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The United States is so many things to so many people. For self-drivers and independent travellers, the important thing to remember is that it is BIG. Distances are enormous. If you're planning the classic US road trip, plan with care and check distances carefully in advance. It certainly pays to plan one or several regions to cover. Plan to drive the old Route 66 from LA to Vegas across the Nevada desert, maybe taking in the Grand Canyon. We can help with a Ford Mustang Convertible for this trip.

 

Make sure you check the visa requirements for the US carefully, and don't try to fit too much in your itinerary. The great American cities of New York, LA, San Francisco and Boston all deserve at least a week. Make sure you get out of the cities, and into the great outdoors. The characters you'll meet when off the beaten track are what memories are made of, and you haven't been to the States unless you've tried the great regional dishes which are best in rural areas.

 

 

Driving in the US
Each US state has slightly different driving regulations, so ask at the pickup depot when you collect your great US car rental about any quirks in local driving laws. Generally, driving is on the right hand side of the road. All states require the driver and front seat passenger to wear seatbelts, and most require back seat passengers to wear seat belts as well. Children must always be using an appropriate child restraint.

 

The US has an extensive system of national and state highways. Some major highwas are toll roads, also called turnpikes, but most highways are free. Many bridges in major cities also carry a toll, so check with our car rental supplier on pickup whether they have an electronic device or how tolls must be paid. Not all have traditional toll booths taking cash.

 

USA shares a border with Canada in the north and Mexico in the south.

 

Food in The USA
The US is big. The population is diverse. Typically 'American' food vary widely, from country to city dwellers, north to south and east to west. There are strong Mexican influences in states like California, but foods from numerous countries throughout south and central America have influenced food in the southern-most US states.

 

In Alaska these days, effective transportation means Alaskans eat everything. However, there are still regional favourites. Wild Alaskan berries have a flavour that's hard to beat. Cold water seafood such as Atlantic salmon, halibut and the Alaskan King Crab come from clean, clear water making their flavour hard to beat. Alaskan's fondness for hunting big game mean that moose, caribou, elk, reindeer and bear form the main protein for some people in rural and remote areas, and are also popular in Alaskan cities.

 

In the southern states, there are many influences which can be traced to popular dishes of today, including Scottish, English, French, African, and Native American tribes. The popular tradition of deep-pit BBQing came from local indigenous tribes. Cajun and Creole cuisines are influenced by both French and Spanish traditions. Today there are many chain restaurants to be found throughout the US, which cash in on the 'southern' traditions. Popular dishes are often based on corn or maize, though rice and beans are also important staples. Pit BBQs are ever-present, though BBQ sauces can vary wildly across different regions. In Louisiana, crawfish (aka crayfish) are popular, whereas Texans love steak and prairie oysters (don't try them unless you know what they are first!) Oklahoma is the home of the popular breakfast dish, 'biscuit and gravy.' For those outside north America, a biscuit is something akin to a savoury scone. Tennessee is known for hams, and Florida is famous for key lime pies. Fried chicken, okra stew, gumbos, hominy grits, cornbread, mustard greens, mint juleps, catfish, fried green tomatoes and pork 'n' beans are all dishes or ingredients to look out for when travelling in southern states.

 

Other cities and states have their local favourites. Many visitors have eating a New York hot dog or reuben sandwich from a New York deli on their must-do list. The Chinese food of San Francisco's China-town is pretty special, and many spend time in California's Napa Valley, soaking up the food and wines on offer. Have genuine maple syrup on your pancakes in Vermont, go to a clam bake in Rhode Island, eat tropical fruit in Hawai and drink down some Tennessee whiskey. Make a list. You still won't be able to fit it all in, due to those legendary American portion sizes!

 

The Arts
Plenty of people go to Europe for the great museums and galleries, and the cathedrals stuffed with precious works of Art. Visitors to London see a play in the West End, visitors to Austria often visit a music hall and those to Russia try to see a ballet. Don't overlook the arts in the US! There are plenty of world class arts attractions throughout the US, and at least a month's worth in New York City alone. Think of NYC's Broadway, the Met or the Guggenheim. Consider the famous Boston and Philadelphia orchestras, or the San Fancisco and Houston ballet companies. Then there is the incredibly diverse and vibrant music scene, ranging from Jazz to more contemporary styles. Check local live gig listings in the cities you're visiting.

 

We have 533 pick up locations in the United States. Please select your car rental pick up location from our booking engine or by clicking on the 'Book Now' link above.

 

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