16 Essential Insights for Visiting the USA

The United States is vast, featuring everything from its massive cities to breathtaking natural wonders. As for its people? We tend to be a bit 'extra' when it comes to warmth and national pride.

While current political discussions might seem divisive, they rarely affect casual conversations or daily interactions. In my Southern college town, you'll find pickup trucks with gun racks parked next to eco-friendly cars sporting 'Coexist' stickers, with their owners sharing coffee and complaining about the heat.

If you're gearing up for a trip to the USA, we've compiled some tips to help you with planning, etiquette, and health and safety considerations during your stay.

1. Choose a region – don’t try to see it all at once

With 50 states, 63 national parks, and 4 million miles of highways, planning a trip to the USA can feel overwhelming. One effective approach? Focus on exploring a specific region in depth.

The continental USA spans 3000 miles from coast to coast and is generally divided into nine regions: New England, the Mid-Atlantic, the South, the Midwest, the Southwest, and the West, which can further be segmented into the Rocky Mountains, the Pacific Northwest, and California.

In addition to the continental US, you also have Alaska and Hawaii. Texas stands out with its unique diversity, making it hard to categorize within typical regional stereotypes.

2. How long should your visit to the US be?

A week is ideal for exploring a major city like New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, or Washington, DC, particularly if you plan day trips to nearby parks and beaches. You could also cover a smaller state, like Vermont or West Virginia, in a week.

To fully immerse yourself in a region, aim for at least 10 days, especially if traveling from abroad. With a week and a half, you can explore multiple cities and several nearby attractions. This timeframe also allows you to visit a couple of national parks in a single region, particularly in California or the Southwest.

3. Avoid over-scheduling your days

It's easy to look at a map, calculate distances, and think you can hit four or five stops in a day. However, be cautious with this assumption and always plan for potential delays.

Two-lane roads are common near national parks, and expect to encounter Winnebagos, wildlife, and stunning views that can slow your progress. In mountainous and rural areas, narrower roads are typical, and overtaking slower vehicles can be challenging.

You might find yourself wanting to linger longer at certain stops—leave space in your plans for unexpected adventures.

4. Some outdoor adventures necessitate a reservation

Do you really need to book your hike ahead of time? Unfortunately, sometimes the answer is yes.

Due to significant increases in visitor numbers, several national parks now mandate reservations for their most sought-after trails. You will need a reservation to hike Half Dome in Yosemite, Angels Landing in Zion, and Old Rag Mountain in Shenandoah.

Certain national parks mandate reservations for entry or specific activities. For instance, to drive to the summit of Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park, a reservation is required. During peak seasons, both Arches National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park also require reservations for entry. Additionally, a permit is needed to experience the sunset at Haleakalā National Park on Maui.

Yosemite and Glacier have tested reservation systems—one for entering Yosemite and another for accessing certain areas in Glacier. Be sure to check the park websites for information well ahead of your visit.

5. Museums may also require reservations

Crowding isn't limited to national parks. Major urban museums often feature temporary exhibits that are very popular, many of which have timed entry requirements that necessitate reservations.

Smaller, specialized museums in high-traffic tourist zones may also ask for pre-booking. For instance, tickets for the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum in Santa Fe can sell out quickly each day.

Cave tours can often be booked out a day or two in advance. To ensure availability, check the reservation system on the website, particularly during summer when family travel peaks.

6. Mondays tend to be quieter

Many small museums and restaurants close their doors on Mondays. Due to staffing issues, some also remain shut on Tuesdays, particularly in smaller towns. In remote tourist areas, closures can be even more challenging, with some establishments not opening until midweek.

For the best dining and exploration experiences in Bisbee, Arizona, or Marfa, Texas, plan your visit from Thursday to Sunday.

7. Bring layers for your hikes

If hiking is on your agenda, make sure to pack layers, even during the summer months. High-elevation deserts and most mountains, including those in the South, experience cooler temperatures at night. A pullover will come in handy. Most hikers opt for three layers: a base layer close to the skin, an insulating layer, and an outer shell for wind and rain protection.

While running shoes are suitable for easy trails, it's advisable to wear well-broken-in hiking boots for more challenging paths. If you're not backpacking, low-ankle hiking boots should suffice.

Don't forget sun protection, such as a hat and sunscreen, along with a daypack to carry food, water, and a small first aid kit.

8. Use friendly greetings and punctuality is key

When meeting or greeting someone, keep physical contact to a minimum. While some Americans might hug or, in urban areas, exchange cheek kisses, most—especially men—opt for a handshake. It’s also polite to acknowledge staff when entering or leaving a store, with common phrases like 'hello' and 'have a nice day.'

Americans generally smile frequently, which is often a simple way to convey warmth or politeness. If you're scheduled to meet someone, punctuality is important; many consider it impolite to keep others waiting.

9. Finding public restrooms can be a challenge

Locating public restrooms can surprisingly be tricky. In city centers, your best options are visitor centers, libraries, larger indoor malls, and city parks. In busy urban coffee shops, you might need to purchase a coffee or snack to access the restroom key.

In suburban areas, larger gas stations and fast-food outlets are good bets. On interstate highways, expect rest areas with restrooms, picnic spots, and dog-walking areas roughly every 60 miles. For those who need to go often, the best advice is to use restrooms whenever they’re available!

10. Be ready for small talk, but steer clear of politics

Americans tend to be talkative, especially in smaller towns. Discussing the weather or your surroundings is common, but don’t be surprised if someone asks, “What do you do?” which usually refers to your job. It may seem intrusive, and you’re free to share as much or as little as you like.

Conversations about politics can become tense quickly in today’s divided climate, so it's wise to keep your opinions to yourself. Don’t assume you understand someone's political beliefs based on where you are in the US or their manner of speaking or dressing.

Sometimes, someone might bring up a controversial topic just to provoke a reaction or show off. In such cases, it’s best to smile and redirect the conversation. Avoiding unnecessary conflict is wise.

11. Don't stress too much about your outfit

In the US, almost anything is acceptable, and you’re unlikely to feel out of place due to your attire. However, it’s a good idea to have some dressier clothes (smart casual) for dining at nicer restaurants or visiting upscale bars and clubs.

12. Understanding tipping in the USA: how much to tip?

With many coffee shops and casual dining places now prompting tips during electronic transactions, the tipping culture in the US has become quite perplexing.

In sit-down dining establishments and bars, leaving a tip is mandatory, and it should only be omitted in cases of exceptionally poor service. If that happens, consider giving a small tip and discussing the issue with the manager.

What about coffee shops? If you’re serving yourself, tipping is optional, or you might just leave your change. A dollar is always appreciated. For more intricate coffee orders, think about tipping between 15% and 20%.

A 20% tip is standard for restaurant servers unless the bill includes gratuity. For bartenders, tipping 15% to 20% per round or at least $1 for each drink is customary.

For porters at hotels and airports, the usual tip is $2 per bag or a minimum of $5 for a cart.

For valet services, tip at least $2 when you receive your keys. Taxi drivers typically receive 10% to 15%, rounded up to the nearest dollar. It’s also nice to leave a few dollars under the pillow for hotel housekeepers each day.

13. Smoking is generally frowned upon

Don't assume smoking is allowed, even outdoors. Many people in the US have a low tolerance for smoking, and it's prohibited in numerous outdoor spaces like parks, boardwalks, and beaches.

14. Review the regulations before visiting Native American reservations and pueblos

When visiting a reservation or pueblo, inquire about and adhere to specific regulations. Most tribes prohibit alcohol, some do not allow pets, and others restrict camera use. Permits are required for camping, fishing, and various activities. If rules aren’t posted at the entrance, consult the reservation's website.

Visiting a reservation immerses you in a distinctive culture with potentially unfamiliar customs. Always remain polite, respectful, and open-minded. Don’t expect locals to divulge every aspect of their lives.

The pandemic has had a significant impact on many tribes, so keep a mask handy and be ready to wear it if necessary.

15. Invest in travel insurance

Healthcare expenses in the USA can be exorbitant. It’s recommended that all travelers obtain health insurance that covers medical appointments.

Without insurance, you could face the entire bill for any medical care, which can easily soar into the thousands, particularly for emergency room visits.

16. Is it safe to visit the US?

For most travelers, petty theft poses a greater risk than violent crime. To reduce the chance of being robbed, withdraw cash from ATMs during daylight hours or in well-lit, busy areas at night.

When loading or unloading your vehicle, keep a close watch on your bags, especially in crowded places. Secure valuables in your trunk before setting out for the day, as it's increasingly common for thieves to break windows and grab visible items.

Explore our trip-planning articles for San Francisco, Seattle, New York City, and other major cities for tailored crime prevention tips.