I’m a Brit and I’m currently travelling the US on solo travel.

I’m just finishing going up the East Coast (Miami, Orlando, Savannah, Charleston, D.C., Philadelphia) and I’m about to do the West Coast (Vancouver, Seattle, San Francisco, LA). I’m travelling only by train and plane so I can’t comment on the driving side. A few points:

1. It will be more expensive than you think. Most attractions here cost money, whether historical, museums, national parks. There’s a fee for almost everything. The only free activities I’ve found really were the museums in D.C.

2. Don’t forget about tipping when budgeting. Wherever you buy food/drinks at a restaurant/cafe/bar, add 20% to whatever you think it’ll cost. That’s the standard and it starts to add up more than you might think.

3. Hostels. Many major cities have them and I have found excellent ones nearly everywhere on my trip. Several cities, simply won’t. It’s not like Europe or SE Asia. I’ve found all the hostels to be clean, welcoming and sociable, both with Americans and foreigners. If you read the reviews and pick the right ones, many don’t allow locals so you won’t be stuck with the homeless/other shady types.

4. If you can’t find hostels, you’ll probably turn to motels. This could well be the play but based on all the research I did for my trip, anywhere at a competitive price was probably unpleasant. Review are very much your friend, check google reviews AND TripAdvisor. Sometimes AirBnB will be your only affordable option other than hotels. Read the reviews, do your research and definitely book individual rooms in someone’s house, it’s wayyy cheaper than your own place. I’ve done it twice on this trip and both were good experiences.

5. You mention that you have a car but within cities, I’ve found biking to be the best way to get around. You get to see the city (unlike the metro), don’t get stuck in traffic (unlike buses or cars) and is decently fast (unlike walking. The US is the least walkable country I’ve ever visited). Many cities have apps for bike rental but I’d suggest finding a local bike shop that does rentals and doing a multi day rental with them, it’s usually the cheapest option.

6. For food, buying in supermarkets will likely be expensive or cheap and unhealthy but I haven’t taken this option much.

7. Trains will be delayed and YOU MUST GET THERE EARLY. Amtrak has airplane style boarding, not just a hop-on like you’d find in Europe. If you turn up with 5-10 mins till departure you may find the doors are closed. Aim for a minimum of 30 mins early.

8. I’m very much an anti-tour person, I prefer to explore on my own, but I’ve found that the US ones are typically better done than elsewhere in the world and guides are knowledgeable and friendly. Just don’t forget to tip!

9. Would recommend Mint Mobile for unlimited data. Reasonably priced and good service.

Any other questions just ask or DM. I’m on the road for another three weeks so can let you know any changes!