Antrell Williams, CC BY-ND 2.0
Last update: 12 Oct 2026
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United States Summary
These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.
‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.
‘Your personal’ scores:
This reflects how well a place matches your personal preferences. You can adjust the importances of travel topics or other personal requirements categories in your account settings.
‘Suited for’ badges:
These give you a quick overview of how well a destination suits specific types of travellers, to help you find the places that match your lifestyle, preferences or travel situation.
Suited for
United States – Quick facts
| Power Grid: |
120 V, 60 Hz Plug: Type A , Type B
Type A:
  Read about power adapters |
|---|---|
| Currency: |
US Dollar (USD) £1 ≈ US$1.33 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 5/5
The U.S. is highly cashless, with credit and debit cards accepted almost everywhere. Mobile payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely used.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is customary and expected in the U.S. In restaurants, 15-20% is standard. Taxi drivers, hotel staff, and tour guides also expect tips, usually around 10-20% depending on the service. |
|---|---|
| Public drinking: | Public drinking laws vary by state, but it is generally prohibited in public spaces without a permit. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is restricted in most indoor public spaces and some outdoor areas. Local laws vary. |
| Etiquette: | Greet with a firm handshake, maintain eye contact, respect personal space, and avoid discussing politics or income unless invited to share opinions. Politeness and friendliness are appreciated. |
| Thanksgiving (November) |
A major holiday with closures and domestic travel surges. |
|---|---|
| Independence Day (July) |
Expect parades, fireworks, and celebrations nationwide. |
| Christmas (December) |
Markets, festive events, and crowded tourist spots. |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Number: 911 (Police, Fire, Ambulance) |
|---|---|
| Taxi apps: | Uber, Lyft, Bolt |
| Helpful links: |
Wikipedia Visa regulations Customs & border control Travel with medicine |
| Other: | The U.S. is known for its diverse landscapes, cultural experiences, and regional cuisines. Public transport is efficient in cities but less so in rural areas. Renting a car is recommended for exploring national parks. |
Best times to travel
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
for United States, United States
Climate and season vary a lot by region: winter sports in the Rockies and northeast, national parks best May to September, Florida and the south pleasant in winter but hot and humid in summer
Hurricane season June to November on the Gulf and southeast Atlantic coasts
4 July brings fireworks and celebrations nationwide, busy travel weekend
Don't miss
- 🗽 Stand before the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor
- 🏜️ Marvel at the Grand Canyon’s vast red rock views
- 🌉 Walk across San Francisco’s iconic Golden Gate Bridge
- 🌋 See geysers erupt in Yellowstone National Park
- 🎷 Enjoy live jazz and Creole food in New Orleans
- 🚗 Drive the scenic Pacific Coast Highway from LA to San Francisco
You've been here?
Log in to manage your own bucket list! Why travel to United States?
America's appeal lies in its sheer variety - you can explore world-class cities like New York and Los Angeles, marvel at natural wonders in the national parks or immerse yourself in distinct regional cultures. The country boasts some of the world's most recognizable landmarks alongside lesser-known treasures waiting to be discovered. From the golden beaches of California to the rugged mountains of Colorado, from the cultural richness of New Orleans to the technological innovation of Silicon Valley, the experiences are limitless.
🏙️Cities & Regions
-
1
New York City
America's biggest city, with about 8 million people across five boroughs and a famous skyline. It's known for Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, Broadway and some of the world's biggest museums. The underground runs around the clock. -
2
Washington, D.C.
One of the world's premier capitals, this U.S. district features iconic monuments and museums within a compact grid. Expect crowds at major sites; seek quieter evenings at the National Mall or explore less-trodden neighborhoods for a more authentic experience. -
3
San Francisco
One of America's most innovative cities, San Francisco defines California with its iconic Golden Gate Bridge and steep hills. Despite tourist crowds near popular viewpoints, visitors should explore quieter neighborhoods like Mission Dolores for authentic local culture away from the main drag. -
4
Chicago
A bustling metropolis in the American Midwest, Chicago offers world-class architecture, deep-dish pizza and vibrant neighborhoods. While downtown can feel crowded, exploring the lakefront or venturing into quieter districts reveals a city full of culture and energy for every traveler. -
5
Boston
One of America's most historic seaports, Boston defines New England with its colonial Freedom Trail and towering Prudential Tower. Despite heavy tourist crowds near Faneuil Hall, visitors should explore the quieter Charles River Esplanade for authentic local atmosphere. -
6
Los Angeles
One of the world's most populous cities, Los Angeles defines California with its sprawling freeways and iconic Hollywood sign. Beyond tourist traps, seek out hidden gems in Silver Lake or Griffith Park to escape the crowds while experiencing genuine local culture. -
7
Seattle
Known for its iconic skyline dominated by a glass tower and a historic waterfront, this Pacific Northwest city offers vibrant music scenes, diverse culinary options, extensive green spaces and a gateway to nearby natural attractions. -
8
Yellowstone National Park
A vast, rugged landscape in the American West features geysers, hot springs and dramatic canyons. The park spans over two million acres of diverse terrain, offering wildlife viewing, hiking trails and iconic natural wonders that define the region's wilderness. -
9
Yosemite National Park
Vast granite cliffs rise above crystal‑clear rivers and ancient forests. Iconic landmarks include El Capitan, Half Dome and Yosemite Falls. The park offers hiking, rock climbing, photography and stargazing in a protected wilderness spanning over 1.2 million acres. -
10
Orlando
A hub of theme parks and entertainment, Orlando offers world‑class attractions, diverse dining options and a range of family-friendly accommodations. The city’s climate is warm year-round, making it ideal for outdoor activities and seasonal events.
🏯Places worth seeing
🎡Places for activities
🏞️Natural landmarks
🛍️Shopping
🎈Events
-
Super Bowl LIX, New Orleans (February 9, 2025)
-
Coachella Music Festival, California (April 11-20, 2025)
-
South by Southwest (SXSW), Austin (March 2025)
-
The Masters Golf Tournament (April 10-13, 2025)
-
Fourth of July Celebrations (nationwide)
-
Burning Man, Nevada (August-September 2025)
-
Mardi Gras, New Orleans (February-March 2025)
-
Sundance Film Festival, Utah (January 2025)
-
U.S. Open Tennis (August 25-September 7, 2025)
-
FIFA Club World Cup (June 14-July 13, 2025)
Popular travel destinations in United States
Knowledge before you go
- ESTA required for VWP countries. Apply online 72 hours before travel.
- Tipping customary at 15-20% in restaurants, taxis and for hotel services nationwide.
- Distances vast; book domestic flights early and rent cars for road trips between cities.
- Check state laws as regulations on guns, cannabis and sales tax vary significantly across the country.
How to travel to United States
The USA is accessible via numerous international airports in major cities, with hubs like New York (JFK, LaGuardia), Los Angeles (LAX), Chicago (O'Hare) and Atlanta (Hartsfield-Jackson) offering connections worldwide. Visitors from most countries require either a visa or an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) for entry. Cruise terminals in coastal cities like Miami, Seattle and New York also serve as entry points for international travelers.
Access summary
- New York: Fly JFK/EWR; subway/train to Manhattan.
- Los Angeles: Fly LAX; shuttles to city/beaches.
- Orlando: Fly MCO; shuttles to Disney/Universal.
Check your route from anywhere
Where to stay in United States
Accommodation options range from luxury hotels in major cities to budget motels, vacation rentals and campgrounds in rural and natural areas. Major hotel chains are present throughout the country, while boutique hotels offer unique experiences in trendy neighborhoods. In popular tourist destinations and during major events (like Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans or Coachella), book well in advance as prices surge and availability becomes limited.
Hotel recommendations
*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.
How to get around United States
Transportation options vary widely across the country. Major cities offer public transit systems including subways, buses and light rail, while rideshare services are widely available. For traveling between cities, domestic flights, Amtrak trains and intercity buses are options. However, to explore rural areas and national parks, renting a car is often necessary. Remember that starting May 7, 2025, you'll need a REAL ID-compliant identification or valid passport for all domestic flights.
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home
We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.
To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.
Daily expenses in United States are around 0% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend around the same on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend
The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.
Your exchange rate (GBP to USD) is 4% better than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.
Travel costs
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
Daily cost summary
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
| Backpacker | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation | |||
| 🏨 Accommodation per night, per person | |||
| 🍝 Food per day | |||
| 🚕 Transportation per day |
Food & Drink
| 🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person | |
|---|---|
| 🍛 Lunch Set, per person | |
| 🍟 Fast food combo | |
| 🍝 Preparing your own food, per day | |
| ☕ Cappuccino | |
| 🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l |
Transportation
| 🚌 Public transport ticket | |
|---|---|
| 🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi | |
| ⛽ Petrol, 1 l |
Other
| 🎞️ Cinema ticket | |
|---|---|
| 👩⚕️ Doctor's consult | |
| 🤧 Cold medication | |
| 💇 Basic haircut |
Safety information overview
General safety
The USA is generally safe for tourists, though safety varies by location. Exercise normal precautions in urban areas, avoid isolated areas at night and research specific destinations. Natural disasters (hurricanes, wildfires) may affect certain regions seasonally.
Health & Medical
Healthcare quality is excellent but expensive. Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended as medical costs can be extremely high. Pharmacies are widely available, but prescription medications require US doctor approval.
Accessibility
Major attractions and transportation hubs are generally accessible for people with disabilities, particularly in urban areas. The Americans with Disabilities Act ensures reasonable accommodations, though older buildings and rural areas may present challenges.
Tap water
Tap water is safe to drink in most areas. Public drinking fountains are common in parks, airports and public buildings. Bottled water is widely available if preferred.
Packing recommendations for United States
Log in to add this place to a travel list and get a summary of all recommended items for your whole trip.
📷
Camera
👟
Comfortable walking shoes
🌞
Sun cream
🚰
Reusable water bottle
🕶️
Sunglasses
🔋
Power bank
🩹
Basic first aid kit
📃
Travel insurance
🪪
Copies of passport and important documents
🧥
Fleece mid-layer
📱
Travel eSIM
🔌
Universal travel adaptor
Type A/B plugs
🩺
Prescription medicines
💳
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
🛂
Passport
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