There aren’t many times in life that you’ll find yourself in the US with a spare month and some spare cash in your back pocket… but luckily for you – after a summer camp job contract, you can find you with just that!
Camp America and similar programs on the J1 visa gives you an extra month to travel, so make sure you make the most of this golden time and get some travelling in. With some of the greatest cities on earth, national parks on the grandest of scales and plenty of adventure to be found, there’s plenty of reasons to travel after your au pair contract.
Not quite made up your mind?
Read on to find out more about travelling in the States including tips for what to do, where to go and bets ways to see the main tourist attractions.
How to Get Around
Ready to travel after your summer camp job is finished? Travel companies like Contiki and G Adventures offer a range of small group tours across the States, with something to suit every style of traveller and every budget. You’ll travel with a small group of likeminded people, accompanied by a local tour guide who will make sure you see and experience all the best bits America has to offer!
Top Reasons to Travel
Need some convincing you should explore more of North America?
For the Experience
There’s no doubt about it – travelling is one heck of an experience. There’s no better feeling than roadtripping in the States with a group of new mates – you’ll see some of the most impressive places on earth (hello Grand Canyon), you’ll try new foods (s’mores?), immerse yourself in new cultures and generally enjoy time away from the everyday doing something totally new and unique. Sounds pretty awesome, right?
Make New Friends
Travelling solo doesn’t mean travelling alone… and a road trip through the States offers you the chance to meet likeminded travellers, interested in having similar experiences to you, especially if you travel on an organised tour. We know plenty of people who meet life-long travel buddies on their travels. Of course, it can be a little daunting and scary, but travelling solo offers you the chance to push yourself out of your comfort zone – imagine how much you can learn about yourself doing that!
Challenge Yourself
America is crammed full of some of the most awesome places in the world – from buzzing cities to jaw-dropping national parks, the US has so much to discover. If you’re looking to get more from your travels, why not join an adventure tour with TrekAmerica? Each of our tours includes plenty of unique experiences and you’ll have the chance to see some of America’s most iconic sights in a completely new way. Try hiking through the Grand Canyon or a horse back ride through Monument Valley, or for something more adrenaline fuelled zipline across Las Vegas or raft down the Kicking Horse River.
Do Something for You
You’ll have spent the last year looking after little people – and it’s time to have some serious ‘you’ time. Decompress, discover new places and relax after working hard. It’s time to chill out and have a holiday, and travelling America is the perfect way to make the most of it!
Where to Go
Popular places to consider visiting in the USA include New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Hawaii, Las Vegas, Chicago, Seattle and New Orleans. You could even cross over the border and visit Canada or Mexico too.
Here are some of the most fun things to do this summer in north America after camp finishes.
School’s out for summer – and it’s time to bring the fun in! Summertime in North America comes packed with possibilities, a world of opportunities waiting to be explored. Whether you’re into beaches, adventure, city sights or nature, see how you can make your Best. Summer. Ever.
Miami Beach
Top up your tan on Miami Beach. #holidaygoals. Enough said.
Theme Park Fun in Orlando
A.k.a THE HOME of awesome theme parks. Disney lovers can immerse themselves in the Magic Kingdom and future Hogwarts alumni head to Universal’s Wizarding World.
Raft the Ocoee River
The perfect way to cool off? Getting soaked by the rushing rapids – experience the thrills of this Olympic-level white water rafting course.
Tour the Ben and Jerry’s Factory
Summer sun calls for ALL the ice cream – and where better to grab a cone than the home of Ben and Jerry’s?!
Road trip the Pacific Highway
Crank up that summer playlist and cruise the coastline of California. One of the USA’s most iconic road trip roads – make sure you stop-off plenty along the way to take in the ocean views.
Go to a Festival
Your fave tunes always sound better in the sunshine. And US festivals are a whole different word to the traditional mud-soaked British affairs…so grab your mates, get that wristband, and party with America’s coolest music lovers.
Party on Bourbon Street
Balmy evenings in New Orleans call for Hurricane cocktails, jazz bars and dancing the night away.
Play the Arcades at Santa Monica Pier
Classic seaside fun – with a seriously cool Los Angeles twist!
Canoe Across Lake Louise
Lake Louise is a stunner all year round – but with the sunshine hitting the turquoise waters, she’s a summertime knockout. Grab your paddle and enjoy these amazing Canadian views.
Enjoy Rooftop Bar Views in New York City
Rooftop bars and summer weather go together like gin and tonic; sip on yours with views of the New York skyline. Perfect.
Snorkel in Hawaii
Splash amongst the colourful fish as you dive into Hawaii’s pristine waters – followed by the perfect sunset over the Pacific Ocean.
Hike in the Great Smoky Mountains
The Eastern states are probably best known for their cities – but there’s plenty for adventurers and nature lovers too! Get out in the fresh air and explore the most visited park in the United States.
Explore Secluded Slot Canyons
Adventure like you’ve never experienced before! Take a 4×4 trip through Canyonlands National Park and climb down into Horseshoe Canyon. With the light filtering through the orange rocks, this one’s a little bit of pure magic.
Have a Picnic in Stanley Park
Vancouver’s a super cool city best enjoyed in the sunshine – and Stanley Park, the city’s ‘back garden’, is the ideal spot for a lazy afternoon picnic.
Working at a camp really is one of the most fun summer jobs abroad for students, and being able to travel really is one of the main benefits.