Country facts

When to visit

Varies wildly by region — NYC + DC: April–June + September–October. California year-round. Southwest: October–April (summers brutal). Florida: November–April.

Typical costs (USD)

NYC + SF most expensive; cities like Nashville, Austin much cheaper. Budget 18-20% tips into meal costs.

Essential phrases

Numbers

What to pack

• Type A/B plug adapter (US 120V)
• Comfortable walking shoes (varies by city — NYC walks, LA drives)
• Layered clothing — climate varies coast to coast
• Compact umbrella (East Coast rains)
• Cash for tips (tip culture is universal)
• Phone with international plan (free WiFi is reliable)

Cultural notes

• Tax is added at checkout, not shown on the price tag
• Tipping is part of the wage — refusing is socially aggressive
• Personal space is larger than in Europe / Latin America (~1m)
• Don't discuss politics / religion with strangers
• Distances are vast — flights are normal between cities, not exotic

Universal courtesies

• Try a greeting in the local language even if it's the only word you know — it's appreciated everywhere.
• Match local dress norms when entering religious sites, government buildings, or rural areas.
• Ask before photographing people, especially children or in religious settings.
• Tipping customs vary — never assume your home country's expectation applies.
• Remove shoes when entering homes if your host does; watch their cue.
• Keep voices lower than at home in temples, mosques, museums, public transport.
• Hands and gestures mean different things across cultures — observe before reaching out.
• Cash + cards: rural areas often need cash; major cities take cards. Carry small notes.
• Don't compare countries to each other in front of locals — every culture stands on its own.
• If you don't know the etiquette, watching for 30 seconds usually teaches it.