USA Travel Tips
The United States is massive and difficult to see in only one trip. However, if you're planning a vacation these USA travel tips can help make your journey a little easier.
1. Hop-On Hop-Off Buses: The Ultimate Sightseeing Hack
One of the most convenient and cost-effective ways to see major cities in the United States is by taking advantage of hop-on hop-off buses. These buses offer a flexible and affordable way to explore top attractions without the hassle of navigating public transport or paying for expensive taxi rides. Many cities, including New York City, Washington DC, Las Vegas and Boston, offer these services. You can get on and off as many times as you like, allowing you to see the sites at your own pace. Most routes cover major landmarks and attractions, and they often include guided tours with interesting commentary about the city's history and culture.
2. The Secret Underground World of Las Vegas
Las Vegas is known for its glitz, glamour and casinos, but did you know that beneath the city lies a vast network of underground tunnels? Originally built to prevent flooding, these tunnels have become home to a community of people who have fallen on hard times. It's a stark contrast to the bright lights of the Strip, revealing a hidden side of Las Vegas that most tourists never see.
3. New York City's Abandoned City Hall Station
New York City’s subway system is one of the oldest and most extensive in the world, but few people know about the abandoned City Hall Station. Opened in 1904, this station was once a crown jewel of the subway system with its elegant chandeliers, vaulted tile ceiling and glass skylights. It was closed in 1945 because the station’s curved platform could not accommodate newer, longer trains. Today, you can catch a glimpse of this forgotten architectural gem by staying on the 6 train as it loops around after the Brooklyn Bridge stop.
4. Boston’s Duck Tours: An Amphibious Adventure
Boston is famous for its rich history and landmarks like the Freedom Trail, but one of the most unique ways to see the city is by taking a ride on a Duck Tour. These amphibious vehicles, originally used during World War II, can travel on both land and water. You’ll start your tour on the streets of Boston, visiting historic sites, and then splash into the Charles River for a cruise with spectacular views of the city skyline.
5. Washington DC’s Whispering Gallery
The United States Capitol in Washington DC is known for its impressive architecture and political significance, but it also has a fascinating acoustic feature known as the Whispering Gallery. Located inside the Capitol’s Statuary Hall, the dome’s curved ceiling allows sound to travel in a way that a whisper from one side of the room can be heard clearly on the other side. This unique phenomenon is both a fun and surprising experience for visitors.
6. The Golden Gate Bridge’s Secret Color
San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most photographed landmarks in the world, but did you know that its iconic "International Orange" color was originally not meant to be permanent? The bridge was initially supposed to be painted with black and yellow stripes to ensure visibility in foggy conditions. However, the architect’s consulting firm chose the now-famous orange color because it blended well with the natural surroundings and improved visibility.
7. Chicago’s Hidden Pedway System
While most tourists in Chicago explore the city’s famous Loop and the Magnificent Mile, there’s a hidden underground pedestrian walkway known as the Pedway that connects more than 40 blocks in the downtown area. This 5-mile network of tunnels and overhead bridges is used by locals to navigate the city during harsh weather, and it’s a great way for tourists to explore Chicago’s downtown without facing the elements.
8. Seattle’s Secret Tunnels
Seattle is known for its Space Needle and vibrant Pike Place Market, but beneath the streets lies another city. After the Great Seattle Fire of 1889, the city rebuilt on top of the existing streets, leaving behind a network of underground passageways. Today, you can take a guided tour of these subterranean tunnels and learn about Seattle’s history from a completely different perspective.
9. New Orleans’ Above-Ground Cemeteries
New Orleans is famous for its jazz music, Mardi Gras and Creole cuisine, but the city’s cemeteries are just as iconic. Because of the high water table, traditional burials are difficult in New Orleans, leading to the creation of above-ground tombs that resemble small houses. These “Cities of the Dead” are not only a unique burial practice but also a popular tourist attraction, with many visitors drawn to the eerie beauty and historic significance of the tombs.
10. The Hollywood Sign’s Original Purpose
The Hollywood Sign is one of the most recognized landmarks in the world, but it wasn’t always a symbol of the entertainment industry. Originally, the sign read “Hollywoodland” and was erected in 1923 as an advertisement for a real estate development. The last four letters were removed in 1949, and the remaining sign has since become an enduring symbol of the glitz and glamour of Hollywood.