Best things to do in the US (America) – latest guide

Are you planning to go to the US but still don’t know what to do there? If you have this kind of problem, then this guide is for you! This article will show you what you need to prepare, the preparations for the trip, the things that are recommended to do there, and tips to enjoy your USA trip to the fullest. Let’s find out!

I. Things to do in the US: which to prepare?

1. Passport and visa

Before you go to the US, there is a very important thing you need to remember is that when planning your trip, your passport must be valid at least six months beyond your planned departure date to the US.

Visa Requirements

Travel Purpose	Visa Type	Eligibility	Application Process	Fees	Duration
Tourism	B-2 Tourist Visa	Most non-US citizens not eligible for ESTA	Apply through the US embassy/consulate Complete DS-160 form Schedule interview– Provide supporting documents	$160	Up to 6 months
	ESTA (Visa Waiver Program)	Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries	To apply online, visit the official ESTA website Receive approval via email	$21	Up to 90 days
Business	B-1 Business Visa	Most non-US citizens not eligible for ESTA	Apply through the US embassy/consulate Complete DS-160 form Schedule interview Provide supporting documents	$160	Up to 6 months
	ESTA (Visa Waiver Program)	Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries	To apply online, visit the official ESTA website Receive approval via email	$21	Up to 90 days
Study	F-1 Student Visa	Non-US citizens admitted to US institutions	Apply through the US embassy/consulate Complete DS-160 form Submit the I-20 form from the institution	$160 + SEVIS fee (varies)	Duration of study + OPT
Exchange Programs	J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa	Non-US citizens participating in exchange programs	Apply through the US embassy/consulate Complete DS-160 form Submit the DS-2019 form from the program sponsor	$160 + SEVIS fee (varies)	Duration of program
Work	H-1B Work Visa	Non-US citizens with a job offer in the US	The employer submits a petition (Form I-129) to the USCIS Complete DS-160 form– Schedule interview	$190 + petition fee (varies)	Initial 3 years, extendable
Intra-company Transfer	L-1 Intra-company Transfer Visa	Employees of international companies with US offices	The employer submits a petition (Form I-129) to the USCIS Complete DS-160 form Schedule interview	$190 + petition fee (varies	Initial 3 years, extendable

2. Things to do in the US: buying an eSIM/SIM card

Staying connected while traveling is essential. The major mobile operators in the US are AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and Sprint. Here are your options for mobile data:

• Local SIM Cards: They are available at airports, convenience stores, and mobile sales. 
• eSIM Option: eSIM is better than physical SIM cards because it can be activated directly from your phone. Opting for an eSIM provider is recommended to avoid potential issues.

👉 Exploring more insights with our guide Best SIM/eSIM card for USA – Plans and costs

• Mobile Hotspots: For uninterrupted internet access, use Skyroam or Tep Wireless and get a rental mobile hotspot device.
• International Roaming: Always consult with your home carrier for the international roaming rates or plans they offer. Specifically, Vodafone and Three have affordable tariffs for using your phone in the United States.

3. Best time to visit the US

Here are our recommendations to see what is the best time to visit America:

Region	Best Time to Visit	Temperature Range (°C)	Destinations	Seasonal Highlights
Northern USA	May – June	Early to mid-20s	New York City Chicago, IL Seattle, WA Boston, MA	Winter (Dec-Feb): Heavy snowfall and frozen lakes, perfect for winter sports. Summer (Jun-Aug): Warm (25°C) to very hot (up to 40°C); cities can be stifling but coasts and national parks are cooler. Autumn (Sep-Nov): Renowned for stunning fall foliage with vibrant leaf colors.
Southern USA	Spring (March-May) Autumn (September-November)	Spring: 20°C to 28°C Autumn: 31°C to 19°C	Miami, FL New Orleans, LA Austin, TX Charleston, SC	Winter (Dec-Feb): Generally dry and warm, though colder further north. Summer (Jun-Aug): Perfect for beach relaxation and hiking, but very hot and humid. Hurricanes: Possible in the southeast during August and September.

II. Top 4 things to do in the US

1. Explore New York City, New York

New York – The Big Apple or the city that never sleeps is considered the symbolic city of not only the United States but also the world. The first suggested place is to take a walk in the New York Manhattan area, particularly in Times Square with dwarfs and tramps, people dressed up nicely, and huge billboards.

Everyone knows the Statue of Liberty, it is impossible to tour the United States without coming across this wonder and New York is just a cranny of this statue. For a closer look, the right thing to do is to travel by ferry to Liberty Island.

At night, you can go for a walk in Central Park with green trees and beautiful lakes around, so you can leave the noise of the city behind.

2. Marvel at the Grand Canyon, Arizona

It is well documented that among all the global natural wonders, one of them is located in Arizona, normally the Grand Canyon. It has many points of view that attract the many visitors who flock to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, some of them include the Mather Point and the Yavapai Observation Station.

3. Drive along Route 66

Route 66 is one of the oldest and most renowned highways that passes through the United States connecting downtown Chicago and Santa Monica Beach. This road has been given the name ‘Main Street of America. ’ Along this road, there are several things of interest such as a strange place in Texas where cars are buried or a hotel in Arizona that has accommodations in the form of teepees.

On this road lies a line of old nostalgic restaurants and motels. Some of the things you will find quirkily endearing as you drive around America are as follows; This is a good idea to try something more familiar to traditional America and at the same time visit other states.

4. Discover Yosemite National Park, California

Yosemite National Park is a beautiful natural place loved by very many people who choose to visit. It is recognized for its mammoth rocks, waterfalls, and tall sequoias.

Among the most sought-after attractions are Half Dome and El Capitan, which are enormous rocks, and Yosemite Falls, which is an extremely high waterfall.

When visiting Yosemite, there are so many things you can do. You may take walks on trails such as the Mist Trail that leads close to two waterfalls. You can also go to Mariposa Grove where giant trees of sequoia species exist. For driving enthusiasts, there is a picturesque road called Tioga Road.

Visitors to this national park can camp outside or go rock climbing if they know how. They will see wild animals too. Therefore it is one of the best places to experience nature and amaze your eyes with some spectacular views.

III. Tips to enjoy your trip to the US

1. How to transport in the US?

In the US, you will have many choices to go around such as public transportation, ride-sharing services, bicycles, car rentals, etc. Here is a table comparing many types of them.

Transportation Type	Advantages	Drawbacks	Estimated Fees
Car Rentals	Flexible, convenient	Cost, parking, unfamiliar roads	$30-$100/day + gas and parking fees
Public Transport	Cost-effective, city travel	Limited routes/times	$2-$15 per ride, $75-$150 monthly passes
Ride-Sharing	Convenient, easy app usage	Expensive, surge pricing	$10-$50 per ride
Trains (Amtrak)	Scenic, comfortable	Slow, limited routes	$30-$200 per ticket
Bicycles/Scooters	Eco-friendly, short-distance	Weather dependent	$5-$15 per hour
Tour Buses/Shuttles	Guided tours, convenient	Fixed schedules	$20-$100 per ticket
Motorhomes/RVs	Flexible, dual-purpose	High fuel costs, large vehicle handling	$100-$300/day + gas and park fees

Note: If you want to rent a car, remember to learn the driving rules of the area, and you need an International Driving Permit (IDP) as well.

2. Health and Safety

Getting medical help in the USA can cost a lot, so it’s a good idea to buy travel insurance. And when you get to the US, be careful in busy places to avoid pickpocketing and scams. And before traveling to the US, you should learn about the weather in the places you’ll visit. For example, finding out what to do if there’s a big storm near the sea or if the ground shakes in California. 

3. Tipping Culture

When dining in restaurants or using services, it’s normal to give extra cash which is called a tip. If you got good service at a restaurant, 15-20% should be fine. If you think that your driver deserves more than just his fare price, just add about 10-15%. At hotels, give someone who helped you carry your bag for $1-$2.

4. Accommodation

There are lots of choices for accommodation in the US, however, you should book a room in advance because it must be very crowded in popular tourist destinations and during peak travel seasons.

Accommodation Type	Advantages	Drawbacks	Typical Price Range (per night)
Hotels	Consistent amenities and services Convenient, central locations Additional facilities (gyms, pools, restaurants)	Can be expensive Potential for noise and crowding	– Budget: $50-$100 – Mid-range: $100-$200 – Luxury: $200-$500+
Motels	Generally Affordable Convenient for road trips Easy access and parking	Limited amenities Lower level of service Can be less secure and comfortable	$30-$100
Vacation Rentals (Airbnb, VRBO)	Wide variety of properties More space and facilities Cost-effective if you want longer stays or larger groups	Quality and consistency can vary Less immediate service Potential for hidden fees	– $50-$300+
Hostels	Very budget-friendly Great for meeting other travelers Central, social areas	Shared facilities Limited privacy Variable security and cleanliness	– $20-$50 for a dorm bed – $50-$100 for a private room

IV. Final thoughts

That was all about the best things you should do in the US. I hope that this guide helped you with planning your trip there. We hope you have the most unforgettable experience ever in the US!