USA insider tips:

The states uncovered…

The United States of America is located in North America, situated between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans as well as Canada and Mexico and consists of 50 states. Tourists flock to the USA for the see natural sites, famous cities and historic landmarks. The world's most culturally diverse and multi-ethnic regions include Chicago, Las Vegas, Los Angles, New York, San Francisco, Washington D.C, and Mississippi. With every destination offering its own unique features, there’s an extensive variety of attractions available in the States.

How do I get around?

With the USA’s enormous distances, plane travel is the best choice for most tourists travelling long distances. British travellers must get an authorisation via the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation prior to their journey. Don’t be alarmed in the airport; homeland security can be quite intimidating but it’s simply standard precaution.

Although the legal driving age is 16 and even 15 in some US states, you do need to hold a full driving licence to hire a vehicle. Some rental companies are reluctant to lend to persons under the age of 25 and if they do, expect to be charged more. Remember each State has its own driving laws so familiarize with the state laws or ask if there are any particular regulations you should be aware of. In most states the speed limit is 65 miles per hour and don’t forget driving is on the right.

If you’re planning on travelling around America, why not fly to Chicago, rent a car and travel west to California on the famed route 66. See great tourist hotspots such as Chicago’s Sear’s Tower, the Gateway Arch of St. Louis, Arizona’s Grand Canyon and the golden sands of Los Angles, old diners and traditional villages all on the scenic route 66. It’s recommended you plan your journey and read about the route before you travel.

Beaches:

Hawaii: The Hawaiian Islands are located practically in the centre of the Pacific Ocean; boasting some of the most vibrant scenery in the world, the islands embrace tropical flowers, exotic rainforests, overflowing waterfalls and some of the best beaches in the world.

Florida: Siesta Beach is located in Sarasota, Florida. Home of the finest whitest sands in the world, Siesta Beach boasts the status of most beautiful international beaches. With amazing facilities including picnic tables with BBQ’s, changing rooms with showers, volleyball and tennis courts and a big play area there’s no room for getting bored on this beach.

North Carolina: The 14 mile serene shore Ocracoke Lifeguard Beach is located in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. A popular family beach, the laid back environment and roaming wildlife is the perfect place to relax.

Cities:

New York City: The Big Apple is the biggest city in the United States. A central hub for mass media, culture, food, fashion, art and trade, the city is a thriving tourist attraction as well as the financial capital of the world. Boasting the most famed skyline worldwide, New York is home to the Chrysler Building, the Rockefeller Centre and the iconic Empire State Building. Get around on the cities sub way system or flag down a legendary yellow taxi. You will have abundant sightseeing choices with universally recognizable landmarks and attractions; Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, Time Square, Broadway theatres and the Metropolitan Museum of Art is just a snippet of what’s available.

Los Angeles: Known as the city of Angels, L.A is the second most populous city in the United States, with sandy beaches and numerous famed landmarks the flourishing city is a tourist hotspot. LA is a vital centre point for business, mass media, global trade and a significant cultural hub, most famous for its status as the centre of the world’s showbiz industry. The thriving metropolis is home to major districts Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Malibu. The Sunset Boulevard, iconic Hollywood Sign, LA Universal Studios, Hollywood’s Walk of Fame and LA’s Television and Movie Studio Tours are just an extract of attractions available.

Las Vegas: AKA Sin City boasts renowned casino resorts and major hotels with accompanying entertainment hence the reputation as the entertainment capital of the world. Idyllic for gambling, spending and amusement, Vegas entertainment is bigger and better than even before. Attractions and landmarks including The Fountains of the Bellagio, Flamingo Gardens, the Golden Nugget and the Eiffel Tower Replica provide abundance of choice. Take a helicopter trip to the Grand Canyon and see the amazing Las Vegas Strip on one of the many tours available.

Orlando: Orlando is located in the Orange County of Florida and is one of the biggest and best known tourist Magnet’s for thrill seekers in the world. The most famed attraction Disney World Florida draws in millions of tourists a year making it the most popular amusement park worldwide.

Money:

The United States dollar is the official currency of the United States. Depending on what state you are in locals may refer to the dollar as a buck or a greenback and you may hear people calling 5, 10 and 25 cent coins pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters. It’s a good idea to exchange foreign currency into the US Dollar before you get to the States but there is abundance of ATM’s and currency exchange houses. Plenty $1 bills will come in handy for tipping and remember smaller shops and restaurants won’t accept larger $50 or $100 notes.

Eat:

Just like American culture, cuisine in the United States in extensively diverse. With each region having a particular cooking style and speciality dish, the choice of eateries is endless. Typical culinary in the States is similar to that of Western countries; nationwide features include apple pie, fried barbeque and Kentucky chicken, donuts, pizza, hamburgers, and hot dogs. Try an all American hamburger or corn dog, New York bagel and a horse shoe sandwich from Illinois to get your taste buds going.

Language…

English is the national language in the States although you may hear slight variations depending on what region you are in. In popular culture you may hear terms such as ‘bail’, ‘Chilin’ or ‘in a New York minute’, meaning to leave in a hurry, relaxing or to do something very fast.

Useful Tips:

• Familiarize yourself with local laws and regulations.
• Be aware of scams and pickpockets in big cities and touristy areas.
• Remember tipping in the USA goes without saying; you may be frowned upon if you don’t leave one. General tipping is usually 10-15% but tip according circumstances and service.