Suggested daily budget – 130-140 USD / 110-120 EUR (Note: This is only an indicative budget, assuming the rental of an economic car in Los Angeles, with fuel for 200 km, accommodation in a good Inn and two meals in a cheaper restaurant. However, if you choose a higher-end car, accommodation or restaurants, expect an even more expensive daily cost! All the values mentioned above were based on the website Preciosmundi, Booking.com and Auto Europe at the date of publication of this article.
Destinations
USA - What to expect
It's almost impossible to describe the United States of America in a few words, such is the variety of places that this country has. With 50 states, as many as stars on the national flag, the USA varies from land to land, from people to people.
From the cinema glamour in Los Angeles to weddings and gambling in Las Vegas or the lights of New York. From the endless horizon on Route 66 to Yosemite's roughness or the natural richness of Yellowstone, not to mention Californian surf and the waves of Hawaii. The United States is one of those destinations that you can always travel to without ever getting fed up.
AVERAGE COSTS
Transportation
- If you are visiting a big city, it's best to take public transport. On average, a single ticket costs $2,25.
But if the goal is to travel around the states, it's best to rent a car. Use the Auto Europe platform to reserve the vehicle at the best price and know that the liter of gasoline is in the order of $0,69.
As the United States is enormous, you can always opt for domestic flights to go around the country.
Accommodation - There are accommodations for all tastes, and prices vary from city to city, from state to state. Use Booking.com to find the one that best suits your needs and budget. However, if you are looking for some comfort, be prepared to pay higher prices. In San Francisco, for example, a room in a three-star hotel cost from $80.
Food - You can't say that eating out in the United States will turn out to be cheap. There's a lot of places to eat out in the big cities but be prepared for a budget collapse if you don't go to the supermarket once in a while. Eating at a cheaper restaurant is an average of $15. In others, lunch for two, with two main courses and dessert, can reach $55. It all depends on what you are looking for or are willing to pay.
TIPS AND TRICKS
1. Rent a van – If you don’t want to stay in a single city, rent a van. This way, you’ll be saving on accommodation and on the car, making both of them a single cost. Furthermore, the fuel price is quite affordable. That’s what I did on my trip to this country.
2. Take medication with you – Know that if you want medication, you won’t be able to buy it in a pharmacy without having a medical prescription. If you suffer from an ear infection, the only thing they will sell you are throat tablets.
3. Take your wine – Wine is quite expensive in the United States. If you want to have a more memorable dinner out, buy the bottle at the supermarket and take it with you to the restaurant. You’ll have to pay a cork fee, but it will always be cheaper.
DO’S AND DON’TS
DO'S: Please confirm all passport and visa entry rules before you arrive in the United States. The entry process can be a real nightmare if everything is not in order. / Taste the local cuisine! Don't leave the United States without trying some ribs or some beautiful donuts. / Leave a tip. It's an established practice. Many restaurants already include it in the bill, but be prepared to leave between 10% to 20% of the total value.
DON’TS: If you travel by van, don’t park anywhere. There are places propper to do so or look for quieter areas or close to a police station. / Don’t exceed speed limits within cities and on highways, even if it seems that the other cars are almost stopped. / Don’t travel without travel insurance. The United States can go from a very safe place to a super insecure one. Go prepared! Use this link and get a 5% discount on your insurance.
