Trip Planning
The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure.
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Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus.
Travel Essentials
Routine vaccinations are usually enough for travel to the United States. This includes vaccines like measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella (chickenpox), polio, and your yearly flu shot.
Consider the COVID-19 vaccine as well, as the rules might change.
If you’re coming from a country where yellow fever is a risk, you might need proof of vaccination.
Always check the latest CDC guidelines before you go.
vaccination requirementsWhen I first started traveling, I often spent part of my first day in a new country hunting for a local SIM card. While this can still be slightly cheaper, it also takes time and planning.
These days, it's much simpler to install an eSIM before leaving home. Once you arrive in the USA, you can activate it immediately and have mobile data from the moment you land — which is especially useful for ordering transport or navigating away from busy airports.
There are many providers nowadays, and price differences are usually small. I personally go with Airalo, as it offers excellent network coverage throughout the country and strong global coverage, so you can manage multiple countries from a single app.
Get your e-sim for the USACulture & Customs
Respect personal space; Americans often prefer about an arm’s length distance during conversations. Tipping is customary in restaurants—15-20% is standard. Be punctual; lateness can be seen as disrespectful. If invited to someone’s home, bringing a small gift (like wine or dessert) is appreciated.
Avoid discussing politics or religion unless you’re familiar with the person’s views. LGBTQ+ travelers generally find acceptance in urban areas; rural areas may vary, so stay mindful. Women travelers often find the U.S. relatively safe, but standard travel safety applies—like not walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas.
Mind your volume; speaking too loudly in public can be frowned upon. Smoking is largely banned indoors and in many public places, so look for designated areas.
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for the USA.
- Burger: A classic American staple, often featuring a beef patty sandwiched between two buns with toppings like lettuce, tomato, and cheese. It’s a symbol of fast food culture and a must-try for experiencing the American diner vibe.
- Barbecue Ribs: Slow-cooked pork or beef ribs slathered in a tangy, smoky barbecue sauce. Popular in the Southern states, it’s a dish that showcases America’s love for grilling and communal eating.
- Clam Chowder: A creamy soup made with clams, potatoes, and onions, originating from New England. It’s not just a dish but a warm hug in a bowl, particularly cherished in coastal areas.
- Apple Pie: Often referred to as ”as American as apple pie,” this dessert features a flaky crust filled with spiced apples. It’s a sweet slice of American history and nostalgia, often enjoyed during holidays.
- Buffalo Wings: Fried chicken wings coated in a spicy, tangy sauce, originally from Buffalo, New York. Perfect for sharing, they’re a game-day favorite and a testament to America’s love for finger foods.
- Gumbo: A hearty stew from Louisiana with Creole roots, loaded with seafood, sausage, and okra. It’s a melting pot of flavors and a great way to taste the diversity of Southern cuisine.
Yes, tap water is generally safe to drink across the United States and most locals consume it without issue. However, if you’re in older cities or rural areas with outdated infrastructure, a portable filter or bottled water might be a safer bet. Always check local advisories for any specific water quality alerts.
English is the predominant language spoken in the United States, with approximately 78% of the population using it as their primary language at home. While you will find a variety of regional accents and dialects, English is widely understood and spoken across the country, making communication relatively easy for travelers.
In urban areas and tourist destinations, English is almost universally spoken, and many locals are accustomed to interacting with non-native speakers. However, in some regions, particularly in areas with high concentrations of immigrant communities, you may encounter languages such as Spanish, Mandarin, or Tagalog, but English remains the common lingua franca.
Most signage, public transportation information, and services are provided in English, which aids navigation for travelers. While you may find some individuals who speak limited English, particularly in rural areas, the overall proficiency is high.
In summary, travelers can expect to communicate effectively in English throughout the United States, making it a convenient destination for English speakers and those familiar with the language.
Money & Payments
The local currency of the USA is USD ($).
ATM Access: ATMs are everywhere in the U.S., but watch out for fees. Most banks charge a few bucks for non-customer withdrawals. Stick to ATMs affiliated with your bank if possible to dodge these costs.
Cash or Card? Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, even in small towns. Always carry a bit of cash for street vendors or small shops that might have a minimum card payment limit. Around $50 in small bills should do the trick.
Currency: Definitely stick to dollars. Euros won’t be accepted anywhere except at airports or major banks for exchange, and even then, the rates might not be in your favor.
Card Acceptance: Most places accept cards, but it’s good to have a Visa or Mastercard. American Express and Discover aren’t as universally accepted, especially at smaller establishments.
Exchanging Money: If you really need to exchange cash, airport kiosks or major banks are your best bet. Avoid those sketchy standalone exchange booths in tourist areas—they’ll rip you off. Better yet, just withdraw from ATMs for the best rates.
Tipping in the United States is a significant part of the service industry, with 15-20% being the standard for restaurant servers. In bars, a dollar per drink is common, while hotel staff like bellhops often receive $1-2 per bag. Remember, tipping is expected, so budget accordingly to avoid awkward situations.
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Over the years, I've learned the importance of packing minimally. It's so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you're headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.