John Meyer Books
10 Classic American Travel Experiences — and Where to Find Them Abroad
Thinking of skipping the U.S. this year? You’re not the only one. From rising travel tensions to a thirst for something new, more and more travelers are looking elsewhere for their fix of American fun.
Because for every classic U.S. experience, there just might be an international version that’s even better.
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1. The U.S. has surfing in Hawaii and California… but Portugal’s coast has the biggest waves on Earth.
Hawaii might be the birthplace of surfing but Portugal is where the waves break records. Nazaré holds the world record for the tallest wave ever surfed, while Ericeira offers world-class breaks in a charming fishing town less than an hour from lovely Lisbon.
2. The U.S. has the Grand Canyon… but Peru’s Colca Canyon is even deeper and wilder.
The Grand Canyon is grand, no question. But Colca Canyon in southern Peru is twice as deep with remote villages sprouting along the ravine and majestic condors soaring overhead. And with fewer tour buses, you’ll have no trouble parking.
3. The U.S. has Yellowstone National Park… but Iceland’s Mývatn region is geothermal heaven.
Yellowstone’s got the geysers and the hot springs. But Iceland’s Mývatn region got it beat with bubbling mud pots, lava fields, and natural baths competing with a surreal landscape that’s got some serious moon vibes.
4. The U.S. has the Everglades… but Brazil’s Pantanal is a wildlife spectacle.
Florida’s got gators. Brazil has caimans—and thousands of them. Now add in cute capybaras, friendly otters, stately storks, and elusive jaguars, and you’ve got the best biodiverse wetland on the planet.
5. The U.S. has Route 66… but Australia’s
Great Ocean Road is the ultimate road trip.
Route 66 might drive nostalgia, but the Great Ocean Road has surf beaches, cliff-hugging turns, and wild koalas. Plus save some praise for the limestone Twelve Apostles rising from the sea.
6. The U.S. (and Canada) has professional baseball… but Japan’s version is wilder and much more fun.
Never mind the actual game of baseball, Japan makes up for the many dull moments with dancing mascots and synchronized cheering. While most of the players stand around and watch the pitcher throw a ball, the fans never sit still.
7. The U.S. has the Texas rodeo… but Canada’s Calgary Stampede is bigger and much friendlier.
It’s not for the faint of heart. But if you want bucking broncos, thrilling chuckwagon races, and top tier country music, punch your next ticket for the ten days of The World’s Largest Rodeo.
8. The U.S. has Las Vegas… but Monaco’s Monte Carlo trades the tacky for Mediterranean glamor.
Las Vegas is chaos in the desert. Monte Carlo adds its own sizzle to the seaside with Riviera views and glimpses into a high-rolling lifestyle filled with handsome heroes and Bond villains. And don’t forget your tuxedo.
9. The U.S. has a double dose of Disney… but Germany’s Europa-Park has its own brand of magic.
Skip the long lines at Disneyland and Disney World for the ease and breeze of southern Germany’s Europa-Park. They’ve got the death-defying roller coasters too, but with a European charm coloring the experience with themed attractions from fifteen countries.
10. The U.S. has New Orleans jazz… but Paris swings to its own renowned rhythm.
Outside of Mardi Gras, New Orleans is the jazz mecca of the southern states. But since the 1920s, American expats have made Paris a hotbed for hepcats. With clubs like Caveau de la Huchette, Le Duc des Lombards, and New Morning, Paris has just as much sweet soul as any NOLA neighborhood.
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Who says you have to stay Stateside for an American experience? This year, dodge the border uncertainty with a simulated U.S. adventure that might just be better than the real thing.
For more fun stories about solo traveling & independent life, check out:
https://www.johnmeyerbooks.com/solo-dining/