The Ultimate USA Travel Guide: From My Personal Experience

Planning a trip to the United States? You’ve come to the right place! This personal USA travel guide is a collection of my experiences and tips that I’ve gathered over the last two years living in America.

I’ll never forget the day I packed my life into a few suitcases and set off from coastal Gdańsk on this great American adventure. First, I settled in green Oregon, and now I happily greet the sunrise in hot Arizona.

Dreaming of driving a convertible along the California coast? Or maybe stargazing under the Arizona canyon sky?

Keep reading, and I’ll reveal secrets you won’t find in typical guidebooks – how to plan your dream trip and avoid tourist traps!

The Ultimate USA Travel Guide: When is the best time to visit the USA?

From my own experience, the answer depends mainly on the region you’re planning to visit.

When I lived in Oregon, I fell in love with the spring months (March-May) – nature comes to life then, and the temperatures are pleasant.

I remember walking through forests full of fresh, resinous scent and misty mornings that slowly gave way to warm afternoons.

Meanwhile, here in Arizona, I’ve learned to appreciate fall (September-November) and winter (December-February). Summer can be unbearable – during my first Arizona summer, the thermometer regularly showed over 104°F (40°C)!

I sometimes joke that it’s like living in a hair dryer. But in winter, when my friends in Poland are shivering from cold, I enjoy the mild climate and plenty of sunny days.

It’s completely different in the Colorado mountains, where I recently spent my vacation – winter is a paradise for skiers, and summer offers spectacular views and pleasant temperatures ideal for hiking.

I’ve also noticed that prices and tourist numbers significantly increase during American holidays and vacations.

My mom, when she visited me during spring break, was surprised by the crowds on trails and high accommodation prices.

Regardless of the season, I always pack a warm sweater for cooler evenings.

I learned this during my first trip to Yosemite National Park – the day was hot, but when the sun set behind the mountains, the temperature dropped by several degrees within an hour!

Formalities and travel costs

US Visa and Visa Waiver Program

One of the first things I had to figure out when moving to the US was navigating the visa system, and it’s something my European friends always ask me about. The good news is that many Europeans can visit the US quite easily!

If you’re from countries like France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Portugal, or Spain (and many other European nations), you can travel to the US without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).

This was a game-changer for my friends visiting me from across Europe.

To use this program, you’ll need to apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization).

It costs just $21 USD and lets you make multiple trips to the US over two years (or until your passport expires). Each visit can last up to 90 days, which is plenty for most vacations.

I always tell my friends to apply on the official ESTA website at least a week before their trip. Technically, 72 hours is the minimum, but why risk it?

My friend Marc from France once waited until the last minute and spent his entire flight worrying whether he’d be allowed in!

Planning to stay longer than 90 days or coming to study or work? Then you’ll need a proper visa. For tourists and business travelers, that’s usually a B-1/B-2 visa, which lets you stay up to 6 months.

It costs $185 USD to apply, and you’ll need to fill out the DS-160 form online, schedule an appointment, and attend an interview at your local US Embassy.

Here’s a crucial tip I share with everyone: your passport needs to be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay. I’ve seen tearful travelers at airports who were turned away because their passports were expiring too soon.

My neighbor’s sister had to rebook her entire family’s dream vacation because of this!

Flying to the United States from Europe

After two years of flying back and forth between Europe and the US, I’ve learned a thing or two about finding good flights.

From Europe, you’ve got plenty of options with airlines like British Airways, Lufthansa, Air France, and KLM, as well as American carriers like United, Delta, and American Airlines.

How much should you budget for flights? In my experience, tickets from major European cities to the US typically cost between €500-900 during quieter seasons.

That jumps to €1,000 or more during summer and holidays. Last Christmas, my cousin paid nearly €1,400 for a last-minute flight to visit me in Arizona – ouch!

I’ve found the sweet spot for booking is 3-4 months ahead. My most budget-conscious friends who’ve visited me always snag the best deals this way.

The cheapest months to fly are typically January, February, and November (except Thanksgiving week, which is crazy busy).

From most European cities, you’ll likely fly into major gateways like New York, Chicago, or Los Angeles first.

When my friends from Barcelona visited last spring, they found a great deal to New York and then took a budget domestic flight to Phoenix. They saved almost €300 each compared to a direct routing!

Travel insurance

I’m not kidding about healthcare costs in the USA! When I cut myself pretty deeply during camping, the emergency room visit cost over $1000, and that was for a really minor intervention.

Before moving, I got comprehensive health insurance, but I always recommend tourists get a solid policy. My cousin found decent insurance for about 800 PLN ($200) for a 3-week stay.

It’s worth paying attention to the coverage – some cheaper policies don’t cover extreme sports, and when you’re in the Rocky Mountains, you’ll definitely want to climb some peaks!

I recently checked insurance prices for my mom, who is planning to visit me – I noticed that comparison platforms like EKTA or INSU BUY help find really good deals.

Transportation and accommodation in the USA

Cars are essential!

The first thing I understood after moving was how dependent on cars Americans are. Public transportation infrastructure is much less developed than in Europe, especially outside major cities.

When my mom came to visit me, we rented an SUV from Dollar. It cost us about $75 per day, but we were happy with the comfort and space.

We had to wait a bit in line at pickup – next time we’ll use Hertz with the Gold program, which lets you skip these formalities.

I always book cars through Rentalcars.com – this site compares offers from different rental companies and often finds much better prices than going directly through company websites.

Additionally, you can easily filter results by car type, insurance, and features. I’ve saved hundreds of dollars thanks to them on my travels along the west coast!

When I lived in Oregon, I learned the hard way how important it is to know local traffic rules.

In my first month, I got a ticket for not coming to a complete stop at a stop sign – in the USA, it’s a “full stop,” not a rolling stop like often happens in Poland.

After years of driving on Gdańsk streets, where sometimes you need to squeeze into a gap in traffic, it was a big change in habits!

A fun fact from my experience: fueling your car is different from Europe. Here you pay first, then pump. On my first day, I stood at the pump wondering why I couldn’t get any gas!

Where to stay

During my two years living in the USA, I’ve visited lots of places and tested various accommodation options.

My fondest memories are from small, family-run roadside motels – especially those with a retro style, which often cost around $80-100 per night.

When I was driving from Oregon to Arizona, I stayed in many such places, and each time was a different experience. In one motel in Northern California, the owner treated me to homemade cake when he found out I was from Poland!

For budget travelers, especially nature lovers, I recommend campgrounds in national parks.

During my trip to Zion National Park, I spent a night under the stars for $35 – it was a magical experience. However, you need to book in advance – some popular campgrounds sell out 6 months ahead!

If you’re looking for a convenient way to book accommodations, I recommend Booking.com – I reserve most of my stays through this portal.

They often offer free cancellation options and the best prices, and the interface is also available in Polish, which makes browsing offers easier.

Food in the USA

“Everything is bigger in America” – this saying definitely applies to portion sizes! I remember my amazement when I first ordered a sandwich at an American restaurant – it was the size of my face!

One of my favorite culinary discoveries is diners – classic American eateries serving huge breakfasts all day long.

In Oregon, I discovered a charming little place where I used to eat the best blueberry pancakes, and now in Arizona, I love a small Mexican restaurant where for $10 I get tacos that are enough for two meals.

Worth knowing – in the USA, tips are not optional – they’re part of the server’s wages. I usually leave 18-20% of the bill. At first, it seemed strange to me, but now I’m used to it.

My favorite places in the USA

After two years living in two different states, I have my favorite places worth seeing:

Oregon – my first American home

The Oregon coast will always have a special place in my heart. I spent almost every weekend there, exploring picturesque beaches and rocky cliffs.

I remember a morning at Cannon Beach when the fog slowly cleared, revealing the majestic Haystack Rock – that was the moment I fell in love with the American Northwest.

Oregon’s rainforests are a true wonder – so different from the pine forests I knew from around Gdańsk! Moss covers everything like a green blanket, and the air is so humid that I felt like I was breathing through a sponge.

During a walk on the Silver Falls trail, I experienced a magical moment when I walked behind a waterfall – that memory will stay with me forever.

Arizona – my current home

After moving to Arizona, my first “wow” moment was the Grand Canyon. No photo captures the scale of this place!

When I stood on the edge of the canyon for the first time, I was speechless. I spent the whole day there, watching how light changes the colors of the rocks – from gold at dawn to deep red at sunset.

Sedona has become my favorite spot for weekend getaways. Red rocks contrasting with the blue sky create otherworldly views.

I found a small hiking trail there that I almost always have to myself – it leads to a hill with a view of the entire area. Sometimes I bring a book there and spend hours just soaking in the scenery.

After 6 months of living in Arizona, I’m still discovering new wonders. I recently visited Painted Desert – an incredible, vast landscape that looks like a sea of rolling hills in shades of red, pink, and purple.

My camera almost overheated from taking so many photos!

California – my frequent destination

Living so close to California, I often take trips there. San Francisco charmed me with its unique atmosphere, though I was surprised how cold it was in summer!

As someone raised by the Baltic Sea, I thought I knew the quirks of coastal weather, but the fog wrapping around the Golden Gate bridge made me shiver in my summer dress despite it being mid-July.

The Big Sur coast is a photographer’s paradise. During my first visit, I stopped almost every kilometer because each turn offered a view more beautiful than the last.

The sunset at McWay Falls especially stuck in my memory – a waterfall dropping straight onto the beach seemed so unreal that I had to pinch myself to make sure I wasn’t dreaming.

Practical tips from a USA resident

After two years of living here, I’ve gathered some valuable tips:

• Credit cards: Always carry a credit card. When I arrived, I only had a debit card and was refused car rentals several times.
• Tipping: Get used to leaving tips – 15-20% in restaurants, $1-2 for a drink at a bar, $2-5 for a hotel housekeeper.
• Sizes: American clothing and shoe sizes differ from European ones. My Polish size 38 is a 7.5 or 8 here.
• Store prices: Prices on shelves don’t include tax, which is added at checkout. It still surprises me every time I return from Poland!
• Safety: I feel safe in most places, but I always check reviews of neighborhoods before booking a hotel. When I moved to Phoenix, neighbors quickly advised me which parts of the city to avoid after dark.

My suggested route for the West Coast

Based on my numerous travels along the west coast, here’s a route I recommend for a 3-week trip:

Week 1: Oregon and Northern California

Days 1-2: Portland, Oregon

• Spend the morning at Powell’s Books, the largest independent bookstore in the USA
• Visit the Portland Japanese Garden – it’s truly a magical place!
• Eat something at one of the food trucks – a local specialty

Days 3-4: Oregon Coast

• Drive through Cannon Beach and take a photo of the famous Haystack Rock
• Stop in the small town of Yachats (pronounced “YA-hots”) – I ate the best seafood of my life there!
• Spend the night in a cozy B&B with an ocean view

Days 5-7: Northern California

• Stay the night in charming Mendocino
• Visit Redwood National Park – walking among giant sequoias is an amazing experience
• Drive the scenic Highway 1 along the coast

Week 2: San Francisco and Central California

Days 8-10: San Francisco

• Ride a historic cable car (but buy a ticket in advance to avoid lines!)
• Visit Alcatraz (book several weeks in advance)
• Take a trip to Napa Valley – I recommend small wineries, not the most popular ones

Days 11-13: Yosemite and surroundings

• Spend at least 2 days in Yosemite National Park
• Take a short hike to Bridalveil Falls – it’s easy and spectacular
• Stay overnight in the cozy town of Oakhurst – I found a charming family motel there

Day 14: Big Sur Coast

• Drive the legendary route through Big Sur
• Be sure to stop at McWay Falls and Bixby Bridge
• Have lunch at Nepenthe restaurant with an ocean view

Week 3: Southern California and Arizona

Days 15-16: Los Angeles

• Visit the Getty Center – not just for the art, but also for the views
• Spend a morning at Santa Monica beach
• Walk along Hollywood Boulevard (though honestly, it’s more of a tourist trap than something extraordinary!)

Days 17-18: Joshua Tree and the route to Arizona

• Spend a day in Joshua Tree National Park – make sure to stay until sunset!
• Set off for Arizona, stopping in the charming town of Quartzsite

Days 19-21: Grand Canyon and Sedona

• Dedicate an entire day to the Grand Canyon – it’s best to visit viewpoints both at sunrise and sunset
• Spend the last days in magical Sedona – I recommend the Cathedral Rock Trail hike
• For your farewell to America, treat yourself to dinner with a view of the red rocks – Mariposa restaurant has amazing views!

The Ultimate USA Travel Guide: Final Thoughts

Moving to the USA completely changed my life and perspective on the world. It’s a country of contrasts, vast spaces, and countless possibilities.

In two years, I’ve managed to explore just a fragment of this huge country, but each day brings new discoveries.

Do I miss Poland? Of course! I miss my home city of Gdańsk, the smell of the sea, mom’s pierogi, and Polish nature. But the United States offers its unique charm – from the majestic sequoias of Oregon to the red rocks of Arizona.

If you’re planning a trip to the USA, take my most important advice: don’t try to see everything in one go.

Choose the region that interests you most and immerse yourself in it deeply. America isn’t going anywhere – you can always come back for more adventures!

I hope my experiences and tips will help you plan your dream trip. And if you’re in Arizona, let me know – I’d be happy to recommend the best places for tacos!

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BONUS: What We Learned Shipping a Van to the U.S.

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• 10 AMAZING Things to Do in Yosemite National Park
• The 10-Day Pacific Northwest Travel Itinerary You’ll Want to Steal
• 10 Absolute Best Joshua Tree National Park Hikes