Travelling in the US can be a thrilling and illuminating experience. Given the country’s sheer size and diversity, there genuinely is something Stateside for everyone, and it’s no surprise that there is so much inward traffic there every year. But as iconic as the States may be, whether you’re intent on driving the length of Route 66 or exploring the most sprawling metropolises, there are some quirks that can catch even a seasoned tourist off guard.
From busy cities with limited public transport to unexpected pricing quirks, here are a few things that you might not be prepared for when travelling to (and in) the USA – and some tips on making your trip smoother, lighter, and a little less confusing.
Walkability can’t be taken for granted
There’s a lot of talk about America’s love affair with the automobile, and it extends beyond framed art prints of a ‘68 Impala. American cities are very car-centric and, for visitors from Europe or Asia, it can be a bit of a culture shock to learn how hard they are to navigate on foot. NYC, San Francisco and Chicago (in parts) are decent for walkability, but not only are they exceptions to the norm – they’re also pretty patchy for pedestrians outside of central zones. Sidewalks disappear, crossings become rarer, and walking begins to feel impractical.
If you’ve just arrived in a city and want to explore before checking into your accommodation – or have checked out and still have some time to spend before flying out – dragging your luggage around makes the process even more fraught. A good idea is to seek out a service like Radical Storage, which allows you to stow your luggage while you head out to experience the city at leisure. Whether you’re keen to experience a classic NY deli or do the Rocky outside the Philadelphia Museum of Art, it’s going to be easier without bags. You’ll be glad you made this choice.
Distances are greater than you think
Yes, it’s a statement of the obvious: The USA is big. But for some people, the reality of how big is something that has to be experienced to be believed. For example, obviously LA to NY is a big trip – it’s across the whole country, everyone knows that. But even trips within the same state between cities can be punishingly long if you weren’t aware of the distance they spanned. It takes two hours longer, for example, to drive from LA to San Francisco than it would to drive from Vienna to Prague, two well-established capital cities.
And no matter how you’re getting around, that travel time is inescapable. As we hinted above, public transport around and between cities in the USA is pretty abysmal compared with most countries in the Northern Hemisphere (and many in the South). So factor in travelling time if you want to see multiple cities in one trip. Orlando to Miami may not look like much on the map, but it’s a long time in a car seat or train compartment.
Sales tax and tipping culture can be a banana skin
Many visitors to the States are caught unaware by the way prices are calculated. In most states, the price ticket on a store shelf or the number on the menu are not what you’re likely to end up paying. This is because sales tax, which can vary from 4% to 10% depending on the state, is usually added at the checkout. If you’re not ready for it, it’s a mistake you will make once and you will feel the shame of not budgeting for it.
Tipping, for its part, is different in the States than it is in most countries. Sure, it’s not rare in other countries, but in the USA it is expected. Hospitality staff from bartenders to taxi drivers to bellhops may rely on tips to supplement their income. In a restaurant, a standard tip is between 15 and 20% – and if you don’t leave one it will be noticed. Even if you don’t think the service was splendid, it’s something to be aware of. If you have a daily travel budget, it’s recommended that you calculate a portion of it to go to tax and tips; it will smooth your way around. And there’s no harm in adding a little more if service is stellar.
Internet and mobile access may be patchy
The USA has gained a reputation as one of the most advanced countries in the world, but again: America is big. And while the 4G and 5G access in big cities is generally unproblematic, once you get beyond the more populated areas it often gets a lot worse. In more rural or even suburban areas, you might struggle to connect to the internet while on the move. Even if stores or rest stops boast free WiFi, it often isn’t very fast or secure.
It is widely recommended that if you’re planning on using your phone a lot – which of course you are, if you’re looking to get around or explore with any kind of focus – you pick up a local SIM card or eSIM which has a data package included. Some providers even offer travel SIMs that cover the entire country, which will save you a bunch of money on roaming charges and connection issues. Hotels, cafes and libraries usually offer free WiFi, but it is recommended to use a VPN if you’re doing anything sensitive – which includes any kind of transaction – online.
The USA is a place that every traveller should explore, those from inside and those outside too. But travelling there isn’t always intuitive if you’re used to exploring more pedestrian-friendly or well-connected destinations. From unexpectedly long distances to strict rules on gratuities, it always pays to be prepared. Wherever your journey takes you, being aware in advance of what obstacles you might face can turn frustration into flexibility. So plan ahead, embrace the adventure and be prepared for a wonderful holiday. You may still face some surprises, but you’ll be ready for them.
