Many visitors in the United States tend to go to typical tourist cities, such as New York, Washington DC, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and so on. While a car is not always needed in the larger cities, automobiles are highly preferred because of the freedom of travel it provides. And because the United States has an extremely good system of intra- and inter-state highways, it is very efficient to get around. It is important to for visitors to note that driving laws are guided by the state and not the nation as a whole. While there are federal laws regarding regulation of traffic signs and safety on highways, driving laws can differ between states (although they do not vary so much).
Driving Licenses
International visitors who are over the age of 18 are able to drive on a foreign license for 12 months. If the license is not written in English, it must be accompanied by an International Driving Permit.
Car Rental
For a majority of car rental agencies, individuals need to be over the age of 22 to 24 to rent a car. If a visitor is younger, they may be subjected to additional fees regarding insurance. Always read all the rules regarding the car rental, including when it needs to be returned and how much per day. There may be extra fees for additional drivers listed.
Fuel
Gas in the United States is provided by the gallon. Keep in mind that a gallon in the United States is smaller than a gallon in the United Kingdom. Currently prices for gas average around $3.50 per gallon (November 2011). Some gas stations are open 24 hours a day, while others tend to close between 8:00 PM and 11:00 PM.
Driving while Intoxicated
Driving while under the influence of alcohol in the United States is illegal. While blood alcohol content used to vary from state to state, by 2011, all states started using 0.08 percent (the legal limit in some states was as high as 0.15 percent). If caught driving under the influence, drivers are issued a DUI, and punishments include fines, jail time, and DUI programs.
Speed Limits
The speed limit varies from state to state. Most of the time, the maximum allowed speed is between 65 and 70 miles/hour, and this is only on interstate highways. Many states do have speed limits that are either above or below this average. For example, Hawaii and Washington DC do not have speed limits higher than 55 miles/hour, but less populated states like Wyoming and Idaho have maximum speed limits set to 75 miles/hour.
Driving Side
American drivers drive on the right side of the road. For drivers that are used to driving on the left, this can take a bit of time to get used to.
Parking
Visitors should only park in areas that are designate parking zones. Always read signs as some streets require permits to park. Major cities have a number of parking lots, both above and below ground that charge fees per hour or per day. Keep track of times on parking meters. If a vehicle is caught parking in an area it is not permitted to be, or the time expired on the meter, drivers will face fines as well as a possible boot on their car.
Seatbelts
Seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers in a vehicle, both in the front and rear seats. Children who are ages four and under are required to be put in a children’s seat appropriate for their age and size. Children under the age of 12 are not permitted to ride in the front seat of a vehicle at any time.
Mobile Phones
Throughout the United States, driving a vehicle and holding a cell phone has become a large issue. At first, certain states adopted laws regarding mobile phone use while driving but today all states prohibit driving and holding a mobile phone. Drivers need to invest in hands free devices to speak on their mobile phones. If caught talking and driving without a hands free device, it results on a fine and points on the license. As well, texting and driving is a big concern. If caught texting and driving, it can also result in a fine.
]]>
Location
The United States of America, referred to as just the United States, USA, US, or America, is a federal constitutional republic made up of 50 states and is located primarily in North America, where 48 continental states are located. The United States lies between the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean, and is bordered by Mexico to the south and Canada to the North. Alaska, another state is located in the northwestern part of the North American continent, though only attached to Canada, not the United States. Hawaii is an archipelago, and is the fiftieth state. It is located within the mid-Pacific Ocean. The United States also has a number of territories in the Caribbean and Pacific, including the United States Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, and Midway Islands.
Population
According to a recent reading by the United States Census Bureau, the resident population of the United States is 312,814,668 (December 2011). There is also an estimated 11 million illegal immigrants living inside the United States. Throughout the twentieth century, the population in the United States nearly quadrupled from the population size since 1900. It is the third most populated country in the world (China and India being the first two). It is also the only industrialized nation around the world where large increases in population are routinely expected.
The population in the United States is known for being extremely diverse. The largest racial group in the United States is Caucasian. Three of the largest ancestry groups are English Americans, Irish Americans, and German Americans. African Americans like up the largest racial minority in the country as well as another one of the largest ancestry groups. The second largest racial minority are Asian Americans (mainly Chinese and Filipino).
Capital
While each of the fifty states that make up the United States has its own capital city, the capital for the United States as a whole is Washington DC. It is located between the states of Virginia and Maryland. It was made the capital of the United States in July 1790 when Congress approved the establishment of national capital that would remain permanent. The name of the capital was derived from George Washington, who was the first president of the United States.
The nation’s capital is home to all three branches – executive, legislative, and judicial – of the United States government, as well as national embassies from more than 175 different countries around the world. Washington DC is the headquarters to a number of global headquarters, including the International Monetary Fund, World Bank, Inter-American Development Bank, Organization of American States, and the Pan American Health Organization. It is also home to a large number of non-profit organizations, trade unions, lobbying groups, and various professional associations.
Washington DC remains a very popular destination for travelers from all around the globe. The most well known symbol of Washington DC is of course the White House, but it is also known for a number of other important historical sites, including the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial, the National World War II Memorial, the United States Capitol building, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, as well as the looming Washington Monument. It is also home to a number of world famous museums, including the National Air and Space Museum, National Museum of Natural History, National Museum of American History, and the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.
Language and Culture
Just about all Americans in the United States speak English. There are a variety of regional accents depending on where people visit, such as New York City, New England, the South (including Texas), and the upper Midwest. These regional dialects and accents normally do not pose any kind of problem to a visitor. Visitors who come into the United States are expected to understand and speak English. While some Americans are familiar with French or Spanish as it is taught in high school and university, many are not fluent in a second language. Spanish is the primary secondary language in the United States as many states like Florida, Texas, and California have large Spanish-speaking populations. However, unless a visitor is traveling in an area heavily populated by immigrants who speak the same language, English is required to get by when traveling through the country.
The United States is a multicultural nation and home to a wide variety of ethnic groups, each holding their own values and traditions. Aside from small populations of Native Americans, nearly the entire American population has immigrated to the United States over the last five centuries. American culture is seen as a type of Western Culture derived from European immigrant traditions and influences. The culture in the United States is often considered the most individualistic found anywhere in the world.
When it comes to popular media, the United States is credited with a number of films, television series, and music. Everyone around the world knows of Hollywood and all the major film studios. When it comes to music, the United States created a number of popular music genres, including jazz, rock and roll, folk revival, house music, and country music.
In the world of literature, eleven Americans have won the Nobel Prize in Literature. Ernest Hemingway and William Faulkner are often credited as two of the most influential writers that came out of the twentieth century. Literary genres like hardboiled crime fiction and the western were developed in the United States.
One last popular example of American culture can be seen in the sports. Baseball, since the latter half of the nineteenth century, has been known as the national sport. College football and basketball are also extremely popular. American invented sports games include snowboarding, volleyball, and cheerleading.
Economy
The United States is marked by a capitalist mixed economy fueled by a well-developed infrastructure, lots of natural resources, and a high level of productivity. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) listed the United States as having a GDP of $15.1 trillion, which makes up approximately 22 percent of the gross world product in regards to market exchange rates, and more than 19 percent of the gross world product in terms of purchasing power parity.
The United States is marked as the largest importer of various goods and the third largest global exporter. The United States trade deficit by 2010 stood at $634.9 billion. The countries that are the top trading partners with the United States are Canada, Mexico, Germany, China, and Japan. Oil was listed in 2010 as the largest commodity to be imported into the country, and transportation equipment was the largest export for the country.
The country that holds a majority of the public debt in the United States is China.
Tourism
Because of the sheer size of the United States, with numerous influential cities, the country as a whole is a primary tourist destination for millions around the world every year. Tourism is an extremely viable economic industry in the United States. Each destination in every state offers something a bit different in terms of culture, food, entertainment, and attractions. Many people enjoy visiting the United States because of its history, the cuisine, the friendly people, and the amazing culture that it offers all who step foot onto the nation.
The United States is the type of country that can be visited at any time during the year. Every season brings it own unique, exciting charms. The spring and summer months are often considered the best time to visit the United States, especially in the south and around the coastal areas. The temperatures are quite warm and there are numerous festivals and outdoor activities. It is also a perfect time for people to enjoy outdoor activities, walking around major cities, or taking in an outdoor sporting event, such as baseball, one of the major pastimes in the United States. However, in the winter, parts of the country turn into a winter wonderland, providing the perfect conditions for those who enjoy winter sports, including skiing and snowboarding.
While there are numerous places to visit in the United States, here is just a few of the most popular destinations in the country:
New York City, New York. New York City, often referred to as just NYC or “The Big Apple,” is the most populated city in the United States with more than eight million people. Divided into five boroughs – Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island, it is an international hub for food, culture, media, research, art, fashion, trade, and finance. It has the largest and most well-recognized skyline in the world. It is also the home of the Yankees baseball team.
Los Angeles, California. Los Angeles is known as the “City of Angels” or just LA. It is the largest city in the state of California and the second largest in the United States in terms of its population. It is a very important center for business, culture, international trade, and media. It is also the center of the global entertainment industry.
Orlando, Florida. Orlando is very well known for being the home of Walt Disney World, Sea World, and Universal Studies. It is also known for a number of dinner attractions, including Medieval Times, and smaller theme parks like Ripley’s Believe-it-or-not.
Boston, Massachusetts. Boston is one of the most influential, wealthy, and historical cities in the United States. It contains a number of historical sites and museums. The Freedom Trail provides a great walk to some of the most historic sites in the city. There is also Fenway Park – home to the Red Sox.
Chicago, Illinois. For the home of jazz music and the blues, go to Chicago. It is also the heart of comedy and the birthplace of the skyscraper. It is the center of the Midwest region and known for its world-class museums, parks, and modern architecture.
Las Vegas, Nevada. Known to most as “Sin City” or the “Entertainment Capital of the World,” Las Vegas is known for the numerous casinos, luxury shopping options, and of course, a plethora of casinos where anyone can try to discover Lady Luck at a slot machine or poker table.
San Francisco, California. Known for the Golden Gate Bridge, Chinatown, and Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco is full of lush gardens and parks, and numerous cultures that can be spotted clearly in all the cuisine options lining the street. It is often considered one of the most beautiful cities in all of the United States.
Politics
The United States is listed as the oldest surviving federation in the world. It is a representative democracy as well as constitutional republic. The United States Constitution defines the system as one regulated by a system of check and balances, which means there is a separation of powers. The Constitution is the primary legal document for the entire country. There are three levels of government – the federal level, state level, and local level.
The federal government is divided into three distinct branches – the executive, legislative and judicial. The executive branch is the President of the United States, who is also the commander-in-chief of the United States military. The latest elections were held in 2008 and Democratic candidate Barak Obama was listed as the forty-fourth president to the United States. The president also has the power to veto any legislative bills prior to becoming law, and with the approval of the Senate, can appoint Cabinet members. The legislative branch is the bicameral Congress, which is made up of the House of Representatives and the Senate. The Legislative branch creates federal laws, approves treaties, declares war, and has the power to remove members of the government, known as impeachment. The judicial branch is made up of the federal courts and the Supreme Court.
There are 435 members of the House of Representative. Each member has a two year term and is appointed by each state. The Senate consists of 100 members, with each state having two members. They are elected for six year terms. The president is elected to a four year term and has a two year term limit. Rather than being elected via direct vote by the citizens, the president is elected indirectly via an Electoral College system.
The responsibilities and the structure of the federal government are outlined within the Constitutions text. The first ten amendments of the Constitution are known as the Bill of Rights and provide freedoms such as the freedom of speech, the right to bear arms, and freedom from the application of cruel and unusual punishment.
The United States is defined by a two-party system for a majority of its history. There are primary elections to select the major party nominees, followed by a general election. The two major parties in the United States are Republican Party (established in 1854) and the Democratic Party (established in 1824). The Republican Party is considered the conservative party, maintaining a center-right stance, while the Democratic Party is considered the liberal party, taking a center-left stance. In common jargon, “blue states” are the one that are categorized as being democratic in nature, while “red states” are those states that are categorized as being republican in nature.
The United States maintains a lot of political influence over the rest of the world. It has a permanent seat in the Security Council of the United Nations, giving it veto power. It is also home to the headquarters of the United Nations, and is a member of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), as well as the G8 and the G20. Just about all the countries in the world maintain diplomatic relations with the United States aside from the Republic of China, Bhutan, Cuba, Iran, and North Korea. The country has especially strong ties with the United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, Australia, and Israel.
]]>
Safety
Unfortunately, while the United States is one of the most industrialized nations in the world, it has a fairly high rate of crime. However, a majority of the crime is perpetrated in inner city neighborhoods and tend to be drug or gang related. If visitors stay out of these areas, they should be fine. Either way, visitors should always remain alert regarding their surroundings.
Many of the high traffic cities, such as New York City, Washington D.C., and Los Angeles, have a large percentage of homeless people that like to sit or stand on the sidewalk and ask for money. While a majority do not take part in aggressive panhandling, visitors who are harassed should just say “No” in a stern fashion and walk away.
Tips for Dining Out
Tipping. In restaurants throughout the United States, tipping is not necessarily required, but it is greatly appreciated as servers do work for their tips. It is customary to tip anywhere between ten percent and 18 percent based off of the tip. When larger groups come to the restaurant, often eight or more people, the tip will be included in the final bill, and is often between 15 percent and 20 percent. Even in buffet-style restaurants, it is customary to leave a tip for the server who is clearing tables and bringing drinks.
Reservations. In nicer fine dining establishments, it is best to make a reservation or risk waiting for a table for a long period of time. Smaller local and chain restaurants do not always do reservations, but it is always good to find out. Many Americans like to go out to eat for dinner, so lessening the time one waits for a table by making a reservation is always a benefit.
Couvert. Unlike a number of European countries, there is no couvert – charge for bread – in the United States. The bread served at dinner is free of charge. Often times, the server will refill it upon request without any additional charges to the bill.
Variety of Eating Options. The United States is known for offering a plethora of culinary options. In New York, for example, visitors can find restaurants from just about every country around the globe. There is also a large number of chain restaurants, fast food options, and buffets.
Portions. The portions served in American restaurants tend to be much larger than what men and women from other countries would normally expect. Always ask about the portion size to ensure not too much food is ordered.
Smoking. The smoking policy regarding restaurants varies from state to state. A majority of states have, in the last ten or 12 years, banned smoking inside the restaurant. However, restaurants that offer outside eating during the warmer months may still have an area designated for smokers. It is always best to ask when sitting outside at a restaurant if smoking is allowed.
Alcohol. Many restaurants serve beer and wine but not all of them serve liquor. Always ask the server what alcoholic beverages are available. If there is a bar inside the restaurant, it is a good assumption that hard liquor is available.
Electricity Outlets
The United States uses 110 volts, 60 Hz electricity throughout the country. The country has its own special standard plug design, including two-prong as well as three-prong (grounded) plugs. However, if the plug is only two-pronged, there are plug adapters available in just about any grocery, home improvement, retail, and travel store.
For those visiting the United States from countries in Europe, Asia, and anywhere else that uses 220 volt, 50Hz electrical appliances (including laptops, phone chargers, or even a blow dryer), they will need to purchase a voltage adapter, not a plug adapter. Without the proper voltage adapter, the lower voltage in the United States will cause damage or even destroy electrical appliances. Voltage adapters can easily be purchased in airports, specialty travel shops, retail stores, and even some home improvement stores.
Currency
The official currency of the United States is the dollar (USD – $). It is divided into one-hundred cents. Foreign currency is rarely, if ever accepted in any store or restaurant. The only exception is that sometimes the Canadian Dollar is accepted in stores that are within one-hundred miles of the shared border. Due to the recent stabilization of the Mexican Peso, American border towns with Mexico, such as El Paso, Texas, will accept the Peso, but it is not always guaranteed.
Currency exchange offices exist in all major airports and in downtown areas of major cities and by airports. Banks will also exchange currency. ATMs do accept foreign credit cards and bank cards as long as they have a credit card logo on it, such as Visa or MasterCard. The ATM will provide the money in dollars.
Modes of Transportation
Due to the diverse geography in the United States, there are a number of different options when it comes to modes of transportation. Keep in mind that each state and cities within the state also offer their own various forms of public transportation options for easy access to major tourist destinations in that location.
Cars. Driving around the United States in a car provides individuals with the most flexibility when touring the country. There are a number of car rental companies throughout the country. While the rental prices can be quite steep, it is a beneficial financial endeavor as it provides the easiest opportunity to visit all the popular locations in the country. By having a rental car, individuals are able to travel at their own leisure and not be beholden to public transportation schedules and daily flight schedules. Many people think that driving long distances in the United States is the “Great American Road Trip” and it has become quite popular to drive from one coast to another, stopping at popular attractions.
]]>