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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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AFFILIATE PROMOTION

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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.

Discover

Where we’ve been in the U.S.: Real places we’ve personally visited, photographed, and written about.

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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From Tahiti: Tetiaroa Island Tour by Sailing Catamaran

Discover Tetiaroa on one of Polynesia's largest and fastest maxi-catamarans, with a qualified guide as they take you on a walk of the island.

Humpback whale breaching out of the ocean with water splashing against a clear blue sea and sky

Ma'alaea Harbor: Whale Watching Tour

Witness majestic whales in their natural habitat during whale season (Dec - Apr) as they breach, slap their fins, and glide through the water.

Antelope Canyon sandstone slot canyon with swirling red rock walls framing a bright blue sky.

Lower Antelope Canyon Entry and Navajo Guided Tour

Reserve your entry ticket to the Lower Antelope Canyon and enrich your visit with a guided walking tour through this scenic slot canyon.

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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.

TOURS

Discover Experiences Worth Doing

We book guided tours, activities, and local experiences through trusted platforms that make exploring easier and more rewarding.

HOTELS

Find the Right Place to Stay

From short stays to longer slow-travel bases, these platforms help us find accommodation that fits our style, budget, and location needs.

TRANSPORT

Book Transport With Confidence

Compare trains, buses, ferries, and flights in one place. We use these tools to plan routes, check prices, and get around smoothly.

INSURANCE

Protect Your Journey

Unexpected things happen on the road. We rely on flexible travel insurance that covers health, delays, and long-term travel realities.

CONNECTIVITY

Stay Connected Wherever You Go

Reliable internet matters when you travel full-time. These eSIM and connectivity tools keep us online without local SIM hassles.

MONEY & TOOLS

Manage Money on the Road

From spending abroad to saving on fees, these tools help us manage finances securely while traveling across countries.

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!

GigSky eSIM: World Mobile Data

International eSIM Data Plans. Local Prices. No Roaming. Fastest Networks. Available in over 200 countries, with GigSky you’ll have cellular data the moment you arrive.


Save 10% on your first order with code CLOSERLIVES10

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions we get asked about the United States

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North America

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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!

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Our Engagement Story

Discover Aphrodite’s Rock, the legendary birthplace of the goddess of love, and our engagement spot! Find out more about our story, how it all happened, and all you need to know about visiting this incredible location (and also Leon's ancestral homeland).

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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.


If you enjoy thoughtful travel guides, real experiences, and creative storytelling, you’re in the right place. You can also explore our Travel & Lifestyle Emporium, featuring inspirational travel pieces designed by us and shipped worldwide.

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