# USStarter

> Plan your first trip to the United States with confidence. Destination guides across all 50 states & D.C., day-by-day itineraries, America the Beautiful National Parks Pass & Amtrak calculators, state sales tax & tipping guides, ESTA rules, and 15 interactive US travel tools.

USStarter (https://usstarter.com) is an independent, fact-checked United States travel reference covering all 50 US states, Washington, D.C., 63 National Parks, and 10,714 US cities and towns across 9 languages (EN, DE, FR, ES, IT, NL, JA, KO, ZH-TW). All prices are quoted in United States Dollars ($ USD) with verified 2026 Amtrak, National Park Service, ESTA, and metro transit fares.

## Destinations
- [New York City (New York)](https://usstarter.com/destinations/new-york-city/): Manhattan's Art Deco skyscrapers, Central Park, Broadway theaters, world-class museums, and 24/7 subway lines linking all five boroughs.
- [San Francisco & Bay Area (California)](https://usstarter.com/destinations/san-francisco/): Golden Gate Bridge foghorns, historic clanging cable cars, Victorian Painted Ladies, Alcatraz Island, and ferry rides across San Francisco Bay.
- [Grand Canyon & Sedona (Arizona)](https://usstarter.com/destinations/grand-canyon-sedona/): Mile-deep Colorado River canyon walls carved over millions of years, paired with Sedona's glowing red-rock buttes and Oak Creek Canyon.
- [Las Vegas & Hoover Dam (Nevada)](https://usstarter.com/destinations/las-vegas-hoover-dam/): Entertainment capital of the Mojave Desert: neon resorts, Sphere & Cirque du Soleil productions, Hoover Dam, and Red Rock Canyon.
- [Los Angeles & SoCal Coast (California)](https://usstarter.com/destinations/los-angeles/): Griffith Observatory views of the Hollywood Sign, Santa Monica Pier, Venice Beach boardwalk, Getty Center art, and endless Pacific sunshine.
- [Miami, Everglades & Key West (Florida)](https://usstarter.com/destinations/miami-key-west/): Pastel Art Deco Ocean Drive, Little Havana cafecitos, Wynwood street art, Everglades airboats, and the 113-mile Overseas Highway to Key West.
- [Washington, D.C. (Washington, D.C.)](https://usstarter.com/destinations/washington-dc/): Monumental neoclassical landmarks along the National Mall, 17+ free Smithsonian museums, Capitol Hill, and historic Georgetown.
- [Chicago & Lake Michigan (Illinois)](https://usstarter.com/destinations/chicago/): Birthplace of the modern skyscraper: Chicago River architecture cruises, Millennium Park's Cloud Gate, Art Institute masterpieces, and 18 miles of Lakefront Trail.
- [New Orleans & French Quarter (Louisiana)](https://usstarter.com/destinations/new-orleans/): Wrought-iron French Quarter balconies, live brass bands on Frenchmen Street, historic St. Charles streetcars, and Creole-Cajun cuisine.
- [Boston & New England (Massachusetts)](https://usstarter.com/destinations/boston-new-england/): Red-brick Freedom Trail, Beacon Hill gaslamps, Fenway Park, Harvard & MIT across the Charles River, and coastal Cape Cod.
- [Honolulu, Oahu & Maui (Hawaii)](https://usstarter.com/destinations/hawaii-oahu-maui/): Volcanic crater hikes at Diamond Head and Haleakalā, North Shore surf breaks, Waikiki outrigger canoes, and Polynesian cultural heritage.
- [Yellowstone & Grand Teton (Wyoming)](https://usstarter.com/destinations/yellowstone-grand-teton/): Earth's greatest geothermal wonderland—Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, bison-filled Lamar Valley, and the jagged 13,775-foot Teton peaks.

## Sampled itineraries
- [10 Days on the US Northeast Corridor by Amtrak: Boston, New York City, Philadelphia & Washington, D.C.](https://usstarter.com/itineraries/northeast-corridor-10-day/): Ride Amtrak's electrified spine from Boston's Freedom Trail through Manhattan's Art Deco skyline and Philadelphia's Independence Hall to the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
- [10 Days in California: San Francisco, Yosemite Valley, Pacific Coast Highway (Big Sur) & Los Angeles](https://usstarter.com/itineraries/california-pch-10-day/): Start car-free in San Francisco before picking up a rental car for Yosemite's granite domes, Monterey and Big Sur along Highway 1, Santa Barbara, and Los Angeles.
- [10 Days in the Southwest Grand Circle: Las Vegas, Zion, Bryce Canyon, Monument Valley & Grand Canyon](https://usstarter.com/itineraries/grand-circle-parks-10-day/): A loop from Las Vegas using the $80 America the Beautiful Pass across Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef / Moab, Monument Valley, Page (Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend), Grand Canyon South Rim, and Sedona.
- [7 Days in South Florida: Miami Beach, Little Havana, Everglades National Park & Overseas Highway to Key West](https://usstarter.com/itineraries/florida-miami-keys-7-day/): Combine 3 days of Miami's Art Deco South Beach, Little Havana, and Wynwood with Everglades National Park and the 113-mile Overseas Highway (US-1) down to Key West.
- [8 Days in the Pacific Northwest: Seattle, Olympic National Park, Mount Rainier & Portland](https://usstarter.com/itineraries/pacific-northwest-8-day/): Explore Seattle's Pike Place Market and Puget Sound ferries, loop through Olympic National Park and Mount Rainier, and finish in Portland and the Columbia River Gorge.
- [14 Days on Historic Route 66: Chicago, St. Louis, Oklahoma, Santa Fe, Grand Canyon & Santa Monica](https://usstarter.com/itineraries/route-66-highlights-14-day/): Follow the historic neon diners, giant roadside murals, Pueblo adobe plazas, and desert canyons along America's most famous highway from Chicago to Santa Monica Pier.
- [10 Days in Hawaii Island Hopper: Oahu (Waikiki, Diamond Head & North Shore) & Maui (Haleakalā & Road to Hāna)](https://usstarter.com/itineraries/hawaii-oahu-maui-10-day/): Split 10 days evenly between Oahu's Diamond Head, Pearl Harbor, and North Shore surf towns and Maui's 10,023-foot Haleakalā crater, Wailea reefs, and the Road to Hāna.
- [8 Days on the American Music & Culinary Trail: Nashville, Memphis & New Orleans](https://usstarter.com/itineraries/deep-south-music-food-8-day/): Travel from Nashville's Ryman Auditorium and Country Music Hall of Fame to Memphis's Sun Studio, Graceland, and National Civil Rights Museum, then ride Amtrak's City of New Orleans south to the French Quarter.

## Practical guides
- [First-Time in the USA Guide: 15 Essential Steps Before You Fly](https://usstarter.com/guides/first-time-usa-guide/): A chronological countdown from 90 days out to arrival day covering ESTA ($21), the $80 America the Beautiful Park Pass, Amtrak & domestic flights, state sales tax + tipping ($), and travel medical insurance.
- [ESTA ($21), Visa Waiver Program, B1/B2 Visas & U.S. Customs (CBP) Entry Guide](https://usstarter.com/guides/esta-visa-waiver-and-entry-rules/): How to apply on the official $21 ESTA government site, avoid third-party scam websites, use Mobile Passport Control (MPC), and clear U.S. Customs & Border Protection.
- [America the Beautiful $80 National Parks Pass & Timed-Entry Guide](https://usstarter.com/guides/national-parks-pass-and-timed-entry/): How the $80 interagency annual pass covers 2,000+ federal recreation sites for one vehicle (or 4 adults), plus which parks require Recreation.gov timed entry.
- [US State Sales Tax (0%–10.25%) & Tipping Etiquette (18%–22%) Explained](https://usstarter.com/guides/sales-tax-and-tipping-guide/): Why shelf and menu prices in the United States never include state/local sales tax, which 5 states charge 0% sales tax, and exact tipping benchmarks for restaurants, bars, hotels, and rideshares.
- [Riding Amtrak in the USA: Acela, Northeast Regional, Sleeper Trains & $499 Rail Pass](https://usstarter.com/guides/amtrak-trains-and-rail-passes/): How to book Amtrak Acela and Northeast Regional trains between Boston, NYC, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C., plus scenic Superliner sleeper routes and the $499 USA Rail Pass.
- [US City Transit Guide: NYC OMNY ($34 Cap), SF Clipper, Chicago Ventra, DC SmarTrip & LA TAP](https://usstarter.com/guides/city-transit-cards-omny-clipper-ventra/): How to ride subways, light rail, and cable cars across America's major cities using contactless tap-to-pay or phone wallet cards.
- [Renting a Car & Driving in the USA: E-ZPass, SunPass, FasTrak, Right-on-Red & Insurance](https://usstarter.com/guides/car-rental-tolls-and-driving-in-usa/): How to avoid $15–$25/day rental-agency electronic toll convenience fees, understand CDW/LDW & SLI insurance, and master US road rules (Right Turn on Red, 4-Way Stops, School Buses).
- [US Healthcare, Urgent Care vs. ER, Pharmacies & Travel Medical Insurance Guide](https://usstarter.com/guides/us-healthcare-and-travel-insurance/): Why a $1M+ travel medical insurance policy is mandatory in practice for visiting the USA, plus how to choose a $150 Urgent Care clinic over a $3,500 Hospital Emergency Room.
- [US eSIMs, Prepaid SIM Cards (T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T) & Offline Maps](https://usstarter.com/guides/sim-cards-esim-and-connectivity/): Comparing T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T prepaid eSIMs for international visitors, phone band compatibility, and why offline maps are vital inside US National Parks.
- [Flying Inside the USA: TSA Security, REAL ID / Passports & Checked Bag Fees ($35–$45)](https://usstarter.com/guides/domestic-flights-tsa-and-baggage-rules/): What to know before flying Delta, United, American, Southwest, JetBlue, or Alaska Airlines: $35–$45 checked bag fees, Basic Economy carry-on traps, and TSA 3-1-1 rules.
- [US Power Plugs (Type A & B) & 120V / 60Hz Voltage Guide](https://usstarter.com/guides/power-plugs-120v-voltage-guide/): Everything you need to know about American Type A (2 flat prongs) and Type B (2 flat + round grounding pin) outlets and why 220V–240V hair dryers struggle on 120V power.
- [American Food Guide: Classic Diners, Smokehouse BBQ, Free Refills & Allergy Cards](https://usstarter.com/guides/american-food-diner-culture-and-allergies/): How ordering works at American diners, steakhouses, and Texas/Memphis/Carolina BBQ joints, plus free soft-drink refills, doggy bags, and severe allergy accommodation.
- [Visiting the USA with Kids: National Park Junior Rangers, Theme Parks & Car Seats](https://usstarter.com/guides/traveling-usa-with-kids-and-theme-parks/): Planning a smooth family trip across the United States: the free NPS Junior Ranger badge program, Orlando & California theme park strategies, and child car-seat laws.
- [Safety in the USA: Dialing 911, Wildlife Distance Rules, Desert Heat & Weather Alerts](https://usstarter.com/guides/safety-emergencies-911-and-weather-alerts/): Practical safety habits for U.S. cities and national parks: dialing 911, never leaving luggage visible in parked rental cars, desert hydration, and bison/bear distance rules.
- [Money in the USA: Contactless Cards, Hotel Incidental Holds, Resort Fees & ATMs](https://usstarter.com/guides/money-credit-cards-and-resort-fees/): How payments work across the United States: chip/contactless cards vs. magnetic stripe at gas pumps, mandatory hotel resort/destination fees ($30–$55/night), and cash for tips.
- [First-Time in the USA Guide: 15 Essential Steps Before You Fly](https://usstarter.com/guides/first-time-in-usa-checklist/): A chronological countdown from 90 days out to arrival day covering ESTA ($21), the $80 America the Beautiful Park Pass, Amtrak & domestic flights, state sales tax + tipping ($), and travel medical insurance.
- [Riding Amtrak in the USA: Acela, Northeast Regional, Sleeper Trains & $499 Rail Pass](https://usstarter.com/guides/rail-passes-and-amtrak-trains/): How to book Amtrak Acela and Northeast Regional trains between Boston, NYC, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C., plus scenic Superliner sleeper routes and the $499 USA Rail Pass.

## Things to do by interest
- [Best U.S. National Parks, Red-Rock Canyons & Scenic Wonders](https://usstarter.com/things-to-do/national-parks-and-canyons/): From the Grand Canyon, Zion, and Yosemite to Yellowstone's geysers, the Everglades, and Hawaii's volcanic craters.
- [Where to Eat in the USA: Smokehouse BBQ, Diners, Lobsters, Tacos & Creole Cuisine](https://usstarter.com/things-to-do/regional-american-food/): A region-by-region culinary guide to Texas brisket, New Orleans gumbo, NYC bagels & coal-oven pizza, New England lobster rolls, and California taquerias.

## Blog & Deep-Dive Articles
- [How to Plan Your First Trip to the United States Without Driving Yourself Exhausted](https://usstarter.com/blog/how-to-plan-first-usa-trip/): Why the #1 first-timer mistake is underestimating American distances—and how to pick one coherent US region (Northeast Corridor, California Coast, or Southwest National Parks) for a 7–14 day trip.
- [East Coast vs. West Coast USA: Which Side Should You Visit First?](https://usstarter.com/blog/east-coast-vs-west-coast-usa/): Comparing the car-free Amtrak cities and museums of the Northeast (NYC, D.C., Boston) with the redwoods, canyons, and coastal highways of the American West.
- [The 4 Hidden Costs in the USA (Sales Tax, Tipping, Resort Fees & Bag Fees) & How to Beat Them](https://usstarter.com/blog/hidden-costs-usa-travel-tax-tips-resort-fees/): How to calculate your true out-the-door USD ($) cost when American prices exclude state sales tax, 18–22% restaurant tips, $45 hotel resort fees, and $35 domestic checked bag fees.
- [How the $80 America the Beautiful National Parks Pass Saves You Hundreds of Dollars](https://usstarter.com/blog/how-to-use-america-the-beautiful-park-pass/): Every detail on the $80 annual interagency pass: where to buy it on arrival, which 63 National Parks charge $30–$35 per vehicle, and how it works at walk-in gates.

## US States & Cities Directory (10,714 Cities & Towns)
- [All 50 US States, Washington D.C. & 10,714 Cities](https://usstarter.com/cities/): Complete directory of US states, counties, and GeoNames-verified cities and National Park gateway towns.
- [Alabama (Alabama (AL))](https://usstarter.com/cities/region/alabama/): Hub Birmingham & Montgomery · undefined
- [Alaska (Alaska (AK))](https://usstarter.com/cities/region/alaska/): Hub Anchorage & Juneau · undefined
- [Arizona (Arizona (AZ))](https://usstarter.com/cities/region/arizona/): Hub Phoenix, Tucson & Flagstaff · undefined
- [Arkansas (Arkansas (AR))](https://usstarter.com/cities/region/arkansas/): Hub Little Rock & Bentonville · undefined
- [California (California (CA))](https://usstarter.com/cities/region/california/): Hub Los Angeles, San Francisco & San Diego · undefined
- [Colorado (Colorado (CO))](https://usstarter.com/cities/region/colorado/): Hub Denver, Boulder & Colorado Springs · undefined
- [Connecticut (Connecticut (CT))](https://usstarter.com/cities/region/connecticut/): Hub New Haven, Hartford & Mystic · undefined
- [Delaware (Delaware (DE))](https://usstarter.com/cities/region/delaware/): Hub Wilmington & Rehoboth Beach · undefined
- [Washington, D.C. (Washington, D.C. (DC))](https://usstarter.com/cities/region/washington-dc/): Hub Washington, D.C. · undefined
- [Florida (Florida (FL))](https://usstarter.com/cities/region/florida/): Hub Miami, Orlando & Tampa · undefined
- [Georgia (Georgia (GA))](https://usstarter.com/cities/region/georgia/): Hub Atlanta & Savannah · undefined
- [Hawaii (Hawaii (HI))](https://usstarter.com/cities/region/hawaii/): Hub Honolulu (Oahu), Maui, Kauai & Big Island · undefined
- [Idaho (Idaho (ID))](https://usstarter.com/cities/region/idaho/): Hub Boise, Sun Valley & Coeur d'Alene · undefined
- [Illinois (Illinois (IL))](https://usstarter.com/cities/region/illinois/): Hub Chicago & Springfield · undefined
- [Indiana (Indiana (IN))](https://usstarter.com/cities/region/indiana/): Hub Indianapolis & Bloomington · undefined
- [Iowa (Iowa (IA))](https://usstarter.com/cities/region/iowa/): Hub Des Moines, Iowa City & Dubuque · undefined
- [Kansas (Kansas (KS))](https://usstarter.com/cities/region/kansas/): Hub Wichita, Kansas City & Lawrence · undefined
- [Kentucky (Kentucky (KY))](https://usstarter.com/cities/region/kentucky/): Hub Louisville & Lexington · undefined
- [Louisiana (Louisiana (LA))](https://usstarter.com/cities/region/louisiana/): Hub New Orleans, Baton Rouge & Lafayette · undefined
- [Maine (Maine (ME))](https://usstarter.com/cities/region/maine/): Hub Portland, Bar Harbor & Kennebunkport · undefined
- [Maryland (Maryland (MD))](https://usstarter.com/cities/region/maryland/): Hub Baltimore, Annapolis & Ocean City · undefined
- [Massachusetts (Massachusetts (MA))](https://usstarter.com/cities/region/massachusetts/): Hub Boston, Cambridge, Cape Cod & Salem · undefined
- [Michigan (Michigan (MI))](https://usstarter.com/cities/region/michigan/): Hub Detroit, Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor & Mackinac Island · undefined
- [Minnesota (Minnesota (MN))](https://usstarter.com/cities/region/minnesota/): Hub Minneapolis, Saint Paul & Duluth · undefined
- [Mississippi (Mississippi (MS))](https://usstarter.com/cities/region/mississippi/): Hub Jackson, Natchez, Oxford & Biloxi · undefined
- [Missouri (Missouri (MO))](https://usstarter.com/cities/region/missouri/): Hub St. Louis, Kansas City & Branson · undefined
- [Montana (Montana (MT))](https://usstarter.com/cities/region/montana/): Hub Bozeman, Missoula, Whitefish & Billings · undefined
- [Nebraska (Nebraska (NE))](https://usstarter.com/cities/region/nebraska/): Hub Omaha & Lincoln · undefined
- [Nevada (Nevada (NV))](https://usstarter.com/cities/region/nevada/): Hub Las Vegas, Reno & Lake Tahoe · undefined
- [New Hampshire (New Hampshire (NH))](https://usstarter.com/cities/region/new-hampshire/): Hub Portsmouth, Manchester & White Mountains · undefined
- [New Jersey (New Jersey (NJ))](https://usstarter.com/cities/region/new-jersey/): Hub Newark, Jersey City, Princeton & Cape May · undefined
- [New Mexico (New Mexico (NM))](https://usstarter.com/cities/region/new-mexico/): Hub Santa Fe, Albuquerque & Taos · undefined
- [New York (New York (NY))](https://usstarter.com/cities/region/new-york/): Hub New York City, Buffalo, Albany & Hudson Valley · undefined
- [North Carolina (North Carolina (NC))](https://usstarter.com/cities/region/north-carolina/): Hub Charlotte, Raleigh, Asheville & Outer Banks · undefined
- [North Dakota (North Dakota (ND))](https://usstarter.com/cities/region/north-dakota/): Hub Fargo, Bismarck & Medora · undefined
- [Ohio (Ohio (OH))](https://usstarter.com/cities/region/ohio/): Hub Columbus, Cleveland & Cincinnati · undefined
- [Oklahoma (Oklahoma (OK))](https://usstarter.com/cities/region/oklahoma/): Hub Oklahoma City & Tulsa · undefined
- [Oregon (Oregon (OR))](https://usstarter.com/cities/region/oregon/): Hub Portland, Bend, Eugene & Oregon Coast · undefined
- [Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania (PA))](https://usstarter.com/cities/region/pennsylvania/): Hub Philadelphia, Pittsburgh & Lancaster · undefined
- [Rhode Island (Rhode Island (RI))](https://usstarter.com/cities/region/rhode-island/): Hub Providence & Newport · undefined
- [South Carolina (South Carolina (SC))](https://usstarter.com/cities/region/south-carolina/): Hub Charleston, Hilton Head, Myrtle Beach & Columbia · undefined
- [South Dakota (South Dakota (SD))](https://usstarter.com/cities/region/south-dakota/): Hub Rapid City, Deadwood & Sioux Falls · undefined
- [Tennessee (Tennessee (TN))](https://usstarter.com/cities/region/tennessee/): Hub Nashville, Memphis, Chattanooga & Gatlinburg · undefined
- [Texas (Texas (TX))](https://usstarter.com/cities/region/texas/): Hub Austin, San Antonio, Houston & Dallas–Fort Worth · undefined
- [Utah (Utah (UT))](https://usstarter.com/cities/region/utah/): Hub Salt Lake City, Moab & St. George · undefined
- [Vermont (Vermont (VT))](https://usstarter.com/cities/region/vermont/): Hub Burlington, Stowe, Woodstock & Montpelier · undefined
- [Virginia (Virginia (VA))](https://usstarter.com/cities/region/virginia/): Hub Arlington, Alexandria, Richmond, Charlottesville & Virginia Beach · undefined
- [Washington (Washington (WA))](https://usstarter.com/cities/region/washington/): Hub Seattle, Tacoma, Spokane & San Juan Islands · undefined
- [West Virginia (West Virginia (WV))](https://usstarter.com/cities/region/west-virginia/): Hub Charleston, Harpers Ferry & Fayetteville · undefined
- [Wisconsin (Wisconsin (WI))](https://usstarter.com/cities/region/wisconsin/): Hub Milwaukee, Madison, Door County & Wisconsin Dells · undefined
- [Wyoming (Wyoming (WY))](https://usstarter.com/cities/region/wyoming/): Hub Jackson Hole, Cody & Cheyenne · undefined

## Interactive USD ($) Planning Tools
- [US State Sales Tax, Tipping & USD ($) Calculator](https://usstarter.com/tools/sales-tax-tipping-calculator/)
- [Amtrak & USA Rail Pass Calculator ($)](https://usstarter.com/tools/amtrak-rail-calculator/)
- [America the Beautiful $80 National Parks Pass Calculator](https://usstarter.com/tools/national-parks-pass-calculator/)
- [US Metro Transit Card Calculator (OMNY, Clipper, Ventra, SmarTrip, TAP)](https://usstarter.com/tools/transit-card-calculator/)
- [Imperial-to-Metric Converter & US Road Sign Trainer](https://usstarter.com/tools/unit-converter/)
- [American English Idioms & Dietary Allergy Show-Cards](https://usstarter.com/tools/phrasebook/)
- [US Trip Budget Calculator ($)](https://usstarter.com/tools/budget-calculator/)
- [Day-by-Day US Itinerary Builder](https://usstarter.com/tools/itinerary-builder/)
- [Best Time to Visit the USA Calendar](https://usstarter.com/tools/seasonal-calendar/)
- [US Tipping & Etiquette Finder](https://usstarter.com/tools/etiquette-finder/)
- [US Time Zones & Jet Lag Planner](https://usstarter.com/tools/jet-lag-planner/)
- [TSA & US Airline Baggage Checker](https://usstarter.com/tools/luggage-checker/)
- [US Packing List Generator](https://usstarter.com/tools/packing-list/)
- [US Plug & Voltage Checker (Type A/B 120V/60Hz)](https://usstarter.com/tools/plug-checker/)
- [Where in the USA Should I Go? Quiz](https://usstarter.com/tools/region-quiz/)