Well hasn't this turned into an interesting thread? Putting aside political and religious (which are both tangential to the thread and travel in general), and cultural issues (if you want home, don't travel), I am reminded of Thomas Jefferson's letter to his nephew Peter Carr (http://www.stephenjaygould.org/ctrl/...on_carr.html): "Travelling. This makes men wiser, but less happy."

If you are unaware of Rick Steves, it's worth at least reading his travel philosophy: http://www.ricksteves.com/about/pressroom/travphil.htm You'll also find a lot of travel tips on his website (focused on Europe), but they apply anywhere. It's a very different take on travel than many FT'ers focused on Platinum level, C/F, and 5-star.

The U.S. is a contradiction at every level. One example: the world's only superpower and largest military, yet the vast majority of the population prefer isolationism, but the elected leaders (Democratic and Republican) seemingly get the country involved in more conflicts, yet the UN is based in New York. Here's another: more national parks than anywhere (number and acreage), yet it's virtually impossible to see any of them without renting a car. These types of contradictions can be found in any aspect of U.S. life (culture, food, religion, education).

Reasons to visit the U.S.
1. Many TATL flights, easy connections once through Customs.
2. Strong Pound/weak Dollar
3. Warm and generally dry weather
4. Uniformity of services (if that's too boring for you, use tripadvisor.com to find hotels, restaurants, and activities with local culture).
5. Generally friendly people. We speak and write American (our English is poor ), but it's very hard to find anywhere you would not be welcomed, and if you need assistance, just ask. As Rick Steves says: Be fanatically positive and militantly optimistic.
6. Alaska and Hawaii
7. The National Parks
8. Once each to SFO, LAX, JFK, NEW, LAS, IAD, BOS, MCO (the cities, not just transiting the airports!); return if you like them or branch out to others.
9. Like the Edinburgh International Festival, visit a location during its major festival or when it's hosting an event aligned with your vocation or hobby. For example, the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally turns a town of 2500 into 300000, with the beautiful Black Hills as a backdrop. I cannot imagine a motorcycle enthusiast not wanting to visit once.

I have lived in five states, visited 46 of the 50 (incl. AK/HI/DC), and even visited all of the counties in TX (254!), MD, DE, and soon LA (where they are called parishes). I find more local/regional culture and flair as my travels accumulate. But it is very muted by the mass homogenization of the general U.S. culture. The upside for residents is it's very easy to simply pack up and move to a locale of your liking -- even start your life completely over. I believe that in part has developed since it's a nation of immigrants. The downside is a level of blandness for the visitor. Use that blandness -- predictability of services -- to your advantage and extend out beyond the major cities and tourist areas if you're looking for a deeper cultural experience.