USA with Character – Runaway Ann’s Travel Guide
Endless roads, sunsets, and places I keep coming back to.
This is my personal USA guide – packed with authentic gems, cozy stays, and delicious discoveries.
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My USA Travel Guide
A collection of practical tips from living in the US and taking countless road trips – helpful advice, travel inspiration, and places worth knowing.
Renting a Car in the US
Straightforward, stress-free, and to the point – everything you should know about renting a car in the States.
Hawaii Travel Guide
An honest Hawaii travel guide with real costs, mistakes, and tips I wish I knew before my first trip.
My US Road Trips
Oregon Coast – 4-Day Road Trip
A magical route along cliffs, lighthouses, and wild beaches – from Astoria to Brookings.
Utah – 7 Days Through Canyons
Canyons, arches, and desert wonders – an unforgettable first-timer’s route full of awe.
California Coast – 7 Days by the Coast
From San Francisco to LA – scenic drives, beach towns, and the ocean always nearby.
Arizona – 7-Day Itinerary
Sedona, canyons, saguaro cacti – 100% desert vibes, colors, and wide-open space.
PNW – 10-Day Road Trip
Coastal views, forest hikes & artsy towns – this 10-day loop is packed with hidden gems and cozy stops.
Cities with Soul
Los Angeles – What to See
Iconic spots, beaches, and hidden gems – my favorite finds in LA.
Portland – My Local Favorites
The Portland I fell for – bridges, food trucks, wild roses, and fairy-tale waterfalls.
New York – 3-Day Itinerary
Empire State, Brooklyn pizza, and High Line strolls – all in just three days.
San Francisco – 1-Day Itinerary
Walk the bridge, watch the fog roll in, hop on a cable car, and catch the sunset over the bay.
Seattle – Beyond the Space Needle
Fog, coffee, forested views – the perfect city for a slow weekend escape.
See also:
- Korakia Pensione, Palm Springs – My Honest Review
- The Pierside Hotel, Santa Monica – Real Talk & Review
- Where to Stay in San Diego? My Pearl Hotel Review
- Pueblo Bonito Inn, Santa Fe – No-Fluff Review
National Parks that Leave a Mark
Mount Rainier – What to Do
Mist, deer, and wildflowers – a mountain escape with waterfalls and snowy peaks.
Yellowstone – Beginner’s Guide
Geysers, bison, sulfur in the air – this park impresses even the skeptics.
Yosemite – Most Beautiful Spots
Sheer cliffs, giant sequoias, and epic granite views – a California must-see.
Joshua Tree – Best Hikes
Desert silence, weird trees – a hike through another world. Raw and magical.
Hawai’i Volcanoes – Up Close
Volcanoes, jungle, and a crater above the clouds – powerful, untamed nature.
See also:
- 10 Absolutely Amazing Things to Do in Utah for the First Time
- 9 Bryce Canyon Best Hikes You Can’t Miss on Your First Visit
- The Ultimate Monument Valley Travel Guide
- 15 Best Things to Do on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi
Places with a Soul
Oregon’s Hidden Gems
My secrets after 2 years of living in Oregon – places no guidebook will tell you about.
Santa Fe – What Stole My Heart
Art, adobe, galleries, and chile – Santa Fe swept me off my feet with its desert soul.
Top US Parks & Natural Wonders
My favorite wild places in the US – from deserts to waterfalls and magical trails.
Point Reyes – My Travel Guide
Wild Pacific shores, fog, lighthouses – one of my all-time favorite places in California.
See also:
- 14 Very Best Hikes in Sedona, Arizona You Won’t Forget
- Portland to Painted Hills: The Complete Day Trip Itinerary
- 7 Absolutely Best Wineries in the Willamette Valley
Taste of the USA
Portland – Where to Eat
Coffee, donuts, and global flavors – my favorite local spots (hipster-approved, but not only).
Hawai’i – Where to Eat on Big Island
Food trucks, island bites, and my must-eats on Big Island. Tasty and full of atmosphere.
USA for You – Offline Maps & Planners
Don’t want to get lost? I’ve got something better.
I created custom maps with scenic viewpoints, local food spots, cozy stays, and trusted road trip routes – everything truly worth seeing and savoring.
Download them to your phone and use offline – perfect for stress-free, smile-filled travels.
Pacific Northwest Map
Cafes, waterfalls, and hidden corners you won’t find in guidebooks,
Sedona Map
My favorite Sedona trails – a bit of stillness, a lot of awe, and plenty of red dust on your shoes,
Utah Budget Travel Planner
Explore Utah’s red rock wonders on a budget – with smart routes, cheap eats, and unforgettable stops.
Practical Tips – Planning Your Own US Adventure
Best Time to Visit the US
Since living here, I’ve learned one thing: there’s no one-size-fits-all season for America.
Spring? Go to Oregon – it smells like forest and rhododendrons bloom. Fall & Winter? Arizona – perfect hiking weather.
Avoid the desert in summer (trust me – it’s an oven). Winter in Colorado means snowy peaks.
Skip holidays and spring break – prices and crowds skyrocket.
How to Get Around
Car is essential – seriously. In most places, you won’t get far without it.
Public transport? Only in big cities. I always rent through Rentalcars.
And yep – you can turn right on red (learned it thanks to a honk).
Helpful Posts:
What to Pack for the US
A hoodie is a must – even in summer.
Day: 95°F (35°C), night: sudden chills. I pack layers, good shoes, a spare card, a power bank, mini first-aid, and a water filter – especially for road trips.
And leave space in your suitcase. Shopping just happens in the US.
Where to Stay
I’ve done roadside motels, camped under the stars, and stayed in boutique hotels – and loved all of it.
My fave? Retro motels with a story.
Booking works great, but campgrounds – especially in national parks – need early reservations.
Where & What to Eat
One US breakfast = my entire Polish lunch menu.
I love food trucks, diners, and local spots. Poke in Hawai’i, pizza in Oregon, tacos in Arizona.
And yep – tipping isn’t optional. It’s 18-20%, and now I get it.
How Much Does It Cost?
Visa? For most travelers, it’s as simple as an ESTA. Just $21 and you’re good to go.
Stays from $80/night, car rentals $50-75/day. Campgrounds are cheaper, but book early.
Insurance? A must. ER visits can cost thousands.
Price tags? Exclude tax – that’s added at checkout. Welcome to America.
What to Watch Out For
You learn fast here:
- Credit card = a must (debit often doesn’t work). Tipping = built into the system.
- Size “S” here ≠ size “S” in Europe.
- Check neighborhoods before booking a stay.
- Never leave anything visible in your car – even for 5 minutes.
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