Welcome to United States

The great American experience is about discovering the people and places who make this vast country such a class travel destination. Whatever you are drawn to – beaches, mountains, art, music, history – it’s here in droves.

Take the all-American road trip along four million miles of highways, through red-rock desert and the Rocky Mountains, through rain forests and along scenic country lanes.

Feel the pulse of buzzing cities like New York, Miami, Chicago and Los Angeles, brimming with art, culture and cuisine. Feel the history along Boston’s Freedom Trail, at Charleston’s Fort Sumter and in New Orleans’ French Quarter.

Gape at the vastness of the Grand Canyon and the bubbling hot springs and massive bison of Yellowstone. Eat everything from Maine lobster to Chicago pizza to Louisiana hush puppies.

Ride a cable car in San Francisco, go whale watching off the Maine coast and mountain bike in Moab. Ski and hike in Telluride and stroll along the beaches of Key West. From sea to shining sea, American is open for discovery.

Unique Facts

• Taller than Mount Everest when measured from the sea floor, Mauna Kea in Hawaii is the tallest mountain in the world. It’s over 32,000 feet high when measured in that manner, while Mount Everest is 29,028 feet high.
• You can visit the Smithsonian Institute Museums for free in Washington, DC, including the National Museum of Natural History, National Museum of American History and National Museum of African American History and Culture.
• Alaska has a longer coastline than all of the other 49 US states put together.
• Manhattan’s Chinatown is the oldest of the nine that are located in the New York metropolitan area (and has the most Chinese residents in the Western Hemisphere). San Francisco’s Chinatown is the oldest in North America.
• The longest cave system in the world is Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky.

Language

No official language. At least 350 different languages are spoken, the top five being English, Spanish, Chinese, French and Tagalog.

When To Go

The best to go to the United States varies depending on what your travel goals are. There are varied seasons in each region. Peak time for tourists if May to September. Consider traveling in the spring or fall.

In general, the northern United States can bring heavy winter snowfall in some areas and summer temperatures that range from warm to very hot, particularly in urban centers. Coasts and national parks are usually cooler.

In the southern United States, the distinction between seasons is less noticeable. The climate is more humid toward the east. Hurricane season in the southeast is during August and September.

Airports

Visit www.world-airport-codes.com/us-top-40-airports.html for a list of the top 40 airports in the United States.

Passport Validity

American citizens must show a passport, US passport card, Trusted Traveler Program card or enhanced driver’s license when entering the United States.

Visa Required By US Citizen?

Visa required of some non-residents. Check with your country’s department of tourism.

Vaccinations

None

Electrical Outlets

Power plugs and sockets: types A and B. Standard voltage: 120V. Frequency: 60Hz.

Currency

Official local currency: United States Dollar

Getting Around

Depending on your destination within the United States, public transportation options may include buses, light rail, subways, commuter trains, streetcars and trolleys, cable cars, van pool services, ferries and water taxis, paratransit services for senior citizens and people with disabilities and monorails and tramways.

Driver’s License

Valid US driver’s license is required.

US Embassy Info

n/a

Local Visitor Info

Visit the USA.gov site at https://www.usa.gov/state-travel-and-tourism for a list of visitor information centers by state.

Local Emergency Phone Numbers

General Emergency: 911

Safety and Security

In general, the United States is a safe country to visit. Take normal safety precautions to avoid being the victim of petty crimes. Keep valuable locked away or out of sight. Don’t walk alone after dark.