- New York is the classic first trip, Florida the family favourite
- Spring and autumn are best for cities and national parks
- Apply for an ESTA on the official website before you fly
- Budget for tipping, sales tax and national park fees, which aren't included in quoted prices
- Airports
- New York JFK and Newark (EWR), Orlando (MCO), Los Angeles (LAX), Las Vegas (LAS), Miami (MIA), San Francisco (SFO)
- Flight time
- about 8h from London to New York; 11h to Los Angeles
- Best time to go
- April-June and September-October; November-April for Florida
- Currency
- US dollar ($)
The USA is really dozens of holidays in one. You can spend a long weekend in New York, a fortnight at Florida's theme parks, a road trip along the California coast or a week hiking through red-rock canyons in the desert south-west. With direct flights from London and many regional airports, it's easier to reach than its size suggests, and competition on transatlantic routes means there are deals to be had if you book smartly.
This guide covers where to go, when to visit, entry rules for British travellers and what things really cost.
Where to go in the USA
New York
For many, the first trip is to New York. Take the ferry to the Statue of Liberty, walk or cycle through Central Park, and see the skyline from one of the observation decks. Add a Broadway show, a stroll across the Brooklyn Bridge and as many neighbourhood food stops as you can manage.
Florida
Orlando's theme parks, including Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando and SeaWorld, make Florida the UK's favourite long-haul family holiday. Combine them with the beaches of the Gulf Coast, Miami's art deco South Beach, or a drive down to the Florida Keys.
California and the West
California has Los Angeles and Hollywood, laid-back San Diego, and San Francisco with its Golden Gate Bridge. The Pacific Coast Highway between them is one of the world's great road trips. Inland, Yosemite's granite cliffs and giant sequoias are unforgettable.
Las Vegas and the national parks
Las Vegas is the gateway to the desert south-west. The Grand Canyon's South Rim is about a four-and-a-half-hour drive away, and Zion and Bryce Canyon in Utah are within reach for a national parks road trip.
Beyond the classics
New England is famous for autumn colours from late September to mid-October, Chicago for architecture, New Orleans for music and food, and Hawaii for volcanoes and beaches, though it's a long journey from the UK.
Best time to visit the USA
| Destination | Best time |
|---|---|
| New York | April-June and September-early December (Christmas lights) |
| Florida | November-April; summer is hot, humid and stormy, with hurricane season June-November |
| California coast | Year-round; September-October is often sunniest in San Francisco |
| South-west national parks | March-May and September-October; summer can exceed 40 °C |
| New England | Late September-October for autumn foliage |
Transatlantic fares are usually lowest from January to March and in November (avoiding Thanksgiving). Florida family deals are best outside UK school holidays.
Getting to the USA from the UK
Flight times are around 8h from London to New York, 9h30 to Orlando or Miami, and 11h to Los Angeles or San Francisco, with return flights a little quicker thanks to tailwinds. Direct flights also run from Manchester, Edinburgh and other UK airports to major hubs.
British citizens travelling for tourism under the Visa Waiver Program can stay up to 90 days but must have an approved ESTA before travelling. Apply only through the official US government website: the fee is $40.62 (from 16 October 2026), and an approved ESTA is generally valid for two years or until your passport expires. You'll need a chip-enabled e-passport. Unofficial websites charge much more for the same thing.
Getting around
Distances are huge. Domestic flights are the quickest way to cover long distances, while Amtrak trains work well on the north-east corridor between Boston, New York and Washington DC. For Florida, California and the national parks, a hire car is essential: Americans drive on the right, and many rentals include unlimited mileage. In New York, the subway runs 24 hours and you can tap a contactless card to pay.
Money and costs
The USA uses the US dollar. Prices displayed in shops and restaurants usually exclude sales tax, which is added at the till and varies by state and city. Tipping is expected: around 18-20% in restaurants, plus a few dollars per drink in bars, for hotel housekeeping and porters, and in taxis. Since January 2026, non-US residents aged 16 and over pay a $100 surcharge per person, on top of the normal entrance fee, at 11 of the most popular national parks, including the Grand Canyon, Yosemite and Zion; a $250 non-resident America the Beautiful annual pass covers it if you're visiting several. Comprehensive travel insurance with high medical cover is essential, as healthcare is very expensive.
Top attractions in USA
NatureCentral Park
Manhattan's 843-acre green heart, with lakes, meadows, bridges and woodland stretching for 51 blocks between Midtown…
LandmarkStatue of Liberty
The copper colossus in New York Harbor, a gift from France in 1886, visited by ferry with Ellis Island on the same trip.
USA on the map
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa to visit the USA from the UK?
Not for most tourist trips. British citizens can use the Visa Waiver Program for stays of up to 90 days, but must apply for an ESTA online before travel. Allow at least 72 hours for approval.
What is the cheapest time to fly to the USA?
January to March and November are usually the cheapest months, apart from the Thanksgiving and Christmas periods. Midweek departures are often cheaper.
How much should I tip in the USA?
In restaurants, around 18-20% of the pre-tax bill is standard. Check whether a service charge has already been added, especially for large groups.
Is New York or Florida better for a first trip?
New York is ideal for adults and older children who love cities, culture and food. Florida suits families wanting theme parks, pools and beaches.
Written by
Emma City breaks & deals editor
Emma plans city breaks the way other people plan the weekly shop: on a budget, with a spreadsheet and a backup plan. She covers city guides and deal-hunting.
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