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10th Jan 2017

The American bucket list: 10 places you need to see at least once in your life

Will you be ticking any of these off your travel list in 2017?

Alice Murray

Brought to you by American Holidays. 

God bless America.

No seriously! I am far from American but even I have to say that if you’re looking for adventure, culture and variety then it is a great country to travel to.

Because of its size America has a little bit of everything. From the bustling streets of Manhattan to the stillness of the Arizona dessert and from icy Whistler to sunny Texas there’s something for everyone.

Here is our list of the top ten things you need to do in the US at least once…maybe even twice.

Climb the Empire State Building, New York

Say hello to New York, New York one of the most exciting cities in the world. While you’re there you have to stop off at the Empire State Building. You’ll get an amazing view of the whole of Manhattan from 102 floors up. We recommend booking online, going early in the morning or late at night (it’s open to 2 am).

Dance at the Bellagio Fountains, Las Vegas

Viva Las Vegas! Take in a spectacular show of music, water and light at the Bellagio Fountains in Nevada. The show takes place every 30 minutes and is completely free. It’s never the same show twice so you won’t get bored either. Why not book a restaurant at the Bellagio where you will have the best views?

Get shivers at Alcatraz, San Francisco

Catch a ferry ride from Fisherman’s Wharf over to Alcatraz Island and go back in history with an audio walking tour. This old federal penitentiary is now one of the most sought after attractions in the US. Be sure to book well in advance as Alcatraz regularly sells out.

Cruise the Coastal Drive, California

Rent a convertible car and drive the 1,000 km Coastal Drive in California. Expect amazing sea views, gorgeous villages, untouched forests and sunny wine districts. We advise driving from San Francisco South so you can get the best views.

Visit Walt Disney World, Florida

Relive your childhood dreams and visit the Magic Kingdom. Walt Disney World Florida has six fantastic Disney Parks, two exciting night-time entertainment districts, state of the art sports complex and countless opportunities for dining, shopping, recreation and relaxation- all in an area the size of Manhattan. It has everything you could possibly want!

Stroll down Hollywood Boulevard, LA

Pretend you’re a celeb for the day and take a stroll down Hollywood Boulevard. The 15 block stretch is lined with 2,500 brass stars. Make sure you get a photo with your favourite one.

Wonder at Niagra Falls, New York/Ontario

If you are looking for some breath-taking views then make sure you visit Niagra Falls, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. We recommend booking a tour like ‘Journey Behind the Falls’ or ‘Maid of the Mist’ where you will get up close to the action. Make sure you bring a raincoat!

Explore a national park

In 2016 the USA celebrated their centennial year of the National Parks. Choose from Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Yellow Stone, Everglades, Death Valley National Park and more. It’s a great way to see some nature and get active.

Take photos of fall in New England

And when we say fall we mean autumn okay? New England is one of the most picturesque areas in America. With its gorgeous architecture and quaint towns, it’s not hard to see why it attracts so many tourists each year. The best time to go is mid to late September as it gets very busy early October.

Listen to tunes in Nashville

If you want a real taste of America then you have to visit Nashville. It’s a great city with lots of fantastic restaurants, bars and of course music venues. While you’re there make sure you visit Sun Studios or ‘The birthplace of rock and roll’ as it is called. You can also take a short bus ride to Graceland, Elvis’ home which is now a museum.

This article is brought to you by American Holidays.

American Holidays’ January sale is now on so you can get that holiday of a lifetime at an unbeatable price. 

With special offers that include San Francisco, Santa Monica and Las Vegas from €1275pp including flights, taxes and accommodation or Toronto and Niagara Falls Experience from €889pp including flights, taxes, accommodation and hop on/off tour in Toronto and Niagara. There really is no better time to book that trip. For more information, check out the January offers on their website or call (01) 960 9430.