United States of America Travel Information

The United States of America is a vast and diverse country with an abundance of natural beauty and cultural landmarks. From the bustling cities to the scenic national parks, the USA has something to offer everyone. Here are the top things to do in the USA:

1. Visit the Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is one of the most famous natural landmarks in the world, and a visit to this natural wonder is a must. The Canyon offers hiking trails, scenic drives, and breathtaking views that will stay with you for a lifetime.

2. Explore New York City

New York City is one of the most iconic cities in the world, and a visit here is a must. From the Statue of Liberty to Central Park, the city offers a wide range of activities and landmarks to explore.

3. Visit Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is one of the most popular national parks in the USA and is home to a wide variety of wildlife and geysers. The park offers hiking trails, scenic drives, and a chance to see some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country.

4. Visit the Las Vegas Strip

Las Vegas is known for its bright lights and non-stop entertainment, and a visit to the Las Vegas Strip is a must. The Strip offers a wide range of casinos, shows, and restaurants to explore.

5. Visit Hollywood

Hollywood is the home of the American film industry, and a visit here is a must for any movie fan. From the Hollywood Walk of Fame to the TCL Chinese Theatre, there are plenty of landmarks to explore.

6. Visit the Kennedy Space Center

The Kennedy Space Center offers visitors a chance to learn about the history of space exploration and see the spacecraft that have been used in NASA's space program.

7. Visit the National Mall

The National Mall is a large park located in Washington D.C and is home to many of the city's famous landmarks such as the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the U.S. Capitol Building.

8. Visit the Great Lakes Region

The Great Lakes region offers visitors a chance to explore the natural beauty of the Great Lakes, which are the largest group of freshwater lakes in the world. The region offers scenic drives, hiking trails, and water activities such as boating and fishing.

9. Visit the Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is one of the most famous waterfalls in the world and is located on the border of the United States and Canada. Visitors can take a boat ride to the base of the falls or take a helicopter tour for a bird's-eye view.

10. Visit the Florida Keys

The Florida Keys is a chain of islands located at the southern tip of Florida. The islands offer a tropical paradise with crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches, and a laid-back atmosphere. Visitors can explore the islands by boat or car and enjoy the many water activities such as fishing, snorkeling, and diving.

The United States has a diverse climate with different regions having different weather patterns and temperature.

Northern United States

• Northern states such as New York, Maine, and Minnesota have four distinct seasons: spring, summer, fall, and winter.
• Summer, which runs from June to August, is the warmest season, with temperatures averaging around 25-30 degrees Celsius (77-86 degrees Fahrenheit) during the day.
• Winter, which runs from December to February, is the coldest season, with temperatures averaging around -5 to 5 degrees Celsius (23-41 degrees Fahrenheit) during the day, and can go below freezing point, with snowfall and cold winds.

Southern United States

• Southern states such as Florida, Texas, and California have a subtropical and Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and hot summers.
• Summer, which runs from June to August, is the warmest season, with temperatures averaging around 30-35 degrees Celsius (86-95 degrees Fahrenheit) during the day.
• Winter, which runs from December to February, is the coolest season, with temperatures averaging around 10-15 degrees Celsius (50-59 degrees Fahrenheit) during the day.

West United States

• Western states such as California, Oregon, and Washington have a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers.
• Summer, which runs from June to August, is the warmest season, with temperatures averaging around 25-30 degrees Celsius (77-86 degrees Fahrenheit) during the day.
• Winter, which runs from December to February, is the coolest season, with temperatures averaging around 5-10 degrees Celsius (41-50 degrees Fahrenheit) during the day.

Here are some general travel tips regarding entry requirements that apply across all countries:

Passport

Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in the country you are visiting. Some countries will not allow you to enter if your passport is set to expire within a certain period of time.

Visa

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if you need a visa. Some countries require a visa for entry, while others do not. Make sure to apply for a visa well in advance of your trip as the process can take several weeks. Check the latest Visa requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Health Requirements and COVID-19 Rules

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if there are any health requirements for entry. Some countries require vaccinations or proof of medical insurance. Check the latest health requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Travel Insurance

Consider purchasing travel insurance, especially if you are traveling internationally. Travel insurance can cover you in the event of trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and other unexpected events. Our travel insurance partner is SafetyWing. For dangerous activities and/or countries consider a rescue service like those offered by our partner, Global Rescue.

Customs

Be familiar with the customs and laws of the country you are visiting. Some countries have strict laws regarding drug possession, alcohol consumption, and dress codes.

Currency

Check the currency exchange rate and make sure you have enough local currency for your trip. Some countries may not accept credit cards or travelers cheques, so it is always good to have some cash on hand. At WhereNext we recommend use a Wise debit card, which provides low cost currency conversions and ATM withdrawals.

Research the country

Research about the culture, customs and laws of the country you are visiting. It will help you to understand the place more and also prepare you better for the trip.

Contact Information

Make a copy of your passport and keep it in a separate place from your passport. Also, leave a copy of your itinerary and contact information with a friend or family member at home.

There are a variety of accommodation options available for visitors to the USA, including:

Hotels

From luxury resorts to budget-friendly options, there are hotels available in most major cities and tourist destinations.

Guesthouses

These are a more budget-friendly option and can be found in many smaller towns and villages.

Motels

Motels are common in the USA and offer a variety of amenities such as self-contained units and kitchen facilities.

Vacation Rentals

Renting a vacation rental such as apartments and houses that can be rented on a short-term basis is a popular option for visitors to the USA, particularly for those traveling with families or groups of friends.

Hostels

Hostels are popular in major cities and tourist destinations, and can be a good budget-friendly option for solo travelers or backpackers.

Campsites

Many national parks and other remote areas in the USA have camping facilities for visitors, which can be a great way to experience the natural beauty of the country.

It's important to note that depending on the location and type of accommodation, prices and availability may vary greatly. It's always a good idea to research and book in advance, especially during peak tourism season. Additionally, the peak tourism season in the USA vary depending on the location, for example, places like Florida, California, and New York City may be more crowded during the

There are several transportation options when visiting the USA, including:

Air travel

• The USA has a well-developed air transportation system, with many major airports located in cities across the country. These airports offer direct flights to and from various international destinations. Additionally, there are several domestic airlines that offer flights between major cities and regional areas within the USA.

Ground transportation

• Public transportation such as buses and trains are available in major cities like New York, Chicago, and San Francisco.
• Rental cars and campervans are popular options for road trips and exploring regional areas.
• Taxis and ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft are also widely available in most major cities.

Water transportation

• Ferries are available for travel between islands, particularly in areas such as Hawaii and Alaska.
• ### Other
• Bicycles and e-bikes are also available for rent in some cities, such as New York City.
• Walking and hiking are also popular options for exploring natural areas and national parks.

It's important to note that transportation options and availability may vary depending on the location in the USA. It's a good idea to research and plan transportation in advance, especially if you're planning to visit more remote areas.

Money Tips for Travel

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans to avoid any potential issues with international transactions.
• Bring a mix of cash, credit, and debit cards--and possibly a travel money card.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.
• Make sure to have a backup option for accessing money in case your primary method doesn't work.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• NEVER accept currency conversion at ATMs! Always get your home bank to convert at much better rates.
• Think about getting a Wise or other travel debit card; these can provide much better rates and some free ATM withdrawals.

ATM and Credit Cards

• Research the availability of ATMs and credit card acceptance at your destination before you depart.
• Keep your ATM card in a safe place and be mindful of your surroundings when using it.
• Try to stick to using ATMs that are affiliated with major banks.
• Keep your credit card information safe and secure, and be aware of potential scams.
• Make sure your cards have the necessary security features, such as chip and pin.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.

Exchange Rates

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• Be careful of places that may offer to exchange money at rates that seem too good to be true.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It covers a wide range of needs--even some you might not expect!

Medical Coverage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for medical expenses if you become ill or injured while traveling. This can include coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency medical transportation. It's also a good idea to ensure that your travel insurance covers COVID-19 related illness and delays!

Trip Cancellation and Interruption

Travel insurance can provide coverage if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to unexpected events such as illness, weather, or travel bans. It can also provide coverage if your trip is delayed or if your travel provider goes out of business.

Lost or Stolen Luggage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for lost or stolen luggage, as well as personal items such as passports and electronic devices.

Emergency Assistance and Evacuation

Many travel insurance plans offer emergency assistance services, such as providing information on local hospitals and doctors, assistance with replacing lost or stolen documents, and help with arranging transportation in the event of an emergency. At WhereNext we have partnered with Global Rescue for evacuation services, which are highly recommended if you are undertaking dangerous activities or are travelling to dangerous parts of the world.

Liability coverage

Travel insurance can also provide liability coverage in case you cause an accident or harm someone while you are traveling.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It can help cover the costs of medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. It's always a good idea to review the coverage and compare the different options available before making a decision. At WhereNext we both use and have partnered with Safety Wing for general travel insurance.

When traveling, getting mobile access is very important these days. If you are working remotely, wanting to update social media, or need to access your banks SMS authentication messages having a reliable service is a must. At WhereNext we recommend:

eSIM

Services such as those offered by our partner, Airalo, allow you to easily order and install an eSIM for different countries or regions that you are traveling in.

Dual SIM phone

If you have a phone that supports dual SIM's then you can get a SIM on arrival for each country, this is probably better done at a telco store rather than at the airport.

Extend your home plan

Depending on where you live and your mobile service provider you may be able to extend your plan to cover mobile roaming at reasonable rates.

Keep your primary SIM

With the amount of accounts we all have that require two factor authentication via SMS, keeping a constant number for these accounts is a must.

There are several online communities and platforms that you can use to meet people while traveling, both for making new friends or for networking professionally. Some popular options include:

Facebook groups

There are many Facebook groups dedicated to connecting people while traveling, from expat groups and travel communities to groups specific to certain cities or regions of the country. You can search for groups based on your interests or location and connect with others who share similar interests.

Meetup

Meetup is a platform that allows you to find groups of people that share your interests in your local area. There are Meetup groups all around the world, and they cover a wide range of topics, such as language exchange, sports, and cultural activities.

Internations

Internations is a social network for people who live or work abroad. It has a large community of expats and organizes regular events, activities and gatherings that allow members to connect and socialize.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is a platform that connects travelers with local hosts, who offer free accommodation and a chance to experience the local culture. It's a great way to meet locals and make friends!

Reddit

Reddit has a large community, and there are several subreddits dedicated to connecting expats and travelers. You can use it to ask questions, get advice, and connect with others who are also living or traveling in the country.

Linkedin

LinkedIn is primarily a professional network, but you can also use it to connect with people who work in the same industry or have similar backgrounds. It can be useful to connect with people before you arrive and establish a few professional contacts to help you get started.

At WhereNext, we use Nomad List as a global community and then research more local ones for our destination. These are just a few examples of online communities you can use to meet people; please suggest any others that you think are appropriate for this destination.