Interesting... I spent two years studying in Oregon, and three years living and working there after that, and I understand a lot of these comments (in both directions). Of course, the states are more alike than, say EU countries, but some of these responses (and the premise of the OP) assume much more homogeneity than really exists in the country.

I can only speak with real experience about the West Coast. But it does have a spectacular (and quite diverse) natural landscape. Fantastic cuisine – from a vast range of local produce – abounds up and down the coast. Great coffee, a vibrant micro-roasting and brewing scene, and wonderful wines back this up. A fascinating environmental and social history.* Sure, other places have lots to recommend them -- I like to visit them also! Travels to Jordan and California are not (should not be) mutually exclusive.

If the sum total of the U.S. experience is Denny's and the Cheesecake Factory, then you're missing out. But if you came to London and all you did was visit The Real Greek and Costa Coffee, you'd have a disappointing experience here. Strip malls, endless suburbs, bland chain food -- all of these things exist in the States, and I find them pretty depressing. Then again, I wouldn't suggest that a visitor to the UK spent a great deal of time in Croydon or Slough, either!

Going to the States isn't an adventure in the same way as, say, India. But just because there's a well-established tourist trail in the US doesn't mean you should stay on it. Getting off the beaten track and exploring places (and especially cities) as locals experience can be pretty rewarding, I think, anywhere.

* It's very different to the Colonial history of the East Coast -- I like that too in its own way, but in the West it feels less of a 'created' experience.

I have just noticed that! I dont have a sexy wife though.

It depends on what you class as a holiday. With European flights been so cheap you can have a couple of long weekends a year in different countries witout English. Then have a longer trip later in the year, the US helps to make this easy.

I've been hanging my head silently, but I guess I need to say a few things.

Apology ... I got very rude, and apologies again to the Mods for having to clear up after me.

USA ... my comments about food were indeed over-generalised. But when in the USA, I want to eat American food - not Chinese, Indian or whatever.

Canada ... yes, I have been put off by the Canadians I have met and worked with. We're all Ambassadors for our Nation, and they just didn't sell it to me.
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As to the rest of the discussion, I'd best stay out of it. We love America and Americans, but perhaps what we like about it isn't what you like.

Perhaps because its local and readily available to you? I think their cheese selection is great, I'd love to have that variety at my local grocery store, and in small sizes too. Being able to by champagne in the grocery store is great too, I can't do that here.

I'm telling everyone who will listen...I was walking behind Pippa the other day while at Henley RR. Now I know what all the fuss is about!

Pros and cons both sides I guess. M&S Cornish crunchers cheddar is unbelievable but then on your side you have horseradish pub cheese!!

The no booze in supermarket thing is annoying

Oh yes. I tried to get some cheese when I was in TN at Christmas a couple of years ago. Went to the $$$ organic store and they were like 'sorry raw milk cheese is not allowed in the US'. So no Brie or Camembert.

That said Waitrose does cheese better than M&S but in any supermarket you will struggle to find a ripe Camembert or Brie - best bet is to buy the latest dated one you can and then leave it in the fridge for a couple of weeks unopened.

The best cheese shop in the UK is La Fromagerie in Marylebone, London.

I wonder if we can sneak some Camembert through US customs next time we visit.....

Happy 1000th Post

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...

That varies by state. Each has its own (often stupid) drink rules. In California booze is sold everywhere. Here in Washington state beer and wine are available everywhere, spirits only through state-managed outlets with high taxes and odd opening hours. In other states booze is sold through privately run "package stores," but sometimes not on Sunday. And on, and on.

Agreed. I brought a block of that home with me this spring and gave a taste to a foodie friend of mine. He was very impressed with it. Now I wish I could get more, but I can hardly justify a trip across the pond to buy a package of cheese.

I suppose I can console myself with a trip to local cheese specialist to get some of the other English cheeses, but it is expensive. Double Gloucester is about �50/kg.

I liked Paxton and Whitfield in Jermyn Street. The staff were very helpful in suggesting cheeses I might like.

I happen to be there (here? In the US either way) right now. I agree with almost all the comments so far. I holiday in many places but the US is amongst my favourites. A long list:

Beautiful scenery, yellowstone, yosemite, the Rockies, the lakes, deserts...

Friendly people - was at a B&B chatting to a bunch of Texans till the wee hours last night.

So many rules and laws and customs I like - turn right on a red being right at the top but also 21 drinking age, children calling adults Sir, the focus on manners in many parts of the country....

A climate for all seasons somewhere or other in the country

So many cultures from pueblo to new Hampshire, from Hispanic to gringo.

I'm not all rose tinted glasses though. I hate the right wing politics of some, feel desperately uncomfortable with the gun culture and cringe at the plastic sincerity which is so common. But the point is that I can live with those for the many benefits.

Indian restaurants in US are better because,
1. They are run by first generation Indians, so no dilution yet from the traditional recipes.
2. The food is cooked by Indian chefs as opposed to UK, where many of the restaurants are Bangladeshi and masquerade as Indian restaurants.
3. It has become something of a must in Indian restaurants in US to bring a fresh piping hot 'naan' to your table; something not done in the UK.
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