|
Climate
Hot and arrid deserts characterise the Southwest, parts of
the Arizona desert receive only a few inches of rainfall all
year. However, higher altitudes are home to green valleys,
parks and mountains which are a Mecca for winter skiing, but
beware snow drifts. The rising heat of Albuquerque make it
a great spot for ballooning. The spring and fall are considered
low season, but this is a great time and weather for quieter
travelling.
Visas
All foreign visitors will need a US consulate visa, but in
most places this can be done via a travel agent. Your passport
must be valid for 6 months after your point of entry into
the country.
Cash
The currency is $US and living costs are much cheaper than
the bigger states cities. Accomodation costs are seasonal
and range from $20 - $40 for a cheap motel upwards. Out of
season, you can always try to barter down the price. There
are lots of places to camp if you are attempting the authentic
backpacker experience. You should always tip, particularly
in diners and restaurants, 15 - 20% is curteous but you can
still eat like a king for under $10.
The economy is in fluctuation but 1 US$ = approx £1.5
sterling or 1.1 Euro.
Check with your local currency exchange centre for up to date
currency information.
Travel
Travel will be your biggest cash outlay, renting a car will
cost you at least $100 a week which is essential as public
transport is very limited outside of the major cities. Between
states, there are plenty of air routes, particularly servicing
each state capital. It can be pricey, but early morning flights
can herald a deal or two. Greyhound Buses jet between
major towns, but more rural locations are virtually unserved
by public transport. You'll need to pay in exact change or
buy your ticket in advance from the bus station kiosk.
People
The majority (80%) of Southwesterners are white,
with a large African American population and a sizeable Native
American minority. In New Mexico there is also a very large
population of people with Hispanic roots, accounting for 40%
of all New Mexicans. In Northern New Mexico you can most closely
see this tri-cultural mix of Hispanic, Native American and
white American folk. Utah and Arizona are the centres of the
Mormon faith and a number of historic temples can be seen
in Phoenix.
Language
American English is the native drawl. Spanish is widely spoken
as a first language amongst New Mexico's Hispanic communities,
making it a great place for Spanish speakers to visit where
radio, theatre and shops all cater for Spanish.
Dress
If your planning to go hill climbing, trekking or outdoor
sports bring appropriate outdoor kit for the mountainous terrains.
Outdoor clothes are easily bought in the area at cheaper prices
than Europe. Casual is the new formal in the Southwest. Jeans
and cowboy boots have never fallen out of fashion. To go formal,
the average Southwesterner may don a 'bola tie' (a leather
cord fastened around the neck with a precious stone). Utah
with its Mormon influence tends to be more conservative and
formal, but not exceptionally so. Hats and shades keep out
the intense summer glare. Don't forget the sunblock.
Health
It's very unlikely you'll drop down dead with a horrible
tropical disease anywhere in the USA. However, all medical
care is private and very expensive, so it's vital that you
take out an as comprehensive as necessary insurance policy
before you visit and carry a photocopy of your policy document
with you should the worst case scenario occur. There are charitable
hospitals if you really need them and treatments in walk in
clinics are much cheaper than Emergency Rooms.
Visas
Visitors from Canada will need a citizenship card or passport
to visit USA. All non-Americans will require a US visa which
is valid for 90 days. Your passport will need to be valid
for 6 months beyond your stay and certain visitors from developing
nations will need proof of finances. If you are planning to
stop off on America on the back of another trip, it is better
to apply for your visa when you are in your home country.
The ruling that members of Communist organizations are not
admitted has been ditched, although it's still safer not to
have a stamp for Cuba on your passport (Nowadays, the nice
passport people in Cuba tend to give you your Cuba stamp on
seperate bit of a paper, not your passport). |
