America represents such an overwhelmingly vast patchwork of often wildly disparate possibilities for the prospective visitor that deciding where to start really can be an intimidating prospect. In the end it probably comes down to what you want from your visit because this epic nation really does have it all.



The multiplicity of subcultures crammed into this vast land means that even a single state can offer as much variety as some countries can muster in their entirety. Take California, a state which contains within its boundaries such remarkable diversity, both cultural and physical, that a thorough tour taking in everything from the arid deserts of the south to the brisk, verdant terrain bordering Washington State might not feel too dissimilar to a round the world trip.

We've compiled a summary of three of our favourite cities in the hope of providing some sort of entree into this mind bogglingly varied nation:

Las Vegas

On visiting Vegas for the first time it quickly dawns on you that it really is exactly how you imagined it would be - a huge plastic tribute to American consumerism and shallow cultural simulation. Money is in gaudy evidence everywhere, from the quarters silver haired gambling addicts pump blankly into the millions of slot machines to the brazenly unsubtle displays of wealth favoured by the hordes of Prada clad nouveau rich to the stupefying excess of the casinos themselves.

Take The Venetian, a $1.5 billion casino/resort that attempts to recreate the streets of Venice, complete with a canal that winds through the casino and shopping mall and is (inevitably) traversed by singing gondoliers. There is surprisingly convincing mock Venetian architecture, a Titian-esque sky painted on the vast ceiling for that Truman Show fake environment vibe and a liberal sprinkling of Renaissance style frescos.

Whatever your take on the Vegas experience it's hard not to be awed by the overwhelming spectacle of it all and, for a few days at least (anymore and you may find your grasp on reality is beginning to slip), there really are few more fun and exciting cities to visit.

Los Angeles

It's probably foolish to attempt a succinct summary of LA and, likewise, highly unlikely that a short visit will do this sprawling collection very distinct districts any sort of justice. The clich's are easy of course - LA is LaLa Land, a city built on dreams and fantasy, where impossible glamour veneers an all too real underbelly of rough edges and disappointment , where Hollywood sparkle flickers seductively across a surface of smog and traffic that stretches out into a seemingly endless suburban mass.

Perhaps it's best not to bother trying to deconstruct the ?City of Angels? thoroughly self mythologized image, for the tourist LA is most likely a more manageable section of metro area at the heart of the city ? Hollywood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Downtown. The itinerary seems likely to include such quintessential LA sites as Hollywood Boulevard, mansion gawping in Beverly Hills, window shopping in Rodeo Drive, hitting a beach or two, a rambling drive along Mulholland Drive or up to Malibu and, for those anxious to cram in a little culture a visit The Getty Centre.

All this might not get you any closer to really understanding this chimera of a city but, hey, what do you expect, this is LA after all.

Washington

Washington, DC, the home of US government, is a fascinating city and a must-see for anyone interested in politics and the progenitors of American democracy. Many of the places of interest are free, including what must surely be the first stop for any visitor to DC - the White House. The tours operate every day except Sunday, and bookings must be made well in advance.

The Smithsonian is a remarkable achievement, comprising sixteen museums including the National Portrait Gallery and the National Museum of Natural History, whose dinosaur and wild animal exhibits are a perennial favourite with children of all ages. As well as free admission, all of the Smithsonian museums are linked to the metro system, ensuring that budget travellers can still have a real experience in the city without spending too much.

The National Zoo is hugely popular with children, and is also linked to the metro. It's newest addition, baby panda cub Tai Shan, is sure to be a huge draw for the Zoo - another attraction which the city offers free of charge. Washington DC offers a genuinely educational experience for all who come to visit.