North American and Caribbean destinations — the United States from coast to coast, plus the Caribbean stalwart Puerto Rico.
Citizens of 41 Visa Waiver Program countries (most of Europe, UK, Japan, South Korea, Australia, NZ, Chile, Taiwan) can enter the US visa-free for up to 90 days with an approved ESTA ($21, 2-year validity). Everyone else needs a B-1/B-2 visa, typically requiring an in-person embassy interview.
US citizens do not need a passport for Puerto Rico — it’s a US territory, and a driver’s license is sufficient for domestic flights. Non-US citizens need the same documents as for entering the US mainland (visa or ESTA plus passport).
The “big five” most-visited: Great Smoky Mountains, Grand Canyon, Zion, Rocky Mountain and Yosemite. For fewer crowds and equally dramatic scenery: Glacier (Montana), Olympic (Washington), Acadia (Maine), Big Bend (Texas) and Dry Tortugas (Florida). Each US National Park requires an entrance fee (~$35/vehicle, 7 days).
Tipping is expected and effectively part of the service worker’s income. Standard: 18-20% at sit-down restaurants, 10-15% for taxis/ride apps, $1-2 per drink at bars, $2-5 per bag for hotel porters, and 10-15% for food delivery. In Puerto Rico, 15-18% at restaurants is standard.
Only in a handful of major cities (NYC, Washington DC, Boston, Chicago, San Francisco, Philadelphia). Elsewhere a rental car is practically essential — including San Juan and most of Puerto Rico outside Old San Juan. Amtrak long-distance trains exist but are slow and limited compared to European rail.
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