The United States is one of the most diverse travel destinations on earth — a vast country of extraordinary contrasts, from the skyscrapers of New York City and the neon of Las Vegas to the wilderness of Yellowstone, the red rock canyons of Utah, the beaches of Hawaii, and the jazz clubs of New Orleans. The USA has something for every traveller — world-class cities, extraordinary national parks, iconic road trips, and a culture that is endlessly fascinating.
Getting There & Entry
UK, EU, Australian, and most Western European citizens can enter the USA under the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA — apply online at least 72 hours before travel, $21, valid for 2 years). Canadian citizens do not need an ESTA. All visitors must have a valid passport. New York JFK, Los Angeles LAX, Chicago O'Hare, and Miami International are the main international hubs. The USA uses the US Dollar (USD). The USA is expensive by global standards — budget $150–250/day for a comfortable trip in major cities. Tipping is mandatory in restaurants (18–20%), bars (15–20%), and taxis (15–20%). The USA drives on the right.
New York City
New York City is one of the greatest cities in the world — a city of extraordinary energy, culture, and ambition. The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island (take the ferry from Battery Park — the most iconic experience in New York, $24) are essential. The Metropolitan Museum of Art (the finest art museum in the Western Hemisphere — free with suggested donation, $30) is unmissable. Central Park (843 acres of green space in the heart of Manhattan — the most famous park in the world) is extraordinary. The Brooklyn Bridge (walk across for extraordinary views of the Manhattan skyline) is iconic. Times Square (the most visited tourist attraction in the world — overwhelming, neon-lit, and unmissable) is essential. The High Line (an elevated park on a disused railway line in the Meatpacking District — the finest urban park in America) is beautiful. The 9/11 Memorial and Museum (the most moving memorial in the USA — the two reflecting pools in the footprints of the Twin Towers) is essential.
National Parks & Road Trips
The USA has 63 national parks — the finest collection of protected wilderness in the world. The Grand Canyon (Arizona — one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, 277 miles long and 1 mile deep — the most awe-inspiring landscape in the USA) is essential. Yellowstone (Wyoming — the world's first national park, with extraordinary geysers, hot springs, and wildlife — bison, wolves, and grizzly bears) is unmissable. Yosemite (California — the most beautiful valley in the USA — El Capitan, Half Dome, and Yosemite Falls) is extraordinary. Zion and Bryce Canyon (Utah — extraordinary red rock canyons and hoodoos) are the finest in the Southwest. The Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1 — the most scenic road trip in the USA, from San Francisco to Los Angeles along the California coast) is the finest road trip in America. Route 66 (from Chicago to Los Angeles — the most iconic road trip in the world) is the most atmospheric.
Other Great US Destinations
New Orleans (Louisiana — the most unique city in the USA — jazz, Creole cuisine, the French Quarter, and Mardi Gras) is the most atmospheric. San Francisco (California — the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, Fisherman's Wharf, and the finest food scene in the USA) is extraordinary. Las Vegas (Nevada — the most surreal city in the world — the Strip, the casinos, and the extraordinary shows) is unmissable. Miami (Florida — South Beach, Art Deco architecture, the Everglades, and the finest nightlife in the USA) is excellent. Hawaii (the most beautiful archipelago in the USA — Maui, the Big Island, and Kauai are the finest islands) is extraordinary. Chicago (Illinois — the finest architecture in the USA, deep-dish pizza, and the Art Institute) is excellent. The USA has a vast domestic airline network — Southwest, Delta, United, and American Airlines connect all major cities.
