If you’ve got plans to travel to the United States anytime soon, then you’ll likely be grateful for some words of advice and travel pointers. If this is exactly what you’ve come looking for, then you’re in luck as below are four great tips for exploring the USA. Find yourself some maps of desired spots you’d like to explore, and take a sensible pair of shoes with you, especially important if you’re going to be on your feet and going to see some of the National Parks. Before you leave, try and read history books about your chosen area or famous pieces of literature set or written there, to spark a deeper interest in the place. Research each state you’re planning to visit and find out about more about certain laws, as well as landmarks to see, and fun activities.
Hire A Car
Consider hiring a rental car during your stay, especially if you’ve got plans to make your way across different states and into more built up areas where taxi prices could soon rack up some mighty bills. Having your own car for your trip means that you’ll have a little more freedom than you would without it, and you can go wherever you want, whenever you want. Driving laws differ from state to state, so it’s advisable to know where you stand if moving across borders. Think about car rental if you want to get involved in activities before and after social hours, such as watching the sunrise at the very crack dawn.
See The National Parks
The national parks in the US are some of the most spectacular in all of the world, and the landscape can vary hugely depending on where you travel to. Fascinatingly, many of America’s national parks have mammals indigenous to the area like grizzly bears in Yellowstone National Park, and mountain elk and pronghorn deer found in Utah’s Bryce Canyon National Park. Consider going to see the longest cave system in the world in Kentucky’s Mammoth Cave, or to see the truly electrifying sights of Alaska’s Denali National Park.
Don’t Get Carried Away
The USA is a big place, and you’ll only be disappointed if you make too many ambitious plans that won’t be able to go ahead. The continental United States is far larger than Europe, so bear in mind that you might have to save some activities and exploration for another time. You’ll soon become exhausted if you move from one state to another, so try and plan a few days in each and focus on a region and move around there.
Polite Customs
You’re expected to tip quite healthily when you’re using services in the US. If you’re out for dinner, lunch, or drinks, then you will be expected to tip the waiting staff between 10 and 20% of your end bill. Tipping is customary in America, and tips account for a large percentage of a service employee’s salary. Always be sure to read your bill thoroughly to see whether a gratuity amount has already been fixed before you end up paying too little or too much.