American Extravaganza

Washington, DC, the capital of the most powerful nation in the world, is a relatively small city. But its size doesn't make an impression, because after a while you'll lose all sense of scale, blinded by its majestic grandeur. There are white marble monuments, limousines, manicured lawns, and parades, all served up with pomp and splendour. A symbol of America, Washington DC is the site of inspiration for millions of visitors every year. There is a procession of endless free attractions, famous sights, museums, nightclubs, and restaurants for you to explore and devour in Washington, and you will never feel a moment of boredom.

Weather:
Spring: March to May 8-19 C
Summer: June to August 20-30 C
Autumn: September to November 10-20 C
Winter: December to February -1-7 C

Shopping:
There is something for everyone in the shopping scene of Washington, DC. There are antique shops, designer boutiques, flea markets, and bargain-filled malls. Everything can be found, and the best areas are: Adams-Morgan with its collections of antiques and chic fashion; and Downtown, which has everything under the sun including malls. Also try Dupont Circle and Georgetown for some snazzy gift items and clothes.

Must Do:
To even try listing the must-see monuments of Washington is a futile exercise, a task that might go on endlessly. Let us start with the White House, go on to Capitol Hill, Library of Congress, and the many monuments and memorials that surround the National Mall. There are many museums and galleries within the Smithsonian complex, approximately 15, including the National Air and Space Museum, the National Museum of Natural History, and the National Design Museum. Don't forget to also visit the National Zoological Park, and the National Portrait Gallery. Washington, DC's also got some of the best food in the world, best experienced in the trendy streets of Georgetown, and Downtown. Here is where you'll find swanky nightclubs and bars, and a visit to U-Street is a must, for some of the best jazz music in the world. Also try to kayak or paddle-boat on the Potomac River, which flows past some beautiful memorials.

Travel Tools:
ISD Code: +1
Currency: US Dollar (USD) 1 USD is approximately 48 Indian Rupees (INR)
Time Zone: GMT -5 hours. IST-10:30 hours
Voltage: 110V

New York City, nicknamed the Big Apple, is one of the biggest cities in the world in terms of both population and land area. Spread over approximately 321 square miles, it consists of five boroughs: The Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens and Staten Island, each with their own areas and distinctive characters. New York has it all, with everything going for it: world-class museums, incredible buildings, world famous landmarks, food fit for gods, and exploding cultures. A city brimming over with the history of modernity and urban living, New York is also the finance capital of America, and has Wall Street. Other world renowned landmarks include: The Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, and Broadway.

Weather:
Spring: March to May 8-15 C
Summer: June to August 15-23 C
Autumn: September to November 11-15 C
Winter: December to February 5-8 C

Shopping:
New York City is the progenitor of modern shopping, starting with the mid-19th Century Macy's Department Store. There isn't a product, commodity, or service that cannot be found in the many streets of the largest city in the world, and there are enough stores to keep even the most dedicated and experienced shoppers on the move. Some of the best known stores are located in Fifth Avenue Shopping District. There are other, smaller shops in New York, located all over the five boroughs, that provide for all types of shopping needs, from boutiques, specialty shops, toy stores, furniture stores, electronics stores, and camping/recreational equipment shops. Shopping in New York is a vibrant industry that greatly contributes to the thriving commerce of the city.

Must Do:
Look out at the most impressive skyline ever from the top of the Empire State Building, take a tour of the Statue of Liberty, see a show on Broadway, seem intellectual at The Guggenheim Museum and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, gawk at the lights at Times Square, wander the streets of the multi-cultural Greenwich Village, eat your heart out at Soho's restaurants and check out its art galleries, or sip a drink in one of Manhattan's classy bars. There are thousands of venues, the list is endless - this is what makes multilayered and multifaceted New York the world's top tourist destination.

Travel Tools:
ISD Code: +1
Currency: US Dollar (USD) 1 USD is approximately 48 Indian Rupees (INR)
Time Zone: GMT -5 hours. IST-10:30 hours
Voltage: 110V

Picture an enormous amount of frothing water falling over a horseshoe shaped cliff, causing rising mist and shining rainbows. Is it Niagara Falls you pictured? This world famous natural wonder is also a symbol of the friendly and healthy competition between Canada and the United States of America, as the falls are actually split over the political boundary of the two countries. Niagara Falls actually refers to 3 falls, and the most famous one, the one seen in all the pictures, and by far the largest; is the Canadian/Horseshoe Falls. The other two are found within American territory, and are called American Falls, and the smallest, Bridal Veil Falls. A trip to Niagara Falls is much more than just a sightseeing one, and is a world-class destination with something for everyone, with thriving night life, great food, casinos, and adventure for all ages.

Weather:
Spring: March to May 2-13 C
Summer: June to August 15-27 C
Autumn: September to November 5-16 C
Winter: December to February -7-1 C

Shopping:
Other than the numerous mainstream shopping malls and boutiques in the environs of the Niagara Falls, there are numerous souvenir centres. The Maid of the Mist Plaza, has gift shops, and a two-level outdoor marketplace that has many speciality stores, and toy shops.

Must Do:
First and foremost, explore the Falls and its beautiful surroundings, taking one of the tours. Take the Maid of the Mist tour, where you ride into the mist aboard the Maid, and explore the roar of the falls. Walk across Rainbow Bridge for a bird's eye view, or visit Prospect Point's Observation Tower. Go to the Niagara Gorge Trail and Hike Center for tours on some of the greatest hiking, walking and cycling trails the area has to offer. Take a Whirlpool Jet Boat across the rapids for the ride of a lifetime. Also visit the Niagara Falls Discovery Center, a museum that offers a look into the formation of the 12,000 year old natural wonder. You can take the Cave of the Winds trip, which takes you closer to the waters of Niagara Falls than you thought possible. Niagara Falls has much to offer after the sun goes down: Clifton Hill has a lot to do, from wax museums to haunted houses and restaurants. There are also various old fashioned pubs, and wine-tasting from some of Niagara's own vineyards. The Daredevil Museum is a quirky must visit, a tribute to those who in various ways, attempted to go over the falls. Also visit the Seneca Niagara Casino.

Travel Tools:
ISD Code: +1
Currency: US Dollar (USD) 1 USD is approximately 48 Indian Rupees (INR)
Time Zone: GMT -5 hours. IST-10:30 hours
Voltage: 110V

A city that was 'built on the peel of an orange' draws almost as many people to its shores to it as LA and NYC. Opened in 1971, Walt Disney World has since made Orlando the amusement park central of the world. Walt Disney World has four theme parks, Universal has two, Seaworld has two, and Epcot has one. So, 9 so far, and these were just the most popular and biggest. To name a few more, Orlando also has Gatorland, Skull Kingdom, and Holy Land. All this, plus the myriad of other attractions - balloon rides, lakes, golf courses, bars, restaurants, art galleries - add up to equal - vacationer's paradise. Orlando area boasts several lakes for fishing, boating, and other water sports, golfing, and Orlando Magic basketball games.

Weather:
Spring: March to May 16-23 C
Summer: June to August 23-33 C
Autumn: SSeptember to November 19-29 C
Winter: December to February 11-23 C

Shopping:
There are numerous gift and souvenir shops at all of the theme parks, and museums, and stadiums. Then there are the usual malls and shopping centres and factory outlets. Once you exhaust the scope of these (you'll need days) you needn't worry, Orlando still has a lot to be found. Visit Antique Row and Downtown for their collections of vintage and antique shops, as well as some speciality shops. Also try Market Street for jewellery, old-world antiques, reproductions, and furniture. Another attraction is Renninger's Twin Markets, which has antique furniture, dolls, art, pottery, fishing items, and more.

Must Dor:
Like falling down from a great height only to be whisked away safely? How about going upside-down, and then downside-up, in a matter of seconds? Always wanted to tickle Mickey Mouse's ears? Well, there might be literally dozens of amusement/theme parks, but you won't have a boring minute in between. Spectacular national parks, interesting local art galleries, buzzing clubs, amazing restaurants, perennial pubs, original theatre, and a great music scene all contribute to make Orlando more than just amusing.

Travel Tools:
ISD Code: +1
Currency: US Dollar (USD) 1 USD is approximately 48 Indian Rupees (INR)
Time Zone: GMT -5 hours. IST-10:30 hours
Voltage: 110V

The home of Hollywood, Los Angeles is well known the world over, and gets on famously. Awe is an expected side-effect, often accompanied by constant jaw-dropping. And if you can keep your eyes off the celebrities and all 'the beautiful people', then take in the surroundings, and notice that LA has a lot more to it than just Hollywood. Apart from the obvious glamour, flavours, and creativity, Los Angeles startles you with its multi-layered and quirky subtleties. Further blessed with temperate weather and blue skies all year round, LA also gives you exquisite restaurants and cafes, three major theme parks, trendsetting fashion, a wild and thriving nightlife, startlingly original theatre, and of course, the beautiful palm-lined beaches.

Weather:
Spring: March to May 14-23 C
Summer: June to August 18-28 C
Autumn: September to November 15-26 C
Winter: December to February 9-20 C

Shopping:
There are sprawling malls, high-end boutiques, and countless offbeat and speciality shops in Los Angeles. With one of the largest ports in the world, there is an unmatched variety available in the city: from ethnic to generic, trendsetting to antique, you can find everything in the many shopping districts of LA. Visit Rodeo Drive in the Golden Triangle to break your bank. Breeze through Robertson and Beverly Boulevards as well as the Melrose and Montana Avenues for the latest chic fashion and accessories. Browse the boutiques and vintage shops in the bohemian Los Feliz and La Brea. Try Third Street's fantastic antique stores, boutiques, and specialty stores. Other areas not to be missed include Downtown, Sunset Plaza, Westwood Village, Little India, Chinatown, Olviera Street, and Little Tokyo. Must Do:
Hollywood attracts, convinces, and sells. Visit the many famous sites, boulevards and movie theatres, such as the Kodak Theatre, home of the Academy Awards. Other famous places to pay your respects to legends living and dead are: Hollywood Boulevard, Sunset Strip, CityWalk, Mann's Chinese Theater and the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Universal City is must visit, with largest film studio in the world, along with one of the best theme parks, and host to concerts, bars, restaurants, and shopping malls. Also experience the white sand beaches of Santa Monica, and the world famous Santa Monica Pier, which also has an amusement park and an aquarium. Venice Beach and its Ocean Front Walk is a definite stop to see LA's culture, always alive with interesting people, street performers and a great collection of eclectic cafes, bars, galleries and shops. There are also countless clubs and bars up and down the streets of Hollywood, as well as martini bars in Westwood, and rooftop lounges in the Valley. Don't forget to go Downtown, and feast on the cuisines of Little Tokyo, Chinatown, Little India. Sunset Strip and Melrose Avenue also have an impressive collection of top-notch restaurants.

Travel Tools:
ISD Code: +1
Currency: US Dollar (USD) 1 USD is approximately 48 Indian Rupees (INR)
Time Zone: GMT -8 hours. IST-13:30 hours
Voltage: 110V

Las Vegas, is where the American Dream is firmly located. A testament to hedonism and glamour, Las Vegas is more than just the gambling paradise of everyman. It also draws crowds for its depths of luxury and beautiful scenery, and not to forget, the neon sunsets and sunrises of the Strip. The desert wind blows through town, swirling you around, making you pledge to live the life of gold, glitter, and pyrotechnics, if only for a few hours.

Weather:
Spring: March to May 8-28 C
Summer: June to August 19-41 C
Autumn: September to November 8-29 C
Winter: December to February -1-17 C

Shopping:
An escort to the finer things in life, Las Vegas lets you consume at an alarming rate. High-end stores and showrooms, boutiques and antique stores, shopping plazas and speciality stores, even factory outlets; they are all open late and clothed in a festive ambience. These are all lined up from Downtown to the Strip, and if you don't find what you are looking for here, you are probably still in your hotel room. Some of the best, most thriving shopping areas in Las Vegas are: Decatur Boulevard, Miracle Mile, Fashion Show Mall, Boulevard Mall, The Canal Shoppes, Caesar's Forum Shops, Las Vegas Outlet Center, and Wynn Esplanade.

Must Do:
Keeping you in a lover's embrace, Las Vegas is never going to let you go, at the least, it'll ensure you keep coming back for more. Rich museums, thrilling amusement parks, graceful circuses, vibrant gardens, sinful restaurants, spectacular shows, stunning scenery and a host of adventure sports, all give you a reason to plunge in. And did we forget to count the casinos? So, visit the Liberace Museum, the Atomic Testing Museum and the Las Vegas Art Museum. Attend the millions of concerts, shows and events. See green again at the verdant Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. Gain a few pounds at the altars of food, or just head out of town to soak in the desert's stark beauty.

Travel Tools:
ISD Code: +1 Currency: US Dollar (USD) 1 USD is approximately 48 Indian Rupees (INR)
Time Zone: GMT -8 hours. IST-13:30 hours
Voltage: 110V

San Francisco is America's self-effacing hedonistic city with a favourable climate. Magical with foggy mornings, San Francisco refuses to bow down to homogeneity, and has a diverse set of rich cultures that melt into it as the sun shines on. Its hilly streets allow the sea breeze into your hair, and offer fantastic views of Alcatraz, the bay, and the world famous Golden Gate Bridge. Cable cars and trams grace the city with even more character, and make you give your heart away to its picturesque quaintness.

Weather:
Spring: March to May 10-18 C
Summer: June to August 12-20 C
Autumn: September to November 12-20 C
Winter: December to February 8-15 C

Shopping:
The shopping atmosphere in San Francisco's is individualistic. It offers you the run-of-the-mill, but it also offers small, quirky items and oddities that will get your shopping juices all into a frenzy of exploration. The best example of these speciality stores can be found at Haight, and Hayes Valley. Also check out Mission Street for a veritable plethora of products, from clothes to diamond rings to books to vinyl records. Other major shopping areas are Downtown, China Town, Fisherman's Wharf and North Beach.

Must Do:
Unafraid and self-effacing at the same time, the city of San Francisco parties, eats, and chills out like there is no tomorrow. Grab a bite at the Fisherman's Wharf, in Chinatown. Soak in the Bohemian flavour of North Beach's eclectic mix of bookstores, jazz clubs, and coffee houses. Also considered San Francisco's Little Italy, the family-style restaurants, gelato shops, jazz clubs, bakeries, and Italian delicatessens are everywhere. The Haight is also a must visit, the centre of the 60's counterculture, still home to fascinating bars, clubs and cafes. No visit to San Francisco is complete without a cable car ride up to Nob Hill for a view of the Bay. While there, check out the Grace Cathedral, a replica of Notre Dame, Paris. Pick your own way to observe the Golden Gate Bridge in all its splendour: be inventive.

Travel Tools:
ISD Code: +1
Currency: US Dollar (USD) 1 USD is approximately 48 Indian Rupees (INR)
Time Zone: GMT -8 hours. IST-13:30 hours
Voltage: 110V