The sheer size of the US prevents any kind of all-encompassing statement about the typical American experience. From the state-of-the-art skyscrapers of New York City to the scenic country lanes of New England, the United States of America is a place of astonishing beauty and extraordinary diversity. Nothing can remotely prepare you for your first glimpse of the glorious Golden Gate Bridge, the glistening Empire State building, the neon lights of Las Vegas, or the iconic Statue of Liberty. Not to mention the natural treasures on offer - the country’s beautiful national parks are home to some of the world’s most treasured wildlife and landscapes; the west and east coasts are strewn with spectacular beaches, and the Rockies provide endless opportunities for outdoor adventures. In fact, it is a country of such epic proportions that you could easily spend a lifetime in the US and still feel like you have barely scratched the surface.
Tumbling down steep hills towards a glittering bay, San Francisco's famous cable cars rattle past colourful Victorian houses, bustling neighbourhoods and streets that seem to climb straight into the sky. The Golden Gate Bridge commands the entrance to the bay, often shrouded in drifting fog, while Alcatraz, the notorious former island prison, looms offshore with a darker story to tell. The city is equally renowned for its food, art and cultural diversity, from world-class restaurants and inventive galleries to the lively streets of Chinatown, where bakeries, markets and traditional shops invite a closer look. Down at Fisherman’s Wharf, the waterfront buzzes with seafood stalls, street performers and boats heading out across the harbour. Take to the water for sweeping views of the skyline and Golden Gate Bridge, or venture to Alcatraz for a glimpse of the island’s unsettling past.
Set on the island of Maui, which lies within the Hawaii Archipelago, the resort community of Wailea dots the southwestern shores of the island. It is well known for its endless beaches fringed by luxurious resorts. It boasts no less than five beautiful, crescent-shaped beaches, numerous award-winning golf courses and stunning ocean views from every angle. There are a variety of activities to enjoy such as snorkelling and diving through an underwater wonderland; relaxing on Wailea Beach, named ‘America’s Best Beach’ in 1999; and playing a round of golf on the Wailea Blue, Wailea Gold and Wailea Emerald courses. Other beaches to visit include: Ulua Beach Park, where visitors can soak up the spectacular sunset views and Polo Beach, an excellent swimming and snorkelling beach.
Beverly Hills is an extremely upmarket enclaved city in Southern California, surrounded by the greater metropolitan area of Los Angeles. Known as ‘The Playground of the Stars’ due to its unparalleled high-end shopping on the famed Rodeo Drive ‘Walk of Style’ and the slew of uber-luxurious mansions dotting the hillsides home to a collection of A-list residents. Popular tourist attractions include the Beverly Hills Gardens, an extensive public park offering walking trails, public art, and the famous Beverly Hills sign; the Spanish colonial style Beverly Hills Civic Center; and the iconic Beverly Wilshire Hotel. With its streets lined with exclusive boutiques and world-renowned restaurants, Beverly Hills is the ultimate destination for those eager to star-gaze and get in on the exceptionally glamourous celebrity lifestyle of Hollywood’s elite.
