A trip to the United States will take you on a rollercoaster ride filled with bright city lights, national parks, and canyons that you won't find anywhere else in the world. So buckle up and prepare to be dazzled.
One of the most popular destinations in the United States is without a doubt New York City, where you can watch Broadway shows, walk around Central Park, or feel the buzz around Times Square.
No American trip is complete without a visit to the Grand Canyon. Make sure you schedule a hike to the bottom to get a feel for how grandiose this place really is.
The kids will love a trip to Orlando, which is famous for its theme parks, including Disneyland and Universal, providing fun for visitors of all ages.
This is a destination popular among those looking for a party. Vegas offers a wide selection of entertainment, from casinos to live shows, fine dining, and shopping.
Rounding up our top five is San Francisco, home to the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz prison, which can be visited by boat. While in the Bay Area, make sure you take a day trip to Napa Valley to visit some of the local wineries.
The United States is a large country, and the weather varies greatly depending on where you're going. If you're heading to the North of the country, the best time to visit is during the summer; however, the South gets very hot and humid in the summer and is more enjoyable in spring or autumn.
Prior to entering the United States, all visitors need to apply for a Visa Waiver or a visitor's visa, depending on their country of origin. Either option allows travelers to stay in the country for a maximum of 90 days.
The most common mode of transport into the United States is by plane, and you will commonly find flights with British Airways, Air Canada, Virgin Atlantic, United Airlines, and American Airlines.
The only country that is connected to the United States by train is Canada. Amtrak trains are available from Vancouver to Seattle, which takes about 4h 30m, and Montreal to New York, which takes about 10h 30m.
You can get to the United States by car if you're driving from Canada or from Mexico. From Canada, for example, you can cross the border in Buffalo (Pace Bridge) or Niagara (Rainbow Bridge).
Buses are available from Canada and Mexico, Greyhound being the major company providing travel from both countries. Prices start at around $10 for every 62 mi.
If you are looking for accommodations while on your trip, you will find hotels as well as bed-and-breakfasts located throughout the country. Motels are available for budget stays, and if you happen to be traveling during the warmer months, you can also opt for a campground.
Larger cities are well serviced when it comes to public transportation, including metro systems, bus systems, and even trams. The cost of a single ride will vary depending on the city. You can expect to pay $1.75 in Los Angeles, $3 in San Francisco, and $2.50 in New York City.
Trains are a great way to get around and are convenient for travel between cities. Amtrak is the main US train system and provides both short- and long-distance lines throughout the country.
Buses are slower than trains; however, they are cheaper and can reach more areas. Greyhound is the main bus travel provider throughout the country.
If you are planning to rent a car and drive during your stay, you will need to budget for a minimum of $50 per day. Consider taking the famous Route 66, which goes all the way from Chicago to Santa Monica, Ca.
The major airlines are American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines. Virgin America, Southwest Airlines, and JetBlue Airways are also great options for budget travel. A flight from the East Coast to the West Coast, for example, will take around 6h.
Standard SUV
5 Adults, 3 Bags
$56/day
Intermediate SUV
5 Adults, 3 Bags
$57/day
You can expect to pay around $70 a week for groceries, and $70 a month for a public transport monthly pass. If you are planning to eat out, you can find many cheap meals and street food for less than $15 per person, while a fancier meal can cost as much as $50 per person. When it comes to payment, credit and debit cards are very commonly used throughout the country, so you don't need to worry about carrying cash everywhere.