The US is home to some of the world’s most iconic cities. City breaks offer golden opportunities to enjoy and embrace fast-paced urban adventures, but often, it’s a mission to check everything off your to-do list. If you’re planning to visit cities in the US in the future, here’s a guide to help you make the most of every break.
Key Takeaways
- City breaks are often hectic and rushed because you try to cover a large area in a short space of time
- Try to group places in the same area to minimise travel time and research the best ways to get from A to B
- If you’re keen to make the most of your next trip and get to know your chosen destination better, undertake thorough research, stay as long as possible and plan your itinerary to save time, energy and money
Research, Research, Research
Research is hugely beneficial when planning a city break. If you have a long list of things to see and do, it’s wise to find out more about sights and attractions, create an essential shortlist and make sure you’re aware of ticket prices, opening hours and last entry times. It’s a great idea to read travel blogs and guidebooks, but the best information often comes from locals and fellow travellers. Read reviews, get advice from local people and use a variety of resources.
Stay As Long As Possible
City breaks are short by nature, but you only really get a glimpse of a place in a couple of days. If you can, stay longer. Take the opportunity to live like a local and scratch beneath the surface to find out more about the culture and immerse yourself in the inner workings of urban life.
It’s brilliant to pack in museums and landmarks, but if you have the chance, stay a week, a month or longer and really get to grips with the identity of the city and what makes it and its residents unique. Rent out a room or get an apartment in New York City, stay in a beach house in LA or explore flexible accommodation options like Whyle apartments in Washington DC.
The longer you have, the better you’ll get to know different neighbourhoods and the more you’ll be able to see and do. Renting an apartment or doing a flatshare often works out cheaper than staying in a hotel for a long period.
Save Time by Itinerary Planning
City breaks are often hectic and rushed because you try to cover a large area in a short space of time. Some smaller cities are walkable, but if you’re going to a big city, like New York, San Francisco or Chicago, you may need to rely on the subway, local trains or trams, buses and taxis.
Planning an itinerary is a brilliant idea because it saves you time on travel and ensures you don’t miss sights or activities you’re desperate to see or do. Try to group places in the same area to minimise travel time and research the best ways to get from A to B. Using public transport may be faster than getting a cab in some cases if there’s heavy traffic, for example.
Final Word
The US is one of the best countries to enjoy a city break, but there’s so much to see and discover, which makes it difficult to explore properly in a short period. If you’re keen to make the most of your next trip and get to know your chosen destination better, undertake thorough research, stay as long as possible and plan your itinerary to save time, energy and money.
