HostelBookers to help travelers discover America

LONDON - The best way to discover a travel destination is to ask the locals - so HostelBookers, the budget accommodation specialists, have gathered tips and images from US-based bloggers, accommodation owners and tourist boards to inspire travelers to explore the 'real USA'. The initiative, called the United Sharing Adventure, will continue to be built via users' recommendations and has the support of travel resource DiscoverAmerica.com.

An interactive map lets travellers discover locals' secret food, drink, sight-seeing and partying tips, as well as photos for each state. Users are encouraged to add new tips or images to help build the 'real USA' map.

Recommendations include:

New York: Amanda of Hostelling International - New York suggests "to party in Cielo. Santos Party House. Webster Hall. New York has some of the best sound systems in the world, and these clubs are famous for it. But for the more off-the-beaten-path adventure, try old favorite Rubalad. Rubalad, which used to have a home in Brooklyn's Bedford-Stuyvesant, is now housed in a secret location that is only a few Google clicks away (I found it in less than five minutes)."

Connecticut: Jen from Connecticut office of tourism suggests "to spend an afternoon touring Connecticut's expansive vineyards on the Connecticut Wine Trail and enjoy dozens of local award-winning breweries and brew pubs on the Connecticut Beer Trail."

Camila Clark, DiscoverAmerica.com director, marketing communications said: "As specialists in the budget accommodation sector, HostelBookers.com are a good fit for promoting the United States as a premier travel destination. Iconic landmarks, action-packed adventure, breath-taking views, dazzling nightlife or total relaxation the USA's diverse landscape allows visitors to discover this land like never before."

Giovanna Gentile, at HostelBookers.com added: "With this initiative we expect people to share their own experiences and to encourage a larger number to travel to or within the USA to find out more."