Page 22 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - USA

20  VISITING THE USA
PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Millions of visitors travel to the US from This section gives some basic information
around the world every year, and millions on the various transportation and
of Americans also spend their leisure time accommodation options available. It deals
exploring and enjoying their country. with issues such as passport and visa
The nation’s richly diverse history, culture, formalities, travel insurance, banking,
art, and landscape, as well as its tradition of communications, and health care. This
hospitality and service, makes traveling in section covers the country as a whole, but
the US both enjoyable and stress-free. more specific information is provided in
In all parts of the country, tourist facilities subsequent Practical Information sections
are generally of a very high standard. at the end of each regional chapter.

When to Go these times. Summer is also the New England and the Rocky
The best time to visit the US time when numerous outdoor Mountains, to tropical sunshine
depends on a visitor’s interests cultural events, fairs, and on the beaches of Florida
and itinerary. It is important to festivals take place. and Hawai‘i.
time your visit carefully, because Spring can be the best time
the country’s geography and to visit the Rockies and the Deep Passport & Visas
weather patterns vary greatly South; the crowds are fewer, and
from region to region, even at discounts are often available. All travelers to the US, including
the same time of the year. April and May in particular are returning Americans, are required
Summer is generally the warmest ideal times to experience the to hold a valid passport with an
and most popular time to travel, wildflowers and gardens of the electronic chip in it, regardless
especially to the northern areas. southern US. Fall is another good of their age. Passports should
Summer in the southern parts, time to travel, since the leaves on be valid for at least six months
especially in the deserts of the the trees in the mountain forests, longer than you expect to
Southwest, can be unbearably particularly in the northeast, are remain in the country. Holders
hot, while in New England they at their peak of color, and the of Canadian, Australian, New
are generally cool and pleasant. high humidity of summer has Zealand, EU, or UK passports with
All over the country, the summer decreased to more pleasant a round-trip ticket do not need a
months are when children are levels. Winter brings on the visa for a visit of up to 90 days.
out of school and on vacation, greatest diversity of weather, Citizens of these countries
so most resort areas and national ranging from heavy snows in instead take part in the “visa
parks are full to capacity during the winter sports capitals of waiver” program, using the ESTA
form, which must be completed
The Climate of the USA online at least 72 hours before
Given the sheer vastness of its size, the United States is travel at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov.
Also, if you qualify for a visa
characterized by a diversity of climates. In addition to the many waiver and are entering the US
regional variations, the country also experiences dramatically
shifting weather patterns, produced mostly by the Pacific westerlies from Canada or Mexico overland,
that sweep across the entire continent. The Practical Information there is no need to apply for
section for each region contains a panel like the one below. ESTA. You will be required to fill
a form at the border instead.
However, due to increased
security measures, it is wise to
Climate Chart confirm visa requirements with
the US embassy before traveling,
Average daily maximum or with a travel agent.
85/30
° F/C temperature Anyone, who has traveled
64/18 68/20 67/19 to Iraq, Iran, Syria or Sudan in
32°F 44/7 48/9 42/6 the last 5 years, irrespective of
0°C Average daily minimum nationality, must apply for a visa.
27/–3 temperature Visitors from countries that
23 19 21 27 Average days of sunshine per need a visa must apply to a
days days days days month US embassy well in advance.
3.6 4.3 2.6 3.2 Travelers interested in studying,
in in in in Average monthly rainfall working, or staying for a longer
period than the stated 90 days
month Apr Jul Oct Jan
should request special visas from
the nearest US embassy. If you

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Eyewitness Travel LAYERS PRINTED:
Practical template “UK” LAYER
(Source v1.7)
Date 5th March 2013
Size 125mm x 217mm