North AmericaTravel Guide
Travelling in the USA is a dream for many people, with its vast and diverse landscape and rich cultural history. From the bright lights of New York City to the natural wonders of Yellowstone National Park, there is a LOT to do here, whether you prefer to sit in the sun or hike through a forest!
When to Travel to The USA
The United States is a vast country with a wide range of climates and landscapes, so the best time to visit can vary depending on where you plan to go and what activities you want to do.
Generally, the high season for travel in the USA is during the summer months (June to August) when the weather is warm and sunny in most parts of the country. This is a great time to visit popular destinations like New York City, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, as well as national parks like Yellowstone and Yosemite.
The shoulder seasons of spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) can also be great times to visit many parts of the USA. The weather is usually mild and comfortable, and the crowds are generally smaller than during the summer. This is a great time to visit destinations like Washington D.C. to see the cherry blossoms, or to explore the stunning fall foliage in New England.
Winter (December to February) is great if you’re interested in winter sports like skiing or snowboarding. Destinations like Aspen, Colorado, and Lake Tahoe, California, offer world-class skiing and snowboarding opportunities during the winter months. Additionally, cities like New York and Chicago offer festive holiday markets and events that can make for a memorable winter trip.
Where to travel in The USA
The East Coast is home to some of the country’s most iconic cities, including New York, Boston, and Washington D.C. Explore historic sites like the Freedom Trail, the White House, and the Statue of Liberty in New York. The region is also known for its stunning fall foliage and beautiful beaches, particularly in the coastal states of Maine, Massachusetts, and Florida
The West Coast is famous for its sunny weather, laid-back vibe, and breathtaking natural landscapes. Cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle offer many cultural experiences. Then, national parks like Yosemite, Joshua Tree, and the Grand Canyon are must-sees for nature lovers. The region is also known for its wine country, particularly in California’s Napa and Sonoma Valleys.
The South is known for its hospitality, delicious food, and rich history. Cities like New Orleans, Nashville, and Charleston offer unique cultural experiences, while the region’s beaches, like those in Alabama, and Louisiana, are popular for sunbathing. You can also explore historic sites like Civil War battlefields and the birthplace of blues and rock n’ roll music in Memphis.
The North is a region of contrasts, with snowy winters and sunny summers. Cities like Chicago, Minneapolis, and Detroit offer a unique blend of urban and outdoor experiences. Then, national parks like Yellowstone and Glacier are breathtaking natural wonders. The region is also known for its fall foliage and outdoor activities like skiing and snowboarding.
Common Questions for USA Travel
- Currency: The currency in the USA is the United States Dollar.
- Language: The most common language in the USA is English.
- Time Zones: There are 4 time zones across the USA – EST, CST, MST, and PST.
- Entry Requirements: UK citizens and many from Europe will need an ESTA to enter the USA. You can order this online and it costs around $21.
- Plug: USA plugs are type A and B with a typical voltage of 120 V and frequency of 60Hz. If you’re not from the USA, this adaptor will be handy.
- Must-try cuisine: Chicago pizza, New York Pizza, hot dogs, Texas BBQ, Buffalo chicken wings, Tater Tots, BBQ Ribs, and Key Lime Pie.
Average daily budget – Between $200-$300 per person per day. This is around £240/€270pp (Note: This is an estimated budget assuming you’re staying in a mid-range double room hotel with another person, eating at averagely priced restaurants, and using public transportation. Using budget tips you can definitely lower this number. However, if you stay in fancier accommodation and eat at posh restaurants, expect to pay more than this.)
Typical Travel Costs
Accommodation: The USA is certainly not the cheapest place in the world to stay, although you can get some pretty good deals depending on the state and what time of year you’re visiting. New York is more or less always expensive but you can snap up a pretty good deal in places like Orlando if you shop around.
For budget accommodation, expect to pay between $50-$100 per night. For mid-range accommodation, expect between 100-$200 per night. If you want luxury accommodation, you can easily spend $200+ per night.
Click here to search for hotels in the USA.
Eating Out: Food in the USA is fairly affordable (compared to London anyway). Plus, the portion sizes are much bigger. The USA also has a great selection of buffet-style restaurants and classic diners that can all be super affordable. Avoid touristy areas, and expect to pay around $10 per person for a fast food restaurant and between $20-$40 for a restaurant or gastropub.
Transportation: If you’re planning a USA road trip, then you can get a pretty good deal with Discover Cars for around $50-75 per day for a 4-seater. But, if you’re city-hopping, I highly recommend public transport. It’s much easier and more affordable. Especially in cities like New York. Expect to pay around $30 for a week’s public transport in the USA.
bucket list experiences In The USA
Fun facts about The USA
Made up of 50 states, a federal district and 14 territories, the USA is the second largest country in the North American Continent. It’s also the third largest country in the world and the third most populated, home to 338 million inhabitants.
The capital of the USA is Washington D.C. which has about 7.5 million inhabitants. However, the largest city is New York City, which is home to almost 8.4 million people.
The USA also has some amazing natural and man-made landmarks. The Grand Canyon, the largest canyon in the world, is located in Arizona. The Empire State Building, Lincoln Memorial, Golden Gate Bridge, and Mount Rushmore are some of the country’s other most visited landmarks.
The USA shares a border with just Mexico and Canada. The USA/Canada border is the longest international border in the world.
More than 300 languages are spoken in the USA with about 13% of the population speaking Spanish.
The largest US state by area is Alaska, which is more than twice the size of Texas and four times the size of California.
North America Travel Guides
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16 Best Winter Getaways in the USA
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27 Free Things to Do in New York City
3 Days in New York City: The Best 18 Things to Do
How To Spend the Perfect 2 Days in Washington DC
An Epic Key West Day Trip: The Best Things to Do
14 Best Things to Add to Your Orlando Itinerary
3 Days in San Francisco: An Unforgettable Itinerary
How To Spend the Perfect 2 Days in Miami
Canada
Autumn in Canada: The 8 Best Places to Visit
14 Best Places to Visit in Canada in Winter
Mexico
The 15 Best Things to Do in Mexico City