Change location

USA
>
Articles
>
Travel & Leisure

Articles: Travel & Leisure

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...
Selling a Car:
What to consider when selling a car in the US

Before you embark on a process that can be stressful consider whether you want to sell your car privately or trade it in. More...
Car Rental:
All you need to know for renting a car in the US

Car rental is common in the US, as public transport is generally poor. When travelling long distances, most Americans go by air and rent a car on arrival. More...
Buying a Car:
how to buy a new or used car in the US

Most cars are cheaper in the US than in other countries and hardly anyone pays the list price. Car dealers are usually willing to negotiate and prices may vary considerably from dealer to dealer. 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...
American Roads:
Interstate, federal and state highways

The standard of American roads varies enormously from eight-lane freeways in urban areas to gravel or dirt tracks in remote rural areas. Generally, American roads have fewer road markings than European roads. 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...
Petrol in the US:
Gasoline prices and oil reserves

Three grades of unleaded petrol, known as gasoline, are available: regular, special or mid-grade and premium or super as well as diesel, which is used by most small trucks, but few cars. 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...
American road maps:
Which road maps do you need?

There are a huge number of road maps available, from town street plans to atlases covering the whole country. Unlike maps in most countries, American road maps are often organised by state, which makes planning an inter-state trip difficult. 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...
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 colours. 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...
Car Accidents:
What to do in case of an accident in the US

If you’re involved in an accident in the US, you have to know some tips before doing the procedure. 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...
General Road Rules:
What you need to know when driving in the US

The list includes some of the most common road rules and some tips designed to help you adjust to driving conditions and avoid accidents. More...

Further Links about Travel & Leisure

en