What Americans told the traveler to cut:

Niagara Falls: "One day isn't enough if you're making the special trip from Boston, and it's massively out of the way from your other stops. Either commit 2-3 days or skip it."

Orlando: "If you're going for Disney, you need minimum 3-4 days to make it worthwhile given the cost and travel time. Two days means you'll be exhausted and broke. If not doing Disney properly, skip Orlando entirely."

Philadelphia: "One day is fine if you're passing through on train from NYC to DC, but don't make a special trip for it."

The recommended fix: Focus on the Northeast corridor or focus on Florida - don't try to do both in 21 days.

Option A: Northeast focus Charlotte → DC (3 days) → Philadelphia (2 days) → NYC (5 days) → Boston (3 days) → Chicago (4 days) → Charlotte

This uses the Amtrak Northeast Regional (DC-Boston) which is affordable and efficient, plus one flight to Chicago.

Option B: Florida + Southeast Charlotte → Charleston, SC (2 days) → Savannah, GA (2 days) → Orlando (4 days) → Miami (5 days) → Charlotte

This keeps distances manageable, costs down, and allows deeper exploration of fewer places.

Meeting people while traveling solo in the US:

The traveler asked about Couchsurfing, Couchers, BeWelcome, and TrustRoots. Multiple Americans responded that these platforms are far less active in the US than in Europe.

"Meetup.com works better for actually meeting people in American cities," one commenter suggested. "Join interest-based groups - hiking, board games, whatever you're into."

Free walking tours exist in major cities and attract solo travelers. Hostel common areas work if you're in cities with decent hostels (NYC, Chicago, Miami Beach). But don't expect the organic social scene you'd find in European hostels.

Budget reality check:

One traveler broke down realistic costs:

• Hostels: $30-60/night in major cities • Food: $15-25/day minimum (even eating cheap) • Transport between cities: $50-150 per leg depending on mode • Activities/entrance fees: $20-50/day • Total: Easily $100-150/day, potentially $2,100-3,150 for 21 days

"US accommodation is expensive," the original poster noted in their research. That's putting it mildly. A hostel bed in NYC costs what gets you a private room in Bangkok or Lisbon.

What actually works for budget US travel:

1. Pick one region and explore it deeply 2. Use budget airlines strategically but factor in ALL costs (bags, transport to/from airports) 3. Consider Amtrak only for the Northeast corridor 4. Book accommodation well in advance for better rates 5. Grocery stores and food trucks instead of restaurants 6. Free activities: parks, museums with free days, walking tours, beaches

The best travel isn't about maximizing the number of cities you visit - it's about actually experiencing the places you go. And sometimes, what you learn is that trying to see everything means seeing nothing properly.