introduction

New Jersey is located in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States of America and s bordered by the states of Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New York. It is the most densely populated state in the country witbh the total area of 22,608 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 problems with finding a place to sleep in New Jersey. 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.

Newark is New Jersey's largest city, located close to New York, will offer some nice and inexpensive ($50+ booked online; $69 walk in) airport hotels. There are also some mid-range hotels, such as Holiday Inn, Best Western Newark Airport West, Newark Liberty International Airport Marriott, SpringHill Suites Newark Liberty International Airport, Best Western Newark Airport West and Courtyard Newark Liberty International Airport.

Jersey City is New Jersey's second-largest city that has the following options: budget (Ramada Limited Jersey City and Holland Motor Lodge), mid-range (Courtyard Jersey City Newport and Candlewood Suites) and splurge (Hyatt Regency Jersey City on the Hudson and Doubletree Club Suites Jersey City).

Paterson is the third largest city of the state and it's better to visit it by day, as doesn't have that many hotels. Another option would be to find a motel near Paterson.

what to pack

Most of New Jersey has a temperate climate, with hot humid summers and cold winters, so pack according to the season.

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.  

Take all the gear if you plan to camp: a good sleeping bag and tent that are good for very low temperatures in winter; special gas container u can use for heating food and water; a sturdy backpack or a cargo pack with a good daypack. Invest in a portable water filter or at least take some puri-tabs or boil the water.

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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