UNITED STATES TRAVEL INFORMATION

People: well, Americans, one can easily write a book about them. I think there is no other such nationality which let itself be generalised as often as the Americans, despite the fact it is a mixture of nationalities. The first impression of Americans is that of extremely enthusiastic people, but often enough that enthusiasm is just a thin layer when it comes to reality. I do not know any other people who are so busy with their image-to-the-outisde-world as the Americans. Funny enough it does not help them much because they overall international impression of Americans is that of “exxageration, overdone“. Score: 6

Landscape/Nature: America does have a very wide range of landscapes on offer. From the glaciers of Alaska to the deserts of California, Nevada and Texas. Take Bryce Canyon, what an absolute beauty% Unfortunately everything is over-cultivated; everything costs money and everything is organised. But it is beautiful nonetheless. Score: 9

Transport/Infrastructure: they know how to build roads in the USA. Beautiful and comfortable roads. Score: 9

Fauna/animals: depending where you travel it can be worthwhile. California, Utah, Nevada and Florida I did not find really special. If that‘s an example for the rest than only Alaska is an exception. For Alaska alone we would add 2 points to the following score. Score: 7

Food: America equals fast food. It is here where it all originated. Unbelievable, what a junk in large quantities one can buy and is being bought. Alaska is (again) an exception. Here we found delicious seafood so Alaska gets 2 points more. Score: 6

Climate: temperatures do vary a lot in this huge country. The westcoast and Florida are in general quite pleasant. My score is based on those areas. Alaska gets 2 points less; boy, is it cold% Score: 8

Culture: for the real American culture we should go back to its original inhabitants, the so-called Indians or First Nation. The Americans first tried to wipe out all the tribes, but now one seem to regret that. In Alaska everything seems to be a bit worse I am afraid;  its original inhabitants, the Inuit, are going down big time due to alcohol and nobody seems to mind (when you walk around Anchorage).  So Alaska gets 2 points less. Score: 7

Hygiene: western conditions so in general all is fine. Score: 9

Travelling costs: bring a lt of cash when you go to the states or even better, one or two credit cards% Every fart will cost you some dollars. And its so easy to pay with credit cards that your budget is gone before you know. Fortunately the current exchange rate (2009) is very favourable for many travellers, but relatively speaking it still is an expensive country to travel. Alaska is even much worse; 2 points less. Score: 3

Safety/Stability: there is quite a lot of safety control by the police, but most American cities have serious crime poblems. Additionally it is extremely easy to buy fire arms in this country which does not improve safety as well. Alaska is a bit better (but a lot less people are living there). 2 extra points for Alaska. Score: 7

Excitement/Challenge/Adventure: there are a lot of things to do so one never have to get bored, but everything tends to get so over-organised it takes a lot away from the real excitement. Alaska scores one point higher. Score: 7

Overall score: 7.1

With this score the United States will NOT enter our top 10 list of most attractive countries to travel (Alaska scores 7.3)