USA Communications

Area codes are preceded by 1 when dialling within the country.

Public phones are predominantly coin or phonecard operated. All accept 5, 10, 25 Cent coins. Phones at major establishments such as hotels and airports often accept credit cards as well. Phone cards are commonly available at convenience stores, hotels and airports.

Reverse calls require speaking with an operator - dial 0. Instructions for making reverse calls are given on public phones.

Mail can be sent to you, in your name, c/o General Delivery at the central post office in each city. The addressee must pick mail up in person and must produce proof of identity. Most post offices will hold your mail for up to one month.

Post offices generally open from 09h00-17h00 Mon-Fri. Main branches may be open on a Saturday as well. Mailboxes are free-standing metal boxes located on street corners. Stamps can be bought at post offices or at general stores. Sending letters costs 39 cents within the US or 84 cents to addresses abroad.

Sending a postcard costs 24 cents for addresses within the country and 75 cents overseas. International delivery usually takes 5-10 days. You can choose to send Express Mail, which should ensure delivery abroad within three days on payment of a premium rate.

Internet access is widely available throughout the US. Public access can be obtained in libraries, Internet cafés, and major hotels throughout all the major cities of the nation. Do not depend on finding public Internet access in rural areas and the smaller towns of middle America.

There are over 100 different newspapers published in the USA. Usually these papers are targeted for a major metropolitan city and concentrate on local issues. Some of the more popular nationwide papers include USA Today, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and the Washington Post.

TV news is commonly not as internationally focused as visitors from Europe and other areas of the world expect. Often local or state-wide issues will take precedence over international events, although there are some exceptions on the networked channels, notably CNN.

USA Food & Drink

Americans love their food and dining out is a way of life. America may be best known for its junk food burgers and fried chicken, but wherever you travel in the United States you will find the variety and availability of food astounding.

The USA is a country of immigrants and this diversity is reflected in the wonderful variety of food on offer, in every city and at any time. The major cities will have a choice of, at least, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, Thai, Indian and Spanish restaurants. In certain regions you will find specialist ethnic cuisine such as the plain grains of Amish cooking in Pennsylvania, or the authentic Portuguese kitchens of New England.

Portions tend to be big throughout the country. For example, Macaroni Cheese might constitute an entire meal in itself in Europe but in America it is merely a side order piled on the plate alongside fries, salad and corn encircling a massive T-bone steak.

As well as size of portions American restaurants are founded on choice. Even simply asking for fried eggs opens up an entire range of sub-options that simply don't exist elsewhere in the world concerning how you'd like them cooked. It's all part of the "Whatever you want - You got it" outlook on life.

Be careful about the language differences. American "chips" are what the British call crisps and a "biscuit" is what the English variously refer to as a muffin, breadcake, bap or barm. Tipping is part of the dining experience everywhere except takeout joints. 15 - 20 per cent is the norm and generally the enthusiasm and efficiency of the service staff will warrant the gratuity. Remember also that tipping makes up the majority, if not all, of your waiter's earnings.

The Americans were responsible for the invention of the Hamburger in its modern form, the hot-dog, deep fried chicken and all other manner of fastfoods. There is a literally breathtaking number of highstreet outlets serving up this fare. A traditional hot-dog with sauerkraut, American mustard and all the sundry trimmings bought from a street vendor in New York is as American as it comes. An adaptation is the chilli-dog - a hotdog with chilli-con-carne spread over the top.

Huge breakfasts are an American tradition and comprise both sweet and savoury elements in an artery hardening feast. Steak, pancakes, bacon, maple syrup, eggs and copious quantities of butter are all piled onto one plate.

Meat, and especially steak, figures very highly on almost every American menu no matter what the time of day. Meatloaf, traditionally a dish made from leftovers, has also made the national culinary canon and is now a proper dish in its own right.

America has also adapted the cuisine of almost all the nations of the world. Pizza, ice-cream, goulash, pasta, curry and just about any other national dish you could mention are all available but often made bigger, thicker, fatter and more packed with tasty ingredients than the original, in a distinctive American manner.

Other specialities are governed by location. The Eastern seaboard around New England is famous for its shellfish and the Baltimore area is known for its superb Chesapeake crabs. Cajun cuisine predominates in Louisiana while Tex-Mex will spice up a visit to Texas. Californian cuisine has embraced a health conscious French style emphasising fresh ingredients and novel presentation.

In terms of drinking there is no particular tipple that defines the whole cultural experience of America.

"Beer" is predominantly what the British call "lager". The most popular brand nationwide is Budweiser but you'll find that the staple brand varies from state to state and even city to city. Corona, Miller and Coors are just a few of the names that share the national market. Beer comes in bottles or on draft in glass steins. What the British would term beer or ale (in contrast to lager) is still brewed in America and especially in New England. The best-known brewer of these types of beer is Samuel Adams.

Two types of American whiskey dominate the spirits market - bourbon and sour mash. Bourbon is typified in Jim Beam while Jack Daniels is the world famous sour mash whiskey.

Finally a word about coffee. If you go into almost any diner your coffee cup will be filled before you order and refilled until you leave. You only pay the one price for this "bottomless cup" no matter how much you actually drink. Generally speaking, the coffee is nothing like the standard you'll get in continental Europe, although it isn't dissimilar from what you're offered in a British café.

The legal age for the consumption of alcohol is 21 years; most bars and liquor stores will always ask for ID. Coffee is also considered very much an adults' drink in America and giving it to children can result in some strange looks.

USA Geography

The United States of America is the world's third largest country, after Canada and Russia, with a total surface area of 9,600,000 sq km. The country consists of 50 states in total, 48 contiguous with the additions of Hawaii and Alaska. Canada borders the USA to the north whereas the border with Mexico forms the southern frontier.

The sheer size of the USA means that there is significant variation in both climate and terrain. Florida and Hawaii enjoy a tropical climate, while the Southwest is mostly arid and temperate.

The vast central plain is flat, while the West is mountainous. The East varies between hills and low mountains. Alaska has an Arctic climate and a terrain dominated by mountains and broad river valleys.

USA Health & Safety

No vaccinations are required to enter the United States.

The water is safe to drink throughout the United States and the standard of all hygiene is extremely high.

No healthcare agreements between the United States and others countries is available. Visitors will need to pay for all health care and medical insurance is highly recommended for those travelling to the States. Health care is expensive but of a very high standard.

Pharmacies are usually located inside markets or drugstores such as Walgreens, Rite Aid, Safeway or Vons supermarket. You will find some pharmacies on the high street, there is no distinctive sign to recognise them. Some pharmacies are open 24 hours a day, you can consult the phone book to check which ones.

The United States of America is generally a safe country for visitors to travel in.

Theft is not uncommon. Minimise the risk by avoiding leaving items in view inside rental cars and don't carry any valuables visibly while on the streets. For added security, most hotels provide private safes in rooms or have safety deposit boxes for valuables.

Ask your hotel concierge for non-recommended areas of the city you are staying in and don't travel alone in unknown areas or at night. Although statistically unlikely, should you be the victim of a mugging it is advised that you hand over your valuables as directed, your assailant may very well be armed and by complying you minimise the risk of harm.

International travellers should keep their passport or, ideally, another form of ID with them at all times in case of emergency. Should you be involved in an incident the police will need you to prove your identity.

USA History & Culture

Some wit once said that Americans don't have enough history of their own so they have to travel abroad in great numbers to find it. While it is true that the United States is a young country, its historical role in helping to shape the modern world has been significant.

America derives its name from the Italian explorer Amerigo Vespucci, although he was by no means the first European to visit the Americas - there is evidence that the Vikings had done so hundreds of years before Columbus and Vespucci were born. However, from 1550, Spanish and English traders and explorers had begun landing on the East Coast in earnest. They encountered a fertile land, rich in wildlife and populated by enclaves of native Indians who had been occupying North America for the previous 20,000 years. Although early attempts at colonisation met with disaster, increasing numbers of immigrants saw the establishment of the first true permanent settlements at Jamestown, Virginia (named after Queen Elizabeth I - the Virgin Queen).

Tobacco was the catalyst for America's rise in fortunes from colonial outpost to profitable enterprise. Virginia tobacco proved a big hit in European high society, and soon it was de rigueur to toke the pipe. Early champions of the weed promoted it as a wonder drug capable of curing any illness; children and pregnant woman were actively exhorted to smoke.

By the 18th century, Spanish, French and British colonies were located all over the Eastern Seaboard from Maine to Florida. The British were the pre-eminent power and sought to impose new taxes on the settlers. A few generations on the settlers were already beginning to consider themselves more American than European and the proposed taxes aroused nationalist sentiments sufficiently to spark off the War of Independence. The war finally ended with the British surrender to George Washington at Yorktown, Virginia, in 1781.

In the 19th century the modern boundaries of America began taking shape as land was acquired by the emerging nation through war and judicious purchases from the European powers. Napoleon sold the nation the Great Plains while Spain sold Florida. Meanwhile war with Mexico also brought Texas and California under the US flag. The 1849 "Gold Rush" in California contributed to a great wave of immigration as European and Asian immigrants poured into the New World seeking freedom and prosperity. The immigration entry point at Ellis Island processed an incredible 10,000 people a day during its peak. During this period the native Indians were progressively stripped of their land and the wild game and buffalo herds irrevocably decimated.

In 1860, Abraham Lincoln was elected president and began steps to abolish slavery, which threatened the economic survival of the southern states. The South ceded from the Union and the bloody Civil War began in 1861, eventually costing the lives of 620,000 Americans. By 1865 the North had won the war and slavery was abolished, heralding the end of the plantation system and sending the economy of the South into a deep recession.

The USA adopted an isolationist stance during the World Wars and only entered World War Two following the extreme provocation of Pearl Harbour. America effectively ended the War with the dropping of atom bombs on Nagasaki and Hiroshima but by so doing the US ushered in the nuclear age and heralded the start of the cold war with Russia that was to last for decades afterwards.

The end of World War Two signalled a period of great economic prosperity and social conformity in the US but also Communist paranoia, which came to a head with the Vietnam War. The 1960s saw profound social change highlighted by the assassination of the liberal president Kennedy, the civil rights movement and ever-growing opposition to American involvement in Vietnam. Contrasting with these struggles was the remarkable moon landing in 1969, which confirmed America's pre-eminent position as scientific superpower.

America's recent history has broadly been characterised by growing economic power, an expansive foreign policy, and a rampant export of its popular culture in the form of Hollywood, Big Macs and Nikes. American presidents from Nixon to Bush jnr have demonstrated both the American people's adoration of celebrity style over moral substance and their good sense of humour.

It can be surprising for first time visitors to the United States to realise how culturally diverse and regionalised the country can be. Within the larger cities, such as New York or Los Angeles, there are substantial ethnic communities each reproducing the culture of their mother country.

On the whole, visitors are struck with how friendly and accessible American people can be. Everywhere there is a welcoming attitude and encountering the natives on these terms can be a highlight of your visit. Service staff in particular exude a positive spirit and will say, "Have a nice day" as if they really mean it. British people in particular are almost uniformly admired by Americans and are well received.

A popular misconception that visitors may have is that the United States shares a particularly liberal culture. The political balance between Republicans and Democrats indicates how divided this country is between the forces of liberalism and conservatism. Thus while California, New York, and the Pacific Northwest are highly multi-cultural and tolerant, areas around the Deep South, Texas and the rugged interior are populated by conservative people, espousing traditional values and strict Christian doctrines.

It has been well observed that Americans abroad can be loud and pushy, behaviour based on the superiority complex many Americans inherit from the dominance their popular culture has achieved over the world. This was a country founded on entrepreneurialism and this "can-do" attitude still prevails in many people. Somehow though, it's all forgivable once you're actually there. This is a great country and the people should be the highlight of your visit.

USA Money

Currency: United States Dollars (USD). USD1=100 cents.
Notes: USD1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100.
Coins: Cents1, 5, 10,25,50 and USD1.
Credit cards: American Express, Visa, MasterCard, Discovery, and Diner's Club are accepted in major hotels and business establishments.

Exchange facilities are found in all major tourist hotspots as well as at major banks and airports. Not all banks have exchange facilities.

One of the best ways to obtain money is to draw cash from ATMs using an international credit or debit card. ATMs can be found in all towns and cities. You will even come across drive-through ATMs. Check with your bank which ATM systems are compatible with your card and whether there are any charges.

Traveller's cheques are accepted in major establishments and you are advised to carry traveller's cheques in USD.

Below are approximate costs for the following items:

The rate of sales tax varies by city and state and ranges from 4% to 15% across the nation as a whole. It is applied to the price at the checkout although certain items, commonly clothing and food may be exempt in certain areas.

As individual states set their own sales tax the federal government has no system for refunding non-US visitors. Large and expensive purchases are often tax exempt if they are directly shipped outside the state they are bought in. You will have to ask at point of purchase whether it is possible to gain exemption by arranging direct shipping and, if so, whether this will represent any net saving to you.

Service charge is not included in restaurants and hotel bills. You are always expected to leave a tip in restaurants, taxis and for hotel personnel. It is customary to leave a tip of about 15% of the cost of the meal or taxi journey, although in LA the percentage is often higher. Porters expect approximately USD1 per bag.

USA Phrasebook

English is spoken throughout the United States, although in cities such as Los Angeles, Miami and El Paso, Spanish is the majority language. American English itself does have its own peculiarities so the following guide may be useful:

USA See & Do

The US's massive expanse contains some of the world's greatest cities as well as spectacular natural phenomena and landscapes that are among the world's greatest sights. Here is our selection of the best of this marvellous country.

They say that if you visit New York City, you see the world. Certainly, nowhere else offers such diversity in such a compact and exciting way - and no other city has the energy and arrogance to make it work so well. NY has outstanding museums, cultural icons such as the Statue of Liberty, and even a vast dose of parkland right in the middle of Manhattan.

You've got the centre of American commerce sitting alongside Greenwich Village's community of gentrified bohemia, and you can see Broadway and baseball all in one day.

Read our New York City guide for full details.

New England was the site of some of America's first settler colonies and today is home to Ivy League colleges and charming Boston. But every autumn this weight of history gives way to tones of red and gold as the indigenous trees prepare for winter.

It's a festival of Kodak moments and a truly beautiful and effortless natural spectacle. Peak foliage season is traditionally the second week in October when there is good viewing throughout Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire and Connecticut.

Known as "the Big Easy", and pronounced "Nawlins" by locals, this is the regal Queen of the South and the home of jazz, Mardi Gras, and Cajun cooking. New Orleans has a distinctly exotic air about it, created by the spicy mix of European and Caribbean influences, and visitors during festival time - particularly Mardi Gras in February/March - are swept away by the exuberance and unleashed capacity for decadence on the part of participants.

During quieter months, the jazz and Cajun/Creole cuisine will seduce you all the same. The area around Bourbon Street and the French Quarter gets most of the visitors. Two pieces of advice: take care after dark, and avoid visiting during summer (May-July) when it gets unbearably hot.

Read our New Orleans guide for full details.

The fastest growing city in America, Las Vegas is a triumphant celebration of gambling, entertainment and excess. The pyramids here are bigger than Egypt's, and the lights burn brighter than the sun.

It's a wonderfully surreal experience to wander The Strip at night and explore the cavernous theme casinos, each a vale of broken dreams, good times and wild nights in Vegas. Main attractions include the Luxor casino, getting married by an Elvis impersonator, and catching a title fight or major concert. Bottom line: have fun and don't take it seriously. Apart from marriage - that is legally binding.

Read our Las Vegas guide for full details.

Many visitors to the USA choose this as their favourite city. San Francisco is certainly picturesque, being spread out over absurdly steep hills against a backdrop of the Golden Gate Bridge and often shrouded in mist rolling in from the Pacific.

The city has a lot to offer besides its setting: outstanding cuisine, exciting and distinct neighbourhoods, and a funky, liberal culture quite unusual in many American cities. Highlights include Alcatraz Prison, hippy Haight-Ashbury, the fantastic cable cars, the gay Castro district and the beauty of Golden Gate Park. The tourist trap of Fisherman's Wharf meanwhile caters to families and visitors seeking more mainstream attractions.

Read our San Francisco guide for full details.

It's not really a city, more like another world. Home to the glitz of Hollywood, the glam of Venice Beach and the multi-lane madness of the highways. This City of Angels doesn't reveal its heavenly side easily: but if you spend some time looking, this exciting collection of people and cultures will fascinate and inspire you.

Highlights include magical Disneyland, opulent Beverley Hills, Hollywood Boulevard and the palm-fronted lifestyles of Malibu and Santa Monica. The best way to see the city is by car, as distances between attractions can be great and, besides, in LA you ain't nothing without some wheels.

Read our Los Angeles guide for full details.

The states of Washington and Oregon offer visitors a wealth of natural splendour and some of the country's hippest, most enjoyable cities.

Seattle, capital of Washington State, is home to Microsoft, Boeing and Starbucks - although these commercial monoliths are little in evidence as you explore the eclectic markets and buzzing entertainment scene, all against the bulk of Mt Rainier in the distance. Portland, Oregon's largest city, has a similarly laid-back ambience, and is the perfect base to explore the attractions of the Columbia Gorge and Cascade Mountain range. Other attractions in the Northwest include the scarred landscape of Mount St Helens, and the magical islands of the Puget Sound.

The 49th state has little in common with the contiguous American states down south. Alaska is a vast, sparsely populated, thoroughly untamed wilderness rich in wildlife and extraordinary natural beauty. Not many people take the expensive flight north or drive the magnificent 1,500 mile Alaskan highway, but those who do are drawn by the spirit of adventure and the prospect of uncolonised, open space.

The majority of the population (around 500,000) live in either the capital Juneau or largest city Anchorage, both worth exploring in their own right. The interior town of Fairbanks is your best bet to see the aurora borealis; a natural phenomenon best described as a dancing veil of magical light. Weather wise, the best time to visit Alaska is Jun - Aug when the days are long and the mercury soars into the high teens.

The islands of Hawaii fit most people's image of tropical paradise, with perfect beaches, great waves and all the trappings of a luxury holiday in the sun. Most visitors arrive and stay in Honolulu, capital and chief resort town of the Island of Oahu.

Venturing to the other islands, though, brings rewards such as the extreme diversity and lush magnificence of tiny Kauai, or the steaming volcanoes of Hawaii ("the Big Island"). Weather is good all year round, although rainfall is heaviest between December and March.

Florida is chiefly known for Disneyworld (in Orlando), great beaches and of course, orange juice. While these stereotypes are true (the latter two attracting great numbers of retirees), there is a lot more to this energetic, ethnically diverse state.

Linked by an umbilical highway snaking over the sea, Key West sits at the tip of the peninsula enjoying its sunsets and mellow lifestyle. Miami, near the bottom of the mainland, is a gorgeous Latino city with all the palm trees and beachfront you could want. The Everglades National Park, near Fort Myers, is a unique ecosystem and even home to its own species of alligator. The sun shines on Florida's beaches all year round, with the best resort being a toss-up between Daytona and Fort Lauderdale.

See our Orlando, Orlando, Orlando, Orlando, Orlando, Orlando, Orlando, Orlando, Orlando, Orlando, Orlando, Orlando, Orlando, Orlando, Key West, Key West, Key West, Key West, Key West, Key West, Key West, Key West, Key West, Key West, Key West, Key West, Key West, Miami and Miami and Miami and Miami and Miami and Miami and Miami and Miami and Miami and Miami and Miami and Miami and Miami and Fort Lauderdale guides for more information.

There is a strange paradox to America's greatest natural spectacle: its sheer size and majesty is simply not possible to grasp in a short visit and consequently many people feel slightly disappointed as they peer over the rim at the canyon floor a dizzying mile below.

To really appreciate it you need to hike down to explore the base or ride the rapids of the Colorado River. Alternatively, take a helicopter ride and get a bird's-eye view of this astounding natural phenomenon.

The interconnected Great Lakes of Superior, Michigan, Huron and Erie form the largest body of freshwater in the world and offer visitors great opportunities for watersports, fishing and getting away from it all.

Only Lake Michigan lies entirely within the USA, all the other lakes have shores over the border in Canada. The coastline is a mixture of pristine beauty and deserted coves, with some large cities thrown in for good measure.

Enter the forest and you enter another world. The Giant Redwood sequoia trees reach heights of up to 360ft (110m) and their massive basal girths can be large enough to drive a car through.

The canopies tower above, creating a constant temperature and shielding the forest floor from both sun and rain. Your entire sense of physical proportion changes as you feel utterly dwarfed by these majestic giants. Even the most hardened city slicker can't fail to be impressed.

This is a city built on power and ambition, where government is the local industry and "Old Glory" waves proudly from every rooftop.

The nation's capital is home to the White House and the incomparable Smithsonian Institute, one of the world's greatest museums. Many key attractions are centred on the Mall, where there are impressive monuments to Washington and Lincoln as well as the poignant Vietnam Veterans' Memorial known simply as "The Wall". Georgetown is the oldest neighbourhood, and the best place for a night out.

See our Washington DC guide for full details.

It's a monument to Elvis and a triumph of American kitsch. "The King's" former palace and the site of his burial draws a million visitors a year to check out Heart Break Hotel and shake a pelvis in mourning.

It's actually rather tasteful and the tour is good value with highlights such as the green-shagpile-carpeted Jungle Room and the Elvis Presley Automobile Museum. There is also the opportunity to watch clips from Elvis movies and observe at leisure the often whimsical behaviour of other pilgrims.

This park preserves 265,000 acres of wilderness around the magnificent Rocky Mountains. The area contains few roads and no shops, houses or hotels, and is justly regarded as a paradise for lovers of the outdoors and those seeking respite from civilisation.

The main attractions, as you might expect, are hiking, climbing, horseback riding and cross-country skiing. The village of Estes Park, 75 miles north of Denver, is the gateway to the reserve and although rather commercialised, it is a good place to pick up supplies and arrange your excursions into the park. Don't wander in ill-prepared.

Texas has long represented the freedom-loving American spirit and the sanctity of independence. This is the land of oil, "Dubya" Bush, ten-gallon hats and the legendary warm, Texan hospitality.

The steaks are huge and wealth is displayed with Wild West abandon. Each city has its character: Austin is trendy, cultured and academic; San Antonio and El Paso have a spicy Mexican character; Houston is renowned for its relentless energy; and Dallas is an aspirant sprawl of high-culture.

Read our Dallas and Dallas and Dallas and Dallas and Dallas and Dallas and Dallas and Dallas and Dallas and Dallas and Dallas and Dallas and Dallas and Dallas and Houston guides for full details on the cities.

USA Transport

Travelling around the USA is a cinch. If you plan ahead, flights are
cheap, and Greyhound buses an economical way to fill in the gaps
between. The train network is far from comprehensive, although on
certain routes it can be ideal. But in the end, the car is king: This
is one country where a motor vehicle is essential, both as a practical
means of getting around and as a vital cultural experience.

If you're planning to use public travel (including internal flights) it is
advisable to check America's public holidays. During such times
internal transport can get extremely busy - especially during
November's Thanksgiving celebrations (on the fourth Thursday and Friday
of the month) when seemingly the whole population is simultaneously
on the move.

In a country ruled by domestic flights
and the automobile, trains are unlikely

the trains are uniformly clean and efficient,
and the train is a beautiful way of seeing
the US in comfort.

Amtrak, the national rail provider, covers
routes stretching coast
to coast, although the network isn't quite as extensive as
you mightexpect. That said, a complete range of
cost-effective passes, covering varying regions and periods
are available should you crave the romance and soothing
rhythms of train travel.Passes can be bought at Amtrak
stations across the US on production of a valid passport
and the requisite number of greenbacks.

In the USA, bus is synonymous with Greyhound and for
the budget traveller this is the best option for covering
distances between cities and states.

For international visitors, the Greyhound International
Ameripass offers unlimited travel within the USA and
selected points in Canada and Mexico within a set time limit,
which determines the price. Options range from the intensity of the USD159
4-day pass to the luxury of the USD559 60-day pass with many combinations in
between. These passes can be bought before leaving home; most travel agents
will be able to advise on the most suitable for your trip. Prices may vary
according to the country of departure.

A wider range of passes are available to US and Canada residents although
prices are higher. For example the 7-day Domestic Ameripass costs USD229,
while the 60-day costs USD609.

Alternatively just buy a ticket for wherever you want to go from the bus terminus.
It's still the cheapest form of transport in the US and a fantastic way
of experiencing the country.

A car can also be essential given that outside of major cities there is little or no public transport. Remember, even within cities, the sights can be spread far apart and are often miles from your hotel.

Rental prices start at about USD150 per week, plus added costs for collision and third-party insurance. It is always cheaper to book ahead before departure. Remember to read the small print and that those extras rapidly add up, but on the other hand if you're driving in California or the South don't skimp on the air conditioning. Also, make sure you get an unlimited mileage package, as the distances you need to travel can be vast.

Generally, a credit card is required for rental and drivers aged 25 or under will incur an insurance surcharge. You will need a valid driving licence if you wish to drive while in the United States. Check with car rental facility for further rental requirements. Be aware speed restrictions are more severe than European drivers in particular are used to. The Highway Patrol is also very vigilant and inclined to pull speeders over instantly, and issue an on-the-spot ticket. If you are pulled over it can be a frightening experience, particularly in cities such as Los Angeles and New York where cops take no chances. Simply obey all the instructions issued instantly and calmly.

The national speed limit is 88-112 km per hour (55-70mph) on highways, 56-64km per hour (35-40mph) on major roads outside towns and 24-40 km per hour (15-25mph) in built up residential areas. Distances and speed limits on American roads are measured in miles. Driving is on the right and you must overtake on the left-hand side. It is compulsory for the driver and all passengers to wear a seatbelt at all times.

On-street parking is generally free in residential areas. Toll parking can usually be found in the commercial areas. Check street signs for regulations such as street cleaning and hourly limits. Depending on the area you are travelling, drivers should be aware of heavy traffic conditions in urban cities, icy roads in the northern states, wet roads in the southern coastal areas, and high heat temperatures in the Midwest.

The following table provides approximate driving distances between American cities. Kilometres in the lower left of the table, miles in the upper right.

You can also save money through buying an "Air Pass" deal from one of the major airlines. Delta, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic offer a Discover America Pass that allows holders between three and ten coupons for internal flights within a 60-day time period. Prices depend on season and number of coupons. Note that these have to be bought outside the country.

There are a number of additional taxes payable on airline tickets in the US but these are always included in ticket prices and there should be no tax payable at the airport. Currently there is a US transportation tax of USD26.80 payable o