General Advice

45 million visitors travel to America each year, so obviously there are certain peak times to avoid if you can. During the summer months is the most popular time to visit. Autumn or spring are the best times to go as the crowds are minimal and you can still catch the good weather in some states. Generally it gets hotter the further south you move. Northeast winters are usually below freezing, so make sure you go well equipped if you are planning to go at that time.

The currency is US dollar and you could probably get a budget meal for US$3-5 and budget accommodation for US$12-25. However, if you are wanting a lot more luxury, look at US$60 and upwards for a good hotel. If you really want to be treated well then tipping is the way forward. Many hotel and restaurant staff in the States depend heavily on tips for their income, which may well explain why the service is a couple of notches up from UK standards. Service is not usually on a restaurant bill, so the norm is to tip 15%. This can be calculated more easily by doubling the 8.25% tax marked on the bill. Taxi drivers and hairdressers expect the same, whereas porters expect $1 per bag. Tipping is generally worth it, particularly if you are staying more than one night or planning to return to eat at the same establishment.

You will find that restaurants, hotels and most stores accept US travellers checks, so it is more advantageous to get US as opposed to British ones. Always make sure you carry a credit card, as many places such as car rental or ticket offices request one if you are booking over the phone. Always enter the US with some currency as the airport facilities could be closed when you land, which could leave you stranded! Do be careful about which taxis you use. Always get in a yellow cab as they are the official ones and the other cars could be ripping you off.

You must remember that America has some different rules!

California and New York City, for instance, have banned smoking in most restaurants and other public places and it's difficult to find any public transport throughout the country that has smoking facilities. And as for cinemas, well forget it! In the more popular tourist resorts, however restrictions are not so tight and smokers and non-smokers seem to sit happily side by side in bars and restaurants. You should remember, however, to tell any hotel you plan to book into whether you want smoking or non-smoking, since even bedrooms are so designated these days.