Travel Guide to United States

The United States stands as one of the world's most diverse travel destinations, offering an extraordinary blend of natural wonders, vibrant cities, diverse cultures, and incredible experiences. From New York's iconic skyline and Los Angeles's entertainment industry to the Grand Canyon's natural wonders, from the beaches of Florida to the mountains of Colorado, the United States offers an incredible diversity of experiences across 50 states.

Most trips to the United States naturally revolve around several pillars: natural wonders and national parks, vibrant cities, diverse cultures and cuisines, entertainment and sports, and outdoor activities. The fun is in how you combine these pieces into your own itinerary.

The United States' major cities are vibrant hubs of activity, each with its own distinct character. New York feels like a fast-paced global metropolis, while Los Angeles offers a more laid-back California vibe.

• New York City – America's largest city, with over 8.3 million residents. You'll find world-class museums, iconic landmarks, incredible food, and vibrant neighborhoods.
• Los Angeles – America's second-largest city and entertainment capital, known for Hollywood, beaches, and diverse culture.
• Chicago – America's third-largest city, known for architecture, deep-dish pizza, and vibrant cultural scene.
• San Francisco – known for the Golden Gate Bridge, hilly streets, and tech industry.
• Miami – known for beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and Latin American influence.

• First-timer tip:** A classic intro itinerary is 4–5 days in New York, 3–4 days in Los Angeles or San Francisco, and 2–3 days exploring national parks. This gives you a great mix of city life, culture, and natural beauty.

The United States is home to 63 national parks and countless natural wonders. Here, you'll find everything from deserts to mountains to coastlines.

• Grand Canyon – one of the world's most spectacular natural wonders.
• Yellowstone – America's first national park, known for geysers and wildlife.
• Yosemite – stunning granite cliffs and waterfalls.
• Great Smoky Mountains – America's most visited national park.
• Zion – dramatic red rock canyons.
• Glacier – pristine mountain wilderness.
• Acadia – beautiful coastal park in Maine.

Many travelers find that visiting one or two national parks ends up being some of the most memorable parts of their trip.

The United States' historical side includes everything from colonial history to Civil War sites to modern landmarks.

• Washington, D.C. – the nation's capital with monuments, museums, and government buildings.
• Boston – historic city with Freedom Trail and colonial sites.
• Philadelphia – birthplace of America with Independence Hall.
• Gettysburg – Civil War battlefield.
• Mount Rushmore – iconic presidential monument.

The United States' cultural experiences are incredibly diverse, reflecting the country's multicultural heritage.

• Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York) – one of the world's largest art museums.
• Smithsonian Museums (Washington, D.C.) – world's largest museum complex.
• Getty Center (Los Angeles) – world-class art museum.
• Broadway (New York) – world-famous theater district.
• Hollywood (Los Angeles) – entertainment capital of the world.

American cuisine is incredibly diverse, reflecting the country's multicultural heritage:

• Regional specialties – each region has its own distinct cuisine.
• Fast food culture – iconic American fast food chains.
• Farm-to-table – emphasis on fresh, local ingredients.
• Food trucks – diverse street food scene.
• Craft breweries – thriving craft beer culture.

• Professional sports – NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and MLS.
• College sports – especially football and basketball.
• Music scenes – from country in Nashville to jazz in New Orleans.
• Festivals – countless music, food, and cultural festivals.

The United States is remarkably rich in natural beauty, with diverse landscapes from coastlines to mountains to deserts.

The United States has 63 national parks, each offering unique natural beauty:

• Grand Canyon – one of the world's most spectacular canyons.
• Yellowstone – geysers, hot springs, and wildlife.
• Yosemite – granite cliffs and waterfalls.
• Great Smoky Mountains – America's most visited national park.
• Zion – dramatic red rock canyons.

• California Coast – stunning Pacific coastline.
• Florida Beaches – beautiful Atlantic and Gulf coastlines.
• Hawaii – tropical paradise with beautiful beaches.
• Maine Coast – rugged Atlantic coastline.

• Rocky Mountains – world-class skiing and hiking.
• Appalachian Mountains – scenic mountain range.
• Sierra Nevada – stunning mountain range in California.
• Alaska – pristine wilderness and mountains.

The United States' climate varies dramatically by region, offering different experiences in each season.

Spring (March–May) brings mild weather and beautiful blooms: - Cherry blossoms in Washington, D.C. - Wildflowers in national parks. - Pleasant temperatures perfect for exploring.

Summer brings beach weather, festivals, and peak tourism: - Beaches are packed. - National parks are popular. - Music festivals throughout the country. - Highest prices and largest crowds.

Autumn (September–November) brings cooler temperatures and fall foliage: - New England's famous fall colors. - Harvest festivals. - Pleasant weather for exploring. - Lower crowds after summer.

Winter (December–February) is prime time for skiing and holidays: - World-class skiing in the Rockies. - Holiday celebrations and decorations. - Lower prices (except ski resorts). - Cozy indoor activities.

The United States is excellent for active travelers, with options in every season.

• Skiing & snowboarding – world-class resorts in the Rockies, Sierra Nevada, and New England.
• Hiking – excellent trails in national parks and throughout the country.
• Cycling – dedicated bike paths and scenic routes.
• Water sports – surfing, diving, and water activities on the coast.
• Rock climbing – excellent climbing in various mountain areas.

New York City is America's largest city and a global center of culture, finance, and entertainment.

• Key districts include:
• Manhattan** – iconic skyline and world-class attractions.
• Brooklyn** – trendy neighborhoods and cultural scene.
• Queens** – diverse neighborhoods and excellent food.
• Central Park** – massive urban park.
• Times Square** – world-famous entertainment district.

New York also has one of the world's best food scenes, with everything from Michelin-starred restaurants to incredible street food.

Los Angeles is America's second-largest city and the entertainment capital of the world.

• Hollywood Walk of Fame – famous entertainment district.
• Santa Monica Pier – iconic beachfront pier.
• Griffith Observatory – stunning city views.
• Universal Studios – theme park and studio tour.
• Venice Beach – famous beach and boardwalk.

Los Angeles offers excellent food, especially diverse international cuisine.

San Francisco is known for its iconic Golden Gate Bridge, hilly streets, and diverse culture.

• Golden Gate Bridge – iconic suspension bridge.
• Alcatraz Island – historic prison.
• Fisherman's Wharf – famous waterfront.
• Cable cars – historic transportation.
• Chinatown – largest outside Asia.

San Francisco offers excellent food, especially fresh seafood and Asian cuisine.

Accommodation prices vary dramatically by city, season, and type of property.

• Hostel dorm beds: $25–$50 per night
• Private rooms in hostels: $50–$100 per night
• Budget hotels: $60–$120 per night
• Motels: $70–$130 per night

• Standard hotels: Single rooms around $120–$250 per night; double rooms around $150–$300
• Boutique hotels: Well-appointed rooms with character, often include breakfast
• Mid-range apartments: $150–$300 per night for self-catering options

• High-end city hotels: Deluxe rooms at roughly $300–$800 per night; suites can run $800–$3,000+
• Luxury resorts: $400–$2,000+ per night
• Boutique luxury hotels: $500–$1,500+ per night

• Peak seasons: Summer (June–August), holidays, major events can push prices to 150–300% of low-season baselines
• Major cities are expensive year-round but peak in summer
• Off-season: January–March, November usually offer more availability and better prices

Citizens of many countries can enter the United States visa-free for short stays (typically up to 90 days) under the Visa Waiver Program, but must obtain an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before travel:

• Most European Union countries, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and others
• ESTA is valid for 2 years or until passport expiration
• Processing typically takes 24–72 hours
• Must be obtained before boarding flight

For countries not in the Visa Waiver Program: - B-2 tourist visa required - Processing typically takes several weeks - Interview at US embassy or consulate required - Proof of financial means and return ticket typically required

For stays longer than 90 days: - Different visa types available (work, study, etc.) - Health insurance typically required - Different requirements for each visa type

The United States has very high healthcare costs, making comprehensive travel insurance essential.

• Doctor visit: $150–$400 (without insurance)
• Emergency room visit: $1,000–$3,000+ (without insurance)
• Hospital stay: $2,000–$10,000+ per day (without insurance)
• Emergency surgery: $20,000–$100,000+ (without insurance)
• Prescription medications: $50–$500+ (without insurance)

• Routine cleaning: $100–$300
• Filling: $150–$400
• Root canal: $1,000–$2,000
• Crown: $1,000–$3,000

In serious cases, medical evacuation can be extremely expensive:

• Air ambulance: roughly US$50,000–$200,000+
• Commercial flight with medical escort: about US$10,000–$50,000 if the patient is stable

Major cities have excellent medical facilities, but costs are very high without insurance. Many hospitals require payment upfront or proof of insurance.

In an emergency, you can call 911 for all emergency services.

Given the extremely high cost of medical care, comprehensive travel insurance is absolutely essential for trips to the United States.

• Medical Coverage
• Essential:** Minimum US$250,000 in medical coverage (experts recommend US$500,000+)
• For older travelers or those with health conditions, consider US$1,000,000 or more
• Confirm whether pre-existing conditions are covered

• Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
• Look for at least US$250,000 in evacuation coverage (many experts suggest US$500,000+)
• Ensure the policy covers evacuation to the nearest appropriate facility and repatriation to your home country

• Trip Cancellation & Interruption
• Protects non-refundable costs like flights, hotels, and tours
• Consider "Cancel For Any Reason" (CFAR) upgrades for maximum flexibility

• Adventure & Winter Sports Coverage
• Standard policies may exclude skiing, snowboarding, and other higher-risk activities
• If your trip centers around ski resorts or adventure activities, check that these are included

• Medical: extremely high costs for any medical treatment
• Trip interruption: flight disruptions, family emergencies back home
• Baggage: lost or delayed luggage on flights

When comparing policies, focus on: - Medical and evacuation limits (higher is better for the US) - How pre-existing conditions are handled - Which activities are included versus excluded - Deductibles and co-pays - Reputation for handling claims

For most visitors, a high-tier comprehensive policy with strong medical and evacuation coverage (US$500,000+) is essential. The United States has the highest healthcare costs in the world, so don't skimp on coverage.

The United States offers an extraordinary combination of natural wonders, vibrant cities, diverse cultures, and incredible experiences. With thoughtful planning around seasons, accommodation, visa rules, healthcare costs, and travel insurance, you can maximize enjoyment and minimize surprises.

Whether you're exploring New York's museums, admiring the Grand Canyon, experiencing Hollywood in Los Angeles, or skiing in Colorado, the United States is the kind of destination that offers something for everyone.