco
  • Death Valley
  • Las Vegas
  • ​ Monument Valley
  • ​New Orleans
  • Key West
  • Alaska
  • Hawaii

Explore


INTERNAL FLIGHTS

There are dozens of airlines operating throughout the United States. The main ones are:

United, US Airways, Delta Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines (East coast and Florida), Republic airways, Jet Blue (non-stop connections between West and East coast cities) Frontier Airlines, American Airlines, Air Trans.

Prices depend on distance and time of year. In the main domain of capitalism, competition, the huge flow of flights and passengers means that domestic flights in the United States are very competitively priced.

TRAIN

the national company AmTrak manages a rail network very comprehensive that with the complement of Amtrak ThruWay buses, it establishes strategic connections to urban centers, national parks and other strategic points in the country. At the prices of flights in the United States, travel by train will rarely be the quickest and cheapest solution, but there are other possible advantages, such as the possibility of enjoying the scenery and socializing on board. 

TRUCK

They will rarely be considered a more economical and practical option compared to flights, but, like the train, they allow you to contemplate the scenarios and encourage conviviality. THE Greyhound is the company with the most itineraries in the US

CAR RENTAL

If you want to leave the biggest cities and explore the surrounding states, renting a car is almost mandatory. The United States has an inexhaustible, highly competitive and technological supply of rental vehicles. Look for the best prices on the internet before you travel to avoid paying service fees and other costs at airport counters. As a general rule, the daily price for small cars ranges from €25 to €40, depending on the time of year. Weekly or longer rentals can run from €140 to €240, usually with unlimited mileage.

Other vehicles widely used in the US are RVs, large caravans that benefit from infrastructure spread across the country to accommodate them. As is logical, RV's are priced much higher than small utility vehicles and consume fuel in almost industrial doses.

Fuel is significantly cheaper in the United States than in most of Europe and tolls on the country's roads are rare. Most companies require the driver to be over 25 years old, have a valid driver's license and a valid credit card with a value available as a deposit. Some companies rent to drivers between the ages of 21 and 24 for an extra fee.

When to go


In a country the size of the United States, it is always a good time to visit somewhere, especially if we take into account that Alaska, Hawaii and American Samoa, among other territories, are part of the country.

With regard to the continental USA, the seasons are equivalent to those in Europe, but far from being simultaneous to all the states of the country, with substantial differences caused by latitude, altitude and orography, exposure to the oceans, among other factors. In Florida, for example, it's rarely serious winter. In certain sections of the Rocky Mountains, winter almost doesn't come until June.

Anyway, unless the reason for your trip is the snow sports, in general, a   time of year to visit most of the country is summer, mid-May in mid-September but bear in mind that the areas closest to the deserts at that time have very high temperatures, easily ranging from 35ºC to 45ºC for most of the day.

A certain variable period of autumn brings landscapes with yellow foliage of great beauty to various forested areas.