USA
Your Ultimate Guide to Exploring the USA (United States of America) with The Travel Tinker!
Get ready to pack your bags and start planning! This is your go-to spot for everything you need to know about travelling the USA. Whether you’re picturing those classic road trips across endless deserts, want to feel the energy of bustling cities, or long to uncover those tucked-away places only locals know about, we’re here to make it happen.
Think of this page as your travel buddy, sharing practical tips, highlighting the absolute must-see destinations, and dishing out all the inspiration you need to design the American adventure you’ve always wanted.
Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit the USA depends on where you want to go and what experience you’re after. Here’s a quick seasonal breakdown:
Spring (March-May): Warm temperatures and blooming flowers make it perfect for national parks and outdoor activities, with fewer crowds and great deals.
Summer (June-August): Ideal for road trips and vibrant festivals. Expect hot weather, especially in the South. Book accommodations early for popular spots.
Fall (September-November): Stunning fall foliage in the Northeast and mild weather make it great for hiking and sightseeing.
Winter (December-February): Enjoy holiday magic in December. Winter sports abound in snowy regions like Colorado, while the South offers a sunny escape from the cold.
What To Expect
Capital: Washington D.C.
Population: 341 million (2023)
Language: The United States does not have an official language. English is the most widely used language in the U.S., and some states designate it as their official language.
Currency: The official currency in the USA is the Dollar. £1 GBP is around $1.26 or €1 is $1.08. Check the latest rates here
Credit Cards & ATMs: You can pay for almost anything with your credit or debit card in the USA. There are plenty of ATMs as well, and most machines will accept Mastercard and Visa. A lot of places will now also accept contactless payments like Apple Pay or Google pay.
Plugs: The plugs in the USA are type A and B. The standard voltage is 120 V, and the standard frequency is 60Hz. I recommend buying a universal adapter
Safety: The USA is generally a safe destination for solo travellers, but you should always stay aware of your surroundings and err on the side of caution. In bigger cities, theft can be common, and if you’re renting or driving a car around, always be sure to lock up your valuables.
Travel Guides
Below you will find guides on places in the USA and reasons to visit the USA
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Top 5 Things to See and Do in the USA
The USA is blessed with some of the world’s most epic national parks. You have the rugged peaks of Yellowstone, the otherworldly desert landscapes of Arches, the vastness of the Grand Canyon…the list goes on!
The Big Apple needs little introduction. Feel the buzz of Times Square, wander through Central Park, catch a Broadway show, and devour world-class food. It’s the city that never sleeps for a reason!
3. Soak Up the Sun and Fun in Florida:
From the thrills of Disney World and Universal Studios to the endless beaches of Miami and the Florida Keys, there’s something for everyone in the Sunshine State.
4. Road Trip Along the Iconic Pacific Coast Highway:
Rent a convertible and cruise along California’s Highway 1. Stunning ocean views, charming beach towns, and towering redwood forests await. Keep an eye out for whales!
5. Discover the Soul of the South:
Explore historic cities like Charleston or Savannah, tap your toes to live music in Nashville, or savor mouthwatering barbecue in Memphis. Southern hospitality is a real thing!
USA Travel Costs
Accommodation
- Hostel Dorms – $25–60 / €23–55 / £20–48
- Hostel Private Rooms – $60–150 / €55–140 / £48–120
- Budget Hotels – $80–200 / €75–185 / £65–160
- Airbnb Private Rooms – $70–180 / €65–165 / £55–145
- Airbnb Apartments – $120+ / €110+ / £100+
- Campsites (National Parks, Rural Areas) – $15–50 / €14–45 / £12–40
Transportation
- Local Bus or Subway Ticket (NYC, LA, Chicago, etc.) – $2–3.50 / €1.85–3.25 / £1.60–2.80
- City Transport Day Pass (Unlimited Rides) – $5–15 / €4.50–14 / £4–12
- Intercity Bus (NYC to Washington DC) – $20–60 / €18–55 / £16–48
- Amtrak Train (LA to San Francisco) – $50–150 / €45–140 / £40–120
- Taxi (per mile) – $2–5 / €1.85–4.65 / £1.60–4
- Car Rental (per day) – $40–100 / €37–92 / £32–80
Food
- Budget Meal (Fast Food, Food Trucks, Diner) – $5–15 / €5–14 / £4–12
- Mid-Range Restaurant Meal – $15–40 / €14–37 / £12–32
- Coffee – $3–6 / €3–5.50 / £2.50–5
- Beer (0.5L local draft) – $5–10 / €5–9 / £4–8
Activities
- National Park Entry (Yosemite, Grand Canyon, etc.) – $15–35 / €14–32 / £12–28
- Museum Entry (Smithsonian Museums are Free!) – $10–30 / €9–28 / £8–24
- Guided Tours (NYC, San Francisco, Washington DC, etc.) – $50–150 / €45–140 / £40–120
- Theme Parks (Disney, Universal, etc.) – $100–180 / €92–165 / £80–150
- Boat Tours (Statue of Liberty, Chicago River, etc.) – $30–100 / €28–92 / £24–80
- Hiking & Outdoor Activities (Free in most places!)
USA Suggested Budgets
Backpacker – $50–80 / €46–74 / £40–65 Per Day
A backpacking budget allows you to stay in hostel dorms, use public transportation, and eat at affordable diners or fast-food chains. Free and low-cost activities include exploring national parks, visiting free museums (like the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C.), and walking tours in cities.
- If you plan to drink, add $5–15 (€4.50–14 / £4–12) per day.
- Save more by booking budget hostels in advance, using bus passes, and taking advantage of happy hour deals for food and drinks.
Midrange – $150–250 / €140–230 / £120–200 Per Day
A mid-range budget includes a private room in a budget hotel or Airbnb, meals at mid-range restaurants, and entry to paid attractions like museums or guided city tours.
- This budget also covers short taxi or Uber rides, intercity buses, and occasional car rentals for day trips.
- A balance between comfort and affordability while visiting top US destinations.
Upscale – $350+ / €320+ / £280+ Per Day
A luxury budget ensures a stay in high-end hotels, fine dining, private tours, and premium experiences like Broadway shows in NYC, helicopter tours in Las Vegas, or wine tasting in Napa Valley.
- This budget also covers first-class domestic flights, private transportation, and VIP access to attractions.
- Experience the USA’s top cities, luxury resorts, and exclusive activities in full comfort.
USA Money-Saving Tips
The USA is one of the most expensive travel destinations, but with the right strategy, you can explore the country without breaking the bank. Here’s how to save money while traveling across the States:
1 – Bring a Reusable Water Bottle – Tap water in the USA is safe to drink in most areas, so avoid paying for bottled water by carrying a reusable bottle. Many cities have free public water fountains in parks and airports.
2 – Take Free Walking Tours – Many major cities, including New York, San Francisco, and Washington D.C., offer free walking tours. They’re a great way to explore, but don’t forget to tip your guide!
3 – Cook Your Own Meals – Eating out in the USA can be expensive, so if you have access to a kitchen, shop at grocery stores like Walmart, Trader Joe’s, or Aldi and cook your own meals to save money.
4 – Use Couchsurfing or Budget Stays – Hotels in the USA are pricey, but you can save by staying in hostels, using Couchsurfing, or booking budget motels and Airbnbs.
5 – Stay in Hostels or Budget Motels – Major cities have affordable hostels from Hostelworld, while road trippers can stay in budget motel chains like Motel 6 or Super 8, which offer cheap nightly rates. Use Booking.com for Hotels.
6 – Walk or Use Public Transport – Many cities like New York, Chicago, and Washington D.C. have excellent public transport. Get a metro card or day pass instead of using taxis or Ubers.
7 – Use Budget Buses for Intercity Travel – Instead of expensive flights, take budget buses like Greyhound, Megabus, or FlixBus to travel between cities for as low as $10–20 (€9–18 / £8–16).
8 – Take Advantage of Free Attractions – Many of the USA’s top attractions are free, including national museums in Washington D.C., beaches in California, and scenic hikes in national parks.
9 – Get a National Parks Pass – If you’re visiting multiple national parks, buy the America the Beautiful Pass for $80 (€74 / £65) to get unlimited entry to all parks for a year instead of paying per park.
10 – Travel Off-Season – Flights, hotels, and attractions are cheaper in winter (except around Christmas and New Year’s) and during the shoulder seasons (spring & fall).
How to Get Around in the USA
The USA is a massive country with varied transportation options, from budget-friendly buses to high-speed domestic flights. Whether you’re exploring cities, road-tripping, or flying coast to coast, here’s how to navigate the USA efficiently and affordably.
Walking
- In major cities like New York, San Francisco, and Chicago, walking is the best way to explore downtown areas and neighborhoods.
- However, suburban and rural areas are not pedestrian-friendly, so you’ll likely need public transport or a car.
Public Transportation
Public transit varies by city—some have excellent systems, while others are limited.
- New York City – Subway fare is $2.90 (€2.70 / £2.30) per ride, or you can get an unlimited weekly pass for $34 (€32 / £27).
- San Francisco (BART, Muni, Cable Cars) – A bus/tram ticket costs $2.50–$3 (€2.30–2.80 / £2–2.40), while cable cars are $8 (€7.50 / £6.50) per ride.
- Washington, D.C. (Metro) – Base fare starts at $2 (€1.85 / £1.60), increasing based on distance.
- Chicago (L Train, CTA Buses) – A one-way ticket is $2.50 (€2.30 / £2), with day passes available.
- Use BusBud for discounted fares.
Cities with limited public transport (Los Angeles, Houston, Miami, etc.) rely more on cars and ride-sharing.
Airport Transfers
- Shuttle buses and trains are the cheapest options from major airports.
- Example: JFK to Manhattan – The AirTrain + Subway costs $11 (€10 / £8.50), while a taxi/Uber can cost $70–100 (€65–92 / £60–80).
- Recommended Airport Transfer: Welcome Pickups
Taxis & Ride-Sharing
- Taxis (metered rates vary by city) – Starting fares range from $2.50–$5 (€2.30–4.60 / £2–4), with additional charges per mile.
- Uber & Lyft – These are cheaper than taxis in most cities and available in all major urban areas.
Buses & Intercity Travel
Buses are the cheapest way to travel between cities, but journeys can be long.
- Budget bus companies – Greyhound, Megabus, and FlixBus offer affordable fares, starting at $10–30 (€9–28 / £8–24) for short routes.
- Example Routes:
- New York to Washington, D.C. – $25–60 (€23–55 / £20–48), 4–5 hours.
- Los Angeles to San Francisco – $30–80 (€28–75 / £25–65), 7–9 hours.
Trains
- Amtrak trains are comfortable but often more expensive than buses.
- High-speed train (Acela Express, Northeast Corridor) – New York to Washington, D.C.: $100–200 (€92–185 / £80–160), 3 hours.
- Standard trains (longer routes) – Example: Chicago to Los Angeles: $150–400 (€140–370 / £120–320), 40+ hours.
- Use Trainline for Discounted Fares.
Car Rental & Road Trips
- Renting a car is the best way to explore national parks, small towns, and scenic routes.
- Prices start at $40–100 (€37–92 / £32–80) per day, but insurance and fuel add extra costs.
- Best for: Road trips (Route 66, California Coast, National Parks).
- Recommended Car Rental: DiscoverCars USA
Domestic Flights
- Flying is the fastest way to travel long distances, with low-cost carriers like Southwest, JetBlue, and Spirit offering cheap tickets.
- Example fares:
- Los Angeles to New York – $150–400 (€140–370 / £120–320), 6 hours.
- Chicago to Miami – $80–250 (€75–230 / £65–200), 3 hours.
Cycling
- Bike-friendly cities – Portland, San Francisco, New York, and Washington, D.C.
- Bike rentals & bike-share programs – CitiBike (NYC), Divvy (Chicago), Lyft Bikes (multiple cities).
- Daily rental costs range from $10–30 (€9–28 / £8–24).
The best way to travel in the USA depends on your itinerary. For cities, use public transport. For cross-country trips, buses or flights are better, while renting a car is best for exploring national parks.
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