Articles: Travel & Leisure
-
Hiking holidays in the USA
How to plan your trip
The United States has some of the most dramatic and unspoiled landscapes in the world. This includes more than 211,000 km² of national and state parks (a bit less than the size of the United Kingdom), ranging from deep canyons to volcanoes, great lakes, deserts or snow-capped mountains, all with marked hiking routes.
more -
Parking
Parking regulation in the US
Parking in most cities and towns isn't usually a problem. However, parking is restricted or prohibited in many streets. Parking regulations may vary according to the area of a city, the time of day, the day of the week or even the season. Most cities are divided into parking zones, which may be indicated by colors.
more -
Living the American Dream
The open road in an RV
Taking a vacation or long trip in a motor-home is a unique way to experience some of the spectacular sights and countryside on offer in different parts of the US. For some people it’s ‘camping in comfort’, for others it’s just a really convenient way of traveling around without having to be packing all the time.
more -
Top 3 epic US road trips
The best ways to the USA
With its enormous variety of landscapes, no other country is suited to road trips quite like America. The United States has just about everything to offer: the sedimentary rock formations of the Grand Canyon, the geysers of Yellowstone National Park, the volcanos of Hawaii, the redwood trees of Yosemite, the snowy peaks of Utah and the prairies of Kansas.
more -
Family Friendly Activities in San Diego
Lots to see
Family holidays need to be carefully planned. You need to make sure there is plenty to do for your kids so that they enjoy their break and keep out of mischief. If you’ve picked San Diego, you’ve already made a smart choice. There’s plenty to be doing in America’s Finest City.
more -
Buses
Long-distance, city & rural buses in the US
There are two main kinds of bus service in the US: urban bus services and long-distance buses. Buses are the most widespread form of local public transport in the US, where more than 1,000 inter-city and suburban bus companies operate services to around 15,000 cities and towns, the vast majority of which have no other public transport services.
more -
Airline Services in the US
Airports, fares & tips
The American airline business is extremely competitive, and consequently Americans enjoy the cheapest air travel in the world and are the world’s most frequent fliers. Major American airlines such as American Airlines and United, can feed passengers to some 250 domestic destinations.
more -
Taxis in the US
What you should know
Taxis (cabs) are inexpensive in the US compared with many other countries and are plentiful in most cities (except when it’s raining, you have lots of bags, or you’re late for an appointment). Taxis are usually easily distinguishable, and most often are painted bright yellow.
more -
Underground & Urban Railways
Quality of service and regulations
A number of US cities have underground railways, including Atlanta, Boston, Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Washington DC. Many cities also have an efficient urban railway system, including Chicago, New York, San Francisco and Washington DC.
more -
Trains
Fares,bookings and general information
The railway (railroad) was responsible for opening up the west in the 19th century and played a major role in the development and exploitation of the whole North American continent. However, it fell into rapid decline in the latter half of the 20th century, losing much of its former business to the car, air travel and long-distance buses.
more -
Car insurance
Which insurances do you need for your car in the US?
One of the most surprising things about car insurance is that it isn’t mandatory in some states, e.g. Alabama, Iowa, Mississippi, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, etc. These states have ‘financial responsibility’ laws, requiring you to post a bond, cash deposit or approved self-insurance with the state to cover damages if you’re involved in an accident.
more -
Car Theft
How to secure your car in the US
Car theft is rampant in the US, where a car is stolen on average every 20 seconds and thefts from motor vehicles run into tens of millions. If you’re driving anything other than a worthless heap you should have comprehensive insurance, which includes cover for theft.
more -
Speed Limits in the US
Regulations and penalties
Speed limits vary from state to state and are usually signposted. The federal recommended maximum speed limit on freeways is 55mph, often referred to as the ‘double nickel’. This has been increased to 65mph on rural interstate highways in some 40 states. Check local speed limits and look out for speed restrictions.
more -
Motorcycles in the US
Regulations, permits and insurances
Motorists with a full car driving licence may ride a motorcycle (up to 125cc) without passing a test or obtaining a special licence. US motorcycle tests are mostly superficial and in most states there’s no restriction on the size of bike a rider can ride after passing his test. No test is necessary for moped riders.
more -
Motoring organisations
The American automobile association
There are many national and regional motoring organisations (automobile clubs), providing emergency breakdown and repair services for motorists. Around a third of the US’s 160 million motorists belong to an automobile or motor club, by far the largest of which is the American Automobile Association.
more -
Pedestrian Road Rules
Walking the streets of America
The US is a dangerous place for pedestrians, where they comprise some 13 per cent of all motor vehicle related deaths. When crossing any road you should take extreme care and whenever possible cross at a pedestrian crossing or walkway, traffic lights, junction or other ‘safe’ place.
more -
Car repairs
Service providers in the US
You must be extremely careful who you choose to service or repair your car, as vehicle repairs generate more consumer complaints than any other service industry. Repairs and servicing at new car dealers and service stations are the most expensive, while the cheapest are small, specialised repair shops, department store chains and general repair shops.
more -
Traffic Police
The enforcement of driving rules in the US
Despite the TV and film image of speeding reckless drivers, traffic laws in the US are taken seriously and strictly enforced. Each state has an agency responsible for enforcing highway traffic rules and regulations, e.g. state troopers or the highway patrol, employing patrol cars, motorcycles and aircraft.
more -
Drinking & Driving
Regulations in the US
Drunk driving is a serious problem in the US, where excessive alcohol is estimated to be a factor in some 40 per cent of all traffic fatalities. More than 1.8 million people are arrested for drunk driving each year, a small fraction of the millions who drive while under the influence of alcohol.
more -
American Drivers
The American “style” of driving
Like motorists in all countries, Americans have their customs and idiosyncrasies, many of which are peculiar to a region, state or city. Chicago has the reputation of being one of the worst places to drive, and the traffic in New York City may frighten you to death.
more -
Seat Belts
Safety regulations in the US
The wearing of seat belts is compulsory for drivers and front-seat passengers in the District of Columbia and all states except New Hampshire, where only those under 18 are required to belt up. Seat belt laws usually apply to children in any seat and in some states, adult passengers in rear seats must also wear them.
more -
New York
A city of contrasts
New York is one of the most fascinating cities in the whole world. The Statue of Liberty is a potent symbol for the 'New World'. The most populous city in the United States of America is a melting pot of cultures and ethnicities that came over to America in order to start a better life.
more -
How to get around Atlanta, GA
Public transport, taxis and more
Atlanta, Georgia, is known as being a city that is extremely hard to navigate, even for the locals. The suburbs of the main city are almost impossible to reach without a car and the public transport system is fairly limited. Below are some top tips to make sure you can easily travel around Atlanta and avoid getting lost!
more