Everything You Need to Know Before You Travel to the USA

Destination Information

The United States of America, USA, is a vast and diverse nation located in North America. The nation is a cultural melting pot, with a population representing a tapestry of influences from across the globe. The USA’s climate is equally diverse, offering arid deserts in the southwest and snowy winters in the northeast.

The USA operates as a federal republic with a democratic system of government, comprising 50 states and a capital district. It ranks among the world’s largest economies, driven by industries in technology, finance, entertainment, and more. American pop culture, including music, movies, and fashion, has had a significant global impact and continues to shape international trends.

Interesting Facts

The United States is known for many innovations, including the internet, the light bulb, and the airplane.
The United States is home to some of the world’s most famous national parks, including Yellowstone, the first national park in the world, and the Grand Canyon.
The United States is a leading destination for international students, with numerous prestigious universities and colleges attracting students from around the world.
The bald eagle is the national bird and symbol of the United States of America, representing freedom and strength.

States

International Airports

Population (Million)

Trip Planning

When to Visit

Best Time
The best time to travel in the US is during spring (late March to late May) or autumn (late September to late October). Since these are the seasons before and after summer (peak time), these months have milder temperatures as well as fewer visitors in the most popular destinations.

Peak Time
Summer months from May to September are considered the peak time for tourists to visit the country.

Cheapest Time
The cheapest months to travel to the United States are February and October, on average.

Most Expensive Time
The first and second most expensive months to travel to the United States are December and July, on average.

Major Holidays

January
New Year’s Day: January 1
Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Third Monday

February
Groundhog Day: February 2
Valentine’s Day: February 14
Presidents’ Day: Third Monday

March
St. Patrick’s Day: March 17

April
April Fool’s Day: April 1
Easter: Dates Vary
Earth Day: April 22

May
Cinco de May: May 5
Mother’s Day: Second Sunday
Memorial Day: Last Monday

June
Father’s Day: Third Sunday

July
Independence Day: July 4

August

September
Labor Day: First Monday

October
Columbus Day: Second Monday
Halloween: October 31

November
Veteran’s Day: November 11
Thanksgiving: Fourth Thursday
Black Friday: Friday after Thanksgiving
Cyber Monday: Monday after Thanksgiving

December
Christmas: December 25
New Year’s Eve: December 31
Hanukkah: Dates Vary
Kwanzaa: December 26 to January 1

Weather

Spring (March to May)
– Marks the transition from winter to summer
– Milder temperatures & gradual return of vegetation
– Excellent time for outdoor activities and enjoying blooming landscapes

Summer (June to August)
– Warm to hot temperatures in many areas (especially in the Southern & Central regions)
– Northern states and coastal areas often have more temperate weather
– Peak season for travel & outdoor events, with long days and plenty of sunshine
– Some areas, such as the Southwest, can experience scorching heat

Fall/Autumn (September to November)
– Autumn is a favorite season for many, as the foliage changes color in the Northern states, with stunning display of reds, yellows, & oranges
– Temperatures start to cool down, making it a pleasant time for travel
– Known for harvest festivals & outdoor activities like hiking

Winter (December to February)
– Northern states & mountainous regions experience cold temperatures & snowfall, ideal for winter sports
– Southern states generally have milder winters, but can still experience chilly weather & occasional snow or ice storms
– Southwestern deserts, like Arizona & Nevada, remain relatively mild
– Northern Midwest and the Northeastern US are known for their snowy & cold winters

Hurricane & Tornado Seasons
– Hurricane season typically occurs from June to November, with the Gulf Coast, Atlantic Coast, and parts of the Southeastern US at risk
– Tornado season typically occurs from March to June and are most common in the Central US, particularly in the region known as “Tornado Alley,” which includes parts of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Nebraska

Country Details

United States of America
Capital City: Washington DC
Official Language: 78% English, 13% Spanish
Country Code: US
Calling Code: +1
Emergency Numbers: 911 (Police, Medical, Fire)
Currency: USD (United States Dollar)
States & Regions: 50 states & 4 regions

Regions

Northeast Region
Known for its rich history, major cities like New York and Boston, and a mix of urban and rural landscapes. It’s also home to beautiful coastal areas and the Appalachian Mountains.

New England States: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont
Mid-Atlantic States: Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania

Midwest Region
Characterized by its agricultural productivity, the Great Lakes, and the vast prairies of the “Corn Belt.” Major cities like Chicago, Detroit, and Minneapolis are located in this region.

Heartland States: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Wisconsin

West Region
Known for its diverse geography, including the Rocky Mountains, the Pacific coastline, deserts, and national parks. Major cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle are found in the West.

Mountain States: Arkansas, Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming
Pacific States: California, Hawaii, Oregon, Washington

Southeast Region
Famous for its warm climate, hospitality, and cultural diversity. It includes major cities like Atlanta, New Orleans, and Miami, as well as diverse landscapes from the Gulf Coast to the Appalachian Mountains.

Deep South States: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas
South Atlantic States: North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia

Airlines, Alliances & Hubs

American Airlines (AA)
Alliance: One World
Hubs:
CLT – Charlotte, South Carolina
DFW – Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas
JFK – New York, New York
LAX – Los Angeles, California
MIA – Miami, Florida
ORD – Chicago O’Hare, Illinois
PHL – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
PHX – Phoenix, Arizona

Alaska Airlines (AS)
Alliance: One World
Hubs:
ANC – Anchorage, Alaska
PDX – Portland, Oregon
LAX – Los Angeles, California
SEA – Seattle, Washington
SFO – San Francisco, California

Delta Airlines (DL)
Alliance: Sky Team
Hubs:
ATL – Atlanta, Georgia
DTW – Detroit, Michigan
JFK – New York, New York
LAX – Los Angeles, California
MSP – Minneapolis, Minnesota
SEA – Seattle, Washington
SLC – Salt Lake City, Utah

JetBlue (B6) Airways
Alliance: No Alliance, but has partners
Hubs:
BOS – Boston, Massachusetts
FLL – Fort Lauderdale, Florida
JFK – New York, New York
LGB – Long Beach, California
MCO – Orlando, Florida

Southwest (WN) Airlines
Alliance: No Alliance, but has partners
Hubs:
ATL – Atlanta, Georgia
BWI – Baltimore, Maryland
DAL – Dallas, Texas
DEN – Denver, Colorado
HOU – Houston, Texas
LAS – Las Vegas, Nevada
MDW – Chicago, Illinois
MSI – St. Louis, Missouri

United Airlines (UA)
Alliance: Star Alliance
Hubs:
DEN – Denver, Colorado
EWR – Newark, New Jersey
IAD – Washington, D.C.
IAH – Houston, Texas
LAX – Los Angeles, California
SFO – San Francisco, California

FAQs

Do I need a visa to travel to the USA?
The need for a visa depends on your nationality and the purpose or length of your visit. To find out, check the U.S. Department of State website’s visa section here or by contacting the U.S. embassy or consulate in your country.

Is it customary to tip in the USA?
Yes, tipping is a common practice in the United States. It’s customary to tip service staff in restaurants, hotels, and other service industries. The typical tip ranges from 15% to 20% of the bill.

What is the legal drinking age in the USA?
The legal drinking age in the United States is 21. It is enforced throughout the country.

Do I need to rent a car to get around the USA?
Whether you need to rent a car depends on your destination and travel plans. In major cities, like New York City, San Francisco and Boston, public transportation is often available, but in more rural or less densely populated areas, a car may be necessary. One major city that does offer public transportation is Los Angeles, however, with the size of the city and how far places are from one another, we recommend skipping the public transport and renting a car.

What side of the road do people drive on in the USA?
People drive on the right side of the road. This means that the driver’s seat is on the left side of the vehicle, and vehicles move in the right-hand lane on multi-lane roads. Additionally, the steering wheel of vehicles in the U.S. is located on the left side of the car.

What is the legal age to rent a car in the USA?
The legal age in the United States is 25 with a valid license from your home country. This policy can vary depending on the company you are renting from, so be sure to check with them directly on any other legal requirements for international drivers.

Are there specific travel restrictions or regulations I should be aware of for the USA?
Travel regulations can change, especially during public health emergencies or political conflicts. Check the latest travel advisories, entry requirements, and health and safety guidelines for your destination on the U.S. Department of State website’s travel advisories section here.

What is a “resort fee,” and when do I have to pay it?
Some hotels (especially in Las Vegas) charge a daily resort fee in addition to the room rate. This fee can cover amenities like Wi-Fi, pool access, and fitness facilities. Resort fees are not typically included in the advertised nightly rate when booking accommodations, so it is important to be aware of these hidden resort fees prior to confirming your reservations. Make sure to check by carefully viewing the itemized charges, reading the fine print, or contacting the hotel/resort before confirming your reservations.

What is the general etiquette when greeting someone in the USA?
A firm handshake, direct eye contact, and a friendly smile are common when meeting someone for the first time. It’s also customary to address people by their first names once introduced.