introduction

North Carolina is the 10th most populous state in the US with the total area of 139,509 km². The state has a wide range of elevations, from sea level on the coast to almost 6,700 feet (2,042 m) in the mountains.

surfing

During the hurricane season on the Atlantic east coast (JUN-DEC) you may be lucky and score some waves off the Florida coast. If your not, head up to the Outer Banks of North Carolina. The entire coastline here is like an offshore swell magnet that will attract any thing in the area. Options tend to be reduced further north of this point and you will be limited to windswell activity. Any storm cell that passes across this coast will be heading east at a great rate of knots and so groundswell activity will be fleeting. Typically all you will receive will be whatever is blown behind the cells as they truck towards Europe.

travel

There are many ways of travelling in the US: by plane, private jet, train, bus, recreational vehicle (RV), motorcycle, thumb or car.

Trains are relatively expensive; private jets can begin at around $4000 per flight hour; buses are generally dependable, safe and affordable, though not available everywhere; renting an RV is up to your personal taste; motorcycling can be a thrilling way to see the country as well as travelling by thumb.

And of course, the idea of long-distance car travel is the most appealing to the majority of Americans. The United States is covered with a convenient system of U.S. and Interstate highways. Just keep in mind that the country is huge and be prepared to travel for hours behind the wheel, so pay attention to the comfort of the car you use. By the way, many of the country's major natural attractions, such as the Grand Canyon, are almost impossible to get to without a car.

where to stay

You shouldn’t have any problems with finding a place to sleep in North Carolina. Motel is the most popular form of accommodation and they are usually located on the sides of the highways, so it’s very convenient for the road trippers. Don’t expect anything luxurious, but they will usually provide you with a clean room that includes the following amenities: bed, bathroom, TV, telephone. Price is also very reasonable. Motel 6 and Super 8 Motels are popular chains of motels that can be found all over the country.

Charlotte is the largest city in North Carolina. If you are looking for a large hotel, most of them are located either uptown, near the airport, or in the University area. You will also find some luxury hotels in Ballantyne. Other optionds would be: budget (Super 8 Motel, Red Roof Inn, Microtel Inns & Suites Charlotte (Airport), La Quinta Inn & Suites) and mid-range (Hyatt Summerfield Suites Charlotte Airport, Courtyard Charlotte City Center, Renaissance Suites, Fairfield Inn Charlotte Airport, The DoubleTree Charlotte Airport, AmeriSuites Charlotte/Airport, etc).

what to pack

The temperatures are mild in winter and moderate in the summer. Pack light and take cool &  warm clothes. Take along some bug repellent spray, sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses. All the gear if you plan to camp: a good sleeping bag and tent; special gas container u can use for heating food and water; a sturdy backpack or a cargo pack with a good daypack.

Also, bring cash with you incase you can't find an ATM to withdraw money. You would probably find a bank but it will charge you a hefty fee! So be warned.

Better take your medicines with you (esp. anti hastamine tablets), as the brands can be unfamiliar. By the way, getting medical insurance for the trip would be a good idea.  

 

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