Tips for Europeans travelers in U.S.A.Most of this is common sense but I hope you find some useful stuff here :
1. Travel light - If you can afford too you'll want to stock up on Levi's ($30 on sale!!), shoes, shirts, Cd's, DVDs, electronics, cameras, tools, guitars ect., ect. America is much cheaper than most European countries for such items. Pack lightly when leaving Europe and take a large bag (shit- buy a suitcase over there!).
2. If you are able too try and choose what state or area you want to visit according to the season you will be traveling. For example - and unless your immune to heat - you will not want to be in Georgia or Texas or Nebraska in August (although much more of America is air-conditioned than Europe- i.e. hotels, restaurants ect.) but you might be better off in Montana or Alaska or the mountains of Colorado. Then again if you want some winter sun and fun try beautiful New Mexico or south Texas or even Florida. NYC or Chicago can be horrible in July but really wonderful in Sept. Of course most people have their vacations in the summer months and don't have the option too choose when they travel.
3. Big cities are more expensive for sure. The little towns and villages are cheaper for everything (like everywhere in the world I guess!). If you can find the old highways and where they go through the cities that is where you'll usually find the true "heart" of those cities. Also the less expensive hotels, food and shops as well. Much more interesting too than interstate travel!
4. Public transportation (buses, trains, taxis) in the northeast states are pretty good but generally speaking your going to have a hard time getting around most places without a car. Fortunately car rentals are fairly cheap compared to Euro rentals and gasoline is half the price! If your jumping long distances try the commercial lowfare airlines. There is so much competition for passengers that it's a real blessing for those travelers that are on a budget. There is a national train service (Amtrak) but it is slow and they are always dropping destinations. Greyhound bus is cheap-cheap but, unless you have a lot of time, this service is very slow.
They do go everywhere though. My suggestion: rent a car or a motorcycle!5. Generally food and drink is good everywhere in the U.S. so eat away.
You'll be in plenty of company too as Americans do love to eat as you'll see the moment you step off the plane. One little trick to cut your costs though is that you can generally order just one dinner for 2 people with perhaps an extra salad or something or even splurge on that nice wine (more expensive in the States) that would complement the meal. Unless it's a real expensive restaurant this practice is generally not frowned upon - just tell the waitress you want an extra plate. It's your money, your food. The portions are sooooo big that there is usually enough for 2 people to eat with even some left over! I was shocked during this last visit of mine at how big the portions of food were. Also - if your going to order different meals it is perfectly acceptable to ask for a "doggy bag" at the end of the meal and take the leftovers away with you. Many a lunch for the next day has been paid for like this but take care that the food doesn't spoil without proper refrigeration. Don't forget too that tipping in America is a large part of any waitresses income. Usually they are paid just the minimum wage (which is NOT enough to live on!) and tip money is used to supplement that income. You'll just have to figure on adding 10%-20% to the cost of the meal depending on the service. I hate this practice as I think it's a form of wage slavery but that's just the way it is there and you gotta deal with it.
