introduction

Virginia is a state in the eastern United States; one of the original 13 colonies; one of the Confederate States in the American Civil War. The total area of the state is 110,785 km².

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 Virginia. 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.

Virginia's capital Richmond offers different options to choose from: from budget and mid-range (Doubletree Hotel Downtown Richmond, AmeriSuites Richmond/Aboretum or Innsbrook, AmeriSuites Chester/Rivers Bend) to splurge (The Grace Manor Inn, The Omni Richmond Hotel, The Jefferson Hotel).

what to pack

Most of the state has a humid subtropical climate. There can be snow in winter, so pack according to the season. Bring warmer clothing. Pack some basic toiletries so that you do not need to spend unnecessary money to purchase these basics. You may want to just buy a travel pack and bring it.

A small backpack makes a good carryon bag and will be useful in daily life. Women: remember to take a good flat pair of shoes.... And for everybody: pair of comfortable walking shoes will be great for walking. 

Better take your medicines with you (esp. anti hastamine tablets), as the brands can be unfamiliar. And of course, bring a camera, there're plenty of photo opportunities here to impress your mates with back home. And take a good protection for your camera from the sand.

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