The Hilton Palm Springs Resort is an ideal place to stay if you want to be within walking distance of The Vineyard Shopping Center, the Palm Springs Art Museum, and downtown Palm Springs.
Difficult to describe in brief, the United States varies hugely in terrain, cultures, traditions and history. After declaring independence from Great Britain in 1776, today it comprises 50 states and a total size of nearly 3.8 million square miles. England is about the size of Louisiana in the south, while Japan is about the size of California. Water hugs the east, south and west, while there are three major mountain ranges, while more than 30 percent of the country is air and desert-like. Whatever you seek, you will likely find in the United States. Use our stories to plan your trip.
Entry Requirements (Passports and Visas) – PASSPORTS: Citizens of the United States must only show a valid passport upon entry (or a passport card for non-air travel to and from Canada, Mexico, Caribbean and Bermuda). As a rule, citizens of any other country seeking to enter the United States will need a passport that is valid for at least six months from the planned date of exit, but agreements have waived that extended validity requirement for some country, so be sure to check requirements with Customs & Border Protection. VISAS: Citizens of many countries outside the United States may need a visa to visit; however, a visa waiver program exempts a number of countries so verify your needs with the Department of Homeland Security. Before planning travel, use the iVisa search function below to verify requirements.
By Plane – Non-stop international flights may enter a variety of cities, depending on the origin, including New York (2 of 3 airports); Boston; Denver; Chicago; Miami; Dallas; Charlotte, N.C.; Seattle; San Francisco and Los Angeles. However, with transfers, you can get to any variety of cities in any state.
By Train – Rail travel is not as well-developed in the United States as in some countries. The East Coast corridors are the most convenient, and certain routes along the West Coast, as well as some cross-country lines. However, only the Acela Express in the Northeast is high speed. Sometimes buses run by the rail company connect some areas. Go to the Amtrak website here and be sure to look for regular specials (“deals”).
By Bus – Bus travel used to be the way to go in the United States, but these days can be very time-consuming, with many stops and transfers. Greyhound is the leading provider. Alternatives Megabus, founded in the United Kingdom, and FlixBus, established in Germany, are two options that can offer great prices and good connections IF you are going to the places they serve (primarily in higher population areas in the west, south and east).
By Car – For better or for worse, the best way to see the United States, other than large cities, is by car, partly because the distances are so large. You can rent a car starting at age 21, but anyone under 25 will pay an additional fee. Plus, you may need to acquire your own insurance and get an an International Driving Permit in your home country since some states require it (as well as a license in your home country). Driving in the United States is on the right side, and you can turn right on red only in SOME states! Speed limits are generally posted but do also vary slightly by state; however, in general, urban areas are 30 mph, four-lane roads are 65, and interstate highways are 70. If you are stopped, stay in the car and await instructions. Do not reach for anything without being asked.
Language – The main language in the United States is, yes, English. You will certainly hear and see Spanish in southern border areas or in the west. In addition, there are numerous accents, some quite heavy, that may sometimes sound like a new language to non-English speakers. Knowing some English will make travels in the United States much easier since only about a fifth of residents speak any amount of a second language.
Learn to speak a bit of English so you can get around more easily and don’t stand out as a tourist! Read our story Start to learn languages – Top language learning apps and websites.
Health – Make sure of course that all of your routine immunizations are up to date before coming to the United States, including protective shots such as Tetanus. If you plan to be outdoors in forests or field, hiking or walking, be sure to watch out for ticks since they are particularly prevalent in the northeast, upper Midwest and west, but certain ticks can be found everywhere. Consider insect repellent clothing and normal precautions for outdoor outings. Ask your doctor about needing a tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) vaccination if you plan to spend significant time outdoors in tick-prone areas.
Non-prescription medications (“over the counter”) are widely available in drugstores and even supermarkets (such as cough suppressants, anti-inflammatories, aspirin…). For prescription medicines, you will need to find a pharmacy, which are located in many supermarkets and other large stores, too; however, no pharmacies will fill a foreign prescription so you would need to find a physician to have it re-written. If you need emergency care, try to find what is called an “urgent care clinic” (slang: “doc in a box”), which are often open evenings and weekends and can help walk-ins. They are also a little less expensive that going to a hospital’s emergency room, where you might also have very long waits. Be sure your home health insurance will cover you internationally — and at what level. We strongly advise purchasing travel insurance that has emergency medical coverage sufficient enough to cover you in the event of an emergency.
Vaccinations – Always check vaccination requirements for tourists with your local health agency. In general, you will need to have had basic vaccines such as rabies, mumps, measles, hepatitis, etc.
Travel Advisories – Before you travel, we recommend checking with your home country’s foreign affairs ministry (Department of State in the United States) or other agency to determine if there are any travel advisories.
Emergencies – To reach the police, fire department or ambulance service, dial 911. Calling 911 is free from any landline or mobile phone; however, if a landline is available use it since dispatchers can better track your location. Be sure to read our travel advice story on medical emergencies from our own experience.
Managing Money — The United States Dollar is the only currency. It is broken down into 100 cents per one dollar. Commonly circulating are bills in 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 dollar increments (although 100s may be harder to use in some stores), while coins are 1 cent (penny), 5 cents (nickel), 10 cents (dime), and 25 cents (quarter). Compared to many other countries, the United States relies heavily on credit cards, which can be used for most purchases including quite small ones. Many U.S. Banks have small counters in some large supermarkets these days, too. Be sure to read our advice on getting or managing foreign currency before travel.
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Best seasons to visit — With 2,800 miles from east to west, and 1,600 miles north to south in the 48 contiguous states, not to mention Hawaii and Alaska, you can find the weather you seek almost all year round. Many people head to the likes of Florida, Arizona or Southern California in the winter for year-round T-shirt wear, but head to Colorado, Wyoming or Illinois and the winters will be freezing. The south and southeast promises very hot and humid weather in the summer, and the west’s weather generally speaking may be hot in the summer but dry.
To check the latest weather for any destination you are thinking of heading to in the United States, visit our weather page complete with weather radar and minute-by-minute forecasting.
The Hilton Palm Springs Resort is an ideal place to stay if you want to be within walking distance of The Vineyard Shopping Center, the Palm Springs Art Museum, and downtown Palm Springs.
Every two years, Desert X coordinates an outdoor art exhibit like none other. Huge, thought-provoking art statements dot the desert and cities around Greater Palm Springs in Coachella Valley, complementing all the other outdoor art in the area.
At the BMW Performance Driving School in Thermal, California, anyone can get behind the wheel of a high-performance BMW and drive faster than ever imagined, all under the watchful eyes and guidance of a professional race car driver.
The Coastal Maine area may be only a tiny slice of a small state but the things to do in MidCoast Maine could fill a book. From getting outdoors to eating lobster or slurping ice cream, and visiting historic lighthouses, all the typical Maine activities await you.
Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens in Fort Bragg is a hidden and magical destination located on the California Mendocino coast. World-class rhododendrons draw many visitors, as does birding, whale watching, and peaceful garden trails.
There is nothing quite like a Mendocino Coast road trip in Northern California. Think picturesque villages, stunning coastline, deep redwood forests, outdoor adventure galore, gourmet food, amazing wineries, lots of history and plenty of art galleries.
Expanses of almond orchards blooming in Modesto make for the perfect California road trip in the Central Valley. Time it just right on a February-March almond blossom cruise for a sensory overload of white and pink almond blossoms, buzzing bees, and the most intoxicating scent you can imagine.
No road trip to Mendocino County is complete without sipping a few of the best Anderson Valley wines. From casual newcomers to expansive long timers, here are a few down-to-earth wineries you must visit on your next California road trip.
Tucked onto a bluff overlooking Noyo Harbor in Fort Bragg, California, the Noyo Harbor Inn offers a secluded escape with a surprisingly accessible location along Highway 1.
Virginia City, Nevada, was the site of the richest silver strike in the world in 1859. Today, Virginia City still looks much like it did during its rough-and-tumble mining beginnings. We’ll guide you on a perfect 24 hours in Virginia City adventure itinerary with saloons and Cemetery Gin included of course.
Located just south of Reno in the Carson Valley, and tucked up against the Eastern Sierra Nevada on US 395 in Nevada, historic Genoa is worth even a brief stopover. Dating back to 1850, the quaint village promises history, hikes and great food and drinks.
An historic Gold Country California hotel, the Holbrooke Hotel has been the grande dame on Main Street for nearly 170 years. After a meticulous renovation, the Grass Valley hotel now exudes simple elegance with its historic charm for a truly top-notch experience.
Overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Mendocino County, California, the historic Little River Inn has 65 rooms, and features a spa, a health club and a restaurant on site. People stay here for the views and keep coming back because of the hospitality.
A Noyo River kayak tour with Liquid Fusion Kayaks is a slow-paced 1½-hour easy kayak tour designed for all ages and abilities. Expect to see river otters, sea lions, seals, osprey, loons and a host of other wildlife, not to mention enjoy a peaceful outing on the water.
Oak Alley Plantation is an historic plantation country site that sits on the banks of the Mississippi River in Louisiana along the Great River Road. It is owned and operated by the Oak Alley Foundation. The plantation is named for the 28 oak trees that form a magnificent alley up to the main entrance of the estate.
If Mendocino is on your Northern California road trip itinerary, then who could ask for a better place to stay than the Brewery Gulch Inn. Arguably one of the best Mendocino hotels with an ocean view, Brewery Gulch Inn offers simple, casual elegance, in a peaceful setting.
On a Skunk Train Railbikes Explorer Package, pairs of riders pedal a two-seat, motor-assisted railbike along historic railroad tracks beside Pudding Creek and up into majestic redwood groves. The roundtrip railbike tours depart from the Skunk Train depot in Fort Bragg, Calif.
If you want a luxurious, yet laid-back hotel in Boothbay Harbor Maine, then head straight to historic, romantic Topside Inn. Set at the highest point in town, you also get great ocean views from your deck, the lawn, or your window on your visit to Boothbay Harbor.
Houmas House estate is a New Orleans area attraction located in Louisiana’s River Parishes. Once one of the biggest and richest plantations in Louisiana’s plantation country, it’s now a destination for lovers of architecture, gardens and fine dining, as well as an entertainment venue.
In California Gold Country you can follow in the footsteps of Gold Rush pioneers, try your hand at gold panning, enjoy cute little towns, get outdoors, and eat at amazing restaurants. We’ll help you plan a road trip to Grass Valley, Nevada City, Placer County, Auburn, and Placerville.
Explore MidCoast Maine on a coastal Maine road trip. Sit in a classic Adirondack chair and enjoy coastal breezes, eat fresh lobster while taking in ocean views, visit with local craftsmen, and explore back roads winding through quaint Maine towns. Our MidCoast Maine travel planner will help you organize your vacation.
Explore New Orleans Plantation Country along the Great River Road following the Mississippi River. Discover wild bayous, vast plantation gardens, luxurious antebellum mansions, stories of folklore and slavery, and innumerable culinary delights. Plantation Country will delight.
Your search for a cozy centrally located Maine hotel can stop with The Bradley Inn. Located a couple of minutes from the scenic Pemaquid Point Lighthouse, The Bradley Inn offers comfy rooms on a family-run garden oasis, as well as great Maine food at its MidCoast Maine location.
For the best Maine souvenirs or travel gifts think Maine Made products. You can find them across the state, from art and food, to woodworking and décor. Check out the authentic wind bells we love, gifts made by Maine State prisoners, and more.
Rich in culture, diverse in its people, and steeped in tradition, there are so many things to do in Jefferson Parish. And its only minutes away from New Orleans. Think swamps and bayous to quaint historic districts, a trendy art scene, and contemporary restaurants. Jefferson Parish is the quiet neighbor to the Big Easy, one you definitely want to meet.
Looking for a great MidCoast Maine waterfront hotel? We’d recommend the Craignair Inn on the Maine coast, ideally located on the St. George peninsula, historic, cozy, secluded and yet so close to great sights.
The goal at Whitney Plantation Museum in Plantation Country near New Orleans is “to tell the truth.” Whitney is the only plantation that actually tells the true story of slavery and focuses on the lives of the enslaved rather than the lives of the rich owners or a shared tale.
Located along Highway 99 in the Central Valley, Fresno doesn’t immediately grab you as a place worth spending much more than a night. But appearances can be deceiving. There are quite a few historical, cultural and culinary gems waiting to be explored in California’s fifth-largest city. Read on to know what to do in Fresno.
The spectacular Adirondack Coast snugs up to the shore of Lake Champlain in New York. There is so much to do and see in the Adirondack Coast you could spend months here and not experience it all. But don’t fret. I’ve put together a best of the Adirondack Coast sampler for you.
Point Au Roche Lodge is a delightful place to base out of when exploring the Adirondack Coast, a very beautiful part of New York situated along the western shore of Lake Champlain and in the shadows of the High Peaks, New York’s tallest mountains. Point Au Roche Lodge is a luxurious bed and breakfast without being pretentious. Read our review here.
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