Aelfgifu Travels

Hi Aelf Crew,

I am coming back to the US, with this time a post on general tips.

Walking

One thing that immediately stood out to me was how little people walk here. In most American cities, walking simply isn’t the norm – even short distances that would be perfectly reasonable in Europe are usually driven instead. Pavements (or sidewalks, as I’ve learned to call them) can be patchy or suddenly disappear altogether, and pedestrian crossings are sometimes a bit of an afterthought.

If you’re planning to explore a US city, check whether it’s genuinely “walkable” – places like Boston, Chicago, and parts of New York are, but much of the country really isn’t designed with pedestrians in mind.

Public Transport & Distances

The US is vast and distances between cities are often far greater than you expect when looking at a map. A “short” trip might still be several hours away, and bus or train connections can be limited outside major cities. Amtrak (the national rail service) is scenic but slow, and Greyhound buses, while widespread, can be unreliable.

In many places, renting a car is the only practical option, though parking costs in big cities can add up quickly. If you’re used to Europe’s dense rail networks and easy intercity travel, this can come as a bit of a shock – so plan ahead and allow extra travel time.

Tipping Culture

Something I hadn’t particularly considered before arriving in the US is the tipping culture. Whilst it’s standard practice to lightly tip at a restaurant in London, one is expected to tip 20% in the US – at risk of being called “tight”, “cheap”, or worse (as I overheard a few waiters describe some people whilst there).

So when budgeting for Boston or anywhere in the States, remember to account for sales tax and a 20% tip on top. Boston is already pricey, and the little extras add up fast!

Food Portion Sizes

The portion sizes in the US are, quite simply, enormous. What’s considered a single portion there could easily feed two people in the UK. Even “small” drinks are often what we’d call a large, and fast-food meals can feel like a physical challenge.

That said, the quality and variety of food can be incredible, especially in cities with strong cultural influences. You’ll find everything from barbecue in the South to fresh seafood in New England – just maybe don’t expect to leave hungry.

Backpacking in Hostels

Having done plenty of backpacking elsewhere, I was genuinely surprised to find that hostels are still quite a new concept in the US. It’s definitely not the same backpacking culture you’ll find across Europe or Asia.

As I mentioned in my Boston post, the only hostel I could find cost US$75 a night for a bunk bed – a bit of a shock to the system! I wish I’d known sooner that budget accommodation options are limited, especially in major cities. If you’re planning a longer trip, this is definitely something to factor into your budget.

Let me know in the comments if there was anything else that shocked you whilst travelling the US!

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Counting my change after another 20% tip,
Aelfgifu