The USA Travel Guide: History, Helpful Safety & Travel Tips

Discovering America: A Brief Overview of the USA

As one of the most important countries in the world, it makes sense that America’s geographical and cultural heritage is equal parts vast and complex.

From Coast to Coast: Geography of the USA

As the world’s third largest country in size, the American landscape encompasses everything from tropical beaches, rocky mountain peaks and Great Lakes to prairie lands and even barren deserts.

To help you get your bearings, the US is divided into six regions:

1. New England, which is home to states such as Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Vermont
2. The Mid-Atlantic incorporates states including New York, Delaware and Maryland
3. The South refers to places like North and South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and Alabama
4. The Midwest is, in part, made up of Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Indiana and Minnesota
5. The Southwest is home to Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas
6. The West refers to, in part, Alaska, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Oregon and Utah

Melting Pot of Cultures: Embracing American Diversity

Due to its vast size and welcoming nature, it makes sense that America has earned the label of being a melting pot of cultures. In fact, the US has one of the most complex cultural identities in the world.

With over tens of millions of immigrants (historically from Latin-America and more recently from Asia) making their way to the country in the hopes of achieving the American dream, the current most common spoken languages are English and Spanish.

As a result of this, many of America’s cities celebrate everything from Chinese and Spanish customs, and they have incorporated cuisines from all over the world into their everyday food and drink.

Navigating the USA: Your Guide to Transportation

When it comes to navigating the USA, there is a lot of ground to cover. Some people may prefer to use public transport systems while others want to maximise their time and fly in and out.

For those with time on their side, consider travelling on the national Amtrak rail network or by Greyhound bus. While rail is typically more expensive than bus travel, train travel can be both relaxing and picturesque, especially when travelling between New York and Los Angeles.

Car Rentals and Domestic Flights: Covering Long Distances

To minimise your travel time, you could look into hiring a car or taking domestic flights between cities. With discount airlines a dime a dozen in the US, you can cover large distances without breaking the bank, although for the best deals, book at least three weeks in advance.

Celebrate Like a Local: Events and Festivals in the USA

One of the great things about the US is that virtually every city knows how to hold a major event that is the envy of the rest of the world. From sporting tournaments to concerts and parades, there is always something to be celebrated. 

The beginning of the year is packed full of events. Held in January in Park City, Utah, the Sundance Film Festival plays host to the best new feature movies, shorts and documentaries.

However, arguably the biggest event of the year- the Super Bowl - is held in February.

The US has a great passion for sports and the Super Bowl draws an even bigger crowd depending on who the performers are for the halftime entertainment. Festivities can be enjoyed at the ground, outside the stadium and even in local bars and restaurants. 

Another key event is the Masters Golf Tournament. Held at the prestigious Augusta National Golf Club in April, this sporting event is a bucket list item. Also in April? Coachella. Two weekends of live music from the world’s biggest acts - it has become a cultural phenomenon. 

There is no greater celebration of American culture than Independence Day on the 4th of July, which is marked by parties, barbecues and fireworks. From there, attention is turned to the US Open, one of tennis’ biggest events. 

The next great event is Halloween. Over the top celebrations ensue where homes are decorated, families dress up and trick or treating lasts for hours. While a lot of the cities go all out, New York and San Francisco are the pick. 

An important holiday that can be celebrated by locals and tourists alike is that of Thanksgiving. Many restaurants remain open so there are plenty of options to sit down and enjoy an authentic Thanksgiving meal after attending the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. 

Perhaps the biggest holiday event is left until the end of the year. There is nothing quite like New Year’s Eve in America. For those who can brave the crowds, the place to be is huddled in New York’s Times Square, enjoying the concerts and waiting for the ball to drop. 

Staying Safe in the USA: Important Safety Information

Another key tip when travelling to the US is to prepare yourself for the likelihood of a natural disaster. While Australians for example may have to be on alert for fires and floods, Americans must be mindful of hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes and snow storms. 

With this in mind, expect heatwaves in the southern states, and hurricanes and floods in Florida and Alabama, while snow storms can strike on the West and East coasts. 

Another key difference is the animals you might encounter on your journeys. Did you know that Bears call 40 out of the 50 states home?. Meanwhile, only Alaska and Hawaii are safe from the presence of snakes, and to avoid alligators, keep away from freshwater areas in Florida and Louisiana.

Making headlines around the world is of course the gun violence prevalent in America. On that note, It is also important to be aware of the higher petty crime rates in certain areas of Detroit, St. Louis, Chicago, Baltimore and Memphis. 

Emergency Numbers and Safety Contacts

For peace of mind and to feel prepared, consider travelling with a list of emergency numbers and safety contacts either on your phone or in a notebook. For each destination you plan to visit, have a page of relevant contact information including:. 

• Local police department
• Local fire department
• Local hospital
• Doctor 
• Dentist
• Pharmacy

You may already be familiar with this number from watching an American movie or television series, but it’s also worth noting that the nationwide emergency number is 911. Meanwhile, poison control can be contacted on 1-800-222-1222. 

The Embassy of Australia, which is located in Washington, DC operates from 8:30am - 5:00pm, Monday through Friday. Their contact number is +1(202) 797 3000. For 24-hour assistance, the consular emergency helpline can be reached on +61 2 6261 3305. 

Local Laws: What Travellers Need to Know

Along with unique customs, as with every country, the US has their own laws, rights and regulations. Take the time to learn the basics to ensure you are safe and not breaking any rules.

A few notable laws include:

In the majority of states, the legal drinking age is 21, and the maximum number of drinks a person can be served at any given time will vary from state to state, so check before you go!

Driving on the right-hand side of the road

• It is a requirement to pull over should an emergency vehicle need to pass
• School buses cannot be passed when red lights are flashing. 

In terms of rights, it is important to note that under the Constitution’s Bill of Rights, the American people have an explicit right to freedom of speech as well as the right to keep and bear arms.

Budgeting Your Trip: Typical Travels Costs & Tips

America is a great travel destination, not just because of the landmarks and scenery, but also because you can travel on a budget. The average daily travel budget for a mid-range holiday in the US is about $AUD500 per person, although you can certainly travel for cheaper.

The above figure accounts for about $200 per night for a double room, and the rest is for food and entertainment. 

Some tips to help make your budget go further:

• Consider staying longer in a destination as room rates may lessen
• Snap up last minute deals for sporting or musical events as they tend to be cheaper
• When it comes to eating out, don’t be afraid to simply leave a standard tip
• Look into buying a multi-pass if you’re planning to visit a few attractions

Safeguard Your Journey With Travel Insurance 

Oftentimes a trip away is the result of months of planning and savings. That is why it is so heartbreaking when something goes wrong, whether it be a natural disaster that forces you to cancel your flight, your favourite bag is stolen or an emergency medical situation lands you in hospital. 

Travel insurance can help to reimburse you for those unexpected expenses that you may incur when things go wrong. To find the travel insurance policy that best suits your budget and type of trip to the US, , it’s important to research different travel insurance types. Knowing what is and is not covered can help you to narrow down your choices, and if you have any questions, you can always contact the travel insurance company to get more information.