The United States is a vast continental country with every kind of travel: cities, nature and theme parks, from Hawaii, New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Las Vegas to Orlando.
Hawaii (Waikiki and Maui) is a favorite for honeymoons and family trips, and western road trips combining Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon and eastern trips to New York and Washington are also popular. Orlando's Walt Disney World and Universal are the ultimate family theme-park destinations.
US medical costs are among the world's highest, so travel insurance (with at least USD 100,000 of medical cover) is effectively essential. Knowing the tipping culture in advance (18–22% at restaurants, plus hotels, taxis and more) also makes the trip easier.
Visa and entry requirements for the United States
Whether you need a visa, how long you can stay and which pre-arrival forms apply all depend on your nationality and the purpose of your trip. Check the official source below, and your own government's travel advice, before you book.
Eligible travelers from Visa Waiver Program countries need an approved ESTA before boarding (the official ESTA site lists the application fee as USD 40.62; an approved ESTA is valid for two years or until the passport expires, for stays of up to 90 days); others need a visitor visa. On arrival, be ready to show your return ticket and accommodation and to state the purpose of your visit clearly. Medical costs are very high, so travel insurance with at least USD 100,000 of medical cover is strongly recommended.
- Visitor visa (U.S. Department of State)
- ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) (U.S. Customs and Border Protection)
- ESTA FAQ (fees and payment) (U.S. Customs and Border Protection)
The USA at a glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Currency | US dollar (USD) |
| Time zones | East EST (UTC-5) to West PST (UTC-8) |
| Best season | May to October (Hawaii all year; New York April to June and September to October) |
| Electricity | 110 V, 60 Hz, Type A and B plugs |
| Tipping | Restaurants 18–22%; hotels USD 1–2 per night; Uber and Lyft 15% |
| Medical costs | USD 1,000–5,000 for one ER visit; travel insurance essential |
Hawaii: top choice for honeymoons and families
Hawaii is a perennial honeymoon favorite. Oahu (Honolulu and Waikiki) has the Diamond Head hike, Pearl Harbor and the Dole Plantation, while Maui's highlights are sunrise at Haleakalā, the Road to Hana drive and whale season (December to March).
| Island | Highlights | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Oahu (Honolulu) | Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head, Pearl Harbor | Everyone |
| Maui | Haleakalā sunrise, Road to Hana, whale season | Honeymooners and nature lovers |
| Big Island | Kīlauea volcano, lava landscapes, black-sand beaches | Nature exploration |
| Kauai | Nā Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon, hidden beaches | Relaxation and luxury |
The West: LA, Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon
The classic western route is two nights in LA, two nights in Las Vegas and one night at the Grand Canyon, or the reverse. Enjoy Hollywood, Universal and Santa Monica in LA, casinos, shows and the Strip at night in Las Vegas, then drive to the Grand Canyon (South Rim, four hours by car).
The NorCal route is also popular: the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz and Pier 39 in San Francisco, then on to Yosemite National Park (three hours by car).
The East: New York, Washington and Boston
New York is the city of Times Square, Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, MoMA and Broadway musicals. Four to five days is standard, and Amtrak connects it with Washington (the Smithsonian museums, the White House, the Lincoln Memorial) in two hours and Boston (Harvard, MIT, Quincy Market) in four.
New York hotels cost USD 200–400 per night (mid-range), the most expensive of any US city, and eating out costs USD 25–60 per meal. Many travelers use Airbnbs in Queens or Brooklyn to manage the budget.
USA budget guide
We estimate the following costs per person, excluding international flights.
| Itinerary | Item | Cost per person |
|---|---|---|
| 6 days, 5 nights, Hawaii honeymoon | Hotel (5 nights, four-star) | KRW 1,200,000–2,500,000 |
| Food, car hire and sightseeing | KRW 600,000–1,200,000 | |
| One week in LA and Las Vegas | Accommodation and car hire (7 days) | KRW 1,500,000–3,000,000 |
| Food, sightseeing and tips | KRW 800,000–1,500,000 |
FAQ
How do I apply for an ESTA?
If you are eligible, apply on the official site esta.cbp.dhs.gov and pay by card (the official site lists USD 40.62). Results come within 24 to 72 hours. Apply at least 72 hours before departure. It is valid for two years or until your passport expires.
Any tips for driving a rental car?
A credit card deposit is required, and always choose at least Liability cover. Check before you go whether your licence is accepted or whether you need an International Driving Permit.
How do I work out the tip?
Restaurant bills have a "Tip" line. Write 18% for ordinary service and 20–22% for good service. When paying by card, choose the tip amount on the tablet or terminal. Choosing 0% is considered bad manners.
Where is good with children?
Eight nights in Orlando for Walt Disney World, Universal and Kennedy Space Center, or seven nights in LA for Disneyland, Universal and Santa Monica, are the best family routes. Children love Oahu in Hawaii too.
What travel insurance should I get?
Choose a plan with at least USD 100,000 of medical cover. A single US emergency-room visit can cost many times the premium.
Sources
- Visitor visa · U.S. Department of State · accessed 2026-10-30
- ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) · U.S. Customs and Border Protection · accessed 2026-10-30
- ESTA FAQ (fees and payment) · U.S. Customs and Border Protection · accessed 2026-10-30
- Visit The USA (official tourism website) · Brand USA · accessed 2026-10-30
Information was checked against the official sources listed above. Opening hours, fees and fares can change; please confirm with the venue or operator before you visit.
