Read to Wander? Explore Our United States Travel Guides

The best time to visit depends on your destination and activities. Spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) offer mild weather and fewer crowds, making them ideal for exploring cities and national parks. Summer (June–August) is perfect for beach vacations and festivals but can be crowded and hot. Winter (December–February) is great for skiing in the Rockies or experiencing holiday magic in cities like New York.

I personally love Spring and Fall the most in most areas of the United States. However, The U.S. is so large with so many different types of climate. In South Florida, you won't find Spring or Fall, mostly summer and a few months of not summer. As you can imagine Alaska weather is much different from Hawaiian weather. If you've never been to the United States before, there are a million places to visit. I wouldn't even know where to recommend (I am a U.S. citizen who has traveled a good portion of the states).

The cost of traveling in the U.S. varies greatly by region. Major cities like New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles can be pricey, especially for accommodations and dining. However, many affordable options exist, from budget hotels to free national parks. Road trips and domestic flights can help manage costs depending on your itinerary.

North Carolina is relatively cheap compared to California. South Florida has gotten to be very pricey, whereas the Midwest and South is relatively cheap outside big cities. It really depends on where you're going so say if it's expensive or not. Everything of course is relative to where you live and what you're used to paying.

Visitors from many countries, including those in the Visa Waiver Program, can travel to the U.S. for up to 90 days without a visa but must apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before arrival. Travelers from other countries may need a tourist visa (B-2). Check with the U.S. Department of State for requirements specific to your country.

Packing depends on where and when you’re visiting. If traveling to multiple climates, layers are essential. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for city exploration, while outdoor gear is needed for hiking in national parks. If visiting in winter, pack warm coats, gloves, and boots for northern destinations.

Yes, but you may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) depending on your home country. The U.S. has an extensive highway system, and renting a car is a great way to explore. Be aware that traffic laws vary by state, and in major cities, public transportation may be more convenient than driving.

Some cities are terrible for driving (New York City, Miami, Los Angeles), but most places are pretty easy to get around. We don't have great public transportation outside of larger cities, so driving or flying between destinations is recommended.

Yes, tap water is generally safe to drink throughout the U.S. However, in some rural areas, bottled or filtered water may be a better option. I personally like to filter my water here in the states, although drinking from the faucet is okay in most places I've ever been to.

The U.S. has an incredibly diverse food scene, ranging from regional specialties like Texas barbecue and New England lobster rolls to international cuisines found in cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. Fast food is widely available, but there are also plenty of farm-to-table restaurants, food trucks, and fine dining options.

Southern food is very different, we have great barbecue here. But our barbecue in the states is probably very different from where you're from. It's almost impossible to talk about U.S. food because there are so many different influences from around the world. And yes, we have a lot of fast food here, but I typically avoid eating at these places.

The official currency is the U.S. Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, and ATMs are easy to find. Tipping is customary in restaurants, taxis, and for services like hotel housekeeping and tour guides. The standard tip is 18-20%, which I strongly dislike having visited many countries where tipping is not desired or required.