USA
From New York skyscrapers to national park wonders and legendary highways: everything you need to plan your USA trip.
Our Guide to the USA
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Flair
Vast, iconic, and full of possibilities.
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Best Time to Visit
Varies a lot by region — spring and fall work almost everywhere.
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Trip Length
Plan at least two to three weeks to do one region justice.
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Currency
US dollars — a credit card is absolutely essential here.
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Tipping
18–22% is the norm at restaurants. Budget for it — it's not optional.
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Getting Around
For road trips, a rental car or camper is a must.
Getting Your Bearings
The USA is located in North America between Canada to the north and Mexico to the south. It’s made up of 50 states — though two of them are a bit removed from the rest: Hawaii sits in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, and Alaska is tucked into the far northwest, bordering Canada.
Size-wise, the USA ranks among the three largest countries on earth, right behind Russia and Canada. It also ranks 3rd by population — trailing only India and China.
What makes the USA so endlessly fascinating for travelers is its incredibly diverse landscape. Out west, mountains drop straight down to the coastline. In the north, dramatic peaks rise up between enormous lakes. And in the south, vast plains seem to stretch on forever.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much time do I need for a USA vacation?
It really depends on what you want to see and do. In general: the more time you have, the better.
For one of the major cities, plan on at least 3 days — ideally a bit more, since arrival and departure days never count for much.
For a road trip, you’ll need significantly more time. Driving Route 66, for example, takes around 10–12 days.
If you want to combine cities and national parks, count on three to four weeks. The longer you stay, the more of the USA you’ll actually get to experience.
How safe is the USA for travelers?
The USA is a very safe destination overall. Petty theft can happen, as in any major tourist destination, but as long as you keep an eye on your belongings you’ll be absolutely fine.
That said, most big cities do have a few neighborhoods that are better avoided after dark — a little common sense goes a long way.
