The USA
The Land of the Free is a playground for travellers. This massive country is packed with bustling cities, epic road trips and pretty much every landscape you could imagine. From the bright lights of New York to the wild landscapes of the national parks, there's a whole lot to explore.
Read Our Backpacking GuideOur Must-Read Guides
Quick Facts
Handpicked Things to See and Do
25 BEST Hiking Trails in the USA 
Best National Parks in the USA 
15 Magnificent Hidden Gems in Chicago| MUST SEE 
The 10 BEST Things to Do in Las Vegas (TOP activities!) 
14 Most EPIC Sacramento Day Trips 
18 Unique Things to do in Atlantic City on ANY Budget The Top 20 BEST Places to Visit in the USA 
20 Magnificent Hidden Gems in New York City | MUST SEE USA Accommodation Guides
Editor's PickWhere to Stay in New York City (COOLEST Areas!)
Where to Stay in New York Backpacking New York on a budget is tough and digs don’t come cheap. But fear not,…
Editor's PickWhere to Stay in Las Vegas (COOLEST Areas!)
Las Vegas Neighborhood Guide – Places to Stay in Las Vegas Las Vegas is the entertainment capital of the world. The largest…
Editor's PickWhere to Stay in Miami – The Best Places to Stay and Areas to Visit
Top Accommodation Picks in Miami Miami’s Five Best Neighborhoods to Stay In I lived in Miami for five years, and was really…
Editor's PickWhere to Stay in Rocky Mountain National Park (COOLEST Areas!)
Where to Stay in Rocky Mountain National Park? The road networks surrounding Rocky Mountain National Park are easy enough to get around,…
Editor's PickWhere to Stay in Montana (COOLEST Areas!)
Where to Stay in Montana Not looking for anywhere specific? These are our top recommendations for places to stay in Montana. Grand…
Editor's PickWhere to Stay in Nashville (Best Places)
Where Is the Best Place to Stay in Nashville? Are you visiting Nashville? Looking for a specific place to stay? These are…
Know Before You Go
The no-BS planning guides, prep tips, and field-tested picks we use on the road.
Know Before You Go
Book It
Hostel
The one we actually use to lock in dorm beds across the USA.
Hotels
Treat yourself to your own room once in a while.
eSim
Data the second you land – no SIM hunt at the airport.
Travel Insurance
The cover we trust on every trip – built for backpackers, actually affordable.
Tours
Even on a budget, some experiences are worth paying for.
Transport
Book your trains, planes, buses and ferries across the USA.
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USA Travel FAQs
How long do you need to backpack the USA?
The USA is enormous, so how long you need really depends on what you want to see. Two to three weeks is enough to explore one region, while a month or more gives you time for a proper road trip or to combine several destinations without constantly rushing between them.
Is the USA expensive to backpack?
It can be, particularly when it comes to accommodation, eating out and getting around. Hostels, camping, cooking your own meals and travelling by bus can help keep costs down, while road trips can be surprisingly affordable when you split the costs with other travellers.
Do you need a car to travel around the USA?
Not necessarily, but having your own wheels makes a huge difference if you want to explore national parks, smaller towns or more remote areas. Public transport works well in many major cities, while buses, trains and flights can cover longer distances.
Do you need a visa to visit the USA?
That depends on your nationality. Many travellers can visit for short stays through the Visa Waiver Program using an approved ESTA, while others need to apply for a visa before travelling. Entry requirements can change, so check the latest rules for your nationality before you go.