We aren't quite ready to sell holidays to Usa. But there are plenty of other places to visit instead.
USA holidays
From the sparse natural scenery of the Mojave Desert to the bustling metropolis of New York, the USA is a vast land where the people are as diverse as the landscape. Whether you want sun-kissed golden beaches, ultra chic nightspots or exhilarating family attractions; USA holidays have got it all and more.
Things to do
The dazzling lights of Las Vegas are in the south-western part of the USA. The Strip is where you’ll find the glamorous hotel resorts that have made Las Vegas the iconic city it is today. On the USA’s south-eastern tip, Florida offers pristine beaches, trendy nightspots and rich tropical scenery. Orlando’s outstanding theme parks make it one of the best family destinations in the world. Head to the west coast and southern California for the glamorous Los Angeles, home of red carpets and golden sands. Further south of LA is sunny San Diego. Delight the kids with nature theme parks such as SeaWorld and San Diego Zoo, and enjoy its lively cultural hub; Balboa Park.
30-40 ℃
Spring or autumn when temperatures are usually comfortably warm.
7-12 hours
The main airport near Orlando is Orlando International Airport (MCO) which is 19km south-east of Orlando. The main airport near Las Vegas is McCarran International Airport (LAS) which is 8km south of downtown Las Vegas.
Travel guide
Things to do
Currency
Travel guide
Travel guide
Weather & Climate
30-40 (°C) during the summer months in destinations like Florida and Las Vegas.
Spring or autumn when temperatures are usually comfortably warm.
From sun-drenched California to the snowy peaks of Montana, the weather in the USA can differ greatly from state to state. In Florida, you can expect year-round sunshine with temperatures averaging in the early 30s (°C) during the summer months. Las Vegas weather is hot and dry throughout the year and temperatures often exceed 40 °C in July/August.
USA is best for…
Adventurers: Hire a classic car and live your dream of a great American road trip.
Families: Florida’s world-class theme parks and pristine sandy beaches.
Party animals: Dance ‘til dawn at one of Las Vegas’ coolest nightclubs.
Nature lovers: Explore the raw beauty of the Grand Canyon and the wild alligators and manatees of the Florida Everglades.
Fast facts:
Language: The language spoken in the USA is English.
Currency: The currency used in the USA is the American Dollar ($).
Local time: The USA is 5–8 hours behind GMT/UK time.
Fly to: JFK International Airport, Newark Airport, Orlando International Airport, Miami International Airport, LAX or San Francisco International Airport. Transfers take between 30 minutes and 1.5 hours.
Flight time from UK: The flight time to the USA is 7–12 hours.
Tourist Information: Further USA tourist information can be found at https://www.visittheusa.com/.
Visa / Health:
Before you travel, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/usa for recommendations and general advice on visas and health for your holiday to the USA. For information on the Visa Waiver Program for international travellers looking to travel to the United States please visit https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/.
Events
Brand USA: Download your guide to amazing destinations and experiences here.
Super Bowl: The biggest sporting event in the USA is Super Bowl Sunday, which takes place at the end of February. The two most successful teams in the NFL battle it out for the prestigious Super Bowl trophy in a different American city each year.
Ringing the changes: New Year’s Eve in Las Vegas is the ultimate night out. Crowds of thousands descend on the Las Vegas Strip and the party doesn’t stop until the sun comes up.
Film festivals: American On the must-see list are the Palm Springs International Film Festival in January, and September’s SoCal Independent Film Festival, in Orange County’s Huntington Beach.
Music and Culture: Austin, Texas is famous for its festivals: South by Southwest (SXSW) is an extravaganza of film and music held every March, and there’s also Austin City Limits Festival (October).
Foodie Fun: In July, indulge your senses at the Taste of Chicago, the world’s largest food festival. Three million visitors descend on Grant Park to taste the city’s diverse cuisine, from traditional deep-dish Chicago pizza to spicy African stews.
Getting around
By hire car: Hire a rental car to explore the USA’s rich and varied landscape at your own pace. Be aware that you’ll find toll booths across the country, so keep a few dollars to hand when you’re driving.
By monoroil: The Las Vegas Monorail serves the major resorts along the Strip.
By hire car: Hiring a car can be handy for travelling independently and exploring Turkey’s breathtaking coastline.
By trolly bus: In Florida, Orlando’s I-Drive trolley bus is a handy way to get around the restaurants and attractions of International Drive.
By cable car: The quaint cable cars of San Francisco offer a fantastic way to see the city.
By plane or boat: Hop between the Hawaiian islands with the inter-island airlines, or take the ferry which leaves from Maui’s Lahaina Harbour.
Safety and Security:
For up to date advice on travelling to the USA, please visit https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/usa/safety-and-securityThings to do
Things to do in USA
You’ll never run out of things to do in the USA, and with a good Stirling to US dollar rate at the moment, it’s an affordable option for a great family holiday. From celebrity spotting in LA to selfies by the Golden Gate Bridge, the US is amazing for an action-packed holiday. One visit isn’t enough to see everything this vast continent has to offer. So, there’s a good chance you’ll need several trips to take it all in. If you’ve never been ‘Stateside’ before, it’s time to discover the American dream for yourself. Book your flights, swap some sterling for US dollarsTop Things to Do
The Empire State Building is an absolute must. Arguably the most famous observation deck in the world, you’ll enjoy an unforgettable panoramic view of New York City from the top of this Art Deco icon. Topping out at 381m metres high, the Empire State Building was the world’s tallest building back when it was completed in 1931. If you’re over in Chicago, head to the observation deck at the Willis Tower. Walk on the glass floor and experience a bird’s eye view of the city. While you’re there, try and spot all the famous landmarks by looking down through the glass floor (if you’ve got a head for heights, that is). If you’re visiting San Francisco, don’t forget to visit the Golden Gate bridge. Then hop on a ferry to the infamous Alcatraz Island and explore the notorious prison. Top Tip: before you jet off, research the best US dollar rate. It’s the easiest way to make your spending money go in further.Attractions & Landmarks
For family fun, Disneyworld near Orlando, Florida, is one of the top things to do in the States. Take the family to this colossal-sized theme park and enjoy everything from adrenaline-pumping water parks to Disney film exhibitions and luxury hotels. Alternatively, you can savour panoramic views of Los Angeles and the Hollywood sign from The Griffith Observatory. Located on Mount Hollywood (so you’re certain to get a fabulous view of ‘LaLa Land’ in all its glory), this world-famous science exhibit is well worth a visit. View famous landmarks like never before with one of their telescopes, and head to the viewing deck and sunset to relish one of the most spectacular sights you’ve ever seen. If you’re in New York, take the free Staten Island Ferry from the Whitehall Terminal in Lower Manhattan. You’ll enjoy breath-taking views of the skyline and the Statue of Liberty.Must See Places
Visit one of the world’s greatest natural attractions, the Grand Canyon National Park. Here you’ll see spectacular rock formations dating back millions of years. Stay until sunset and watch the rocks turn beautiful shades of orange and red Niagara Falls is another natural wonder. This awe-inspiring waterfall on the US-Canadian border is nothing short of dazzling. The three waterfalls: the Canadian Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and American Falls, are 51 metres high, and in the winter they’ve been known to partially freeze. This is an absolute must-see. If you’re after a splash of culture, explore Miami’s Little Havana. Here you can enjoy the best Cuban cuisine in the country. Named after the capital of Cuba, this area boasts some of the best art galleries, fruit markets, and cafés, in the city. Head over to Venice Beach, California to explore one of the most laid back, bohemian neighbourhoods in America. Just an 18-mile drive from Downtown LA, Venice Beach is known for its quirky shops, amazing street artists, and is home to the famous ‘Muscle Beach’ outdoor gym.Our Advice
Remember, don’t wait until you get to the airport to get your currency, it’s almost a dead certainty you won’t get the best US dollar rate here. Save yourself money and buy your currency direct from us, or pop into your local Thomas Cook outlet before heading off to the States. You can also apply for a Lyk cash card that you can use just like a credit card. Top up whenever you want for free.Things to do
Freemont Street USA
Typically Las Vegas with its lively style and bright lights, the Fremont Street Experience is a must-see on your holiday to the city.Everglades National Park Florida
Also known as ”The Everglades’, the Everglades National Park is a 1.5-million-acre wetland on Florida’s southern tip. A haven for …Universal Studios Hollywood
Look forward to an action-packed day out at Universal Studios Hollywood, a must-visit on your holiday to Los Angeles.Disney Hollywood Studios
Walk down the red carpet into the heart of movie world, with thrilling attractions, live shows and all the backstage action you can handle.Zion National Park
Whether you’re into hiking or biking, climbing or photography, a visit to the Zion National Park is an absolute must on any holiday to …Nightlife in the USA
If you’re heading to the States, you won’t be disappointed by the nightlife in the USA. There are tons of cities famous for their …Yellowstone National Park
Covering around two million acres, the Yellowstone National Park is one of America’s most iconic attractions.Disney Springs
New for 2016, and formerly known as Downtown Disney , Disney Springs is the place to go to experience food from around the world …Currency
USA travel money
The currency of the USA is the US Dollar, which is the world’s main reserve currency and is used in many other countries.
Using your card in the USA
When you withdraw cash from an ATM (cash machine), you will incur a small non-sterling transaction fee, which shouldn’t amount to any more than about 3% of the total transaction. You’ll find ATMs in all cities and towns in the country, although they may be few and far between in more remote areas. Fortunately, you can expect virtually all shops, restaurants, hotels, and other major services to accept card payments in the USA, although again these will also involve a small non-sterling transaction fee to convert US dollar into poundsOther useful tips
Avoid exchanging your sterling at airports, as rates here will be much less competitive which means you won’t get the best US Dollar rate. If you do need extra dollars during your trip, it’s best to make larger withdrawals and fewer visits to the ATM to minimise transaction fees.
Avoid using traveller’s cheques, as many banks no longer cash these, although they are still accepted in the same way as credit cards. Bear in mind that there will be limits on the amount of dollars you can withdraw in any single transaction or day. While many taxis in the USA accept card payments, this is not guaranteed, so always bring enough cash with you just in case.
Let your bank know you’ll be visiting the USA
To minimise the risk of your card payments being blocked, inform your bank that you will be travelling to the USA. Occasionally, banks may block card payments if they suspect any unusual activity, such as regular transactions in a country you’ve never visited before.
If you come home with US dollar to spare, it might be a good idea to hold on to them until your next trip to the USA or exchange them when sterling is weaker.
Top destinations in USA
Populer holiday resorts
