First Time USA
For more information, see Survival Guide
Checklist
A Check visa requirements for entering the US.
A Find out if you can use your phone in the US and ask about roaming charges.
A Book at least the first few nights of accommodations for your stay.
A Organize travel insurance.
A Inform your debit/credit card company of upcoming travel.
What to Pack
A Passport and driver’s license
A Cell phone (and charger)
A Good walking shoes
A A bathing suit
A A rain jacket or umbrella
A Electrical adapter, if needed
A Pants with a stretchable waistband (to accommodate the generous portions at American restaurants)
Top Tips for Your Trip
A Make an effort to meet the locals. Americans are generally quite friendly, and often happy to share insight into their city.
A If you’re driving, get off the interstates and take the back roads. Some of the best scenery lies on winding country lanes.
A Plan carefully to avoid the worst of the crowds. Visit resort areas, popular restaurants and top sights on weekdays.
A Take photographic ID out to bars; many venues have a policy to check ID for anyone buying alcohol, even if you’re obviously over 21.
A US immigration officers can seem intimidating on arrival at border control. For a swift process, answer all questions fully, politely and calmly.
A Keep in mind that laws and attitudes vary considerably from state to state. What’s legal in Colorado and Washington state, for example (smoking marijuana), is illegal in Texas and South Carolina.
What to Wear
In America just about anything goes, and you’ll rarely feel uncomfortable because of what you’re wearing. That said, it’s worth bringing along dressier attire (smart casual) for dining at nice restaurants, or going to upscale bars or clubs.
Sleeping
There’s a wide variety of sleeping options in the USA.
Hotels Options range from boxy and bland chain hotels to beautifully designed boutique and luxury hotels, with an equally varied price range.
B&Bs These small guesthouses offer a more homey stay (but note that many don’t cater to kids under a certain age).
Motels Cheaper and simpler than most hotels, these are clustered along interstates and sprinkled across rural America.
Hostels A growing network in the US, though still mostly limited to urban areas.
Camping Options range from primitive backcountry spots to full-facility private campgrounds.
Money
While the US can be a pricey place to visit, there are many ways frugal travelers can save some dollars.
A Eat your big meal at lunchtime, when many restaurants offer lunch specials and main courses are much better value for money.
A Many museums have one or more free periods in which to visit (Thursday evening or Sunday morning, for instance).
A Cheaper rental cars often lie just outside of major city centers (Oakland and Jersey City, we’re looking at you).
A Booking online and well ahead of time for buses and trains will get you much lower prices than buying tickets on the spot.
For more information, see Money.
Bargaining
Gentle haggling is common in flea markets; in all other instances you’re expected to pay the stated price.
Tipping
Tipping is not optional; only withhold tips in cases of outrageously bad service.
Airport & hotel porters $2 per bag, minimum per cart $5
Bartenders 15% to 20% per round, minimum per drink $1
Hotel housekeepers $2 to $5 per night, left under the card provided
Restaurant servers 15% to 20%, unless a gratuity is already charged on the bill
Taxi drivers 10% to 15%, rounded up to the next dollar
Valet parking attendants At least $2 on return of the keys
Etiquette
Greeting Don’t be overly physical when greeting someone. Some Americans will hug, urbanites may exchange cheek kisses, but most – especially men – shake hands.
Smoking Don’t assume you can smoke, even if you’re outside. Most Americans have little tolerance for smokers, and smoking has even been banned from many parks, boardwalks and beaches.
Politeness It’s common practice to greet the staff when entering and leaving a shop (‘hello’ and ‘have a nice day’ will do). Also, Americans smile a lot (often a symbol of politeness, nothing more).
Punctuality Do be on time. Many folks in the US consider it rude to be kept waiting.