Places in USA to Visit During Study Breaks

Studying abroad is a life-changing experience that not only allows you to acquire education at an international level but also enables you to explore new places and cultures. As an international student in a US college, you must not waste any opportunity to travel, especially during your study breaks.

If you are studying in the USAand you plan to stay in the country during your study break, then you can think of travelling across states based on your budget, interest and schedule. America is a vast country with 50 states, and every state has its uniqueness. Historical sites, mountains, monuments, beaches and valleys make the country a centre of attraction for tourists with varied interests. As a traveller, you can also indulge in sports and other activities like hiking, biking, horseback riding, go-karting and you can even go on a cross-country road trip.

Here are some fabulous destinations within the US where you can spend your upcoming study break.

Timelines for Semester Breaks in the USA

Here is a timeline for the three major semester or study breaks in the US. The same may, however, vary from university to another.

Best Places to Visit in US During Study Breaks

There are innumerable places and sites to visit in the US. Travelling to different places requires time and budget that varies location wise. So, here we have come up with a list of some of the best places that you can think of visiting during yourstudy break at an affordable price.

Note: Estimates of travel expenses during holidays depend on various factors such as duration of stay, the accommodation you choose to stay, mode of transportation you opt for, food choices as well as shopping choices. The above is just an average estimate of expenses and it may vary from person to person.

Also Read:Guide to Student Accommodation in the USA

California

California is the third-largest state and most populous state in the United States. The state is home to a few spectacular sites and beautiful places which makes it a must visit place in the United States. Some of the must-visit places in California are:

Yosemite Falls

Yosemite Falls, located in the Sierra Nevada, is the fifth highest waterfall in the world and it is a famous place for visitors from around the world. A large number of people visit this place during Springtime when the snow has melted and water flows through the peak. The best time of year to visit Yosemite Falls is usually in May and June.

Napa Valley

Napa Valley is located in Californias Bay Area and is famous for its beautiful landscapes and hills. Napa Valley is surrounded by the Mayacamas Mountain Range in the west and the north while the Vaca Mountains cover the east. In between the two ranges, there are several small valleys, resulting in scenic views which become brilliant backdrops for selfies and photographs.

Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park was founded in 1968 and is located on Californias Pacific Coast in the northwestern part of California. The park is famously known for some of the tallest and largest trees in the world. It is also home to a variety of fauna and flora, hence, forming a diverse and beautiful ecosystem. One can view beautiful mountains, rivers and redwoods that are the centre of attraction. It is a wonderful place for someone adventurous. Hiking, biking, horse riding are some of the things that attract youngsters to Californias Redwood National Park place.

New York City

New York City is a must-see place to visit if you are in the US. It is a vibrant and diverse city and an ideal place for students seeking fun and entertainment. One can find countless restaurants, cafes, shopping centres, parks and museums in and around the city.

Some of the places to visit if you are in New York City include the Brooklyn Bridge, Times Square and Flatiron Building. Central Park and Staten Island Ferry. A public library is also a famous place among students. However, New York is best known for the variety and quality of food. Therefore, New York becomes one of the top places for the foodies, with thousands of restaurants, roadside food trucks, century-old food joints that have been the major reason for tourist attraction in the city.

Arizona

Arizona in the US is an incredible place and is well known for its natural wonders. It is a wonderful travel destination to experience the wonders of nature. It is the perfect place to visit that easily fits the budget of a student seeking a short getaway from the hubbub of daily studying and life.

Grand Canyon in Arizona is one of the top tourist attractions in the USA. It is situated beside the Colorado River and can be seen from a far distance. Any person who visits this place becomes in awe of the beauty and grandeur of the place. The Grand Canyon is 277 miles long and 18 miles wide. The national park in the Grand Canyon is one of the most visited places in the United States.

For somebody who has an interest in adventures like hiking, Sedona is a recommended place in Arizona. You can visit Cathedral Rock, Devils Bridge, and the centre of attraction, Horseshoe Bend, which is an extension of the Grand Canyon. It is a natural curve in the Colorado River that lies deep in a canyon. Sedona is also known for its spa.

Also Read:List of UK's Most Beautiful Universities

Florida

The southernmost region of Florida is a famous tourist attraction in the US. Florida is famous for its islands, of which it has 4510. It is the second-highest number after Alaska. Here are some of the famous places to visit, if you are in Florida.

Orlando City: Orlando city is best known for Universal Studios, SeaWorld and Walt Disney World. You can explore the theme parks like Volcano Bay, Typhoon Lagoon and Discovery Cove. It is an ideal place to visit throughout the year. Shopping centres, spas, restaurants, water parks are other popular places that you can visit in Orlando.

Daytona Beach: Daytona Beach is located on the Atlantic coast, 51 miles from Orlando. It is a city that is historically known for its beaches. The hard-packed sand over the beach allows vehicles to drive on the beach. The place is famously known for the Daytona 500 NASCAR race held at the Daytona International Speedway. Concerts, water slides, go-karting, Arts and Science museums are some of the other things you can enjoy in and around Daytona Beach. What could be a better place than Daytona Beach for a person with an inclination towards motorsports, golf and baseball? Historical museums, parks, beaches and shopping centres are some of the other things you can enjoy within Daytona Beach city.

Other famous places to visit in Florida are Panama City Beach, Miami city, Gainesville, Jacksonville, Key West island, Everglades National Park, St. Augustine etc.

Washington D.C.

Washington, D.C. is the capital city of the United States and is named after the first president of the United States - George Washington. Memorials of famous personalities, cultural events, historical sites, concerts, museums, monuments are some of the best things that attract tourists to Washington, D.C. If you are in Washington D.C, then here are some of the famous sites that you can visit:

John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

Founded as the memorial for President John F. Kennedy, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is a famous place for theatre and musical performances. The place is located on the Potomac River in Washington, D.C. It is an ideal place to visit for someone interested in arts and performance.

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History is a large museum located in the National Mall in Washington, D.C., United States. The place has more than 126 million artefacts on display that attracts millions of visitors every year. The museum is famous for tarantula feedings in the O. Orkin Insect Zoo, replicas of giant whales and other marine life. The fossils of dinosaurs can be viewed in "The Last American Dinosaurs: Discovering a Lost World"

Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial

Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial is a famous memorial of activist Dr Martin Luther King Jr. It is a 30-foot high granite memorial located in the West Potomac Park next to the National Mall in Washington. The Memorial is administered by the National Park Service (NPS). The monumental memorial was opened in 2011 and is recognised as the newest memorial in Washington D.C. The inspirational line 'I Have A Dream' speech attracts people the most. This site is often visited by students when in Washington, D.C as it aspires them to be a dreamer and stand for equality.

The White House

Washington D.C. is also home to the Capital House, or popularly known as the White House where the President of the country resides. As the most popular destination in the country, each day, hundreds of tourists line up to take a tour of the White House, learning about the history of the house along with the history of the country, thus, helping tourists understand what America stands for. However, if you plan to take a tour of the White House, you will need to take assistance from your Embassy in Washington D.C.

Also Read:Top Courses for International Students to Study in the US

HolidayExpenses in the US

It is difficult to estimate the expenses on travel during holidays as it solely depends on location and the mode you opt for travel. It is good to plan your trip for at least one month before travelling. Before you plan your trip, research the ticket fare, transportation cost, expenses on stay, food and visiting sites ticket fares. Based on your budget you can decide which place is best suited for you to visit during your study breaks.

If you are travelling in a group you can split the travel expenses amongst yourselves. Whether you are travelling alone or in a group, make sure you plan your trip, especially the budget. You can start saving money at the start of the semester so that you have enough money to spend on your holidays.

Stay tuned for more interesting facts and information!