United States

Plan your trip to United States

The United States spans 3.8 million square miles of incredibly diverse landscapes—from tropical beaches and desert canyons to glaciers and redwood forests—making it one of the world's most varied destinations. Whether you're chasing natural wonders, iconic cities, or small-town Americana, the scale and variety mean most visitors focus on one or two regions per trip. Plan ahead, as distances are vast and regional seasons vary significantly.

Getting there & around

Most international visitors fly into major hubs like New York (JFK), Los Angeles (LAX), Miami (MIA), or Chicago (ORD), then rent a car or use domestic flights to reach their destination. The US has an extensive road network and car travel is the most flexible way to explore; Amtrak trains connect major cities but are slower and less frequent than driving. For longer distances between regions, budget flights on carriers like Southwest or United are cheap and practical.

How long to stay

Plan a minimum of 10-14 days for a meaningful first trip, as even a single region requires time to account for driving distances and recovery from jet lag. Two weeks allows you to explore one or two adjacent regions in depth; a month-long trip lets you tackle a cross-country route.

When to go

Timing depends entirely on your chosen region—California and the Southwest are best October to April; the Northeast peaks in September-October and December; Florida and Hawaii are warm year-round but humid in summer; the Great Plains and Midwest are ideal June to September. Avoid major holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, July 4th) unless you enjoy crowds and higher prices.

Suggested itinerary

1. Arrive in Los Angeles, Pacific Northwest — Fly into LAX and pick up a rental car. Spend your first evening exploring Santa Monica Pier, the beach, or grabbing dinner in West Hollywood to adjust to the time zone.
2. Los Angeles to Joshua Tree — Drive 2.5 hours east to Joshua Tree National Park and hike among otherworldly rock formations and desert vistas. Return to nearby town of Joshua Tree for the night.
3. Joshua Tree to Grand Canyon South Rim, Southwest — Drive 3.5 hours northeast to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Hike along the rim, watch sunset, and stay near the park.
4. Grand Canyon and Sedona — Morning hike at Grand Canyon, then drive 2 hours south to Sedona's red rocks for hiking and exploring the arts town.
5. Sedona to Monument Valley — Drive 3 hours northeast to Monument Valley straddling Arizona-Utah border. Tour the iconic red buttes and rock formations at sunset.
6. Monument Valley to Salt Lake City, Rocky Mountains — Drive 4.5 hours north to Salt Lake City. Explore Temple Square, the downtown museums, and enjoy dinner in the local restaurant scene.
7. Salt Lake City to Zion National Park — Drive 4 hours southwest to Zion National Park. Hike the famous Narrows or Angels Landing, or stroll easier trails along the Virgin River.
8. Zion to Bryce Canyon — Drive 1.5 hours east to Bryce Canyon National Park. Walk among the otherworldly hoodoos and enjoy crisp mountain air.
9. Bryce Canyon to Las Vegas — Drive 4 hours southwest to Las Vegas. Experience the Strip's casinos and shows, or head downtown for vintage Vegas charm and local restaurants.
10. Las Vegas to Los Angeles and departure — Fly 1 hour back to Los Angeles, or spend extra time here exploring beaches, museums, or Hollywood before your flight home.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a visa to visit the United States?

Most citizens of Western Europe, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and other developed nations qualify for the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA) and can visit for up to 90 days without a visa. All other nationalities must apply for a visa at a US embassy or consulate. Check the State Department website for your specific country.

How many days do you need in the United States?

A minimum of 10-14 days allows you to explore one region well and account for domestic travel times. Two weeks is ideal for a first trip; a month enables a cross-country route hitting 3-4 major regions.

Is it expensive to travel in the USA?

The US is moderately expensive to very expensive depending on location and style—New York and California cities are pricey, while the Great Plains and parts of the South are cheaper. Budget $100-150/night for mid-range hotels, $15-40 per meal at casual restaurants, and factor in rental car and fuel costs.

Can you travel across the US without a car?

In major cities (New York, Los Angeles, Chicago) you can get by with public transit and ride-shares, but for national parks and small towns a rental car is essential. Amtrak and Greyhound are options but far slower than driving.

What are the must-see places in the United States?

First-time visitors often prioritize the Grand Canyon, Niagara Falls, Yellowstone, New York City, Los Angeles, Miami, San Francisco, and Washington D.C., though the 'must-see' spots depend on your interests—nature lovers prefer the national parks and coasts, while culture seekers focus on major cities.