United States
Travel guide & places to visit in North and Central America
- Capital
- Washington
- Currency
- US Dollar (USD)
- Language
- English (de facto), Spanish (13% of population)
- Best time
- April, May, September
About United States
Largest economy globally ($25.5T GDP). Tech, finance, healthcare, military, entertainment, agriculture. Cultural superpower.
Geography
Area: 9,833,517 sq km
- • Varies enormously: arctic Alaska to tropical Hawaii
- • Continental interior: hot summers, cold winters
- • Mediterranean in California
- • Subtropical in Southeast
Government
Type: constitutional federal republic
Capital: Washington, D.C.
Economy
GDP: $25.46 trillion
Per Capita: $76,300
Demographics
Population: 339,996,563
Languages: English (de facto), Spanish (13% of population)
Religions: Protestant 42%, Catholic 21%, Mormon 2%, Jewish 1%, Muslim 1%, none 26%
Explore United States's Regions
Discover 50 distinct regions, each with unique landscapes and culture.
Major Cities in United States
Explore 50 cities with unique attractions and experiences.
Places to Visit
nationalpark
Petrified Forest National Park
United States
Ocean Drive
United States
waterfall
Shoshone Falls
United States
waterfall
Kaaterskill Falls
United States
Ferry Building Marketplace
United States
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
United States
Travel Essentials
Contact & Emergency
Phone Code: +1
Currency: US Dollar (USD)
universal: 911
Practical Info
Electricity: 120V / 60Hz / Type A, B
Driving: Right
Water: Safe to drink
Tipping
- • 15-20% in restaurants (mandatory culture)
- • $1-2 per drink at bars
- • 15-20% for taxi/rideshare
- • $2-5 per night for hotel housekeeping
- • $1-2 per bag for bellhops
When to Visit United States
Best Months
April, May, September, October
Peak Season
Jun-Aug (summer vacations), Dec (holidays)
Off Season
Jan-Mar (except ski resorts), Nov
- Jan
NFL playoffs, ski season peak
- Apr
Cherry blossoms in Washington DC
- Jul
Independence Day (Jul 4)
- Oct
Fall foliage in New England, Halloween
- Nov
Thanksgiving
Top Destinations in United States
- 1New York City
- 2Grand Canyon
- 3San Francisco & Golden Gate
- 4Los Angeles & Hollywood
- 5Las Vegas
- 6Yellowstone
- 7Hawaii
- 8Washington DC
- 9Chicago
- 10New Orleans
- 11Miami & South Beach
- 12Yosemite
- 13National Mall
- 14Route 66
- 15Niagara Falls
Cultural Tips
- Tipping is NOT optional — it is how service workers earn their living
- Sales tax is added at checkout (not included in displayed prices)
- Distances are huge — don't try to see NYC and LA in one trip
- Americans are generally friendly and will strike up conversations
- Healthcare is expensive — get travel insurance
- Portions are large — sharing or taking leftovers is normal
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the US cost?
Varies enormously. NYC/SF/LA: $150-300/day. Mid-range cities: $100-200/day. Rural areas: $60-100/day. Tipping adds 15-20% to all dining costs.
Do I need a car?
In most cities outside NYC: yes. NYC has excellent public transit. LA, Houston, Phoenix require driving. National parks require a car. Rent in advance for best prices.
Best region for first-time visitors?
Northeast (NYC + DC + Boston) for culture/history. West Coast (SF + LA + Grand Canyon) for scenery. Both can be done in 10-14 days with internal flights.
What to Buy in United States
Countries Bordering United States - Cross-Border Travel Guide
Plan seamless cross-border travel to countries bordering United States. Discover visa requirements, border crossings, and multi-destination trip opportunities.
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