The story of United States
People have lived in what is now the United States for more than 15,000 years. Over millennia, Native American societies developed diverse cultures: the mound-building Mississippian city of Cahokia, the cliff dwellings of the Ancestral Puebloans at Mesa Verde, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy in the northeast and countless nations across the plains, deserts and coasts. Their languages, trade networks and traditions shaped the land long before Europeans arrived.
From the 16th century, Spain, France, the Netherlands and Britain established colonies. Spanish settlers founded St. Augustine in Florida in 1565, and English colonists settled Jamestown in 1607 and Plymouth in 1620. Enslaved Africans were forcibly brought to the colonies, a legacy that would shape the nation's history. Tensions with Britain led to the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and the Revolutionary War, after which the US Constitution was adopted in 1787.
Read the full history
Throughout the 19th century, the country expanded westward, often displacing Native American nations. The Civil War of 1861-1865 ended slavery and preserved the union. Industrialisation, railways and immigration transformed the nation, and the 20th century saw the US emerge as a global power after the two World Wars. The civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s challenged segregation and expanded rights for millions.
Today the United States is a vast and diverse country, with travellers drawn to its national parks, cities and cultural heritage. From Native American sites and colonial towns to the Grand Canyon, New York's skyline, the jazz of New Orleans and the beaches of California, the US offers endless variety.
Timeline
- c. 1050Cahokia becomes a major Mississippian city
- 1565St. Augustine founded by Spain
- 1607Jamestown settled by the English
- 1776Declaration of Independence
- 1787US Constitution adopted
- 1865Civil War ends and slavery is abolished
- 1872Yellowstone becomes the world's first national park
- 1969Apollo 11 lands on the Moon
Entry rules depend on your passport and change often.
Before you book, check the official rules for your passport:
- Visa policy of the United States (Wikipedia) ↗
- IATA Travel Centre – passport, visa & health rules ↗
- U.S. passport holders – State Department country pages ↗
- UK passport holders – GOV.UK travel advice ↗
The latest visa and entry news for United States appears below as soon as publishers report it.
Through November 21, 2026, Hilton Honors has a sale on purchased points with a bonus of as much as 120%, the largest it has offered so far, which works out to about 0.45 cents for each point.
Southwest has added a ChatGPT plugin that lets travelers look up flights in a chat, and it is the first step in a bigger AI booking plan.
Things to do in United States
- See the Grand CanyonWatch the sun paint layers of red rock in one of the world's great natural wonders.
- Explore New York CityWalk Central Park, ride the subway and gaze at the skyline from the Brooklyn Bridge.
- Drive the Pacific Coast HighwayFollow cliffs, beaches and redwoods along California's coast.
- Visit YellowstoneSee geysers, hot springs and bison roam in America's first national park.
- Hear jazz in New OrleansFeel the music on Frenchmen Street and taste Creole and Cajun food.
- Tour Washington, D.C.Explore free museums of the Smithsonian and iconic monuments.
- Hike in YosemiteMarvel at granite cliffs, waterfalls and giant sequoias.
- Experience Las VegasSee dazzling lights and shows in the desert.
- Relax in HawaiiSwim, surf and explore volcanic landscapes on tropical islands.
- Road-trip Route 66Follow the historic highway past diners and small towns.
Sautis is growing in Indonesia with a focus on local hiring, while Concord Hospitality adds more than a dozen hotels and restaurants to its US portfolio.
Two outlets published planning guides on Oct 6: readers' favorite Florida hotels outside Miami, and a long list of activities in Venice.
Where to go in United States
- New York CityNortheast · cityWorld-class museums, Broadway, diverse neighbourhoods and iconic skyline.
- 📍Grand Canyon National ParkArizona · natureA vast canyon of colourful rock carved by the Colorado River.
- San FranciscoCalifornia · cityGolden Gate Bridge, cable cars and nearby wine country.
- Yellowstone National ParkWyoming · natureGeysers, wildlife and dramatic landscapes.
- New OrleansLouisiana · music & foodJazz, Creole cuisine and a unique cultural heritage.
- 📍Washington, D.C.Mid-Atlantic · capitalMonuments, museums and American history.
- 📍HawaiiPacific · islandsBeaches, volcanoes and Polynesian culture.
- 📍Utah's national parksSouthwest · canyonsZion, Arches and Bryce Canyon offer surreal red-rock landscapes.
American Express cardholders can earn a $20 statement credit when spending $100 or more at participating Wyndham hotels in the US or Canada.
A mechanical issue and crew fatigue caused a lengthy delay on an American Airlines flight from Los Angeles to Maui.
- Drive a classic road trip like Route 66 or the Pacific Coast Highway
- Watch Old Faithful erupt in Yellowstone
- See a Broadway show in New York
- Hike in a national park
Issued at 300 PM CST Wed Oct 07 2026 000 WTPZ45 KNHC 072039 TCDEP5 Tropical Storm Simon Discussion Number 2 NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL EP202026 300 PM CST Wed Oct 07 2026 The system continues to gradually become…
#United States#Hurricanes#Weather & AlertsPhotos show cylindrical containers holding 10 live birds allegedly sewn into a flight passenger's underwear on an airplane that arrived in Miami from Havana, Cuba.
#United States#Cuba#Flights & Airlines
- Burger – grilled beef in a bun
- Barbecue – slow-smoked meats, best in Texas and the South
- New York pizza – large, thin, foldable slices
- Clam chowder – creamy seafood soup from New England
Flights will start in May 2027.
#Iceland#United States#Flights & Airlines
The United States announced visa restrictions for foreign individuals who intentionally obstruct international parental child-abduction cases. The measure...
#United States#Visas & Entry Rules
Best time to visit United States
The US has a huge range of climates, from tropical Hawaii and Florida to the snowy north and arid southwest. Seasons vary dramatically between regions.
Typical daytime highs and rain in New York City (approximate averages).
The State Department has issued a warning to US citizens in Saudi Arabia after three people were killed in Houthi air attacks on two airports in the country on Tuesday and Wednesday. Local officials confirmed that 36 people had…
#United States#Saudi Arabia#Flights & Airlines
American Airlines (AA) reported that 4 flight attendants fell ill in Italy after consuming leftover, unserved passenger meals during a positioning flight from the United States to Rome.
#Italy#United States#American Airlines#Flights & Airlines
- July 4Independence DayFireworks, parades and barbecues celebrate the nation's birthday.
- NovemberThanksgivingFamilies gather for a feast, with parades in cities like New York.
- February-MarchMardi GrasNew Orleans' famous carnival with parades and costumes.
- OctoberAlbuquerque International Balloon FiestaHundreds of hot-air balloons fill the New Mexico sky.
- MarchSouth by Southwest (SXSW)A major music, film and tech festival in Austin, Texas.
They include two of the carrier's long-haul markets, although there's only limited data so far. Find out more now!
#United States#Alaska Airlines#Flights & Airlines
Arajet Makes Powerful Ecuador Comeback With Guayaquil–Punta Cana Flights Linking Miami, Orlando, Cancún and San Juan In a major comeback in Ecuador, Arajet is reinstating services between Guayaquil and Punta Cana, enhancing the…
#Ecuador#United States#Punta Cana#Cancún
How many days in United States?
Day 1-4 New York City's sights and neighbourhoods. Day 5-7 Washington, D.C.'s museums and monuments.
Day 1-3 San Francisco, Day 4-5 Yosemite, Day 6-7 the Pacific Coast Highway to Los Angeles. Day 8-9 Las Vegas, Day 10-12 the Grand Canyon, Day 13-14 Zion National Park.
A good sale to / from Manchester The $374 fare is the regular fare which allows for normal size carry-on and personal
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Israel, Along With The US and Other Countries Face Steep Tourism Drops: Key Factors Behind the Global Decline Discover why Israel, the US, and other countries face steep tourism drops today. Explore key factors behind the global…
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Backpacker budget: about $80–120 a day
- Long-distance buses and trains connect major cities affordably; book early for the best fares.
- Hostels are common in big cities like New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles.
- Buy an annual national parks pass if visiting several parks.
- Food trucks and diners offer good-value meals.
- Car rental is often essential for national parks – split costs with fellow travellers.
United Airlines Associates With Delta, JetBlue, American and More as United First Base Challenges Traditional Premium Pricing United joins Delta, JetBlue, American and more as First Base fares reshape U.S. premium travel with…
#United States#Delta#United Airlines#JetBlue
A good sale to/from Orlando The $387 is the Regular Economy fare with advance seat assignment and normal size carry-on United also
#United States#Deals & Budget
Stay safe
- The US is generally safe, but crime rates vary by city and neighbourhood.
- In national parks, follow wildlife rules and keep a safe distance from animals.
- Check weather forecasts for hurricanes, wildfires and storms in season.
- Have travel insurance, as healthcare is very expensive.
Money
- The currency is the US dollar.
- Cards are accepted almost everywhere, and ATMs are common.
- Tipping is expected: around 15-20% in restaurants, and a small tip for bartenders and taxi drivers.
Emergency: 911 police, fire & ambulance
A good sale to/from New Orleans. Pricing will vary slightly depending on routing The $296 fare is the regular fare which allows
#United States#New Orleans#Deals & Budget
United States and 5 More Countries Attending TTG Travel Experience 2026 from 14 to 16 October The United States, Italy and five other international markets are set to feature at TTG Travel Experience 2026, taking place in Rimini…
#United States#Italy
Major international gateways include New York JFK, Los Angeles, Chicago O'Hare, Atlanta, Miami and San Francisco. Land borders connect to Canada and Mexico.
✈️ Cheap flights to United States: airports, flight times & best time to fly →
Isaias is expected to quickly strengthen into the season’s first hurricane by early Thursday – the latest first-forming Atlantic hurricane in reliable records by a wide margin.
#United States#Hurricanes#Weather & Alerts
Despite constraints at its biggest hub, competition from Delta, and surging fuel prices, Alaska’s chief commercial officer told Skift that he thinks the carrier can dominate the West Coast with its premium investments and push…
#United States#Delta#Alaska Airlines#Flights & Airlines
- The US has no official national language at the federal level.
- Alaska has the longest coastline of any US state.
- Yellowstone was the world's first national park.
- The US has 6 main time zones across its states.
- Hawaii is the only US state made up entirely of islands.
An American Airlines flight was diverted to New York on Tuesday because of an “inadequate number of operational lavatories” — two, on a plane that normally has eight.
#United States#American Airlines#Flights & Airlines
A good sale to/from Santa Barbara The $396 fare is the regular fare which allows advance seat assignment and normal size carry-on
#United States#Deals & Budget
United States travel questions
Is the US safe for tourists?
The US is generally safe for visitors. Like anywhere, stay aware in big cities and research neighbourhoods.
When is the best time to visit the US?
Spring and autumn are ideal for most regions. Summer is great for national parks but busy, and winter suits skiing and southern destinations.
How many days do you need in the US?
A week covers one region, such as New York and Washington. Two weeks or more lets you explore national parks or a road trip.
Do I need a visa for the US?
It depends on your passport, and some nationalities need an online travel authorisation. Check the official government site or embassy before you travel.
How much should I tip in the US?
Tipping is customary, usually around 15-20% in restaurants. Tips are also expected for bartenders, taxi drivers and hotel staff.
UnCruise Adventures More Than Doubles Aleutian Islands Cruise Capacity for Remote Alaska Voyages in 2028 The remote Aleutian Islands of Alaska will gain in accessibility to expedition cruise tourists in 2028 when UnCruise…
#United States#Islands#Cruises
Pirates, we all need a little pampering, and there's no place like Hawaii to disengage from daily life. This three-night getaway in the heart of Honolulu starts from $591 per person and includes a stay at the The Ambassador…
#United States#Deals & Budget
Approximate daily cost per person (stay, food, local transport).
A good sale between San Francisco and Savannah The $374 fare is a regular economy fare that allows for normal size carry-on
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The 2026–27 El Niño could be the strongest on record. Before booking your next ski vacation, here's what to know.
#United States#Ski#Destinations
Domestic flights cover long distances, and renting a car is best outside big cities. Amtrak trains and long-distance buses also connect many cities.
A good sale for nonstop service to/from Maui The $292 fare is a regular economy fare with advance seat assignment and normal
#United States#Delta#Deals & Budget
A good sale to / from Charleston. Pricing will vary slightly depending on routing. The $332 fare is the regular fare which
#United States#Deals & Budget
- Washington National Cathedral – Gothic cathedral in the capital, open to all faiths
- Temple Square – Spiritual centre of the Latter-day Saints in Salt Lake City
- Bear Butte – Mountain sacred to Lakota and Cheyenne peoples
Canadian travelers give U.S. politician a reality check amid tourism boycott woes.
#United States#Canada
A good sale to/from Honolulu The $548 is the Regular Economy fare with advance seat assignment and normal size carry-on United also
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- Tip in restaurants, bars and taxis – it is expected
- Wait to be seated in most restaurants
- Respect personal space and queues
A good sale to San Juan. The $321 fare is a regular economy fare that allows for normal size carry-on and one
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A good sale to/from Portland, Oregon The $297 fare is the regular fare which allows for normal size carry-on and one personal
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A good sale to/from Kauai The $575 fare is a regular economy fare with advance seat assignment and normal size carry-on included
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Travel's commerce layers are merging into one system, and control of that system will set margins for the next decade. We're bringing the operators making those calls together at Skift Commerce Summit this November.
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You can experience all the soul-stirring beauty Alaska has to offer without breaking the bank.
#United States#Points & Miles
The United States is expected to review Israel’s advance screening procedures after an alleged attack aboard Flydubai Flight FZ1073. The Visa Waiver Program...
#United States#Israel#Visas & Entry Rules
Issued at 1012 AM CDT
#United States#New Orleans#Weather & AlertsIt’s been a busy few weeks for Alaska Airlines as it expands its Atmos Rewards loyalty program and updates the flight xperience. Now, the airline has announced that Atmos Rewards members have more ways to spend their points.…
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Issued at 900 AM CST Wed Oct 07 2026 000 WTPZ45 KNHC 071458 TCDEP5 Tropical Depression Twenty-E Discussion Number 1 NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL EP202026 900 AM CST Wed Oct 07 2026 Visible satellite imagery indicates…
#United States#Hurricanes#Weather & AlertsIssued at 1000 AM CDT Wed Oct 07 2026 000 WTNT44 KNHC 071454 TCDAT4 Tropical Storm Isaias Discussion Number 4 NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL AL092026 1000 AM CDT Wed Oct 07 2026 Isaias has gotten better organized during…
#United States#Hurricanes#Weather & AlertsIssued at 800 AM PDT Wed Oct 07 2026 000 WTPZ43 KNHC 071452 TCDEP3 Hurricane Rachel Discussion Number 42 NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL EP182026 800 AM PDT Wed Oct 07 2026 Recent satellite imagery shows that Rachel's deep…
#United States#Hurricanes#Weather & AlertsAlaska Airlines’ Atmos Rewards program launched Atmos Members Day in June 2026 as a new recurring monthly event designed to give members something to look forward to each month. Think of it as a loyalty drop that happens on the...
#United States#Alaska Airlines#Points & Miles
American Airlines Flight 37 diverted to JFK after six of eight Boeing 777 lavatories failed during Madrid-Dallas flight.
#United States#American Airlines#Boeing#Flights & Airlines
US Issues New Security Alert For Russia As Evacuation Concerns Rise and Americans Face Urgent Leave-Immediately Guidance The US alerts Americans in Russia to evacuate at once amid rising health risks.
#United States#Russia
Is Air Tahiti Nui joining the oneworld alliance? While attending Alaska Airlines’ Investor Day in Seattle, I noticed something curious in one of the presentations: the airline’s tail appeared with a oneworld badge alongside…
#French Polynesia#United States#Alaska Airlines#Points & Miles
Germany Leads with US and Others to Drive Italy Food and Wine Tourism in 2026 as Culinary Travel Demand Surges Germany, US and other markets drive Italy food and wine tourism in 2026 as culinary travel demand fuels regional…
#Germany#United States
Slovenia, New Zealand and Greece Clash for Cave Tourism Crown as Underground Travel Surges Worldwide Explore Greece’s Kastania Cave and discover how cave tourism in Slovenia, New Zealand, US and Vietnam is transforming geological…
#Slovenia#New Zealand
Air France is investing in its international lounge experience. The French flag carrier is renovating and adding lounges at major outstations, such as Los Angeles (LAX) and New York (JFK), as well as at locations closer to home…
#United Kingdom#France#London#Air France
United States Travel Emergency, Colorado, Arizona And More States Resort Taxes Threaten Visitors And Destroy Jobs Across Iconic Destination Landscapes, Find Out Now Discover how 2026 tourist taxes threaten travel spending and…
#United States#Tourist tax#Inspiring & Scenic
Spain’s 183-Day Tax Rule Reshapes Travel Plans for Young American Expats in 2026 Spain travel plans for young American expats may trigger US tax, FBAR and residency rules after longer stays.
#Spain#United States#Digital Nomad
Alaska Airlines has quietly started selling selected Breeze Airways flights and awarding Atmos Rewards points for them. The arrangement is small today, but the possibility of what comes next is much more interesting…could Breeze…
#United States#JetBlue#Alaska Airlines#Points & Miles
Cleveland Takes the Lead Over St. Louis and Philadelphia as America’s Most Affordable Digital Detox Getaway in 2026 Cleveland tops a 2026 ranking of affordable US digital detox breaks, ahead of St. Louis, Philadelphia, Memphis…
#United States
American Airlines is tweaking its schedule in 2027 in an effort to return to sustained profitability.
#United States#American Airlines#Points & Miles
Delta Air Lines has been accused of race discrimination after it fired 15 airport ground workers at Miami International Airport (MIA) following an investigation into potential fraud on flights they were supervising that were…
#United States#Cuba#Delta#Flights & Airlines
Costa Rica Steps Up With Dominican Republic and Other Destinations as Canadian Travellers Shift Toward Alternative Markets Amid Weaker US Demand in 2026 Costa Rica, Dominican Republic and other destinations gain Canadian…
#Costa Rica#Dominican Republic
New York City is one of those places that can feel slightly overwhelming before you arrive. There are five boroughs, dozens of neighborhoods, thousands of hotels, and an endless list of things to see and do. So, where should you…
#United States#New York City#Travel Tips
Alaska Airlines is planning a new Asia route, and sharing where its luxe new domestic plane will fly. Plus, Starlink installations ramp up.
#United States#Alaska Airlines#Points & Miles
UK Outshines US as Frieze London 2026 Ignites Global Art Travel Boom, Britain Emerges Biggest Winner Frieze London 2026 brings global galleries, collectors and luxury travellers to Regent’s Park, driving art tourism and high-end…
#United Kingdom#United States#London
Orlando Overtakes Miami and More Cities in Florida Skyrocketing US Tourism with a Huge Travel Demand From the British Visitors in 2026 Orlando leads Miami and other Florida cities as strong British travel demand boosts US tourism…
#United States#United Kingdom
US Vacation Rental Market Heads Into 2027 With Strong Revenue Optimism as Property Managers Turn to AI and OTAs US vacation rental managers enter 2027 expecting revenue and occupancy growth as AI adoption, OTA use and market data…
#United States#Hotels & Stays
Georgia Joins Florida and More States in Reshaping US Tourism Through Record Spending, Rural Travel and Recovery in 2026 Georgia joins Florida, New York and Hawaii in reshaping US tourism through record spending, rural travel…
#Georgia#United States
Washington Goes Hand in Hand With New York and Other States in Thrusting US Aviation Towards a New Era of Loyalty, Premium Fares and Updated Measures in 2026 Washington joins New York and other states in reshaping US aviation in…
#United States#Deals & Budget
Global branded residence supply has tripled in a decade to 900+ developments, with 835 more in the pipeline, as Dubai, Miami, and NYC lead demand and non-hospitality brands reshape the sector.
#United Arab Emirates#United States#Hotels & StaysKentucky Stands Alongside Washington DC and Others in Skyrocketing US Tourism Through a Surge in Tourist Arrivals From the Previous Month in 2026 Kentucky joins Washington DC, Montana and Alaska as US tourism grows in 2026, with…
#United States
The Carnival Adventure will debut in the U.S. market in 2028, offering itineraries on the West Coast and to Alaska. Originally built for Princess Cruises, the 2,600-passenger ship was transferred to the Carnival Cruise Line fleet…
#United States#Carnival#Princess Cruises#Cruises
US Beats Canada and Others as Mexico Cruise Tourism Surges to 8.2 Million Passengers in 2026 Mexico cruise tourism hits 8.2 million passengers in 2026 as US demand leads Canada, while Cozumel and Pacific ports power record growth…
#United States#Canada#Cruises
Japan Airlines and Nippon Express have launched a weekly Boeing 747 freighter service linking Los Angeles with Narita, Taipei and Singapore to support rising demand for AI, semiconductor, data centre and oversized cargo.
#Japan#United States#Japan Airlines#Boeing
It doesn’t get much dreamier than this.
#United States#Destinations
The Carnival Spirit will return to Seattle later than scheduled after undergoing repairs earlier this month, Carnival Cruise Line said in a statement. Wrapping up a 15-night cruise to Hawaii, the ship was scheduled to return to…
#United States#Carnival#Cruises
Coury Hospitality, now managing 40+ US hotels after doubling its portfolio in 2025, has been appointed by ACORE Capital to manage THE RIVVY in Chicago and Marriott Tacoma Downtown.
#United States#Marriott#Hotels & StaysA big investment in America's future air defense.
#United States#Flights & Airlines
US Along With Portugal and Others Drive Brazil Tourism Momentum as Four Point Forty Seven Million Air Arrivals Support R$38.5B Spending US, Portugal, Chile, France and Argentina drive Brazil tourism as air arrivals reach 4.47…
#United States#Portugal
Issued at 200 AM PDT Wed Oct 07 2026 000 WTPZ43 KNHC 070900 TCDEP3 Hurricane Rachel Discussion Number 41 NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL EP182026 200 AM PDT Wed Oct 07 2026 Satellite imagery indicates that Rachel's…
#United States#Hurricanes#Weather & AlertsIssued at 400 AM CDT Wed Oct 07 2026 000 WTNT44 KNHC 070857 TCDAT4 Tropical Storm Isaias Discussion Number 3 NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL AL092026 400 AM CDT Wed Oct 07 2026 Satellite imagery depicts a bursting pattern…
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