The USA

Travel to the USA

As a large developed nation there are airports dotted liberally across the USA and all the major destinations, as well as some more minor ones, are served by direct flights from the UK. Flight times vary greatly with east coast destinations like Vermont and New York around seven hours away, Florida nine hours away and the sunny climes of California 11 hours flying time from the UK. Hawaii is even further at just under 15 hours, and flight prices tend to reflect the length of time in the air, with east coast prices normally the cheapest. To bag a great deal on a flight to the USA look out for special offers, and be prepared to travel midweek or at the last minute.

On arrival in the USA

If you're travelling to a city the chances are your public transport options will be reasonable, with buses, trams, trains or metro systems in place, although this is not always the case. With smaller or more obscure destinations there may be a bus network or perhaps a small train line but the stereotype of Americans being virtually married to their cars is most definitely true. As they say if you can't beat 'em join 'em, and hiring a car is a great way to get out and about without the hassle of taxis or relying on minimal public transport.

Getting around the USA

Internal flights are certainly the easiest way to see more than one city on your holiday in the USA, but they are the most boring too. Train lines are few and far between with most routes often only running a couple of services a week, but the iconic greyhound is a much cheaper option, offering low cost intercity travel and a romantic notion of travelling like an anti-hero. The interior of America can also be navigated on the amazing set of waterways, and whilst this might not be practical for really large distances it would certainly be a great way to relax and watch the world go by. Of course, the most popular way to get around is by car, with many people choosing to undertake one of the great American road trips with plenty of historic routes to choose from with Route 66, The Road to Nowhere and the Loneliest Road just a few.