Whether it's two weeks away from the office or six months backpacking, holidays are bigger, better and more adventurous. There was a time when the average Brit would have settled for a beach, some bars and a clean hotel but cheaper flights and the expansion of the EU has helped to encourage people to look further afield.

And with the dollar relatively weak and flights across the Atlantic historically low, trips to the United States are more popular than ever. The US is a patchwork of 50 states some as different from one another than any two countries making it an ideal place for holidaymakers who like exploring.

A large country that is diverse on the one hand but comfortingly familiar on the other makes for an excellent destination to broaden your horizons. However long you have to spend there you will never quite feel as though you've seen it all – which is a testament to its vastness as much as its variety. So even if your stay is limited you should try to see more than just one city.

Travelling might be a drag for some but for others it is all part of the fun. In the US it is also quite easy and relatively cheap. Forget city hopping on half empty and expensive internal flights or following the taillights at frustratingly low speeds along the country's highways. No visit to the States is complete without a trip on a Greyhound bus.

In a society harangued around the world for the polarised nature of its society, the US does appear to have got this bit right. You might think that visiting relatives hundreds of miles away would be too expensive for some. But even if you're on a tight budget, the Greyhound will get you where you need to go.

Every major city and even some of the most minor towns have either a Greyhound station or at least temporary stop. This means that as a tourist you can get from city to city on the cheap while experiencing a genuine taste of the richest nation on earth.

It certainly isn't the fastest way to get around but Greyhounds are cheap and reliable with the drivers also taking on the role of bouncer and tour guide. Because of the price your fellow passengers will be either tourists or people who can't afford to drive or fly to wherever they're going. But don't be put off – the drivers don't stand for any nonsense and the odd shady character will give you a story to tell when you get home.

One thing that is worth bearing in mind is that Greyhound stations do tend to be in the rougher parts of town. Wandering outside one of them while waiting for your bus – even during the day – is not a good idea.

Greyhound, like most of the American travel sector, has not bought into the last minute deal idea. If you want a cheaper fare then you should book in advance. Doing so could net you savings of up to 20 or 30 per cent. For example, Los Angeles to San Francisco leaving tomorrow is $47 one way. Book now for the start of November and you can get a return ticket for $69.

If you don't have that long to spend Stateside then you might want to travel at night. Greyhound is yet to introduce first class flatbeds but taking the overnight can save you money – both in terms of a lower fare and no hotel room that night – and time. Go to sleep in LA and then nine hours later, wake up with a crick in your neck 381 miles north in San Francisco.