Planning your first trip to the United States? This is the master guide — every step, every decision, every link to the detailed article you need. Work through the 8 steps below and you will have a trip planned in under 2 hours. Every section links to a full deep-dive guide, and the free trip cost calculator gives you an instant personalised budget at any point.
🧮
USA Trip Cost Calculator
Start here — enter your trip details once and this hub will make more sense with your own numbers in hand.
The 5-Minute USA Trip Planner
If you only have five minutes, here is the absolute minimum you need to know before booking anything. Each answer links to the full guide for when you have time.
| Question | Answer | Deep dive |
|---|
| Do I need a visa? | ESTA ($21) for 41 countries, B1/B2 visa otherwise | ESTA Guide |
| How long can I stay? | 90 days on ESTA/VWP, up to 6 months on B1/B2 | Extending Stay |
| How much will it cost? | $280-370/day mid-range per person | Calculator |
| When should I go? | April-May or September-October for best value | Best Time |
| Is it safe? | Yes, but get travel insurance — medical costs are extreme | Insurance |
| Do I tip? | Yes, 18-22% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars | Tipping Guide |
Step 1: Visa & Entry
The first question is whether you need a visa. If you hold a passport from one of the 41 Visa Waiver Program countries (UK, most of the EU, Japan, Australia, South Korea, etc.), you only need an ESTA authorization — a simple online form that costs $21 and is approved in minutes. Everyone else needs a B1/B2 visitor visa, which requires an embassy interview and takes 2-8 weeks.
- ESTA (most international travellers): $21, apply online at least 72 hours before departure, valid for 2 years or until passport expires.
- B1/B2 visa: $185 application fee, in-person embassy interview, 2-8 weeks processing, valid up to 10 years.
- What to bring at the border: Passport, return ticket, proof of funds or accommodation for the first few nights.
- Global Entry (worth it for frequent visitors): $100 for 5 years, skip all lines at customs.
Official source: Always verify the current rules directly at
travel.state.gov and
esta.cbp.dhs.gov. Rules change and third-party sites (including this one) can go out of date.
Step 2: Pick Your Trip Length
How long you stay determines almost everything else — which cities you can realistically visit, how much it costs, and how jet-lagged you end up. Here are the four most common trip lengths and what each one gets you.
| Length | What you can do | Typical cost pp (mid-range) |
|---|
| 3-5 days | One or two cities only. NYC, or SF + Vegas, or DC + Philly. | $1,150-1,900 |
| 7 days | Classic East Coast (NYC/DC/Boston) or West (SF/Vegas/LA). | $2,650-3,200 |
| 10-14 days | Cross-country greatest hits, or one coast + national parks. | $3,780-5,280 |
| 1 month | Coast to coast, 8+ states, multiple national parks. | $8,500-12,000 |
Detailed itinerary breakdowns: 1 Week in the USA, 2 Weeks in the USA, and 1 Month in the USA.
Step 3: Estimate Your Budget
The single biggest question every planner asks. USA costs vary more than any country on Earth — a night in New Orleans can cost $95 while the same-level room in San Francisco is $280. We built a free calculator that handles all the variables.
🧮
USA Trip Cost Calculator
Dial in your style, season, cities and trip length — see a six-line cost breakdown in seconds.
Want to explore budgets by traveller type? We have dedicated deep-dives for every scenario:
Step 4: Choose Cities & Routes
The USA is huge — comparable in size to all of Europe. Trying to see everything on one trip is a common rookie mistake. Here are the 8 cities our readers ask about most, each with a full guide.
| Region | Best for | City guide |
|---|
| East Coast | History, museums, walkability | New York City, Washington DC, Chicago |
| West Coast | Nature, weather, beaches | Los Angeles, San Francisco |
| South | Food, music, beaches, value | Miami, New Orleans |
| Desert SW | National parks, entertainment | Las Vegas |
Planning a road trip instead? We have detailed guides for Route 66, the Pacific Coast Highway, and the Great National Parks Route.
Step 5: Best Time to Visit
The USA has five distinct climate zones, and "best time" differs enormously by region. But across most of the country, the shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October) offer the best balance of weather, prices, and manageable crowds.
| Month | Cost level | Weather (general) | Best for |
|---|
| Jan-Feb | Cheapest | Cold north, warm south | Florida, Hawaii, Vegas, ski towns |
| Mar-May | Medium | Mild, blooming | DC cherry blossoms, national parks reopening |
| Jun-Aug | Peak | Hot, humid | Alaska, beaches, New England |
| Sep-Oct | Medium | Warm days, fall colours | Everywhere — best month overall in most regions |
| Nov-Dec | Mixed | Cold | Avoid Thanksgiving week + Dec 20-Jan 2 |
Full month-by-month breakdown: Best Time to Visit the USA.
Step 6: Money & Cards
The USA is almost fully cashless in most cities. You can get through a two-week trip with almost no cash — but there are three money decisions every traveller should make before arriving.
- Get a card with zero foreign transaction fees — Wise, Revolut, Chase Sapphire. Saves 2-4% on every purchase. See best travel cards for the USA.
- Know the tipping rules — 18-22% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, 15-20% for taxis, $3-5/day for housekeeping. See complete tipping guide.
- Avoid airport ATMs and currency exchange bureaux — fees of 8-15%. Use in-network ATMs. See ATM tips for the USA.
- Budget for sales tax — 4-10% added at the register, varies by state. Prices on shelves do NOT include tax.
Step 7: Safety & Insurance
The USA is generally safe for tourists — but the single biggest risk is not crime, it is medical bills. A single ER visit without insurance averages $2,600 USD. An overnight hospital stay can exceed $15,000. Travel insurance is not legally required but is the single most important purchase for a USA trip.
- SafetyWing Nomad Insurance — from $45/month, covers medical emergencies, trip cancellation, lost luggage. Best for most travellers. Full insurance comparison.
- Solo female travellers — the USA is safe in almost all tourist areas. See solo female travel in the USA.
- Dial 911 for any emergency — police, fire, medical. One number nationwide.
- Avoid tap water ONLY in very rural areas with private wells. Urban tap water is generally excellent and safe.
Step 8: What to Pack
Packing for the USA means packing for multiple climates, even on a short trip. New York in February requires a winter coat; Miami the same week is t-shirt weather. Our complete USA packing list has season-specific lists.
- Universal plug adapter — US outlets are Type A/B, 120V. Most European/UK devices need an adapter.
- Comfortable walking shoes — you will walk 15,000-20,000 steps per day in most cities.
- Layers — cities are heavily air-conditioned even in summer. Restaurants can be 65°F/18°C.
- Refillable water bottle — tap water is excellent and most cities have fountains.
- An unlocked phone or eSIM — US tourist SIMs and eSIMs (Airalo, Mint Mobile) are far cheaper than roaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
People also ask
Can I drive in the USA with a foreign license?+
Most countries' licenses are valid in the USA for short visits (typically 30-90 days — varies by state). An International Driving Permit (IDP) is strongly recommended as a translation. Rental companies usually require the IDP plus your home license plus a credit card. Full guide: see our
renting a car in the USA article.
Is it rude NOT to tip in the USA?+
Yes — very rude, and in some cases illegal for the server (who may be paid sub-minimum wage and rely on tips). Budget 18-22% at sit-down restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, 15-20% for taxis, and $3-5/day for hotel housekeeping. Counter-service (fast-casual, coffee shops) — tipping is optional but appreciated.
How do I get from the airport to the city?+
Varies by airport. NYC JFK: $75 flat taxi OR AirTrain+subway for $11. LA LAX: Uber/Lyft $30-50 or FlyAway bus $10. SF SFO: BART train $10 to downtown. Most major airports have public transit — always cheaper than taxis.
Can I use my credit card everywhere?+
Yes, in almost all cities. Exceptions: some food trucks, farmers markets, laundromats, and tips to small service providers (valet, bellhop). Carry $50-100 in small bills ($1s, $5s) for tips and cash-only vendors.
What if I get sick during my trip?+
Urgent care clinics (for non-life-threatening issues) cost $150-300 cash pay and are faster than ERs. For emergencies, dial 911 — but expect a bill of $2,000+ if uninsured. This is why travel insurance is essential. We cover this in detail in our
USA health guide.
Ready to Start?
The single best next action is to run the numbers for your specific trip. Open the free USA trip cost calculator, drag the sliders to your trip length and travellers, pick your style and cities, and in under a minute you will have a personalised budget with a shareable link. Every number in this guide then becomes concrete for you.
Planning your first trip to the United States? This is the master guide — every step, every decision, every link to the detailed article you need. Work through the 8 steps below and you will have a trip planned in under 2 hours. Every section links to a full deep-dive guide, and the free trip cost calculator gives you an instant personalised budget at any point.
🧮
USA Trip Cost Calculator
Start here — enter your trip details once and this hub will make more sense with your own numbers in hand.
The 5-Minute USA Trip Planner
If you only have five minutes, here is the absolute minimum you need to know before booking anything. Each answer links to the full guide for when you have time.
| Question | Answer | Deep dive |
|---|
| Do I need a visa? | ESTA ($21) for 41 countries, B1/B2 visa otherwise | ESTA Guide |
| How long can I stay? | 90 days on ESTA/VWP, up to 6 months on B1/B2 | Extending Stay |
| How much will it cost? | $280-370/day mid-range per person | Calculator |
| When should I go? | April-May or September-October for best value | Best Time |
| Is it safe? | Yes, but get travel insurance — medical costs are extreme | Insurance |
| Do I tip? | Yes, 18-22% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars | Tipping Guide |
Step 1: Visa & Entry
The first question is whether you need a visa. If you hold a passport from one of the 41 Visa Waiver Program countries (UK, most of the EU, Japan, Australia, South Korea, etc.), you only need an ESTA authorization — a simple online form that costs $21 and is approved in minutes. Everyone else needs a B1/B2 visitor visa, which requires an embassy interview and takes 2-8 weeks.
- ESTA (most international travellers): $21, apply online at least 72 hours before departure, valid for 2 years or until passport expires.
- B1/B2 visa: $185 application fee, in-person embassy interview, 2-8 weeks processing, valid up to 10 years.
- What to bring at the border: Passport, return ticket, proof of funds or accommodation for the first few nights.
- Global Entry (worth it for frequent visitors): $100 for 5 years, skip all lines at customs.
Official source: Always verify the current rules directly at
travel.state.gov and
esta.cbp.dhs.gov. Rules change and third-party sites (including this one) can go out of date.
Step 2: Pick Your Trip Length
How long you stay determines almost everything else — which cities you can realistically visit, how much it costs, and how jet-lagged you end up. Here are the four most common trip lengths and what each one gets you.
| Length | What you can do | Typical cost pp (mid-range) |
|---|
| 3-5 days | One or two cities only. NYC, or SF + Vegas, or DC + Philly. | $1,150-1,900 |
| 7 days | Classic East Coast (NYC/DC/Boston) or West (SF/Vegas/LA). | $2,650-3,200 |
| 10-14 days | Cross-country greatest hits, or one coast + national parks. | $3,780-5,280 |
| 1 month | Coast to coast, 8+ states, multiple national parks. | $8,500-12,000 |
Detailed itinerary breakdowns: 1 Week in the USA, 2 Weeks in the USA, and 1 Month in the USA.
Step 3: Estimate Your Budget
The single biggest question every planner asks. USA costs vary more than any country on Earth — a night in New Orleans can cost $95 while the same-level room in San Francisco is $280. We built a free calculator that handles all the variables.
🧮
USA Trip Cost Calculator
Dial in your style, season, cities and trip length — see a six-line cost breakdown in seconds.
Want to explore budgets by traveller type? We have dedicated deep-dives for every scenario:
Step 4: Choose Cities & Routes
The USA is huge — comparable in size to all of Europe. Trying to see everything on one trip is a common rookie mistake. Here are the 8 cities our readers ask about most, each with a full guide.
| Region | Best for | City guide |
|---|
| East Coast | History, museums, walkability | New York City, Washington DC, Chicago |
| West Coast | Nature, weather, beaches | Los Angeles, San Francisco |
| South | Food, music, beaches, value | Miami, New Orleans |
| Desert SW | National parks, entertainment | Las Vegas |
Planning a road trip instead? We have detailed guides for Route 66, the Pacific Coast Highway, and the Great National Parks Route.
Step 5: Best Time to Visit
The USA has five distinct climate zones, and "best time" differs enormously by region. But across most of the country, the shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October) offer the best balance of weather, prices, and manageable crowds.
| Month | Cost level | Weather (general) | Best for |
|---|
| Jan-Feb | Cheapest | Cold north, warm south | Florida, Hawaii, Vegas, ski towns |
| Mar-May | Medium | Mild, blooming | DC cherry blossoms, national parks reopening |
| Jun-Aug | Peak | Hot, humid | Alaska, beaches, New England |
| Sep-Oct | Medium | Warm days, fall colours | Everywhere — best month overall in most regions |
| Nov-Dec | Mixed | Cold | Avoid Thanksgiving week + Dec 20-Jan 2 |
Full month-by-month breakdown: Best Time to Visit the USA.
Step 6: Money & Cards
The USA is almost fully cashless in most cities. You can get through a two-week trip with almost no cash — but there are three money decisions every traveller should make before arriving.
- Get a card with zero foreign transaction fees — Wise, Revolut, Chase Sapphire. Saves 2-4% on every purchase. See best travel cards for the USA.
- Know the tipping rules — 18-22% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, 15-20% for taxis, $3-5/day for housekeeping. See complete tipping guide.
- Avoid airport ATMs and currency exchange bureaux — fees of 8-15%. Use in-network ATMs. See ATM tips for the USA.
- Budget for sales tax — 4-10% added at the register, varies by state. Prices on shelves do NOT include tax.
Step 7: Safety & Insurance
The USA is generally safe for tourists — but the single biggest risk is not crime, it is medical bills. A single ER visit without insurance averages $2,600 USD. An overnight hospital stay can exceed $15,000. Travel insurance is not legally required but is the single most important purchase for a USA trip.
- SafetyWing Nomad Insurance — from $45/month, covers medical emergencies, trip cancellation, lost luggage. Best for most travellers. Full insurance comparison.
- Solo female travellers — the USA is safe in almost all tourist areas. See solo female travel in the USA.
- Dial 911 for any emergency — police, fire, medical. One number nationwide.
- Avoid tap water ONLY in very rural areas with private wells. Urban tap water is generally excellent and safe.
Step 8: What to Pack
Packing for the USA means packing for multiple climates, even on a short trip. New York in February requires a winter coat; Miami the same week is t-shirt weather. Our complete USA packing list has season-specific lists.
- Universal plug adapter — US outlets are Type A/B, 120V. Most European/UK devices need an adapter.
- Comfortable walking shoes — you will walk 15,000-20,000 steps per day in most cities.
- Layers — cities are heavily air-conditioned even in summer. Restaurants can be 65°F/18°C.
- Refillable water bottle — tap water is excellent and most cities have fountains.
- An unlocked phone or eSIM — US tourist SIMs and eSIMs (Airalo, Mint Mobile) are far cheaper than roaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
People also ask
Can I drive in the USA with a foreign license?+
Most countries' licenses are valid in the USA for short visits (typically 30-90 days — varies by state). An International Driving Permit (IDP) is strongly recommended as a translation. Rental companies usually require the IDP plus your home license plus a credit card. Full guide: see our
renting a car in the USA article.
Is it rude NOT to tip in the USA?+
Yes — very rude, and in some cases illegal for the server (who may be paid sub-minimum wage and rely on tips). Budget 18-22% at sit-down restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, 15-20% for taxis, and $3-5/day for hotel housekeeping. Counter-service (fast-casual, coffee shops) — tipping is optional but appreciated.
How do I get from the airport to the city?+
Varies by airport. NYC JFK: $75 flat taxi OR AirTrain+subway for $11. LA LAX: Uber/Lyft $30-50 or FlyAway bus $10. SF SFO: BART train $10 to downtown. Most major airports have public transit — always cheaper than taxis.
Can I use my credit card everywhere?+
Yes, in almost all cities. Exceptions: some food trucks, farmers markets, laundromats, and tips to small service providers (valet, bellhop). Carry $50-100 in small bills ($1s, $5s) for tips and cash-only vendors.
What if I get sick during my trip?+
Urgent care clinics (for non-life-threatening issues) cost $150-300 cash pay and are faster than ERs. For emergencies, dial 911 — but expect a bill of $2,000+ if uninsured. This is why travel insurance is essential. We cover this in detail in our
USA health guide.
Ready to Start?
The single best next action is to run the numbers for your specific trip. Open the free USA trip cost calculator, drag the sliders to your trip length and travellers, pick your style and cities, and in under a minute you will have a personalised budget with a shareable link. Every number in this guide then becomes concrete for you.