Free Travel Guide
USA
Free Travel Guide
USA
January - December
English
US dollar (USD)
High
A road trip through the USA was something that had been on our wish list for a long time. We were very happy when it became clear that this dream was going to become a reality. However, the planning was difficult because there is so much to see in this country. Just think of all the natural parks such as the Grand Canyon and Yosemite Park or world famous cities such as Los Angeles and New York. So it is quite an assignment to plan all this within a period of two months. But we succeeded. Are you curious what this planning looks like? Then you can find our experiences below. We may be able to help you plan a trip to the USA. It is worth a visit once in a lifetime, despite some of the quirks that the country also has.
Transport in
USA
Uber
In the cities, using Uber is often the easiest way to get from A to B. Although we may be more of a fan of the competitor Lyft. They offer the same services but cheaper. The price of an Uber is highly dependent on location and city. We do not recommend Uber for long distances. A distance of maximum 30 minutes is affordable.
Bus, train and metro
The train network is of course not as good as countries in Europe, but sometimes the train is the best solution. For example, traveling by train from San Diego to Los Angeles is much cheaper and faster than by car. The buses in America can also take you far. Greyhound ‘s long-distance buses in particular can save you a lot of money on transport. And of course in cities like New York you have the metro system that is of excellent quality and can take you just about anywhere in the city.
Plane
America is a very large country and so domestic flights are a means of transportation that will need regular. Especially if you have planned a tour around the country. Prices depend on distance and society, but generally the quality is of a certain standard which is certainly good. During a long round trip you can always check whether you are eligible for a savings program of, for example, American Airlines .
Taxi
You can find a Taxi in every city and in New York the yellow taxis are even very well known. Only taxis are a very expensive way to get around. And from our own experience we know that these taxi drivers often do not use the fastest route to increase the price. Certainly due to the arrival of Uber and Lift, we will no longer be using a taxi any time soon.
Useful tips
USA
Helpful facts
USA
Food
Unfortunately, you pay a high amount for healthy food in America. Because America is of course also the country of fast food. Do you go to a restaurant every day? Then this will be a significant amount of your budget, but that might be part of a trip in America. In our opinion, you should at least taste the Dan’s Surf and Turf at BubbaGump once . This is a combination of ribs with grilled scampi. Amazing! If there’s one dish they can prepare better in America than anywhere else in the world, it’s barbecue.
Papers for the US
If you are traveling to America for a period shorter than 3 months, you must apply for an Esta online. This is a kind of visa that allows you to enter the country as a tourist. Are you going to America for a longer period? Then you will have to contact the American embassy in Belgium or the Netherlands. Here you can apply for a visa. Attention! Not everyone gets this just like that. Whether or not you get one depends on several factors. Furthermore, you do not need any special papers because your driving license from home is also valid in the USA. So you don’t have to buy an extra document for abroad! Even though some websites dare to claim this.
Vaccinations for America
No vaccinations are required in the United States. And you get all the vaccinations that would be useful in America at home. Only Rabies (rabies) is still recommended. Although you can also get this vaccination after being bitten by an animal. You can find this vaccine in almost every hospital in America. What you do need to arrange for America is your travel insurance. Because without this insurance, a hospital visit can become very expensive. Some hospitals won’t even help you until they see these papers. For up-to-date information, please have a look here.This may well change with the advent of covid19.
Internet
We don’t have to tell you that America is a well-developed country. It is therefore not surprising that you can find free WiFi in many places. Only if you really want to have internet everywhere, for example to order an Uber on the street, will you have to buy a new SIM card. Do not buy these at the airport but in one of the shops you will find in the cities. You can easily pay double the retail prices at the airports. Preferably take a prepaid card with which you can use the internet for free for a month. You can also top up these cards at petrol stations. If you search carefully you should already be helped for 40 euros.
Tipping in the USA
Tipping in America is very common and even mandatory in some states. This is because the wages of employees in the catering industry often only consist of this tip. So keep this in mind when ordering your food. After all, there will be another 10, 15 or 20 percent depending on how well you liked everything. So you can decide for yourself what to give. Attention! If you sit at a table with more than 6 people, the service is often automatically settled! So check your account carefully. You are also expected to tip a taxi driver, guide and the chambermaid. How much you can decide for yourself.
Safety
America is a very safe country compared to some other countries. However, you should be aware that crime is also present here. Especially in big cities like Los Angeles, Miami and New York you can have to deal with theft. That is why it is always good to keep all your important documents and belongings in different places. In addition, it is also good to know that firearms are not banned in every state. You may and hopefully never have to deal with that, but you know it. So it is not recommended to walk alone at night in big cities. What you don’t do at home, don’t do it here.
What to do in
America

What to do in New York?
New York is a dream destination for many. And that is certainly right because this city has a lot to offer.

What to do in Miami
Miami is a major coastal city in America. It is known primarily for its colorful hotels, artistic art galleries and beautiful beaches.

What to do in Durham?
During our tour of America, we of course visited famous places like Las Vegas and New York.

What to do in Las Vegas
Las Vegas is perhaps the nicest city we visited on our journey through America.

What to do in Los Angeles?
This week we show you what you can do in the big city, Los Angeles. Of course this list is very

What to do in San Diego?
After the series what to do in Mexico, we now begin the series what to do in America. And the first one in this series
Our Stories
USA

USA Week 7: Lots of sightseeing in New York
The end of our long road trip across America is upon us. After three months of intensive travel

10 Peculiarities About America You Don’t Know Yet
USA 10 Peculiarities About America You Don’t Know Yet Pecularities America After we already gave 10 peculiarities about Mexico , this week we give 10

USA Week 6: Beach and Street Art in Miami
The weeks fly by on our road trip through the USA. Last week we took a little rest in Durham

USA Week 5: Rest and Baseball in Durham
Our long road trip in the USA is already halfway through and we need some rest between all the major cities and sights.

USA Week 4: Breathtaking National Parks
Last week we were still in Las Vegas and this week we explored the breathtaking National Parks that America has.

USA Week 3: Off to bustling Las Vegas
About Las Vegas they sometimes say “You love it or you hate it”. Curious what we think of this vibrant city?

USA Week 2: Los Angeles the city with many faces
This week we arrived in the City of Angels: Los Angeles. Wondering how we experience this famous and huge city

USA Week 1: San Diego is our first stop
It’s time. We are in great America! This is the first time we come here and we try with our road trip