United States - Made to Explore

The United States is a hugely diverse country in between Canada and Mexico. Depending on where you choose to visit, you will experience a variety of climates and scenery. Whether you want mountains, beaches, cities, countryside, deserts, or lush forests; you can find it all while traveling through the united states of America.

How To Get There

Because America is so big, you will find many routes in and out of the country. Be sure to know all of your options before booking a flight or picking a border crossing. Check the United States Government Website to determine if you need to apply for a visa before you depart.

Best Time To Travel

In the northern states, July and August will be the busiest months but will offer the most consistent weather. June and September will be less busy with cooler weather and more precipitation. May through October will be the warmest in the southern states although you can expect decent weather all year round.

Currency

American Dollar (USD) $1 USD= $1.26 CAD =€0.84 Euro

Average Daily Budget

Our average daily budget was $155 USD per person per day. We ate out 1-2 times per day and stayed in fairly basic accommodation (camping or Airbnbs). This can vary greatly depending on your desired transportation, food, and accommodation.

Our average daily budget breakdown:

Transportation: $30 USD per person per day
Food & Drinks: $55 per person per day
Accommodation: $45 per person per day
Tours & Activities: $25 per person per day

Vaccinations

Most people do not need any special vaccinations while traveling through America. Always double-check with an immunization clinic before departing to be safe.

Accommodation

Agoda is perfect for finding everything from hostels and B&B`s to 5-star hotels. You can search by map or by price and they typically have free cancellation.

Budget: $25-45 USD per night for two people. A tent campsite or a dorm room.

Mid Range: $75-140 USD per night for 2 people. Bed & Breakfast, motel or a private room in an Airbnb.

Luxury: $150+ USD per night for 2 people. Nice hotel room or apartment. Breakfast or a kitchen is sometimes included.

Food

Along with the classic American food you will find a wide variety of cuisine from all over the world. It is common to have a Thai, Indian, and Italian restaurant on the same street.

Some of our favorite local food:

Hamburgers: America is famous for its burgers, you can find them on almost every menu.

Pizza: Cities like New York and Chicago are famous for their pizza, you will find many variations to choose from.

Clam Chowder in a Sourdough Bread Bowl: The best lunch you can find in San Francisco! If you don`t like clam chowder you can often get tomato soup instead.

Mexican Cuisine in a Southern State: Stopping in Old Town San Diego for a Mexican feast is a must! It is authentic, delicious, and reasonably priced.

Reuben Sandwich: A hot sandwich made of corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing grilled on rye bread.

Deep-Fried Anything: Chances are if you go to a fair, outdoor event, or even most restaurants; there will be something deep-fried on the menu. Some of our favorites are deep-fried Oreo`s and deep-fried pickles.

Transportation

Plane: You can find domestic flights between many cities while traveling in America, but they are not usually your cheapest option.

Bus and Train: There are extensive bus and train networks throughout the United States. Many cities will have large train and bus stations such as Grand Central Station in New York.

Public Transit: In most large cities you will be able to get around on public transit for under $10 USD per day.

Taxis/Uber: Uber is usually quite a bit cheaper than a taxi. Download the app here. This is a good option in a larger city when public transit isn’t feasible.

Rent a Car: You can generally rent a car for $40-60 USD per day. If you are under 25 the price is substantially higher. Check your coverage and ask for unlimited kilometers to avoid getting surprised with extra fees.

Clothing

Packing for a trip to the United States will completely vary depending on what time of year you travel and what you plan on doing. Keep an eye on the weather forecast and take into consideration the activities you would like to partake in.

Budget Tips

Get a hotel with breakfast included
Take public transit instead of taxis
Stay in dorm rooms, Airbnbs, or campsites
Cook 1-2 of your own meals per day at your campsite or your Airbnb
Bring carry-on sized luggage to avoid fees on domestic flights
A tip of 18% is customary at restaurants and for some other service

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