Visiting the USA
 

Hello there,

Planning to visit the USA this summer on my own. The plan is to do a roundtrip and visit a couple of states. Looking to stay about 3-4 weeks starting around mid July. I've never visited the US before.

Not having any relatives or other contacts in the USA, what better to ask here on the forum if any of you would like to show me what life is all about in the US? This way I could visit some of you and we can go for a drive in your GMC, of course :teehee:

If there is any interest, feel free to PM me and maybe we can work something out!

David

Re: Visiting the USA
 

Dang, you're from one of the most beautiful places on earth and you want to come to this crap hole?
:ahhhh:


Well my 2 cents - Stay away from blue states. You'll just get robbed and have no recourse (law). Shoot for a place with a large tourist population like Florida, Texas, etc. so you'll have plenty to do.

What's the goal? Just lookin? Sightseeing? Activities? Fishing? Hunting? Scuba diving? Eating crazy (for you) foods? Or riding around on a old person scooter and yelling at Americans (I dont know how old you are) haha!

Re: Visiting the USA
 

Most beautiful place on earth I wouldn't say, but we can't complain, that's for sure. You have to like paying taxes though.

Always have been fascinated by the US and now I get the chance to come and visit. But I don't like to be the "standard tourist" if that makes sense.

The goal is, as I tried to make clear :teehee: to get an idea of life in the US. Which is why I asked you folks. If I can drop by for a day or two you could show me around your town so to say. That is, if you don't mind showing a stranger around.
If I need to turn a wrench or help out with something, no problem, that way I could do my part to help you out.

My age? Just a young guy at 25 years old (or young?)

Re: Visiting the USA
 

Taxes? We got tons of those here too now.

Well the US is H-U-G-E, so you'll get very different experiences at different areas. Imagine touring all of the USSR and Europe in a couple of weeks.

I guess for suggestions I'd have to say, what are you into? Are you loud? Do you drink? Are you physically fit and trained to defend yourself?
Or are you more of a family man?
Are you considering a move?
Are you looking for a girl?
Where are you thinking about going right now? (to get ideas of what you're in to)

How hot can you stand? Anywhere below the mason-dixon line gets in the 100s and causes Brits to pass out. I know you vikings are build of better stuff, but be aware.

Re: Visiting the USA
 

Good call Fetch, so here it goes:
What am I into: classic cars and trucks, mostly. From racing to scouring junkyards. History of the US, from the civil war to present.
Loud? no, not really. Don't drink either. Physically fit? Yes.
Family man? I'd say so, but don't have a family as of yet.
Considering a move? Maybe, always been fascinated with the US but seeing how steep the decline of the country is, I'm not sure.
Looking for a girl? Definitely
Thinking about going? Northern-middle parts of the US, for example a state like Kansas (where you live) still has a lot of the rural small town America that I'm looking for.
Definitely want to avoid the cities.

Climate wise, 100F is the limit I'd say.

Hope this makes some sense.

Re: Visiting the USA
 

Yeah it sounds like Missouri, Kansas, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Utah would be good for you. A lot of history in some of those states too. Some sights that are touristy but still not "Disney" style touristy that I'd recommend are Silver Dollar City in Missouri, Ark tour in Kentucky, Graceland in Tenn (because it's just a requirement), and Monument Valley in Utah.
For day to day living, I'd maybe do a couch surfing thing?
https://about.couchsurfing.com/about/resource-center/
That'll get you connected with people that are outgoing and friendly. Most people are less so in day to day life so this is a taste without getting a whole plate full of America.

One thing Europeans don't usually think about is in the rural areas of these states guns can be everywhere on good people. In the cities, it's mostly the undesirables that have guns, and they're always hidden.

Back to rural, they might have a holster like a police officer or under their clothes. Don't freak out and call the cops, it's normal like wearing a shirt to them. Know if something happens those guys are friendlies.

Other than that, ask questions. Most everyday people will smile at you and even say Hi. They expect you to smile back and respond in kind. That doesn't mean they want to be best friends, they're just showing that they're friendly. If they say anything more than Hi then they're probably open to answering questions and being in a conversation.

It sounds like you're in for an adventure, and this is probably not a horrible time to do it with elections later this year. Prices are almost double what they were in 2019 (before Covid) so it'll be more expensive right now, but if we change leaders the losing side will probably be looting and crying in the streets again, and tearing up police stations.

As long as you make it here before November you'll pay a higher price but avoid the drama.

Things to avoid (I'm safety minded, I have a family and all that...):
1. Housing neighborhoods with houses under 1000 sq feet. They're usually bad neighborhoods.
2. Big cities after 7pm
3. Any loud people (Yes, I probably mean what you think). You'll get a pass due to the accent, but that pass wears out over time. How much time depends on the intelligence of the Howler.
4. Public transportation (its for the loud people). Take an Uber or drive yourself with a rental.
5. Forests and wooded areas - Not because you'll get murdered, but because of tickborne disease and wild animals that can kill you. If you have a buddy, ignore this. Take tick precautions though.
6. Food off of a truck. It's often delicious, but for Europeans it may give you the mud butt (diarrhea).
7. Untethered dogs or dogs tethered to women. Some dogs are friendly (yay), others are just looking for a reason to rip your throat out. Women will yank their leash and say "omg he just wants to say hi!" meanwhile the dog is barking and slobbering with his eyes locked on your jugular. The dog sometimes wins because it's too powerful for the woman. If you run, bring pepper spray.

I'm sure someone else will chime in with something else, but that's the big things I can think off offhand. Too bad my wife's a xenophobe, or I'd sure put you up here and let you play with Cecilia. My boy's almost grown now and built like a Connor McGreggor, Powder Puff is gone, and just the little blonde is left. We have the room. I'd enjoy the help too. I'm working on building a 3ft x 4ft coffee table from local hardwoods, then taking out a tree that drops too many leaves and threatens me with its ugly face every morning.

Anyway, this has become a small novel so I'll shut up now. Have to take the kids to school anyway!

Re: Visiting the USA
 

Thanks for the info Fetch! Sure is appreciated.
I've heard of the Ark encounter. Being a Christian myself it would be worth checking out.

Couch surfing I'll be sure to check out too!

Not afraid of guns; have a gun license here, know how to shoot and handle them responsibly. Have a few Colt single actions myself.

Have been keeping up with US elections and all the drama it brings. Hope the elections come out right, but fat chance the leftists will leave their mark in the infrastructure...

Indeed a shame your wife doesn't enjoy having strangers around.

Any other members wanting to chime in, feel free to do so!

Re: Visiting the USA
 

I can't figure out what to think about this discussion.
Does it reflect what we are here for?

Re: Visiting the USA
 

Not necessarily, I agree.

Re: Visiting the USA
 

It's in General Discussion so it could be anything. The guy genuinely wants input. I don't see that being wrong. Plus our country could use more like him.

Re: Visiting the USA
 

I agree with Fetch - a fellow GMC truck owner wants to cross the big pond to come to America and take in the sights and sounds of our Great Country we should encourage it anyway we can. He stated he would like to visit one or more of the forum members to get a first hand experience on what American is about. The good and the bad. To state that asking for offers of guidance is not what this forum is about is just what it's not. The forum is about people helping people even if it's not in the cut and dried realm of someone's idea of what it should be. At least he's not an illegal alien crossing the border and being welcomed with open arms. He's asking for a little guidance when he's here - lets show it to him. :thumbsup:

Re: Visiting the USA
 

I think whichever region of the states you choose, try to find ahead of time, the largest, biggest car show/swap meet you can find.

I recall the first time I went to the Pomona Fairgrounds, located in southern California, I got to see all the Muscle cars I'd only heard or read about along with street rods, original vintage classics, Low Riders, corvettes, VW's Porsches and all other kind of Oddities and Trucks.
That and along with aisle after aisle of swap meet vendors and rare parts, it made for a fun day.

Re: Visiting the USA
 

Thanks for the input, definitely appreciated. Keep them coming, I would say!

Re: Visiting the USA
 

The dates of October 6th through 13th are later than your planned trip however these are the dates for Cruisin’ the Coast held annually on the Mississippi gulf coast. Details here www.cruisinthecoast.com Guaranteed to be something you would enjoy and never forget. Any members here who have not been should make the trip!

Re: Visiting the USA
 

Little late to the thread, but thought I'd chime in.

Every year in August there is a huge classic car show in Nevada. Hot August Nights. It's a car show that is all about classic cars and rock-n-roll. Personally, I only care for the Show-n-Shines. My grandpa used to take me every year in his 4-door 1959 Chevy Impala. I've seen some crazy cars from BMWs and Subarus, to your typical Chevys and Fords. You'll never see a vehicle newer than 1979, and you'll only hear music from the 50s, 60s, and 70s (sometimes live).

But there are other events. Parts swaps, drag races, auctions, live music, eating contests, etc. And every year there is a parade through downtown Reno that ends at the Reno Arch. You can find an events calendar online. https://hotaugustnights.net/event-schedule/

Since your looking at historic tourism, they're holding a Show-n-Shine in Virginia City (a historic mining town) on August 2nd. I haven't been Virginia City for many years, but there is an old mine shaft you can tour in the back of the Ponderosa Saloon. It's a very fun city to explore; it's a city trapped in the 1860s and it has even been rated as one of the top 10 historic cities in America. It's only about an hour away from Reno, where most of the other events of HAN take place.

It's later than your planned trip, but something to think about. Just keep in mind that it can get hot in Reno. Especially in July/August. Not uncommon to see temps over 100*F. It gets even hotter if you wanted to venture to Las Vegas to see the Hoover Dam (I've seen over 110*F in recent years). But I would advise not bothering with Vegas at all. The dam isn't worth the trip. The only real "appeal" to Las Vegas is the casinos, and that ain't saying much.

Last thing to add. If you like America and classic cars, then go check out Vice Grip Garage on Youtube if you haven't already. That goes for anyone viewing this thread. Derek makes pure, wholesome, and family friendly content all about classic cars.

Re: Visiting the USA
 

I would urge the followers of the convicted felon to refrain from turning the forum into a place to spew their B.S.

Re: Visiting the USA
 

I would urge everyone to speak their mind regardless, because it's America and conversations are how we solve problems.

And don't start with the "kOnViKtEd fElOn" nonsense, we all know Mr. 10% for the Big Guy is ripe for picking.

Re: Visiting the USA
 

Looks like the left is the one starting the BS

Re: Visiting the USA
 

Same as it ever was. The left keeps insisting we have a Democracy when in fact it's a Republic. I'll be eternally grateful that our Founding Fathers 248 years ago were vastly more intelligent than today's politicians.

Re: Visiting the USA
 

Always nice when someone ruins the thread for all of us...

Anyway, plans sure have changed. Not because of your suggestions, though. Was hoping to go this summer but couldn't find a suitable place to stay.
That doesn't mean the end of it all.

As a Christian, I wanted to combine growing in faith with a visit in the USA.
Right now I'm applying to to a DTS (Discipleship Training School) with the organization YWAM (Youth With A Mission)
Planning to do this in the state Wyoming, a state that really has grown on me. The date is in the Spring of 2025, i.e. 5 months, starting March 2025.
After that we'll see what happens...

Hope you're all doing well!

Re: Visiting the USA
 

Wyoming???? Get a rope!

J/K! Wyoming is B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L! I just went there on vacation. Let the kids ski their little frozen butts off. They loved it.

The biggest problem with Wyoming you need to watch out for are the roads in the winter, and if you're in a remote area, food costs. You can hit the brakes lightly and skid 100 ft easy on some of those frozen roads. You have zero control.
Other than that, 100% support Wyoming as a destination. Excellent choice!

If you decide to create a business of some kind, they're also VERY business friendly. Let us know when you hit the states! I'll send you a little donation to fill your belly!
:thumbsup:

Re: Visiting the USA
 

amen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Re: Visiting the USA
 

The "Big Guy" should join the Burlington L*ars club. He'd be a perfect fit. Every time that he opens his mouth, a new "tall tale" comes out of it.

Re: Visiting the USA
 

Appreciate it! I'll keep you updated.