USA Travel guide: Insider advice and hidden gems

Almost everyone dreams of visiting the USA at least once in their lives. We have grown up with countless movie scenes, listened to the most famous bands, seen movie stars, and so much more. So, we want to experience all this glamour firsthand, at least once in our lives, and not just through media hype. However, the United States is huge and also pretty expensive. Therefore, we are writing this article to share our experiences and knowledge to help you decide which state to visit, as well as the costs of such a trip.

Where to Stay in the USA — Accommodation Guide

Prices vary enormously by city and season:

Budget: Hostels from $30–50/night. Budget hotels/motels $60–120/night outside city centres.

Mid-range: 3-star hotels $120–200/night in most cities. $180–300+ in Manhattan or central San Francisco.

Luxury: 5-star hotels $400–1,000+/night in NYC, Miami, Las Vegas, or Hawaii resorts.

💡 Tip: In Las Vegas, luxury hotels are often surprisingly affordable during weekdays, but room rates skyrocket on weekends.

Browse all USA accommodation on Booking.com or check low-cost hostels in the USA on Hostel World

Traditional Food

One cannot really say that the USA has traditional food. There is a fusion of many cuisines, borrowed from many different cultures, rendering it impossible to point out some dishes as being traditional. For example, Chinese food is not so Chinese, and Τex Mex is not so Mexican. Below you will find the dishes that are most popular in the USA:

Hamburger: A tasty, unhealthy American classic. It started in Connecticut and has received various changes, such as the Hawaiian hamburger with pineapple and teriyaki, and the peanut butter and jam version.

Hot dog: Directly linked to the baseball culture. The main ingredient is the sausage in the bread roll with various other accompaniments. 

Fried chicken: The main product of the South is becoming more and more popular.

ΒΒQ: Probably the most American food that exists. Good quality steaks, marinated in sauce and lightly grilled. Well-known brands are Texas BBQ, Kansas City, Carolina, and Virginia.

Tex Mex: Texas and Mexico. Tex-Mex Cuisine mostly consists of shredded cheese, meat, beans, peppers, and mainly tortillas. Less hot and spicy than the Mexican version and is based on simple ingredients.

Donuts: Characteristic snacks that we have seen in many movies as well. A fried, round bun with various toppings such as sugar, chocolate, truffles, etc. There are also salty versions.    

Organic Food: Over the years, there has been a huge increase in organic food and a focus on health. Not only will you find organic products in every health food store and supermarket, but in some, there will also be ready organic take-away meals. Of course, a lot of restaurants cater to vegans, vegetarians, and organic consumers.

What to do in the USA

Mid-Atlantic

Delaware | Maryland | New Jersey | New York | Pennsylvania | Washington D.C.

Washington, D.C.: The capital of the US, deriving its name from its first president and founder. You can visit the White House, the Capitol, the Obelisk, and the historical Smithsonian Institute. Also, the monuments of the presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Abraham Lincoln are a few key points of interest while you are visiting Washington, D.C.

Maryland: Known as the  «Miniature of America». Offers many entertaining activities, from amusement parks (Trimper’s Rides and Amusement Park, Six Flags), to beaches (Ocean City Beach), nature lovers (National Park Washington Monument), and snow lovers (Wisp Resort). 

New Jersey: You can visit sunny beaches like Atlantic City with the famous Boardwalk. Also, you can visit the National Recreation Area and Delaware Water Gap, with the spectacular waterfalls. There are so many picturesque landscapes, the well-known lighthouse, Cape May, and many other interesting sights.

Philadelphia: The biggest city in the state of Pennsylvania, also known as “Philly”. It’s worth visiting the Bell of Freedom, which is in the Liberty Bell Center, and is considered a national heirloom. The movie Rocky Balboa was filmed there with the corresponding statue next to the Palace of Independence. For more information gathered read our guide from our trip to Philly.

New York: The Big Apple, or the city that never sleeps. Roam around the skyscrapers, discover the many different neighbourhoods with their various cultures, take a walk in Central Park, and live the city’s dream. For more information gathered read our guide for New York.

The South

Alabama | Arkansas | Florida | Georgia | Kentucky | Louisiana | Mississippi |  Carolina | Tennessee | Virginia | West Virginia

Arkansas: Directly linked to its mountains, lakes, and rivers, this state offers many outdoor activities in nature.

Florida: The sunny city with Miami and Orlando, and Walt Disney and Universal Studios theme parks. 

Louisiana: Let yourself sway to the rhythms of the rich jazz culture in New Orleans. This city has an impressive nightlife and architecture.

Midwest

Illinois | Indiana | Iowa | Kansas | Michigan | Minnesota | Missouri | Nebraska | North Dakota | Ohio | South Dakota | Wisconsin

Route 66: The most famous route of the US, for which many songs have been written. Measures a distance of 2,451 miles and passes through Chicago, Illinois, down to Santa Monica, California. Crossing over 8 states, a must-do road trip through the US by car or by motorbike like Easy Rider.

South Dakota: One of the most special attractions is Mount Rushmore, with the faces of the 4 presidents carved out on the edge of the cliff. You might be lucky enough to see flocks of buffalo and bison.

Illinois: Visit «the city of the winds», Chicago, famous for its modern art galleries, the high skyscrapers, and its cutting-edge comedy.  

The Southwest

Arizona | New Mexico | Oklahoma | Texas

Arizona: There is a spectacular array of landscapes and areas of geological interest, the most famous being the Grand Canyon, the enormous, colourful gorge with over 1.5 kilometres in depth.

New Mexico: You will be entranced by the yearly air balloon festival, with the Mexican air, the Sandia Mountains, and the local spicy specialties.

Oklahoma: With dozens of technical lagoons, national parks, casinos, museums, a wide choice of nightlife and restaurants, the urban areas of Oklahoma City and Tulsa have a lot to offer.

The West

Alaska | Colorado | California | Hawaii | Idaho | Montana | Nevada | Oregon | Utah | Washington | Wyoming

Nevada: The city with the super shows, Las Vegas, in the middle of Death Valley desert, with images we have all seen from movies and sayings like «whatever happens in Las Vegas, stays in Las Vegas.

Alaska: A few of the activities that this city has to offer are the Northern Lights, admiring the whales, going fishing out in the open sea, or living it up in the luxury cities of Anchorage and Fairbanks. 

Hawaii:  The tropical destination of the USA for water sports, relaxing on the beautiful beaches, exploring the volcano, and diving on its beautiful reefs.

California: Enjoy surfing on its legendary waves, or cruise along the Pacific Coast Highway in your car. Live the glamorous experience of Los Angeles and Hollywood.

New England

Connecticut | Maine | Massachusetts | New Hampshire | Rhode Island | Vermont

The periphery of New England has a more old-fashioned aura than the other cities of the Atlantic. The well-preserved buildings, the quaint lighthouses on the coastline, and the traditional food are the reasons for visiting.

Go skiing in the White Mountains, taste barrel beer in Maine, take a road trip to Cape Cod, and eat as many lobster rolls as you can.

Getting around the USA

By Car — USA Road Trip: The most rewarding way to experience America. The iconic Route 66 (Chicago to Los Angeles, ~3,940km) is the classic road trip. Other legendary routes: Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1), Blue Ridge Parkway, Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park.

Rent a car on Discovercars.com and compare prices from all major providers.

By Air: Domestic flights are the most practical for long distances (LA to New York = 6 hours by plane, 42 hours by car). Budget airlines (Southwest, Spirit, Frontier) offer competitive fares. Compare on Skyscanner.

By Train (Amtrak): Scenic but slow. Best for short corridors: Northeast Corridor (Boston–New York–Washington D.C.) is practical. Cross-country trains are adventures in themselves, but take days.

New York City Subway: The most comprehensive public transit in the USA. Pay with OMNY (tap any contactless card or phone, no MetroCard needed since Jan 2026). Fare: $3.00. Read our NYC Subway guide.

Less overpaying, more traveling. Find the best flight deals on Going

Packing Tips & when to go

Although you can visit the USA any time, be aware that the climate changes from one state to another. So prepare your trip according to the zone you’re visiting. In most states, winter lasts from December to April and summer lasts from June to September. The areas close to the northwest Pacific have better weather conditions, whereas in the Midwest, south, and eastern coastline, weather conditions are damper.

Autumn and Spring in the USA are sunny, with warm temperatures and occasional rainfall. From April until June, the Midwest areas face serious hurricanes.

However, you have to keep in mind that the USA is characterised by diversity. You will come across extreme weather conditions, either too cold or too hot. For example, in Alaska, the temperatures might reach -62 degrees Celsius (!), whereas in Nevada, in Death Valley, the temperature may rise as far as 57 degrees Celsius.

For this reason, you must pack according to the area you are visiting. Always bring along a compact umbrella, a hat for the sun, and comfortable shoes, as there is a lot to explore on foot.

PERSONAL FACT: We visited New York and Philadelphia in August, and although it was quite hot, there was a sudden rain pour. We hadn’t brought an umbrella, so we had to buy one in New York for $18. Following that, we forgot our umbrella in the hotel and had to buy a second one in Philadelphia for another $18!

Useful Words

English is spoken everywhere. The spoken English differs in every state, as in some states it’s American English and in other states it’s intermingled with various dialects, as in Canada. The second most spoken language is Spanish. In conclusion, there will be no problem in communicating as everyone speaks fluent English. In the event you meet Spanish speakers, we quote a few words so you may be able to exchange a few words.

Useful Sites & Apps

In the last few years, we have been travelling we have singled out some applications, which we use on every trip or during it. We have chosen them over others for their validity, ease of use, and variety in the options they have to offer. We describe below in detail what these are, together with their characteristics.

Booking.com

Booking.com is a popular online booking platform for accommodations worldwide. With a vast selection of hotels, apartments, villas, and more, Booking.com offers travellers the convenience of finding and booking their ideal stay in just a few clicks. The site’s user-friendly interface and extensive filtering options make it easy to narrow down search results based on specific preferences such as price, location, amenities, and more. As a result, Booking.com has become a go-to destination for travellers looking for hassle-free booking options. With competitive pricing and a loyalty program that rewards repeat bookings, Booking.com is a top choice for travellers seeking great deals and a seamless booking experience. Check for available rooms and prices for cities all over the USA on Booking.com.

Air Bnb

With over one million properties all around the world, and always increasing. Ideal for a low-budget stay, even in expensive areas. Furthermore, because you stay in people’s villas, houses, or flats, you are made to feel more at home by the host of each destination and the homely surroundings.

Hotels.com

Hotels.com is a leading provider of hotel accommodation worldwide, offering booking services through its own network of localised websites. Once you reach 10 nights, you’ll have a free night, which you can apply at checkout. You can earn multiple free nights by continuing to book with Hotels.com, though. The platform gives travellers one of the widest selections of accommodation on the net, including both independent and major chain hotels as well as self-catering in over hundreds of thousands of properties worldwide. The company offers a one-stop shopping source for hotel pricing, amenities, and availability. Find the best deals on Hotels.com.

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor helps hundreds of millions of people each month become better travellers, from planning to booking to taking a trip. Travellers across the globe use the Tripadvisor site and app to discover where to stay, what to do, and where to eat based on guidance from those who have been there before. With more than 1 billion reviews and opinions of nearly 8 million businesses, travellers turn to TripAdvisor to find deals on accommodations, book experiences, reserve tables at delicious restaurants, and discover great places nearby.

Omio.com

Omio is a leading travel platform that helps you easily plan and book your trips. With a comprehensive network of trains, buses, and flights across Europe and beyond, Omio allows you to compare and choose the best travel options for your needs. Whether you’re looking for a quick day trip or an extended vacation, Omio’s user-friendly interface and competitive prices make it easy to create unforgettable travel experiences. Check available routes on Omio.com.

Skyscanner

Skyscanner is a leading global travel search engine, helping millions of travellers find the best flights, hotels, and car rentals. With a user-friendly interface and powerful search technology, Skyscanner makes it easy to compare prices and options across hundreds of travel providers, giving you the best deals for your trip. From budget to luxury, domestic to international, Skyscanner has everything you need to plan your next adventure. So whether you’re travelling for business or leisure, start your journey with Skyscanner and discover the world like never before. Available flights and prices can be found on Skyscanner.

GetYourGuide

GetYourGuide is an online marketplace for booking travel activities and experiences. With a wide variety of tours, activities, and attractions available in destinations around the world, GetYourGuide makes it easy to find and book unique experiences for your next trip. From city sightseeing tours and food and wine tastings to outdoor adventures and cultural experiences, GetYourGuide has something for every type of traveller. With a user-friendly website and mobile app, and a commitment to customer satisfaction, GetYourGuide is a top choice for travellers seeking memorable and authentic experiences.

Discover Cars

DiscoverCars.com offers a hassle-free car rental booking experience, with a wide range of rental car options available worldwide. Whether you’re travelling for business or pleasure, DiscoverCars.com offers competitive rates, 24/7 customer support, and flexible cancellation policies. With no hidden fees and a user-friendly interface, booking your rental car has never been easier. Choose from a variety of car rental options, including economy, luxury, and family-friendly vehicles, and enjoy the freedom of the open road on your next adventure. Book with DiscoverCars.com today and start exploring the world on your own terms!

Hotel Tonight

Here you will find last-minute discounts on vacancies from hotels. This is an amazingly simple app, and it doesn’t take long to book a room. You may search in each town for sights and maps. Furthermore, you can check the reviews and photos of other travellers in order to be sure about the trustworthiness of each hotel. It also has a 24/7 customer service. If you’re stuck somewhere and you need a room desperately, this is the perfect app for you.

City Maps 2Go

Maps for travelling, hiking, mountain cycling, and many other activities. A necessary app for every adventure, activity, or touring abroad. You may only download one map per country, whereas it was possible to download two in the past. For an additional map, you need to pay.

You can mark all the places of interest on the map you have downloaded. Whether they are sights, shops, or restaurants, you can use the directions guide to get there. The great advantage of this app is that you don’t need to have an internet connection, although it might get stuck a few times. Nevertheless, it is quite a reliable and useful app.

EXTRA TIP

Once you have marked all the places you want to visit before your trip, you can also book your accommodation accordingly. This way, you can be sure you’ll be staying somewhere close to all places of interest.

iVisa.com

iVisa.com is an online platform that helps travellers obtain electronic visas, eVisas, and other travel documents quickly and easily. With an extensive database of travel requirements for over 200 countries and a user-friendly application process, iVisa.com makes it simple for travellers to apply for and obtain the necessary documents for their trips. Whether you’re planning a vacation, business trip, or other travel experience, iVisa.com can help you navigate the complexities of travel documentation with ease. More information on the necessary travel documents, depending on your nationality and destination, can be found on iVisa.com.

USA Travel Guide FAQ — Everything you need to know