Places in USA to Visit During Study Breaks

Studying abroad is an unforgettable adventure that gives you the chance to observe different locations and cultures in addition to receiving an educational experience at a global level. You must take advantage of all opportunities to make trips as an international student attending a US college, particularly during your study breaks.

You get a remarkable opportunity to see several of the most well-known places in the USA as a college student. With 50 states, America is a sizable nation, and each one is distinct in its own way. There are dozens of locations to explore, ranging from the enormous Grand Canyon to the exciting metropolis of New York and Los Angeles.

If you are a college student in the USA and intend to remain there during your time off from classes, you can consider roaming throughout different US states depending on your money, schedule, and interests. The nation attracts tourists with a wide range of attractions due to its beaches, mountains, historical sites, monuments, and valleys. 

You can also participate in sports and additional excursions like horseback riding, biking, cross-country road trips, go-karting, and more. We have put together a list of the best places to visit in the USA while studying if you are looking for a great day trip, hit the road or if you want to explore some of nature's incredible wonders.

Timelines for Semester Breaks in USA

Here is a timeline for the three major semesters or study breaks in the US. The same may, however, vary from one 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 your study 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.

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 Spring time 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 California's 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 California's 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 beautiful place for someone adventurous. Hiking, biking, and horse riding are some of the things that attract youngsters to California's 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, 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 foodies, with thousands of restaurants, roadside food trucks, and 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 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, Devil's 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.

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, and 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, and Arts and Science museums are 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, and 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.

Holiday Expenses 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 the 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.

Interested to apply to top universities in USA but confused about which one is right for you? Worry not, reach out to us at abroad@collegdekho.com. and let our experts guide you to study in USA!