Practical tips for travellers

Travelling around

 

Of course you did not fly across the Atlantic Ocean only to sip a dry martini in the bar on the corner of the street. You want to move around! By air, rail, bus, mobile home, car, and motorbike, you name it; you'll find it here. Oh! And if you want to go on foot, then visit our shopping section, where you'll find a couple good shoes stores.

 

Train and bus travel: Several Railway Companies connect most major cities in the US. The trains are very comfortable and there is a choice of different priced compartments. Another option is taking the bus. This will allow you not only to travel to major cities but to make connections with other carriers that serve small towns and rural areas. (Call us for references on who to contact or check Tour Operator and Representative section).

Train links:
Incento
Amtrak First Timer Tips
Amtrak

bus links:
Greyhound

Travelling by air:
For international flights it is always a good idea to arrive 2 hours prior to departure. 1 hour is usually sufficient for the domestic flights. To be sure when to arrive at the airport, contact your airline. Smoking has been banned on all domestic flights and most international flights to and from the United States. It is also prohibited to smoke in most of the airports. Check the airlines section for airlines flying to or within the United States or call one of the tour operators or representatives specialized in travel to the U.S. listed as well.

Travelling by car and motorcycle:
Seeing the United States by car, motorcycle or recreational vehicle (RV) is a very popular way to travel. In the US you drive on the right hand side of the road and long-distance travel is easy on the country's extensive system of well-maintained access highways called Interstates, Turnpikes and Express-ways. Roads are indicated by a standard "US" with a road number (odd numbers run from North to South, even numbers from East to West).

Some of the roads, mainly in the east of the country, charge tolls payable at regular intervals at tollbooths. States and regions set traffic laws, but in general the interstate speed limit around the country ranges from 55 to 65 miles per hour. The speed limit in cities is usually set between 25 and 30 miles per hour. Speeding is a serious offence resulting in high fines.

School busses turn on their hazard warning lights and a stop sign appears on the left side of the bus, when they stop to let children in and out. In this situation it is absolutely forbidden to pass the school bus from either direction. In most states you can make a right turn at a steady red light after coming to a complete stop and yielding to the oncoming traffic. Click here for the most common American road signs.

The United States recognizes valid driver's licenses issued by most other countries but it is advisable to purchase an International Driving License. You can buy your IDL at your local Town Hall. You will need your ID, your driving license and  1 photograph.

Rental cars are available in airports, hotels or individual rental companies. Think about making your reservations before leaving, they are often cheaper when made from Europe (See 'RV & Car Rentals' in our "Members Guide").

Fly-Drive packages that include air travel, a rental car and accommodations at your destination are extremely popular. Some agencies offer fully equipped RV's in various sizes and configurations, motor homes, trailers and even motorcycles (see Tour Operators & Representatives).

Most states and national parks, forest services and private campgrounds welcome RV's and provide electrical and water hook-ups. Some of the more popular campsites may require reservations, so check ahead.

Link:
Do I need an international driver's license to drive in the United States?

Links to interstates & highways links:
Gimme an -I-
Highway Markers
Historic US Highways
Historical Highways Page
National Road-U.S. Route 40 Home Page
New Mexico Route 66 Association
Road Trip USA
Route 66 - Mother of the Mother Road
Route 66 Cruising the American Dream
Route 66 Federation A Nationwide Organization
Route 66 USA
ROUTE 66
The Pennsylvania Turnpike
United States Interstates

Links to maps:

About! MapQuest!
Automap Trip Planner
City.Net Maps
DeLorme CyberMaps
DeLorme AAA Map'n'Go 2.0
How far is it
Intellicast
Map'n'Go Home Page
MapQuest! Welcome!
Maps On Us A Map, Route and Yellow Pages Service
MG Atlas - Maps of North America
ROUTE 66 G.I.S. Home Page
Take a Free Ride on AutoPilot®
The Weather Channel - Home Page
The WeatherLab(TM) Current Condition Map
The Woolwine-Moen Group
Time Out - World Map
TravRoute Software
Vicinity Corporation's MapBlast!
Virtual Tourist II World Map
WeatherNet Travel Cities Weather
Yahoo! Maps

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