Route: New York – Washington – Los Angeles – San Diego – Las Vegas.
New York: Settle into a cozy Chinese-style villa or an apartment in Flushing, both priced at $60 per night. The 7 train offers a direct ride to the vibrant Times Square. With a Bank of China chip-sensing credit card, you can conveniently swipe into the subway for just $2.9 per ride. Don’t miss iconic landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, the Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum (featuring the Growler submarine), Times Square, and the Museum of Modern Art—where you can marvel at Van Gogh’s *Starry Night*.
Explore Central Park, touch the Wall Street Bull’s testicles for good luck, stroll along Fifth Avenue, and pay your respects at the moving 9/11 Memorial & Museum. Grand Central Terminal is a must-visit hub with its stunning architecture and free Manhattan maps to help plan your adventure.
Washington: Stay in style at the Hyatt Hotel, costing around 800 yuan per night. This location is perfect for exploring the city on foot. Discover historical gems like the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, White House, Capitol Hill, National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Natural History Museum, National Gallery of Art, National Museum of the American Indian, Air and Space Museum, FBI Building, Spy Museum, and the Wharf—a riverside leisure street offering affordable seafood dining options.
Washington to Los Angeles: A smooth 6-hour Delta Airlines flight costs approximately 2800 yuan.
Los Angeles: Dive into the glitz and glamour of Hollywood Walk of Fame, explore the luxurious neighborhoods of Beverly Hills, soak up the sun at Santa Monica Beach, shop till you drop at Citadel Outlets, and stock up on essentials at Costco.
San Diego: Admire the breathtaking “Unconditional Surrender” (Kissing Sailor) statue, tour the USS Midway aircraft carrier, wander through Old Town, and relax on some of the most beautiful beaches in California.
Las Vegas: Experience the dazzling lights of The Strip, marvel at the futuristic Sphere, indulge in luxury at The Venetian and Bellagio, feel like royalty at Caesars Palace, take in the views from High Roller, and enjoy world-class entertainment.
Tips:
1. **EVUS Registration**: Before traveling, ensure that your EVUS form is completed to avoid any issues upon arrival.
2. **Navigating New York**: Most attractions are concentrated in Manhattan, making the subway the best way to get around. Your Bank of China credit card will come in handy as it allows direct swiping at turnstiles. Be mindful of directional entrances at certain stations; always check the signs carefully.
3. **Free Maps at Grand Central**: Pick up a complimentary Manhattan map at Grand Central Terminal to better plan your itinerary and familiarize yourself with subway station names.
4. **Times Square After Dark**: The nighttime glow of Times Square is even more mesmerizing. Don’t forget to queue up and touch the Wall Street Bull’s testicles for good fortune—it’s a quirky tradition!
5. **Traveling to Washington**: The high-speed train from New York departs from Penn Station, not Grand Central Terminal. Booking tickets in advance can save you money—sometimes as low as a few dozen dollars. I learned this the hard way when I paid $138 for a last-minute ticket.
6. **West Coast Essentials**: In cities like Los Angeles and San Diego, renting a car is essential due to the distance between attractions. It’s the most convenient way to explore these sprawling areas.
7. **Smart Souvenir Shopping**: Many souvenirs, such as fridge magnets, are made in China. Save weight and money by purchasing them online via platforms like Taobao after returning home.
8. **Parking Planning**: If renting a car, scout out parking options beforehand. Both free and paid spots are available depending on how detailed your travel plans are.
9. **Street Performers**: Avoid taking photos with costumed characters on the streets unless you’re prepared to pay. Similarly, photographing performances might also incur fees, so proceed with caution.
10. **Most Beautiful City**: Among all the destinations, Washington D.C. stands out as the most picturesque and historically rich.
11. **Pre-Buy Tickets**: Consider purchasing attraction tickets in advance through platforms like Fliggy. For instance, I secured ferry tickets to Liberty Island and the Statue of Liberty pedestal for only 29 RMB—a great deal!
