Americas

North American and Caribbean destinations — the United States from coast to coast, plus the Caribbean stalwart Puerto Rico.

What you will find in this section

• US regional guides: New York, California, Florida, the Southwest, national parks
• Caribbean travel: San Juan, El Yunque rainforest, Vieques and Culebra beaches
• Budgeting for the US: tipping, sales tax, car rental, internal flights
• Visa and entry rules: ESTA, visa waiver, Global Entry
• Cultural etiquette and safety tips for first-time visitors

Popular topics

• The legal drinking age (21) in the US and how it is enforced
• Best times to visit New York, Las Vegas, Hawaii and the national parks
• Road-trip itineraries: California Route 1, Florida Keys, Grand Circle
• Puerto Rico for beach, rainforest and history combined

FAQ

Do I need a visa for the United States?

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.

Do I need a passport to visit Puerto Rico?

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).

What are the best national parks in the US?

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).

How do I tip in the US?

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.

Is public transport reliable in the US?

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.