The United States of America is an incredibly large and diverse country. There is something for everyone here! This USA travel guide will dive in to the various states, national parks, and small corners that you can explore!
Choose a state to explore or head over here for every single USA post on the blog!
Why Visit the USA?
Due to the incredibly diverse geography and population, there is something for everyone here! Snow-capped mountains, barren deserts, and clear blue waters are waiting to be explored.
The United States is the third largest country in the world, when measured by land area. Because of this, the climate and landscape varies a lot from coast to coast.
Some regional highlights include:
- The dry deserts of the California and New Mexico
- The cactus-covered landscape in Arizona
- The many bridges of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- The tropical landscapes in Puerto Rico and Florida
After nine cross country road trips, I’ve visited roughly 40 of the 50 states. It would take more than a lifetime to write about everything to see in the USA!
How Can I Visit the USA as a Tourist?
Iβm not going to lie β the United States of America is one of the more difficult countries to visit for many nationalities, even as a tourist.
Foreign nationals traveling to the United States for tourism needs a visitor visa (B-2). Very few countries qualify for the Visa Waiver Program.
Check your eligibility here.
Be aware: Visas are often required even for simply transiting through United States airports. Definitely check your specific requirements for flights, land borders, and cruises.
Language in the USA
The official language in the USA is English. In the southern states, Spanish is fairly common, too.
Top USA Travel Resources:
One Day in Joshua Tree National Park
Solo Female Travel in California
The Best New Mexico Road Trip Itinerary
A Complete Guide To Valley of Fire State Park
Desert Hiking Essentials for the American Southwest
The Best Sedona 3 Day Itinerary
Currency in the USA
The currency in the United States is the US Dollar, or USD (check current conversion rates here.)
United States of America Travel Tips
When is the best time to visit the USA?
This largely depends on which region you wish to visit.
However, this is also the most popular time to visit the islands, so prices may be at their peak. Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons if possible, in May or September.
French Polynesiaβs rainy season runs from November through April, so you’ll likely to run into humid and rainy conditions during these months. However, in my experience, the rain often falls for a short time before sunny skies prevail again.
What are the best things to do in the USA?
My personal favorite places to explore in the United States are the deserts and the tropics. Some of my favorite experiences in the United States have been:
- Spending time in the odd and peaceful Joshua Tree desert
- Hiking White Sands National Park‘s vast dunes
- Exploring the cactus-studded city of Phoenix, AZ
- The beautiful jagged coast of Malibu
- Visiting mangroves and manatees on Peanut Island, Florida
Transportation
Getting There: All international visitors have a plethora of options when flying in. You will likely land in a large city, such as Los Angeles, Miami, New York, or similar, depending on your flight path.
Getting Around: Unless you are staying with a city that has great public transportation, I highly recommend renting a car. In fact, in many areas, a car is necessary! Another option when traveling state to state is to consider using the extensive bus system or the Amtrak trains.
Accommodations
Because of the sheer size of America, itβs difficult to pinpoint exact costs. Prices you will find in Los Angeles will differ greatly than those you will find in rural Ohio.
For camping, expect anywhere from 0$ β $25 per night. Hostels are not widely available across the United States. However, I usually get the best prices for hotels and guesthouses here. For hotels, though it varies from country to city, expect prices to range from $80 β $200 per night (and of course higher for boutique or luxury stays).
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Food
If you are on a budget vacation, consider purchasing food from the grocery store to prepare (and be sure to book a room with a kitchen). Grocery stores in the USA offer a mind-boggling selection in most cases, from fresh organic vegetables to processed cereals. This is certainly the cheapest way to eat.
Buying food at restaurants can typically cost anywhere between $5-$30 (and again, of course much more expensive if you are going fancy.) It is worth noting that portions are often quite large and can easily last for two meals, depending on your appetite! It is also common here to take-away whatever you don’t finish for later.
At sit-down restaurants in the USA, tipping is expected. Servers usually make below minimum wage and supplement that income with tips.
USA Travel Guide Collection
Essential Gear for the United States
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Need more Arizona content to inspire your trip? Check out these posts!
Sedona Resources:
- One Day in Sedona Itinerary
- A Phoenix to Sedona Drive: What to See on Your Trip
- Planning the Perfect Sedona Weekend Getaway
- Easy Hikes in Sedona
- A Sedona 3 Day Itinerary
- 15 Unique Things to Do in Sedona
- A Flagstaff to Sedona Drive
Phoenix Resources:
- Where to See the Saguaro Cactus in Phoenix
- A One Day in Phoenix Itinerary
- Things to Do in Phoenix, Arizona
- The Best Day Trips from Phoenix
- Hole in the Rock Hike in Papago Park, Phoenix
- What is the Closest Beach to Phoenix? 21+ Best Options
Tucson Resources:
- Things to do in Tucson Arizona
- A Complete Guide to Saguaro National Park
- The Best Hiking Trails in Saguaro National Park
Arizona Resources:
Explore More National & State Parks in the Southwest!
California Parks:
- One Day in Death Valley: What Not To Miss!
- Joshua Tree to Death Valley: A 7 Day Itinerary
- National Parks Near Los Angeles
- One Day in Joshua Tree National Park
- The Best Hikes in Joshua Tree National Park
- The Best Joshua Tree Sunrise Hikes and Locations
- The Best Joshua Tree National Park Photo Spots
- All About the Joshua Tree: A Mojave Desert Staple
- 10 Tips for Visiting Joshua Tree National Park
- Five Drawbacks of Visiting Joshua Tree National Park
- Red Rock Canyon State Park, CA: Desert Hiking and Camping
- A Complete Guide to Anza Borrego Desert State Park
- Anza Borrego Desert State Park Hikes You Cannot Miss!
- Visiting Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park
- The Mojave National Preserve: Things to Do and See
- A Complete Guide to Visiting Sequoia National Park
- Things to Do in Sequoia National Park
Arizona Parks:
Nevada Parks:
- Valley of Fire State Park Nevada: A Complete Guide
- Hiking the Fire Wave Trail
- National Parks Near Las Vegas
Other Park Resources:
Looking for more New Mexico planning resources? Check out these posts!
- Things To Do in White Sands National Park
- The Best New Mexico Road Trip Itinerary
- The Best Hot Springs Near Santa Fe
- Visiting the Bisti Badlands De Na Zin Wilderness Area
- Visiting Aztec Ruins National Monument
- Albuquerque to Santa Fe Road Trip Things To See
- The Best National Parks in the Southwestern USA