From cosmopolitan cities to preserved culture, there is an abundance to see and do in one of the world's greatest nations. A melting pot with some of the world's friendliest people, one will find a piece of home while traveling in the USA. From its beaches to snowy mountains, the USA is not just for those to live their American dream, but to enjoy a one-of-a-kind vacation.

America offers visa exemption to 37 countries like Japan, Spain, and Great Britain and visitors can stay up to 90 days. Policy differs from one country to another. Hence, prior to planning your visa, check for your specific status and requirements. Except for Canada and Mexico, visitors enter the US via one of its many international airports catering to different direct flights. The shortest is a direct flight from Canada while flights from Lisbon and London to Boston or New York can take less than seven hours.

Things to do in the US

From the east coast to the tropical islands of Hawaii, there is always an activity for each type of visitor. Looking for urban retreats? Love the snow or the beach? Here are some of the top things to do in America:

Explore Our National Parks - America is one of the largest nations in the world and majority of its states are occupied by its various national parks and state parks.  National parks in the US are beyond epic, not just of their sizes but the number of outdoor activities and modern facilities present. Top national parks are Yellowstone, Zion, the Grand Tetons, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Grand Canyon, Mount Ranier, the Everglades, and the Great Smoky Mountains.

Be Adventurous and Visit Theme Parks for all Ages - The US is a family-friendly destination and home to many theme parks, some the first of its kind in the world. The place to go is Orlando, the “ Theme Park Capital of the World”, but those outside Orlando can find the nearest theme and amusement parks to provide an adrenaline rush.  Looking for coasters, try Cedar Point and King's Island in Ohio.  Branson, MO and Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge, TN are known for theme parks and an abundance of family-friendly attractions.  Or, try Six Flags Magic Mountain for 18 coasters near LA, Busch Gardens in Tampa, or make a splash in the Wisconsin Dells, the Waterpark Capital of the World.

City Breaks and Urban Retreats - Enjoy a quick weekend trip and see the greatness of America in major cities like Seattle, Chicago, Dallas, Atlanta, and New York. Enjoy cosmopolitan gastronomy, faulous shopping, and engaging historic sites while taking in all the incredible city lights, entertainment, and unique sightseeing each city offers.  Whether it is a special celebratory getaway like a birthday, anniversary or graduation gift, a girls weekend, or a romantic redezvous, TravNow can help you find the perfect destination, hotel and top things to do.  Be sure to check out TravNow's blogs and city pages for more detailed information.

Hit the Beach - The US has a total of more than 13,000 miles of coastline and with this, a plethora of beaches to enjoy a beach party or secret beaches to take a break after a scenic coastal drive. Top destinations for beaches are Florida, South Carolina, Texas, the Cape Cod area, and of course, Hawaii.

Be Charmed by the Southern States - See for yourself the charming southern states of America and savor southern food, explore plantation estates, and discover distinct southern hospitality. Enjoy some jazz or spend a day or two at the bayou.  Check out Charleston, Hilton Head, Savannah, Cumberland Island, St. Augustine, or maybe New Orleans.  TravNow is here to help you with all your vacation needs!

Discover Colossal Structures - They say “ everything is big in America” and supporting this claim are its huge landmarks and attractions. There is New York’s Statue of Liberty, the impressive Mount Rushmore presidential sculptures. and of course the gigantic Redwoods of northern California.  No trip to the US is ever complete without making a stop to view the panoramic and breath-taking Grand Canyon.  It's a must see!

Trace America's History - The US may be one of the youngest nations in the world, but it is filled with historic sites. Even major cities have their own historic district. If you like to retrace the birth of America and its journey, visit Philadelphia or visit sites like the Battle of Gettysburg, Martin Luther King Historic Site or the JFK Assassination Site. Visit charming towns like Charleston, South Carolina and Savannah, Georgia.

Top Local Destinations in the US

With 50 states to choose from and different activities that beckon every traveler from adventure lovers to honeymooners, it can be tough to decide which destintions to visit. Here are some of TravNow's top recommendations.

New York - One of major cities, a first timer’s visit to the US will be incomplete without visiting New York City and taking in the large skyline. Tour the must-stops including the Empire State Building, One World Trade Center and Observatory, 9/11 Memorial and Museum, Central Park, Times Square, the Statue of Liberty, Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum, and the Rockefeller Center to name a few.  Plus take a walk through the streets of Manhattan, SoHo, Little Italy and Chinatown to experience the diverse neighborhoods.  In the evenings, cut loose at a Madison Square Garden event, visit top restaurants and experience fine New York City cuisine or take in one of the many top-notch Broadway shows.  

Orlando - For those on family vacations, Orlando is the place to go with its myriad of theme parks starting with the most popular ones like Disney World, Disney's Animal Kingdom, Universal Studios, SeaWorld, Wonderworks, and Epcot.  Given Orlando's central location in the state of Florida, consider taking side trips to nearby swamps for airboat rides, visit the Space Coast and see NASA's Kennedy Space Center, or take a trip to the beach.  Go west to Clearwater and enjoy the white sands on the gulf of Mexico or travel eastward to one of the fabulous beaches on the Atlantic Ocean!

Las Vegas - For adult fun, head to Las Vegas and enjoy great entertainment from casinos to live performances from the world’s most popular artists. Las Vegas Strip is a must-visit venue.  While in Vegas, visit the Freemont Street Experience, ride to the top of the Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas Hotel, enjoy a a stroll through larger hotels like Ceasar's Palace and The Venetian, enjoy the view with a ride on the High Roller ferris wheel at the Linq, see the Bellagio Fountains and Conservatory, and perhaps arrange a side trip via helicopter to the Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam. Don't miss a fine dining experience with delectable dishes made by top chefs like Gordon Ramsey, Michael Mina, Joel Robuchon, Emeril Lagasse, and Wolfgang Puck, to name a few.

Washington DC - Home to the nation’s capital, visit The National Mall, see the White House, Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, and Washington National Cathedral. Also check out Union Station, The Smithsonian Institution, National Gallery of Art, National Natural Museum of History and other historic landmarks.

Miami - Feel the Latin vibe, visit little Havana, enjoy its many pristine beaches, take a driving tour through the famous Art-Deco district, shop at the many upscale boutiques, or enjoy a day trip to Key West.  Miami is the ultimate destination to enjoy the sunshine!

California - Another destination to enjoy eternal sunshine is within the state is California.  Stretching nearly 800 miles in length, the diverse state offers beaches, mountains, steep cliffs, forests, deserts and several highly acclaimed wine regions. Visit the southern city of San Diego and see the famous San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld, Birch Aquarium and Balboa Park.  Or, plan a visit to Los Angeles to view the intriguing sights of Hollywood, beautiful Beverly Hills, and Malibu Beach, then spend a few days in nearby Anaheim at Disneyland.  If road-tripping is your interest, consider a panoramic drive along California's coastline to Big Sur, just 300 miles north of LA and 150 miles south of San Fran.  Prefer the laid-back atmosphere of picturesque country-sides and wine tasting?  Visit Santa Barbara in southern CA or get away to Napa-Sonoma-Russian River Valley outside of San Francisco. When visiting this city, go to the Wharf and piers, enjoy a boat ride and walking tour of Alcatraz, stroll the hilly streets, or hop on one of the historic cable cars.  To connect with nature, head north to explore the iconic National Redwood Park or travel east toward the California-Nevada border to visit Lake Tahoe.

Hawaii - A favorite destination to splurge with the family is Hawaii. Great beaches, stunning landscape, not to mention the surfing community and the native Polynesian culture, Hawaii has been a local’s favorite. Pick from any of the islands and enjoy America’s paradise.  Be sure to see Pearl Harbor, the USS Arizona Memorial, Kalalau Lookout, visit some of the top beaches and enjoy a Luau, a traditional Hawaiian party or feast accompanied by entertainment, music and hula.  

Where to Stay: Hotels in the US

For a country like the US, visitors can easily book from international brand of hotels including homegrown chains like Hilton, Hyatt, Choice, and Marriott hotels. From city center hotels in the US to charming countryside bed & breakfasts, visitors coming to the US can easily book from a luxury US hotel to affordable lodgings.

Give your their children the best vacation ever in Orlando, and stay at the Four Seasons Resort Orlando @ Walt Disney World Resort. It has a long list of amenities and facilities catering specifically for those with kids like a complimentary children’s program, youth pool and waterpark slide, lazy river, a supervised spaced called the 'Hideout' for games, TV, and kid-fun, babysitting services, and much more.  Adults will enjoy the variety of sports and fitness courts, an adult pool, full service dining, shopping, golf and of course, a spa.

Explore the southern states like Georgia and relax in a charming property like Stone Mountain Inn to have a taste of luxury plantation living. Built in 1963 and renovated in 2011, this 92-room inn offers modern amenities like lounge, video console, and pool. Located within Stone Mountain Park, play a round of golf, enjoy watersports, recreation such as hiking, biking or a segway tour, ride the train, play mini-golf, watch a 4-D movie, climb the mountain or take a scenic tram to the top.  Plus experience southern dining, shopping, and many more attractions right on site including the famous Lasershow that is created on the mountain's historic carving! 

Holiday Inn Express Inn & Suites is one of the trusted names for value-for-money accommodations and often includes a free breakfast and wi-fi with your stay.  For example, the inexpensive hotel in Cathedral City, CA enjoys close proximity to the city's primary shopping plaza and Cathedral City Marketplace.  Offering ample amenities, this Holiday Inn provides breakfast, a sparkling pool and fitness center . . . all, with an awesome mountain view!

No matter where you travel be it for business or a special family getaway, you are bound to discover unique hotels, panoramic scenery, a variety of shopping, eateries, and engaging attractions across the USA.  Book now. Save now. TravNow!