New England

New England, on American’s East Coast has been called America’s attic, for it was here that the first cries of the American revolution were heard and the movement to abolish slavery began. From pilgrims to the Kennedy’s, from the Boston tea party to Martha’s vineyard, this is the place where the fall turns the landscape into a giant patchwork quilt. New England is situated on the east coast of the USA, it spans 6 states,Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine and Rhode Island.

It was 1520 when the first settlers on American soil arrived from England. It’s pretty safe to assume that they had no idea that their values and their ethics would shape the foundations of the United States.

The historic wooden architecture of New England isn’t just confined to buildings, scattered throughout the region are other unique structures like covered bridges, which were designed to protect the wood from rotting away. You will find them dotted all over New England which is also the home of the longest covered bridge in the United States.

It was christened New England in 1614 by an English explorer, John Smith, and it is here the spirit of the early settlers and old colonial America still reigns. Picturesque villages, lakes, granite mountains, rocky coastlines with a rich wealth of history characterise New England past and present. It is a quasi Europe set in the very un-European continent of the USA. Cosmopolitan Connecticut, nature loving Vermont, the epic White Mountain Forest of New Hampshire, forests and beaches of Maine, the tiny but beautiful Rhode Island and the tourism capital of Massachusetts make for a varied trip packed into a small area. If you want to see the side of the USA that packs a punch of beauty, history, and old romantic America, then New England is the region to visit.

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Climate

Weather varies from hot and humid summers where the temperature can saw to 90F, to best avoided icy winters. Spring falls around May and is typically short before the heat of summer kicks in. Winter (from November to March) is severe and only good time to visit if ski-ing is your choice. However, Autumn, known in America as the Fall, is the season to visit New England, with warm temperature of around 60F and an opportunity to experience the beauty of the fall when the trees and nature are in their colourful element. Tourists resort are open throughout September and October which are the finest and most popular months to visit.

Cash

The local currency is the US Dollar.

Only a few banks, mainly in Boston, in the region will be willing to exchange foreign currency so bring your bank card to get the best exchange rates from a cash machine.

The cheapest way to do New England is to go camping and rent a car if you’re taking on the outdoor experience. You can get by on as little as $25 a day, but expect to pay up to $100 a day if you are staying in beach resorts and cities.

Travel

The best way to get around if you’re planning on taking outdoor trips is to rent a car. You need to be at least 21 to do this with a valid international driving license. You can take advantage of Drive Away agencies who drive people’s cars long distance for them, and if you happen to be taking that route you could find yourself with a free car on your hands. Remember to bring your driver’s license and relevant paperwork with you if you intend to hire a car.

People

As a right wing land, most of the population are white Americans of early British and French descent rather than recent immigrants. Eastern Maine and North Vermont are still rich in French influences, where many of the people are bilingual. There are also other immigrants from recent years from Cambodia, the Caribbean, Brazil, Ireland, Portugal, Italy and Greece. The region is still home to a population of 36,000 Native American Indians, who live on old ancestral reserves and their history and homelands have been well preserved. Most of the population are Christian, and some from extreme pious groups descended from the first English settlers like theMormons and Quakers.

Food

In the states, expect mighty portions and less hungry travellers are advised to go with a starter in a diner, café or restaurant before tackling the huge portions of main courses. Situated around the coast, the local specialities are seafood like Maine lobster, oyster, clams and prawns, as well as maple syrup on top of your pancakes which is produced in Massachusetts. Maine is also the historic home of the hamburger. Whatever kind of food is your fancy, guaranteed it will be prepared and served in immaculate style.

Visas

Most national outside of the USA and Canada will require a passport and valid visa. A visa exchange programme is carried out with Europe. Look at the USA State Departments website for up to date visa info.

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