Map of the USA and "Old Glory" in the background.

Location

The United States is located in the Northern Hemisphere. Because of this the warmest months are in June, July and August and the coolest are in November, December, and January. You can expect a variety of climates depending on which area you visit. The United States is one of the largest nations in the world which contributes to this diversity in climate. You can find a location which suits you perfectly! Enjoy the crisp cool climate of the north, or if you prefer a tropical climate go south to Florida or Hawaii.

A map of all 50 states in the USA.

Physical Geography

The U.S. stretches across the midsection of North America, from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean, with non-contiguous states to the north west and in the Pacific. As such, its many regions are varied. Following the admission of the state of Hawaii in 1959, the United States has 50 states as well as the city of Washington D.C. (a federal district independent of any state) and a few territories which are not states, such as Puerto Rico.  

The United States has a great variety of climate and landscapes. You are sure to find one that appeals to you! Below are some of the most popular destinations.

Hawaii

The fresh, floral air energizes you. The warm, tranquil waters refresh you. The breathtaking, natural beauty renews you. Look around. There’s no place on earth like Hawaii. Whether you’re a new visitor or returning, our six unique islands offer distinct experiences that will entice any traveler. We warmly invite you to explore the islands and discover your ideal travel experience.

Come and experience the warmth of Polynesian culture in the American Island of Hawaii!

Catch some of the best waves in Hawaii!

Grand Teton National Park

Located in northwestern Wyoming, Grand Teton National Park preserves a spectacular landscape rich with majestic mountains, pristine lakes and extraordinary wildlife. The abrupt vertical rise of the jagged Teton Range contrasts with the horizontal sage-covered valley and glacial lakes at their base, creating world-renowned scenery that attracts nearly four million visitors per year.

The first heavy snows fall by November 1 and continue through March with snow and frost possible during any month. Summer days range in the 70s and 80s with cool nights in the 40s. Afternoon thunderstorms during the summer are common. Mild to cool temperatures through September and October. Raingear recommended during spring, summer and fall. Sub-zero temperatures are common throughout winter and demand multi-layered clothing, hats, mittens and cold weather boots.

Snow coveres the Grand Teton Mountain in Winter.

Florida Keys

The Florida Keys have become a popular destination for Americans looking for a tropical vacation. The Florida Keys can be considered the American Caribbean and features all the same amenities as other island destinations such as world class sport fishing, scuba diving and snorkeling, boating, sailing, kayaking and eco-tours. Each of our island destinations has some special features. We invite you to visit each area individually and discover our tropical paradise in the Florida Keys.

Sail away on an exotic vacation to the Florida Keys.

California's Coastal Highway

Stretching from sunny "So Cal" to the shady forests of the north, this coastal highway winds along some of the most spectacular ocean views in the U.S. The highway contains countless examples of the many intrinsic qualities that make a highway a National Scenic Byway--qualities like perfect views of ocean waves breaking on rocky shorelines and cliffs, dozens of historical landmarks like Spanish Missions and Spanish settlements, and limitless opportunities to participate in every kind of outdoor recreation imaginable. A traveler would have to travel numerous other byways spread across the nation to witness all the qualities contained on just this one byway. This should be no surprise considering the highway runs through some of America's most influential cities and most scenic landscape, including San Diego, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.

The morning mist on the Golden Gate Bridge

in Los Angeles, California.

Yellowstone National Park

Established in 1872, Yellowstone National Park is America's first national park. Located in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, it is home to a large variety of wildlife including grizzly bears, wolves, bison, and elk. Preserved within Yellowstone National Park are Old Faithful and a collection of the world's most extraordinary geysers and hot springs, and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.

Experience Old Faithful, the most popular geyser in the world, and hundreds of other geysers and hot springs. View the colorful Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and enjoy the wild beauty of Yellowstone Lake. Look for bears and wolves, elk and buffalo in the Lamar and Hayden Valleys. Discover Fort Yellowstone and learn about the park's history. Hiking, camping, fishing, enjoying exhibits and films, and attending Ranger-led programs are among the many ways you can enjoy Yellowstone National Park.

Visitors on a walkway in

Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming.

Grand Canyon

A powerful and inspiring landscape, the Grand Canyon overwhelms our senses through its immense size. Unique combinations of geologic color and erosional forms decorate a canyon that is 277 river miles (446km) long, up to 18 miles (29km) wide, and a mile (1.6km) deep.

SUMMER temperatures on the South Rim are relatively pleasant. North Rim temperatures are a few degrees cooler due to the higher elevation. Inner canyon temperatures are extreme. Daytime highs at the river often exceed 105°F. Thunderstorms frequently occur during July, August, and early September. WINTER conditions on the South Rim can be extreme. The road into the North Rim is closed from the first heavy snow in November or early December to mid-May. SPRING and FALL. Come prepared for a variety of conditions. Pleasant weather can change to rain or cold.

Seeing is the only way to truly understand the

sheer size of the Grand Canyon.

Arches National Park

Arches National Park preserves over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, like the world-famous Delicate Arch, as well as many other unusual rock formations. In some areas, the forces of nature have exposed millions of years of geologic history. The extraordinary features of the park create a landscape of contrasting colors, landforms and textures that is unlike any other in the world.

The forces of nature have acted in concert to create the landscape of Arches, which contains the greatest density of natural arches in the world. Throughout the park, rock layers reveal millions of years of deposition, erosion and other geologic events.

See the arches before they are gone in Utah!

Human Geography

Because of its size and because nearly all citizens are descended from diverse immigrants, there is no single universal "American" culture. Visitors to the South will find a far different culture from those traveling to California or New York City. However, there is a culture that is said to be American, in a way a stereotype of what America wishes itself to be, a culture that people over the globe have seen in Hollywood film, and that has energized immigrants from all over the world.

Las Vegas

Las Vegas is the largest city in the state of Nevada. Commonly referred to as The Entertainment Capital Of The World, it is situated in the midst of the southern Nevada desert landscape. The city has giant mega-casino hotels, decorated with lavish care and attention to detail to create a fantasy-like atmosphere. The casinos have names that evoke romance and mystery - Luxor, Mandalay Bay, Rio, The Excalibur, the Flamingo. Others evoke popular worldwide destinations such as New York-New York, Paris, Monte Carlo, and the Venetian.

Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada!

Also known as sin city.

New York City

New York City is one of the global centers of international finance, politics, communications, film, music, fashion, and culture, and is among the world's most important and influential cities. It is home to many world-class museums, art galleries, and theatres. Many of the world's largest corporations have their headquarters here. The headquarters of the United Nations is in New York and most countries have a consulate here. This city's influence on the globe - and all its inhabitants - is hard to overstate, as decisions made within its boundaries often have impacts and ramifications literally across the globe. Many consider New York the center of the human universe, and the world's most important city, and when visitors arrive, it is instantly recognizable why.

Immigrants (and their descendants) from over 180 countries live here, making it one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world. Travelers are attracted to New York City for its culture, energy and cosmopolitanism.

The Statue of Liberty has been greeting visitors

to the United States since 1886.

Walt Disney World Resort

Who doesn't want to go to Disney World?

Johnson Space Center

Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center ("JSC") is the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's center for human spaceflight activities. It consists of a complex with 100 buildings on 1,620 acres located in Houston, Texas. The Johnson Space Center is home to the United States astronaut corps and is responsible for training astronauts from both the U.S. and its international partners. The center was constructed on land donated by Rice University and became operational in 1965.

The Johnson Space Center is home to Mission Control Center (MCC-H), the NASA control center that coordinates and monitors all human spaceflight for the United States. MCC-H directs all Space Shuttle missions and activities aboard the International Space Station. The center is also responsible for direction of operations at White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico, which serves as a backup Shuttle landing site and as the coordinating facility for the upcoming Project Constellation program, which will replace the Space Shuttle program after 2010.

Explore Americas history of space exploration at Houston's Johnson Space Center.

Movement

Getting to the United Staes and getting around once here is easy! We have one of the largest airport networks in the world and one of the safest to boot. Almost every major city and tourist destination has a major airport nearby. Once you fly to your desination, it is simple to move around. We also boast one of the most extensive and unified highway systems in the world. Our interstates are arranged in a grid with odd numbered highways running north and south. Even numbered highways run east to west. The numbering begins on the east coast and increases until you reach the west coast for the odd numbered highways. Numbering begins in the south and increases until you reach the north for even numbered higways.

Car rental stations are posted eith in or very near most major airports and in all major cities. Taxis and busses are also available in most major cities. Most of our highways are free to use. Those that are not are clearly labeled and alternative routes are available. American culture values the independence of having your own vehicle. Rent one and travel at your discretion without having to stick to a schedule or itinerary.

Impact

As a volunteer in America, you will be working at a sea turtle hatchery in the small town of Punta Banco on the southern Pacific Coast. Turtle eggs have been heavily poached on the Pacific Coast, and increasing tourism has caused many nesting sites to be damaged or polluted. As a result, a number of turtle species have become endangered and are in need of protection.

Volunteers on this project will be heavily involved with the nesting and hatching of sea turtles. You will be walking the beaches at night, seeking nesting mother turtles. When a turtle is found, you will tag and measure it, and gently collect the eggs for transfer to the safety of a hatchery. During certain times of year, you will have the opportunity to participate in the release of hundreds of tiny hatchlings into the sea. Your volunteer work in America will also include environmental education programs for the local community that will be your home during your time on the project.

Volunteer to help with a sea turtle hatchery.

Antelope Canyon, Arizona

Yosemite National Park, California

Mount Rushmore in the Black Hills, South Dakota

U.S. Virgin Islands in the Caribbean Sea

Riverwalk at night in San Antonio, Texas

Times Square in New York City, New York