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USA

What can you expect from the USA

The United States of America is a vast and incredibly diverse country that offers something for every traveler. From the buzzing cities of New York and Los Angeles to the quiet beauty of national parks like Yellowstone and Yosemite, you can expect contrasting landscapes and iconic landmarks. Whether you’re road-tripping across Route 66, surfing in California, hiking in the Rockies, or diving into the rich musical history of the South, the USA is an ever-changing adventure.

Beyond its famous sights, the United States is also a melting pot of cultures. Each state has its own identity, shaped by its history, geography, and people. Expect regional food specialties, various accents, and local traditions, from Mardi Gras in New Orleans to cowboy rodeos in Texas. It’s definitely a place of contrasts, innovation, and timeless Americana.

Things to See and Do in the USA

Explore Grand Canyon’s epic landscapes
Road trip along California’s Pacific Coast Highway
Discover the unique streets of New York City
Visit the monuments and museums of Washington, D.C.
Hike in Yellowstone and spot geysers and wildlife
Listen to live blues in New Orleans’ French Quarter
Surf the waves in Hawaii’s North Shore
Experience the magic of Florida's amusement parks
Drive through Monument Valley’s red rock vistas

Typical Costs When Traveling

Accommodation: Hostels range from $35–$65 per night. Budget motels and Airbnb rooms go from $70–$120. Prices increase in major cities.

Food: A meal at a casual restaurant costs around $14–$22. Expect service tips to be included in the final bill. On the other hand, groceries for self-catering average $45 per week. Street food and diners are great, budget-friendly options.

Transportation: Local transport (buses/subways) is around $2–$3 per ride. Long-distance buses and trains vary, while renting a car costs $40–$70 daily (plus fuel).

Suggested Daily Budget

$70–$100 USD

(Note: This is a suggested budget assuming you’re staying in a hostel or budget guesthouse, eating out a little, cooking most of your meals, and using local transportation. Following the budget tips below, you can always lower this number. However, if you stay in fancier accommodation or eat out more often, expect this to be higher!)

Money-Saving Tips

1
Stay outside major tourist areas Accommodations in suburbs or nearby towns are often significantly cheaper than city centers.
2
Use travel passes Get metro/bus passes or city tourism cards for major cities like NYC, Chicago, and San Francisco.
3
Embrace national park camping If you're into nature, campsites in national parks are scenic and budget-friendly.
4
Eat like a local Skip restaurants and opt for food trucks, local diners, or even supermarket delis to cut food costs.

Travel Tools & Resources for the USA

Before you go, don’t forget to check visa requirements, as most travelers will need at least an ESTA.

For staying connected, a Holafly eSIM (-5%) is your best bet. It’s easy to activate and works well across the country.

Heymondo travel insurance (-5%) is essential in the USA due to the country’s high medical costs.

To move around, use Omnio to compare transport options or apps like Uber and Lyft for short distances.

If you’re planning a road trip, check fuel prices with GasBuddy and book your car with DiscoverCars.

Accommodation-wise, use Booking.com or Hostelworld if you’re open to alternative stays.

Finally, for tours and experiences, GetYourGuide is a great place to start.

These are the platforms I trust and use on my travels, and some include exclusive discounts for my readers!

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05/27/2025

Marlene is the creator of Marlene On The Move. A journalist by profession, she created the blog to share her adventures around the world. It is not unusual for her to set off to discover new countries and cultures with a surfboard as luggage.

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