United States

The United States rewards focused planning: distances are enormous, and a trip combining New York, the Grand Canyon, and San Francisco may require several flights. Choose one region—such as the Northeast, the Southwest, or the Pacific Northwest—and leave room for delays and spontaneous stops.

Before booking, check entry rules for your passport. Citizens of participating Visa Waiver Program countries generally need an electronic passport and approved ESTA authorization for tourism or business stays of up to 90 days; other travellers may need a visa. Apply through the official U.S. government website and confirm your passport validity requirements before departure.

Use Hello’s trip planning tools to group flights, accommodation, attraction bookings, and driving days in one itinerary. Keep confirmation numbers and emergency contacts accessible offline. The U.S. uses U.S. dollars (USD), and taxes are often added at checkout rather than included in displayed prices, so allow a little extra room in your budget.

Transport depends heavily on the destination. New York, Washington, D.C., Chicago, Boston, and San Francisco are easiest without a car, thanks to extensive public transport. In many other places—including Los Angeles, Orlando, Arizona, and much of the national-park country—a rental car is the most practical option.

For long distances, compare domestic flights with intercity trains and buses. Amtrak is particularly scenic on routes such as the California Zephyr, while regional rail works well in the Northeast. Book flights early for popular holiday periods, and remember that checked baggage, seat selection, and airport transfers may cost extra.

If driving, check parking rules carefully, allow generous time for traffic, and never underestimate distances shown on a map. Fuel is sold by the gallon, speed limits are posted in miles per hour, and laws vary by state. Download offline maps before heading into remote areas. Hello eSIM helps you stay connected without roaming charges when you buy and activate it before landing, making navigation and ride bookings easier.

American food culture is wonderfully regional. Try New York pizza and bagels, New Orleans gumbo and jambalaya, Texas barbecue, Southern fried chicken, Maine lobster rolls, California tacos, and Pacific Northwest seafood. Farmers’ markets and food halls are often excellent ways to sample local specialties without committing to a formal restaurant.

Tipping is customary in sit-down restaurants, bars, taxis, salons, and for many hotel services. In restaurants, a tip of around 15–20% before tax is common for good service, though check whether a service charge has already been added. Prices on menus often exclude sales tax, which varies by state and city.

Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted, but carry a small amount of cash for markets, roadside stops, or small tips. Use Hello’s budget tracking to record spending in USD, and expense splitting to settle shared meals, fuel, and accommodation with travel companions.

From Yellowstone’s geothermal basins to Zion’s red cliffs, the United States offers extraordinary outdoor travel. Popular parks can become crowded, especially in summer, so check the official National Park Service website before setting out. Some parks, roads, trails, campgrounds, and shuttle systems require advance reservations or timed entry, and availability can change by season.

Reserve campsites and popular tours early, then create a backup plan in case of closures, storms, or full parking areas. Start hikes early to avoid heat and crowds, carry more water than expected, and follow wildlife rules—animals such as bears and bison are powerful and unpredictable. Mobile coverage can disappear quickly, so download maps and tell someone your route.

Park entrance fees, parking, guided activities, and accommodation can add up. Include them in your Hello budget, and check whether an annual or multi-park pass makes sense for your itinerary. Leave no trace, stay on marked trails, and pack out everything you bring in.