Exploring the USA
Welcome to the urbanescapestories USA travel guide! From the incredible architectural history of Chicago to the vibrant food scenes across the country, the United States offers a diverse range of urban escapes. Here you’ll find all of our guides, reviews, and stories from our travels in the USA.
Featured Story:
First Bites of the Windy City: A 5-Day Chicago Itinerary
Our complete guide to Chicago is packed with the city’s best food, iconic sights, and practical tips. From the perfect deep-dish pizza to an unforgettable architecture tour, here’s everything you need to plan your trip.
Explore by City
Chicago, Illinois
Chicago, the Windy City, is a must-visit for its stunning architecture, world-class museums, and an unbeatable food scene. Our guides cover everything from the best deep-dish pizza to the most memorable tours.
New York City, New York
(Coming soon!)
Seattle, Washington
(Coming soon!)
General USA Travel Tips for International Visitors
Traveling to the United States can be a bit different from traveling within Europe. From tipping culture to transportation, here are a few essential tips we’ve learned along the way to help you plan a smooth and enjoyable trip.
Visas & Entry (ESTA)
Most European citizens, including those from Germany, do not need a traditional visa for tourist visits but must apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) online before their trip. Be sure to use the official government website for your application.
Official government website: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/
Money, Taxes & Tipping
One of the biggest adjustments for visitors from Europe is that the price on the menu or tag is almost never the final price you’ll pay. It’s wise to budget for your final bill to be roughly 25-30% higher after local sales tax and the expected tip are added.
While most European countries have a 0-10% tipping range, a tip of 15-20% of the pre-tax bill is considered normal for good service at restaurants and bars in the US. While this system can be an adjustment, it’s an important cultural norm to respect. In many states, the minimum wage for restaurant staff is extremely low, and people depend on tips to earn a living. It’s best to think of it as a standard service fee that you add at the end of the meal.
Getting Around the USA
(Coming soon!)
Staying Connected
Using your European mobile plan in the US can lead to very high roaming charges. We recommend getting a U.S. SIM card upon arrival or, for convenience, buying an eSIM online before your trip. Services like Airalo or Holafly are great options.
Depending on the length of your stay I can also recommend the t-mobile for e-sims. (they usually come with talk and text as well if this is a requirement)