Visiting the US? Here Are 5 Common Tourist Mistakes to Avoid

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The United States offers cultural diversity and natural landscapes across its 50 states.  However, many international tourists often fall into the trap of misconceptions when planning their trips there.

Local guides and experienced travelers share some common mistakes that should be avoided to ensure a comfortable and memorable vacation.

1. Underestimating the Sheer Size of the Country

Many tourists, especially from Europe and Asia, are unaware of the vastness of American land, covering approximately 8 million square kilometers. In comparison, traveling between major cities can take hours, even days. Unlike Asia or Europe, where one can travel from one country to another in a few hours.

"Tourists need to understand how truly big this country is, and plan accordingly," said Sylvie Sadarnac, a local guide in Chicago, as reported by Travel + Leisure.

If time is limited, Todd Geist, former travel director at Trafalgar, suggests seeking help from a tour guide. "Choosing a guided tour can help travelers plan their time more effectively, whether they want to dive deeper into one destination or follow an itinerary that connects several major highlights," he said.

2. Only Focusing on the Coasts and Major Cities

Another classic mistake is only visiting the beaches in New York or California. Meanwhile, the central regions like the Midwest or Montana offer extraordinary natural beauty. Sadarnac added that the US has enormous lakes and states that harbor natural and cultural wonders. Do not hesitate to venture out of the popular tourist zones for a more authentic experience.

3. Not Seeking Advice from Local Residents

Jordan Friedman, a ToursByLocals guide based in New York City, said many tourists rely too much on the internet's 'top 10 places,' outdated guidebooks, and large group tours. They often only see the 'most popular places' in a location, which are often crowded and lack the true local flavor that many visitors seek.

Friedman suggests asking local residents about less visited areas and specific locations with fewer tourists. With such information, travelers can enrich their itineraries with lesser-known but equally amazing surroundings.

4. Ignoring Tipping Etiquette

In the US, tipping is not optional; it is part of the service culture, as reported by ND Travel. Restaurants usually expect a tip of 15 to 20 percent. Additionally, taxi drivers, hotel staff, and salon workers also rely on tips, though it may not be explicitly mentioned. Not tipping can be seen as impolite, so include this in your travel budget. Remember to carry some cash for tips and local transportation.

5. Assuming Public Transportation is Always Available

Public transportation in the US varies between cities. New York and Washington, D.C. have efficient subway systems. Purchase city-specific unlimited travel cards like the New York MetroCard for seamless travel. However, cities like Los Angeles almost require the use of a car. Travelers can use Google Maps and local apps for navigation.

Imanda Zahwa contributed to the writing of this article

Read: 8 Tourist Destinations That Are Not Recommended to Visit in 2026 

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