

United States: Road Trips, Coastal Cities & Culture Coast to Coast
Your Guide to the Land of the Free
The United States has been one of the most wide-ranging parts of our travels. We have explored the country through long road trips, major cities, small towns, and coastal routes, moving from iconic hubs to quieter local communities. From historic sites and national landmarks to everyday life on the road, this page brings together our firsthand experiences, destination highlights, and practical insights from traveling extensively across the US.
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Highlights from Our Journey
A visual snapshot of the places, culture, and experiences that shaped our travels across the U.S.


Top Activities in the U.S., Worth Booking Ahead
Some experiences in America are better booked in advance, especially iconic sites like the Grand Canyon and Ma'alea Harbor. These are a few trusted tours we’d personally recommend.
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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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Blogs & Guides
Thoughtful travel stories, practical guides, and real experiences from the road.
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.
Travel Resources
We rely on a set of trusted tools for transport, connectivity, insurance, and bookings while traveling full-time and living location-independent.
Over our many years of full-time travel, we've booked countless accommodations, flights, and activities while also navigating the world of earning online.
These are the tools we rely on to plan and book our adventures, and now, you can too!
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North America
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As entrepreneurs and full-time slow travellers our goal is to see as much of this beautiful planet as we can!
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Country Guides
Essential travel tips, practical planning, and real experiences from the road.
Check out other comprehensive country guides from North America with all you need to know before you go, including our latest posts, must-see places, fascinating facts, and key information about health & safety, transport, local customs, cuisine, connectivity, visa information, useful links, and much more!

Jenn & Leon at Closer Lives
Closer Lives was created to bring people, places, and stories closer together. Through travel, culture, history, poetry, and personal experience, we share the moments that shape how we see the world, and ourselves.
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