Hi,Im travelling to the USA and am just after some basic information on where are the best places to go as Im travelling all over the country and wanted to know what u all recommend!Ill be on my own so is there any places that I should avoid?Also are there any decent,cheap hotels to stay in around New York or Chicago?Id be really grateful if u could answer any of these questions or pass on any tips on saving money in the USA as well!!Thanks

Tennessee has something for just about everyone. The east has rolling hills and the Smoky Mountains, while the west is comprised mostly of flat farm land leading to the Mississippi River. Music fans flock to Memphis and Nashville, and outdoors lovers migrate towards Knoxville and the surrounding mountains for hiking and camping. There are plenty of lakes and streams for fishing, swimming or boating. Free public parks provide relaxing areas for resting and picnics, and there are inexpensive campsites throughout the state. There are even some hostels, but plenty of inexpensive hotels as well. Southern cooking has a reputation of its own, and there are plenty of lunch cafes where you can get a "meat & 3 (vegs/sides)" well under $10. Buffets are also plentiful during lunch and dinner; plus there are more expensive, fine dining restaurants in bigger cities.

Where to begin....

Definately all the highlights. New York, Chicago, Boston, Miami, New Orleans, Los Angeles, San Francisco. Don't forget San Diego, CA, Dallas & Austin, Texas, Denver, CO, Seattle, WA. Try to get to the Grand Canyon, maybe Lake Havasu Arizona (if you are a partier), Yosemite, New England, Cincinati. That should be enough for 3 weeks and then some! Hotels can be pricy, try to stay in Hostels (all the big cities have them), though they are not as big in the US as Europe. Motel 6 andis around 38-45 a night depending on your locatiion. Any other questions, more specific places to see, email me, I've been everywhere!

If you're in NY you can stay at a hostel called the Big Apple Hostel (http://www.bigapplehostel.com/) it's in a great location; 2mins from Times Square & pretty cheap
Just book in advance!

If you're only going to go to one city I would say go to San Francisco - it's the best city in the US IMO. New York is great as well.

All the big cities are great, but to really get the feel of "old country", or if you're looking for a stop that's a little laid-back, visit small towns. Colorado, where i live, is breathtaking. i live in a small town called Carbondale, near Aspen. the town lies at the base of a 14 footer and there are endless outdoor activites to explore. hiking, biking, kayaking, horseback riding, camping, just to name a few. the great thing about Carbondale is the slow paced lifestyle, though. so, if you're looking for an outdoor adventure, fantastically wonderful people, and a breath of pollution-free mountain air, let me know and i'll give you the scoop on Colorado.

-jazz-
jaspen_and_lola@hotmail.com

you must not miss nyc. it's fantastic!!! and you don't need to make any pics, just buy a new hollwood movies et voila, you've good plenty of "i know this place"s.
as for your hotel needs: i found it helpful to look for special rates at hotels instead of crawling long hostel lists, that sometimes include really "cheap" places. i recommend http://www.stay-in-ny.com where i found some good ones after l'ttle crawling (look for special rates)

I agree, New York is a must see. There is so much to do in that city that several weeks could easily be filled. It is an experience of its own.

That said, if your looking for a relaxing break its probably not the place to be!

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While all the cities mentioned are great recommendations, I suggest you add some sights that aren't urban and are completely different than from where you come. For example, visit any of the National Parks in the American Southwest (Arches, Zion, Bryce, etc) or in the West (Yosemite). Absolutely spectacular places.

American Southwest Photo Gallery

You can't find places like this anywhere in the world.

Have a great trip.

Regards, Bruce
www.brucegcollier.com

Avoid Detroit. Grew up there and it would be a horrendous town to be a tourist in. Unless you like driving.... a lot.

I stay here: http://www.heraldsquarehotel.com/ in New York before. In the Garment district, good central location, decent hotel! And the prices aren't that bad for New York!

Went to America on Trek America and some of the highlights included the following:
New York - top of anyone's list, i reckon
New Orleans - great party city, Bourbon St. is a definite must!
Austin, Texas - not the most likely place to check out but apparently, it's famous for its live music venues...
Monument Valley - if you can, get the jeep tour, you get to go deep into the site, seeing as the mesas and significant places in Navajo Indian history
Las Vegas, Grand Canyon- self explanatory, i think
Zion National Park - try the Angel's Landing hike, it is not as hard as it seems but well worth it for the spectacular view of the surrounding mountains.
have a great trip!

take a look at: http://www.WhoIsInTown.com
they have a thriving community of local or travelling americans you can connect with, some of them may even be willing to serve as your local guide
also check out the site's travel tips and resources page

good luck

kiatchan