United States of America

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Howdy! The USA is my second home, and my favourite country in the world to travel to. 

With half my family living there, I’ve been visiting since childhood. I’ve been to the country 20+ times, visiting 15 states, which is a bit crazy. I’ve definitely seen and experienced more of the USA than I have for any other country.

It has everything you’d want in a country. Good food, big cities, diverse wildlife, and tons of natural wonders!

You can split my USA travels into three timelines:

  • Pre Big Trip:  Visiting family in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and nearby areas.
  • Big Trip in 2018: I spent an unforgettable three months touring the country, exploring 10 different states!
  • Post Big Trip:  I’ve mostly visited friends in Oregon, with adventures in California and Alaska along the way.

I think the USA is such an overlooked country. Other than maybe China, you won’t find another country on the planet so jam-packed with natural wonders and vibrant cities. It should be at the top of every non Americans bucket list! 

You’d think by now, after so many visits, I’d be done with the USA. Well.. nope! While I’ve seen a lot, there are still a few places I’m eager to explore, including Boston, New Orleans, Miami, and Yellowstone National Park.

Quick Info

USA Flag

Where I've Been

Advice

Where To Go

The USA is full of incredible places to visit, but since they’re spread out across a huge country, it’s impossible to see everything in one trip. I spent three months travelling around the country and barely scratched the surface of what I wanted to see!

Instead of trying to list every spot worth visiting (we’d be here forever), I’ve broken it down into what I think are the seven best regions. The distances between them are huge, and trying to visit them all in one go would be like trying to visit all of Europe at once. Make sure to plan sensibly, and focus on one area at a time!


Bos-Wash Corridor

This is a region on the East Coast which includes the cities of Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and Washington DC. All of these cities are packed with history, culture, and must-see sights.

  • Boston and Philadelphia are two of the most historically significant cities in the US. From Boston’s Freedom Trail to Philadelphia’s Liberty Bell, you’ll be surrounded by relics of the nation’s early days. And of course, Philly Cheesesteaks are a must!
  • Washington DC is home to the White House and the US government, but it’s also filled with incredible museums and monuments, most of which are free! The National Mall is the heart of the city, where you can see everything from the Lincoln Memorial to the Smithsonian.
  • New York City is simply my favourite city in the world. Whether it’s towering skyscrapers, world-class museums, or Broadway shows, the Big Apple has it all. My top recommendation is to walk the High Line!

The best part? All four cities are well connected by train, so you can easily hop between them.


California

If you only visit one state, California should be at the top of your list. It stretches nearly 800 miles along the West Coast and offers a bit of everything, from vibrant cities to stunning natural landscapes.

  • Los Angeles is famous for its sunny weather, beaches, Hollywood glamour, and theme parks. Whether you’re soaking up the sun in Santa Monica or exploring the Walk of Fame, LA is full of iconic spots.
  • San Francisco offers a different vibe, with its steep streets, the majestic Golden Gate Bridge, and the historic Alcatraz Island.

It’s hard to choose between the two cities, so my advice would be to visit them both! You can travel between them via train, road, or air. Each mode of transport has its own benefits, depending on whether you want a scenic, quick, or cheap journey.

California is also home to some breathtaking national parks. Yosemite is my personal favourite, with its towering cliffs and giant sequoias that make you feel tiny in comparison. Joshua Tree is another gem, and makes you feel like you’re in an old western movie.

If you’re looking for something artsy, head to the Coachella Valley, where you’ll find oddball spots like Salvation Mountain and Bombay Beach. It’s probably the weirdest place in the country. In April, the region also has the Coachella Music Festival.


Florida
Florida, the ‘Sunshine State’, has something for everyone. If you’re travelling with kids, Orlando is the ultimate destination, home to Disney World, Universal Studios, and more theme parks than you can count. It’s also close to Cape Canaveral, where NASA launches its rockets.

For a more grown-up vibe, Miami is the place to be. Known for its nightlife, art deco architecture, and gorgeous beaches, Miami is also a great base for exploring the nearby Everglades National Park. And if you want to take it a step further, Key West is a perfect day trip from Miami.


Pacific Northwest

The Pacific Northwest is a paradise for nature lovers. This region covers Oregon and Washington, with Portland and Seattle as its major cities.

  • Portland is quirky and full of personality, known for its food trucks, indie bookstores (like Powell’s ), and lush parks.
  • Seattle has a similar vibe, but with more of a techy twist, being home to Amazon and Microsoft. The iconic Space Needle and Pike Place Market are must-sees, and the surrounding scenery is gorgeous.

But the best of the Pacific Northwest comes from its natural beauty. 

The coastline is stunning, and great for whale watching. The small town of Depoe Bay is known as one of the best spots in the country for it! Another place to visit is Cannon Beach, home to Haystack Rock. More inland you’ll find the Cascade mountain range, home to Mt Rainier, Mt Hood, and dozens of other beautiful mountains.

If you like volcanos, this is also the place to go! You can visit Mt St Helens and see the devastating aftermath of a recently erupted volcano. Or you can visit the Newberry Volcanic Monument, where you can hike through obsidian rocks. You can even go see Crater Lake National Park, a breathtaking lake which formed inside of a volcanic crater.


The Wild West

The ‘Wild West’ isn’t an official region, but I couldn’t leave it out. Covering Utah, Arizona, and Nevada, it’s a land of stunning desert landscapes and wide-open spaces.

  • Utah is home to some of the best national parks in the country, like Bryce Canyon, Zion, and Arches. If you’re into hiking, the Angels Landing trail at Zion is one of the best day hikes on the planet.
  • Arizona boasts the world-famous Grand Canyon, one of the seven wonders of the natural world. You know about that, so let me tell you about Monument Valley! This is what you think of when you think ‘Wild West’. Giant sandstone buttes, red sand desert, and Navajo Native Americans. It’s possibly the most ‘America’ place in America.
  • Nevada is home to the one and only Las Vegas, where lights, parties, and casinos rule the day. Beyond Vegas, you can also explore quirky spots like Area 51, or take part in unique festivals like the Electric Daisy Carnival, Burning Man, and the RISE Lantern Festival.


Hawaii

Hawaii is an island paradise, located 2,500 miles West of California. It’s made up of eight main islands, each with its own unique charm, but my favourites are Oahu, the Big Island, and Kauai.

  • Oahu is the most visited island, home to Honolulu, Diamond Head, and world-class snorkelling. You can even swim with sharks if you’re feeling brave!
  • The appropriately named Big Island offers incredible diversity, from snow-capped mountains to Kilauea, an active, lava-flowing volcano.
  • Kauai, my personal favourite, was a filming location for Jurassic Park. The Napali Coast and Waimea Canyon are jaw-droppingly beautiful, and a boat tour along the coast is a great way to experience it, with dolphins and whales often swimming alongside you.


Alaska
Alaska is the USA’s wild frontier, known for its stunning landscapes, towering mountains, and incredible wildlife. If you’re into outdoor adventures, this is the place to be.

You can either fly into Anchorage and start exploring from there, or take a scenic cruise from Seattle or Vancouver. Whether you’re hiking glaciers, cruising past fjords, or trying to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights, Alaska will take your breath away.

Transport

Arriving
The USA is gigantic, so you’ll want to try flying to the airport nearest to where you’re going. Thankfully you’ll have plenty of choices, as there are around 150 international airports in the country! The two main hubs are New York and Los Angeles, and they’ll have direct flights to pretty much anywhere on the planet. Upon arrival, most major airports will be connected to public transport, and if not, will have taxis/shuttles outside.

You can also enter the country via land from Mexico/Canada, and another option (if you can afford it) would be to go on a cruise from Europe or Asia!


Trains /
Subway
Most of the big cities in the USA are linked via Amtrak trains. These are best on the coasts, and especially good in the Bos-Wash Corridor. You can also do long-distance journeys on the trains, but just remember how big the country is. Going from New York to Los Angeles will take 3 days, and cost $800+ for a bed. If you plan on doing a lot of train travel, Amtrak offers some good money-saving passes.

Although the train would be a memorable and scenic journey, the normal method of long-distance transport is flying. This will be cheaper and a lot faster than the train. Flying from New York to Los Angeles would take 6 hours, and cost around $150. Driving coast to coast is also a popular thing to do. The great American road trip!

Most large cities will have some sort of subway system, and these are normally pretty cheap and easy to use. Other cities, such as Portland, have light rail systems which work like an overground subway. There are no subway systems in Hawaii or Alaska, but Alaska does have its own railroad! It is very scenic.


Bus

Every city, even the smaller ones, will have a local bus system. They’re quite cheap and fairly easy to use. In Hawaii, Oahu has a particularly good bus system, and it’s one of the best in the country!

For long-distance, Greyhound buses are a popular choice. It’s the cheapest form of long-distance ground transport in the country, but you probably won’t enjoy it. They have a reputation for attracting.. crazy people. The bus from New York to Los Angeles can cost $200, and takes 66 hours. If you plan on doing that, then you are the crazy person on the bus.

A lot of the national parks will have some type of shuttle system in place. They do it to ease traffic, but if you don’t drive, this is a lifesaver! It means you can get around the park easily. The bigger issue will be actually trying to get to the park entrance via public transport. For most of them, it’s a massive pain to do, if not entirely impossible.


Car

If you’re just visiting cities, then there’s no need to rent a car. Every city will have good public transport systems in place, and getting between the cities is easy. But if you want to visit some of the country’s national parks (and you should), then renting a car is by far the best way to do it. 

The USA is a perfect road trip country, especially in the western states where you’ll find wide open roads and stunning landscapes. You can rent a car in one city, such as Los Angeles, and then drop it off in another, such as Salt Lake City. This allows you to spend a few weeks going on a road trip of a lifetime! Although different pick-up and drop-off locations can be expensive.  If you don’t drive, then don’t worry! You can have the same road trip experience, you just need to join a group tour. I went on a 3-week camping road trip, and it was AMAZING.

You’ll also be able to find Uber, Lyft, and taxis in abundance throughout the country.

Accommodation

Hostels
Contrary to popular belief, the USA has plenty of hostels. They’re not as common as they are in Asia or Europe, but they’re there. You won’t have any trouble finding one in a big city, but in more rural areas, you might struggle. I averaged about $30 a night for my hostel beds, but that was in 2018, and prices may be higher now.


Hotels

Hotels, motels, and B&B’s can be found all across the country. There’s a huge variety, from basic highway motels to luxury skyscraper hotels. I try to go cheap, and on average, I’ve paid $80 a night for hotels in the USA. But prices vary a lot by where you go, and for somewhere like New York, $150 a night would be cheap

A lot of the national parks will have a lodge on site. These are normally large wooden buildings which have restaurants, gift shops, and plenty of rooms with very nice views. They’re expensive, with rooms starting at $200 a night, but the fantastic locations are worth the price.

Wherever you stay, just make sure to book in advance. Last-minute bookings will limit your options and hike up prices. If you want to stay in a national park lodge, then book your stay very early. Some places at the more popular national parks can sell out a year in advance. 


Other Accommodation

AirBNB is very popular in the USA. In most cities, you’ll be able to book an entire apartment or a shared room in a house. These will normally be cheaper than a hotel, and might even match the price of hostels!

Camping is another popular thing to do, especially when visiting national parks. KOA offers hundreds of campsites around the country, which normally have a shop, showers, power outlets, and laundry machines! They even exist inside cities, and they’re a great accommodation option if you’re doing a road trip. Expect prices to start around $25 a night. You can bring a tent, or sleep in your car.

Food

Food
I LOVE American food! There are so many delicious things to try, especially for a picky eater like me. The country is too big to cover it all, but I’ll mention a few of my favourite things here. 

For breakfast, a good old American choice is Pancakes. People also love a big breakfast full of Eggs, Bacon, Hash Browns, and Coffee.

For lunch or dinner, sandwiches are always good. There are tons of different ones to try, but my favourites are New York Hot Dogs, Reubens, and Philidelphia Cheesesteaks. Outside of sandwiches, Clam Chowder is another good choice, and New York / Chicago are known for their pizza, especially in Chicago where they have the massive ‘Deep Dish’ pizzas.

For snacking, try Pretzels, Fritos, and my favourite, Cinnamon Rolls! If you ever end up around a campfire, you also need to try making ‘Smores’. Imagine two crackers with a marshmallow and some chocolate between them, slowly cooked together over a fire. Yum yum yum!

You may be thinking “That is all junk!”, and yes, that is true. I gain a lot of weight every time I go to the USA. Portion sizes can be large, and there is definitely an emphasis on comfort food, but healthier options are available.

When eating out, be aware that for any sit-down service, you need to tip 15-20% of the total bill. Waiters are paid below minimum wage, with the expectation that tips will bring them up to and beyond that point. I think it’s a horrible system, but it is what it is, and you should tip at least 15% regardless of service quality. 

In terms of prices, it depends on where you go. For street food and places like McDonalds, expect meals to be around $10. For sit-down chain restaurants like Applebees and Olive Garden, they’ll be $20-30. Independent places vary in price, but they’ll normally be more expensive than chains. If you’re on a budget, cooking your own meals is a great option, and Walmart is a cheap place to stock up on groceries.


Drinks

Americans love their coffee! In hotter regions, iced coffee and iced tea are also popular. There are lots of sodas to try, but my favourite one is a good old Mountain Dew.  

In terms of alcohol, beer is very popular, but if you prefer something stronger, bourbon or moonshine are great options. Most bars and restaurants offer a wide variety of cocktails, often with creative local takes on popular drinks. My favourite is the Long Island Iced Tea, especially when it’s made with sweet and sour mix! At bars, it’s customary to tip $1 for each drink you order.

Money

Cards
Most places in the USA will take any form of card, but it’s a good idea to carry two different types just in case. Contactless payments are becoming more common, but not everywhere has them yet. Sometimes you’ll need to sign a receipt at checkout.


Cash

There are a ton of ATMs in the USA, so finding one won’t be an issue. Most of them will charge a fee for withdrawals, so it might be best to withdraw large amounts at a time.

While you won’t need to pay in cash for many things, it’s a good idea to carry cash around for tips. Stuff like taxi/shuttle rides, luggage porters, haircuts, and tours will all require cash tips. In restaurants, if you pay with a card you’ll also be able to tip by card.

Some haggling might be acceptable in a market or a yard sale, especially when there’s no set price, but most of the time haggling isn’t appropriate.

The currency in the USA is the US Dollar. One Dollar is composed of 100 cents.  The variations of cash are: 1¢ (penny) / 5¢ (nickel) / 10¢ (dime) / 25¢ (quarter) coins, and $1/$5/$10/$20/$50/$100 notes.

At the time of writing in October 2024, the exchange rates are: £1 = $1.31 / 1 = $1.09

One last thing to note about the USA is that prices are generally ‘pre-tax’. The sales tax rate varies by state, so prices are listed pre-tax, and then tax is added at checkout. It’s dumb, I know. If you see something for sale at $19.99, it probably costs $20.78 or so. Never rely on having exact change.


Tipping

The USA is the most tip-heavy country in the world. If someone provides you with a service, you’re expected to tip for it. Typical rates are:

  • Sit-down restaurants: 15-20% of the total bill
  • Bartenders: $1 per drink
  • Luggage porters: $2 a bag
  • Taxi/shuttle drivers: 15%

You’ll also need to tip hairdressers and tour guides (even if they’re free). Other people tip for bag packers, cashiers, housekeeping, and just about everything else. People in the USA don’t even know who they should be tipping or how much, as more professions seem to be getting added to the list every year.

In all honesty, it’s a silly system. But if you’re visiting the country, you should abide by it. At the very least, tip bartenders and waiters. They’re paid below minimum wage, with the expectation that tips will bring them up to the minimum wage level. Yep, that is somehow legal!


Budget

The USA is not a cheap country to visit. The high accommodation and activity costs can create a really expensive trip. On average, I’ve spent $150 a day when travelling in the USA. This is mainly staying in hostels and eating cheap, although it has included some expensive activities.

If you stick to hostels, free activities, cheap food, and public transport, then travelling for $75 a day is doable. For some nicer food and basic paid activities, I’d go up to $100 a day. For all of the above and a hotel room, I’d go up again to $150 a day. Add $50 to any total where you want to rent a car.

Climate

Temperature
The USA is a huge country, and temperatures vary greatly depending on where you go. In summer, you can expect the following averages:

  • New York City: 25c / 77f
  • Chicago: 23c / 73f
  • Orlando: 28c / 82f
  • Los Angeles: 22c / 72f
  • Las Vegas: 34c / 93f
  • Portland: 21c / 70f
  • Honolulu: 25c / 77f
  • Anchorage: 26c / 82f

In New York, Florida, and the rest of the East Coast, the humidity in summer will be unbearable. The rest of the country won’t be so humid, but places such as Las Vegas can have extremely dry heat. A temperature of 80f / 27c in New York City will feel a lot worse than 90f / 32c in Las Vegas.

Summer heatwaves are common. Most cities across the country see temperatures up to 90f / 32c, and in many cases 100f / 38c. In the deserts, prepare for temperatures as high as 110f / 43c. The USA is actually home to the hottest place on earth, appropriately named ‘Death Valley’, where it gets to an unthinkable 133f / 56c!

In winter, you can expect the following averages:

  • New York City: 2c / 36f
  • Chicago: -6c / 21f
  • Orlando: 15c / 59f
  • Los Angeles: 13c / 55f
  • Las Vegas: 8c / 46f
  • Portland: 5c / 41f
  • Honolulu: 23c / 73f
  • Anchorage: -8c / 18f

Most of the country gets a bit chilly, but nothing awful. The regions up around Chicago and Minneapolis can get brutally cold though, with temperatures going as low as -46c / -50f. As expected, Alaska gets very cold too.


Weather

Similar to the temperature, the weather varies greatly across the country. The East Coast and Pacific Northwest get their fair share of rain, especially in the winter months. The further south you go, the less rain you get.

Florida has some pretty interesting weather. It’s known as the ‘sunshine state‘ and it is very sunny, but it also gets a ton of rain, especially in the summer months. Despite the image of being a sunny paradise, Hawaii is the same, except their rainy season is in spring. Hawaii is actually the wettest state in the country!

Snow is pretty common across the country, with most of it coming up North. Seeing snow in Florida or Hawaii is rare, but it can happen. Even the desert can see snow! If you visit the Grand Canyon in winter, you might see it covered in a white blanket.

The best time to visit depends on where you go, and what sort of weather you like. I would advise against visiting Chicago in winter, and also against visiting the East Coast, Florida, or the desert areas in summer. I think winter is an amazing time to visit NYC, and spring is the best time to see the country as a whole.


Daylight

Due to the extreme size of the country, daylight varies a lot depending on where you go. Here is a quick comparison of some cities:

  • New York: Summer Daylight – 15 hours / Winter Daylight – 9 hours
  • Miami: Summer Daylight – 13.5 hours / Winter Daylight – 10.5 hours
  • Los Angeles: Summer Daylight – 14.5 hours / Winter Daylight – 10 hours
  • Portland: Summer Daylight – 15.5 hours / Winter Daylight – 9 hours
  • Honolulu: Summer Daylight – 13.5 hours / Winter Daylight – 11 hours
  • Anchorage: Summer Daylight – 19.5 hours / Winter Daylight – 5.5 hours

The most extreme place is in Alaska, where the days can have as little as 5.5 hours of light. If you want to go hiking and sightseeing, then summer is a good time to visit. However, you might miss the chance to see the Northern Lights, which are best viewed in winter.

In Northern cities like Boston, Chicago, and Seattle, summer will give you an extra 6 hours of daylight. This is the best time to visit if you want to do any sightseeing or hiking! Down South, it doesn’t matter much.


Natural Disasters

Unfortunately, the USA suffers from quite a lot of natural disasters. In pretty much every part of the country, you’ll need to be aware of something.

All across the Gulf of Mexico, from Florida to Texas, is hurricane territory. These happen pretty much every year, and bring devastating winds and floods. The season runs from June – November, so I would avoid visiting the region during this time.

If you’re visiting the West Coast, you should be wary of earthquakes. These are common in California, but can also strike Oregon and Washington. There are fears of an overdue ‘big one’ happening soon, which would cause devastating damage and spawn a tsunami.

The Mid-West and Southern states are home to tornado alley. The USA gets over 1000 tornados every year, far more than any other country. Some of these are massive, and can cause serious damage or death.

The other thing to be aware of is extreme heat and cold. Summer heatwaves can be deadly, especially when combined with high humidity. Adding to this, wildfires are common during the summer heat, and they can get out of hand very fast. In 2018, California had a wildfire which killed 88 people. Extreme cold and blizzards can also be deadly, especially if you get caught in them. In early 2019, a Polar Vortex caused some extremely cold temperatures across the country, killing dozens of people.

Thankfully, the USA is a modern, rich country who are well prepared to deal with these events when they occur. Always follow the advice of local authorities. With the exception of earthquakes, you’ll have plenty of time to prepare for any of the above disasters, and you should be fine! If you’re told to evacuate, then evacuate. Wildfires, hurricanes, and tornados, are no joke. They will get you even if you’re inside and ‘safe’.

Wildlife

Dangerous Animals
The USA has plenty of dangerous wildlife. For starters, there are the spiders. The most dangerous ones are the Black Widow and Brown Recluse, but these aren’t the only poisonous spiders. If you’re bitten by a spider at any point, try to get a picture of it, kill it out of revenge, and then go to a doctor for treatment.

Snakes are also common in USA, and many of them have poisonous venom. Only five people die each year from snake bites, but this number would be much higher without the availability of antivenom. The most notable one to be aware of is the American Rattlesnake. Thankfully these guys kindly give off a warning before attacking. If you ever hear a sort of rattling noise when you’re out hiking, pay very close attention to where it’s coming from, then go the opposite direction. Again, get help ASAP if you are bitten.

In Florida, there are American Alligators. Some of these guys are huge, and can be dangerous. Try not to swim in any swamps, ponds, or lakes unless it has been confirmed safe to do so.

The USA is the shark attack capital of the world. You’ll find all sorts of sharks swimming off the coasts of the USA, including Tiger and Great White Sharks. As many as 30 people are bitten each year, but fatalities are rare. Always heed shark warning signs at the beach and listen to lifeguards!

In the more Northern and Western states, you need to be aware of Mountain Lions, or ‘Cougars’. These are large cats, and can easily kill you. If you’re attacked by one, the best advice is just to ‘fight like hell and pray’. Thankfully this is unlikely, as they’re quite low in numbers and very timid.

The last animals on this list are Bears! The USA has three main species of bear. The Grizzly / Brown Bear, the Black Bear, and the Polar Bear. You’ll find Brown Bears all across the country, whereas Grizzly Bears are mainly in the North West states/Alaska, and Polar Bears are only in Northern Alaska. Attacks aren’t very common, but you should make sure you know what to do, especially if you visit Alaska or northern parks such as Yellowstone. Each bear is very different from the others. 

If a Black Bear attacks you, fight like hell. They’re quite timid and should normally back off. If a Grizzly Bear attacks you, play dead. You won’t win that fight, and you want the Bear to get bored and leave. If a Polar Bear attacks, then good luck. You are almost certainly going to die. The best way to avoid an attack is to be noisy when hiking, and make sure the Bear knows where you are. They don’t like humans, and will avoid us if possible (other than Polar Bears, who will actively hunt us). Never, ever, go near a cub. Mama bears be fierce!


On Land

My favourite animal in the country is the Mountain Lion, which is found all across the Western states. Unfortunately spotting one in the wild is very unlikely. If you’re more of a dog person, then you might be interested in seeing Grey Wolves! Your best chance of seeing them is at Yellowstone National Park.

Bears are one of Americas most iconic predators. The best place to go bear spotting is up in Alaska, where you can see Grizzly, Brown, and Polar Bears! There are lots of wildlife viewing tours you can go on. On the mainland, Yellowstone is another great spot for seeing Grizzly and Brown Bears.

If you head down to the Everglades National Park you’ll see all sorts of wildlife, the most impressive of which is the American Alligator. For a really cool experience, head to ‘Shark Valley’ where you can walk, cycle, or take a tram through a 15 mile long swamp pathway. You’ll come into close contact with them!

One of the most historically significant animals in the USA is the American Bison. It was hugely important to the Native Americans, and they couldn’t have survived without it. When Europeans came to America, it was hunted to near extinction. The number of Bison in the wild went from 60 million to 500 in just two centuries. They’re doing better now, and are common at Yellowstone.

The national animal of the United States is the mighty Bald Eagle! You can spot them all across the country, so if you want to see one, it’s probably best to look for a hotspot near where you’re going. An even more impressive bird is the California Condor. These are the largest birds in North America, and have a gigantic 10ft wingspan! If you’re lucky, you might spot one flying through the Grand Canyon.


At Sea

As I mentioned earlier, the USA is the shark capital of the world. You’ll find sharks on both coasts, although the best spot for seeing some in the wild is Hawaii, where you can go free diving with them!

If you head up to the San Juan Islands in Washington you’ll be able to see some Orcas. You can go whale watching all across the country, although the two top spots are in Hawaii and especially Alaska. But even if you’re visiting New York or Los Angeles, whale-watching opportunities won’t be too far away.

If you like diving, then Hawaii and Florida have some great coral reefs which are full of marine life. There’s a good chance you’ll also spot some dolphins and sea turtles, among all the colourful fish! Another wonderful animal in Florida is the Manatee. A gigantic, friendly sea cow! The best place to see them is at Crystal River, and you can swim with them! A much more inviting experience than swimming with the sharks, right?

Things To Know

Politics
The current president of the United States is Joe Biden, after he won the 2020 election. It was a pretty nasty election campaign, which climaxed with protesters storming the US Capitol to overturn the results. 

The country is pretty split down the middle between Democrats and Republicans, so it might be best to avoid talking about it. Some people get emotional over it. There are also some touchy subjects in the country, such as abortion, Mexican immigration, and gun control. Probably best to avoid mentioning those also!


Language
Technically the USA does not have an official language, but in practice, it is English. Virtually everyone in the country is fluent in English, so if you can speak it, then you can get by anywhere without much difficulty. Accents vary across the country, but there aren’t any that are hard to understand. The only issues might come from how American English differs from British English, with certain items having different names (football vs soccer) or spellings (colour vs color), but these differences are minor and won’t cause any real trouble.


Sports

The USA is a very sporty country. It’s a huge part of the culture, and the USA is always topping the Olympic medal boards! They have four primary sports, which are Football, Baseball, Basketball, and Ice Hockey. The most popular is Football (American Football), however, it doesn’t really dominate the sporting scene. The other three sports are well supported, and ‘Soccer’ is also growing in popularity too!

Personally, I think American Football is a bit of a bore fest. It’s slow-paced and very confusing. It wouldn’t be my first choice, but if you like Rugby, it might be an interesting experience to see a game. Baseball is such a uniquely American sport, that I think it would be a shame to visit the country and not go to a game. It’s easy to understand and really fun to watch, especially when someone hits a home run!

Basketball and Ice Hockey are both fast-paced and full of excitement. I’ve never been to a game, but they do look like a good time. In terms of soccer, the MLS is getting pretty popular, and the country also has the best women’s soccer teams/players in the world. 

If you like combat sports, then you can head over to Las Vegas. The city is where pretty much all big Boxing and UFC events are held. You can also see WWE wrestling events, but these take place in a different city every week so you’d need to plan in advance.

Most cities will have a few different sports teams, so you’ll have your choice of games to attend. Prices vary depending on the sport and team, but in general, Baseball and Soccer will be the cheapest, with Football being the most expensive. Going to a WWE event is affordable, but Boxing / UFC events are expensive.


Safety

The USA has a higher crime rate than most Western countries, but it’s not a dangerous country by any means. The news stories of mass shootings sound scary, and they are, but the odds of actually being caught up in one are incredibly small. There’s a lot of gun crime, but the vast majority is in non-tourist areas.

I’ve been to the country over 20 times and I’ve never even seen a civilian with a gun! All police carry guns, which is a little unnerving, but most of them are good people and won’t do you any harm. However, security is very strict in the USA. Don’t be stupid or aggressive around the police, and just comply with what they are saying.

In regards to tap water, there are a few areas, such as Flint in Michigan, where the water is unsafe. But for the vast majority of the country, the water is completely safe


Discrimination

The USA is very gay-friendly! Every city has a gay community, and most even have an entire street full of gay bars. California and Florida are two very gay states, and great places for the LGBT community to visit!

As a whole, the country has a dark history with racism. Thankfully most people have moved on, but a lot of racist attitudes can still be found throughout the nation, especially in Southern and more rural areas. It probably won’t be an issue, but is something to be aware of.

The USA is a very diverse country, and almost a third of the population is from a non-white background. In cities even more so. For example, less than half of the people in New York are white! Everyone, from every background, will fit in within the USA.


Religion

The USA is a predominately Christian country, with about 70% of people having it as their main religion. However, due to the diversity of the country, you’ll be able to find local worship places for all religions.


Health

Healthcare in the USA is of high quality, however, it is insanely expensive

In the summer of 2019, a teenager from the UK was visiting her sister in the USA, and had an accident while riding an electric scooter. She was in the hospital for a few days, but thankfully fully recovered. Her healthcare costs were over $150,000, and as she had no travel insurance, she had to pay it out of pocket. Stories like this are not uncommon. Please, do not even consider visiting the USA without travel insurance, not unless you’re a multi-millionaire. Even a short ambulance ride can be quite costly, potentially reaching $1,000.

For emergency care, call 911 or head to the nearest urgent care department. If you need non-emergency help during your visit, you can head to a local ‘clinic’ or ‘phsychian’. Just make sure you call your insurance first for a recommendation, as they might only cover treatment costs from certain places. An appointment will cost $50-100, with extra charges for any tests or x-rays. So again, get travel insurance!

Pharmacies can be found everywhere and will sell a range of over-the-counter and prescription drugs. 


Entry Requirements

Residents of the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and most European countries can enter the USA under the Visa Waiver Program. You just need to apply for an ESTA, which is really easy. It costs $14, lasts for two years, and is normally approved within an hour or two. With an ESTA you can visit the USA as many times as you like, but a single trip can’t be longer than 90 days. 

Even with an ESTA, the final say on whether you get into the country or not lies with the immigration agent upon arrival. They take their job very seriously, and they’ll ask a lot of questions. Make sure you have proof of onward flights, proof of funds, and the address of where you’ll be staying during your visit. You’ll also need to give fingerprint scans, and have a picture taken. If the immigration agent thinks you’re trying to stay in the USA longer than 90 days, you’ll be denied entry and sent back home. 

If you have a criminal record, or have recently visited a country such as Iran, Iraq, or Yemen, then you’ll be denied an ESTA. In these cases, or if you’re from a non-ESTA country, you’ll need to apply for a VISA. If you’re from Canada, you can visit for up to 90 days without needing an ESTA!


Power Outlets

The USA uses two types of power outlets, which are type A two pin and type B three pin. If possible, try to get a type A adapter. A type A plug will fit into a type B socket, but it won’t work the other way round.

Adapters will be pretty easy to find in any city, and you could probably get one before leaving the airport.

Bucket List Experiences

Visit Yellowstone National Park

An active supervolcano which inspired the creation of the national park system. It's full of geysers, mountains, and wildlife! You'll need to have a car, or join a group tour.

Take the Yellow Brick Road up Salvation Mountain

Salvation Mountain is one mans amazing message of love for God! You can reach it as a day trip from Palm Springs, San Diego, or Los Angeles, but you'll need your own car.

Explore Alaska and see Bears/Whales

Alaska is the wildest place in the USA, and it has some incredible wildlife. You can spot Humpback Whales, Grizzly Bears, and more! You can drive, or go on a group tour/cruise.

Hike the Stairway to Heaven

The 'Haiku Stairs' in Oahu might be the most scenic hike in the world. Sadly climbing on it is illegal, so you need to go up the 10 mile long back route.

Visit Kauai

Kauai is the oldest Hawaiian island, and the most incredible. You may also recognize it as Jurassic Park. The Napali Coast and the Waimea Canyon are two incredible spots!

Attend the Rise Festival

The largest lantern festival in the world, celebrating hope, dreams, and life. It happens in Las Vegas each October, and tickets/shuttles cost at least $150.

Visit Crater Lake National Park

An old Volcano which erupted and formed a lake in the mountain-top crater. It is amazing! It's best to drive, but you can also do a group tour, or go via public transport.

Fly over New York City

Taking a helicopter flight over the big apple is the best way to see Americas greatest city. There's lots of operators, and prices can range anywhere from $150 - $400.

See Niagara Falls

These incredible waterfalls are thought of as the 8th wonder of the world. They sit on the US/Canadian border, in upper New York. You can easily reach it via public transport.

Go up to the Hollywood Sign

The iconic sign of Hollywood, Los Angeles, is also one of Americas most famous landmarks! The hike is 4 miles long and pretty easy. Get an Uber to the trailhead.

See the Grand Canyon

One of the 7 natural wonders of the world, the Grand Canyon is possibly the most incredible place in the USA. You'll need to have a car, or join a tour from Las Vegas.

Attend the Electric Daisy Carnival

This massive 3 day music festival is Americas Tomorrowland. It's an insane mix of lights, music, fireworks, and art. It happens each May in Las Vegas.

Walk the Freedom Trail

The Boston Freedom Trail is a walking route which takes you through 16 historical sites, primarily relating to the birth of the USA and the war of independence.

Visit Yosemite National Park and the Giant Redwoods

Yosemite is my favourite US National Park. The Valley, and the Giant Redwoods, make you feel tiny. Visiting is fairly easy from San Francisco, but will require some planning.

Hike Angels Landing

This hike at Zion NP is one of the coolest and most dangerous in the world! It's 5 miles long, and has some very steep cliffs. Visit Zion with a car, or on a group tour.

Go Horse Riding in the Wild West

I wanna be a cowboy, baby! This is a great experience, and you can do this from a ton of places in the West. An easy way to do it is on a day excursion from Las Vegas.

Attend Burning Man

Burning Man is probably the most unique festival in the world. It happens in Nevada each August, and will cost $1000 - $2000. It's complex, and requires a lot of planning.

Walk the Vegas Strip

Full of lights, actors, works of art, and super casinos. The Vegas Strip is like Disneyland, for adults! It's 4 miles long, and walking it will bring lots of 'interesting' experiences.

See Flowing Lava in Hawaii

Something is normally erupting on Hawaii's Big Island. Seeing actual, real lava flowing is a once in a lifetime experience! If the lava is flowing, you can see it on a guided tour.

Walk across the Golden Gate Bridge

This 1.7 mile long bridge in San Francisco is probably the most famous in the world! The walk across it is brilliant, and should be top of your San Francisco bucket list.

Cycle Through the National Mall

The National Mall in Washington DC is a park full of free monuments and museums focusing on Americas history. It's 2 miles long, and perfect for exploring on bike.

Swim with Manatees

Manatees are adorable sea cows! They're harmless, and make a great swimming companion. The best place to do it is in Crystal River, near Tampa, Florida.

Visit Everglades National Park

This huge swampland in Florida is a really unique national park, full of incredible wildlife. The best base to see it is Miami, and a fun way to explore is on an airboat tour!

Go Cageless Shark Diving

In Oahu, Hawaii, 'One Ocean Diving' will take you free diving with sharks! It's a once in a lifetime experience, and will cost you around $150. Don't worry, it's safe!

Have a Philly Cheesesteak

Arguably the tastiest thing you can eat in the USA! You'll get the best cheesesteaks in their native Philidelphia, and everyone has different opinions on what the best joint is.

Yellowstone – PXhere

Hawaii Lava – Scot Nelson

Haiku Stairs – Kevin McCarthy

Boston Freedom Trail – Ingfbruno

Manatees – Keith Ramos

Rise Festival – Kyle Taylor

Everglades – National Park Service

Niagara Falls – Artur Staszewski

Philly Cheesesteak – Wikipedia

Burning Man – Christopher Michel

All other images are by me! 🙂

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Thank you so much for reading my USA travel guide! If you have any feedback or suggestions for this page, please let me know! And if you found this guide helpful, please consider supporting the site on Ko-fi! 🙂

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One Response

  1. This guide to the United States of America is fantastic! It captures the diversity and vastness of the country perfectly, from the bustling cities like New York and Los Angeles to the natural wonders of the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone. The tips on navigating different regions and understanding local cultures are super helpful, especially for first-time visitors. With so much to explore, this guide is a must-read for anyone planning a trip to the U.S.!

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