The Ultimate USA Travel Guide: Tips for First-Time
Visitors from the UK
Planning your first trip to the United States is an exciting
adventure. With its sheer size, diversity of landscapes, and wealth of cultural
experiences, the USA can feel both familiar and overwhelming to British
travellers. To help you make the most of your holiday, American Sky has put together a
first-timers USA travel guide.
Getting there
Flights from the UK typically land in major hubs such as New
York, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Orlando and Miami, and journey
times range from 7 to 11 hours. There are also direct flights to many other US
cities such as Atlanta, Nashville and New Orleans for visiting the Deep South,
and Las Vegas not just for the glitz but also to reach the Grand Canyon. Before
travelling, you’ll need to complete an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel
Authorization).
Getting around
Once stateside, it’s worth remembering just how vast the
country is. Domestic flights are the quickest way to cover long distances,
while trains offer a scenic alternative, a great option for the East
Coast Cities. For maximum flexibility, choose to hire a car to enjoy that
classic road trip
experience. Another option is an escorted tour, where
you will have the guidance of a tour manager from beginning to end, allowing
you to sit back and enjoy all the sights along the way. American Sky can tailor-make all these
holidays for you, making your journey smooth and stress-free.
Money matters
The US dollar is the local currency, and while cards are
widely accepted, it’s useful to carry small amounts of cash for tips. Tipping
is a very important part of American culture - 15–20% in restaurants is
standard, as are small amounts for hotel staff and drivers.
Food and drink
From New Orleans’ spicy Creole dishes to New York’s
world-famous bagels, food is an adventure all of its own. Portions are often on
the large size, and iced tap water is complimentary in most restaurants. Don’t
be afraid to try regional specialities - you’ll discover flavours and
traditions unique to each state. But of course you’ll always find a great range
of family favourites from pizza to pasta with every style of burger in between.
Travelling with families
The USA is one of the best destinations in the world for
families. Theme parks in Florida and California provide magical experiences,
while the spectacular national parks offer outdoor adventures. Family-friendly
dining is widespread, with children’s menus and casual restaurants making
mealtimes stress-free. Hotel room sizes tend to be larger than other parts of
the world, allowing the great value option of a family of four to share a room.
American Sky offers family
holidays in the USA that balance excitement with relaxation, so every
member of the family enjoys their trip.
Top destinations for first-timers
New
York City and Boston – iconic sights and world-class shopping.
Florida
– family-friendly theme parks and golden beaches.
California
– from glamorous Los Angeles to scenic Pacific Coast drives.
Las Vegas
& the Grand Canyon – neon nights paired with natural wonder.
New
England – the perfect road trip with rolling countryside and beautiful
coastline.
National Parks –
first time favourites include Yosemite
and Yellowstone.
Final thoughts
Your first trip to the USA will likely leave you eager to
return. Whether you’re drawn by the buzz of the big cities, the freedom of the
open road, or the beauty of the national parks, America offers endless
opportunities for discovery. With American
Sky’s expert knowledge for tailor-made USA holidays, you can be confident
your journey will be seamless and unforgettable.