Whether you’re thinking about relocating to start a new life in North America, or you are simply looking for a little insight and better understanding of the culture behind the American Dream, here is a complete A to Z of (some of) the ways to live your life the United States’ way.

Hawaii

Every life begins with your ABC’s, and education is one of the United States’ top priorities. The nation as a whole spends more than one trillion dollars per year on educating and schooling its young, and opportunities and chances to develop academic skills are amongst the highest in the world. A literacy rate of 99% for both male and female students, and some of the top higher education establishments in the world, make the USA a great place for the young to learn.

America is the home of pop music, and nothing represents that better than the letters D,E, and F, or more precisely, the DEF of Def Jam records. This New York label was home to some of the most famous hip hop stars of the 1980s, and represents everything exciting and vibrant about a music industry that remains one of the nation’s top exports to this day.

The United States doesn’t settle for half measures. So instead of the letter G, we have extreme G. America’s theme parks are a tourist attraction that bring in millions of visitors from across the globe each year. But it is the Cedar Point Amusement Park in Sandusky, Ohio which boasts the Millennium Force: the world’s most extreme roller-coaster, which puts riders through an immense 4.5 G-force through two of its turns!

Hawaii, with its state postal code HI, is the remotest state in the union, lying almost 2,400 miles to the west of the Californian coastline. The volcanic archipelago is home to landscapes and wildlife unlike anything found within the mainland. And if life in the United States is new to you, then Hawaii will give you something in common: its unique culture and way of life is something that most American citizens have never experienced either.

J is for July, or more specifically, the 4th of July. America’s independence was a hard-won prize, achieved as much through clever diplomacy and civil action as it was through blood spilt on the battlefields. The month is a special time in the states, and is celebrated with festivals, re-enactments, and parties across the country.

Next in our alphabet, we arrive at K,L, and M. Or, to reverse it, MLK, the initials of America’s greatest civil rights activist Martin Luther King, Jr. Though he was assassinated in 1968, the legacy of the pastor’s son from Atlanta Georgia is one of the most important in the nation’s history, and his campaigning brought freedom for millions of African Americans.

N.O. Is the abbreviated form of Louisiana’s “Big Easy”, New Orleans. The south’s undisputed city of jazz is a perennial favourite for visitors, who fall in love with it’s unique cultural blend of the deep south and old French influences. The music, the architecture, the night life, and the traditional cuisine of New Orleans are unlike anything else found in the United States.

P,Q and R may seem like a tricky one for our alphabet. But luckily, PQR is also the national weather service’s designation for Portland, Oregon. This quirky and characterful Pacific Northwest settlement is America’s most environmentally-friendly city. As well as boasting impressive green credentials, Portland is home to many of the nation’s top microbreweries, so fans of craft ale will feel right at home!

Florida’s St Thomas University (or STU for short) is the historical training ground of one of the NFL’s most famous franchises, the Miami Dolphins. The team trained here during their golden age, when the Dolphins were one of the teams which introduced the world to American football. The NFL is now America’s favourite sport, and the season culminates in the Super Bowl: where the top two teams compete in the world’s most watched annual sporting event.

VW stands for Volkswagen Group of America, responsible for commercial to high performance vehicle brands, including Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, and Volkswagen cars in US territories. If you are planning to resettle in America, you will need a domestic licence, but with a car hire at Avis, USA road laws allow visitors to get behind the wheel immediately, using their current overseas license.

Nowhere typifies the rock and roll lifestyle of excess like West Hollywood did in the 1980s. And from its legendary nightclub the Whisky A Go Go, we reach the end of our American alphabet with the club’s band-in-residence, the glam rockers XYZ. Like so much of that era, this band is probably best consigned to the past. But “The Whisky” lives on, and is one of LA’s hotspot that most definitely does require revisiting at least once.

-        Rudyard Kipling

Rudyard Kipling was on to something when he said that it was hard to leave San Francisco – it happens to be one of the most beautiful cities in the United States, with plenty to see and do.  It is a city that can be fun in any season, but the best time to visit will undoubtedly depend on one’s preferences when it comes to trekking.

The basics 

So, when is the best time to plan a trekking trip to San Francisco?  Though much of the time will be spent on the hike, many visitors like to take in the fantastic attractions the city has to offer.  One will find the city to be the most crowded in the summer, with spring and fall also fairly busy, but not nearly as crazy.  The least crowded – and most affordable for that matter – time of year is the winter.  Why not book a night at the Fairmont San Francisco for a cozy evening before the trekking adventure?

The weather is consistent and pleasant, but it isn’t filled with sunny skies and warm weather 365 days a year.  In fact, San Francisco is often foggy and temperatures warmer than 80°F are often considered a serious heat wave.  Though it does rain in the winter, it is fairly dry throughout the rest of the year.  Most individuals get the most out of trekking adventures in San Francisco during the spring, fall, and summer months, but don’t forget to pack warm clothes, as the evenings are still quite chilly.

The trails

Although most people might think of Silicon Valley and technology when San Francisco comes to mind, the San Francisco Bay Area actually offers a number of excellent hiking trails for all skill levels.  Some of the best treks on the west coast are actually in this region.

The hike from Stinson Beach to Mt. Tamalpais (or Mt. Tam as it is known locally) is a must for anyone interested in seeing the best of the area.  It is a rewarding hike with many hidden treasures along the way.  Starting at sea level at Stinson Beach, head up through the trees along the rolling hills with San Francisco as the backdrop.  Upon reaching the top, the fantastic panoramic view of the Bay Area is simply breathtaking.  Plan on a day for this hike and don’t forget the water and protection from the wind.

Another popular trek, which is also an excellent adventure for novice hikers, is the Muir Woods.  Thanks to preservation laws, the Muir Woods are filled with groves of ancient California redwoods up to 250 feet tall and 14 feet wide.  The trail, which boasts scenery most visitors to San Francisco never see, is usually not crowded.  A good way to begin is downhill at the north end of the park and head south.  The Ocean View Trail is particularly breathtaking and winds its way down the hillside through plenty of groves and over babbling brooks.

Being so close to Napa Valley and Sonoma, two of California’s most well-loved and famous wine regions, wine lovers can also enjoy an excellent trekking adventure.  To hike through wine country in California is to experience the region in a way unlike any other.  Catching a glimpse of vineyards, rolling hills, and mountains, hikers walk from inn to inn through quaint towns and charming villages only to finish each day with a luxurious meal and some of the best wine in the world.  Though it is possible to embark on a self-guided hike, there are several wineries and trekking tour companies that can plan out a bespoke itinerary.

They say that Hawaii is a romantic place to visit, which makes it the perfect destination for a holiday for two people in love. But what about if you’re more of a solo traveller? Well, we’ve got some good news for you – Hawaii is great for everyone, regardless of their relationship status.

If you’re going it alone, you have the advantage of being able to do exactly what you want. So whether you fancy lying on the beach with a cocktail for a fortnight (though you might need more than just one) or you’re more in the mood for some volcano trekking, you are free to do whatever you like in the Aloha State.

Here are some of the best things you can do when you’re alone in Hawaii, so get out there and enjoy yourself!

Hike the Days Away

Hawaii isn’t synonymous with hiking, but with so many great trails we can’t help but feel that it should be. Go to Hawai’i (more commonly known as the Big Island) and you’ll find Kileaua, one of the most active volcanoes in the world.

Set in the 300,000 acres of the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, there is roughly 150 miles’ worth of hiking trails around Kileaua. There’s more than just one active volcano there, as well as a number of craters and rainforest areas. For an awe-inspiring view of the power of nature, you can often see fresh lava flowing directly into the Pacific from Kileaua.

Play 18 Holes

The island of Lanai has three golf courses available, all of which are world class and used for championship games. If you’re looking for a great game of golf with some awesome ocean views then Lanai is the perfect place, but it can be expensive, so you might want to get more reasonably-priced Hawaii flights at cheapflights.com.

For a truly unique game of golf, Lanai offers a couple of holes where you’ll need to avoid the flowing lava if you want to stand a chance at making par… Created by professionals from the PGA, the courses on Lanai are sure to offer you a challenge, but the real draw would have to be the incredible views that make up the backdrop to your game.

Surf’s Up, Dude!

Hawaii is the home of surfing, so if you don’t pick up a board and ride the waves at least once while you’re out there, you’ll be missing out. If you’ve never tried to surf before, get yourself over to Oahu – the Waikiki Beach Boys have made it their mission to teach visitors how to follow in the footsteps of the Big Kahuna himself, Duke Kahanamoku.

Waikiki Beach is a great place to start, as the waves tend to be a bit gentler than in other places, but if you’re a seasoned pro looking for some fun, head to the Bonzai Pipeline – the waves here are massive, and should be attempted only by those surfers who have years of experience under their belts.

Here’s a little sneak peek of what to expect when you head to the islands of Hawaii:

1) Oahu – you’ll find Honolulu International Airport here as well as the capital. Flights from the UK to Hawaii take around 17 hours, but the long haul is definitely worth it. Oahu is also famous for Pearl Harbour, the North Shore and Waikiki with its beach on South Shore.

2) Maui – this island is great for whale watching and its piratical beaches to stretch out on. You’ll also find Hana at the end of a winding 52 mile-long highway and Haleakala National Park.

3) Hawaii’s Big Island – the clue’s in the name, it’s big. Big enough to be home to two volcanoes. Kilauea is active and Mauna Loa is extremely large. They are part of the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. You’ll also find Kona and Hilo, overlooking Hilo Bay, here.

4) Lanai – aka Pineapple Island due to its former role as a pineapple plantation is home to Lanai City and Hulopoe Bay.

5) Kauai – boasts the rather impressive Waimea Canyon. It’s ten miles long and 3,000ft deep and also known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. The name Waimea translates as reddish water, which refers to the erosion of the canyon’s red soil. You’ll also find the beautiful Napali Coast here.

6) Molokai – a breathtakingly beautiful, lush tropical island that is home to the Kalaupapa National Historical Park.

You can island hop by plane from Honolulu International Airport on Oahu and also reach some islands by ferry. Of course you may just decide to stay put on your own little island in paradise…the choice is yours.

Fisherman’s Wharf San Francisco

Fisherman’s Wharf

Fisherman’s Wharf is one of the biggest tourist attractions in all of San Francisco, and even if you’re only in town for a day, it should be on your list of places to visit. At Fisherman’s Wharf, you’ll find a variety of restaurants and tours that explain the importance of the historical place. There’s also a museum at the end of the pier, and the Fisherman’s Wharf hosts a variety of events and festivals for families throughout the year.

Alcatraz Island

Alcatraz Island is a well-known tourist destination, but it’s certainly not a typical one. Alcatraz used to be a fully-functional prison, and day and night tours of the facilities are available. While the tour is open to families with children of all ages, touring the facilities of a prison of an abandoned prison may not be quite right for very young children.

Chinatown

San Francisco’s Chinatown is one of the largest in the world, and you could easily spend a good part of a full day in Chinatown. Packed with incredible restaurants and shops, Chinatown is a tourist destination that’s as good for families as it is for couples. Chinatown is also home to some of San Francisco’s trendiest bars and clubs, making it a hotspot for young couples and tourists looking to let loose in the bay area.

Professional Sports

If you’re a professional sports fan, San Francisco’s got your covered. Home to the San Francisco 49’ers NFL team and the San Francisco Giants MLB team, it’s very likely that there will be a game to catch while you’re in town. NBA fans should consider taking a short trip to Oakland to check out a Golden State Warriors game if they’re in town during the NBA season.

Shows

San Francisco is home to many small theatres that put on wonderful live performances throughout the year. In 2013, The Book of Mormon San Francisco tickets are really hot. While tickets for the Parker/Stone performance can be hard to come by, the show is getting rave reviews. If you book in advance, you can guarantee a good seat. The show isn’t suitable for children though, so it’s really best reserved for an adult’s night out.

Festivals

San Francisco hosts many festivals year round. In the summer months, the Waterfront Festival, San Francisco Jazz Festival, Shakespeare Festival and the Folsom Street Fair offer a little something for people of all types. In the fall and winter months, the Festival of Lights, San Francisco Crab Festival and the Great Dickens Christmas Fair are popular attractions.

Need Some Down Time?

There’s a ton to see and do in San Francisco, but if you need a little down time, areas like the Mission District, Nob Hill and Union square are packed with movie theatres, retail stores and relaxing venues like day spas. Nob Hill and Union Square are also great places to pick up any clothing or items you might need during your trip.

Best Beach for People Watching
The most popular and beach-like of them all is the North Ave Beach. You can easily rent a bike and take a stroll down the paths that run parallel to the water. There are also plenty of restaurants, bars, volleyball courts and places to take a load of and relax in the sand. You’re sure to see people of all kinds here to soak up some sun, so keep your eyes peeled and you’ll undoubtedly see some strange happenings. This is also the best spot if you’re here for the Chicago Air & Water Show – one of the biggest shows of its kind in the world.

Best Beach For Swimming
The Oak Street Beach is one of the most popular Chicago attractions. It’s right at the end of Michigan Avenue, so after a long morning of shopping for the perfect bikini and hat, it’s convenient to head out and start sunbathing before heading back to Michigan Avenue for some happy hour margaritas. Parking is easy for those traveling by car, but it’s just as easy to walk to after sightseeing in Chicago all day, or just to take a break from the city streets. The beach is about 1.5 miles long and it’s one of the best places you can swim – most waters in Chicago beaches are much more shallow than this. It’s often a little less crowded than the North Ave Beach.

Best Beach For Dogs
The Susan Kimmelman Off-Leash dog beach at Montrose Beach is one of Chicago’s only off-leash dog-friendly beaches. Located at the north end of Montrose Beach, and there’s a fenced in area where you enter and let your four-legged friends run free in the sand and water. While the beach is clean, the air is always a bit damp with the scent of wet-dog and it’s wise to watch where you’re stepping (and laying) just in case. Even dog-lovers who don’t have a pooch of their own hang out on the surrounding banks and watch everyone play – it’s a beautiful sight for all!

Dog Beach

Best Beach To Go With Kids
Foster Avenue Beach is the best beach in Chicago when you’re dragging your kids along with you. Parking is easy and there’s handicap ramp access to help with bikes, buggies and strollers as needed. The atmosphere along this beach is filled with families enjoying a vacation or beach day together, and there are outdoor showers that allow everyone to easily rinse off before enjoying all of the other great things to do in Chicago for the rest of their vacation. The beach isn’t too far from many other kid-friendly attractions, making it easy to make room for on a day trip.
Finding a beach in Chicago should be on your list of things to do while you’re here in the summer. Many of the best attractions and hotels in Chicago provide easy access to the water along the 28 miles of lakefront property, so whether you’re traveling alone, with kids or with your dog, you’re sure to find a beach for you!

This article was written by Lizz Riggs, editor of ChicagoTraveler.com.

Growing up in Atlanta, I spent countless hours playing Cruis’n Exotica on N64 in my neighbor’s basement and joining Dance Dance Revolution marathons at Mountasia during Ten Buck Tuesdays. Back in the day, the only places I could game were at friends’ houses, amusement parks, and bowling alleys.

Times have changed for the better. Whether you want to enjoy Warhammer while sipping on an amazing milkshake, perform your heart out on the Rock Band Stage, or get a high score in Space Invaders while wearing pajamas, these three places have got you covered.

Giga-Bites Café
It’s your gaming home away from home. The café is a tight-knit, small community that’s highly knowledgeable and extremely welcoming to newcomers. They’ve got tabletop games, trading card games, and board games. Half store, half café, their walls are lined with models and other gaming must-haves on sale. Their café offers packaged snacks and bottled drinks, smoothies, milkshakes, and bacon-laden sandwiches. When you aren’t eating, gaming, or shopping, grab a booth to paint models or surf online. They have a league for wargaming and regularly hold tournaments.

Oh yeah: Get the Caligula milkshake, which is a milkshake with king sized bag of Skittles, strawberry syrup, vanilla ice cream, and whipped cream. It will kick you in the face with its sweetness (in a good way, I think).

2197 Roswell Road, Suite 101
Marietta, GA 30062
http://www.giga-bitescafe.com/index.php

Battle & Brew
Nestled in a strip mall in Marietta, it looks rather unassuming from the outside. However, upon entering the establishment you’re transported to a cozy den of plush seating with an array of televisions, consoles, and PCs strategically set up around the shop. Select what you’re playing from their ever-expanding menu of PC, Wii/Wii-U, Xbox 360, PS3, and NES games. They’ve got hourly rates, which range between $5-7 and hour (minus the Rock Band Stage, which is $9) and day passes. Ladies can come out on Fridays and enjoy free gaming while on Wednesdays Battle and Brew gets packed with eager participants in Geek Trivia.

Known as Atlanta’s first game bar, Battle & Brew serves up local and specialty craft beers, ciders, and hand crafted sake cocktails. They also carry an extensive menu, featuring whimsical items such as the Tri-Force burrito and a basket of sweet potato tots brought to the next level with cinnamon sugar and a caramel dipping sauce. Beat the Final Level or Ultimate Final Level eating challenges and be handsomely rewarded with some free swag.

Oh yeah: Get a bottle of the Samuel Smith Strawberry ale and vanilla ice cream. Now you have a strawberry beer float. You’re welcome. 

279 Powers Ferry Road, Suite H
Marietta, GA 30067
http://battleandbrew.com/ 

Joystick Gamebar
Head down to Joystick Gamebar in Atlanta’s Old Fourth Ward district to enjoy specialty cocktails, craft beer, and sophisticated snack food. Oh, and of course the old-school games. A newcomer to the scene, Joystick Gamebar was partially crowdfunded on Kickstarter and opened in July 2012. Their concept is to offer a place where delicious eats and booze can be comfortably enjoyed while playing games with friends and strangers alike (if you feel like it). They nailed it. As you first walk into the dimly lit and industrial space, your eye is immediately drawn to the games lining the walls. They’ve got a dozen vintage arcade machines on deck including Mortal Kombat, Street Fighter II, and Galaga. Scrawled on their chalkboard are cocktails like Cowboys & Indians and Captain Jack & Rose, which promises Cockspur aged rum, Cardamaro, house grenadine, and lime. Their snack menu is inventive with items such as steam buns with Kool Aid-braised pork belly. Rustle up some quarters and revel in the nostalgia.

427 Edgewood Avenue
Atlanta, GA 30312
http://www.joystickgamebar.com/

Eight years later, not much has changed.

Cedar Point: Sandusky, Ohio

Operating since 1870, this is a true rollercoaster dynasty. With a bold slogan such as “Roller Coaster Capital of the World,” it better be. It tops lists for best theme parks year after year, with Amusement Today’s polls ranking it number one for the 15^th year in a row. Highest, tallest, fastest, and longest are some adjectives have been used to describe the beauties here. The top ride is Top Thrill Dragster, the first strata coaster in the world (and there’s only two in existence). It takes you from 0-120 mph in 4 seconds and has a 90° drop from 420 feet. Serious business right there. And the park has a marina where you can get off your boat and enter the park. That’s pretty rad.

Six Flags Magic Mountain: Valencia, California

Magic Mountain reigns supreme out of all the Six Flags parks. With 18 coasters and over 100 rides, you can be entertained for days—guess it’s good that the park is open year round. It features thrill machines such as X2, the first 4^th-Dimension coaster in the world (where the seats move independently). Not to mention Goliath, which will leave you breathless with a G-Force rating of 4.5. In 2013, Full Throttle will make its entrance in the park and into the record books by being the tallest and fastest looping coaster. While firmly holding onto the record of “Most Coasters in one Theme Park on the Planet,” the battle between this park and Cedar Point rages on.

Disney World (Magic Kingdom): Lake Buena Vista, Florida

As the world’s most-visited entertainment resort with 17.1 million attendees, it could be considered the king of amusement parks. Purchase your Disney tickets in advance as the ticket lines get long. There are four theme parks (and two water parks): Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Magic Kingdom, the first built, is still the most popular. The hub of Magic Kingdom is Cinderella’s castle, with pathways from it leading to the six themed “lands.” The park has classic family-friendly attractions and live shows.  I’d recommend Spectromagic, the dazzling parade lighting up the night with half a million lights and the beloved Disney characters riding on elaborate floats.

Disneyland: Anaheim, California

Disneyland is a precursor to Disney World and the only park with the direct touch of Walt Disney. As the plaque at the entrance suggests, Disneyland is where one “leave(s) today and enter(s) the world of yesterday, tomorrow, and fantasy.” Instead of Cinderella’s castle there is Sleeping Beauty’s and there are two more “lands,” making the total eight. There is so much to do. Hop in your doom buggy for an eerie ride through the Haunted Mansion, filled with 999 ghosts. Or dodge all sorts of calamities while journeying through the Temple of the Forbidden Eye in the Indiana Jones Adventure ride.

Universal Resort: Orlando, Florida

Universal Orlando Resort comprises of three theme parks, as well as an entertainment district and several hotels. Since I stayed at a hotel in the resort, the 3-Park Universal tickets and VIP pass was included, which brought my experience to boss status. Universal Studios has a focus on movies and television shows. In the cluster of soundstages in the park, some are used as actual film and television studios. Islands of Adventure is about exploring the seven, distinctly themed “islands” in the park. The newest section, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, is easily the most popular. One can sip a refreshing Butterbeer in Hogsmeade Village or delve into the immersive and innovative signature attraction, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. The third park, Wet ‘n Wild, is often listed as one of the top water parks in America.