In a recent survey highlighted by Reader’s Digest, 85% of respondents said they intended to travel later in the year, mainly within or to the United States.
The most obvious destinations like New York, San Diego, San Francisco, New Orleans, Las Vegas, Los Angeles and Florida will always be popular with tourists and the majority of us will head to them as easy access and infrastructure have opened these US destinations to millions.
However, the biggest-name attractions, like the Disney World theme parks and Times Square, might be too bustling for your personal comfort. Or, you are a regular visitor and have already ticked off the must-see USA bucket list and many famous landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, Death Valley, the White House, Miami Beach, Key West and the national parks of Yosemite Falls, Grand Canyon, and Rocky Mountains.
The sheer volume of things to see is partly down to the huge size of United States of America, a whopping 9.8 million sq km compared to the EU’s 4.3 million sq km. This vast country is full of mountain ranges, scenic vistas, sandy beaches, notable landmarks, scenic drives and bustling historic cities.
It’s a fantastic place to visit for outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs and city break tourists. But you might want to consider checking out the following underrated travel destinations in the USA, so here are some alternative locations for your getaway.
Greenville, South Carolina
Naturally, if you are eager to include a city on your American itinerary, it could be due to the wealth of cosmopolitan attractions you have ready access to.
However, Greenville still has museums, a zoo, and a 32-acre park — all without attracting crowds as large as those in Asheville or Charleston.
Kansas City, Missouri
If you are besotted with American jazz music, Kansas City is an effortless tourist destination to recommend for a visit in the USA. The city boasts cultural attractions and landmarks like the Union Station and fountains, plus many live music venues.
As enthused in this CNN-published article, “KC boasts more than 40 venues where you can listen to live jazz, blues and other tunes and probably as many joints offering savoury, slow-smoked Kansas City barbecue.”
Savannah, Georgia
This small Southern town is resplendent in history, contributing to its romantic vibe. Some people have even claimed that Savannah is the United States’ most haunted city.
Especially recommendable parts of Savannah to visit include the open-air marketplace of City Market as well as the 30-acre Forsyth Park situated in the town’s Historic District.
White Sands National Park, New Mexico
Visiting this place could leave you feeling as though you have just walked into the world depicted in the recent Dune movie.
You can opt to hike across or sledge down sandy terrain at this national park. A visitor centre gift shop here lets you buy or rent plastic discs so you don’t need to remember to bring your toboggan.
Buffalo, New York
Historically, Buffalo was a boomtown until it slid into obscurity during the 20th century. However, the area has recently seen a gradual resurgence in popularity among tourists. If you want to see more than the Empire State Building, Central Park, Statue of Liberty, and take in a Broadway Show, then Buffalo is one best places to visit nearby.
Buffalo was once a bustling maritime port and entrance to the Great Lakes famed for it’s entertainment for the many sailors who passed through. If you are based in the UK, you can get the best P&O cruises to New York by booking online. This can be a great way to experience a historic trade route of the past and sample it’s unique history.
Matanuska Valley, Alaska
Fancy trying some ice climbing? Camping overnight on a glacier? Engaging in some cross-glacier dogsledding? Paddle boarding across a glacier lake?
It’s all possible at the natural wonder Matanuska Valley, where you can even see some furry Arctic beasts at the Musk Ox Farm. Here, you can also take in a history lesson about frontier-era gold miners.
Ka’ū District, Hawaii
Ka’ū is at the southern end of Hawaii’s Big Island and is likely where Polynesians first stepped ashore in the Pacific archipelago that is today the US state of Hawaii.
Those Polynesians made that visit more than a thousand years ago — but since then, Ka’ū has preserved much of its sumptuous natural beauty and beautiful beaches, ideal for nature lovers. Try a helicopter tour to see a unique view of the Hawaiian Island in the pacific ocean.
Channel Islands National Park, California
This park spans five islands, where only about 30,000 people set foot annually so really comes into the best underrated places to visit. You can catch a ferry from Ventura Harbour, and at the Channel Islands National Park can enjoy scuba diving, hiking trails, rock climbing, horseback riding, kayaking, mountain biking and backpacking in a tranquil environment.
So Much To See
The USA and its 50 states offer such diversity as a travel destination from beaches to mountains, historic landmarks and more. Why not go off the beaten track and discover your own favourite places to see. You can take a scenic drive and see what you discover, from eating fresh seafood on the pacific northwest, to a boat tour with deep sea fishing, there are endless outdoor activities.
The internet has opened up the World to all and this is the prime time to take advantage of all the travel destinations in the USA. To do it the most comfortable way, search and find a holiday home with cozycozy.
Whether you choose a classic fly-drive holiday, renting and RV, heading off on a cruise ship or seeing the nation on the back of a Harley Davidson, this nation will not disappoint you in any way.
