

United States: Road Trips, Coastal Cities & Culture Coast to Coast
Your Guide to the Land of the Free
The United States is a vast and diverse country, offering something for every type of traveler—from buzzing cities and charming small towns to coastlines, forests, deserts, and everything in between. Whether you're drawn to cultural icons like New York and Washington DC, road trips through rural America, or beach breaks in Florida, the USA delivers unforgettable experiences year-round. We've personally explored the East side of the States over multiple visits, including a snowy three-month stay in Holland, Michigan, followed by a scenic winter road trip through Indiana, Kentucky, and Georgia, ending with sun-soaked days in Florida. From standing on Ocean Drive in Miami to stepping inside the world’s first KFC in Corbin, Kentucky, our journey through the U.S. has been filled with quirky stops, historical sights, and stories worth sharing.
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Interesting Facts
Here Are 15 Interesting Facts about the United States. Some May Just Surprise You!
1. It’s Home to the World’s Largest Economy: The U.S. has the highest GDP in the world, driven by diverse industries from tech and finance to entertainment and agriculture.
2. There’s No Official Language at the Federal Level: While English is the most widely spoken, the U.S. has no declared national language, though many states have their own.
3. The U.S. has 63 National Parks: From Yellowstone (the first national park in the world) to the Grand Canyon, the U.S. offers stunning natural wonders across all corners of the country.
4. Alaska Is Bigger Than the Next Three States Combined: Alaska is so massive that it’s larger than Texas, California, and Montana put together.
5. It’s One of the Most Culturally Diverse Countries on Earth: Over 350 languages are spoken in U.S. homes, and more than 40 million people were born in another country.
6. Americans Eat Over 3 Billion Pizzas a Year: That’s about 100 acres of pizza every single day. New York and Chicago have arguably the most famous styles.
7. The U.S. Eats Over 50 Billion Hamburgers a Year: That’s more than three burgers per person per week! Hamburgers are a national obsession, with countless regional variations and fast food chains.
8. It has the Longest River System in North America: The Mississippi-Missouri River system runs over 2,300 miles from Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico.
9. The U.S. Flag Has Been Changed 27 Times: The current 50-star version became official in 1960 after Hawaii joined as the 50th state.
10. You Can Visit Four States at Once: In the “Four Corners” region, you can stand where Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico meet — a geographic novelty.
11. Driving Is Practically a Way of Life: With over 4 million miles of public roads, the U.S. has a deep car culture, and some of the longest road trips on Earth.
12. It’s the Birthplace of the Internet: The ARPANET, a precursor to the modern internet, was developed in the U.S. in the late 1960s.
13. It’s Home to the World’s Busiest Airport: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has topped passenger traffic globally for many years.
14. The U.S. Buys More Ice Cream Than Any Other Country: Americans consume roughly 20 liters of ice cream per person per year, with vanilla being the top flavor.
15. It Has a Town Named "Boring": Located in Oregon, Boring has a sister city in Scotland called "Dull" — and they hold an annual "Boring & Dull Day" to celebrate.
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Travel Essentials
Travel Information for the United States: Practical Tips & Essentials
General Information About the U.S.
POPULATION
The U.S. has a population of approximately 335 million people, making it the third most populous country in the world.
CURRENCY
U.S. Dollar (USD) – $
Cash is still used, but credit and debit cards are widely accepted, even for small purchases. is customary — typically 15–20%
CAPITAL
Washington D.C. (714,000). It’s the seat of the federal government and home to national monuments, museums, and the White House.
TIME ZONES
The U.S. spans four time zones: Eastern (UTC -5), Central (UTC -6), Mountain (UTC -7) & Pacific (UTC -8). Alaska and Hawaii have their own time zones. Daylight Saving Time is observed in most states from March to November.
SPEED / DISTANCES
Miles per hour (mph). Fuel is sold in gallons.
Speed limits vary:
Urban Areas: 25–35 mph
Rural Roads: 45–55 mph
Highways: 65–75 mph
Some western states: Up to 80 mph in rural zones
DRIVING
Right-hand side of the road; state-issued driver’s license required for residents. You’ll need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if your license isn’t in English — check your rental company’s rules in advance.
ALCOHOL AGE
The legal drinking age is 21 nationwide. Enforcement is strict, especially in bars, clubs, and retail stores. Only government-issued photo ID (like a passport or driver’s license) will be accepted
SMOKING AGE
The minimum age to buy tobacco products is 21 nationwide as of 2020. Smoking is banned in most indoor public spaces and on public transportation. Many states charge high tobacco taxes.
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Most Frequently Asked Questions about the United States
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