Why Visit the USA
The USA is one of those rare destinations that genuinely has something for everyone — and means it. You can watch the sun rise over the Manhattan skyline, drive a convertible down Pacific Coast Highway, hike through the Grand Canyon, or eat your way through New Orleans in the same two-week trip. The sheer scale of the country is the whole point. Fifty states, four time zones, and landscapes that swing from arctic tundra to subtropical swamp. No other country on earth packs in this much variety.
Beyond the scenery, the cities are world-class draws in their own right. New York City needs no introduction — it delivers on every cliché and then some. Los Angeles is beaches, culture, and Hollywood glamour. Washington D.C. has some of the best free museums on the planet thanks to the Smithsonian. Chicago punches above its weight on architecture, food, and lakefront living. San Francisco is compact, walkable, and visually stunning. This country rewards both the first-timer chasing landmarks and the repeat visitor who wants to dig deeper into a single region.
Best Time to Visit the USA
Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) are the sweet spots. Temperatures sit between 50–70°F (10–21°C) across most of the country, crowds are thinner, and hotel rates can run 20–30% cheaper than summer peak. Fall in New England is genuinely spectacular if leaf color is your thing. Spring in the South means mild weather before the humidity arrives.
Summer (June to August) is peak season — expect higher prices, packed national parks, and serious heat in the South and Southwest (regularly hitting 95–100°F/35–38°C). It works well for the Pacific Northwest and Alaska, where summer is the only reliable warm window. Winter suits ski destinations like Colorado and Utah, and cities like New York and Chicago have their own charm in December, though you'll need a serious coat. The Southeast hurricane season runs June through November — worth monitoring if you're heading to Florida or the Gulf Coast.
Getting Around the USA
The USA is built for the car. Outside of a handful of cities with decent public transit (New York, Chicago, San Francisco, D.C.), you will need to drive or rely on rideshares to get around efficiently. Renting a car is straightforward and often the best option for road trips, national parks, and anywhere in the South or Midwest. Fuel is cheap by European standards.
For city-to-city travel, domestic flights are usually the fastest and most cost-effective option — book early and use budget carriers like Southwest, Spirit, or Frontier for short hops. Amtrak trains exist but are slow and often delayed on long-distance routes; the Northeast Corridor (Boston–New York–D.C.) is the one exception where the train genuinely makes sense. Greyhound and FlixBus cover budget intercity routes. Uber and Lyft are available in virtually every city and are reliable for getting around once you've landed.
Visa & Entry Requirements
US citizens need only a valid government-issued ID or passport for domestic travel. EU and UK citizens qualify for the Visa Waiver Program, which allows stays of up to 90 days for tourism or business — but you must apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before you fly. Apply online through the official US CBP website. It costs $21, takes minutes to process, and is valid for two years or until your passport expires. Don't skip this — airlines won't let you board without it. All international visitors need a passport valid for at least six months beyond their intended stay.
Money & Budget
The USA runs on the US dollar (USD). Cards are accepted almost everywhere — Visa, Mastercard, contactless, Apple Pay, Google Pay all work without issue in cities. Carry $50–100 in cash for tips, food trucks, farmers markets, or anywhere rural. ATMs are everywhere but often charge foreign transaction fees; notify your bank before you travel and check whether your card has fee-free international withdrawals. Skip the airport currency exchanges — the rates are terrible.
Daily budgets per person excluding flights: Budget travelers can manage on $150–250 USD (hostel beds, public transit, street food and cheap eats). Mid-range runs $250–400 USD — covers a decent hotel, sit-down meals, Ubers, and paid attractions. Luxury starts at $500+ USD and scales fast in cities like New York and LA. Add 20–50% to any estimate if you're spending significant time in NYC or LA; the Midwest and South are noticeably cheaper.
Top Cities to Visit in the USA
- New York City, NY — The loudest, most intense city in the country. Do the classics (Central Park, Brooklyn Bridge, a Broadway show) but leave time to just wander neighborhoods like the West Village or Williamsburg.
- Los Angeles, CA — Sprawling and car-dependent, but worth it for the beaches, year-round sunshine, world-class food, and the unique energy of a city built around entertainment.
- Washington D.C. — The national monuments and the Smithsonian museums (all free) make this one of the best value city breaks in the country. Compact enough to cover on foot.
- Chicago, IL — Stunning architecture, a serious food scene, and Lake Michigan right on the doorstep. Often overlooked by international visitors — don't make that mistake.
- San Francisco, CA — Hilly, foggy, and beautiful. The Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, Mission burritos, and day trips to Napa or Muir Woods make this a strong base for the West Coast.
- New Orleans, LA — Like nowhere else in America. The food, music, and culture are all distinctly its own. Go for Jazz Fest if you can; go any other time if you can't.
FAQ — Flights to the USA
How far in advance should I book flights to the USA?
For transatlantic flights from Europe, booking 6–10 weeks in advance typically gets you competitive fares. Summer and holiday travel (Thanksgiving, Christmas, July 4th) books up fast — aim for 3–4 months out for those periods. Being flexible on departure day by even one or two days can make a significant difference in price.
Which US airport should I fly into?
It depends on where you're headed first. JFK, Newark (EWR), and LAX handle the most international traffic and offer the most direct routes from Europe. For flexibility, flying into one coast and out of the other (an open-jaw ticket) is a smart move if you're planning a longer trip across multiple regions — it saves backtracking and often costs the same or less.
Do I need travel insurance for the USA?
Yes — and this is not optional advice. The US has no public healthcare system for visitors, and medical costs are extraordinarily high. A single emergency room visit can run into thousands of dollars. Make sure your travel insurance includes comprehensive medical cover with a high limit (at least $1 million USD is recommended) before you fly.