United States Travel Guide
A huge country: April–June and September–October are broadly comfortable. The South is best in winter; the Northeast and Pacific Northwest are best in summer.
Last reviewed
United States at a glance
Best time to visit United States
A huge country: April–June and September–October are broadly comfortable. The South is best in winter; the Northeast and Pacific Northwest are best in summer.
Peak: Memorial Day to Labor Day, Thanksgiving week and the Christmas–New Year stretch — flights and national-park lodging are hardest to get.
Shoulder season: September–October: warm weather, everything open, and airfares fall once schools return.
Visa and entry
ESTA required for Visa Waiver Program countries (apply at esta.cbp.dhs.gov). Valid for 2 years or until passport expiry.
Entry rules depend on your nationality and change frequently. Always confirm with an official embassy or consulate source before booking.
Money and tipping
United States uses the USD ($).
Expected. 18–20% at restaurants, bars, and taxis. $1–$2 per bag for bellhops; $3–$5/night for hotel housekeeping.
Getting around
New York subway and bus fares are $2.90 with OMNY contactless, which automatically caps at $34 after 12 rides in 7 days. Other cities vary widely, with day passes typically $5–12.
When a pass pays off: In New York just tap the same card or phone every time — the weekly fare cap gives you the unlimited price automatically once you hit 12 rides.
Local etiquette
Do
- Budget for tipping: 18–22% in sit-down restaurants, $1–2 a drink at bars, 15–20% for taxis and rideshares.
- Expect sales tax to be added at the register — the shelf price is not the final price.
- Carry photo ID; it's requested for alcohol regardless of how old you look.
Avoid
- Don't assume public transport reaches everywhere — most cities outside the Northeast need a car or rideshare.
- Don't underestimate distances; two cities on the same map page can be a full day's drive apart.
- Don't skip travel insurance — medical costs are extraordinarily high.
Common scams and tourist traps
- Times Square costumed characters and CD sellers who demand payment after a photo.
- Ticket resellers outside venues; buy from the official box office or app.
- “Resort fees” and parking charges added at hotel checkout — compare the total, not the nightly rate.
Health
No special vaccinations beyond routine immunizations are needed for the United States, though tick-borne illness precautions (Lyme disease) are worth considering for wooded hiking areas. This is general information, not medical advice — consult a doctor or travel clinic before your trip.
When locals eat
Meal windows shift by country, and eating on the local clock is the difference between a full restaurant and a closed kitchen.
| Meal | Early riser | Typical | Night owl |
|---|---|---|---|
| breakfast | 7:00 AM | 8:00 AM | 10:00 AM |
| lunch | 11:30 AM | 12:30 PM | 1:30 PM |
| dinner | 6:00 PM | 7:00 PM | 8:30 PM |
Staying connected
eSIM providers that cover United States: Airalo, T-Mobile eSIM, AT&T eSIM. Buying an eSIM before you fly avoids airport queues and roaming charges.
United States travel FAQ
- When is the best time to visit United States?
- A huge country: April–June and September–October are broadly comfortable. The South is best in winter; the Northeast and Pacific Northwest are best in summer.
- Do I need a visa to visit United States?
- ESTA required for Visa Waiver Program countries (apply at esta.cbp.dhs.gov). Valid for 2 years or until passport expiry. Entry rules depend on your nationality and change often — confirm with an official consulate or embassy source before booking.
- Do you tip in United States?
- Expected. 18–20% at restaurants, bars, and taxis. $1–$2 per bag for bellhops; $3–$5/night for hotel housekeeping.
- What currency is used in United States?
- United States uses the USD ($).
- What power plug and voltage does United States use?
- United States uses Type A and Type B sockets at 120V / 60 Hz. Check your device's rated input before travelling; most modern laptop and phone chargers handle both 110V and 220V.
- What is the emergency number in United States?
- In United States, call 911.
- What time zone is United States in?
- United States is in the America/New_York time zone (UTC-05:00).
- What language is spoken in United States?
- The main language is English (Spanish is widely used in the Southwest, Florida and major cities). Regional vocabulary varies — “check” means the restaurant bill, and “entrée” means the main course, not the starter.
- Is public transport worth buying a pass for in United States?
- New York subway and bus fares are $2.90 with OMNY contactless, which automatically caps at $34 after 12 rides in 7 days. Other cities vary widely, with day passes typically $5–12. In New York just tap the same card or phone every time — the weekly fare cap gives you the unlimited price automatically once you hit 12 rides.
- What health precautions should I take in United States?
- No special vaccinations beyond routine immunizations are needed for the United States, though tick-borne illness precautions (Lyme disease) are worth considering for wooded hiking areas. This is general information, not medical advice — consult a doctor or travel clinic before your trip.
Ready-made United States itineraries
Plan a United States trip around how you actually travel
Travaio builds a day-by-day plan from your travel style, with verified places, real opening hours, and local meal times already accounted for.
Plan my United States tripThis guide is general travel information, not legal, medical, or financial advice. Visa, health, and safety requirements change — verify anything time-sensitive with an official source before you travel.