How to Plan a USA Holiday from the UK

How to Plan a USA Holiday from the UK: Flights, Accommodation, and More

Planning a holiday to the USA from the UK can feel like a big undertaking—but with the right partner, it becomes both manageable and exciting. Here’s how to plan a seamless US getaway, covering flights, accommodation, travel logistics and how American Sky can help you get the most from your trip.

Step 1: Decide on dates and destinations

The first step in any USA holiday planning is to think about when you want to go and where you want to visit.

• When to travel: Consider UK/US season differences. For example, spring (March–May) and autumn (September–October) are often ideal for weather and fewer crowds; summer is peak and often more expensive; winter can be good for certain destinations (Florida, ski resorts) but may limit accessibility of some national parks.

• Where to go: The USA is vast and varied—city breaks (e.g., New York, Los Angeles), nature/adventure (e.g., national parks in Utah/Arizona), beach destinations (Florida, Hawaii).

• Duration and pace: A trip to the USA typically needs at least 10–14 days to cover meaningful ground and justify the long-haul flight. Consider multi-centre stays (e.g., East Coast + national park; California coast + wine country) or a fly-drive.

• Budget and peak vs off-peak: Flights, hotels and car hire vary a lot depending on travel window. Booking well in advance very often helps secure better options.

Step 2: Booking flights – from the UK to the USA

Flights are one of the biggest parts of your holiday cost, and booking smartly will save stress and money. With American Sky you’ll benefit from their ability to search all the direct and indirect (stopover) UK-USA flight combinations and package them with your holiday.

Key flight-booking considerations:

• Departure airport: From the UK you typically fly from London Heathrow (LHR), Gatwick (LGW) or Manchester (MAN). Choose whichever is more convenient, taking into account transport to your UK departure point.

• Direct vs stop-over: Direct flights are faster but tend to cost more. Depending on destination (e.g., West Coast vs East Coast) you may choose a one-stop option, and if you stop then think about building in a few days in that stopover city.

• Regional airports in the USA: Once you arrive, think about domestic flights if you’re visiting multiple cities/states -  American Sky can bundle these in.

• Flight class and comfort: For a long-haul flight you may prefer extra leg-room or a premium economy class.

• Booking early: Especially for popular seasons or major events (festivals, national holidays, sporting events) flights fill up fast.

• Visa/ESTA/travel authorisation: UK travellers to the USA need to obtain an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) if eligible under the Visa Waiver Program.

• Flight-package bundling: With American Sky you can have your flights, accommodation, car hire and / or tour in one booking, simplifying things and giving you one point of contact.

Step 3: Accommodation, transport and itinerary logistics

Now you’ll need to chat through in more detail where you stay, how you get around, and how you structure your days.

Accommodation

• Decide on hotel standard depending on budget. American Sky can tailor any itinerary, and often it’s good to mix up the standard and style of accommodation. For example if you’re only staying one night, you could economise on the hotel but if you have a nice few days to relax then upgrade and select a hotel with a nice pool and in a central location.

• For multi-centre trips, ensure you’re not spending too many nights in transit. Staying two nights or more in a location helps you relax and explore.

• Think about hotel location: central city vs suburb, resort vs basic motel, national park lodges vs hotels outside the park (which tend to be better value).

• Booking early helps secure better rates and preferred rooms (e.g., sea-view, premium suite, family rooms).

Transport and getting around

• If you’re visiting multiple cities and states, you may require internal flights (USA domestic) or car hire for a self-drive adventure (especially for national parks)

• Car hire: consider pick-up/drop-off locations, one-way fees, insurance, driving on the “wrong” side for UK drivers (here American Sky’s advice is helpful).

• If you do a self-drive road-trip, take advice to plan your route, distances between stops (US states are large), and factor in rest days.

• If you prefer an escorted tour, American Sky have options where transport, tour guides, activities and hotels are included. This is less “free-form” but easier, and you’ll be looked after every step of the way.

Step 4: Budgeting and booking timeline

Budgeting

• Flights from the UK to the USA vary widely. Booking well in advance helps.

• Accommodation: City hotels tend to cost more than suburban or resort areas; national-park lodges can be premium.

• Transport: Car hire + fuel (driving in many states), internal flights, train travel (some city combinations).

• Meals & extras: US cities often have higher dining costs; national parks may have fewer dining options.

• Travel insurance: essential. Consider UK outbound travel insurance that covers all U.S. states and your chosen activities.

• Currency exchange: Budget in GBP, but remember you’ll spend in USD when in the USA so watch exchange rates and credit-card fees.

• Unexpected costs: Road-trip tolls, parking, driver fees, rental car drop-offs, national-park entrance fees.

Booking timeline

• 9-12 months ahead: Ideal for high-season (summer school holidays), popular tours, premium hotels.

• 6-9 months ahead: Good for many destinations, especially if you are flexible on dates.

• 3-6 months ahead: Possible but fewer choices; may pay higher rates.

• 0-3 months ahead: Last-minute deals exist, but risk of limited availability, especially in popular locations.

Step 5: Final checks and travel preparation

As your departure approaches, there are a number of practicalities to check:

• Ensure your passport is valid (for US travel typically at least 6 months validity from date of entry).

• Apply for your ESTA or a visa, if required.

• Check travel insurance cover — in particular for US costs (which can be high).

• Prepare your luggage: adapt for the season and region you’re visiting (e.g., pack layers for national parks, warm jacket for cooler evenings, beach kit for seaside stays).

• Health/travel advisories: vaccinations, specific rules

• Currency: Have some US dollars in cash, but majority via card is fine. Notify your bank that you’ll be travelling to avoid card blocks. Take some small denomination dollars so that you can tip for porterage in hotels, valet parking etc.

• Itinerary pack: Keep copies of flight info, hotel addresses, car hire details, emergency contact numbers.

• Jet-lag strategy: Plan for light activity on your first day, hydrate, get sunlight, adjust quickly to US local time.

• Visit the American Sky website for more information and how to book