The United States of America is a massive country and varies massively by region. This guide will give you some general overview about the United States, but you’ll also find handy links to get to more specific details about the state you’d like to visit.
States | National Parks | Transportation | Know Before You Go | Costs and Budget | Itineraries | Top Experiences | All Blog Posts
Where Do You Want to Visit?
Click on any state to learn more. This list will continue to be updated as I explore more of the United States, so not every state is mentioned… yet.
National Parks
The United States has some incredible national parks. From Acadia to Zion, there’s so much beauty to explore. For many visitors, these parks are a highlight on a visit to the United States. You’ll find scenery and experiences that you can’t get anywhere else. So, if you want to learn more, check out my guide to US National Parks.
Transportation
By Plane – For longer hops, such as crossing the country, take a plane to save time. The United States is massive and a flight from New York City to Los Angeles will take six hours.
By Train – Trains exist in the United States but their usefulness varies. The “Northeast Corridor” connects Boston, New York, and Washington D.C. and using a train is feasible. Outside of that, there are certain routes where it’s possible, but it may not be convenient.
By Bus – Buses can help get you from point A to point B, but schedules may be limited.
By Rental Car – For most places in the United States, renting a car will be your best option. This will give you the most flexibility and will allow you to get to all of the places you want to see.
Know Before You Go
Currency – Dollar. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted.
Language – English
Power – 120V and 60hz. Types A and B.
Tipping – Tipping in the United States is expected and it seems like everyone has a different opinion on it. I understand that the US tipping system can be overwhelming to a non-American, so here’s what I do as an American citizen.
At sit down restaurants, I tip about 20%. For taxis, I’ll do 10 to 15% and for Uber, I can use the tip functionality in the app. Many fast food chains or stores are starting to add tips on their payment screens. This is relatively and there’s a lot of debate about whether you need to tip. So in these situations, it’s up to you (full disclosure: I don’t always tip in these situations).
Water – With a few small exceptions, the tap water is safe to drink. Bring a reusable water bottle.
Costs & Budget
Prices across the United States will vary greatly based on when you travel and where you travel. Larger cities will typically be more expensive than smaller towns, but that’s not always a guarantee. As a general rule, I find the United States to be one of the most expensive countries to travel in.
Accommodations – The United States doesn’t have a strong hostel culture, so you’ll either be looking at hotels or short term rentals like AirBnB. Prices vary dramatically across cities and towns. In large cities, like New York, it’s not uncommon to find rooms for $300 per night. As a rule of thumb, I personally budget $150-$200 for a hotel room in the United States (but slightly higher for larger, busier areas).
Food – If you’re staying at hotels, many will have a basic, but free breakfast. For other meals, a good rule of thumb is $25 to $30 per meal (including tax and tip). It can absolutely be cheaper, but also significantly more expensive.
Transportation – Public transportation in the United States is pretty terrible. If you’re in a large city like Chicago or New York, you can totally get away with relying solely on public transportation. Outside of those large, major cities, you’ll almost certainly need a rental car. Budget about $100 per day, plus gas.
Activities – There’s no good rule for how much activities cost, but budget about $25 to $30 per sight. This can change drastically depending on where you are and what you are doing though.
Suggested Itineraries
There are so many different ways to explore the United States, but here are some of my favorite itineraries.
Top Experiences
This is not an exhaustive list of the top experiences, but it’s some of my favorite days from traveling around the United States.
One Day on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon
I loved my visit to the Grand Canyon. With one day in Tusayan, you can rent a bike to ride along the rim, hike into the canyon, check out some viewpoints, and finish with sunset over the Grand Canyon. It’s a perfect day.
Sunrise at Monument Valley
You can do a self-driving tour of Monument Valley, but a guided tour allows you to some areas of the park you wouldn’t otherwise be able to visit. And by doing it at sunrise you get stunning views and virtually no other tourists.
9 Things to Do in Stowe, Vermont in the Fall
For a town of only 300 people, Stowe, VT sure has a lot to do. Out of all of the places I visited on my New England road trip, it was Stowe that I loved the most. From great foods, some amazing views, and general charm, Stowe, VT has something for everyone.
New River Gorge: One Day Itinerary and Best Things to Do
Admittedly, New River Gorge was a national park I almost overlooked, but it ended up being one of my favorites. With some amazing views and plenty of hikes, you’ll find plenty to do here. And, if you’re like me, you’ll find yourself wanting to return one day.
All United States Blog Posts
Still not sure where to start? Head to my United States of America page to see every single post I’ve ever written about the USA.