New York City is defined by the unique personality of each of its neighbourhoods. With Contiki, you’ll get to know the three that have commanded the world’s attention, each of them wildly different. The urban shopping district of Soho is known for its well-preserved buildings and abundant art spaces, whilst Greenwich Village is a hubbub of diversity where the city's creative counterculture movement was manifested. Lastly, we’ll delve into the uber-hip neighbourhood of TriBeCa, with its cobblestone streets, trendy eats and opportunities for celeb-spotting. Having gotten to grips with the ‘real’ New York, you’ll go home feeling like a local.
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USA
INTRODUCTION TO THE USA
A tour of the USA will present you with a bustling cacophony of history, food and entertainment. Land of the free, home of the brave, and the bonafide adventure capital of the world: from the tallest mountains to the deepest lakes, this is the land where no two cities are the same. You can shred the powdery white slopes on one day and sunbathe next to iguanas in the Arizona desert on the next. If you’re looking for a life-changing adventure of truly epic proportions, you’ll find it in this awe-inspiring boundless wonderland. The opportunities for bucket-list ‘firsts’ are endless. Your first Coachella experience, your first taste of Californian Tacos, the pride you feel as you stand in front of the Grand Canyon, and the range of emotions arising from the fabulous (albeit a tad confusing) modern art you find in New York’s galaxies. It’s yours for the taking!
Teeming with cultural, historical and geographical diversity, America is the home of so many things we know and love; from BBQ, to blues, to beignets. Speaking of food, no other nation quite appreciates food as much as Americans do. Why not opt for a food safari tour of America, sampling the zesty Latin infusions of West Coast cuisine, the fresh seafood found in the East Coast bay fish markets, and all the cheesesteaks, crab stew and coal-oven pizza you come across in-between? If junk food doesn’t tickle your fancy (although you’d be a fool not to try California’s In-N-Out at least once), the States proudly boasts an assortment of smaller local eats where you can find just about anything, no matter whether you’re vegan, a meat-lover, or simply have an innate love for tacos. American food is worth travelling for.
A US road trip will see you take to two feet to explore New York’s edgy neighbourhoods, channel your inner celebrity as you peruse the delights of Los Angeles, live your best life on a boat party cruise in Miami, or reconnect with nature in a land simply inundated with breathtaking scenery, from the majesty of the Grand Canyon to the vast, lush expanse of Yosemite National Park. No matter what you’re seeking, a tour of America will change your perceptions and leave an impact long after you return home.
ABOUT CONTIKI
From quick breaks to epic journeys, Contiki exists to connect young travellers with the time of their lives.
See more about ContikiTHINGS TO DO IN THE USA
Explore the amazing sites and neighbourhoods of New York
Check out the seat of power with a tour of Washington DC’s top sights including the White House and the Washington Monument
You’ve dreamt about it, and now you’re finally here: Washington D.C, the country’s capital. This city is framed by the history that oozes out of every monument, museum and iconic site, and there’s only one way to see them all. We’ll oversee all of D.C’s top sights including the vast, iconic White House and its sprawling grounds - a building known throughout the world that is famously home to the US President. Selfies snapped, other sights will include the Washington Monument, an obelisk (basically a tall, thin pyramid) built to commemorate George Washington. We’ll leave feeling like we’ve all but conquered the city.
Experience the magnificent natural beauty of the Grand Canyon
There’s nothing more spiritually awakening than a pilgrimage to the pride of Arizona, aka The Grand Canyon. With our spirits sky-high, we’ll roll up at this immense geological red-rock formation to take in the scene and attempt to fathom the beauty of this timeless natural wonder, filling up our camera memories and pinching ourselves to double check we’re not dreaming. Once we’ve picked our jaws up off the floor, we’ll make our way to the vantage point for a panoramic view of the golden landscape - if we’re lucky, catching the majesty of the sunset over the Canyon. This is an experience you’ll never forget.
Live like a baller and explore Las Vegas’ famous nightlife with a night in the Party Bus
Imagine your wildest night in your hometown. That’s considered the equivalent of a quiet night in Vegas. Some may say it’s always a party in Sin City, but that won’t stop us from seeking out the optimal Vegas party experience. What better way to let loose on the city’s world-renowned nightlife than on a party bus with your travel buddies. Cruising past neon signs, towering sights and glistening casinos, we’ll pop champagne and dance the night away to our favourite tunes in the Nevada desert. Even the party animals of Las Vegas won’t know what’s hit them.
Explore the many attractions along the shore of San Francisco Bay
Here in San Fran, creativity is a high priority. It’s the city’s quirky charm that has attracted artists, musicians and freethinkers in the masses. Head to the Bay area for the alluring diversity and charisma that has set this Northern Californian city apart from the rest. Here, you’ll find some of Cali's finest wines, gaze upon colourful Victorian houses, dine on delectable trend-setting eats and even hop in one of San Fran’s distinctive cable cars. Watching the sun set over the Crimson Golden Gate Bridge with a stomach full of chowder in the company of your travel buddies makes for a perfect evening in our book…
Experience the many delights of Tinsel Town in Los Angeles
Welcome to LA, where glamour meets grit. There’s no better way to get to know this city than a full day packed with Hollywood glamour, Beverly Hills celeb-spotting and some serious beach action on the Californian Coast. Perhaps you’ll rent a bike and dodge fitness fanatics along the shore, take a scenic stroll down Santa Monica Boulevard, or even visit your fave movie stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame? Whether you’re after culture, surfing, architecture or Disney, one thing we can all agree on is a quick (or, y’know, leisurely) stop at a Mexican street food stall…
Commune with nature in Yosemite National Park
Framed by the Sierra Mountains, Yosemite National Park is a nature lovers paradise comprised of 1,200 square miles of pure, unfiltered natural beauty. Home to thousands of plant and wildlife species, this is the park to bring you face to face with the extraordinary wonders that nature has to offer. We’ll cool down in front of cascading waterfalls and crystal clear rivers, inhale the crisp, clean mountain air, traverse rocky terrains, pose for photos in the giant sequoia groves and feel at peace as we gaze over the vast wilderness. If we’re super lucky, we might even spot a bear…
Spend your evening like a celeb with a boat party cruise around Miami Harbour
Have you ever wondered what living your best life in the USA looks like? No? Let us paint you a picture. Dressed to the nines and with a belly food of mouth-watering Cuban sandwiches, you’ll live out your celebrity-inspired fantasies as you embark on a boat party cruise with your travel besties around the famed Miami Harbour. With your favourite tunes blasting and a cocktail in hand, you’ll show off your best dance moves as you cruise past high-rise buildings over crystal clear waters under the beaming Miami sun. It really doesn’t get any more epic than this.
Hit the slopes at Lake Tahoe
Straddling the border of California and Nevada is the breathtaking Lake Tahoe: the largest alpine lake in North America, and straight up travel porn if you’re a closeted water baby. Tranquil, serene, and shimmering with hues of blue and green, this is the lake that attracts all adventure seekers. In the colder months, surrounded by ski resorts nestled in the snowy mountains, Lake Tahoe transforms into a bonafide winter wonderland - the perfect backdrop for your slope-shredding adventure. Now, we’ll bet you didn’t think skiing would be on the list of activities on your tour of the West Coast…
Gaze on the iconic Joshua Trees in the Mojave Desert
Some journeys are meant to be savoured, like travelling through the desolate landscape of the Mojave Desert. This may be one of the driest deserts in North America, but it’s so much more than a vast patch of sand. This arid landscape is framed by stunning mountains and boasts hues of red and pink that exude an otherworldly atmosphere, making you feel like you just stepped onto Mars. The Mojave Desert is also home to the unique Joshua Trees, emblems of the Western USA wildlife. All this gorgeous scenery makes for a breathtaking backdrop to an artistic desert photoshoot, so better make sure your phone’s fully charged. You *won’t* be needing a filter…
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TOP 5 FESTIVALS IN THE USA
In between gorging on drool-worthy dinners, perusing informative galleries and just generally taking in the unparalleled beauty of America’s landscapes, you’ll want a chance to truly let loose alongside your travel squad. When it comes to festivals, the USA leads the way, and these are the 5 to prioritise…
Panorama, Randall’s Island Park, New York
Are you a fan of world’s most prestige artists? Do you food-porn worthy eats, such as poke bowls, tacos and freakshakes? Do you want to live out your own uber-cool musical NYC fantasy? Then panorama is the festival for you. Taking place slap bang in the East River, this event is not to be missed.
Rock in Rio USA, Las Vegas
This Las Vegas spin-off of the popular Rio de Janeiro festival is the party of the year (at least, it is if you’re into rock music.) This is the festival where the passionate street-party spirit of Rio meets the glitzy glamour of Sin City, all to the sweet sounds of the world’s finest rock stars.
Coachella, Empire Polo Club, California
A festival that has become the stuff of legend over the past few years, Coachella is the major music festival for the state of California. Bringing the Colorado Desert to life every April in a wave of colour, flower crowns, celebrity guests and all star performers, past headliners have including the Queen herself (Beyone), The Weeknd, Radiohead, Coldplay, Prince and Jay Z.
Ultra Music Festival, Bayfront Park, Miami
Surrounded by Miami’s towering silver buildings, Ultra festival explodes onto the scene every year as the city’s most anticipated house and techno event. Featuring the world’s most esteemed DJ’s, you truly haven’t partied until you’ve partied with the people of Miami. Time to don your best glitter paint, this is a party from dusk till dawn.
LA Food Fest, Los Angeles
The LA Food Fest is a cacophony of otherworldly food creations, some so ‘grammable they’re (almost) too pretty to eat, some trendy twists on your all-time fave comfort foods, and some just good ‘old examples of hearty LA cuisine you just won’t find anywhere else. The tagline ‘#stretchypants required’ is not to be taken lightly…
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TOP 5 MUSEUMS IN THE USA
You may think you know all there is to know about the USA, but the second you step off the plane you’ll realise you don’t even know what you don’t know (cor, that was a mouthful!) These 5 museums go far beyond basic trivia to ensure you’re in the know as you navigate this mighty nation.
Independence Hall, Philadelphia
As the building where the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution were both signed, you could say that this is the ‘official’ birthplace of the USA. This iconic building is now listed as a world heritage site, and merely standing in front of it will emulate the legacy of this epic country.
The Walt Disney Family Museum, San Francisco, California
The life, the legend and the legacy of Walt Disney, all under one roof – that’s the magic of the Disney Family Museum in San Francisco. Here, you can learn about the man himself, his inspirations, early life and genius innovations, and you can also check out the exhibitions that chart the creation of the Disney brand and beloved characters through the ages.
National Air and Space Museum, Washington DC
Got your head in the clouds? You’ll love the National Air and Space Museum. Gaining a deeper understanding of space travel, aerodynamics, and our place in the vast universe, you definitely won’t run out of fascinating things to see here. You might even be tempted to take up a new career in the clouds...
The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), New York
This is the museum to set off your creativity, with over 220,000 works of art housed in this exciting building. Here, you’ll be exposed to new artistic concepts and photography, as well as cutting-edge performance art that will have you utterly transfixed (even if you don’t quite ‘get it’).
American Prohibition Museum, Savannah
Can you imagine being denied your Friday night cocktails? Yeah, not fun. The American prohibition era was certainly a turbulent time, and you can learn all about it at Savannah’s prohibition museum, America’s first and only museum dedicated to all things prohibition. Bringing the roaring 20’s to life, you’ll dive right into the propaganda and drama that fuelled the anti-prohibition movement.
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FOOD IN THE USA
To travel is to eat, and nowhere on earth does that ring truer than in the USA. American food is so much more than burgers and fries (although American burgers do blow all competition out of the water.) On your journey to developing a truly American palette, these are 5 essential foods to get you started…
Coal-Oven Pizza
When you think of New York, you think of pizza. Distinctly different from European pizza, New York pizza is decadent and loaded with delicious toppings. John’s Pizzeria is no exception, serving up true New York style pizzas fresh from the coal oven. Want to sample while you see the sights? Opt for a single slice, rather than the whole shebang.
Best eaten at - John’s Pizzeria, 278 Bleecker Street, New York
Best eaten at - John’s Pizzeria, 278 Bleecker Street, New York
Cheesesteak
So you’ve heard of cheesecake, now get ready for cheesesteaks. Everyone’s 2 favourite things put together in a sandwich sounds almost too good to be true, right? Well just wait until you try a cheesesteak at Jim’s, the best Cheesesteak restaurant in Philly. This is where you come if you live by the motto ‘only the best will do.’
Best eaten at - Jim’s South Street, 400 South St., Philadelphia
Best eaten at - Jim’s South Street, 400 South St., Philadelphia
French dip sandwich
This historic deli specialises in American classics with a French twist. Namely, the famous ‘French dipped sandwich’ - roast meat in a french roll, dipped in the meat’s natural gravy and smothered (of course) in melted cheese. On the side, you can opt for potato salad, coleslaw or boiled eggs. Trust us, you’ll never taste anything like it.
Best eaten at - Philippe the Original, 1001 N Alameda St, Los Angeles
Best eaten at - Philippe the Original, 1001 N Alameda St, Los Angeles
Crab Stew
Serving up the very best of the South’s soul food, Narobia’s crab stew will not disappoint. Creamy, jam-packed with spices and infinitely heartwarming, you’ll feel like you’re eating in someone’s living room. If you’re someone who could never really get excited about seafood, let Narobia’s change your mind…
Best eaten at - Narobia’s Gravy and Grits, 2019 Habersham St., Savannah
Best eaten at - Narobia’s Gravy and Grits, 2019 Habersham St., Savannah
Blue Corn Tortillas
A prized speciality of Mesa Grill, a decadent casino restaurant in Las Vegas, the moreish Blue Corn Tortillas (yes, it is a thing) is the perfect Mexican twist to your evening of Sin City antics. Best enjoyed while sitting on a cow-print chair and, of course, washed down with a margarita. When in Rome...
Best eaten at - Mesa Grill, 3570 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas
Best eaten at - Mesa Grill, 3570 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas
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