United States

The United States has been dubbed many things in its brief history - the great American melting pot, the land of the free, and the home of the brave. And visiting the country will make you realize that there is some truth behind America's clichéd nicknames. Stress will melt away as you lounge by the tranquil beaches of the Hawaiian Islands. Fluffy marshmallows will melt into a steaming mug of hot chocolate after a long day on the slopes in Aspen, Colorado. The burnt oranges and the flaming reds of the Grand Canyon will free you from the confining, steely grey of city life. And bravery is required whether you're rafting down the ice-cold Colorado River or strutting beside the fashion-conscious down the sidewalks (or maybe even runways) of New York City.

Best time to go:

As the third largest country in the world, the weather in America varies greatly from coast to coast. States on the East and West coast have beaches that attract visitors during the summer months. The Northeast and the Rocky Mountain states have great skiing. Summers in the Southeast and the Southwest are hot and sticky. Tropical Hawaii is warm year-round. But if you aren't looking for weather extremes when travelling, late spring and early fall are the best times to visit most parts of the country.

Language Barriers

Country Code +1

The U.S. has no official language, but English is spoken everywhere. With the ever-increasing number of Spanish-speaking immigrants in the country, more people are beginning to learn Spanish.

Most Americans use mobile phones to keep in touch, so pay phones aren't very common in the U.S. You can purchase pay-as-you-go mobile phones at many stores across the country.

Many restaurants are wireless hotspots, and their customers can get their internet fix for a minimal charge.

Cash, Card or Cheque?

United States Dollar/USD$

Foreign currencies aren't accepted in America. Only larger cities have currency exchange centres, so it is smart to have some American money with you upon arrival. Visa and MasterCard are accepted almost anywhere, even for small transactions. ATMs are everywhere in America, and most will accept foreign cards, but some banks will charge transaction fees.

How much?

Most people find America to be fairly expensive. The bare minimum - camping and cooking your own food - will cost about USD$30 per day. Moderate accommodations and a rental car will cost you at least USD$150 per day, and if you're staying in a big city, expect to pay a lot more. By avoiding the city and staying in a more rural area, you can save at least USD$50 every day.

Getting around

Most Americans use a car to get around everyday. Because of extensive interstate highway systems, it is very easy to travel by car from one end of the country to another. Renting a car is easy, but you must be at least 25 years old. Public transportation varies from city to city, but is most popular in bigger cities like New York.

Staying and playing safely

You can stay safe in America by exercising a few common sense precautions. Don't walk around larger cities alone at night. Don't impair your judgment with drugs or alcohol. Don't flash large quantities of cash or valuable jewellery. Never try to tip or bribe a government official, this carries serious legal consequences.

Red tape

Everyone entering the U.S. must have a valid passport. Because of recent upgrades, passports need to be machine-readable and have embedded digital photos. If your passport isn't up to standards, you may be required to apply for a tourist visa, which can be costly and time-consuming. The U.S. State Department has a visa waiver program that allows citizens of certain countries like France, Germany, the United Kingdom and Australia to enter without a visa. After arriving, visitors must show proof that their stay is temporary, including documents like hotel bookings, return tickets or business letters.

Jordan-Ashley Baker