Located in the northeastern United States, New England offers an
enriching travel experience for millions of visitors each year. The
Atlantic Ocean's sandy coastline is dotted with beaches, charming
lighthouses, and seaside restaurants. Many major cities are also located
here, making Boston the "hub" for all of New England. Head inland and
you will discover bewitching colonial villages, sublime fall foliage,
and breathtaking mountain scenery. The region is dotted with museums,
architecture, historical attractions, and cultural institutions that
will keep you occupied for weeks. In addition, the four distinct seasons
will keep even first-time visitors to New England coming back for more.
New England is often divided into states, and for good reason.
However, in planning your trip, you should consider the differences
between the coastal and inland regions of New England. Along the coast
you will find most of the region's population and tourist services.
Here, attractions are plentiful, prices are high, and timing is
critical. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, many coastal attractions
are in full operation. If you are visiting off-season, be sure to check
to see if the recreation you are looking for is open. In contrast,
inland destinations are open year-round and often target a specific
niche of travelers. Some places avoid crowds, others maintain an
affinity for nature, and still others focus on distinctive sports and
experiences. Whatever your final itinerary, a combination of coastal and
inland destinations will give you the best views of what makes New
England truly special.
New England has an expression: "If you
don't like the weather, wait 10 minutes." This expression refers to the
weather, which often changes in a short period of time. Because New
England is located in the upper eastern part of the North American
continental climate, the weather is variable for most of the year.
Summer weather is usually the most stable of the year, but late fall,
winter, and early spring are characterized by rapidly changing weather.
Coastal areas of New England are more moderate in temperature extremes,
as they vary somewhat with the influence of the ocean, so if you plan to
visit northern New England in winter between December and mid-March, be
prepared for freezing temperatures, wicked winds, and cold weather that
can be dented by a couple of cups of coffee. In northern New England,
"dress warm" is an understatement. The best advice is to wear an outer
layer that blocks the wind and a sweater or jumper that you can take off
when you move around. In general, southern Connecticut, Rhode Island,
and eastern Massachusetts are the only parts of New England that are
somewhat comfortable in winter. The deep snow and clear air of northern
New England is exhilarating for travelers prepared for the cold, and the
three northernmost states boast many of the best ski resorts east of the
Rockies.
May is the best month in New England. In southern
Vermont, you can find off-season rates at many historic inns, but as
local luminary Robert Frost once eloquently put it, "Nature's first
green is gold." The area is just perfect, with daffodils, tulips, and
lilacs in full bloom, mild temperatures, and cool nights.
New
England summers range from mild to tropical hot. In northern and central
New Hampshire (and along the New Hampshire and Maine coasts), summer
highs are often a comfortable 70 degrees Fahrenheit, with nights in the
upper 50s. Much further south and west from Boston, summers become hot
and tropical, with highs in the mid-80s Fahrenheit (and sometimes 90s
Fahrenheit), with muggy weather and thunderstorms at nightfall. Beach
season south of Cape Cod (primarily Rhode Island and Connecticut) is
from late May to early October. Most warm tourist destinations are in
season from mid-May to mid-October. Areas along the coast are often
cooler and warmer than inland areas, even on the hottest summer days.
New England shines in the fall. New England's fall foliage is world
famous for its intense colors, rapid appearance, and equally rapid
disappearance in a display that rivals fireworks. Peak season begins in
early September in the northernmost parts of Maine and ends in early
November in southern Connecticut. Combine this with local festivals, hay
rides, freshly squeezed apple cider, and fruit picking, and you have a
recipe
While most visitors to New England come for its maritime charm and
history, the American metropolis of Boston is the de facto capital of
New England and the official state capital of Massachusetts. The Boston
metropolitan area spans four states and comprises the metropolitan areas
of Providence and Worcester, the second and third largest cities in the
region, and includes more than half of New England's population. But
even far from Boston, New Englanders adore Boston's professional sports
teams (although with the Red Sox and Patriots winning championships in
2018, fans of both teams can be found everywhere) and are drawn to
Boston for a taste of metropolitan comfort We are drawn to the center of
the city. Once in Connecticut, the gravitational pull of New York City
and the mid-Atlantic diminishes Boston's influence, and professional
sports teams and culture become major tourist attractions. The city of
New Haven is home to Yale University and one of the most popular cities
on the East Coast.
Like upstate New York, many New England towns
developed around textile mills and other types of factories; when these
industries relocated or closed in the 1900s, some of them fell into
depression and many remain.
Similarly, some of the once booming
whaling ports, such as New Bedford, Massachusetts, had to rebuild their
economies, with varying degrees of success, when the whaling industry
collapsed. The history of New England's many commercial fisheries, both
fortunate and unfortunate, is a cruel testament to the need for
sustainability.
There are many cities in New England; These are some of the
most important.
1 Boston — Capital since 1630, in a variety of
ways Boston is at the center of it all. Explore the Freedom Trail and
Quincy Market, or catch a game at the baseball "sanctuary"; Fenway Park.
Art lovers can head to the Museum of Fine Arts, while foodies will find
no shortage of options in this "city of neighborhoods."
2 Burlington
– Stroll down Church Street to find eclectic restaurants and old world
charm. From here, grab a cone at Ben & Jerry's before wandering the
shores of Lake Champlain in search of the perfect brewery. The prolific
green infrastructure on offer here is due in part to Bernie Sanders, the
city's former mayor.
3 New Haven – Best known as the home of Yale
University. The city center has been called the "Plan of Nine Squares"
since 1640 or so. Today, it contains a dizzying array of shops and
restaurants. Don't leave without trying the charcoal apizza, which is
said to be the best in the world.
4 Portland - The "Downeast's"
favorite destination for food and drink. Surprises abound in these
historic neighborhoods, you might even spot a Sasquatch. The incredible
beaches, views, and amenities available on Peak Island are often
overlooked.
5 Providence — Anchored by Brown University and RISD,
Providence supports a booming arts scene and creative economy. Stroll
along the riverfront on summer nights to participate in WaterFire, a
free public art installation. In the morning, wake up to a latte from
your favorite donut shop.
6 Newport: "Walk the Cliffs" and Enjoy the
"Cabins"; summer houses where the titans of the Gilded Age made
ostentatious displays of wealth. Coincidentally, sports with an
aristocratic air are popular here. Tennis, sailing and cycling have
strong roots in the area. In addition, many historic buildings remain,
and tourists love the colonial-era scale of the city.
7 Provincetown
– This sleepy port served as the first landing place for pilgrims in the
new world. Much has changed since 1620, but the beauty of the beaches,
the ocean and its marine life have remained constant. An artists' colony
since at least 1940, it is also a very popular destination for the
LGBTQ+ community.
8 Salem – Location of the infamous Salem witch
trials in 1692; There are many buildings from the 17th and 18th
centuries that are very well preserved. With excellent transit options,
the world-class Peabody Essex Museum, and a variety of attractions;
Salem accumulates tourists throughout the year. It gets pretty spooky
here on the last weekend of October.
9 Stowe – This four-season
resort town is nicknamed the "Ski Capital of the East." Options for
outdoor activities abound, as you're basically sandwiched between
Smugglers Notch, Mt Mansfield, and CC Putnam State Forests. Wind down in
the evenings with fantastic food and some of the best pints to be found
in the United States.
From Connecticut to just south of Portland, Maine, the New England coastline is full of beaches. Vacationers here swim or simply soak up the sun. Because most of New England lacks the barrier islands that line much of the U.S. East Coast, almost every beach has a unique character, and many locals have their favorite beaches. Especially in Maine, you may find the ocean water north of Cape Cod to be cooler. Beach hiking is also popular, and long sandy beaches such as Cape Cod National Seashore, Block Island, and the Rhode Island coast offer white sand and endless blue skies. Inland, you can swim in New England's lakes and ponds, and the water is usually warm. Most New England towns have at least one "swimming hole. Swimming beaches include those operated by the federal National Park Service at Cape Cod National Seashore and Acadia National Park, large state-owned beaches where hundreds of cars can park, and local city and town beaches. In addition, inquiring locally may reveal unmapped beaches on local creeks and shorelines.
New England is one of the centers of boating culture in the U.S. Boating opportunities abound, whether in protected bays and harbors along its 6,100 miles (9,900 km) of coastline or on inland lakes, ponds, and rivers. Newport, Rhode Island, is one of the major places where sailing is a way of life, with more sailboats than people, and local yacht clubs usually host yacht races in a variety of classes. Offshore cruises are offered by coastal tourist cities. These cruises include "whale watch" boats, nature cruises to view coastal birds, and sailing on traditional sailboats such as Maine's "Windjammer". Fishing charters and various community sailing programs are other options. On the southern coast of New England, where sea water temperatures are warmer than north of Cape Cod and summer winds are more consistent than in the south, dinghy cruising schools and guide services cater to sailors who are content to access isolated areas that are inaccessible to larger vessels. Those heading north of Cape Cod should bring a jacket or sweater, no matter how hot it is on land. Inland, outfitters offer whitewater rafting on Maine rivers. State-owned boat ramps are convenient for kayaking and canoeing on local lakes, ponds, and rivers. Rentals are also available in larger waterfront towns. Many communities prohibit jet skis and have "no wake" areas for motorboats.
Bicycling is popular in New England. The metropolitan area stretching from Boston to Hartford and around New York City is densely populated and heavily automobile-trafficked, so cyclists often use the region's "rail trails" (paved sections of abandoned railroad tracks for bicycles and pedestrians only). Information on rail trails, such as the East Coast Greenway, is available from the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy. Roads in northern New England are less busy, but more mountainous than the rolling hills of southern New England. Many of New England's state parks have trails for mountain biking. These trails follow old dirt roads. Mountain biking is generally prohibited on hiking trails. Cape Cod National Seashore and Acadia National Parks offer biking along scenic routes free of automobile traffic. Biking opportunities abound on New England's many offshore islands, where roads are usually flat and cooled by ocean breezes. Most major tourist destinations have stores to rent bicycles.
Hiking is popular in New England. There are long-distance hiking trails in the region, including the Appalachian Trail, which runs through all of New England except Rhode Island and ends at Mount Katahdin in Maine, and the Long Trail, which traverses Vermont from Massachusetts to Quebec. There are hundreds of miles of hiking trails in the region's state and federal parks, but keep in mind that most hiking trails cross private property and property owners' rights should be respected. While most of the mountains of New England are forested, there are extensive areas in Vermont, especially New Hampshire and Maine, that are higher than the forest limit. The climatic conditions in these mountains are similar to those in far northern Labrador, and the lack of trees allows for spectacular long-range views. The Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) is headquartered in Boston and has chapters throughout the region; the AMC operates campgrounds and lodges throughout the region, most of which can only be reached by hiking. New England trails are usually maintained by volunteers organized by AMC chapters or other organizations such as the Green Mountain Club or the Connecticut Forest and Park Association. These organizations provide detailed maps and other hiking information. In addition, many towns and local land trusts protect large tracts of land and maintain trails suitable for short day hikes.
Ski or snowboard in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, the Green
Mountains of Vermont, or the mountains of western and central Maine. In
southern New England, Connecticut and Massachusetts offer small ski
areas with slopes of less than 300 meters. There are many ski areas for
beginners and advanced skiers. Many ski areas extend their seasons to
year-round by offering alpine slides and summer activities. For a list
of ski resorts, see the individual state articles.
Skiing in New
England is different from skiing in the western United States. Instead
of open slopes above tree line, New England ski areas have relatively
narrow trails cut through thick forests. New England's changeable
weather continues through the winter. Skiers and boarders may experience
mild weather with temperatures in the upper 10°C/50°F range, or severe
cold with high winds and temperatures below -20°F. Rain and snow can
fall at any time. Rain often ices the snow, and snow is often wet and
sticky. For this reason, skiing and snowboarding in New England requires
careful attention to conditions. Major ski areas in New England make
snow throughout the night and groom the slopes in the early morning to
accommodate mild or dry conditions.
Cross-country ski centers are
spread throughout the region, some local farms near urban areas, while
others are large mountain resorts with over 100 km of trails. Be
prepared for a variety of wet and dry conditions with the proper wax.
Unwaxed skis may struggle in wet conditions.
Children from toddlers to teenagers can enjoy indoor and outdoor activities. Hiking levels are easy on sandy shores and lakeshores, moderate along hills and rivers, and more challenging on mountain tops. Plants, birds, rock formations, and scenery will keep children occupied throughout the hike. Be prepared with layers of clothing, adequate food, and a comfortable pace. They can also enjoy indoor activities at the many science centers, children's museums, and aquariums. Many of these facilities accept reciprocal programs for members of other facilities, offering free or reduced admission.
Hundreds of events with a local flavor are held daily in New
England. Towns large and small host spring celebrations, 4th of July
festivals, and winter carnivals. Events celebrating local traditions are
also common. For example, St. Patrick's Day on March 17 is especially
popular. The following events aptly describe how New Englanders
celebrate their way of life, albeit narrowly.
Vermont Maple
Festival: April 22-24, 2022 St. Albans, Vermont Stop by the last weekend
in April and "touch Vermont Maple". Many concession stands and vendors
will showcase Vermont's finest maple. Vote for the best maple dish.
There will be maple art, entertainment, a parade, and games for the
kids.
Brimfield Antiques Show May 10-15, 2022 Brimfield. Held three
times a year and billed as the oldest outdoor antique and flea market in
the country. Join the throngs of treasure hunters looking for treasures.
Some vendors charge a $5 admission fee for the acreage. Book your
lodging well in advance.
Laconia Motorcycle Week June 11-19, 2022
Laconia. first held in 1916, this hugely popular event attracts hundreds
of thousands of bikers each year. Some riders depart from the rally
headquarters for scenic tours throughout New Hampshire, while others
watch hill climbs and vintage motorcycle races.
Sailfest: July 8-10,
2022 New London, Conn. Head to the harbor to see Connecticut's premier
summer event with hundreds of vendors, rides, and activities. Fun for
the whole family, even if you bring the kids.
Newport Folk Festival:
July 22-24, 2022 Newport, Rhode Island. A massive multi-day music
festival held annually at Fort Adams State Park. Many up-and-coming
artists will perform, from Dinosaur Jr. to Beebad Bee.
Maine Lobster
Festival: August 3-7, 2022 Rockland, Maine. Join us for this
internationally known midcoast seafood extravaganza. In addition to
exquisite food, there will be a parade, races, live entertainment,
hands-on exhibits, and activities for children.
League of NH
Craftsmen: August 6-14, 2022 New London, New Hampshire. Find and
discover custom-made artwork that resonates with you. Talented artisans
will be selling custom-made fashion, jewelry, ceramics, glassware, and
more. There are also live and hands-on events, some geared toward
children.
OYSTERFEST: August 21, 2022 Milford, CT: 50,000 attendees
will gather in downtown Milford to devour at least 30,000 oysters.
Carnival rides, beer gardens, and live performances will also be
enjoyed. A kayak race on the harbor is also fun; in 2013, National
Geographic named this event the best food festival in Connecticut.
Topsfield Fair September 30-October 10, 2022 Topsfield. America's oldest
county fair began in 1818 as a one-day cattle fair. Local farmers and
residents show off their wares in a variety of exhibit halls. Cows,
goats, chickens, fruits and flowers, and even bees! The Great Pumpkin
Weigh Off is a highlight, with the modern day winner weighing in at over
2,000 pounds.
Because of its size and diversity, the United States is difficult to characterize geographically and sociologically. There are debates among interested laypeople as well as among sociologists and linguists about which state - or which region within a state - counts as "South", "Middle West" and so on. However, an overview can be very useful for the traveler when it comes to recognizing the differences or even finding the right destination. It's not realistic to say that you've seen everything because you've spent a long time in the United States. In fact, even the locals who have lived here all their lives have trouble locating everything correctly. Perhaps because of the vastness of the country, so few Americans pay attention to world affairs. Less than half of them have passports and the news channels report far less about foreign countries than, for example, the BBC. Many of the things that you think of when you hear about USA and that are portrayed in the media actually exist, but by no means in one place. The distance from Los Angeles to New York is greater than that from Moscow to London, and although even many Americans on both coasts of flyover country (the country over which one only flies over, which the inhabitants of said against the arrogance of the elites on the coasts) speaking in between, there is an incredible amount to discover in terms of landscape. From Texans wearing cowboy hats to French-African American culture in Louisiana to Yosemite or the Grand Canyon. But since the country is huge, don't try to see everything at once. It would be like trying to vacation in Spain, Germany, Turkey and Russia all in a few weeks or even days.
Entry requirements
Attention: Even if you only change from one flight
to another at the airport, you have to enter the USA and the necessary
formalities have to be completed (visa or visa waiver). If the final
destination of the trip is Canada or Mexico, German citizens may also
need a visa to stay at the airport in the USA.
Visa applications
are made by appointment at the local consulates general in Frankfurt and
Munich or at the consular department of the embassy in Berlin. On a
personal visit to the US missions, you should not take any bags,
backpacks, etc. with you, since such "hand luggage" is not allowed to be
taken into the embassy.
It should be noted that the information
here may no longer be up-to-date due to the constant tightening of
anti-terror laws, as they have recently been changed several times at
very short notice. Since October 2017, there may be additional
interviews at the departure location. It is therefore always advisable
to contact the US consular mission to find out about the current
immigration formalities.
Visa Waiver and ESTA
Citizens of the
EU and EFTA except Bulgaria, Croatia, Poland, Romania and Cyprus can
enter the USA without a visa (“visa waiver”) for short tourist or
business stays (up to 90 days).
When entering the country by
plane or ship, tourists (staying less than 90 days) must register
electronically at least 72 hours before the planned entry. This
electronic entry permit (Electronic System for Travel Authorization,
ESTA) is then valid for two years, provided you travel with the same
passport. Registration is online on the US Department of Homeland
Security's ESTA page. Registration costs $14 and must be paid for by
credit card during online registration.
Since 2016, entry has
only been possible with a machine-readable passport (e.g.
Bordeaux-colored EU passport). This also applies to children! German
children's passports do not have a digital chip. Austrian children's
passports, on the other hand, already have a chip and can be used for
the ESTA application. However, a visa can be applied for. A paper form
(I-94) does not normally have to be filled out for entry. For this,
however, a customs declaration. Provisional passports (in green) no
longer entitle ESTA entry as they do not contain a chip.
When
entering the USA, the machine-read document applies and not the manually
entered data. Even if you enter the wrong information without knowing
it, you may be denied entry to the USA. Entering the passport number is
very important, which is why it has to be entered twice during the
registration process. It sounds simple, but it is of greater importance,
since you have to copy a machine-readable ID card manually, and this is
the case with a German passport on which a 0 (number) cannot be
distinguished from an O (letter). Here you have to know that, for
example, a passport number never contains an O (letter).
Since
2020, all social media accounts must be disclosed for the ESTA form. For
longer stays or for other nationalities, a visa is required, which must
be applied for in good time (months) before entry at the responsible
embassy or consulate. A visa is also usually required for longer stays
in Mexico or Canada - when changing in the USA.
Upon entry
Upon entry into the United States, questions from the immigration
officer regarding the purpose and length of travel must be answered, all
fingers fingerprinted (unless already stored from a previous entry and
satisfactory to the officer), and a biometric photograph taken (OBIM) .
It is important to remain friendly here, most of the officials are very
friendly and try to process the process quickly. If you don't speak
English, fellow travelers are often asked to translate. The instructions
of the attendant who assigns the line of waiting to the individual
officers must be obeyed. The Transport Security Administration (TSA)
warns air travelers not to lock their suitcases to allow for manual
follow-up checks. The TSA has the right to open any baggage, including
forcibly locked baggage. In any case, a note about the control carried
out is left in the suitcase, which refers to the exclusion of liability
in the event of damage or loss of individual content.” Laptops or other
electronic data carriers may be searched by the US border authorities to
prevent criminal offenses. Baggage is always screened for explosives.
Dogs are often used, led by an officer, to walk over the suitcases on
the baggage carousel and look for drugs and/or food (!).
In some
countries, immigration control takes place at the departure airport
(e.g. in Canada), where the US authorities have their own offices (e.g.
in Montreal) or, as in Vancouver, electronic machines next to the
staffed counters are set up through which the machine-readable passports
can be used to quickly carry out checks.
By plane or ship
The
address of the first overnight stay must be given to the airline, which
must pass this and numerous other personal data on to the US
authorities. After returning your luggage, you still have to go through
customs. Only then do you enter the publicly accessible airport area.
Entry by land
Important: A fee of US$ 6 is charged for entry by
land from all nationalities except USA, Canada and Mexico.
If you
are entering from Mexico or Canada, the procedure can be slightly
different. Officially, registration via ESTA is not required for entry
via land, but this is often asked for, and a valid ESTA cannot do any
harm. In some cases, as experienced in Niagara Falls when entering the
USA from CDN, a fee-based entry permit similar to ESTA must be
purchased, but this is only valid for this one entry. Here, too, you are
routinely asked about the purpose and length of your stay and the
contents of your luggage. Since the border officials ask these questions
hundreds of times a day, they sometimes sound bored to annoyed. But you
shouldn't take that personally and answer as well as possible.
Furthermore, more paper is used at the national borders, and it may be
that a so-called I-94A form is stapled into your passport. This form
should definitely be returned when you leave the country so that your
departure is registered and there are no problems if you enter the
country again. Personal luggage is rarely checked and can therefore
usually remain in the vehicle.
According to American law, the use
of a ferry, e.g. B. The ferries from Victoria (British Columbia) to the
US state of Washington, as entry over land and not as entry by ship.
outskirts
There are separate regulations for visiting certain
outlying areas such as American Samoa.
Special arrangement Cuba
Direct travel to/from Cuba is only permitted for clearly defined
purposes. This applies to citizens of all nations. There are extensive
documentation requirements. The documents must be kept for five years
after the trip.
length of stay
“In the case of visa-free
entry, the actually permitted length of stay is determined individually
by the US border officials. A later extension of the residence permit -
if your departure is delayed due to unforeseeable circumstances - is not
possible. If you entered the country with a visa, any USCIS office can
approve an extension of your stay.”
By plane
Many cities in
the USA can be reached by direct flight from Germany. For cost reasons,
it can be helpful to change planes on the flight to the desired city.
One should bear in mind that the entry formalities must be carried out
at the first place that one reaches in the USA or Canada. This can take
up to 1 1/2 hours. This time should definitely be taken into account in
the transfer time. Due to tight security, you should be at the airport
at least two hours before departure for international flights and at
least one hour before departure for flights within the United States.
Since October 2021, it has also been mandatory to present a photo ID for
domestic flights, which can also be your driver’s license.
In
contrast to the procedures in other countries, US authorities can
already carry out individual checks within public areas of the airport
buildings (preferably on the escalators!). These are mostly drug tests,
whereby the fingertips are wiped with a test strip.
Flying is
generally not as cheap as in Europe, as there are fewer alternatives to
flying. In America there are several "low cost" airlines such as
jetBlue, Southwest, Spirit or SkyBus (although the US - specifically
Southwest - is both the inventor of this category of airlines and the
country where the categories are most blurred). In addition, there are
some of the largest airlines in the world, first and foremost the "big
three" United, American Airlines and Delta, which have survived several
mergers and are now part of the three major airline alliances (United
with Lufthansa in Star Alliance, Delta in SkyTeam and American in
OneWorld) are integrated and offer corresponding codeshare offers. There
are also smaller airlines such as Alaskan (not limited to Alaska,
despite the name) and regional airlines, some of which belong to the big
three. The cheapest way to book domestic flights is directly online with
the respective airline or with providers such as Travelocity or Expedia.
While at Southwest you can get luggage included even in the cheapest
price ranges, in the 21st century there was an increasing tendency for
the "big three" (Delta, American, United) to offer a "Basic Economy"
fare, where everything really is everything costs extra. The boundaries
between "premium" offers and "normal" wood class are also becoming
increasingly blurred in domestic business. "First Class" is often little
more than a little more legroom and a few cookies, and many airlines
don't give you free lounge access even if you have a "First Class"
ticket. On the other hand, the "Big Front Seat" ("large front seat")
with Spirit or "Mint" with Jetblue is a significant increase in legroom
for a moderate surcharge. The trend towards increasingly blurring
boundaries between "cheap" and "premium" has recently reversed itself
somewhat, and especially on the transcontinental long-distance routes
(e.g. LA-New York) you can even still book with the "big three" - for a
corresponding surcharge get a "real" first class. Various American
(online) publications deal in detail with the various offers of the
airlines as well as tips and tricks on how to get as many miles and
bonus points as possible with credit cards or similar.
Street
Entry by car from Canada and Mexico is usually possible without any
problems. The same regulations apply as described above for entry. When
crossing the border with a rental car, it should be noted that the
transfer to the USA is permitted in the rental agreement (be sure to
read the fine print!).
railroad
The quasi-state railroad
companies of the United States and Canada, Amtrak and VIA Rail, operate
in cooperation with three routes that cross the border. These are the
"Amtrak Cascades" from Vancouver to Seattle (twice daily) on the west
coast and the "Maple Leaf" from Toronto (via Niagara Falls) and the
"Adirondack" from Montreal (via Albany) on the east coast, once each
daily to New York City.
In the latter two trains, the border
formalities take place at the border while the train is stationary,
which takes some time. The Amtrak Cascades, on the other hand, handles
the border formalities before departure, so you should be at the station
sufficiently early to do passport control and such.
There is
currently no way to cross the border by train from Mexico, but on the
American side the border cities of San Diego (California) and San
Antonio (Texas) are served by Amtrak.
By boat
Arriving by ship
is a rarely chosen route. The transatlantic journey from Southampton to
New York takes a good six days. The only ship that still operates this
route today is the Cunard Line's Queen Mary 2, which operates every 14
days and was commissioned in 2004 as the successor to the Queen
Elisabeth 2. Including the journey, the trip costs between approx. 1700
and 30,000 euros, depending on the cabin category.
Queen Mary 2,
contact Cunard for more information
sports sailor
Entry with
your own yacht is only permitted in approved "Ports of Entry" (list and
contact details). In any case, a personal visit to Customs & Border
Protection (CBP) is required upon arrival. There is now also the CBR
ROAM app for video chats. An application number is issued. On Fridays
and weekends it can be difficult to contact due to congestion. Callbacks
to non-US phone numbers will not take place. The interpretation of the
uniform federal regulations varies from region to region, but the
responsible officials are usually helpful. Registration of the ship's
papers with the USCG Vessel Documentation Center is valid for five
years. Details are explained in the Boater's Guide to Federal
Regulations for Recreational Vessels. On arrival on the mainland, the
general quarantine regulations apply, i. H. Fresh meat is confiscated.
Upon entry, the yacht will be issued a Cruising License (CL) valid
for up to one year free of charge, provided that there is an agreement
with the relevant countries (including Germany, Austria and
Switzerland). (To obtain a new one one must have called at a foreign
port and been absent for at least 15 days.) Without a CL it is possible
to sail between different ports of entry or apply for a fee-based
“permission to move” (2018: US$36 ).
A CBP-1300 Vessel Entrance Form
must be submitted within 48 hours of arrival and late arrivals will be
subject to penalties.
Non-CL vessels longer than 30 feet must be
fitted with a transponder (CBP decal) for which an annual calendar year
fee, 2019 US$29, is due.
Emergency radio beacons (EPIRB, 406 MHz) are
also required, which must be registered upon entry for the first time,
for which proof is issued.
special regulations
Anyone coming
directly from Cuba to an American port must expect difficulties and
lengthy interrogations.
There are strict pilotage regulations for the
waters off Washington State. Similar rules apply off Alaska for ships
longer than 65 feet.
The US Coast Guard has the right to board
and search all incoming ships within the 12-mile zone, which often
happens off Florida in particular. The Q flag must be displayed within
the zone until all formalities have been completed.
The
respective states may require the purchase of fishing licenses ("fishing
licenses").
The formerly severe restrictions on anchoring off
Florida have all been lifted; Appropriate permits must be obtained in
front of Georgia (decree text May 2019).
Many rivers and inlets,
and on the east coast virtually the entire 3-mile zone, are no discharge
zones (NDZ) for cesspools, and numerous local water protection
regulations still apply. penalties are high.
In many areas of the USA you can hardly get along without a car because
the cities are very large. Contrary to popular belief, many cities have
a well-developed local transport system, you just have to find it. In
general, there is a tendency that cities in the north and east have
better public transport than in the south and west and cities on the
coasts (including large lakes) better than inland. A lot has happened in
this regard since around 1990, so Los Angeles now has more than 150
kilometers of rails that are used in urban passenger transport. The
S-Bahn system in San Diego has been extensively expanded and reaches the
areas of the surrounding area as well as the border crossing to Mexico
near Tijuana. However, in many cities you will only have a choice
between bus taxi and car, and buses have a notoriously bad reputation in
the US and are often slow and unfriendly to use.
By train
You
can travel to 46 of the 50 states in the USA and to Canada with Amtrak.
Most train routes are driven with long diesel trains. So far only the
east coast has fast trains called Acela Express (they're not quite as
fast as in Europe or Asia - they're only allowed to go 150mph and only
on a short stretch - the TGV and ICE run between Strasbourg and Paris,
on the other hand, the equivalent of 200 miles per hour). The Acela is
particularly popular with business travelers and federal employees, and
is priced more comparable to airplanes than European express trains.
Most of the rest of the network has an overall speed limit of 79mph,
which is itself slower than German regional traffic, which travels at up
to 160km/h or 100mph.
As a result, trains for longer distances
naturally take quite a long time to travel. For example, driving from
New York to Los Angeles takes four days and can cost twice as much as a
flight. Amtrak's comfortable sleeper trains can be viewed and booked
virtually on the website. On most trains, luggage must be checked in, so
you should think very carefully about which luggage you take with you
into the compartment as hand luggage. The baggage allowance is -
especially compared to that of an airplane - extraordinarily generous
and you should always get everything under control. All trains are
non-smoking trains. However, smokers have the opportunity to smoke on
the platform at stops if the train is not delayed.
A problem that
has plagued Amtrak since its inception in the early 1970s is the fact
that most of the network is owned by private (freight) railroad
companies rather than the state. This not only leads to the often
unacceptable condition of the rails, but also to the fact that passenger
trains repeatedly have to wait on the mostly single-track network until
freight trains have passed them. Exceptions to this are found notably in
the Northeast Corridor (Boston-Washington) on which the Acela Express
travels, and in California, where the State of California spends money
to keep the rails in good condition and ensure the priority of Amtrak
trains. Since the delays can add up to several hours, you should always
plan a sufficient buffer between your departure and the last train,
ideally a whole day. The exception to this is - as mentioned above - the
Acela, which is more punctual than flights on this route. There are
several websites in the USA that list how often a train has been
significantly late in the last few weeks and months, which gives you a
certain amount of planning security.
With the USA Rail Passes
from Amtrak there are also round trip passes for individual travelers.
There is a specialized rail pass for California.
By bus
Certainly not the most glamorous form of travel and not even necessarily
the cheapest on extremely long routes, as buses cover (almost) the whole
country and are often the only realistic alternative if you don't have
your own car. Traditionally, companies like "Greyhound" offer
connections from bus stations (near the city center) with more or less
well-developed infrastructure. However, since at least the 1980s there
has been an "ultra-cheap" competitor in the form of the
"china-town-buses" that run from roadside to roadside (without really
much station infrastructure) originally - as the name suggests - around
the various districts to connect with the Chinese minority. Other
companies such as Bolt Bus and Megabus have copied this model and no
longer only serve Chinatowns. However, one should keep in mind that the
price structure is often not dissimilar to that of cheaper airlines and
while a ticket bought in good time can actually cost a dollar, if you
book the same route "last minute" it can easily cost thirty or forty
dollars, plus possibly Charges for things like baggage.
rental
car
The easiest way to travel around the country is definitely by
car.
A rental car is recommended for shorter stays. Although the
tariffs of the car rental companies close to the airport are often
slightly higher than those of other branches, the most convenient way to
rent a car is directly at the airport. Booking in advance is advisable,
if only because then you can compare prices better. Every airport has an
area where the car rental companies are located with their counters and
car depots. Only at smaller airports is this area located directly at
the terminal. At larger airports you can reach the car rental companies
with free minibuses (shuttles), which leave directly in front of the
terminal. At some airports that connect their terminals with their own
train (e.g. San Francisco International), you can also use this to get
to the car rental companies.
You cannot rent a car in the United
States without a credit card, even if the rental price is prepaid. Debit
cards are not accepted.
When you rent a car, you always buy a
basic insurance package, but its coverage is very low compared to German
insurance policies. In the event of an accident or a car being stolen,
you are left with the cost of ownership, which can be excruciatingly
high in the United States. On the other hand, taking out some voluntary
supplementary insurance, which the car rental company also offers,
helps. The ADAC also offers its members corresponding insurance
packages.
Before you buy one of these services, however, it is
worth taking a look at the small print that you received with your
German credit card. This is because many card issuers offer their
customers comprehensive insurance benefits when they use the card to
rent a car.
In addition, you should pay attention to the
specified minimum age. Although you can get a driver's license in the
USA at the age of 18 or earlier, renting a car is still subject to an
age restriction in most cases. Depending on the rental company, the
limit is 21 to 25 years. Younger drivers therefore usually incur high
additional costs.
Large rental car companies often have
self-check-in kiosks at international airports. This works without any
problems, but is often asked until when the driver's license is valid.
For driver's license holders with unlimited driver's license it is
sufficient to enter any day in the future (birthday +100 years works).
As a rule, after checking in, you can choose your vehicle from a
large number of cars in the booked class. Key in, check vehicle for
damage and condition and drive off. There is one last check at the exit
gate, and that's it. Vehicle returns rarely take more than a minute.
With the increasing digitization of vehicles, rental car companies
are also using the vehicle monitoring functionalities that are made
possible as a result. It is not entirely clear how far this monitoring
goes because of the lower data protection regulations in the USA
compared to European standards. The rental car companies assure that the
data will not be used to spy on customers. But it is known that z. B.
Hertz can call up the GPS position of a vehicle and some vehicle data,
such as maintenance status and fuel level, from a central location
(operation statistics). Furthermore, it should be possible, at least
with this company, to lock and unlock the vehicle remotely (remote
lock/unlock) and to shut down the vehicle in the event of theft (remote
shutoff). It should therefore be borne in mind that if the driving
profile deviates from the conditions of use (e.g. unpaved roads,
ferries, ...) the rental car company can provide the corresponding proof
and insurance cover can be jeopardized.
road traffic
Although
there are no huge differences in the road traffic regulations between
Europe and the USA, the right-of-way rule on streets with the same
priority does not apply to us as usual (tips on road traffic in the
USA).
Driving in the States is quite leisurely. On the highway or
interstate, lock in the cruise control and just roll. Please pay
attention to the speed always and everywhere. Law enforcement is very
active in speeding and contrary to our practice, a sheriff's testimony
is considered evidence in court. So no photos or other things are
needed. For this reason, discussions with the regulatory powers are
usually quite hopeless.
Most states do not have separate truck
speed limits. These are also allowed to drive up to 75 miles per hour on
the interstate. And of course overtaking. So don't be alarmed if a giant
truck drives past on the left or right (unlike in Germany you can
overtake on the right, even on an interstate!) and some of the trucks
are really huge.
Particular caution is required with children.
Speed limits are often in place near schools when school children may be
on the road. When school buses stop to allow school children to board or
disembark, traffic stops in all directions. Flashing the two red lights
at the top of yellow school buses is considered a stop signal, and
violating this is usually punished more severely than running a red
light. Also, never drive within 100 feet (30 meters) of a stopped school
bus with the stop signal on.
You also have to be careful at
construction sites, as there (if there are construction workers on the
road) the fine for speed violations is doubled. This is indicated by a
special sign ("Construction Zone - Fines doubled").
You can turn
right at red traffic lights if traffic permits. Unlike in Germany, there
is no green arrow at the traffic light. This is forbidden in certain
areas, but this is indicated by a special sign ("No right on red"). In
principle, turning right on red is permitted in all 50 states, but there
are some cities - New York, for example - in which the opposite
principle applies: Turning right on red is prohibited unless explicitly
permitted by a sign. In some states it is also legal to make a left turn
on red between two-way streets.
Miscellaneous
If you drive a
car, you have to fill up. And that's a little different than usual. Most
gas pumps have a lever, switch, or some sort of flap that you have to
flip, twist, or move to allow the gas to flow. Almost all gas stations
require you to pay before filling up. Overpaid in advance will be
refunded after refueling. In most cases, you can also pay directly at
the pump (tank machine) by credit card. Due to increasing credit card
fraud, the ZIP code (zip code) of the credit card billing address must
be given at the pump. This is often also possible for Germans, but not
in every case. Then it remains with the cash payment, or, as a sensible
alternative, depositing the credit card at the checkout from where the
pump is then activated. The billing takes place after refueling at the
checkout. In some states (New Jersey and Oregon) staff operation is
required and a gas station attendant fills up the car.
When
traveling by car, Americans usually give driving times in hours instead
of distances. Street atlases also often contain this information.
Unfamiliar, but quite accurate due to the strict speed limits.
Bottles with alcoholic beverages that have already been opened can only
be transported in the trunk. In minivans and SUVs that do not have a
separate trunk from the passenger compartment, such bottles are stowed
away in the luggage and are difficult to access. At a traffic stop, you
want to avoid the impression that you are drinking while driving.
Route suggestions
USA Highlights: Boston - Cape Cod - New York
State - Philadelphia - Baltimore - Washington, D.C. - Gettysburg -
Pennsylvania - Niagara Falls - Detroit - Chicago - Sioux City - Badlands
National Park - Wounded Knee - Rapid City - Mount Rushmore National
Monument - Black Hills - Hot Springs - Devil's Tower National Monument -
Buffalo - Bighorn Mountains - Cody - Yellowstone National Park - Grand
Teton National Park - Jackson - Idaho Falls - Salt Lake City - Bryce
Canyon National Park - Grand Canyon National Park - Lake Mead National
Recreation Area - Las Vegas - San Diego - Los Angeles - Hollywood -
Beverly Hills - Santa Monica - Malibu - Santa Barbara - Edna Valley
Vineyard - Monterey - San Francisco
Middle States: Washington,
D.C. - Allegheny Mountains - Charleston (West Virginia) - Lexington
(Kentucky) - Cincinnati - Louisville - St Louis - Kansas City - Denver -
Rocky Mountain National Park - Cheyenne (Wyoming) - Laramie - Medicine
Bow Mountains - Rock Springs - Flaming Gorge Dam - Dinosaur National
Monument - Uintah - Salt Lake City - Great Basin National Park - Reno -
Carson City - Lake Tahoe - Sacramento - Desert Area - San Francisco
Across the south of the USA: Miami - Miami Beach - Florida Keys -
Key West - Everglades National Park - Naples - Fort Myers - Sanibel -
Sarasota - Bradenton - Sunshine Skyway - St Petersburg - Tampa - Orlando
- Pinellas Trail - Tallahassee - Panama City - Gulf Islands National
Seashore - Pensacola - Mobile - Biloxi - New Orleans - Baton Rouge -
Lafayette - Houston - Galveston - Gulf Coast Region - San Antonio - El
Paso - Tucson - Phoenix - Montezuma Castle National Monument - Joshua
Tree National Park - Palm Springs -San Bernardino-Los Angeles
Transportation
Most American cities, including small towns, operate
public bus services for inner-city transportation. Bus travel is
financially worthwhile, especially if you are traveling alone or at most
in pairs, or if you are visiting a parking hell like Manhattan or San
Francisco. (It's always culturally rewarding.)
Routes, timetables
and fares can be found on the website of the respective operator. In
larger cities, the bus stops are often - just like bus stops in
German-speaking countries - recognizable by the roof and a forest of
signs, but often a simple sign indicates it at best, on which no
timetable and possibly not even the number of the bus line is displayed.
Eye contact with the driver and hand signals play a slightly larger role
in stopping buses than in Europe.
Cash is almost always available
when boarding, typically $1 bills and quarters are accepted. With a roll
of quarter coins in your pocket you are on the safe side. Even if you
are traveling with several people, each person has their counted money
ready separately. The money is placed in a special fare box set up by
the driver, which does not give change. The driver has no wallet. This
is a security measure that effectively protects American bus drivers
from robberies. The box spits out a paper ticket, with which you can
usually travel for 2 hours and also change to other bus lines (show the
ticket from the 1st bus to the driver when changing to the 2nd bus).
Only outward and return journeys with one and the same ticket are
generally not permitted.
Where subways are available, if you want
to switch between bus and subway, a "transfer ticket" is usually
required. Details can be found on the website of the respective
provider. Although the USA has long neglected public transport, a
certain renaissance can be observed in recent years; For example, in
2014 as many people used public transport as they had last done in 1959.
More and more small and medium-sized cities now have light rail
(comparable to German light rail) and even the classic street car (tram,
but in contrast to Germany mostly not on their own tracks) is now part
of the cityscape in more and more cities. Unfortunately, public
transport in the USA is largely a plaything for political interests, and
so you tend to find a well-developed one in "liberal" (in the USA the
more left-wing political trend) cities such as Portland (Oregon), San
Francisco or New York public transit system than comparably sized cities
in conservative areas like the southern states.
Despite the
renaissance of public transport and the expansion in recent years, many
cities are still stuck in the belief that public transport should
primarily serve commuters, and so it can be the case, especially with
systems called commuter rail (“commuter train”), that Nothing runs at
the weekend and later in the evening. This is particularly frustrating
when these systems actually serve tourist destinations and you have the
choice between the crowded rush hour, long transfer and waiting times or
switching to the car. Fortunately, there is also a gradual rethinking
here, but tight public coffers and deadlocked ways of thinking are often
an obstacle to large-scale expansion of the service, even outside of the
classic commute times. Especially at night there is often no alternative
to the car and taxi, which taxi drivers know of course and often
“adjust” the prices accordingly.
In general, public transport is
often poorly maintained, especially the subways. In the 2010s, press
reports abounded on the state of the New York Metro, which has seen
little investment in ongoing operations since the 1990s and still
partially operates with signals from the 1920s, and those of Washington
DC, mostly in the 1960s and 1970s was erected and is now facing a major
renovation for which no money or preparatory work has ever been planned.
taxi
Taxis (or American cabs) are available in all major cities.
They are also common in medium-sized cities. Most often they are yellow,
but other shades are also possible. All taxis have illuminated signs on
the roof. If this is on fire, the taxi is free, if not, it is occupied.
If you want to stop a moving taxi, stand on the side of the road and
wave it over.
All taxis have taximeters, the fare is calculated
on the basis of a basic fee, and the fee increases for each additional
mile driven. It should be noted that the fare also increases when the
vehicle is stationary (in a traffic jam). Payment can be made in cash or
often by credit card.
In some large cities (e.g. New York City),
for safety reasons, the taxis have a partition in the form of a glass
pane from the driver.
Taxi Apps
Mobility services like Uber or
Lyft have become very popular in recent years. These are taxi apps that,
once you have entered the destination, assign a random driver who is
nearby and also has this app. The fares are often cheaper than regular
taxis, but more expensive than public transport. There are Uber drivers
in all major cities, but also in medium-sized and smaller towns.
However, you have to download an app and (to book a ride) you need an
internet connection.
As in other parts of the United States, English is the de facto official
language. In areas with large Hispanic populations, Spanish speakers may
make up the majority, but most people have at least basic English
proficiency (and these areas are off the tourist trail). French is also
spoken in Maine, New Hampshire, northern Vermont, and near the
Quebec-New Brunswick border. French speakers are the majority in some
areas. Biddeford, Maine, northern Rhode Island, and Manchester, New
Hampshire's largest city, have rich French-Canadian traditions. Although
the demographics are changing, one can still find stores that cater to
French speakers and churches that offer mass in French. In practice,
however, there is little consideration for non-English speaking
visitors.
New Englanders, along with Southerners, have a
reputation for speaking in a distinctly English manner. This is a broad
generalization. Senator Kennedy's and Senator Kerry's accents are rarely
heard. The typical "pahk the cah in Hahvahd Yahd" Boston accent is
predominant in eastern Massachusetts, but is being lost even there.
There are a few characteristic words. A "bubbler" is a water fountain. A
carbonated beverage called "pop" in other parts of the U.S. and Canada
is called "tonic" or "soda" in New England." Wicked" is an adjective
interchangeable with "very" and is often used by young New Englanders,
but the once common phrase "wicked pissah" (meaning "wonderful") has
faded considerably and is used mainly by older generations or mistaken
tourists It is used mainly by older or mistaken tourists. A traffic
intersection that is relatively common in New England and not often
encountered elsewhere in the U.S. is called a "roundabout" in England,
but in New England it is called a "rotary. When instructed how to exit a
"roundabout," drivers are instructed to "turn right" in Boston. In
southern New England, a large clam is called a "quahaug. In Maine,
inland vacation homes are called "camps," while those along the coast
are called "cottages. Maine residents also add the definite article
"the" to the official names of streets, but not streets or boulevards.
Because of the large Hispanic population in many southern New
England cities (you may encounter people from all over Latin America,
but mostly Puerto Ricans), you may encounter people who speak Spanish.
There are also Portuguese-speaking people of Portuguese descent on and
around the Buzzards Bay coast of southern Massachusetts and in
neighborhoods in Rhode Island.
A visit to the theater is definitely worthwhile in the USA. It doesn't
always have to be the notoriously overpriced Broadway or the equally
pricey Vegas Strip; even in small towns there are many excellent venues.
Although tickets can also be purchased at the box office on the day or
evening, it is advisable to book early online via the theater's website
if you want good seats. If you choose the will call option, the tickets
will be made available at a special counter where you can pick them up
immediately before the performance upon presentation of the email
notification and proof of identity (passport or driver's license).
Due to the enormous variety of landscape forms and the proverbial
American spirit of enterprise, you can do all sorts of interesting
things in the USA that are hardly offered in German-speaking countries.
One example is rafting, which is usually called whitewater rafting in
English: wild water trips in a rubber dinghy. On many suitable and often
very scenic rivers, relevant tour operators are based who have boats,
safety equipment and instructors ready to go on the tours and, among
other things, ensure that nobody gets hurt. Previous knowledge or
above-average athletic ability is not necessary on the part of the
participants, but you should bring some courage with you. By the way,
the largest man-made rafting facility in the USA is located in
Charlotte, North Carolina.
Clothing sizes for men are one size larger than in Germany, i. H. a
German XL is labeled L in the US.
Steer
Prices are generally
net. A sales tax is usually added to this, which can differ from state
to state – often also from county to county. The sales tax can also
depend on the item purchased. At the checkout you pay 6 to 10% more than
the price tag says. In cities, the sales tax is often significantly
higher than in the surrounding rural counties. Some counties (e.g. all
of New York City) have sales tax exemptions for “low value” clothing to
encourage shopping tourism. The state of New Hampshire waives the "sales
tax" for all products, so alcohol, electrical appliances and other items
are a lot cheaper than in the neighboring states (Massachusetts or
Vermont), so there are huge shopping centers on the borders to the other
states.
Credit card
The USA is the country where the credit
card was invented and so you can pay for almost everything with the
usual credit cards. The most common are the Visa Card and the Master
Card. You can also pay almost everywhere with an American Express Card.
If you have an associated PIN number, you should know it by heart, as it
is usually requested (except for small amounts). In the USA, credit
cards can be used not only to pay in department stores, specialty shops,
hotels, restaurants and gas stations, but also in supermarkets, museums,
zoos and other tourist-related places. Fast food chains are increasingly
accepting card payments.
In the USA, too, cash is preferred for
small amounts (less than five US dollars (= USD = $)), although
banknotes of 50 dollars or more are very reluctantly accepted. There are
hardly any large bills in circulation anyway. How much cash you need
depends, among other things, on depends on how routine you are with the
credit card and also with the cash machines. You can get by with very
little cash in the US today. But if it's your first trip to the US and
you don't use the card often at home, expect to spend about a third of
your expenses in cash.
Without a credit card (not a debit card!)
it is almost impossible to rent a car or mobile home in the USA. Upon
collection, a credit card deduction is made to secure the deposit,
usually without debiting the card directly. It is therefore not possible
to rent a car in the USA without a credit card, even if the rental car
was already paid for in Germany.
Cash
The currency of the USA
is the well-known US dollar. This is available in the following
denominations: 1 cent coin ("Penny"), 5 cent coin ("Nickel"), 10 cent
coin ("Dime"), 25 cent coin ("Quarter"), 50 cent coin ("Half- Dollar" -
rather rare), 1 Dollar coin (rare, but sometimes found as change at
machines). Bills come in the following denominations: $1, $2 (very
rare), $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100. The most common are the $1, $5, and
$20 bills. Higher amounts are almost always paid by credit card. Coins
should always be on hand as many vending machines require them, although
many of them also have a credit card slot. The most common is the 25
cent coin.
If you need cash on site, it is best to get it from a
cash machine (ATM) using a credit card. This is cheaper and also more
convenient than in the bank, since the banks in the USA have very short
opening hours. A fairly common bad habit of some banks is to charge
additional fees from customers. However, these are shown on the display
before the withdrawal (usually 1-4 USD). If the need for cash is not
urgent, it is worth canceling the process and simply trying another
bank. You can also get cash at many ATMs with a debit card (e.g. Maestro
or V-Pay) and your secret number. This is usually even associated with
lower fees. You can also use this card to pay in many places (e.g.
Aldi), you just have to look to see if there is a sticker on the door.
It's worth asking whether your own house bank cooperates with
commercial banks in the USA: Deutsche Bank customers can withdraw money
from Bank of America ATMs without any fees.
While the first thing that comes to mind for many travelers is exquisite
seafood, there are many other fine cuisines to be found in New England.
Fine Italian food in Boston's charming North End is an unforgettable
experience for many travelers. In Burlington, famous microbreweries rub
shoulders with French, Mediterranean, and Southern restaurants. Another
big dog is Providence. It offers everything from innovative pop-ups and
laid-back beer halls to erudite French classics and ethnic fusion
cuisine. Perhaps the most difficult choice here is deciding where to
dine.
Along Maine's rugged coastline are some of New England's
finest culinary specialties. The state is famous for lobster and
blueberries, and for good reason. Portland is Maine's gastronomic king,
with more than 500 restaurants and countless accolades, stars, and
awards each year. But there are plenty of charming restaurants in
smaller villages as well. In Biddeford, Brunswick, Camden, and Bar
Harbor, you will find the seafood you seek.
For a taste of
Acadian cuisine such as meat pies, poutine, and sugar shack, head to
northern New England. The influence is stronger in French-speaking
regions and becomes considerably more potent once you cross the border
into Quebec. In the south, Portuguese flavors are stronger on the South
Coast and in eastern Rhode Island.
Fish 'n chips - Once prized by early settlers, codfish is closely
associated with the New England table; overfishing in the 1990s led to
the collapse of cod stocks, and today scallops, haddock, or other white
fish are served instead often served instead. When fresh, all species
have nearly the same thin-skin texture and delicate flavor. To best
enjoy this dish, it should be eaten within minutes of being removed from
the fryer.
Lobster Roll - A popular way to eat lobster. High-quality
versions are made by dipping diced lobster meat in butter and seasoning
it with mayonnaise and a variety of condiments. Lobster rolls are also
served on a toasted New England-style bun. Don't be surprised if the
lobster rolls are usually served cold. If you see a roll with a pile of
toppings and a lot of mayo, it is most likely an inferior product.
Chowder - Like the New England version of pho, every bowl is similar,
but each restaurant tries to put its own spin on this traditional dish.
No matter where you eat it, you can be sure to find clams swimming in a
thick cream broth and diced potatoes, onions, and celery. They may also
be served in bowls with colorful garnishes, different kinds of crackers,
or even whole clams. As long as there are no tomatoes added, as is
blasphemously done in certain large southern cities, you can be sure you
are eating the best of the best.
Fried clams - If you want to try
this signature local dish, I suggest you visit the North Shore. There
are several old-school establishments in and around Cape Ann. Here, the
clams are removed from their shells, battered and fried. They are
delicious, but not particularly healthy. They are best eaten outdoors at
a picnic table of questionable cleanliness.
Oysters - These bivalves
vary in taste and texture depending on the bay or cove of origin.
Accompaniments vary, but cocktail sauce and lemon are always a must. A
wide variety of toppings are available, many of them spicy. In larger
cities, you may find pubs offering "$1 oysters" after work from 5:00 to
7:00 PM.
Stuffed Quahogs - Quahogs are the largest type of clam, and
there are many varieties of "stuffies". In Rhode Island, the most common
is a mixture of breadcrumbs, spices, meat, and vegetables. For example,
Portuguese style with smoky linguiça or Thanksgiving stuffie with a
savory herb blend.
Apizza - Traditionally baked in a charcoal brick oven, New Haven pizza
is often rated the best in the world by food critics. If you want to
keep it New England, order the white clam pie, and keep an eye out for
the "holy trinity" of Pepe's, Sally's, and Modern. Worth the wait.
Bar Pizza - Also known as South Shore bar pizza, this style is
spreading. It is a personal-sized pie made of very thin dough with
well-charred toppings all the way to the edge. The most famous is
probably Cape Cod Café, but there are many places that serve good bar
pizza. Check out Towne Spa, for example.
Greek-style pizza - invented
by Greek immigrants who arrived in New England in the 1950s, this style
features a thick crust similar to focaccia bread, topped with local
cheddar. These "house of pizza" establishments can be found throughout
New England, but they tend to use lower quality ingredients. If you're
lucky, you may find a good pizza, but enter the restaurant expecting
something cheap and greasy.
Chow mein sandwich - A true regional sandwich, only available in
southeastern New England. Believed to have been invented in Fall River
by Chinese-American immigrants before World War II, the sandwich
combines Asian ingredients with New England packaging. It was a type of
fusion cuisine of its time. Ask for the vegetables to be "squeezed" into
the sandwich. However, the brown sauce soaks into the bun underneath.
Roast Beef Three-Way - Served since the early 1950s, this sandwich
consists of a generous portion of thinly sliced rare roast beef on an
onion roll. The "three-way" refers to the trinity of sauce, mayo, and
cheese. The tangy, sweet sauce refreshes the fat and has gained support
from all over the United States. Customize it to your liking by making
it spicy or adding other garnishes such as pickles. Be prepared to be
scoffed at by your peers if you ask for lettuce and tomato. Kelly's
started this craze in the 1950s, and national chain Arby's has made
millions of dollars copying this sandwich.
Fluffernutter - Spread
peanut butter on two slices of white bread and fluff on the other. Press
them together and voila. The fluff is artificially and morbidly sweet,
basically marshmallows made into a liquid paste. This sandwich is loved
by kids of all ages throughout New England. In Somerville, the
birthplace of fluff, the sweet treat is so beloved that an entire
weekend in late September is devoted to fluff festivities.
Sub - This
is the same as in other parts of the U.S., but here it is known as
grinder, or Italian in Maine. In Eastern Massachusetts, it is sometimes
called spooky. In the New Yorkized part of Connecticut, they are
sometimes called wedges.
Apple Cider Donuts - Sure, many places have delicious apple cider
donuts, but New Hampshire has perfected the art. The fall harvest season
is the perfect time to visit the area. Many farms in the area make these
cake-based masterpieces all day long to keep up with demand. The nutmeg
and cinnamon flavors pair perfectly with a glass of cider and the crisp
fall air.
Boston Cream Pie - A Boston original and the official
dessert of Massachusetts, this custard-filled yellow cake (not pie) was
invented at the Parker House Hotel in 1856 and can still be ordered
today. If the Parker House Restaurant is a bit richer, try the more
upscale Donut Shop version. If you don't like to go to the trouble, you
can get the ubiquitous Dunkin' Donuts version.
Frappe - New England
milkshakes are mostly milk, not the drinkable ice cream you're looking
for. It's called a frappe because it goes against the global trend
toward convergence. Pronounce it "flap" or "flap pay" or even
"milkshake" and it's delicious. Try the best at Lizzie's in Harvard
Square.
Ice Cream - New Englanders are among the highest consumers of
ice cream on the planet. Not only in the summer, but even in the cold
winter months, you'll find people devouring artisanal ice cream from all
over New England. For a local twist, try maple creamies made at the
Morse Farm sugar mill.
Strawberry Rhubarb Pie - The roots of this
simple pie can be traced back to the 17th century. The sweetness of the
strawberries perfectly cuts the acidity of the rhubarb. Traditionally
made with a lattice crust, slices are optional. For a taste of peak New
England, get them topped with a generous amount of extra sharp cheddar.
Those without an artistic palate can visit one of these chains and
discover unpalatable dishes aimed at a mass audience. These chains are
generally small in size and free from pesky federal workplace
regulations. There are probably many better options at other restaurants
in the area, but you may need to give them a try if you're in a bit of a
bind. You are unlikely to get diarrhea at these restaurants.
D'Angelo Grilled Subs - Constant radio advertising for this quiznos-like
chain that also serves lobster rolls in the summer. Similar to Subway,
but worse.
Dunkin' Donuts - Nicknamed "Dunks" or "Dunkies." Since
then, it has been exported internationally and is by far the most famous
of the New England franchises. For a traditional taste, order the "Large
Regular".
Ninety Nine Restaurant - A bar and grill chain with
locations in all six states. Almost identical to Applebee's and
TGIFriday's.
Papa Gino's - There aren't that many fast food pizza
chains in New England, especially in Massachusetts, so you may find that
Papa Gino's fills the gap. they offer a fairly thin crust pie, similar
to NY style, with a crust that's a little more like Sbarro's. They're
like Sbarro's, but a little worse.
Boston is known for its many drinking establishments, known locally as
bars, taverns, and pubs, including the famous "Cheers" on television
(see Boston article section). (New Haven has a vibrant scene with
hundreds of bars and restaurants, including the Playwright, the largest
Irish pub on the East Coast, a huge 2,000-seat space built from parts of
a church salvaged from Ireland. In addition, several other cities in the
region have active nightlife. Microbreweries and wineries are also
located throughout the region, and travelers can visit many of them.
It is important to note that each of the New England states has
strict laws regarding drunk driving. Some New England police enforce
these laws by stopping traffic near popular bars to talk to drivers and
by placing unmarked police cars in or near popular store parking lots.
The types of stores that sell alcohol for off-store consumption vary
from state to state. Generally, wine and beer can be purchased at
grocery and convenience stores, while harder liquors may only be
available at retail liquor stores, locally known as "package stores" or
"packies." In Massachusetts and Connecticut, former "blue laws"
prohibited the sale of liquor on Sundays, but many of these laws have
been repealed. However, some cities and towns remain "dry" or do not
permit the sale of alcohol. Other New England states are slowly
repealing these alcohol sales bans, but this strange tradition should be
noted.
New England is the land of the Dunkin' Donut. Despite the
doughnut in the name, this is a chain of coffee shops. You can easily
find them all over New England, especially in southern New England, and
probably within a mile of several stores at a time. For those unfamiliar
with Dunkin' Donuts (sometimes called "Dunk's" or "Dunkies"), they are a
fairly rustic experience. If you want a more upscale coffee experience,
there are several locally owned coffee shops in most towns.
Most US tourists stay in hotels and motels. A motel in the classic sense
is an inexpensive hotel where the room doors are external, so you can
park right in front of the room. In practice, however, the distinction
between hotels and motels is fluid. Comfort and cleanliness are
generally high, American hotel rooms are generally equipped with a
private bathroom and beds for at least two people. Unpleasant surprises
can only be experienced with very cheap accommodation.
Particularly interesting for families with children: The USA is –
alongside Canada and Iceland – one of the very few travel destinations
in the world where children neither sleep on folding sofas or trundle
beds nor have to be moved to a second room. Almost everywhere there are
hotels with rooms with enough beds for 4 people.
An interesting
alternative that is possible almost everywhere is living in a bed and
breakfast. In the USA, this term refers to beautiful Victorian villas
that have been redesigned by the respective owners into a small comfort
hotel with usually four to five lovingly and individually furnished
rooms. Living in a bed and breakfast is usually more expensive than in a
hotel.
The cheapest accommodation can be found in hostels (youth
hostels), which often offer rooms for four and two people. More often,
however, you sleep in bunk beds in a dormitory. You have to bring your
own bed linen and towels, there are no private bathrooms. Hostels are
almost only found in larger cities.
Another cheap alternative is
Air-Bnb, a rental platform where private individuals rent out unused
rooms in their own house (or apartment). Room prices are often cheaper
than in bed and breakfast accommodation. The advantage is that you can
experience everyday life in the USA and also make nice friends.
Outdoor fans can choose between classic camping in their own tent and
renting a mobile home. The latter is relatively expensive and must be
booked carefully in advance. Campsites are plentiful everywhere. Many
campsite operators also offer accommodation in permanent tents (canvas
cabins) or log cabins (cabins).
Anyone who travels to the USA
with children or a larger number of people and wants to spend a longer
time in one place can also rent a holiday home (cottage) in many
(especially rural) regions. In cities there are usually also apartment
hotels.
An exchange is an option for German students. You travel with exchange
organizations (such as AFS, YFU, EF etc.) usually after completing the
10th school year for a whole year (shorter periods are also possible)
and take part in high school life and thus learn the culture and
language know the country. The costs range from around €5,000 to
€10,000, but grants can also be obtained.
There are numerous
world-renowned universities such as MIT, Harvard or Yale. These colleges
have strict entrance exams. But there are also a few hurdles to be
overcome at the other universities. This also includes taking a language
test. Tuition fees have reached a record high, even by American
standards.
Working in the United States is only possible with a visa. Depending on
the type, visas are valid for one to two years. Most people who go to
the US to work are either sent by their German employer to their
American branch or recruited directly by an American company or
university. Obtaining a visa is virtually impossible without an
employment contract with a US-based employer.
The Green Card
(actually: Permanent Resident Card), which enables a long-term or
unlimited stay in the USA, is only the second step after the visa. The
application process for this is very complex, lengthy and expensive.
Nothing works without the support of an American employer who is willing
to spend a lot of money on his highly qualified foreign employee. An
attempt with the green card lottery (actually: diversity visa lottery)
can be undertaken, but offers only relatively small chances of success.
It should be noted that the American authorities are extremely
strict when it comes to activities without a work visa. In the past,
exchange students from the USA were repeatedly expelled because they
temporarily looked after the children of the host family, which is
already "working" under American law and is therefore not permitted
without a work visa.
Public holidays that fall on a Sunday are moved to the following Monday,
even if this means that birthdays are not celebrated on the historically
correct day. If the holiday falls on a Saturday, the Friday before is
not a regular working day. Banks, post offices and many museums are
closed on public holidays. Shops and restaurants, on the other hand,
close on Thanksgiving (last Thursday in November) and December 25 at
most.
Since Americans only have 10-15 vacation days per year and
use the long holiday weekends for additional short vacations, you have
to reckon with significantly higher flight and hotel room prices on
these weekends.
If you follow basic safety rules, you don't usually have to worry about
theft, muggings or harassment, especially in rural areas and small
towns. Many sparsely populated regions are so safe that many residents
don't even lock their homes when going out to shop.
The situation
is different in larger and large cities, which often have inner cities
and residential districts that are not very homely. Every major city has
areas that foreigners, especially tourists, should avoid. Los Angeles in
particular has many of these so-called no-go areas; preliminary research
on the Internet can save you from unpleasant experiences. Trust your
first impression here and avoid such parts of the city, especially at
night. This also applies to many club districts. If you want to go
dancing at night, it is best to take a taxi even for short distances.
Outside the inner cities, the rule of thumb has proven to be that
you have arrived in the wrong area and should turn back at the latest
when there are more than three wrecked cars in the individual front
yards.
As everywhere in the world, it is often careless in the
USA to carry valuables around in plain sight. The more tourists there
are in a place, the greater the likelihood that pickpockets and robbers
will also be there.
Risks that Europeans do not normally have to
deal with also lurk in nature. In Central Europe, forest walkers
encounter a viper at most once. In the US, be prepared for far more
menacing species, even in suburban areas. Rattlesnakes do not only live
in the desert here, but in literally all parts of the country. The same
goes for mountain lions and black bears, which don't always stay away
from human settlements either. Hikers are particularly at risk; When
hiking on uncrowded trails, always make some noise while keeping your
eyes and ears open. Observe the safety instructions, especially in the
national parks, because encounters with buffalo, grizzly bears or
rattlesnakes are among the most dangerous things that can happen to you
in the USA. Hikers should also learn about poisonous plants.
Losing your cash to a mugger in a dark corner of a big city is certainly
not a pleasant experience. But if you come into skin contact with poison
ivy (poison sumac) while hiking, your holiday is at least as spoiled for
you. Poison oak plants are easily misjudged because they look more like
very young trees than ivy; however, a helpful rule is: "leafs of three,
let it be".
Sunlight is also generally underestimated by US
tourists from German-speaking countries. Even in the northern parts of
the country, UV radiation is very strong in summer. If you cannot avoid
going out in the sun, use sunscreen lotion with a high SPF. Americans
use lotions with SPF 50 for themselves and especially for their
children, which, by the way, you can buy much cheaper in the USA than in
Europe.
In most states it is illegal and subject to severe
penalties to leave children unattended. Therefore, never leave children
alone in the car! The same applies to hotels, where children are not
allowed to be left alone in the room. To get around this problem, many
hotels or motels have a (often tiny) patrolled pool where the kids are
supervised to comply with the law and give the parents some autonomy. If
there is no supervisor, you have to take the children with you.
In general, the laws in the USA are much stricter than those in
German-speaking countries and even minor "small crimes" can end up in
prison under certain circumstances.
A visit to the USA is
problematic for minors who are accompanied by their adult partner.
Sexual relations between a person of legal age (which ranges up to age
16, 17, or 18 depending on the state) and an adult is punishable in all
states as statutory rape - a crime that is taken very seriously in the
United States and is usually punished with imprisonment. Even those who
avoid the eyes of law enforcement may find themselves in trouble trying
to rent a hotel room.
The alcohol prohibition of the 1920s
continues to have a more or less noticeable effect in all states up to
the present. In order not to cause offense, drinking (and getting drunk)
in public should generally be more restrained compared to Europe. This
applies e.g. B. for picnics and barbecues in public parks, where even
beer is usually not allowed to be brought. In most states it is also a
criminal offense to have an opened bottle of wine or the like in the
passenger compartment of your rental car; it belongs in the trunk. Some
Indian reservations (such as the reservation that includes Monument
Valley) do not allow alcohol to be carried at all.
In the event
of a traffic accident in the USA, you should generally write down facts
such as the time and the course of the accident very precisely. As a
rule, in the USA, even minor personal injuries involve a lot of money
for the insurance companies. For this reason, you should definitely have
yourself examined and treated in a hospital after an accident, even if
you have a minor problem.
The use of marijuana is also not
without problems. Although an increasing number of states (California,
Oregon, Washington or Massachusetts) allow the consumption of cannabis,
this does not mean that it can be consumed everywhere. In some states,
consumption and possession are still strictly forbidden (e.g. in Texas,
Georgia or Utah) and are punished accordingly. Therefore, you must not
take purchased marijuana with you to another state, but must first find
out what the legal situation is there. Basically, marijuana remains
prohibited under federal law. For most travelers, this becomes relevant
when crossing state lines (even between two states that have both
legalized marijuana) or when flying within states like California or
Alaska. Whether and to what extent the principle of "federal law
supersedes state law" applies to marijuana is the subject of political
debate and has not yet been conclusively answered by courts. Regulations
that deviate from the other rules are also often found on Indian
reservations, which have extensive legislative powers of their own in
this, as well as in many other areas.
Medical expenses are dramatically high in the US. Unexpected toothache
e.g. B. can easily cost you a fortune during your trip. Since German
statutory health insurance is not effective in the USA and German
private health insurance does not even come close to covering the
imaginary rates of American doctors and hospitals, you absolutely need
health insurance for travel abroad. This usually costs no more than €20
per person per year or no more than €40 for a family. Be sure to read
the fine print, as not all insurance policies cover the USA or only
cover a maximum travel time of four weeks.
In the USA, do not
expect your doctor or his staff to speak German; if your English is not
very good, it is best to bring a dictionary with you to the treatment.
The German missions in the USA publish lists of German-speaking
physicians online; however, these are far from complete.
In the
event of a medical emergency, medical assistance is available 24 hours a
day in the Emergency Room (ER) of most hospitals. The nearest hospital
with ER can be found e.g. For example, if you enter "ER, (name of
place), (state)" on Google Maps. In the city, dark blue, rectangular
signs with a white H indicate the shortest route to the nearest
hospital. An ambulance with paramedics can be called via the general
emergency number 911.
For serious medical emergencies, 911 and ER
are the only right options. Even in less dramatic cases, e.g. B. a
bladder or middle ear infection, you are usually not rejected in the ER.
Since the admitted patients are processed in the order of the urgency of
their complaints, you have to be prepared for waiting times that can
last several hours in less serious emergencies.
A good and
interesting alternative, which has hardly any equivalent in
German-speaking countries, is a visit to an Urgent Care practice (also:
Walk-in Care, Walk-in Clinic). This is a doctor's office that mainly
treats unannounced patients who come with minor medical emergencies.
Many UC practices are owned by local doctors, others are operated by
regional or national companies under brand names such as Concentra, AFC
Doctors Express or MedExpress Urgent Care. You can often find them on
the outskirts of large shopping malls, in the middle of retailers and
restaurants. UC practices employ licensed physicians and have X-ray
equipment, e.g. B. also provide a simple fracture. They are open daily
and at generous times, but not 24 hours. UC practices can be found
online, for example at www.urgentcarelocations.com. Payment is the same
as for a resident doctor (see next paragraph). The costs also correspond
to what you would pay at a doctor's office.
If no UC practice can
be found or specialist medical help is required, tourists can also
consult a resident doctor. In group practices where several doctors
work, the prospects of a quick appointment are generally greater than
with doctors who work alone. If you don't want to make a phone call
because you don't speak English, but want to go straight to it and wait
for treatment, try the largest possible practice first. In any case, you
have to pay immediately there, so have a credit card ready (usual credit
cards are accepted in almost every doctor's office). Ask for an invoice
that describes (in English) in as much detail as possible what the
doctor has done - this will make it easier for you to bill your German
travel health insurance later.
In dental emergencies, if in
doubt, you should go to a registered dentist, because there you pay less
than with an emergency service and you probably don't have to drive as
far. The chances of quick help are greatest if you ask in a group
practice. If you don't call late in the afternoon, you can expect to get
an appointment the same day at most practices. Many cities also have
emergency dental services that are staffed 24 hours a day. Addresses of
such emergency services can be found e.g. e.g. here. Always have a
credit card or enough cash ready when you visit the dentist or the
dental emergency service.
With a prescription you go to any
pharmacy. Independently run pharmacies like those in Europe are rare in
the US; the best place to find a pharmacy is in a drugstore or large
supermarket. Prescription drugs in the USA are not industrially
pre-packaged, but must be individually packaged by the pharmacist; You
always have to wait a good 20 minutes for your medication. The general
rule for pharmacies is that the larger the company, the more generous
the opening times are. In the branches of the drugstore chain Walgreens
z. For example, the pharmacy counter is usually open until 9 p.m. and on
weekends until 6 p.m. In large cities, there are also some pharmacies
that are open 24 hours a day. In emergencies, in some good supermarkets
or drugstores where the pharmacy counter is already closed, the staff is
willing to call the pharmacist especially for you.
The temperatures are as different as the landscapes of the USA. It is naturally hotter in the south than in the dense forests of the national parks in the north. Generally there is high humidity in the east and low in the west. In the high-elevation national parks of the Southwest and in the Rocky Mountains of the USA it can be cooler until May and from September onwards. A jacket or a warm pullover always belong in your luggage, if only because of the air conditioning that can be found everywhere. You have to be careful with states like California, Nevada and Arizona. While some areas rarely experience snow and ice winters, 100 miles away it can be the depths of winter. The best example is Los Angeles. Just 100 miles northeast is Big Bear Lake Ski Resort in the San Bernardino Mountains. If you don't know the landscape, you should tell your car rental company where to go so that you don't experience a fiasco with summer tires. A good rental company will talk you out of some routes if you want to take the north route from Los Angeles to the Grand Canyon in winter, possibly with a mobile home, to name just one example.
Every country and its inhabitants have peculiarities, customs and habits
that do not always correspond to the local ones. Especially as a
first-time visitor you come across more or less big stumbling blocks.
Black Americans are referred to as “African Americans” or “people of
color” if you don't want to attract attention.
Some words that
describe people with dark skin are understood and used more as fun
within this group, including in song lyrics. However, if these words are
used by a light-skinned person, it can be taken as a gross insult.
Derogatory statements about religion are very inappropriate in the US,
where 98% of the population is religious. If you don't want to be seen
as bossy and tactless, you should also refrain from talking to strangers
about political topics.
Americans are far more modest than Central
Europeans. Even children can only giggle at the names even for
underwear. This sensitivity should be taken into account in changing
rooms, on bathing beaches and similar places.
The use of rude words
is considered to be a matter for the lowest social strata.
Giving way
to queues is considered extremely impolite, even with short questions.
When greeting someone, you always introduce your companion.
If a
woman is taken out to dinner by a man, it is considered extremely cheeky
if he does not pay.
Keep distance. In crowded subways, elevators,
escalators, for example, people from Europe are used to standing very
close together. In the US, this is considered very rude and physical
contact should be avoided.
Practical hints
The USA is also the land of laundromats and coin-operated washing
machines. If you are traveling with small luggage and want to do laundry
on the way, you will find coin-operated washing machines and dryers in
most hotels. Excluded from this rule are more expensive hotels, which
offer a laundry service and do not want to compete with coin-operated
machines. Self-service laundromats with cafes, like the ones you
sometimes see in movies, are the exception rather than the rule in the
United States. Classic laundromats (laundromats), in which only a few
chairs are set up, can be found in large numbers even in small towns. If
an online search doesn't help, the locals are happy to offer advice.
Except in the centers of big cities, you can always drive up and
park at Laundromats (how else would people transport mountains of
laundry?). If you want to be absolutely sure, bring enough quarter coins
with you; everyone else relies on the changing machines in the
Laundromat. Detergent can be brought with you or drawn from the machine.
Most laundromats have at least a dozen machines, and using several at
the same time is not a problem. In small towns and quiet suburbs in
particular, it is quite common to leave the machines running unattended
while driving home for a coffee or to run errands in the nearby shops.
However, the cleaning quality of the Laundromat can sometimes vary
greatly.
In large and university towns there are many internet cafés where you
can usually surf with a credit card. Mid-range hotels and above usually
offer wireless Internet access in the rooms. In some hotels - in
expensive ones rather than in cheap ones - you have to have access
activated for a fee. these expensive hotels often have free WiFi in the
lobby or a guest computer that is free to use. Free hotspots can also be
found in most bars and larger shops, some even without a password, ie.
H. you can log in without entering the restaurant. Many city libraries,
which often have a large number of computer workstations, offer another
convenient and free way of accessing the Internet. In addition, more and
more cities are offering public WiFi at certain points (parks or
squares).
You can only use your own phone if it supports the
frequencies used in the USA. Even today, this is not yet standard for
mobile phones sold in Europe. The well-known Chinese brands (Huawei,
Xiaomi, etc.) and the iPhone (even older ones) are relatively
unproblematic in this respect; you should research carefully for other
phones. The availability of mobile phone networks is limited due to the
large distances, but telephoning is possible in most places. If you want
to call Europe from your cell phone, you should bring a phone card with
you to avoid the high charges.
Public telephones are becoming
increasingly rare in the USA (just like in Germany). There's no use
looking in the post office because the American Post Office has never
had anything to do with telecommunications. Apart from the very cheap
motels, hotel rooms are always equipped with telephones, but the charges
they charge are usually drastic. You can save money if you use a prepaid
phone card to make phone calls from AT&T at every supermarket,
drugstore and gas station checkout. To use it, dial a toll-free AT&T
number, enter the card code, and then dial the number you want to
connect to. The cards can also be used on public telephones.
The
easiest way to buy stamps is to buy so-called “Forever Stamps” at the
post office instead of stamps with a certain value. These are stamps
with no value printed on them, which never lose their validity, not even
after the next tariff increases. There are normal Forever Stamps for
domestic letters and Global Forever Stamps for international letters and
postcards (US$1.40; 2022). This rate only applies to rectangular cards
and envelopes under 28 grams, which must be fully pliable.
Thicker envelopes, express parcels or registered mail are comparatively
expensive.
Indigenous tribes
The first known inhabitants of New England were
Algonquian American Indians belonging to the group that spoke a variety
of Eastern Algonquian languages. These tribes included the Abenaki,
Micmac, Penobscot, Pequot, Mohegan, Narragansett, Pocumtuck, and
Wampanoag. Before the arrival of European settlers, the western Abenakis
inhabited New Hampshire, New York, Vermont, as well as parts of Quebec
and western Maine. The main tribe was the Norridgewock, which inhabited
present-day Maine.
The Penobscots lived along the Penobscot River
in Maine. The Narragansetts and the tribes under their sovereignty lived
in most of present-day Rhode Island, west of Narragansett Bay, including
Block Island. The Wampanoags occupied southeastern Massachusetts, Rhode
Island, and Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket islands. The Pocumtucks
lived in western Massachusetts, and the Mohegan and Pequot tribes lived
in the Connecticut region.
As early as 1600, French, Dutch, and
English traders began exploring the New World, trading metal, glass, and
cloth for local beaver pelts among other goods.
Colonial period
Virginia Company
On April 10, 1606, King James I of England issued a
charter to the Virginia Company, which included the London Company and
the Plymouth Company. These two privately funded companies intended to
claim land for England, transact business, and make a profit. In 1620,
the Mayflower Pilgrims established Plymouth Colony in present-day
Massachusetts, beginning the story of permanent European settlement in
New England.
New England is a physiographic province within the Appalachian Highlands
region, including the Seaboard Lowland, New England Upland, White
Mountains, Green Mountains, and Taconic Mountains sections.
The
New England hills are long; the mountains and coasts are jagged and
glacially shaped as a result of the retreat of the ice caps
approximately 18,000 years ago, during the last glacial period.
Stretching from southwestern Connecticut to northeastern Maine, the
region's coastline is dotted with lakes, mountains, marshes, and sandy
beaches. Inland are the Appalachian Mountains, which stretch through the
states of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont.
In this range are the White Mountains (NH), which are home to Mount
Washington, the highest peak in the northeastern United States. It is
the place with the maximum wind speed recorded on Earth.
The
longest river is the Connecticut River, which flows from northeast New
Hampshire for 655 km, and empties into Long Island Sound, virtually
bisecting the region. Lake Champlain, located between the states of New
York and Vermont, is the largest lake in the region, followed by Lake
Moosehead in Maine and Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire.
Weather patterns vary throughout the region. Most of the states of
Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont have a humid continental climate with
short, mild summers and cold winters. Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode
Island, southern NH and VT, and coastal Maine have a humid continental
climate with long, warm summers and cold winters. Due to the thick
deciduous forests, autumn in New England offers bright colors and showy
leaves, and comes earlier than in other regions, attracting tourism
called "leaf peepers". Springs are generally wet and cloudy. Average
precipitation is generally between 1,000 and 1,500 mm per year, although
northern Vermont and Maine see slightly less, at 500 to 1,000 mm.
Snowfall can often exceed 2,500mm per year. As a result, the mountains
and ski resorts of Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont are popular winter
destinations.
The lowest temperature recorded in New England was
-45.5 °C in Bloomfield, Vermont, on December 30, 1933. This was also
recorded in the Big Black River, Maine, in 2009.
According to the 2010 "American Community Survey," 83.46% of the New
England population over the age of 5 say they speak English at home,
while 6.35% speak Spanish, 1.82% Portuguese, 1.45% French, 0.68% Chinese
and 0.68% Italian.
Although there are 400,000 Francophones in New
England, many of their descendants speak more English than French, and
it is also worth mentioning that there is a distinctive Boston accent
more similar to the British accent spoken 350 years ago.
According to the United States national census conducted on April 1,
2010, the New England region had 14,444,865 inhabitants. According to
data collected by the American Community Survey between the years
2006-2008, 48.7% of its population was made up of men and 51.3% were
women. Approximately 22.4% of its inhabitants were under 18 years of
age, 13.5% were over 65 years of age. New England, which has fairly
moderate (typically "European") population growth - averaging just 0.37%
per year between the 2000 and 2010 censuses - is home to 4.75% of the US
population. However, as its standard of living -and therefore its per
capita income- is higher than the country's average, it contributes
approximately 5.5% of the national GNP.
In terms of race and
ethnicity, white Americans make up 84.9% of the New England population,
of whom 81.2% were of non-Hispanic white origin. Blacks make up 5.7% of
the region's population, of which 5.3% were blacks of non-Hispanic
origin. Native Americans form only 0.3% of the population, their number
amounting to 37,234. There were just over 500,000 Asian and Americans
residing in New England at the time of the survey. Asian Americans make
up 3.5% of the region's population. The Chinese form 1.1% of the total
population of the region, and numbered 158,282. Hindus make up 0.8% of
the population, and numbered at 119,140. Japanese descendants are very
few; only 14,501 of New England's residents were of Japanese descent,
equal to only 0.1% of its population.
The Polynesians were even
fewer. Only 4,194 people were members of this group, which is equivalent
to 0.03% of the population. There were only 138 Samoans residing in the
region. Latinos are the largest minority in New England. Latinos of any
nationality make up 7.9% of the New England population, and there were
more than 1.1 million Latinos in the survey. Puerto Ricans were the most
numerous of the Latino subgroups. More than half a million (507,000)
live in New England, 3.6% of the population. A little over 100,000
Mexicans make New England their home. Dominicans are more than 70,000.
Cuban-Americans are rare, there were approximately 20,000
Cuban-Americans in the region. People of other Latino ancestry (for
example, Bolivians, Colombians, Salvadorans, etc.) make up 3.5% of the
New England population, numbering more than 492,000.
The
population of European descent in New England is ethnically diverse. The
majority of the European-American population is of Irish, Italian,
English, French, and German descent. There are smaller, but significant
populations such as the Polish, the French-Canadian and the Portuguese.
According to the 2006-2008 survey, the top ten European communities
were as follows:
Irish: 21.1% (More than 3 million inhabitants)
Italian: 14.4% (More than 2 million)
English: 13.7% (1.9 million)
French: 10.4% (1.5 million)
German: 8.2% (1.2 million)
Polish:
5.6% (Approximately 800,000)
French-Canadian: 4.9% (Approx. 700,000)
Portuguese: 3.5% (More than 500,000)
Scottish: 3.1% (Over 440,000)
Scotch-Irish: 2.1% (Over 290,000)
Boston, with about 600,000 inhabitants in its strict municipal area (4,660,000 in its metropolitan area and 5.86 million in its conurbation) as of mid-2009, is the cultural center ("cultural capital" of the US) and largest industrial area in the area, as well as the oldest large city in the US. The region is populated overwhelmingly (about 90%) by Anglo-Saxons of British descent (although there is a notable minority of French origin in Maine and New Hampshire ). It stands out politically for its "progressive" political character, similar to the Social Democracy of Western Europe, being therefore a "fief" of the Democratic Party.