Vast and varied, familiar yet full of wonder, the US is many things and offers just about every experience. This enormous country stretches roughly 3,000 miles (4,800km) from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and prides itself on being a melting pot of cultures from all over the world. Its storied metros, which include New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago and San Francisco, offer world-class museums, shopping, restaurants and nightlife that are guaranteed to thrill any traveller.

The US isn't all cities and sidewalks, though, and nature lovers can look forward to stunning pristine spaces. These include the majestic Rocky Mountains, the rugged Pacific coast of California, Niagara Falls in upstate New York and the endless 'Big Sky Country' of Montana.

History enthusiasts will also be spoiled for choice. Among other things, they'll relish seeing the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia, the Tea Party Ships in Boston, the iconic Mount Rushmore in South Dakota, and the Declaration of Independence in Washington DC's National Archives.

So, whether skiing in the Colorado Rockies, sunning on a Miami beach or climbing to the top of the Statue of Liberty, visitors are sure to have a memorable time in 'The Land of Opportunity'.

Best time to visit the USA

The best time to visit the USA is between May and September when the weather is pleasant and the days are long. However, July and early August can be uncomfortably hot in most states, and many popular tourist attractions are overcrowded with families on holiday during this period. The weather in the USA varies widely throughout the continent, with the northern states seeing huge temperature changes between summer and winter, while the southern states remain fairly temperate in winter with hot summers. The best time for a skiing holiday in the USA is in late January and February when snow is guaranteed in most ski areas.

What to see in the USA

-Enjoy stunning sunset views over the Grand Canyon in Arizona.

-Meet Mickey and Minnie on a family trip to Walt Disney World in Florida.

-Take a walk through Times Square and see a Broadway show in New York City.

-Visit the Lincoln Memorial and tour the White House in Washington DC.

-Walk across the Golden Gate Bridge and have lunch in San Francisco's Chinatown.

Top things to do

-Take a wine-tasting tour of Napa Valley in Northern California.

-Compare hand sizes with Michael Jackson and Marilyn Monroe at Mann's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood.

-Go skiing in Colorado ski resorts such as Aspen and Vail.

-Hike in national parks such as Yellowstone, Yosemite, or Adirondacks.

-Listen to a Dixieland jazz concert at Preservation Hall in New Orleans.

Getting to the USA

There's no shortage of direct cheap flights to the USA from the UK. Many cheap flights from London and Manchester go to busy hubs such as New York JFK, Hartsfield Jackson in Atlanta, Chicago O'Hare and Washington-Dulles International Airport, though connecting flights are available to nearly any city in the country.

Read

Ragtime by EL Doctorow, Made in America by Bill Bryson, The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck, On the Road by Jack Kerouac, and To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee.

Listen

Louis Armstrong, Nirvana, Aaron Copland and Scott Joplin.

Watch

Glory (1989); Pulp Fiction (1994); The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966); Forrest Gump (1994); and Mr Smith Goes to Washington (1939).

Drink

Napa Valley wine, hot apple cider, and local microbrewed beers.

Eat

Southern Barbecue, Philly cheesesteak, and Chicago-style deep-dish pizza.

What to buy

I (Heart) NY items, Hollywood celebrity souvenirs, Mickey Mouse Ears, and replicas of famous monuments. Other souvenirs include Native American crafts, Vermont maple syrup, Californian wine and local fashion.

What to pack

Comfortable walking shoes and a light jacket in summer, or the warmest clothes possible in winter. Visitors should bring a good map or download a reliable map app to help them get around in big cities.

What's on in the USA

The Tournament of Roses Parade fills the streets of Pasadena with enormous floats made of flowers. Boston throws a 4th of July party like no other with fireworks and symphony concerts. St Patrick's Day in Chicago includes a huge parade, and they even dye the river green. The National Cherry Blossom Festival turns many of Washington DC's parks bright pink. The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City is attended by tens of thousands of people each autumn. Racing highlights in the US include the Kentucky Derby and the Indianapolis 500.

Did you know?

-Montana has three times more cattle than people.

-Alaska has a longer coastline than all the other 49 states put together.

-New York City was once the capital of the USA.

-Missouri's nickname is 'The Show Me State'.

A final word

Stretching between the Pacific and the Atlantic Ocean, the vast territory of the USA contains jagged mountains, majestic forests, world-class cities, and charming small towns. This is a holiday destination that it would take a lifetime to fully explore.

Things to do in United States of America

Sightseeing in the USA is a lifelong pursuit, due to the vast scale and variety of the attractions on offer. Indeed, the USA is far more than a single country: each state and region has its own character, geography and unique, world-class sights.

Three-quarters of all foreign tourists spend time in California, Florida and New York, while the country's five most visited cities by foreign tourists are in these three states. In between east coast California's beaches, movie glitz and sunny weather and west coast New York's urban thrills and iconic sights, the USA is a country of great diversity: the Creole culture of Louisiana, the wide-open plains of the great Midwest, epic skiing around the Rocky Mountains, the magnificence of the Grand Canyon, and astounding lights of nearby Las Vegas. Offshore Hawaii is a place of irresistible beauty too, and Alaska offers a unique wilderness to explore.

Given all there is to see and do, and the vast distances between them, visitors will need to plan their trip carefully and concentrate on a few areas. Winters (November to February) on the east coast get very cold with plenty of snow, while beaches can get uncomfortably hot over peak summer months of July and August. Travellers should also look out for big national events such as Spring Break (March), Fourth of July, and Thanksgiving (fourth Thursday in November), when transport and accommodation get very busy.

United States of America travel info

Electricity

The electrical current is 120 volts, 60Hz. Plugs are mainly the type with two flat pins, though three-pin plugs (two flat parallel pins and a rounded pin) are also widely used. European appliances without dual-voltage capabilities will require an adapter.

Language

English is the most common language spoken but Spanish is often heard in the south-western states.

Money

The official currency is the US Dollar (USD), which is divided into 100 cents. Only major banks exchange foreign currency. ATMs are widespread and credit cards are widely accepted; Apple Pay and Google Pay are very popular. Banking hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm.

Tipping

A 15 percent tip is expected by taxi drivers, bartenders, hairdressers and waiters, but travellers shouldn't tip in fast-food or self-service restaurants. In expensive restaurants or for large parties, the tip should be 20 percent of the bill. It's normal to tip staff such as valets and porters in hotels; this is discretionary, although a minimum of $5 is expected. Most services are customarily tipped if the service is good.

Health

There are no specific health risks associated with travel within the USA. Medical facilities are excellent, but expensive. Only emergencies are treated without prior payment and treatment can be refused without evidence of insurance or proof of funds. Good medical insurance is essential.

Safety

Travel within the United States is generally trouble-free, though travellers should be aware that the US shares with the rest of the world an increased threat from terrorist incidents. Security has been heightened, particularly at airports. Restrictions on hand luggage apply and travellers are advised to check on the latest situation with airlines in advance. Travellers should also be alert to the dangers of car and street crime in cities and should use common sense and take basic precautions. Hurricanes are common between June and November, putting the southern USA, including the Gulf Coast and the eastern US at risk. There's a risk of wildfires in many dry areas in the US, particularly on the West Coast from March to November.

Local customs

Laws vary from state to state, including speed limit, fines and punishment. The age at which alcohol may be legally bought and consumed is 21 years.

Doing business

In such a large country, filled with so many diverse groups, business practices may differ according to each state, though rarely to any large degree. The East Coast is traditionally more formal than the West Coast, though in states such as California, dress code and conservative appearance are as common as they would be in New York. Punctuality is important throughout the country and it's considered rude to be late for a meeting. Gift-giving is uncommon as it may be construed as bribery. Appropriate titles (Mr, Mrs, Ms) are used upon introduction and until otherwise stated. Americans favour politeness and greetings of 'Hello' and 'How are you?' are often expressed with sincerity. Business hours may vary in each state, but an 8am start and 5pm finish Monday to Friday is the most common with an hour over lunch.

Status and age are not necessarily indicative of seniority, nor do they carry much weight in themselves. Those doing business in the States should be mindful of this fact; foreigners should never make assumptions about someone's position or rank. Best practice is to be respectful to all parties. That said, the US upholds a hierarchal business structure in which 'the boss' is the ultimate decision-maker. Senior leaders have the power of the last word, and can go against the grain just as easily as they can follow popular opinion. Foreigners should concentrate on winning over this individual, even if the greater group seems unsupportive. Americans value a direct style of communication. In this fast-paced, consumer culture 'time is money', and small-talk is viewed as unnecessary and wasteful. It's best for foreigners to get to the point quickly, speak about issues in a frank and open manner, and to avoid taking offence if someone questions or challenges them outright.

Duty free

Travellers to the United States who are returning residents of the country do not have to pay duty on articles purchased abroad to the value of $800 provided their stay was longer than 48 hours and their duty-free allowance was not used in the 30-day period prior. For passengers arriving from Samoa, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands, a duty-free allowance of $1,600 is allowed. The following items are included in this: 50 cigarettes and 10 cigars and 150 millilitres (5 fl. oz.) of alcoholic beverages or 150 millilitres (5 fl. oz.) of perfume containing alcohol. Restrictions may apply to goods from Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Burma (Myanmar), Angola, Liberia and Sudan. It is prohibited to import Cuban cigars from any country.

Travellers to the United States who are non-residents do not have to pay duty on the following items: 50 cigars or 200 cigarettes and gifts to the value of $100 provided their stay in the USA is not less than 72 hours and that the allowance has not been used in the preceding six-month period.

Prohibited items for residents and non-residents include meat or meat products, poultry, narcotics, absinthe, plants, seeds, vegetables, fruits, soil, live insects and other living plants or animal pests. Fish is prohibited unless it carries disease-free certification. Wildlife and animals or their by-products carry restrictions. Dairy products and eggs from specified countries are not allowed. Firearms and ammunition are not allowed without the necessary license and permit.

Communications

The international country dialling code for the United States is +1. Mobile networks cover most of the country, especially all urban areas; travellers can purchase local prepaid SIM cards for unlocked phones or use eSIMs if their cellular providers support it on their networks. WiFi is widely available.

Passport & Visa

It is highly recommended that travellers' passports have at least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of departure from them travel destination. A visa is required for short visits unless travellers qualify for entry under the Visa Waiver Program.

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables citizens of certain countries to travel to the US for a stay of up to 90 days without a visa. Visitors under the VWP need a valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), which allows the US government to screen all visitors before travel. Visitors entering the country under the VWP must have a machine-readable passport (MRP) that has a barcode on the photo page. Travellers under the VWP must have passports that include biometrics if they wish to enter the country without a visa, which means that passports must contain unique personal data such as fingerprints or iris details. All passports must contain a digital photo image in order to travel visa-free. All visitors to the USA have a photograph and two fingerprints taken by an inkless scanner on arrival, including those travelling visa-free under the VWP.

As part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), all travellers travelling between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States. If departing from the USA, a valid passport is required by immigration authorities. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Entry requirements

US citizens require passports.

UK nationals require a passport valid for duration of stay. Most passport holders can get an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) through the Visa Waiver Programme, which allows travel to the US for up to 90 days. The VWP includes tourism, certain types of business visit and transit to another country.

The most important requirement on entering the U.S. is providing proof of Canadian citizenship. A valid Canadian passport is the best document to prove Canadian citizenship and the right to return to Canada. However, several other documents can serve, depending on the mode of transport. Generally, Canadian citizens do not require visitor, business, transit or other visas to enter the United States from Canada, though there are some exceptions.

Passports must be valid for the period of intended stay. If visiting the US for fewer than 90 days, Australian nationals may be eligible to apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), and enter under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).

South Africans must hold a passport valid for duration of stay. A visa is required.

Passports must be valid for duration of stay. Irish nationals can get an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) under the Visa Waiver Programme for entry into the United States.

Passports must be valid for duration of stay. New Zealand nationals can get an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) under the Visa Waiver Programme for entry into the United States.

Useful contacts

United States Tourist Office: www.usatourist.com

911 (General)

Embassies / consulates in other countries

United States Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 20 7499 9000.

United States Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 688 5335.

United States Embassy, Canberra, Australia: +61 2 6214 5600.

United States Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 12 431 4000.

United States Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 1 668 8777.

United States Embassy, Wellington, New Zealand: +64 4 462 6000.

Embassies / consulates in United States of America

British Embassy, Washington DC: +1 202 588 6500.

Canadian Embassy, Washington DC: +1 202 682 1740.

Australian Embassy, Washington DC: +1 202 797 3000.

South African Embassy, Washington DC: +1 202 232 4400.

Irish Embassy, Washington DC: +1 202 462 3939.

New Zealand Embassy, Washington DC: +1 202 328 4800.

Climate in United States of America

The United States of America covers a large region, stretching from east to west across nine time zones. So, it's no surprise that the country has a varied climate, ranging from arctic regions to deserts. California, on the west coast of the US, has a pleasant, Mediterranean climate, and the Pacific Northwest Coast has more of a maritime climate, with cooler summers and mild winters, influenced by westerly winds. The central part of the US has extreme temperature variations and a continental climate, with cold winters and hot summers. The eastern central US tends to be more humid, while the western central US is semiarid. The east side of the country has a continental climate caused by air masses moving from west to east, with hot summers and a prevalence of tornadoes in the Mississippi River area. Florida has the warmest winters on the eastern seaboard. It's recommended that travellers research the climate in the specific state they wish to visit when choosing when to travel.