I stepped off the plane at LAX, jet-lagged and wide-eyed. The air smelled different—a mix of fast food and exhaust. My first thought? "I have no idea what I'm doing." If you're planning your first trip to America, let's cut through the noise. This guide gives you the real deal: practical tips, hidden gems, and mistakes to avoid, so you don't end up like me, lost in Times Square at midnight.

How to Plan Your First Trip to America?

Start early. I made the error of booking flights last minute and paid double. Here's the breakdown.

Visa and Entry Requirements

Check if you need a visa or ESTA. The U.S. Department of State website is your best friend here. For ESTA, apply at least 72 hours before travel—costs $21. A friend got denied because of a minor criminal record; disclose everything.

Budgeting and Money

America isn't cheap. Budget $150/day for mid-range travel. Use apps like XE for currency conversion. I used credit cards everywhere, but carry some cash for tips and small vendors. Notify your bank to avoid frozen cards.

Health and Safety

Travel insurance is non-negotiable. I skipped it once and a sprained ankle cost $500 at an urgent care. Check CDC travel advisories for health tips. Tap water is safe in most cities, but I stuck to bottled in rural areas.

Where to Stay: Accommodation Options

Don't just pick the cheapest hostel. Location matters. Here's a quick list based on my stays.

I loved the HI NYC Hostel—met other travelers, but the rooms were noisy. Book through platforms like Booking.com for reviews.

Getting Around: Transportation Tips

America is huge. Flying between cities is often faster, but I took a Greyhound bus from NY to DC for $30—scenic but long.

In Cities: Use public transit. New York's MetroCard costs $33 for 7-day unlimited rides. In San Francisco, get a Clipper card for BART. Rideshares like Uber are handy but surge pricing hits hard during rush hour.

Renting a Car: Needed for places like Grand Canyon. I used Enterprise; book early for deals. Watch out for tolls—E-ZPass saves time. Gas is cheaper than in Europe, but parking in cities can be $50/day.

What Are the Must-See Attractions for First-Timers?

Skip the overhyped spots if you're short on time. Here are my top picks.

New York City

Statue of Liberty: Address: Liberty Island, NYC. Tickets: $24.50 for ferry and pedestal access. Book online to avoid lines. Open 9 AM-5 PM daily. I went at 3 PM—crowds thinned out.

Central Park: Free entry. Rent a bike near 59th St for $15/hour. The Bethesda Terrace is quieter than Times Square.

Los Angeles

Griffith Observatory: Address: 2800 E Observatory Rd, LA. Free entry, parking $10/hour. Open 10 AM-10 PM. Views are stunning at sunset.

Disneyland: Address: 1313 Disneyland Dr, Anaheim. Tickets: $104-$154. Opens at 8 AM. I spent a full day; get Genie+ to skip lines.

Natural Wonders

Grand Canyon National Park: Address: Arizona. Entry: $35/vehicle. Open 24/7. South Rim is best for first-timers. I hiked Bright Angel Trail—start early to avoid heat.

For more, check the National Park Service website for updates.

Eating Like a Local: Food and Dining

American food is more than burgers. Portions are huge; I often shared meals.

Must-Try Dishes: BBQ in Texas (try Franklin Barbecue in Austin—opens at 11 AM, lines form early), clam chowder in Boston, deep-dish pizza in Chicago.

Budget Eats: Food trucks are gold. In Portland, I had a $8 gourmet grilled cheese. Diners like Waffle House serve hearty breakfasts under $10.

Fine Dining: Reservations needed. In NYC, Gramercy Tavern costs $150/person but worth it. I splurged once—dress code is casual smart.

Tipping: Add 15-20% to the bill. In some places, service charge is included; read the receipt. I accidentally double-tipped once—ouch.

Common Mistakes and How to Dodge Them

Here's where I messed up, so you don't have to.

Overpacking: I brought a heavy coat in July—useless. Pack layers. America has diverse climates; check weather per city.

Ignoring Sales Tax: Prices shown often exclude tax. In NYC, it's 8.875%. I budgeted $100 for souvenirs and ended up paying $109.

Assuming Everything is Close: Distance between LA and San Francisco is 6 hours by car. Plan travel time realistically.

Cultural Blunders: Don't talk loudly on public transit. Americans value personal space. I learned the hard way when someone moved seats on a bus.

A non-consensus tip: Many guides say visit Las Vegas first, but it can be overwhelming. Start with a calmer city like Seattle to adjust.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final thought: America is vast and varied. Embrace the chaos. My first time was messy, but it taught me to go with the flow. Use this guide as a starting point, then make your own adventures. Safe travels!