Holidays to America

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Holidays to America

Best hotels in USA

USA holidays at a glance:

  • Best for: Families, couples, city breaks, beach escapes, and road trip adventures.
     
  • Best months: April-June and September-October for warm weather and fewer crowds; winter is ideal for Florida, California, and Hawaii.
     
  • Top places: New York City, Florida, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Chicago.


Types of USA holidays


Beach & coastal holidays

From sun-soaked sands in California to tropical Hawaiian shores, the USA has a beach for everyone.

Best for: Families, couples, and anyone who wants relaxed days by the sea or seaside adventures.

Top areas:

  • Florida: family-friendly beaches, theme parks, and gentle waters
     
  • California: Pacific coastlines, surf towns, and scenic drives
     
  • Hawaii: tropical islands, volcanic beaches, and lush landscapes


Explore: Florida | California | Hawaii

 

City breaks & cultural holidays

From iconic skylines to world-class museums, city breaks in the USA combine culture, shopping, and unforgettable sights.

Best for: Couples, friends, and travellers who want history, nightlife, and vibrant city life.

Top areas:

  • New York City: skyline views, Broadway, and endless dining options
     
  • Chicago: architecture tours, lakefront parks, and jazz history
     
  • Las Vegas: entertainment shows, casinos, and desert excursions


Explore: New York City | Chicago | Las Vegas

 

Road trips & adventure holidays

The USA is made for the open road, with endless drives and unforgettable adventures from coast to coast.

Best for: Families, couples, and adventurers who want flexibility and exploration

Top areas:

  • Orlando: theme parks, family-friendly resorts, and easy access for road-trip departures
     
  • Miami: vibrant beaches, Art Deco streets, and coastal drives along Florida’s coastline
     
  • San Francisco: iconic Golden Gate Bridge, diverse neighbourhoods, and memorable bay views


Explore: Orlando | Miami | San Francisco

 

Special seasonal & event breaks

Step into festive or unique seasonal experiences for unforgettable memories.

Best for: Families, couples, and anyone wanting a themed holiday.

Top areas:

  • New York City at Christmas: Rockefeller tree, festive markets, and ice skating 2026
     
  • 2026 World Cup in North America: match days paired with city highlights, beaches, and bucket-list experiences. Check out our World Cup 2026 Travel Guide for planning your trip to see England and Scotland play.


Cheap & shoulder-season holidays

Cheap holidays to the USA are ideal in April-June and September-October.

  • Weather in spring and autumn: warm, comfortable, and perfect for sightseeing or road trips
  • Winter escapes: Florida, California, and Hawaii remain mild and sunny


Tip: Larger destinations like Florida and California often offer better value thanks to the range of hotels and flight options.
 

5 reasons to choose the USA for your next holiday


1. Endless variety in one country

From beaches to skyscrapers to national parks, the USA suits every kind of holiday.

2. Iconic cities and landmarks

See world-famous skylines, historic sites, and cultural hubs across multiple states.

3. Long travel season

With diverse climates, there’s something to do year-round - from winter sun in Florida to summer road trips in California.

4. Flexible travel options

Direct flights reach most major destinations from the UK, making short breaks or extended trips easy.

5. Options for every budget

From hotels to luxury resorts and theme parks, the USA suits every pocket.

Our USA holidays guide was last revised and updated in February 2026.

Map of USA

world_map
-7 to 38 ℃

April-June and September-October for warm weather and fewer crowds; winter is ideal for Florida, California, and Hawaii.

Around 7-17 hours from the UK.
Popular airports include New York City JFK, Orlando, Las Vegas, Miami and Boston
More USA travel guides

Bucket List USA Experiences

New York City: Tick off bucket list USA city breaks in the Big Apple with Times Square, Central Park and Statue of Liberty. 

Las Vegas: Plan a holiday to Sin City packed with casino nights and live shows.

Los Angeles: Discover Hollywood Boulevard and Beverly Hills, sun‑kissed Santa Monica and Venice Beach. 

Niagara Falls: Not one, but three waterfalls with dramatic viewpoints. Take a Maid of the Mist boat trip or walk along a scenic trail.

Disneyland: Experience the magic of thrilling rides, parades and character meet‑and‑greets on a family USA holiday.

Everglades National Park: Take an airboat ride, spot crocodiles and alligators, and discover Florida’s unique wetlands scenery.

Hawaii: A tropical paradise blending golden beaches with volcano hikes and unforgettable sunsets.

Fast facts for USA

Language: American English, with various differences compared to British English. 

Currency: US Dollar ($).

Local time: 7 time zones which are usually 5-10 hours behind UK time. 

Daylight Saving Time: Observed between the 1st Sunday in March and the 1st Sunday in November.

Flight time from the UK: 7 - 17 hours. Note all flights to Hawaii are indirect.

Tourist Information: Further USA tourist information is available from Visit USA.

Entry requirements: A passport valid for at least the length of your stay, plus either an ESTA or visa. See the FAQs and FCDO website for full details.

Hotel check in: The lead traveller may need to be over 21. 

Car rental: The driver usually has to be over 21, and drivers under 25 often pay a premium. 

Travel insurance: Strongly recommended, as emergency medical treatment can be very expensive.

Health: Visit Travel Health Pro for up-to-date advice.

USA Hidden Gems

Thousand Islands: You've heard of the salad dressing, but have you been and got the t-shirt? Spend the afternoon on a peaceful boat cruise along the St. Lawrence river.

Catskills: Swap the lights of New York for the Catskills Mountains, where forest trails and waterfalls create a tranquil countryside day trip.

Finger Lakes: Lakeside towns, vineyards, waterfalls and scenic drives through upstate New York wine country.

Polk County: An overlooked area of Central Florida, with lakes, nature reserves and small‑town charm, all just a short drive from Orlando's famous theme parks.

Harvard Campus Tour: Stroll historic courtyards while soaking up Ivy League university life.

Events in USA

Film Festivals: On the must-see list are the Palm Springs International Film Festival in January, and September’s SoCal Independent Film Festival,  held at Orange County’s Huntington Beach.

Super Bowl: The biggest sporting event in the USA is Super Bowl Sunday, each February. The two most successful teams in the NFL battle it out in a different host city each year - LA in 2027. 

American Independence Day: On the 4 July the USA celebrates the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Parades, barbecues and fireworks are traditional around this time.

Foodie Fun: In July, indulge your senses at the Taste of Chicago, the world’s largest food festival. Sample everything from Chicago’s famous deep-dish pizza to spicy African stews.

USA safety and security

For up to date advice on travelling to the USA, please visit the FCDO website. 

USA weather

The USA spans multiple climate zones, so temperatures and weather conditions can vary hugely depending on where you travel. Expect anything from familiar mild conditions to intense heat, humidity or cooler winters, sometimes within the same season.

 

Best time to visit USA

March to May and September to November bring comfortable, often sunny weather in many popular cities and road‑trip spots, with fewer crowds than peak summer.

Summer (June to August) is hottest nationwide, great for beaches and theme parks, but you can expect humidity in the south and busy attractions.

 

Key holiday regions at a glance

California (Los Angeles, San Francisco): Mild to hot and generally sunny, with warm, dry summers and softer, pleasant winters for sightseeing and coastal drives.

​Florida (Miami, Orlando): Hot, humid and bright from late spring to early autumn, with warm winters that are ideal for theme parks and beach breaks.

​Las Vegas: Very dry desert climate, with extreme heat in July and August and more comfortable pool‑day temperatures in spring and autumn.

​New York, Chicago, Boston, Philadelphia: Warm to hot summers and cold winters, often with frost or snow, making late spring and early autumn the sweet spot for city breaks.

Hawaii: Tropical and warm year‑round, with plenty of sunshine and brief showers, it's perfect for guaranteed beach time.

New Orleans, Nashville: Warm to hot with high summer humidity, so spring and autumn feel more comfortable for city exploring, live music and food‑focused stays.

More hotels in USA

Discover the best destinations to visit in USA

Popular USA holiday resorts

FAQs

FAQs

Do I need to apply for a visa to visit the USA?

Most British nationals can apply for an ESTA through the Visa Waiver Programme. If your application is rejected you’ll need to apply for a full visa.

You may be ineligible for ESTA if you plan to stay over 90 days, have a criminal record, have visited certain war zones or have visited Cuba since January 2021.

Who can apply for an ESTA through the Visa Waiver Programme?

British nationals can usually apply for an ESTA, allowing you to enter the USA without needing a full visa. We recommend you use the official US government website or app to apply. The current price (as of February 2026) is $40.27. 

You will normally get a response within a couple of hours, but it can take up to three days. If your application is rejected or your ESTA is revoked then you will need to apply for a full visa.
Need to renew your passport? Do this first, and apply for ESTA once it arrives.

Do I need to provide my social media handles if travelling to the USA?

As of February 2026 there is a section on ESTA to share your social media handles. The question is optional, but it may be a good idea to fill this in if you happen to have the same name as a public figure.

What is the norm for tipping in the USA?

In the USA tipping is considered the norm.

Typical tipping amounts are:

  • Hotel porter - $1 per bag
  • Bartender - $1 for a standard drink or 20% for a cocktail
  • Taxi driver - 20%
  • Chain fast food outlets - no tip
  • Independent fast food outlets  - 10%
  • Restaurant server - 20% (unless the bill reads ‘gratuity included’)
  • Hairdresser or beauty therapist - 20%

For exceptional service you may want to tip more. In a restaurant leaving no tip, without providing negative feedback on your experience would be considered very unusual.