What to pack for United States
The United States covers almost every climate: hot and humid summers in the South and Florida, desert heat in the Southwest, snowy winters in the North and the mountains, and a mild, wet Pacific Northwest. Pack for the region and season, not the country.
That is the long-term pattern, not a forecast. Weather in any given week can be warmer, colder or wetter than usual, so check the forecast a few days before you leave — Wayfold does this automatically and adjusts the packing list for your actual dates.
Pack with United States in mind
- Layers — air-conditioning indoors can be cold even in hot regions
- Rain gear for Florida summer storms and the Northwest
- Sturdy shoes, sun protection and water for national parks
- A Type A/B plug adapter if you are visiting from abroad
Start from a full checklist
Combine the points above with a complete list for the kind of trip you are taking:
- Disney & theme park packing list · 59 items
- Road trip packing list · 46 items
- Hiking packing list for national parks · 52 items
- Alaska cruise packing list · 61 items
- Orlando packing list · by season
- Yosemite packing list · by season
What to eat in United States
These are dishes most visitors to the United States will meet, with the usual recipe’s diet flags. Use them as a starting point for menus and for asking questions — not as a guarantee of what is in a particular plate.
Cheeseburger
Grilled beef patty with cheese in a bun.
GlutenDairySesame
Barbecue
Slow-smoked meats such as beef brisket and pork ribs; styles vary by region.
Contains pork
Buffalo wings
Fried chicken wings in hot sauce, with blue cheese or ranch dip.
Dairy
New England clam chowder
Creamy clam and potato soup, often with salt pork or bacon.
Contains porkShellfishDairyGluten
Lobster roll
Lobster meat in a buttered, toasted bun.
ShellfishGlutenDairyEgg
Mac and cheese
Macaroni baked in cheese sauce.
Vegetarian-friendlyGlutenDairy
Pancakes with maple syrup
Fluffy breakfast pancakes.
Vegetarian-friendlyGlutenDairyEgg
Apple pie
Double-crust pie with spiced apples.
Vegetarian-friendlyGlutenDairy
Avoiding pork? In this list, Barbecue and New England clam chowder usually contain pork.
Meal times, tipping and water
| Breakfast | 07:00–09:30 |
|---|---|
| Lunch | 12:00–13:30 |
| Dinner | 17:30–20:00 |
| Tipping | 15–20% of the pre-tax bill is expected at sit-down restaurants; servers rely on tips. |
| Tap water | Generally safe to drink |
| Halal food | Moderate |
| Vegetarian food | Easy to find |
Local chains you will see
Well-known local names — handy for a quick, predictable meal or coffee:
- In-N-Out Burger — Burger chain in the West and Southwest.
- Chick-fil-A — Chicken sandwiches; closed on Sundays.
- Waffle House — 24-hour diners, mostly in the South.
- Panera Bread — Bakery-café for soups, salads and sandwiches.
- Whataburger — Burger chain, mostly in Texas and the South.
General guidance — check locally. Recipes vary between kitchens; always ask about allergens. Checked 30 September 2026. In the app, the food guide marks which dishes fit each traveller’s diet and can show a diet and allergy card in the local language.
Entry rules for US and UK passport holders
A summary of the passport and travel-authorisation rules Wayfold reminds travellers about for the United States. Rules change, and your exact situation (other nationalities, long stays, work or study) may differ.
US passport holders
- No entry authorisation needed. You can travel here with your national passport or ID card. U.S. Department of State (opens in a new tab)
UK passport holders
- Passport valid for your whole stay. Check the expiry date on every passport in your group before you book — airlines can refuse boarding if a passport does not meet the rule. U.S. Department of State (opens in a new tab)
- Apply for ESTA. Visa Waiver Program travellers need an approved ESTA before boarding. Apply at least 72 hours ahead, only on the official site. U.S. CBP — ESTA (opens in a new tab)
This is general guidance, not legal advice. Rules change — always check the official source before you travel. Rules last reviewed 29 September 2026. For the bigger picture, read what ESTA, the UK ETA and ETIAS are.
Quick answers
Is tap water safe to drink in United States?
Generally safe to drink. Tap water is generally treated to a safe standard, though some travellers prefer bottled water for taste. General guidance — check locally. Recipes vary between kitchens; always ask about allergens.
Do you tip in United States?
15–20% of the pre-tax bill is expected at sit-down restaurants; servers rely on tips.
Is it easy to eat halal or vegetarian in United States?
Halal food: moderate. Vegetarian food: easy to find. Vegetarian-friendly classics include Mac and cheese, Pancakes with maple syrup and Apple pie. Recipes vary between kitchens, so always ask.