US Travel Tips -

In this big country, pre-planning is key.

Our US Travel Tips are arranged by popular destinations and then by state to help you find what you're looking for faster. Scroll down to the bottom of this page to find a list of links. Alternatively, you can also use the map below to click on the area that you're looking to travel to.

Basic US Travel Tips

If you're coming to the US for the first time, you need to grasp how big this country is. The United States of America covers more than 9 MILLION square kilometers - it's the world's 3rd largest country in land mass. Larger than Canada, Australia and roughly the same size as the Sahara Desert in Africa. 

Knowing that, plan accordingly. Trying to visit Los Angeles one day and New York City the next is going to be hard. Very hard. The air flight will take you 6 hours and cross 3 time zones. Given this, planning your trip is essential if you want to make sure you get to see everything you're looking for.

Here my top 10 US travel tips:

1. If you're coming for a week or less, focus on one area and don't try to do everything.
2. Want to see lots of the Western US? Consider a driving trip or pre-packaged buss tour that will hit the highlights. Most of the Western US doesn't have good public transit or train transportation.
3. US Travel Tips for Driving - Read up on the driving rules of the states that you'll be going through as each state has different rules. For example, some allow you to turn right on red, some don't. Some allow passing on the right, some don't.
4. New York City and day trips will keep you easily busy for an entire two weeks. Doing it in less is possible, but not really worth it unless you can come back again soon.
5. Las Vegas has great packaged trips, especially if you go during the week, buy online and plan ahead. If you're looking for a destination wedding, Las Vegas is one of the cheapest (and easiest) places to do even a fancy church wedding. You don't have to go to the drive-thru chapel. Although you can do that too if you want.
6. US Travel Tips for the Western United States - You'll need a car. And you'll need patience to deal with bad traffic and boring desert landscapes. Read our Driving in Los Angeles Travel Tips before you go if you're planning on seeing that metropolis.
7. San Francisco, however, has great public transportation and you shouldn't rent a car. You should, however, shop long and hard for a hotel as they can get expensive. Ditto for Seattle.
8. The US National Park system is nothing short of one of the greatest achievements the country made in the last century. Even if you're not 'outdoorsy' your trip would be less if you didn't go to at least one. Niagra Falls is overrated and over comercialized. Yellowstone and The Grand Canyon are underrated and yes, we know that's saying a lot given the Grand Canyon hype - but go, it's SO worth it.
9. Texas is big. So is California. They'll take at least a day to drive the long way of each, more if you stop to pee or sleep or eat or see anything at all.
10. Avoid popular 'tourist destinations' to see the real USA. It is possible to see Middle America, Antebellum South, Beautiful Fall Colors, Wild Coastline and Hidden Gems across the country, but not in Anaheim, Orlando, NYC or Las Vegas.

Things to know before you go:

There are guides a plenty in your home country with lists of things to do in the United States. Here are some US Travel Tips that will help you be prepared before you leave home.

Currency is in USD (you knew that) but what you don't know is that finding a currency exchange is going to be hard outside of the airport and major city centers (in fact, I don't even know where there's one in Disneyland although I'm sure there is one), so make sure you've got a credit/debit card, traveler's checks and a few greenbacks before you leave the airport. I was floored the first time I was abroad and there was a currency exchange on almost every corner after I spent 3 days looking for one at home. The few exceptions to this will be NYC, Chicago and San Francisco.  Not an exception? Los Angeles. 

Most prices that you see displayed on merchandise in stores doesn't include tax. State sales tax will be added at the register - this rate depends on where you're at and what city you're in. Yes, it's state sales tax but in many states each city and county have different rates. It's not usually a huge thing, but just roll with it.

We drive on the right (You knew that too). What you may not know is that signs, customs, traffic regulations, etc. vary from state to state. Your rental company will give you a basic handbook if you ask for it which will cover current laws in the state you're visiting.

Service persons in the US are legally allowed to be paid below the federal minimum wage because it's expected that they'll get tips. So you should leave one, usually 15-20% if you had good service (most places you can simply double the tax). Tip your waiter, bartender, and cab driver at minimum. If you get spa services tip those folks as well, but it's usually a set amount per service not a percentage. If you're a good person and want some good karma you'll also tip your hotel staff, who are usually underpaid immigrants.

Staying Safe

One of the best safety-related US Travel Tips that I give out to my foreign friends coming to visit me is this: act like you belong here. Unlike many other countries, no matter your ethnicity you're unlikely to be the only one that looks like you in most major cities in the US. If you act like a citizen, including speaking English with the group you're traveling with, you'll be much less likely to be targeted by thieves and pickpockets. 

Use common sense to protect your belongings - keep an eye on them, don't bring expensive irreplaceable stuff, lock up extra cash and cards in your hotel safe, be aware of your surroundings.

Other than theft, you'll find that your physical safety is frequently over-protected by legally required structures. The Grand Canyon has a railing (a lovely one, mind you) at the main overlook areas. The Empire State Building has steel mesh covering the entire viewing platform that prevents you from getting more than your finger past the ledge. 

Because it's such a young country, you won't find a lot of structures older than 200 years old with dangerous climbing and viewing areas. Where there are these things, they've usually been retrofitted to protect the state, federal government or owners from being sued by visitors who hurt themselves. Follow the signs (don't go around barriers or feed bears for example) and you'll be fine. Seriously, even Styrofoam cups at drive-thru restaurants have temperature warnings on them.

If you're aware and conscious of your surroundings you won't need the following US travel tips. That said, if you occasionally find yourself in a place you shouldn't be, know this - the US is constantly battling it's problem with violent crime. Places that look like bad areas usually are - get out. Simple as that - if you don't put yourself in a bad situation, the chances you'll encounter a violent crime are rare. Your trip won't be enhanced by seeing South Central LA at night. 

More US Travel Tips by Destination:

Because the US Travel Tips varry so much by location (what goes in NYC might be very unacceptable in Montana) I'm currently working on building out some US Travel Tips divide up by destination. Click through to leave your tips, read what others have said and get what you need to know before you go.

New York Travel Tips Las Vegas Travel Tips Florida Travel Tips

Maui Travel Tips Vegas Travel Tips Washington DC travel tips

US Travel Tips From Fellow Travelers

Despite trying to divide them up (and sometimes because I'm still working on the region-specific pages) I've put this section up for general US Travel Tips. As one is identified with a specific location, I'll move it to match (so make sure to note in your tip where it's for if it's region-specific). In the meantime, here's some of our best tips from other travelers. Check them out or add your own today!

U.S. Travel Tips from Other Travelers

What do you wish you'd known before you went to the U.S.? Where do you wish you'd had more time to visit and where wasn't worth the effort? What were your favorite experiences and what was a let down? How did you plan your trip?

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U.S. Travel Tips from other Travelers

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