United States

The United States rewards careful planning because distances are enormous and each region has its own character. Combine a few nearby highlights rather than trying to cross the entire country in one trip: pair New York City with Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.; explore California’s coast alongside San Francisco, Los Angeles, and national parks; or link New Orleans, Memphis, and Nashville for music and food.

Before booking, check your entry requirements. Travellers from participating Visa Waiver Program countries generally need an approved ESTA for tourism stays of up to 90 days, while many other visitors need a B-2 visitor visa. An ESTA or visa allows you to request entry but does not guarantee admission, so keep accommodation details, onward travel information, and a clear itinerary accessible. The U.S. Department of State recommends checking current requirements before departure.

Use Hello’s trip planning tools to organize flights, hotels, reservations, and activity days in one place. For a multi-city journey, leave buffer time for weather, delayed connections, and the sheer scale of the country.

Transport depends heavily on the destination. In New York, Boston, Chicago, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C., public transport is often the easiest option; buy a local transit card or use contactless payment where available. In Los Angeles, Miami, Dallas, and many smaller cities, a car or ride-hailing service is more practical, especially outside central districts.

For national parks, scenic routes, and smaller towns, renting a car gives you flexibility, but factor in fuel, parking, tolls, insurance, and one-way rental fees. Distances shown on a map can be deceptive: a drive that looks short may take several hours because of traffic or mountain roads. Domestic flights save time across long distances, though airports are often far from city centres.

If you drive, traffic keeps to the right. Speed limits are posted in miles per hour, and rules vary by state. Download offline maps, avoid driving when tired, and check park road conditions before setting out. The National Park Service recommends checking each park’s website or app for current closures, reservations, and safety information.

American food culture is wonderfully regional. Try clam chowder in New England, deep-dish pizza in Chicago, barbecue in Texas or Kansas City, gumbo and beignets in New Orleans, tacos in Southern California, and fresh seafood in the Pacific Northwest. Farmers’ markets, food halls, diners, and neighbourhood restaurants can offer better value and atmosphere than famous tourist spots.

Prices on menus usually exclude sales tax, which varies by state and locality. At full-service restaurants, a tip of around 15–20% before or after tax is customary for good service; tipping is also common for bartenders, guides, hotel staff, and drivers. Check the bill carefully for an automatic gratuity, particularly for large groups.

The local currency is the U.S. dollar (USD), and cards are widely accepted, although small cash payments remain useful. Use Hello’s budget tracking to record spending in USD, and expense splitting to settle shared meals, fuel, accommodation, or attraction tickets without guesswork.

From the granite valleys of Yosemite and the geothermal wonders of Yellowstone to the red-rock landscapes of Utah and the Everglades’ wetlands, the United States offers outdoor experiences on a remarkable scale. Reserve popular campsites, timed-entry slots, and accommodation well ahead, especially for summer visits and holiday weekends. Some parks also limit parking or require shuttle buses during peak periods.

Check official park information before leaving your accommodation for trail closures, wildfire conditions, extreme heat, snow, and water availability. Carry more water than you expect to need, wear sun protection, and tell someone your route when hiking beyond busy viewpoints. Mobile reception can disappear quickly, so download maps and reservation confirmations in advance.

International visitors should also check current entrance arrangements: in 2026, the Department of the Interior announced additional nonresident fees at several of the most visited national parks. Keep your passport or accepted identification secure, follow wildlife-distance rules, and never feed animals. An early start usually means cooler temperatures, easier parking, and quieter trails.