The United States is one of the world’s most ethnically diverse and multicultural nations. The ancestry of the people of the USA is widely varied since it includes descendants of populations from around the world.

The country is so huge that it’s impossible to say how much time you need to see it. I have been there for nine months (mostly studying as an exchange student but traveling for 3 months altogether) and got to see only 10 states out of 51.

Every state is like a different country with its own traditions, flavor, and nature. I am not sure why but I have never expected U.S. nature to be so special. I think it’s because of stereotypes people abroad have about this country. First things that appear in your mind when you hear “the U.S.” are New York, skyscrapers, Hollywood, fast food, etc. But this huge country has a vast number of things you should see and experience at least once.

I lived in the eastern-southern part of the country enjoying the warmth and mostly good weather. I lived not far from the ocean but to get there, it’s better to have a car. That is why I am very grateful to all my friends who helped me to travel around and who shared that special time with me.

My Top 5 Places in the USA

If you would ask me to name five favorite places of mine I will mention the following:

• New Orleans. It is a very special city with an amazing spirit, especially in the French Quarter.
• San Diego. It combines different architectural styles, it’s pleasant and friendly at any season of the year.
• San Francisco is a charming city with many attractions and splendid landscapes and architecture.
• Los Angeles. Everything is well-combined there: beaches, mountains, skyscrapers, villas, parks an so on.
• Chicago combines culture and business, I would call it a global city.

As you could notice, most of them have a warm climate. It’s because I am originally from the South, so I’m all about sunny weather. I won’t start telling all the reasons why I liked these cities, I will tell you when we meet one day.

How to Travel around the U.S.

The best way to see as much USA as possible is renting a car and driving around. You may create your itinerary in advance or choose your next destination randomly without planning. Both ways are good. In any case, Couchsurfing and Airbnb would be great things to try to save money and to feel like a local.

Why I called the article “The diversified USA” because being there you meet people of so many different backgrounds and nationalities that you may feel that you have been everywhere in the world. Those people inspired me to travel, see different corners of the world and create my own list of the top destinations.