Originally Posted by
Cap'n Benj
The language barrier has put me off places like Japan though, where I've heard from various visitors that it has been a pain to get about, due to neither parties being able to speak much of each others lingo and the signage being Japanese only in the main.
Japan is probably the easiest place in the world for the independent traveler to get about! The signage is no longer all kanji, particularly on public transport so very easy to read. Language is a problem but no more so than Brazil or Thailand or, to be honest, any non-English speaking country where the person you have to speak to doesn't speak English!
The only problem with Japan is the cost - only 130Yen to the pound now makes it a bit expensive
Why do I visit the USA?
Cheap, easy, and plenty of award inventory on BA !! Sheer variety as well - scenery, culture (Americana!), sport, food, beer (now the microbreweries are everywhere), art, friendly people, hotels, Vegas, even a fair bit of history...I even revisited LA again recently and (shudder) quite enjoyed it.
Like several on here it's not the *only* destination. I like to alternate with other places but know I will be back in the US soon...