The USA
This vast nation over 100 times the entire area of the United Kingdom has a wide variation of terrain and climatic conditions. One should allow for long distances, appropriate transportation, time zones and adequate protection against some extreme weather conditions throughout the year.
English is the predominant language with some subtle differences compared with British English that shouldn't cause many problems along with just a few areas where Latin American is spoken.
The Currency, the US Dollar is divided into 100 cents and should cause few problems except that each denomination note or bill is exactly the same color! Coins are commonly referred to by name 1 cent is a penny, 5 cents a nickel, 10 cents a dime and 25 cents is a quarter.
State Tourist Information
There is no national tourist office. Many phone numbers may have been superseded by non-voice communication and those marked * are premier rate
Major City Information
Travelling to the USA
Entry
Citizens of many countries with a valid passport can enter the USA without a visa and can enter freely as long as they do not have a serious communicable disease, a criminal record or a record of previous deportation. In any event check with a recognized travel authority or a bona fide representative of the US government who can advise on travel to the USA.
www.unitedstatesvisas.gov
Flights
Allow plenty of time to plan your trip and do shop around but we would advise using a reputable and bonded agent-you could lose out in a big way with a really cheap perhaps bogus outfit.
There are restrictions such as baggage weight, no smoking, no weapons (including replicas or toys) or sharp implements, the use of mobile phones is limited and arriving inebriated or getting intoxicated during a flight is not an option. There are restrictions on what you can take in to the US
www.customs.ustreas.gov
Finally, get plenty of rest before the flight, wear loose fitting clothing, do not sit crossed legged, keep caffeine/alcohol intake to a minimum and get up occasionally for a short walk. Always follow the airline instructions including when you should call them before a flight, the time before a flight that you need to check-in and allow plenty of journey time.
Airlines-Transatlantic Routes
Hotels and Motels
Lodgings range from low budget establishments that are sometimes quite remote or located in less desirable areas, midbrow/midbudget often chain hotels in reasonable to very good locations or the upscale variety that also includes private American individualized bed and breakfast properties.
Lower Budget
Mid Budget
Higher Budget
Holiday Inns have variable grade lodgings throughout the USA:
Car Hire
The minimum age for vehicle hire is 21 with an additional insurance premium for
drivers under 25. The basic insurance requirement in most states is CDW (Collision
Damage Waver) it is worth considering Supplement Liability Insurance that covers
a driver in cases of post accident litigation.
Major Company Reservations
Driving
Throughout the USA all roads are right hand drive, most vehicles are automatic gear change,
there are a large number of toll routes and there are some important regulations: Driving
under the influence of drink or drugs is highly illegal and the levels of intoxication
may be a lot lower than other parts of the world-care should be taken if drinking
on the previous night. Any alcoholic drink is forbidden in the passenger area
and must be put in the trunk (boot) Parking should be face in to the bay
so that the license plate can be read Unauthorized parking in a disable
bay is a serious offence The driver permit and vehicle documents should
be carried at all times and if stopped by a patrolman you must remain in the vehicle
with your hands resting on the steering wheel and be polite. Throwing trash
(litter) from the vehicle is a serious offence There may be severe speed
restrictions in some areas and if a school bus is stationary with hazard lights
in operation all traffic must stop
Other US Travel Information
Insurance
Health insurance is essential as there is no free medical treatment
Prices
It is unusual for a price to include sales tax and this will vary from place to place
Drinking
Most bars and other places that sell drink only admit persons 21 years or older
Safety
If you are unfamiliar with an area try to obtain information in advance as a priority
and before booking hotels.
Find a reliable source of local knowledge and ensure that you know of any undesirable
areas. Here is a list of safety points:
Avoid reading maps in the street, across steering wheels and don’t leave them on display in a vehicle along with
other items including jackets.
Avoid run down seedy neighborhoods if driving
through it is advisable to lock doors close windows and if bumped from behind
keep going.
Try and dress inconspicuously don’t carry large amounts of
cash or display valuables even small denomination bills. Familiarize yourself
with a neighborhood before you arrive so you can look familiar and confident,
avoid eye contact with strangers and lonely alleyways, streets, parks and beaches
especially at night.
When in your hotel room always use the door restraint
and if someone calls use the peephole check ID or call reception. Always lock
your suitcase even when it is empty-it can be used to carry stolen items out of
the room!
Put photocopies (only) of important documents including travel
check (cheque) numbers in your main luggage and only label luggage with the destination
address
Never hitchhike or pick them up and do not sleep in a vehicle
Other Information
Domestic electrical supply:
110 V/60 Hz
National phone access code: 1
Emergency phone number:
Most areas 911 or 0 for operator
TV system: NTSC
Public Holidays
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New Years Day |
January 1st |
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Martin Luther King Day |
Third Monday in January |
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Presidents Day |
Last Monday in February |
| Memorial
Day |
Last Monday in May |
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Independence Day |
July 4th |
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Labor Day |
First Monday in September |
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Columbus Day |
Second Monday in October |
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Veterans Day |
November 11th |
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Thanksgiving |
Fourth Thursday in November |
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Christmas Day |
December 25th |
Weekend dates are normally observed on the following Monday and although
many shops are open, banks, schools and all government buildings including Post
Offices are closed; public transport and museums operate Sunday times.
Normal Opening Times
Banks: Mondays through Fridays from 9 or 10am to 5 or 6pm with
some open 9am to 2pm on Saturdays. Post Offices: Monday through Fridays
8am to 4 or 5.30pm with some open 8am to 3pm on Saturdays
© 2005 Buffguides.com
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