Page 23 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - USA

PR A C TIC AL INFORM A TION  21

are in the US on a visa and need person over 21). No meat
to extend your stay, you should prod ucts, Cuban cigars, plants, Conversion Chart
contact the nearest office of seeds, fruits, or firearms may be US Standard to Metric
the Bureau of Citizenship and taken into the US. 1 inch = 2.54 centimeters
Immigration Services (see p25) 1 foot = 30 centimeters
in the US, and apply for an Planning a Trip 1 mile = 1.6 kilometers
extension. Failure to do so may 1 ounce = 28 grams
result in a fine or deportation. Since the country is so large 1 pound = 454 grams
and diverse, it is essential to plan 1 US pint = 0.5 liter
ahead in order to make the most 1 US quart = 0.947 liter
Travel Safety Advice of your time in the US. Following 1 US gallon = 3.8 liters
Visitors can get up-to-date a logical, efficient itinerary, and
travel safety information from allowing enough time to get Metric to US Standard
the Foreign and Common­ between places to enjoy them 1 centimeter = 0.4 inch
wealth Office in the UK (www. are two of the most important 1 meter = 3 feet 3 inches
gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice), concerns. Some suggested tours 1 kilometer = 0.6 miles
the State Department in the can be found on pages 10-17 1 gram = 0.04 ounce
US (travel.state.gov/) and the of this book. Bear in mind that the 1 kilogram = 2.2 pounds
Department of Foreign Affairs US is split into six time zones (see 1 liter = 1.1 US quarts
and Trade in Australia (dfat.gov. p30). All of the states and major
au/) or (smartraveller.gov.au/). cities offer a variety of informa tion
which can be ordered in advance discounts and special services to
over the telephone or accessed attract them. Visitors over the age
Customs Allowances & via websites. Local bookstores are of 50 can contact the American
Duty­free also a valuable source of travel Association of Retired Persons
All visitors to the US are required information, as are municipal or AARP (see p25) to request a
to complete a Customs Declar- libraries, travel agencies, and membership, which costs about
ation before entering the country. local and regional tourism $16 per year ($17 for Canadian
On this form, which is available bureaus across the country. residents and $28 for residents
from airlines or customs officials of other countries) and offers
upon arrival, you must state the good travel discounts. A few
value of any goods being Children organiza tions cater to seniors
brought into the US, and you Children are welcomed every- who enjoy traveling both in and
may be charged duty on where, and an amazing number outside the US, including Road
especially valuable items. of attractions exist primarily for Scholar (800-454-5768/www.
Travelers are allowed to bring the enjoyment of young people. road scholar.org), which arranges
small quantities of tobacco and From amusement parks and educational trips for those over
alcohol along with them, but aquariums to national parks and the age of 55. These include
certain goods are forbidden. children’s museums, their enjoy- inexpensive accommo dations,
When you visit the US, make sure ment is catered to all over the US. activities, lectures, and meals.
that you are aware of the duty- Most restaurants have special
free allowances for tobacco children’s menus, with simple Disabled Travelers
products (200 cigarettes for each foods, smaller portions, and lower
person over 18 years old), and for prices. For a small charge, most Disabled travelers will find travel-
alcoholic beverages (0.2 gallons lodgings will provide an extra ing easy in the US, because the
or one liter of spirits for each bed or crib (see p27), and many country has initiatives aimed at
hotels or motels have adjoining providing “barrier-free” access
Public Holidays or connecting rooms available throughout. The Americans with
especially for families. The main Disabilities Act (ADA) requires
New Year’s Day (Jan 1) exceptions to kid-friendly status most public buildings, including
Martin Luther King Jr. are some bed-and-breakfast museums, hotels, and restau-
Day (3rd Mon in Jan) accommodations, certain rants, to make their services and
Presidents’ Day (3rd Mon gourmet restaurants in the larger facil ities accessible to all people,
in Feb) cities, as well as those deluxe including those using wheel-
Memorial Day (last weekend resorts that focus on providing chairs (see p27). Trains, buses, and
in May) relaxing escapes or luxurious spa- taxis are designed to accommo-
Independence Day (Jul 4) like pampering to their guests. date wheelchairs. Two of the
Labor Day (1st Mon in Sep)
Columbus Day (2nd many organizations in the
weekend in Oct) Senior Citizens country that will help disabled
Veterans’ Day (Nov 11) visitors plan and enjoy their trips
Thanksgiving (4th Thu Older travelers, or “seniors,” make are The Guided Tour Inc (215-
in Nov) up a fairly large proportion of the 782-1370/www.guidedtour.com)
Christmas Day (Dec 25) traveling public, and most hotels and Care Vacations (780-986-
and other establishments offer 6404/www.carevacations.com).

020-021_EW_USA.indd 21 11/2/16 2:42 PM