United States travel guide

United States Tourism | United States Guide

You're Going to Love United States

A trip to the United States will take you on a rollercoaster ride filled with bright city lights, national parks, and canyons that you won't find anywhere else in the world. So buckle up and prepare to be dazzled.

What to do in the United States

1. Don't miss New York

One of the most popular destinations in the United States is without a doubt New York City, where you can watch Broadway shows, walk around Central Park, or feel the buzz around Times Square.

2. Visit the Grand Canyon

No American trip is complete without a visit to the Grand Canyon. Make sure you schedule a hike to the bottom to get a feel for how grandiose this place really is.

3. Have fun in Orlando

The kids will love a trip to Orlando, which is famous for its theme parks, including Disneyland and Universal, providing fun for visitors of all ages.

4. Let's not forget Las Vegas

This is a destination popular among those looking for a party. Vegas offers a wide selection of entertainment, from casinos to live shows, fine dining, and shopping.

5. San Francisco has many attractions to offer

Rounding up our top five is San Francisco, home to the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz prison, which can be visited by boat. While in the Bay Area, make sure you take a day trip to Napa Valley to visit some of the local wineries.

1. Don't miss New York

One of the most popular destinations in the United States is without a doubt New York City, where you can watch Broadway shows, walk around Central Park, or feel the buzz around Times Square.

2. Visit the Grand Canyon

No American trip is complete without a visit to the Grand Canyon. Make sure you schedule a hike to the bottom to get a feel for how grandiose this place really is.

3. Have fun in Orlando

The kids will love a trip to Orlando, which is famous for its theme parks, including Disneyland and Universal, providing fun for visitors of all ages.

4. Let's not forget Las Vegas

This is a destination popular among those looking for a party. Vegas offers a wide selection of entertainment, from casinos to live shows, fine dining, and shopping.

5. San Francisco has many attractions to offer

Rounding up our top five is San Francisco, home to the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz prison, which can be visited by boat. While in the Bay Area, make sure you take a day trip to Napa Valley to visit some of the local wineries.

When to visit the United States

United States in August
Estimated hotel price
AED 869
1 night at 3-star hotel
United States in August
Estimated hotel price
AED 869
1 night at 3-star hotel

The United States is a large country, and the weather varies greatly depending on where you're going. If you're heading to the North of the country, the best time to visit is during the summer; however, the South gets very hot and humid in the summer and is more enjoyable in spring or autumn.

How to Get to the United States

Entry Requirements

Prior to entering the United States, all visitors need to apply for a Visa Waiver or a visitor's visa, depending on their country of origin. Either option allows travelers to stay in the country for a maximum of 90 days.

Plane

The most common mode of transport into the United States is by plane, and you will commonly find flights with British Airways, Air Canada, Virgin Atlantic, United Airlines, and American Airlines.

Train

The only country that is connected to the United States by train is Canada. Amtrak trains are available from Vancouver to Seattle, which takes about 4h 30m, and Montreal to New York, which takes about 10h 30m.

Car

You can get to the United States by car if you're driving from Canada or from Mexico. From Canada, for example, you can cross the border in Buffalo (Pace Bridge) or Niagara (Rainbow Bridge).

Bus

Buses are available from Canada and Mexico, Greyhound being the major company providing travel from both countries. Prices start at around $10 for every 62 mi.

Entry Requirements

Prior to entering the United States, all visitors need to apply for a Visa Waiver or a visitor's visa, depending on their country of origin. Either option allows travelers to stay in the country for a maximum of 90 days.

Plane

The most common mode of transport into the United States is by plane, and you will commonly find flights with British Airways, Air Canada, Virgin Atlantic, United Airlines, and American Airlines.

Train

The only country that is connected to the United States by train is Canada. Amtrak trains are available from Vancouver to Seattle, which takes about 4h 30m, and Montreal to New York, which takes about 10h 30m.

Car

You can get to the United States by car if you're driving from Canada or from Mexico. From Canada, for example, you can cross the border in Buffalo (Pace Bridge) or Niagara (Rainbow Bridge).

Bus

Buses are available from Canada and Mexico, Greyhound being the major company providing travel from both countries. Prices start at around $10 for every 62 mi.

Popular airlines serving the United States

Lufthansa
Good (4,507 reviews)
KLM
Good (830 reviews)
SWISS
Good (912 reviews)
British Airways
Good (4,299 reviews)
Delta
Good (4,585 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (2,260 reviews)
Air France
Good (964 reviews)
Iberia
Good (1,533 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (481 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (2,099 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (4,868 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (2,477 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (5,520 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (216 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (811 reviews)
Finnair
Good (883 reviews)
LOT
Good (679 reviews)
TAP Portugal
Good (1,113 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (891 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (5,333 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in the United States

If you are looking for accommodations while on your trip, you will find hotels as well as bed-and-breakfasts located throughout the country. Motels are available for budget stays, and if you happen to be traveling during the warmer months, you can also opt for a campground.

Where to stay in popular areas of the United States

Most booked hotels in the United States

The Venetian Resort Las Vegas
5 stars
Excellent (8.7, Excellent reviews)
AED 837+
The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
5 stars
Excellent (8.6, Excellent reviews)
AED 905+
Bellagio
5 stars
Excellent (8.4, Excellent reviews)
AED 954+
ARIA Resort & Casino
5 stars
Excellent (8.2, Excellent reviews)
AED 808+
Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino
4 stars
Excellent (8.1, Excellent reviews)
AED 593+
Treasure Island - TI Hotel & Casino, a Radisson Hotel
4 stars
Good (7.9, Good reviews)
AED 344+

How to Get Around the United States

Public Transportation

Larger cities are well serviced when it comes to public transportation, including metro systems, bus systems, and even trams. The cost of a single ride will vary depending on the city. You can expect to pay $1.75 in Los Angeles, $3 in San Francisco, and $2.50 in New York City.

Trains

Trains are a great way to get around and are convenient for travel between cities. Amtrak is the main US train system and provides both short- and long-distance lines throughout the country.

Bus

Buses are slower than trains; however, they are cheaper and can reach more areas. Greyhound is the main bus travel provider throughout the country.

Car

If you are planning to rent a car and drive during your stay, you will need to budget for a minimum of $50 per day. Consider taking the famous Route 66, which goes all the way from Chicago to Santa Monica, Ca.

Plane

The major airlines are American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines. Virgin America, Southwest Airlines, and JetBlue Airways are also great options for budget travel. A flight from the East Coast to the West Coast, for example, will take around 6h.

Public Transportation

Larger cities are well serviced when it comes to public transportation, including metro systems, bus systems, and even trams. The cost of a single ride will vary depending on the city. You can expect to pay $1.75 in Los Angeles, $3 in San Francisco, and $2.50 in New York City.

Trains

Trains are a great way to get around and are convenient for travel between cities. Amtrak is the main US train system and provides both short- and long-distance lines throughout the country.

Bus

Buses are slower than trains; however, they are cheaper and can reach more areas. Greyhound is the main bus travel provider throughout the country.

Car

If you are planning to rent a car and drive during your stay, you will need to budget for a minimum of $50 per day. Consider taking the famous Route 66, which goes all the way from Chicago to Santa Monica, Ca.

Plane

The major airlines are American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines. Virgin America, Southwest Airlines, and JetBlue Airways are also great options for budget travel. A flight from the East Coast to the West Coast, for example, will take around 6h.

The Cost of Living in the United States

You can expect to pay around $70 a week for groceries, and $70 a month for a public transport monthly pass. If you are planning to eat out, you can find many cheap meals and street food for less than $15 per person, while a fancier meal can cost as much as $50 per person. When it comes to payment, credit and debit cards are very commonly used throughout the country, so you don't need to worry about carrying cash everywhere.

Popular cities in the United States