If the USA seems overtly patriotic, perhaps it's because this nation really does have so much to be proud of. Pulled together from a hotch-potch of cultures and backgrounds, it has been more successful in uniting around the common ideals of independence and freedom than perhaps any other western nation.
Just as it's a pleasure to visit someone who takes pride in their home, it's a joy to visit a country that celebrates life, love and learning. This sense of pride permeates to the regional level too, with virtually every corner of the USA seeking to make a distinctive impression upon all who live and visit there.
Family fun
Fifty-two states, 1000 theme parks, 180 million people in rollercoaster queues each year. Beyond your theme park staples of rides, thrills, spills and people in oversized animal costumes, the USA's huge, theme park industry offers a diversity of themes and experiences that are often as educational as they are fun and memorable. So by all means visit the Disneyland Resort, Legoland, Adventure Land, Discovery Cove, SeaWorld, Knott's Berry Farm and Six Flags Over Texas, but also look out for the nation's lesser- known, quirkier theme parks, including Alabama Adventure, Bonanzaville, Silver Dollar City, Guntown Mountain and Buckskin Joe.
Your own impression of the United States will depend on what sort of holiday you are looking for, for this is a nation sufficiently large and diverse to offer almost every kind of experience. Explore and enjoy.
Culture & history
For lovers of history and indigenous culture, the United States is an exciting destination. At the heart of American history is the experience of the native American Indian. Visitors can relive this history in a myriad of ways, from a visit to the National Museum of the American Indian (New York) and the Mitchell Museum (Chicago), to dining in a native American restaurant near the Grand Canyon, or going on a spiritual history tour through Dakota or Wyoming.
America's Wild West days of the late 1900s are still eagerly lassoed by true believers and tourists. Check out Wild West City in New Jersey, explore the 'ghost town' of Oatman along historic Route 66 in Arizona, take the kids along to Buffalo Bill's show at Disneyland, or get serious and saddle up in Texas.
Land & sea
Though known mostly for its urban landscapes, the USA has much to offer the nature lover, with some of the most stunning national parks, lakes and forests in the world. Along the east coast, Florida's everglades never fail to inspire shutterbugs and the Arkansas Hot Springs are a 4000-year-old wonder. On the west coast, California's Yosemite Park, Kings Canyon, and Joshua Tree are all popular among tourists. The Rocky Mountains, and their many surrounding parks and landmarks are a holiday-worthy destination unto themselves, as of course is the mighty Grand Canyon in Arizona-the unofficial eighth wonder of the world and something everyone should witness in their lifetime.
Off the land, America's coastal and inland waterways present wonderful cruising opportunities and a chance to see a different side of this ever-surprising nation. The cruising industry here attracts 10 million people a year and with destinations as magnificent as Alaska and the Mexican Riviera, it's not hard to see why. Most cruises leave from Florida and many take in the tropical islands of the Caribbean and exotic ports near Central America. New York is also a popular departure point for large cruise ships, while also boasting a terrific, small-craft cruise industry that shows off the city's harbour in all its splendour.
Shopping
Itching to flash some plastic? The USA is a shopper's paradise, mainly because its one of the locals' favourite pastimes. Exchange rates notwithstanding, there are some fantastic bargains to be found. The USA's big shopping malls are mostly concentrated in the suburbs and major outlet centres are generally found well out of the centre of town. For a taste of the shopping high life, a stroll down Rodeo Drive is a must. You could also lose several days exploring the eclectic variety of shops in central New York City.
Get in the know
The USA is home to quite a few... well, unusual attractions. Have you ever seen a shoe tree? A church measuring three metres square? A two-storey toilet?
In keeping with America's love of everything 'big', there's also some fruity sights to be seen. There's the big apple, strawberrry, watermelon, peach and even the big artichoke!
There's even quirky accommodation available. Fancy a night in a pirate's cabin complete with costumes? Maybe a cave, teepee, or cabin perched high in the trees is more your style. Hire a car and discover some of these amazing attractions.
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