Travel guide to United States

The United States of America

Washington DC (607.000)

9.809.155 km2

English

Protestantism

270.298.524 (1998)

Federal republic

The United States cover a large part of the North American continent. The country borders on Canada and Mexico. Understandably, the geographical variation is immense because of the size of the country. The climate stretches from subtropical to arctic with an equally broad variation in flora and fauna. The country has three large mountain ranges: the Appalachians in the east, the Rocky Mountains in the west and the Sierra Nevada along the border between Nevada and California.

The most popular time to go to the States is in the summer from June to August, but spring and autumn can also be a good choice. Travellers should be aware of the fact that to the East of the Rocky Mountains summers can be very hot and humid. If you visit the country in the winter the opportunities for skiing are good.

Lets Go 2000 USA
Lonely Planet USA

In the States the following units of weight and measurement are used:
Length: miles
Weight: pounds (lbs)
Fluids: gallons

There are no specific rules about photography.

You can drink the tap water without worries.

In the States the following power source is used:
110/120 volts AC, 60Hz.

There are no specific rules about behaviour.

Most banks are open from 9.00 to 16.00 (Mon-Fri), but some have prolonged opening hours.
Stores are usually open from 9.00 to 18.00 (Mon-Sat), but some shops have longer opening hours and some are open on Sundays as well. Some supermarkets are open 24 hours a day.
Offices are open from 9.00 to 17.30 (Mon-Fri).

In the States the opportunities are myriad when it comes to eating. You can find anything from five-star restaurants to ordinary eating-places and fast food chains. Anything is served, and there are many international kitchens and restaurants from other countries. A very common thing to eat, though, is a dish consisting of beef and salad, and barbecues are very popular when the weather allows it. When it comes to drinking you can get everything from good wine to excellent beer and fine liquor.

The conditions for disabled people are reasonable in most places in the States, though it does vary from town to town and from state to state. Generally most buildings and means of transport provide good access opportunities for wheelchairs, but it is always a good idea to contact the places you want to visit and ask in advance.

There are big variations from state to state. The dates mentioned below affect all public offices and apply in most states.

New Years Day: January 1st
Independence Day: July 4th
Veterans Day: November 11th
Christmas Day: December 25th

Shifting holidays:
Martin Luther King Day: the 3rd Monday in January
The Presidents day: the 3rd Monday in February
Columbus Day: the 2nd Monday in October

The opportunities for accommodation in the States are good. There are hotels, motels, guesthouses, hostels and youth hostels, B&Bs and camping sites. The prices vary, but generally the standard is good.
Book your Hotel in United States here

There are many camping sites in the country, and many of them are situated near national parks and other nature sights.

There are hotels in every city and in every area of the States. There are many luxurious hotels representing international Hotel chains, but there are also many medium-priced and low-priced options. The standards of the hotels are generally good.

There is a network of guesthouses across the States. Normally it is a cozy and charming way to put up for the night at a reasonable price. B&Bs are often run by private persons offering rooms and breakfast to overnight guests.

There are hostels all over the country. They can be found in almost all cities and areas and are normally a good place to spend the night at a low cost. In some cases it can be a good idea to book in advance if you want to be sure to get a room.

In the southwestern part of the country many farmers offer overnight accommodation and vacation activities including riding and chasing herds of cattle.

The transport facilities in the States are good. The country is so big that the easiest way to get around is by airplane, and you can go anywhere by domestic Flights. The bus and train services are also very good all over the country; both trains and buses are generally in good condition. Additionally, many travellers choose to rent a car and drive around the country.

Domestic planes connect all larger cities in the country, and because of the large number of different airline companies competing with each other prices can vary immensely.

The bus services in the States are highly developed. You can go almost anywhere by bus at a reasonable price. The largest long distance bus company is Greyhound.

There are good train connections in the country. Trains run between all larger cities, and going by train offers you the great opportunity of enjoying nature while travelling. Amtrak is the biggest train company with more than 500 routes. Many places you can buy travel cards allowing you to board and alight from the train when you want to.

There are taxis in every city in the States. Most of them use taximeters and they can easily be hired in the street.

Because of the well-developed road system the car is a good means of transport in the States. It is possible to rent cars in almost every city; you have to be over 21 years old to rent one, though.

There are good opportunities for going by boat and ferry along the coasts and on lakes and rivers - especially on the Ohio River, which is one of the most heavily used rivers in the world.

 • Alaska
 • California
 • Capital Area
 • Hawaii
 • Midatlantic States
 • Midwest
 • New England
 • Northwest
 • Rocky Mountains
 • Southwest
 • The Great Lakes
 • The Old South
 • The South

 • Atlanta
 • Boston
 • Chicago
 • Los Angeles
 • Miami
 • New Orleans
 • New York
 • San Francisco
 • Seattle
 • Washington D.C.