🇺🇸 USA
From neon-lit cities to vast canyons, the United States offers a road trip scale like nowhere else.
Washington, D.C.
Capital
USD
Currency
English
Language
Apr – Oct
Best Time
25
UNESCO Sites
Right
Driving Side
UTC-5 to -10
Time Zone
Type A / B
Plug Type
7/10
Safety
+1
Calling Code
The United States is a country built for the classic road trip. From driving the legendary Route 66 through the heartland to tracing the jagged coastline on a California Pacific Coast Highway road trip, the sheer scale of the landscape is staggering. You will find towering redwoods, volcanic geysers, and deep canyons scattered across the best National Parks in the USA, contrasting sharply with the relentless energy of cities like New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles. International visitors must remember to get their paperwork sorted before arrival (our ESTA explained guide covers who needs it and how to apply). Covering six time zones and wildly varied climates, travelling here requires picking a specific region and diving deep into its distinct culture, food, and scenery.
Cities & Destinations
Explore our dedicated guides for New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Miami, Chicago, and New Orleans.
Interactive Map
Click any pin to explore our guides for that destination.
Quick Facts
Geography
- Region
- North America
- Capital
- Washington, D.C.
- Highest Peak
- Denali (6,190m)
- UNESCO Sites
- 5
Country Info
- Languages
- English
- Currency
- US Dollar (USD)
- Driving Side
- Left
- Plug Type
- A / B (120V)
Travel Essentials
- Peak Season
- Jun – Aug
- Safety
- Moderate
- Solo-Friendly
- ✅ Yes
- Family-Friendly
- ✅ Yes
Money & Budget
Budget Traveler
$80–120
Hostels, fast casual dining, and public transit in cities.
Mid-Range
$150–300
Motels or 3-star hotels, sit-down meals, and a rental car.
Luxury
$400+
Boutique hotels, fine dining, and domestic flights between regions.
Average Costs
- Hotel Night
- $120 – $250
- Hostel / Camp
- $40 – $80
- Local Meal
- $15 – $30
- Coffee
- $4 – $7
- Taxi Ride
- $15 – $30
- Museum
- $20 – $35
Money Tips
- ATMs
- Widely available everywhere
- Credit Cards
- Accepted and preferred everywhere
- Cash Tips
- Bring $1 and $5 bills
- Tipping
- 18-22% standard at restaurants
Entry Requirements
| Nationality | Visa Requirement | Max Stay | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| UK | ESTA | 90 days | $21 |
| EU / Schengen | ESTA | 90 days | $21 |
| Canada | Visa-free | 180 days | Free |
| Australia | ESTA | 90 days | $21 |
| India | Visa required | Up to 6 months | $185 |
Always confirm with the official government source before travel.
Vaccinations
- Recommended
- Routine vaccines
- Required
- None
- Malaria Risk
- None
- Water
- Safe to drink tap water
Passport & Insurance
- Validity
- Duration of stay
- Blank Pages
- 1 page
- Insurance
- Essential (high medical costs)
- Coverage
- $1M+ recommended
Weather & Best Time to Visit
Getting There & Around
International Airports
- New York
- JFK
- Los Angeles
- LAX
- Chicago
- ORD
Getting Around
- Car Rental
- Essential outside major cities
- Domestic Flights
- Best for crossing regions
- WiFi
- Widely available
- SIM
- T-Mobile or AT&T
Connectivity
Mobile & Internet
- SIM Providers
- T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon
- SIM Cost
- $30 - $50
- eSIM
- Airalo or Holafly
- WiFi
- Free in hotels and cafes
- VPN Needed?
- No
Useful Apps
- Maps
- Google Maps
- Translation
- Google Translate
- Rides
- Uber / Lyft
- Currency
- Xe
Things to Do
01
Drive Route 66
Trace the iconic highway from Chicago to Santa Monica, stopping at retro diners and quirky roadside attractions.
02
Hike National Parks
Explore the geothermal wonders of Yellowstone or hike the dramatic red rock trails of Zion and Bryce Canyon.
03
Cruise the Pacific Coast Highway
Drive California's Highway 1 through Big Sur for sweeping ocean views and dramatic cliff drops.
04
Experience New York City
Walk the High Line, catch a Broadway show, and grab a slice of authentic New York pizza.
05
Listen to Live Jazz
Spend an evening on Frenchmen Street in New Orleans enjoying world-class brass bands and Creole cuisine.
06
Explore the Smithsonian
Wander through Washington, D.C.'s massive, free museum complex covering aerospace, natural history, and American art.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Grand Canyon National Park
A massive, mile-deep gorge carved by the Colorado River, offering unparalleled hiking and sunset viewpoints.
Yellowstone National Park
The world's first national park, featuring over half of the planet's active geysers, including Old Faithful.
Statue of Liberty
A universal symbol of freedom gifted by France, standing prominently in New York Harbour.
Yosemite National Park
Famous for its towering granite monoliths like El Capitan and plunging waterfalls in California's Sierra Nevada.
Independence Hall
The historic Philadelphia building where both the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution were signed.
Wildlife Experiences
Brown Bears in Alaska
Watch massive bears catching leaping salmon at Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park during July.
Bison in Yellowstone
Spot roaming herds of American bison causing traffic jams in Wyoming's Lamar and Hayden Valleys.
Whales in Monterey Bay
Take a boat tour off the California coast to see humpback and blue whales from April to November.
Alligators in the Everglades
Ride an airboat through Florida's vast subtropical wetlands to spot wild American alligators year-round.
Moose in Maine
Join a guided safari in Baxter State Park during early morning hours to see these giant herbivores.
Manatees in Florida
Swim alongside gentle West Indian manatees in the warm springs of Crystal River during winter months.
Hidden Gems
Off-the-beaten-path spots most tourists miss.
White Sands, New Mexico
Hike and sled across 275 square miles of blindingly white gypsum sand dunes in the Tularosa Basin.
Apostle Islands, Wisconsin
Kayak around sea caves and hike pristine forested islands on the icy shores of Lake Superior.
Savannah, Georgia
Walk through historic squares draped in Spanish moss and admire beautifully preserved antebellum architecture.
The Palouse, Washington
Drive through rolling, vibrant green hills of wheat fields that look like a sprawling patchwork quilt.
Food & Drink
Texas Barbecue
Slow-smoked brisket and ribs cooked over oak or mesquite, served with pickles and white bread.
New England Clam Chowder
A rich, cream-based soup loaded with tender clams, potatoes, and onions, perfect for chilly coastal days.
Chicago Deep-Dish Pizza
A thick, pie-like pizza baked in a cast-iron pan, layered heavily with cheese and chunky tomato sauce.
Louisiana Gumbo
A hearty Creole stew combining sausage, seafood, and okra, served over rice with a deep roux base.
Maine Lobster Roll
Fresh, sweet chunks of lobster meat lightly tossed in mayo or melted butter, served in a toasted bun.
California Fish Tacos
Battered and fried white fish topped with shredded cabbage and creamy sauce in soft corn tortillas.
Where to Stay
Our handpicked recommendations across every budget tier.
Shopping & Souvenirs
Native American Jewellery
Handcrafted turquoise and silver pieces.
Kentucky Bourbon
Authentic American whiskey from the South.
Levi's Denim
Classic American jeans and jackets.
Vermont Maple Syrup
Pure, locally tapped sweet syrup.
Sports Apparel
Jerseys and caps from local teams.
Artisan Hot Sauces
Small-batch spicy sauces from regional makers.
Festivals & Events
| Month | Festival / Holiday | Where | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb | Mardi Gras | New Orleans, LA | Massive parades, brass bands, and street parties. |
| Mar | SXSW | Austin, TX | Huge convergence of tech, film, and independent music. |
| Apr | Coachella | Indio, CA | Massive outdoor music and arts festival in the desert. |
| Jul | Independence Day | Nationwide | Fireworks, barbecues, and patriotic parades. |
| Aug | Burning Man | Black Rock Desert, NV | An experimental city dedicated to art and self-reliance. |
| Oct | Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta | New Mexico | Hundreds of colourful hot air balloons filling the dawn sky. |
| Nov | Thanksgiving | Nationwide | A major family holiday focused on a large turkey dinner. |
Language & Useful Phrases
| English | Local | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Hello / Hi | heh-loh |
| Thank you | Thank you / Thanks | thangk yoo |
| Please | Please | pleez |
| Yes | Yes / Yeah | yes |
| No | No | noh |
| How much? | How much is this? | how much |
| Where is...? | Where is...? | wair iz |
| Excuse me | Excuse me | ik-skyooz mee |
| Goodbye | Goodbye / Bye | good-bahy |
| Cheers | Cheers | cheers |
Safety
Overview
- Overall
- Moderate
- Petty Crime
- Moderate in big cities
- Health Risks
- High medical costs
- Solo Female
- Very safe
- At Night
- No
Emergency Numbers
- Police
- 911
- Ambulance
- 911
- Fire
- 911
- Tourist Help
- Your embassy
Culture & Etiquette
Do: Tip generously
Waitstaff rely on tips; leaving 18-22% for good service is the standard across the country.
Don't: Cut in line
Americans value orderly queuing at stores, bus stops, and attractions; pushing ahead is considered extremely rude.
Do: Respect personal space
People generally stand an arm's length apart when conversing and value their physical boundaries.
Don't: Smoke indoors
Smoking, including vaping, is strictly banned in almost all public buildings, restaurants, and bars nationwide.
Packing Checklist
- Universal travel adapter (Type A/B)
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Comprehensive travel insurance documents
- Layers for varying climates
- Reusable water bottle
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Daypack for national park hikes
- National Parks Pass (America the Beautiful)
- Portable power bank
- Lightweight rain jacket
- US dollars in small bills for tipping
- Valid driver's licence for car rentals
- Swimwear
- Warm fleece or jacket for evenings
- Bug spray for humid regions
- Offline downloaded maps
Sample Itineraries
01
Arrive in San Francisco
Pick up your rental car and view the iconic Golden Gate Bridge.
02
Explore San Francisco
Ride the historic cable cars and tour the infamous Alcatraz Island.
03
Pacific Coast Highway
Head south through Monterey and soak in the dramatic Big Sur coastline.
04
Santa Barbara to LA
Enjoy coastal towns before arriving in the bustling heart of Hollywood.
05
Discover Los Angeles
Visit the Griffith Observatory and walk along the Venice Beach boardwalk.
06
Drive to Las Vegas
Cross the Mojave Desert to reach the neon lights of the Las Vegas Strip.
07
Grand Canyon South Rim
Drive to Arizona and watch the sunset over the massive canyon walls.
08
Monument Valley
Marvel at the towering red sandstone buttes on Navajo Nation land.
09
Antelope Canyon
Tour the slot canyons and view the dramatic Colorado River curve at Horseshoe Bend.
10
Bryce Canyon
Hike among the vibrant orange and pink limestone hoodoos in Utah.
11
Zion National Park
Wade through the Narrows or tackle the thrilling Angels Landing hike.
12
Drive to Death Valley
Experience the extreme landscapes of the lowest point in North America.
13
Return to California
Drive to Yosemite National Park and view the towering granite of El Capitan.
14
Yosemite to San Francisco
Enjoy a final morning among the giant sequoias before flying home.
Beyond USA
Suggested Budget Breakdown
How to allocate your daily travel budget in USA.
Combine USA With
Popular multi-country trip combinations.
🇺🇸 USA + 🇨🇦 Canada
Combine the Pacific Northwest with Vancouver and the Canadian Rockies. Duration: 14–21 days.
🇺🇸 USA + 🇲🇽 Mexico
Pair a Southern California road trip with relaxing on the beaches of Baja California. Duration: 10–14 days.
🇺🇸 USA + 🇧🇸 Bahamas
Explore the theme parks and wetlands of Florida before taking a short flight to Nassau. Duration: 10–14 days.
Common Questions