The USA’s cities and landscapes are comfortably familiar, but as a country it defies simple description. Its sheer size and breadth of experiences mean you could still find new discoveries here after a lifetime spent exploring. Our specialists have journeyed from north to south and coast to coast to uncover the best things to see and do in the States. They can use their first-hand knowledge to help plan your holiday to the USA.
Self-driving is the most convenient and flexible way to scratch below the surface. You could travel across the country on the fabled Route 66, wind along the clifftops of the Pacific Coast Highway, and pass through the varied landscapes of national parks like Yellowstone and Death Valley. Along the way, we can advise you on everything from where to find New York’s finest bagel to the best trails in Yosemite.
Creating tailor-made journeys for over 20 years
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Northern USA attracts a largely similar climate from coast to coast, but has defined seasons. Winter can bring heavy snowfall and frozen lakes, while spring often starts as late as May, bringing colourful flora and fauna. Summer temperatures range from warm to very hot – cities in particular can feel stifling, but the coasts and national parks are usually cooler. Autumn, meanwhile, is renowned for the changing colours of the leaves. Southern USA has less obvious seasons, but distinct regional differences, with the climate becoming more humid towards the east. Winter is dry and warm, becoming colder further north, while summer is ideal for beach relaxation or hiking in national parks, although it can be very hot and humid. Spring and autumn are the best times to travel, with pleasant temperatures throughout. Hurricanes can occur in the southeast during August and September.
What to Pack
The climate can vary enormously in the USA, depending on whether you are near the coast, in the mountains or on the plains. It is therefore recommended to take a variety of clothes. Generally the USA is a very casual country, although, particularly in the cities, there are some very fine establishments that may have strict dress codes. We would suggest you take shorts, short sleeved shirts, jeans and trousers, a warm fleece, comfortable boots if you plan to explore the great outdoors, and a waterproof jacket and trousers for coastal regions or sea trips. Please contact your consultant for further advice about this.
Things to do and see
Food and drink
Thanks giving dinner is a combination of traditional American food worth trying. The holiday is a fun time to visit to try the food. he USA is rather unjustly known for being a nation of fast food outlets but, whilst these can be found all over the country, there are some wonderful regional specialities to enjoy. The U. S has the widest range of international dishes on the planet. In New York, Chicago and Los Angeles you can pretty much eat whatever you want from anywhere in the world. New England is renowned for its lobsters and clam chowders, Texas for huge juicy steaks, the south for its Mexican and Cajun cuisines, the Pacific coast for its seafood. There are many specialist breweries and wineries but do bear in mind you must be at least 21 to buy or consume alcohol in the USA.
How to Get Around
VISA
All visitors to the USA require a full electronically-readable passport valid for at least six months beyond the intended dates of stay. Children are required to have their own passports. Those holding British passports who are British Subjects (not Citizens) need to apply for a USA visa in advance from the USA Embassy. Your passport will state whether you are a British Citizen or a British Subject.
All UK citizens are required to have completed an online application for authorisation to travel to or transit through the United States (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation or ESTA) as part of the Visa Waiver Programme. Please visit the website https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/ at least 72 hours before travel and fill in the required information. In most cases a response will be received within seconds determining whether travel to the US has been authorised. If the application is not authorised then a visa may be requested through the US Embassy. Failure to complete this process may lead to boarding being denied at the point of departure. Approved travel authorisations are valid for two years and for multiple entries in to, or transits through, the United States, unless you renew your passport, in which case they have to be redone. There is a charge of $14 (approx. £10) for the ESTA.
In addition to the ESTA those clients visiting or transiting through the United States are required to provide Advanced Passenger Information (API) and Secure Flight Data (SFD). If you have booked your flights with Audley Travel this information is completed by us on your behalf. There will still be a requirement to provide fingerprint samples and photographs on arrival in the United States.
Where i visited
Language
English is the official language of the USA and is spoken throughout the country.
money and expense
The official currency is the US Dollar. All major credit cards are widely accepted and you will also be able to access US currency from ATM machines as long as you have your four digit pin-code. US Dollar travellers cheques can be exchanged at all major banks, international airports and foreign exchange bureaux. Some shops will also accept them as long as they are presented with your passport. A sales tax is applied to most purchases, including food and beverages, throughout the country and is not included in the price advertised; this will be added at the point of sale. The actual rate varies from state to state, with some states offering tax-free shopping.
Tipping
Tipping is part of the culture in the USA. Tips of between 15-20% are expected for all bar and restaurant service and about the same percentage should be applied to taxi fares. Hotel porters who have carried your luggage to your room expect a tip of around $2.00 per bag. It is handy to have some low denomination notes for this purpose.
Things to Know
Measurements & sizes
US measurements are in inches, feet, yards and miles, and weights are in ounces, pounds and tons. American pints and gallons are about four-fifths of imperial ones. Clothing sizes are four figures less what they are in the UK (British women’s size 12 is a US size 8). Temperatures are always given in Fahrenheit. Dates are shown month first, for example 01/04/12 means 4th January not 1st April.
The international dialling code for the USA is +1. Some UK mobiles work in the USA but they usually have to be tri-band and it is best to check with your network provider about the international roaming facilities before leaving the country.
The USA has no national health care system so payment is required for any treatment or prescriptions received. The costs for private treatment can be exorbitant, even for a relatively minor treatment, so it is essential to travel with adequate health cover insurance.
Driving is on the right hand side of the road. Most traffic signs and signals are similar to those in the UK, however it is worth knowing that unless there is a sign stating you cannot do so, then you are allowed to turn right on a red light as long as it is safe, and you give way both to pedestrians and to traffic that is travelling on a green light.
Adaptor
The USA’s electricity supply operates at a current of 110 volts AC. A flat two pin plug is required.
WIFI
Ruth’s Lonely Planet 