Call our experts today
020 7183 7766
USA

USA

USA Travel Guide

There's nothing that can be written to sum up the United States of America. An enormous country stretching roughly 3,000 miles (4,800km) from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean, the US prides itself on being a melting pot of cultures from all over the world, and every big city in the country has its own Chinatown, Koreatown, Little Somalia, or Little Italy. These enormous cities, including New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago and San Francisco, offer world-class museums, shopping, restaurants and nightlife that have to be experienced to be believed.

The US is a fairly young country, but its history is proudly displayed in monuments and museums. Travellers can see the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia, the Tea Party Ships in Boston, the iconic Mount Rushmore in South Dakota, and even view the Declaration of Independence in Washington DC's National Archives.

It isn't all cities and sidewalks in the US, though; the vast plains contain a wealth of natural beauty. Ranging from the majestic Rocky Mountains to the calm serenity of Minnesota's Boundary Waters, the rugged Pacific coast of California to the endless 'Big Sky Country' of Montana, the scenery is astounding. Natural attractions are scattered throughout, including the 'Old Faithful' geyser in Wyoming's Yellowstone National Park, the giant redwoods of California, and Niagara Falls in upstate New York.

Whether skiing in the Colorado Rockies, sunning oneself on a Miami beach or climbing to the top of the Statue of Liberty, a holiday in the US presents endless possibilities in the land of opportunity.

Best time to visit the USA

The best time to visit the USA is between May and September when the weather is pleasant and the days are long. However, July and early August can be uncomfortably hot in most states, and many popular tourist attractions are overcrowded with families on holiday during this period. The weather in the USA varies widely throughout the continent, with the northern states seeing huge temperature changes between summer and winter, while the southern states remain fairly temperate in winter with hot summers. The best time for a skiing holiday in the USA is in late January and February when snow is guaranteed in most ski areas.

What to see in the USA

-Enjoy stunning sunset views over the Grand Canyon in Arizona.

-Meet Mickey and Minnie on a family trip to Walt Disney World in Florida.

-Take a walk through Times Square and see a Broadway show in New York City.

-Visit the Lincoln Memorial and tour the White House in Washington DC.

-Walk across the Golden Gate Bridge and have lunch in San Francisco's Chinatown.

Top things to do

-Take a wine-tasting tour of Napa Valley in Northern California.

-Compare hand sizes with Michael Jackson and Marilyn Monroe at Mann's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood.

-Go skiing in Colorado ski resorts like Aspen and Vail.

-Hike in national parks like Yellowstone, Yosemite, or Adirondacks.

-Listen to a Dixieland jazz concert at Preservation Hall in New Orleans.

Getting to the USA

There is no shortage of direct cheap flights to the USA from the UK. Many cheap flights from London and Manchester go to busy hubs like New York JFK, Hartsfield Jackson in Atlanta, Chicago O'Hare and Washington-Dulles International Airport, however connecting flights are available to nearly any city in the country.

Read

Ragtime by EL Doctorow, Made in America by Bill Bryson, The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck, On the Road by Jack Kerouac, and To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee.

Listen

Louis Armstrong, Nirvana, Aaron Copland and Scott Joplin.

Watch

Glory (1989); Pulp Fiction (1994); The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966); Forrest Gump (1994); and Mr Smith Goes to Washington (1939).

Drink

Napa Valley wine, hot apple cider, and local microbrewed beers.

Eat

Southern Barbecue, Philly cheesesteak, and Chicago-style deep-dish pizza.

What to buy

I (Heart) NY items, Hollywood celebrity souvenirs, Mickey Mouse Ears, and replicas of famous monuments. Other souvenirs include Native American crafts, Vermont maple syrup, Californian wine and local fashion.

What to pack

Comfortable walking shoes and a light jacket in summer, or the warmest clothes possible in winter. Bring a good map or download a reliable map app to help you get around in big cities.

What's on in the USA

The Tournament of Roses Parade fills the streets of Pasadena with enormous floats made of flowers. Boston throws a 4th of July party like no other with fireworks and symphony concerts. St Patrick's Day in Chicago includes a huge parade, and they even dye the river green. The National Cherry Blossom Festival turns many of Washington DC's parks bright pink. The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City is attended by tens of thousands of people each autumn. Racing highlights in the US include the Kentucky Derby and the Indianapolis 500.

Did you know?

-Montana has three times more cattle than people.

-Alaska has a longer coastline than all the other 49 states put together.

-New York City was once the capital of the USA.

-Missouri's nickname is 'The Show Me State'.

A final word

Stretching between the Pacific and the Atlantic Ocean, the vast territory of the USA contains jagged mountains, majestic forests, world-class cities, and charming small towns. This is a holiday destination that it would take a lifetime to fully explore.

Language

English is the most common language spoken but Spanish is often heard in the south-western states.

Currency

The official currency is the US Dollar (USD), which is divided into 100 cents. Only major banks exchange foreign currency. ATMs are widespread and credit cards are widely accepted. Banking hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm.

Electricity

Electrical current is 120 volts, 60Hz. Plugs are mainly the type with two flat pins, though three-pin plugs (two flat parallel pins and a rounded pin) are also widely used. European appliances without dual-voltage capabilities will require an adapter.

Tipping

A 15 percent tip is expected by taxi drivers, bartenders, hairdressers and waiters, but don't tip in fast-food or self-service restaurants. In expensive restaurants or for large parties, tip 20 percent of the bill. It is normal to tip staff such as valets and porters in hotels; this is discretionary, although a minimum of $5 is expected. Most services are customarily tipped if the service is good.

Safety

Travel within the United States is generally trouble-free, however, travellers should be aware that the US shares with the rest of the world, an increased threat from terrorist incidents. Security has been heightened, particularly at airports. Restrictions on hand luggage apply and travellers are advised to check on the latest situation with airlines in advance. Travellers should also be alert to the dangers of car and street crime in cities and should use common sense and take basic precautions. Hurricanes are common between June and November, putting the southern USA, including the Gulf Coast and the eastern US at risk. There is a risk of wildfires in many dry areas in the US, particularly on the West Coast from March to November.

Communications

The international country dialling code for the United States is +1. Mobile networks cover most of the country, especially all urban areas, and wifi is widely available.

Health

There are no specific health risks associated with travel within the USA. Medical facilities are excellent, but expensive. Only emergencies are treated without prior payment and treatment can be refused without evidence of insurance or proof of funds. Good medical insurance is essential.

Public Holidays

20212022
New Year's Day1 Jan1 Jan
Martin Luther King Day20 Jan18 Jan
President's Day17 Feb15 Feb
Memorial Day25 May31 May
Independence Day4 Jul4 Jul
Labour Day7 Sep6 Sep
Columbus Day12 Oct11 Oct
Veterans Day11 Nov11 Nov
Thanksgiving Day26 Nov25 Nov
Christmas Day25 Dec25 Dec

Business

In such a large country, filled with so many diverse groups, business practices may differ according to each state, however rarely to any large degree. The East Coast is traditionally more formal than the West Coast, however in states such as California dress code and conservative appearance are as common as they would be in New York. Punctuality is important throughout the country and it is considered rude to be late for a meeting. Gift-giving is uncommon as it may be construed as bribery. Appropriate titles (Mr, Mrs, Ms) are used upon introduction and until otherwise stated. Americans favour politeness and greetings of 'Hello' and 'How are you?' are often expressed with sincerity. Business hours may vary in each state, but an 8am start and 5pm finish Monday to Friday is the most common with an hour over lunch.

Status and age are not necessarily indicative of seniority, nor do they carry much weight in themselves. Those doing business in the States should be mindful of this fact; never make assumptions about someone's position or rank. Best practice is to be respectful to all parties. That said, the US upholds a hierarchal business structure, in which 'the boss' is the ultimate decision-maker. Senior leaders have the power of the last word, and can go against the grain just as easily as they can follow popular opinion. Concentrate on winning over this individual, even if the greater group seems unsupportive. Americans value a direct style of communication. In this fast-paced, consumer culture 'time is money', and small-talk is viewed as unnecessary and wasteful. Get to the point quickly, speak about issues in a frank and open manner, and don't take offence if someone questions or challenges you outright.

Passport & Visa

It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Visa is required for short visits unless travelers qualify for entry under the Visa Waiver Program.

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables citizens of certain countries to travel to the US for a stay of up to 90 days without a visa. Visitors under the VWP need to register online three days before travel and have an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). This allows the US government to screen all visitors before travel. Visitors entering the country under the VWP must have a machine-readable passport (MRP) that has a barcode on the photo page. Travellers under the VWP must have passports that include biometrics if they wish to enter the country without a visa, which means that passports must contain unique personal data such as fingerprints or iris details. All passports must contain a digital photo image in order to travel visa-free. All visitors to the USA have a photograph and two fingerprints taken by an inkless scanner on arrival, including those travelling visa-free under the VWP.

As part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), all travellers travelling between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States. If departing from the USA, a valid passport is required by immigration authorities. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Customs

Laws vary from state to state, including speed limit, fines and punishment. The age at which you may legally buy and consume alcohol is 21 years.

Duty Free

Travellers to the United States who are returning residents of the country do not have to pay duty on articles purchased abroad to the value of $800 provided their stay was longer than 48 hours and their duty-free allowance was not used in the 30-day period prior. For passengers arriving from Samoa, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands, a duty-free allowance of $1,600 is allowed. The following items are included in this: 50 cigarettes and 10 cigars and 150 millilitres (5 fl. oz.) of alcoholic beverages or 150 millilitres (5 fl. oz.) of perfume containing alcohol. Restrictions may apply to goods from Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Burma (Myanmar), Angola, Liberia and Sudan. It is prohibited to import Cuban cigars from any country.

Travellers to the United States who are non-residents do not have to pay duty on the following items: 50 cigars or 200 cigarettes and gifts to the value of $100 provided their stay in the USA is not less than 72 hours and that the allowance has not been used in the preceding six-month period.

Prohibited items for residents and non-residents include meat or meat products, poultry, narcotics, absinthe, plants, seeds, vegetables, fruits, soil, live insects and other living plants or animal pests. Fish is prohibited unless it carries disease-free certification. Wildlife and animals or their by-products carry restrictions. Dairy products and eggs from specified countries are not allowed. Firearms and ammunition are not allowed without the necessary license and permit.

Contacts

United States Tourist Office: www.usatourist.com

911 (General)

Entry Requirements

US citizens require passports.

UK nationals require a passport valid for duration of stay. Most passport holders can get an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) through the Visa Waiver Programme, which allows travel to the US for up to 90 days. The VWP includes tourism, certain types of business visit and transit to another country.

The most important requirement on entering the U.S. is providing proof of Canadian citizenship. A valid Canadian passport is the best document to prove Canadian citizenship and the right to return to Canada. However, several other documents can serve, depending on the mode of transport. Generally, Canadian citizens do not require visitor, business, transit or other visas to enter the United States from Canada, though there are some exceptions.

South Africans must hold a passport valid for duration of stay. A visa is required.

Passports must be valid for duration of stay. Irish nationals can get an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) under the Visa Waiver Programme for entry into the United States.

Passports must be valid for duration of stay. New Zealand nationals can get an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) under the Visa Waiver Programme for entry into the United States.

Embassy Consulates

British Embassy, Washington DC: +1 202 588 6500.

Canadian Embassy, Washington DC: +1 202 682 1740.

South African Embassy, Washington DC: +1 202 232 4400.

Irish Embassy, Washington DC: +1 202 462 3939.

New Zealand Embassy, Washington DC: +1 202 328 4800.

Embassy Consulates

United States Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 20 7499 9000.

United States Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 688 5335.

United States Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 12 431 4000.

United States Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 1 668 8777.

United States Embassy, Wellington, New Zealand: +64 4 462 6000.

Attractions

Sightseeing in the USA is a lifelong pursuit, due to the vast scale and variety of the attractions on offer. Indeed, the USA is far more than a single country: each state and region has its own character, geography and unique, world-class sights.

Three-quarters of all foreign tourists spend time in California, Florida and New York, while the country's five most visited cities by foreign tourists are in these three states. In between east coast California's beaches, movie glitz and sunny weather and west coast New York's urban thrills and iconic sights, the USA is a country of great diversity: the Creole culture of Louisiana, the wide-open plains of the great Midwest, epic skiing around the Rocky Mountains, the magnificence of the Grand Canyon, and astounding lights of nearby Las Vegas. Offshore Hawaii is a place of irresistible beauty too, and Alaska offers a unique wilderness to explore.

Given all there is to see and do, and the vast distances between them, you'll need to plan your trip carefully and concentrate on a few areas. Be aware that winters (November to February) on the east coast get very cold with plenty of snow, while beaches can get uncomfortably hot over peak summer months of July and August. Also look out for big national events like Spring Break (March), Fourth of July, and Thanksgiving (fourth Thursday in November) when transport and accommodation get very busy.

Climate

The United States of America covers a large region, stretching from east to west across nine time zones. Therefore, it is no surprise that the country has a varied climate, ranging from arctic regions to deserts. California, on the west coast of the US, has a pleasant, Mediterranean climate, and the Pacific Northwest Coast has more of a maritime climate, with cooler summers and mild winters, influenced by westerly winds. The central part of the US has extreme temperature variations and a continental climate - with cold winters and hot summers. The eastern central US tends to be more humid, while the western central US is semiarid. The east side of the country has a continental climate caused by air masses moving from west to east, with hot summers and a prevalence of tornadoes in the Mississippi River area. Florida has the warmest winters on the eastern seaboard. It is recommended that travellers research the climate in the specific state they wish to visit when choosing when to travel.

Showing: 8828 Cruises
35 usa