united states of america

The best time to visit the USA depends on where you’re going:

Spring (April–June) and Autumn (September–October) are ideal for most destinations, offering pleasant weather and fewer crowds.

Summer (June–August) is great for coastal areas, theme parks, and national parks — though it’s peak tourist season.

Winter (December–February) is perfect for ski resorts (Colorado, Utah) and festive city breaks like New York.

Flight times vary depending on your destination:

East Coast (e.g., New York, Boston): ~7–8 hours

Central USA (e.g., Chicago, Dallas): ~9–10 hours

West Coast (e.g., Los Angeles, San Francisco): ~11 hours

The USA uses the United States Dollar as its currency. 

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, and tipping (15–20%) is common in restaurants and services.

The USA spans six time zones, so time differences vary:

Eastern Time (e.g., New York): –5 hours

Central Time (e.g., Chicago): –6 hours

Mountain Time (e.g., Denver): –7 hours

Pacific Time (e.g., Los Angeles): –8 hours

Alaska Time: –9 hours

Hawaii: –10 hours

Most travellers to the USA will need a valid visa or an approved ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before entering. Citizens of countries under the Visa Waiver Program — including Ireland and much of Europe — can apply for an ESTA online, which allows stays of up to 90 days for tourism or business. Make sure your passport is valid for the duration of your stay, and apply for your ESTA at least 72 hours before departure. For longer stays, work, or study, a visa will be required. Always check the latest entry requirements before you travel, as rules can change.