USA

Like most Australians of my generation I was raised on a healthy dose of American pop culture. Over the years I’ve consumed hours upon hours of the country’s landscape, iconic buildings and monuments via film, television and books.

As a result I’ve felt a justified familiarity with the country, and a longing to visit the places afforded a special place in my consciousness. In 2017, when deciding where to visit on a month-long holiday there, my decisions were heavily influenced by some of my favourite fictional journeys.

New York City, New York

I know what you’re thinking. Sex. And. The. City. There’s no denying the fictional lives of Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda, set against the backdrop of the city that never sleeps, was a world class tourist campaign. But for me, my interest in New York was piqued long before, watching Law and Order as a crime show obsessed teenager. Filmed entirely in New York, the popular crime franchise, features numerous outside scenes per episode, everything from the iconic Central Park, to the New York Supreme Court, to the city’s apartment buildings. So while not the most glamourous representation, it did show me the beauty of New York City and in my mind I’ve always associated it with the pursuit of justice.

Verdict: New York is big, bold and bright. I loved every second of my time here and long to go back.

Tip: There is so much to do here, so don’t fall into the trap of trying to do it all. Be realistic as to what you can achieve in the time you are there.

San Francisco, California

Before I was a crime obsessed teen, there was my love affair with Jesse Katsopolis and the extended Tanner family. The opening credits of Full House start with the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and end with shots of the city’s Victorian houses. I don't recall the Tanner family ever setting foot outside, and the show was actually filmed at Warner Brothers Studios in Burbank, California, but these images, which lasted for less than 20 seconds, were enough for me to file San Francisco away as I place I wanted to visit. This desire was only strengthen as I grew older, when I learned of San Francisco’s progressive and radical politics.

Verdict: San Francisco is a much more manageable city than New York to cross things off your list. It is rich in both history, culture and beauty, however as much as I enjoyed my time here, it was not the progressive utopia I had imagined. There is a serious homelessness issue that seems largely ignored by locals and tourists alike. Having said that there are some great projects doing what they can. The Tenderloin People’s Garden is one such project, which provides approximately 2,500 pounds of food, to over 400 people for free per year. You can even volunteer to tend to the garden. For more information visit: www.tndc.org

Tip: It is cool here in summer due to a number of factors that I truly don't understand, however trust me when I say come prepared for cold weather.

Miami, Florida

In 2006, Showtime released a unique crime drama show, called Dexter. Surprisingly, the show about a serial killer, was a hit and I was hooked from the first episode. While the show lost its way somewhere around Season 6, it’s still one of my favourite series. I fell in love too with Miami, the tropical city it was based in. In addition to displaying the evil in everyday people, Dexter showcased a city that seemed so different from the rest of America. Heavily influenced by its Cuban roots, Miami appeared to be a lively city of music, food and fun. Plenty of reasons to want to visit, right?

Verdict: When I arrived in Miami I felt an energy vibrancy you might expect. It is well worth a visit but I did not love it, I found it a bit one dimensional.

Tip: Don't spend too long here, you can experience Miami in a few days.

Montana

In the 1989 mini-series, Lonesome Dove, based on Larry McMurtry’s book of the same name, two former rangers renew their spirit of adventure as they and several other residents of a small Texas town join a cattle drive to the Montana territory. I have lost count of the amount of times I’ve watched this epic story and while only the final episode is set in the Montana countryside, I’ve always wanted to visit a ranch in the state. I flew to Bozeman, a city of approximately 50,000 people, hired a car and drove an hour till I reached the Gallatin Gateway where I stayed on a ranch for several days. Do yourself a favour and read the book and then watch the series. You won’t regret the hours invested.