United States
The United States is really dozens of trips in one: New York's skyline and museums, the red-rock canyons and geyser basins of the national parks, the music bars of New Orleans and Nashville, and road trips down the Pacific coast. Distances are vast, so the best time to visit depends heavily on the region you choose.
Overview
The United States spans six time zones and almost every landscape imaginable, from Alaskan glaciers to Florida's Everglades and the deserts of the South-west. Most first trips focus on one region rather than attempting the whole country. The classic combinations are New York with Boston or Washington, D.C. on the East Coast; a California and South-west road trip linking San Francisco, Yosemite, Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon and Los Angeles; Florida for theme parks and beaches; or a Deep South music route through New Orleans, Memphis and Nashville. Yellowstone and the Rockies reward a separate trip in summer.
It is not a cheap destination: hotels in big cities and near national parks are expensive, prices are shown before sales tax, and tipping adds 18–20% to restaurant bills. Car hire and fuel are good value, though, and motels, diners and camping keep road trips affordable. Summer brings crowds and, at some popular parks, timed-entry reservations, while spring and autumn are calmer and cooler. Visitors are often surprised by the sheer scale — a 'short drive' can mean four hours — by the friendliness of strangers, and by how different each state feels, from New England villages to Texas cattle country.
Map of United States
Top 5 highlights
- 1Nature
Grand Canyon National Park
Carved by its river over millions of years and more than 1.8 km deep, the canyon is best seen from the South Rim's viewpoints at sunrise or sunset. Fit hikers can descend the Bright Angel Trail, but never attempt rim-to-river and back in a day in summer.
- 2Wildlife
Yellowstone National Park
The world's first national park sits on a supervolcano: Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic Spring steam near grazing bison, while the Lamar and Hayden valleys offer some of North America's best chances of seeing wolves and grizzly bears.
- 3Nature
Yosemite Valley
Sheer granite walls rise around this glacier-carved valley in California's Sierra Nevada. El Capitan, Half Dome and Yosemite Falls — at its most powerful in late spring — are the icons, and the Mist Trail climbs beside thundering waterfalls.
- 4Culture
New Orleans' French Quarter
Wrought-iron balconies, live jazz on nearby Frenchmen Street, beignets and Creole cooking fill the grid of the original French settlement, founded in 1718. Time it for Mardi Gras or the spring Jazz Fest, or simply come to eat.
- 5History
National Mall, Washington, D.C.
Between the Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial stretch the monuments of American history and the Smithsonian's museums, among them Air and Space and Natural History, all free to enter.
Biggest cities
New York City
The Statue of Liberty, Central Park, world-class museums, Broadway and neighbourhoods from Harlem to Brooklyn make New York essential; budget carefully, as it's among America's priciest cities.
Los Angeles
A sprawling metropolis best tackled by car: Hollywood, the Getty, Griffith Observatory, beachfront Santa Monica and Venice, and some of the country's best Mexican and Korean food.
Chicago
America's great architecture city sits on Lake Michigan, with river cruises past landmark skyscrapers, the Art Institute, blues clubs, deep-dish pizza and a long lakefront cycle path.
Ranked by urban-area population where available. Figures are rounded estimates, and sources define city limits differently, so rankings of similar-sized cities can vary.
Holiday regions in United States
These areas have their own season and weather — see their guides for sea temperatures, resorts and flights.
When to go to United States
Best time: May–Jun, Sep–Oct.
Average climate in New York City
Festivals & events
- Feb–MarMardi Gras
New Orleans' carnival season peaks on Fat Tuesday after weeks of parades, elaborate krewe floats, brass bands and bead-throwing; book accommodation months ahead.
- JulIndependence Day
On 4 July the country celebrates with parades, barbecues and fireworks, from small-town main streets to Washington's National Mall and New York's waterfront.
- OctAlbuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
For nine days in early October, hundreds of hot-air balloons rise together at dawn over Albuquerque's high desert in one of the world's largest ballooning events.
How much does United States cost?
Estimates per person per day, excluding flights. Prices vary by season and city.
Food to try
Cheeseburger
Every diner and roadside stand has its take, from thin smashed patties to thick chargrilled burgers; chains like In-N-Out and Shake Shack have cult followings.
Barbecue
Slow-smoked meat in fiercely regional styles: beef brisket in Texas, pulled pork in the Carolinas, ribs in Memphis and burnt ends in Kansas City.
New England clam chowder
A creamy soup of clams, potatoes, onion and salt pork, served with oyster crackers in harbourside shacks from Boston to Maine.
Getting around
Distances are huge, so domestic flights save days between regions. For national parks and road trips you'll need a hire car; book early and check one-way drop fees. Amtrak trains are useful on the Boston–New York–Washington corridor and scenic but slow elsewhere, while Greyhound and FlixBus cover long distances cheaply. Cities like New York, Chicago and Washington have good metros; elsewhere use Uber or Lyft.
Practical information
- Plugs & voltage
- AB120V — bring a UK-to-A/B adapter
- Emergency numbers
- Telephone: 911 (ambulance, fire, police).
Source: FCDO “Getting help”
- Dialling code
- +1
- Time zones
- UTC-5, UTC-6, UTC-7, UTC-8, UTC-9, UTC-10 (standard time)
- Tap water
- Generally safe to drink
- Driving
- On the right
- Tipping
- Tip 18–20% at sit-down restaurants, $1–2 per drink at bars, 15–20% for taxis and rideshares, and a few dollars a night for hotel housekeeping.
- Etiquette
- Queue patiently, respect personal space and expect friendly small talk from strangers. Steer clear of politics with people you've just met, and carry photo ID — the drinking age of 21 is strictly enforced.
- Main airports
- John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), New York; Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Los Angeles; Orlando International Airport (MCO), Orlando
Visas & entry for United States
Shown for a British passport.
Apply online before you go (travel authorisation)
To enter or transit through the US, you must have either an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) or a visa.
The US State Department has more information on visas.
From the UK government's FCDO entry requirements for British passport holders — read the full page for passport validity, permits and exceptions.
Health & vaccinations
- Recommended for most travellers
- Tetanus
- Sometimes advised — depends on your trip, activities and health
- Rabies
- Yellow fever certificate
- No yellow fever certificate is required to enter.
- Malaria
- No malaria risk
Source: TravelHealthPro (National Travel Health Network and Centre), checked 21 October 2026. This is a summary, not medical advice.
Public holidays in United States
The next 12 months. Banks, offices and some sights may close, and transport and hotels get busy around these dates.
| Wed 11 Nov 2026 | Veterans Day |
| Thu 26 Nov 2026 | Thanksgiving Day |
| Fri 25 Dec 2026 | Christmas Day |
| Fri 1 Jan 2027 | New Year's Day |
| Mon 18 Jan 2027 | Martin Luther King Jr. Day |
| Mon 15 Feb 2027 | Washington's Birthday |
| Mon 31 May 2027 | Memorial Day |
| Fri 18 Jun 2027 | Juneteenth National Independence Day (observed) |
| Sat 19 Jun 2027 | Juneteenth National Independence Day |
| Sun 4 Jul 2027 | Independence Day |
| Mon 5 Jul 2027 | Independence Day (observed) |
| Mon 6 Sep 2027 | Labour Day |
| Mon 11 Oct 2027 | Columbus Day |
National holidays only. Dates based on lunar calendars can move by a day or two depending on official announcements.
Know before you go
- Healthcare is extremely expensive, so buy travel insurance with generous medical cover before you go; even a minor emergency-room visit can cost thousands of dollars.
- Non-US residents now pay a surcharge on top of entry fees at 11 of the busiest national parks, including Yellowstone, Yosemite and the Grand Canyon, unless they hold the non-resident annual pass.
- Book lodges and campsites inside popular parks such as Yosemite and Yellowstone many months ahead, and check whether timed-entry reservations are required for your dates.
United States travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit United States?
The best time to visit United States is generally May–Jun, Sep–Oct. Peak months are May, June, September and October. Average highs in New York City range from 4°C to 29°C across the year.
How much does a trip to United States cost per day?
Roughly £90 a day on a tight budget, £200 mid-range and £420+ for comfortable travel, per person including accommodation, food and local transport. Flights are extra.
What currency is used in United States?
US dollar (USD).
What plug type does United States use?
Type A and B sockets at 120V. UK visitors need a travel adapter — UK Type G plugs will not fit.
Which side of the road do they drive on in United States?
Traffic drives on the right in United States, unlike the UK.
Is tap water safe to drink in United States?
Generally safe to drink.
Do I need a visa for United States?
For British passport holders, the FCDO says: To enter or transit through the US, you must have either an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) or a visa. Entry rules change, so check the official FCDO entry requirements for United States before you travel: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/usa/entry-requirements
What vaccinations do I need for United States?
TravelHealthPro recommends Tetanus for most travellers, with Rabies sometimes advised depending on your trip. Make sure routine UK vaccinations are up to date and see a travel health professional 6–8 weeks before you go.
