United States

Home, sweet home. While the US certainly has its pros and cons (we won’t even begin to talk about the current political divisiveness), it will always be home to me and will hold a special place in my heart.

I often find myself dreaming of far-away destinations, only to remember that so many diverse landscapes exist within my own country! Expensive deserts, glorious mountains, rugged coastlines, rolling prairielands, concrete jungles, quaint towns, relaxing beaches…you really can find almost anything here in the US. With so many options, the hardest question becomes: where to start? With the tips below, of course!

Overview

Language: The de facto official language of the United States (US) is English.
Useful phrases: Hello, Thank you
Currency: US Dollar (see current exchange rates here).
Payment methods: Most everywhere accepts major credit cards; however, I always like to have a few pounds on me just in case. ATMs are common and the easiest way to get cash upon arrival.
Electric plugs: The US uses type A and type B electrical outlet plugs. Standard voltage is 120V with a standard frequency of 60Hz. If you are coming from most countries, you will likely need a converter. Check out my favorite converter and adaptor!
Measurement systems: Unlike most of the world, the US uses the US Customary Units (similar to the Imperial System), measuring distances in miles and temperature in Fahrenheit.
Weather: The US is quite large, so weather can vary dramatically depending on where you are in the country. The Northeast is known for cold, snowy winters and gorgeous fall colors, the Southeast for warm and humid weather, the Southwest for its dry heat, the Northwest for its rainy temperate climate, and the Midwest for displaying all four traditional seasons.
Bonus tip: You will often have to pay more than the advertised price for goods and services due to the sales tax laws and tipping culture in the US. Unlike in countries with VAT, sales tax is not included in the displayed price of an item, and will instead be added on to your final bill. Tipping is also expected at all sit-down restaurants, as wait staff are often paid below minimum wage with the expectation that they will make up the difference in tips. Sales tax is typically at least 4%, and tips are expected to be at least 15-20%.

Logistics

Visa needs: Most visitors will need a formal visa to enter the US. You can apply and pay online, and should allow several weeks at a minimum to complete this process. For more information on visa requirements, click here.
Getting there: There are tons of major international airports in the US, depending on where you are coming from. Common ones include San Francisco (SFO), Los Angeles (LAX), Chicago O’hare (ORD), Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta (ATL), New York’s John F. Kennedy (JFK), and Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW).
Getting around: Unlike many other countries, the US is not well connected by train. Instead, domestic travel is often via flight, bus, or car. The US is the perfect destination for a road trip! Within cities, subways, buses, and rideshares (Uber or Lyft) are the best way to get around.
Driving: Residents of the US drive on the right side of the road. Visitors may require an International Driving Permit to rent a car in the US, depending on which state you are visiting.

LGBTQ+ Safety

Overall safety ranking: B-

For a highly developed country, the US has a depressingly low track record concerning LGBTQ+ rights. Even with the legal protections in place today, discrimination is common in many rural and southern areas. Cities, especially on the east and west coasts, however, are havens for queer people to travel without having to worry about being themselves.

Are same sex relations illegal? No
Is same sex marriage legal? Yes
Are there protections against discrimination? Some
Is there the right to change physical gender? Yes (some states require surgery)

Check out this post for more safety tips for queer travelers!