USA Specialist David
I love the relentless enthusiasm that spills out for the state you are in; whether it’s in the food that’s served up, the scenery of the local area, the music that originates from the region or in the craft beers and wines that are produced locally. Then there’s the natural beauty and wonders of each state, along with the passionate support of sports teams big and small. It’s impossible not to be swept up in ‘Americana’ and enjoy the embrace of being welcomed to someone else’s hometown!
My first visit to the USA was 2003 when a friend & I bought tickets to watch ‘Wrestlemania 19’ in Seattle, despite neither of us knowing exactly where Seattle was or how to get there. Cue a crazy, multi-flight journey to take in the event, staying in a hotel in ‘the wrong part of town’, and I was hooked – I needed to see more of this country, and I’ve never looked back.
I’m up to 34 states explored in great detail across numerous visits.
It has to be Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (the ‘U.P.’); so remote and largely untouched, yet home to some of the state’s best scenery and views out over the expansive Lake Superior, as well as home to some excellent craft breweries. It really is a location that feeds the imagination as locals will question how you’ve found this area – with many proclaiming that most people on the Southern Peninsula haven’t even ventured to the U.P!
There have been a few really special ones (including a helicopter trip over the Grand Canyon, a 1970’s Cadillac Tour of L.A. and meeting Muhammad Ali’s brother at their childhood home in Louisville) however, surfing (albeit abysmally) in Venice Beach stands out as one of the most memorable experiences I’ve enjoyed.
Try not to overload the trip – although you may want to jam-pack the agenda, don’t underestimate how rewarding it is to have a ‘day-off’ every few days to catch up and enjoy where you are and what you’ve seen and done so far.
Tipping is a major part of the US culture and there’s nothing worse than only having a $50 note and wanting to give a tip of a dollar or two. Plan in advance and get a wad of $1 bills from a currency exchange before you travel, so you have plenty of smaller denominations to avoid that awkward moment.
I’m a huge fan of hot sauce and finding an artisan variety to grace my collection is always on the agenda. If hot sauce isn’t your thing, fridge magnets are always good fun – think road signs (Route 66, Highway 1, etc), license plates or iconic symbols of Americana from somewhere you’ve visited on your trip.
Chicago Deep Dish Pizza is a foodie experience that lives long in the memory! You can see why these pizzas are referred to as ‘pies’, oozing with rich tomato sauce, heaps of mozzarella and lashings of toppings. It’s not just overweight baggage that you should be concerned with after a trip to Chicago!
With some of the wildest, most spectacular scenery, coupled with immense wildlife spotting opportunities - a trip to Alaska is high on my list. The ultimate "Final Frontier"!
Nashville. There’s amazing live music, great restaurants, interesting things to see and do, friendly people and it’s easy to get to.
Monday – Friday : 9am to 6pm
Original Travel
111 Upper Richmond Rd
London SW15 2TL
Tel: 020 7978 7333
Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
