If you’re travelling from afar to the States, it’s worth trying to see as much of America while you can. Paying for airfare to see it again once you finish your studies will be expensive; so make the most of being close while you are. But where should you go?
Here are 5 areas which should be circled on your map already....
New York City, New York
“Bright lights, big city” is certainly a phrase that can be used to describe New York City. Home to such world-famous sites like the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, Fifth Avenue, Broadway and many more, NYC really is the city that never sleeps – there’s so much to see and do! Standing in the middle of Times Square, surrounded by all the electronic billboards, you’ll definitely feel like you’re at the centre of the world. New York City boasts some very cool restaurants & bars, as well as some of the most lavish shops in the world if you have some cash to burn on a hot new outfit. You’ll also recognise many locations from your favourite films and TV shows at every turn. Explore by foot, take a bus tour of the city’s famous sights or ride the subway to see it all. You’ll certainly come away saying, ‘I heart NYC’.
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans has the motto, ‘Laissez les bons temps rouler’ which translates to ‘Let the good times roll’, which suits this party city perfectly. New Orleans (or ‘Nawlins’ as the locals pronounce it) has a rich history of jazz and blues music which they’re still proud of today – you won’t go 10 minutes without hearing even the faintest horn, trumpet or saxophone from one of the street bands or buskers. Spring’s Mardi Gras is the biggest of many carnival celebrations which take place throughout the year, with parades and floats proceeding through the city’s French Quarter. And then there’s the food....you’ll definitely put on a few pounds after gorging on Creole and Cajun specialities such as Jambalaya and Po Boy sandwiches.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Located in the Nevada desert, Las Vegas has a reputation as a place where dreams are both made and lost. You’ll probably be most familiar with Vegas from films like The Hangover or What Happens in Vegas. While you can certainly get up to some mischief in Las Vegas, you can still do a lot in Vegas without partying. Vegas has a certain kitsch value though it also features some of the most luxurious hotels in the world, as well as hosting the biggest boxing and MMA fights in the sporting calendar as well as concerts from the biggest music acts in the world. And who knows? You might win big in one of the hundreds of casinos on the famous Vegas Strip.
Boston, Massachusetts
The state of Massachusetts is home to some of America’s elite institutions such as Harvard and MIT. Whether you’re studying at these institutions or not, you can still take in the architecture of the buildings. The capital is Boston, one of the oldest cities in the entire country for all you history fans. In fact Boston has witnessed some key moments in America’s history, especially those relating to the American Revolution; so you should definitely take one of the many historical tours of the city while you’re here to learn more about the country’s origins. Boston has a prominent Irish-American community, stretching back to the city’s original immigrants. Go to a traditional Irish pub, drink a pint of Guinness and enjoy a traditional Irish folk ballad.
Washington, D.C.
Washington D.C. is the capital of the United States and the heart of American politics, which consequently has a huge effect on world politics too. Famous sights which you should visit include the White House (obviously), the Library of Congress, the Lincoln Memorial and Reflecting Pools and Vietnam Memorial, all of which are symbols of various key moments in American history. If you have any interest in politics or world affairs whatsoever, Washington should definitely be in your sights – you’ll be inspired to become a part of the process which facilitates real change. And if you’re looking for a little more culture, you have the Smithsonian museums and John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts too.
Want to visit these locations? Start planning your study abroad in America.
Read more:
‘The US higher education system... simplified’
‘Applying for a US student visa’
‘Student accommodation in the USA’
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