USA travel guide

The first British Pilgrims set foot in America in Plymouth in 1620. They sailed across the Atlantic Ocean on the wooden ship Mayflower and settled among what turned out to be tolerant Native Americans. The first Thanksgiving was celebrated here in 1621 after the Pilgrims' first harvest and was attended by both Pilgrims and Native Americans. This historical event along with the fact that Plymouth is one of the oldest settlements in the United States, means Plymouth today is a popular tourist town . The allegedly landing spot, Plymouth Rock, and the replica of the original wooden ship, Mayflower II, are some of the major historical attractions, but are also whale safari.

During the end of the 17th century a witch hunt ravish the colonial Massachusetts and particularly the small town of Salem. Due to what is best described as mass hysteria, about 150 women and men were accused of witchcraft. Twenty of those were convicted and hanged (they didn't burn witches in the U.S.), while another five died in prison. The woman, Ann Putnam, who is believed to have started the witch accusations, publicly announced years later that it was all just a "great delusion of Satan" and apologised for the harm done to the innocent victim's families. Allegedly, the affected families accepted her apology and were reconciled with her. Today, there is a witch museum in Salem in addition to a few other historical sights and fine merchant houses.

Crystal River at Kings Bay is one of the only places in the US where you can go snorkeling with manatees. During the winter months hundreds of manatees congregate here in the shallow water near Crystal River due to the warm water (it's constant 22 degree Celsius) caused by the many springs in the bay. As the manatees are protected you have to comply with the rules of not disturbing them and only snorkeling in designated areas. You can also see the manatees from above the water, either from one of the many boardwalks or from a boat or kayak, but the best way to get up close with these curious and gentle creatures is of course by snorkeling.

Saint Augustine, or just St. Augustine, was founded in 1565 by the Spanish and is the oldest (continuously occupied) city in the U.S.. Its impressive collection of Spanish colonial-era buildings, like the fort Castillo de San Marcos and the houses along St. George Street, as well as fine 19th-century architecture, like Flagler College and the Cathedral Basilica, make the city overly cute. But the people of St. Augustine know they have an exquisite city and don't mind showing it. Mini trains filled with tourists circle the historical part, while those with a bit more style are transported in a horse-drawn carriages. Parts of the historical neighbourhood along St George Street have of course been Disneyfied, but it has mainly been done with charm and taste. Many of the old buildings now house great restaurants and bars, and at night time the whole place is lit up like a (tasteful) Christmas tree.

Lake Tahoe is one of the most beautiful places in the continental United States. But the surrounding area has the same beauty, but a remoteness and quietness to it that makes it the perfect place to go. The mountains are dotted with beautiful mountain lakes, dramatic views, and great wildlife. The area has a big population of bald eagles, black bears, and coyotes. The best thing about camping in the Sierras is that you can camp for a month and not run in to another person.

Tallahassee is one of those capital cities, which exists only because two bigger cities couldn't agree on which one should be the capital. In Tallahassee's case it was St. Augustine and Pensacola, who couldn't agree. So today tiny Tallahassee is the state capital and has been it since 1824. When walking the streets, it can seem that every single person in Tallahassee either works in the government on Capitol Hill, or with it (lawyers, marketing people, hotel employees), or against it (lobbyists).

Unfortunately, Valdez is known to most people thanks to its oil spill in the 80's when the Exxon Valdez ran into a reef just outside the bay. The North American pipeline, which runs all the way through Alaska - North to South - ends in Valdez where the oil is transported further on ships.
There is a lot more to the Valdez area than oil, though. In the summer months, it is mainly a fishing town and a gateway for hiking and glacier tours. During winter, it is the base for snow adventure sports. 48 km (30 mi.) from Valdez is the Thompson pass, from where you can enter the Chugach mountains by helicopter, snowmobile or on foot for some of the most amazing snowboarding and skiing there is on the planet!

Wynwood, right north of downtown Miami, used to be an industrial area with warehouses and auto repair shops, but within the last few years it has been coloured up with murals. Not just random graffiti, but topnotch unique art pieces by local artists. They are so good, that they don't leave not much reason to visit the many real galleries that also have invaded Wynwood. When you first enter the area, you get excited by the sight of the first couple of murals, but as you venture deeper into Wynwood, they are popping up everywhere, until the point where they are pretty much on every wall. This is street at its finest.

One of the most spectacular wildernesses in North America, Yosemite is something that cannot be described sufficiently in words. The Yosemite Valley is amazing, filled with dramatic cliffs, black bears, stunning water, and unfortunately lots of people. Over 3 million people go to Yosemite every year so it is difficult to find it not crowded. If you want a more "wild experience", get a wilderness permit and head to camp in the backcountry. Little Yosemite Valley is just as impressive, without the people. Climbing Half Dome is well worth the climb, even if the last ascent up the cables is not for people afraid of heights. The view from the top makes everything worth it. Going up for sunrise or sunset will be less crowded, because the cables can get very busy midday.