Travel America For A Low Cost You'll Love

Are you ready for a change from Britain and the adventure of a lifetime? America could be the perfect place to take a year out. Whether you want to surf in the sunshine, take on a challenging mountain or just make some new friends with whom you can create some memories, there is something for everybody in the US; and you can find it all on a budget you will love.

For the perfect mix of beach and city life, Miami is your ideal destination. Miami is a laid-back city, where people appreciate the sunshine and, more importantly, the surf. It’s not uncommon to see some of your favourite celebrities in Miami; partying on South Beach or hosting their own free event. From X Factor auditions to impromptu photo shoots, there is always something to do in Miami, and it isn’t going to cost you the Earth; more often than not, these activities are free. Miami is a city that appreciates art and culture and with intention to educate and entertain locals and visitors alike, several museums and galleries are completely free of charge.

To be close to all of Miami’s action, South Beach is the ideal location for any travellers; not only geographically but financially, too, as you can find hostels in Miami with beds for just £7 a night. To get around in Miami, there are regular buses available; if you are able to do so, though, it’d work out cheaper for you to rent a car. The legal driving age in Miami is 16.

If a year of fun and adventure is what you’re looking for, then San Francisco will be perfectly suited to your taste. If you're looking for a hostels San Francisco offers beds for as low as £12, and you’ll never be far from adventure. For the thrill seekers, White Water Tours offers up to $40 (£24.84) off selected trips on white water rapids all year round, while San Francisco Bay is lined with exciting and challenging rock climbing routes. Music fans will love the San Francisco Folk Festival; a free event at the end of June featuring music, dance, parties, crafts and much more.

San Francisco has its own public transport system, locally named Muni; this includes railway, cable car, bus, ferry and traditional street car. The city supports healthy lifestyle and encourages walking and cycling, and has set up its own bicycle initiative.

Washington DC is a cultural and historically-rich city, filled with celebrations of art, music and, of course, America’s forefathers. Theatre fans will love the Shakespeare Theatre Company, which offers discounted tickets of just $10 (£6.20) for under 35s to see many of their favourite Shakespearian plays. Additionally, many museums such as the Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Theatre offer free performances, ranging from jazz and magic shows and puppetry. Hostel prices begin at £9, though on average are usually more like £15. Washington’s public transport system is primarily rail-based and, if you’re eligible, you could save up to 30% on a companion rail fare.

If you can’t make up your mind between life in the city or a year of adventure, New York City is the perfect place to spend your year; one of the world’s fashion capitals, an exciting, vibrant metropolis, yet close to a vast area outside of the city ready to be explored. From a picnic in Central Park to hiking on the dunes of Long Island, there is something for everybody. There is no shortage of accommodation in the Big Apple, though they can be marginally more expensive than other US cities; a stay in a hostel in New York City starts at around £15.

As the US’s most populous city, New York is home to people from all walks of life; most of whom are ready to share their stories with you and introduce their culture and history. To make the most of your visit, New York runs a cheap and easy subway system, not unlike the London Underground, which starts at $2.25 (£1.39) a journey.

Planning a year away from home is an exciting and sometimes stressful experience. Travelling through America is the perfect way to get the most for your money; it’s cheap, it’s friendly and it will change your life forever.