As Brits, when we hear about a friend visiting the US we instantly picture them heading to Florida for a theme park holiday, a long weekend in New York or a trip to the casinos of Las Vegas.
But there is a whole world of areas and states to discover including the beautiful New England.
Visiting New England is a great way to get a taste of rural America.
Set in the North-eastern part of the country and consisting of the states of Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island and Massachusetts, New England is a real treat to visit.
There are plenty of historical sites like Yale University in New Haven, Harvard and MIT in Cambridge to pay a visit to.
As well as the big universities, there are plenty of smaller college towns to visit and look into the culture of the area.
The history of New England can be found all over, with many historical buildings telling the story of the Native Americans and the early European settlers.
If you are visiting in the winter, there are plenty of great skiing and snowboarding spots in New Hampshire, Maine and Vermont.
From beginners to advanced skiers, there are areas and resorts for everyone.
The area is known for its thin trails that cut through stunning woodlands which make for a unique experience.
During the summer you can visit the stunning beaches along New England's coastline.
There are also plenty of lakes and ponds inland to enjoy with many towns having swimming areas known as swimming holes.
Hiking, cycling and water sports are all popular activities with tourists and locals alike.
There are plenty of specialities to try in New England.
Make sure you try New Haven style pizza, Maine's fresh lobster and Maple syrup from Vermont.
Blueberries are a native fruit which you can have in a variety of ways.
The coastline has plenty of fresh seafood for you to try including clam chowder.
There are plenty of great accommodation types to stay in when visiting New England.
Obviously you have your hotels and motels that you can find all over the country, but New England is home to some charming inns and b&bs which have the true character of the area, making for a more authentic stay.
Some times it can be hard to know how to get to see all the best parts of a destination like New England and that is where escorted tour holidays are ideal.
Booking an escorted tour to New England will ensure that you get to see all the great things in this part of America without the worry of navigating around yourself and trying to manage your own schedule.