The United States of America—usually referred to as the United States, the U.S., or America—is a constitutional federal republic comprising fifty states and a federal district. The country is situated mostly in central North America, where its forty-eight contiguous states and Washington, D.C., the capital district, lie between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, bordered by Canada to the north and Mexico to the south. The state of Alaska is in the northwest of the continent, with Canada to its east and Russia to the west across the Bering Strait, and the state of Hawaii is an archipelago in the mid-Pacific. The country also possesses several territories, or insular areas, scattered around the Caribbean and Pacific.

At 3.79 million square miles (9.83 million km²) and with more than 300 million people, the United States is the third or fourth largest country by total area, and third largest by land area and by population. The United States is one of the world's most ethnically diverse nations, the product of large-scale immigration from many countries. The U.S. economy is the largest national economy in the world, with a nominal 2006 gross domestic product (GDP) of more than US$13 trillion (over 25% of the world total based on nominal GDP and almost 20% by purchasing power parity).

The nation was founded by thirteen colonies of Great Britain located along the Atlantic seaboard. On July 4, 1776, they jointly issued the Declaration of Independence, which proclaimed their independence from Great Britain and their formation of a cooperative union. The rebellious states defeated Great Britain in the American Revolutionary War, the first successful colonial war of independence. A federal convention adopted the current United States Constitution on September 17, 1787; its ratification the following year made the states part of a single republic with a strong central government. The Bill of Rights, comprising ten constitutional amendments guaranteeing many fundamental civil rights and freedoms, was ratified in 1791.

In the nineteenth century, the United States acquired land from France, Spain, the United Kingdom, Mexico, and Russia, and annexed the Republic of Texas and the Republic of Hawaii. Disputes between the agrarian South and industrial North over states' rights and the expansion of the institution of slavery provoked the American Civil War of the 1860s. The North's victory prevented a permanent split of the country and led to the end of legal slavery in the United States. The Spanish-American War and World War I confirmed the nation's status as a military power. In 1945, the United States emerged from World War II as the first country with nuclear weapons, a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, and a founding member of NATO. In the post–Cold War era, the United States is the only remaining superpower—accounting for approximately 50% of global military spending—and a dominant economic, political, and cultural force in the world.

Travel insurance is insurance that is intended to cover medical expenses, financial (such as money invested in nonrefundable pre-payments), and other losses incurred while traveling, either within one's own country, or internationally.

Travel insurance can usually be arranged at the time of booking of a trip to cover exactly the duration of that trip or a more extensive, continuous insurance can be purchased from (most often) travel insurance companies, travel agents or directly from travel suppliers such as cruiselines or tour operators. However, travel insurance purchased from travel suppliers tends to be less inclusive than insurance offered by insurance companies.

Travel insurance often offers coverage for a variety of travelers. Student travel, business travel, leisure travel, adventure travel, cruise travel, and international travel are all various options that can be insured.

The most common risks that are covered by travel insurance are:

• Medical expenses
  
  
• Emergency evacuation/repatriation
• Overseas funeral expenses
• Accidental death, injury or disablement benefit
• Cancellation
• Curtailment
• Delayed departure
• Loss, theft or damage to personal possessions and money (including travel documents)
• Delayed baggage (and emergency replacement of essential items)
• Legal assistance
• Personal liability and rental car damage excess

Some travel policies will also provide cover for additional costs, although these vary widely between providers.

And in addition, often separate insurance can be purchased for specific costs such as:

• pre-existing medical conditions (e.g. asthma, diabetes)
• high risk sports (e.g. skiing, scuba-diving)
• travel to high risk countries (e.g. due to war or natural disasters or acts of terrorism)

Common Exclusions:

• pre-existing medical conditions
• war or terrorism - but some plans may cover this risk
• pregnancy related expenses
• injury or illness caused by alcohol or drug use

Travel insurance can also provide helpful services, often 24 hours a day, 7 days a week that can include concierge services and emergency travel assistance.

Typically travel insurance for the duration of a journey costs approximately 5-7% of the cost of the trip.

Travel insurance is insurance that is intended to cover medical expenses, financial (such as money invested in nonrefundable pre-payments), and other losses incurred while traveling, either within one's own country, or internationally.

Travel insurance can usually be arranged at the time of booking of a trip to cover exactly the duration of that trip or a more extensive, continuous insurance can be purchased from (most often) travel insurance companies, travel agents or directly from travel suppliers such as cruiselines or tour operators. However, travel insurance purchased from travel suppliers tends to be less inclusive than insurance offered by insurance companies.

Travel insurance often offers coverage for a variety of travelers. Student travel, business travel, leisure travel, adventure travel, cruise travel, and international travel are all various options that can be insured.

The most common risks that are covered by travel insurance are:

• Medical expenses
  
  
• Emergency evacuation/repatriation
• Overseas funeral expenses
• Accidental death, injury or disablement benefit
• Cancellation
• Curtailment
• Delayed departure
• Loss, theft or damage to personal possessions and money (including travel documents)
• Delayed baggage (and emergency replacement of essential items)
• Legal assistance
• Personal liability and rental car damage excess

Some travel policies will also provide cover for additional costs, although these vary widely between providers.

And in addition, often separate insurance can be purchased for specific costs such as:

• pre-existing medical conditions (e.g. asthma, diabetes)
• high risk sports (e.g. skiing, scuba-diving)
• travel to high risk countries (e.g. due to war or natural disasters or acts of terrorism)

Common Exclusions:

• pre-existing medical conditions
• war or terrorism - but some plans may cover this risk
• pregnancy related expenses
• injury or illness caused by alcohol or drug use

Travel insurance can also provide helpful services, often 24 hours a day, 7 days a week that can include concierge services and emergency travel assistance.

Typically travel insurance for the duration of a journey costs approximately 5-7% of the cost of the trip.

With The Verve Of A Roaring Twenties Hotel, The Write Inn Hotel Perches In Oak Park's Historical District, Home To Ernest Hemingway's Birthplace And Architect Frank Lloyd Wright's House. The Hotel Is One-fifth Mile From A Train Stop Leading To Downtown Chicago 10 Miles, A 15-Minute Train Ride, Away. What's More, The Inn Is Ideally Located Close To Major Thoroughfares For Driving To Chicagoland's Western Suburbs. Parents, Kids, Couples And Other Travelers Can Take Breaks From The Business And Sightseeing Next To The Hotel In Scoville Park, Which Features Tennis Courts And Children's Play Areas.

This Being Chicagoland, Guests Will Find Plenty Of Restaurants, From The Inexpensive To The Sublime, But Hemmingway's Bistro In The Write Inn Is No Slouch. Bistro Patrons Enjoy Fine French Cuisine Enhanced With Fresh Midwestern Ingredients.



The Four-story Hotel's 64 Guestrooms Feature Antiques And Accessories From The 1920s, But 21st-century Amenities, Such As Sealy Posturepedic Mattresses, Internet Access, Cable Tv, Kitchenettes And Refrigerators.



Travelers Are 15-25 Minutes From O'hare International And Midway Airports. Vacationers To The Windy City Looking For A Nifty Location Far From The Maddening Crowds Will Find The Write Inn In The Historic Village Of Oak Park A Good Alternative To The Sterile Downtown Skyscrapers.

Location.

• The Majestic Hotel Is Located In Chicago, Ill.
• One Block From Lakeshore Drive And Lake Michigan
• One-half Mile From Wrigley Field
• Three Miles From Downtown's Magnificent Mile

Hotel Features.

• Complimentary Continental Breakfasts
• Fitness Center
• Complimentary Wireless Internet Access Throughout The Hotel

Guestrooms.

• Kitchenettes In Suites
• Cable Television

 

• Chicago O'hare Garden Hotel In Located In Chicago, Ill.
• Across The Street From A Bus Station
• Less Than Four Miles From O'hare International Airport

Hotel Features.

• Wireless Internet Access
• Fitness Center
• Complimentary Airport Transportation

Guestrooms.

• Complimentary Wireless Internet Access
• Multi-line Telephones

Renovation Notice:

Effective August 8, 2007, The Hotel's Pool Is Closed For Maintenance. During This Time, Guests Over 18 Years Of Age Have Complimentary Access To The Pool At A Nearby Fitness Center. There Is No Estimated Date Of Completion Available.

Location. The Nine Zero Is Located Adjacent To The Freedom Trail In The Ladder District Of Boston, Mass. This Property Overlooks The Old Granary Burying Ground, And Stands One Block From Boston Common.

Hotel Features. The Hotel's Small, Stylishly Decorated Lobby Overlooks Tremont Street. Ko Prime Steakhouse Features Wagyu, Kobe And Grass-fed Beef, And Presents An Extensive Wine List. The Hotel Hosts Complimentary Wine Receptions Each Afternoon. A 24-Hour Business Center Is Staffed During Business Hours. Wireless Internet Access Is Complimentary Throughout The Hotel. The Hotel Includes A Complimentary, 24-Hour Fitness Room That Contains Cardiovascular And Weight-training Equipment, And Free Weights. This Property Distributes Complimentary Passes To A Nearby Health Club. Outdoor Exercise Includes Hiking The Freedom Trail That Leads To 16 Significant Historic Sites. The Nine Zero Welcomes Pets. Hotel Staff Walks, Grooms And Arranges Massage Treatments For Dogs, By Appointment.



Guestrooms. The 19-Story Nine Zero Hotel Offers 190 Stylish Guestrooms Equipped With Complimentary High-speed Wired And Wireless Internet Access. Beds Feature Oversize Leather Headboards, Pillowtop Mattresses, And European Down Comforters And Pillows. Décor Elements Include Black Furniture With Brushed-chrome Accents, Chrome Lamps And High-backed Chairs Paired With Ottomans. Marble Bathrooms Provide Bathrobes, Makeup Mirrors And Toiletries By Mario Russo. Select Accommodations Contain Showers Only, While Others Include Shower/Tub Combinations. Rooms Feature Remote-control Cd Players. The Reception Desk Stocks A Supply Of Cds. Minibars Feature Nantucket Off-shore Cocktail Mixes With Tins Of Rim Flavorings That Coordinate With The Mixes. The Hotel Provides Complimentary Yoga Baskets For In-room Use, And The Fitness Channel Airs "Yogilates" Routines.



Expert Tip. Although Specialties Such As The Charcutterie And Offal Steaks Might Speak For Themselves, The Chef Who Created Them Also Deserves Recognition. Chef Ken Oringer, Who Heads The Kitchen At The Ko Prime Steakhouse, Won The Iron Chef Award In April 2008.

 Location. The Boston Omni Parker House Hotel Stands In Downtown Boston, Mass., One Block From City Hall And Boston Common. The Boston Harbor And The Theater District Are Located Two Blocks From The Hotel. Fenway Park, Harvard Square And Boston Logan International Airport Are Located Within Three Miles Of This Property.

Hotel Features. The Boston Omni Parker House Hotel, Which Opened In 1855, Underwent A $30 Million Restoration And Renovation In 2008. The Hotel Marries Modern Amenities With Historic Architectural Charm. Parker's Restaurant Serves American And Continental Cuisine. This Hotel Was The Birthplace Of Parker House Rolls, Served At The Restaurant. Parker's Bar Décor Features Mahogany Paneling, A Fireplace And Stained-glass Windows. The Last Hurrah Bar Offers Pub Fare, A Collection Of Bostonian Whiskeys And Signature Boston Crème Martinis. Wireless Internet Access Is Complimentary In The Lobby. Children's Amenities Include Milk-and-cookie Turndown Service And A Welcome Gift. A Complimentary, 24-Hour Fitness Room Features Hardwood Floors And Contains Cardiovascular And Weight-training Equipment, Yoga Balls, Free Weights And A Wall-mounted, Flat-screen Television.



Guestrooms. This 15-Story Property Offers 551 Guestrooms Constructed In Various Configurations. Beds Are Outfitted With White Duvets, Premium Linens And Crimson Bed Shawls. Marble Bathrooms Feature Curved Shower Rods And Contain Bathrobes. Rooms Include High-speed Wired Internet Access For A Fee, And Flat-screen Televisions.



Expert Tip. This Boston Hotel Features Morsel's, Where Guests May Enjoy Starbucks Coffee And Use Two Computers And A Printer.

Renovation Notice:

The Hotel Is Undergoing Renovations To Select Guestrooms. There May Be Noise Disturbance. The Estimated Completion Date Is June 2008. This Date Is Subject To Change.

Location. The Onyx Hotel Stands One Block From The

North And Haymarket Subway Stations In The Bulfinch Triangle District Of Boston, Mass. The Td Banknorth Garden Is Located One Block From The Hotel. Boston Common Is Less Than One Mile Away.

Hotel Features. This Brick-and-glass Boutique Property Features A Contemporary Lobby Decorated With Original Artworks And Flashes Of Vividly Colored Fabrics. The Intimate Ruby Room Restaurant Features A Stainless-steel Chandelier, Twinkling Red Lights, Red-leather Banquettes And Tangerine-hued Upholstered Chairs. American-style Fare Includes Sandwiches And Salads. The Restaurant Is Open For Breakfast And Dinner. The Bar Is Open Until Late Evening And Serves Its Signature Ruby Red Martini. This Hotel Hosts A Daily, Complimentary Wine Reception. A Computer Is Available For Guest Use, And Print, Fax And Photocopy Services Are Available For A Fee. Wireless Internet Access Is Complimentary Throughout The Hotel. Recreational Amenities Include A 24-Hour, Complimentary Fitness Room Equipped With Television-mounted Cardiovascular Machines, A Universal Weight Machine, Free Weights And Yoga Balls. Water And Headphones Are Complimentary. Pets Are Welcome, And Dog-walking Services Are Available For A Fee.



Guestrooms. This 11-Story Property Offers 112 Fashionable Guestrooms Furnished With Ruby-red Suede Chairs, And Decorated In Ebony And Taupe Color Schemes. Beds Are Draped With 350-Thread Count Sheets And Down Comforters. Bathrooms Feature Charcoal-granite Floors, Pedestal Sinks, Leopard-print Bathrobes, Curved Shower Rods And Aveda Toiiletries. The Onyx Hotel Participates In The Kimpton Company's Green Initiatives. The Yoga Channel Airs On Guestroom Televisions, And The Hotel Provides Complimentary Mats And Blocks. Guestrooms Include Cd Players And The Front Desk Offers A Cd Library. High-speed Wired And Wireless Internet Access Is Complimentary.



Expert Tip. The Onyx Hotel Boasts An "Emerging Art" Theme And Displays Artwork From The Museum Of Fine Art. These Installations Rotate Every Six Months. Artwork Is Available For Purchase.

Location. The Kendall Hotel Is Located Across From The Kendall Square Transit Station In Cambridge, Mass. The Massachusetts Institute Of Technology Stands Adjacent To The Hotel. The Cambridgeside Galleria Mall Is Located One-quarter Mile Away.

Hotel Features. The Kendall Hotel's Lobby Is Warmed By A Fireplace And Is Furnished With American Memorabilia That Showcases A Specially Commissioned Clock Crafted By A Local Artist. The Hotel Offers Complimentary Buffet-style Breakfasts. The Black Sheep Restaurant & Bar Prepares Innovative American Home-style Dishes With A Focus On Organic And Local Ingredients. The Bar Features Local Microbrews. Wireless Internet Access Is Complimentary Throughout The Hotel. A Business Center Offers Fax And Photocopy Services. Parking Is Available Underneath The Hotel For A Fee.



Guestrooms. This Seven-story Hotel Offers 73 Guestrooms And Four Suites, All Decorated With Antique-reproduction Furnishings. Beds Are Draped With Colonial-style Quilts, Ralph Lauren Cotton Linens, And Both Down And Hypoallergenic Pillows. High-speed Wired And Wireless Internet Access Is Complimentary, And Radios Are Equipped With Mp3 Adaptors. Welcome Amenities Include Bottled Water And Chocolates On The First Night Of Stay. Bathrooms Are Stocked With Gilchrist & Soames Toiletries. Suites Feature Full Kitchens, Gas Fireplaces, Two High-definition Televisions And Jetted Tubs.



Expert Tip. The Black Sheep Restaurant & Bar Was Named After The Engine 7 Firefighters Who Considered Themselves The "Black Sheep" Of The Cambridge Fire Department. The Hotel Offers A Complimentary Fireman's Full American Breakfast Buffet Which Includes Scrambled Eggs, Sausage, Bacon, And Homemade Granola And Scones. And Yes, This Is A Smoke-free Property.