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They may reach the New Year a few hours after us, but the USA has a vast selection of ways to welcome us into the new year.
Here we’ll showcase a few ideas that could tempt you into the States this year. As Brits, it’s very easy for us to travel to the USA under the Visa Waiver Programme, removing the hassle of applying for a visa. All you’ll need is an ESTA authorisation, which you receive within 24 hours of applying! So, what’s on offer?
The level of theatrical talent and creativity is always crossing new boundaries, and this year looks like it will have its fair share of exceptional shows. Amongst them, why not check out Helen Mirren’s performance in The Audience? This is a unique play exhibiting how meetings may have played out between Queen Elizabeth II and prime ministers over her reign, opening on 8 March at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre. Or take the opportunity to see Jake Gyllenhaal’s Broadway debut in Constellations, opening next week at the Samuel J. Friedman theatre.
A somewhat bohemian city that charms all of its visitors, San Francisco always has an excellent selection of fairs and festivals going on. Going hand in hand with the USA’s relatively recent boost in craft beer production, check out San Francisco Beer Week between 6 and 15 February. Once you’ve sampled the best hops in California (and the world), head on over to the Noise Pop Festival, showcasing independent film, art and music throughout the end of the month in various locations across SF.
If you’re looking to participate in something truly and distinctly American, then you can’t get much more authentic than the Truckers Jamboree. For 3 days in July, truckers unite in Iowa for contests, exhibits, games, country music, fireworks and more. It’s a crazy event, and on the kind of scale that you may expect in the USA!
Of course these are just a few specific suggestions, but as always there are countless reasons to visit the USA; immense natural scenery, vibrant city life, tranquil lakes and valleys, and stunning biodiversity that we just don’t have in the UK! It’s easier than ever to cross the pond, so make it your year to take that trip of a lifetime and witness some of the greatest landscapes on the planet!
Happy New Year!
Travelling to the United States? Do you have your pre-planning checklist in order? Visit our ESTA Guide for more information about obtaining your travel permit. We'd love to hear from you. Send us your comments or questions for travel assistance.