Botox, Britney, burgers and Donald Trump… what springs to mind? The United States of America. Mass media has brought the States to the world in the form of movies, songs, food and drink, dance and even the lingo but a visit to the US will fill you with so much more.
With 50 states to choose from there is enough here to keep any kind of traveller happy – from the awe-inspiring grand canyon, to the hustle and bustle of New York, or the bright lights and crazy nights of Las Vegas.
Check out my USA travel guide which is jam-packed full of all the info you could hope for before you go, including when to go, where to stay, how to save money and unmissable events and attractions.
USA Travel Resources
These are my favourite companies to use when I travel.
• Search cheap flights with Skyscanner.
• Find the best deals on hotels on Booking.com.
USA Tours
• Browse small group adventure tours with G Adventures or Contiki.
USA Facts
Population
301,130,000
Languages Spoken
82% of the population speak English. The remaining speak Spanish, other Indo-European languages, Asian, Pacific Island languages and other.
Currency
USD Dollar $
Electricity
The electrical current in the USA is 120 V, with a cycle of 60 Hz. You will need a converter if you have appliances that don’t accept this voltage.
Time Zones
6 time zones:
Eastern Standard time (GMT – 5)
Central time (GMT – 6)
Mountain Time (GMT – 7)
Pacific Time (GMT – 8)
Hawaiian Time (GMT – 10)
Alaskan Time (GMT – 9)
Daylight Saving Time begins for most of the United States on the second Sunday of March and reverts back to standard time on the first Sunday in November. Daylight saving time is not observed in Hawaii, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands or the state of Arizona
Country Dialling Code
+1
Measurements and Weights
The US is best described as a ‘soft metric’ country, meaning it supports the metric system but not exclusively.
Weather
The vast size of the USA means that the climate varies considerably from region to region. Temperatures reach both extremes of the scale from freezing cold –62oC in Alaska to a piping hot 57oC in California’s Death Valley (hence the name). In general the American climate is temperate.
In winter (December – April) the northern states are the coldest, experiencing bitter, freezing temperatures. Low temperatures in January and February are made slightly warmer by the Chinook winds originating from the Rocky Mountains. The southern states of the USA, known as the ‘sunbelt’ are quite the opposite, with temperatures rarely falling below freezing.
Summers (June – September) are hot in the US but for New England, Oregon and Washington which tend to be rainier and less predictable. The Pacific Northwest states are generally temperate while the south, east coast and Midwest are more humid. Heat waves are common in the Southwest.
Spring and autumn are generally mild, warm and sunny with the exception of some wet areas, the Pacific Northwest in particular.
Tornado season arrives in the Midwest between April and June, and hurricanes are common in early summer along the southern East Coast and Gulf of Mexico coast – TV and radio will broadcast warnings for both, but the chances of encountering one on a short visit are remote.
Best Time to Go
June to August is the most popular because the weather in America is best at this time, however it is also the most expensive time to visit! Winters in the northern states can be bitter but snow is an advantage for winter sports lovers, but the southern states are sunny nearly year-round.
USA Visa & Entry Requirements
Get all your USA work & tourist visa info right here! Whether you’re wanting to go on holiday or you’re keen to work you’ll find all you need to know before you go about USA visa requirements.
Tourism Visa
It is compulsory for anyone from a country belonging to the Visa Waiver Programme who is travelling to, or changing planes in, the USA to have completed an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) at least 72 hours BEFORE travel. Without this passengers may be refused boarding by the airline. The ESTA is valid for 2 years, but details must be updated for each trip you take to the USA.
Working holiday Visa
There are currently no working holiday agreements with countries to work in the US but there are lots of seasonal and summer jobs available.
Getting to the USA
Flying from London to Miami takes 9 hours 45 minutes, to New York is 7 hours 30 minutes, to San Francisco is 11 hours, to Seattle is 9 hours 45 minutes and to Washington DC is 8 hours. Check out my guide to finding cheap flights to get the best deal possible.
Top Places to Visit in USA
Check out my list of places to see/visit in America, including tourist attractions and all the best places to go sightseeing. This is just a taste of what this great country has to offer!
New York
New York City also known as the Big Apple and is the ‘city that never sleeps’. NYC is home to some of the most famous tourist attractions in the world like the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State building, Central Park, Broadway, Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty, Guggenheim and Metropolitan museums and the Rockerfeller Center plus plenty more so you’ll always be entertained.
Hawaii
The ‘aloha’ state is one that attracts visitors to its sunny shores year after year. Sun yourself on the gorgeous beaches, or tackle the waves with a surfboard. Head to Shipwreck Beach to see the hulking Liberty ship beached in the bay, and discover treasures while beachcombing. Don’t forget to join in a luau, visit Pearl Harbour, or go on a Hawaiian Volcano tour – which is a must-do for every visitor to Hawaii.
Los Angeles
Los Angeles – home to the Hollywood sign, Paramount studios, and heaps of actors (both budding and big!). Set your priorities in this city – movie and TV fans should head to Hollywood, Universal Studios, and go to a taping of a TV show. Beach and outdoors lovers will thrive in Santa Monica, Venice or Malibu. Those into culture should visit the Los Angeles County Museum of Art or the Norton Simon Museum.
Miami
Miami is a real melting-pot of cultures with over 59% of its residents born outside of the USA. The scenery is also diverse – from the skyscrapers of downtown Miami to the white sands of South Beach. Soak up the rays or head to one of the many attractions – the Coral Castle built amazingly by only one man, the Bass Museum of Art housing Picasso other famous works. You might also like to view my Florida travel guide for more recommendations in this state.
New Orleans
New Orleans mixes Caribbean and Cajun with French and southern flair and attracts visitors year round, but mostly during Mardi Gras in February or early March and the annual New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival in late April. The most-visited part of town is the French Quarter, where the French settled the city in 1718. You’ll find many restaurants, music clubs, museums, shops and bars.
San Francisco
Check out Golden Gate Park, the Palace of Fine Arts, the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, or a take a cable car ride over Nob Hill. Drivers should be careful of the streets, which often go straight up, and down hills. If you’re walking it prepared to huff and puff your way to the top, but enjoy some great views when you get there. There are many stairway walks to take when the streets are too steep and can be a fun way to see the city.
Washington DC
Washington DC is the country’s capital, and a beautiful city where you can see the Washington Monument, the White House and the FBI Headquarters. A height restriction means that federal monuments aren’t overshadowed by commercial construction and skyscrapers don’t dominate the city skyline. In Washington you’ll find world-class museums (many free), tons of parks and gardens, and bars, restaurants and nightlife to keep you occupied.
Las Vegas
Viva Las Vegas! No USA trip would be complete without a visit to the casino capital. Mind-boggling, out-of-this-world, oversized casinos come in every size, shape and theme. Eiffel towers, Roman palaces, Egyptian Pyramids, even Mardi Gras and the Brooklyn Bridge! The sights of Europe, Africa, and the United States come to you – in one destination. If you’re up for getting hitched there are plenty of wedding chapels offering packages for 2 to 200 people… how romantic!
Boston
Often referred to as the ‘cradle of modern America’; Boston is the place where, with the incident of the Boston Tea Party in 1773, the Revolutionary War against British colonial rule was ignited. You can walk the Freedom Trail to learn more about this point in history or take the Black Heritage Walk for an insight into black American history. With a high student population there’s always something happening in Boston, especially at the bars!
Chicago
Cosmopolitan Chicago has plenty to seduce the visitor, world-class museums of art and science, miles of sandy beaches, huge parks, open air art displays and modern architecture that is out to impress. A centre for culture you’ll find a schedule of festivals, exhibitions, parades and other events happening in the city year-round. Head to Millennium Park to see the outdoor art and if you’re there in winter have a skate on the outdoor rink.
Seattle
One of the most underrated cities in the States, and a must for any music lovers out there.
Don’t Leave Without…
Making like King Kong
Follow in the giant ape’s footsteps and head up New York’s towering glass-and-steel bonanza, the Empire State Building. The lights of Broadway cut a diagonal slash across the urban landscape, making for a stunning view of the Big Apple.
Eating a local ‘delicacy’
Be it a burger with extra everything in LA, a New Orleans po-boy, a Philly cheesesteak, clam chowder in San Francisco or anything deep-fried in the South, everywhere has a local speciality to help you grasp America’s obesity problem.
Getting caught in a tourist trap
Being banged up in Alcatraz, listening to jazz on a Mississippi steamboat, playing the slots in Vegas, seeing Elvis at Graceland – all authentic American experiences.
Hitting the road
The car is worshipped here, so hit the open road and explore America’s huge and varied countryside. Fans of author Jack Kerouac can embark on the 3,000-mile trip between New York and San Francisco made famous in On The Road.
Testing your head for heights
A jaw-dropping spectacle, the Grand Canyon feels bigger than all of the UK. If you’re feeling really brave, try the glass-bottomed Skywalk, which adds vertigo to the experience.
Transport & How to Get Around
Air
From east to west the USA can be crossed in five hours and from north to south only two hours. There are a bunch of airlines servicing the domestic market so you can usually bank on picking up a cheap airfare from one of them, especially if flying at night. Be aware that the number and size as well as weight often determine the baggage allowance.
Rail
The rail network serves more than 500 communities in 45 states and can be a great way to get around. In addition to trains of the usual speed there is a high-speed train, which travels up to 240 kph and shortens the journeys between Washington DC – New York by 30 minutes, and New York – Boston by 1 hour 30 minutes.
There are also scenic options onboard vintage trains that are great for getting off the beaten track. Rail passes are a great way to get around and save a bit of dosh at the same time. There are offers of 15 or 30 days unlimited travel on a national or regional level. Get more info on rail passes for the USA.
Road
There are a few ways to get round by road but be aware that whatever the option you’re potentially going to be travelling enormous distances! You can hire your own car if you’re over 25 (some places will allow younger drivers at a cost).
You can also easily get hold of an RV or ‘recreational vehicle’, which is like a motor home and gives you the bonus of transport and accommodation in one. Remember to familiarise yourself with local driving laws before heading off. Check out my guide to the best US road trips.
Bus
If you’re not keen to drive, jump on the legendary Greyhound. It is the main national coach carrier and covers the whole of the USA, with a couple of services to Canada and Mexico. Greyhounds have all the comforts of air conditioning, toilets, and reclining seats onboard.
Organised Tours
If you’re travelling alone, for the first time, or just fancy meeting some new and exciting people, then why not try an organised tour? Check out some of my recommendations for tours in the USA.
USA Money Saving Tips
The currency in the United States is the dollar, and the exchange rate is approximately $1.65 = £1. To find the most up to the minute USA currency exchange rates, go to XE.com Currency Converter.
Sample Prices
It is always a good idea to budget for a trip so you don’t run out of money. Here are a few sample prices to help you plan your holiday in America:
• Hamburger = $2
• Ticket to a major league baseball game = from $5
• Broadway show = $150-$250
• Shot-gun Las Vegas wedding = $200
• Average room prices = a cheap room will cost $15-60, something mid-range from $60-100, and a classy pad $100-180.
• Average meal prices = a budget meal is $4-10, a nicer restaurant will charge $10-$15 for a meal, and something high-end you’re looking at $15-20
These prices are in American dollars, and are subject to change.
Gratuities
Tipping is a big thing in the States and you’ll be expected to give 15% or more in cafes, restaurants, bars, and hotels. Taxi drivers will expect the same. View my guide to tipping in the US.
Banking Hours
In general the banks are open from Monday to Friday from 8.30 to 5 pm. As for credit cards – if you can’t use it in the USA then you probably can’t use it anywhere! Travellers cheques are accepted and you can exchange these for cash at any bank, provided you have your passport for ID.
Health
American health care and hospitals are generally of a high standard but be advised that many of the medications normally available over the counter in some countries require a prescription in the US. Medical insurance is advised and only emergency cases are treated without prior payment. Treatment may be refused without the evidence of insurance or a deposit. So be prepared! Sort out your travel insurance before you go.
Safety
There is a general threat from terrorism in the United States, although the chances of being caught up in an incident is slim.
Hurricane season normally runs from June to November, and can affect the whole of the southern USA. The risk of major bush fires around Los Angeles and all of southern California is very high during October and November. Areas of highest risk are the canyons and hills where dry vegetation and Santa Ana high winds can cause wild fires to move very quickly.
In an emergency, you should follow the advice of local law enforcement, in case evacuation is necessary. Extra caution should be made in the larger cities where homelessness and drug use is a big problem.