The U.S.A is a country made up of 50 states covering a vast area of North America, with Alaska in the northwest and Hawaii extending the nation’s presence into the Pacific Ocean.
You will need to get a visa or an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) visa waiver to enter or transit the USA as a visitor. Restrictions apply depending on the type of passport you hold, your nationality, criminal history, and countries you may have recently visited.
Post-pandemic travel advice
Coronavirus has changed the way we view travel. Click here to read the latest safety tips and advice.
Details
Before visiting any country make sure you know the basics. General details and important information.
- Emergency Services: 911
- Language: English, Spanish
- Currency: US Dollar
- Capital City: Washington DC
- Country Code: USA
- Travel Visa: Visit gov.uk
- Population: 313,900,000
- Driving: Right hand side
Risk Level
Researching various official sources, we perceive the risk to holiday makers and travellers are as follows;
Travellers Tips
Top travel advice and interesting tip bits of information from experienced travellers.
USA
What are the common crimes in the USA?
Theft
Theft is another common crime, make sure your hotel or hostel is securely locked and your valuables are in the hotel safe or a secure location. If hiring a car make sure you park in well lit and popular areas, never leave valuables on display.
Drugs
There is a big drug culture in America, be aware that in big cities people might offer you drugs. Don’t take them as you can not be sure what you are buying, the Police are very harsh on drug offenses.
Pick Pocketing
Pick pocketing is a major issue in most major cities. Be careful of people taking to you for no reason, they might be trying to distract you while an accomplice takes you wallet or belongings.
What are the top safety tips for the USA?
Pick Pocketing
Beware of pickpockets, this is an issue in big tourist cities. Streets can be very busy in tourist areas, also be aware in train, bus and subway stations.
Belongings
Keep your belongings safe at all times. When entering the country Americans won’t take kindly to jokes about safety or what you are carrying in your luggage.
Carrying Cash
Take out only what money you think you will need for the day, having a wallet full of cash can attract unwanted attention. Its an idea to keep an extra note in a small pocket just in case anything happens and your wallet is lost or you see something you want to buy.
Research
The internet is an amazing tool to search for advice and tips, spend some time doing research before you go, reading blogs and testimonies from travellers who have experienced the area. Time when you are travelling is priceless don’t waste it turning up to places that are closed for the inter season or not worth checking out at all.
What is the best time to travel to the USA?
The USA is a huge country and the weather varies in each state due to terrain, most visitors choose to visit in the summer months from June to August.
Spring: 12
Summer: 29
Autumn: 16
Winter: 5
What are the customs & traditions in the USA?
Gun Policy
Police in America all carry guns, be aware that with the gun culture and history you will see a lot of weapons when travelling around the country.
Martin Luther King Day
A public holiday on the third Monday of January each year, celebrating the life of Martin Luther King Jr. He is most well known for his campaign to end racial segregation and strive for racial equality in the country.
Tipping
Add 10% of the bill for normal service. Add 15% of the bill for good service and add 20% of the bill for great service. Tipping is expected as the staff work for very low wages.
Towns & Cities
Safer TravelDenver
Read moreFondly referred to as The Mile High City due to its elevation of one mile above sea level, Denver is the state capital of Colorado and has a lot to offer. The city lays at the beginning of The Rocky Mountains; its geography in relation to the rest of the country making it an important trading and transport point. This ensures work and a constant influx of people, allowing for a lively and prosperous city to continue to grow.
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Safer TravelAustin
Read moreAustin – known for being a quirkier and more liberal slice of Texas- is home to 988,218 people, making it the current fastest growing US city. Austin even has its own slogan: ‘Keep Austin Weird’. Residents and tourists alike replicate this mantra on everything from t-shirts to graffiti art on the sides of buildings. This declaration against all things ‘normal’ is part of the charm that encourages people to both visit and move there.
Safer TravelMiami
Read moreMiami, the city that is known for its vibrant display of culture, is located in the Sunshine State of Florida. The city is home to an urban art scene and is famed for its nightlife at South Beach. It is a host for many exciting attractions, promoting diverse wildlife being situated between the Everglades and the Biscayne Bay.
Safer TravelBoston
Read moreBoston, lined with museums, art and heritage, this city of Massachusetts is one to visit. Home to some of America’s most iconic heritage sites, Boston proves to be an educational guide to the country’s past. As a compact city, Boston is known as ‘America’s Walking City’
Safer TravelNashville
Read moreNashville, famously known as the Music city, it is home to the dreamers of music and art. As the capital of Tennessee, Nashville has a long history that is shared in it’s museums and monuments.