United States Expert Travel Guides

See what the experts are saying about United States. Get expert advice on how to get there what to see and more.

Introduction

by Frommers Travel Guides

If the United States has one defining quality, it's variety. This vast area of some 3.6 million square miles -- it's 2,500 miles from New York to Los Angeles, and that again to Hawaii -- has something for everyone. Although TV, suburban sp... Continue reading »
Planning a trip

by Frommers Travel Guides

It's not easy to boil down the essence of such a huge, varied, complicated country. No doubt, some of you will raise an eyebrow at what's missing. That's sure to be the case with any guide professing to cover the entire United States. Our... Continue reading »
Fast facts

by Frommers Travel Guides

Business Hours Offices are usually open weekdays from 9am to 5pm. Banks are open weekdays from 9am to 3pm or later and sometimes Saturday mornings. Stores typically open between 9 and 10am and close between 5 and 6pm Monday through Saturday.... Continue reading »
Visitor information

by Frommers Travel Guides

State Tourism Offices Alabama Bureau of Tourism & Travel P.O. Box 4927 Montgomery, AL 36103-4927 tel. 800/ALABAMA tel. 334/242-4169 www.touralabama.org Alaska Travel Industry Association 2600 Cordova St., Suite 201 Anchorage, AK... Continue reading »
When to go

by Frommers Travel Guides

Climate differences are dramatic across the United States. When it's shivering cold in New England, the upper central states, and Alaska, it's sunny and warm in Florida, California, and Hawaii. When it's raining cats and dogs along the Northw... Continue reading »
Getting there

by Frommers Travel Guides

Airline Discounts Overseas visitors can take advantage of the APEX (advance purchase excursion) reductions offered by all major U.S. and European carriers. For the best rates, compare fares and be flexible with the dates and times of trave... Continue reading »
Finding the best airfares

by Frommers Travel Guides

Tips for Flying for Less Passengers who can book their ticket either long in advance or at the last minute, or who fly midweek or at less-trafficked hours may pay a fraction of the full fare. If your schedule is flexible, say so, and ask i... Continue reading »
Health & insurance

by Frommers Travel Guides

Insurance The cost of travel insurance varies widely, depending on the cost and length of your trip, your age and health, and the type of trip you're taking, but expect to pay between 5% and 8% of the vacation itself. You can get estimates... Continue reading »
Entry requirements & customs

by Frommers Travel Guides

Entry Requirements Check at any U.S. embassy or consulate for current information and requirements. You can also obtain a visa application and other information online at the U.S. State Department's website, at http://travel.state.gov.... Continue reading »
Getting around

by Frommers Travel Guides

By Plane For long-distance trips, the most efficient way to get around the United States is by plane, even in these days of increased security and poor airline service. By Train Long-distance trains in the United States are operated... Continue reading »
Money

by Frommers Travel Guides

Currency The most common bills are the $1 (colloquially, a "buck"), $5, $10, and $20 denominations. There are also $2 bills (seldom encountered), $50 bills, and $100 bills (the last two are usually not welcome as payment for small purchase... Continue reading »
Planning a trip online

by Frommers Travel Guides

Surfing for Airfare The most popular online travel agencies are Travelocity (www.travelocity.com or www.travelocity.co.uk); Expedia (www.expedia.com, www.expedia.co.uk, or www.expedia.ca); and Orbitz (www.orbitz.com). In addition, most... Continue reading »