Money

The most common bills are the $1 (a "buck"), $5, $10, and $20 denominations. There are also $2 bills (seldom encountered), $50 bills, and $100 bills (the last two are usually not welcome as payment for small purchases).

Coins come in seven denominations: 1¢ (1 cent, or a penny); 5¢ (5 cents, or a nickel); 10¢ (10 cents, or a dime); 25¢ (25 cents, or a quarter); 50¢ (50 cents, or a half-dollar); the gold-colored Sacagawea coin, worth $1; and the rare silver dollar.

Leave any currency other than U.S. dollars at home -- "foreign-exchange bureaus" common in Europe are rare even at airports in the United States, and it's best not to change foreign money at local banks.

ATMs

Nationwide, the easiest and best way to get cash away from home is from an ATM (automated teller machine), sometimes referred to as a "cash machine" or "cashpoint." The Cirrus (tel. 800/424-7787; www.mastercard.com) and PLUS (tel. 800/843-7587; www.visa.com) networks span the country; you can find them even in remote regions. Look at the back of your bank card to see which network you're on, then call or check online for ATM locations at your destination. Be sure you know your personal identification number (PIN) and daily withdrawal limit before you depart. Note: Remember that many banks impose a fee every time you use a card at another bank's ATM, and that fee can be higher for international transactions (up to $5 or more) than for domestic ones (where they're rarely more than $2). In addition, the bank from which you withdraw cash may charge its own fee. To compare banks' ATM fees within the U.S., use www.bankrate.com. For international withdrawal fees, ask your bank.

Credit Cards & Debit Cards

Credit cards are the most widely used form of payment in the United States: Visa (Barclaycard in Britain), MasterCard (Eurocard in Europe, Access in Britain, Chargex in Canada), American Express, Diners Club, and Discover. They also provide a convenient record of all your expenses, and they generally offer relatively good exchange rates. You can withdraw cash advances from your credit cards at banks or ATMs, provided you know your PIN.

Visitors from outside the U.S. should inquire whether their bank assesses a 1% to 3% fee on charges incurred abroad.

It's highly recommended that you travel with at least one major credit card. You must have one to rent a car, and hotels and airlines usually require a credit card imprint as a deposit against expenses. (Note: Businesses in some U.S. cities may require a minimum purchase, usually around $10, before letting you use a credit card.)

ATM cards with major credit card backing, known as "debit cards," are now a commonly acceptable form of payment in the same places that accept credit cards. In fact, many debit cards in the U.S. have a MasterCard or Visa logo. Debit cards draw money directly from your checking account. Some stores enable you to receive "cash back" on your debit card purchases as well. The same is true at most U.S. post offices.

Traveler's Checks

Even with the advent of "instant money" from an ATM, many travelers still use traveler's checks, which are widely accepted in the U.S. Foreign visitors should make sure they're denominated in U.S. dollars; foreign-currency checks are often difficult to exchange.

You can buy traveler's checks at most banks. Most are offered in denominations of $20, $50, $100, $500, and sometimes $1,000. Generally, you'll pay a service charge ranging from 1% to 4%.

The most popular traveler's checks are offered by American Express (tel. 800/807-6233, or 800/221-7282 for cardholders -- this number accepts collect calls, offers service in several foreign languages, and exempts Amex gold and platinum cardholders from the 1% fee); Visa (tel. 800/732-1322) -- AAA members can obtain Visa checks for a $9.95 fee (for checks up to $1,500) at most AAA offices or by calling tel. 866/339-3378; and MasterCard (tel. 800/223-9920).

If you do choose to carry traveler's checks, keep a record of their serial numbers separate from your checks in the event that they are stolen or lost. You'll get a refund faster if you know the numbers.

Tips for Women Travelers

More and more hotels in the United States are ratcheting up security measures for women traveling alone on business or for pleasure.

Check out the award-winning website Journeywoman (www.journeywoman.com), a "real life" women's travel-information network where you can sign up for a free e-mail newsletter and get advice on everything from etiquette and dress to safety; or the travel guide Safety and Security for Women Who Travel, by Sheila Swan and Peter Laufer (Travelers' Tales, Inc.), offering common-sense tips on safe travel.

Tips for Travelers with Disabilities

Most disabilities shouldn't stop anyone from traveling in the U.S. Thanks to provisions in the Americans with Disabilities Act, most public places are required to comply with disability-friendly regulations. Almost all public establishments (including hotels, restaurants, and museums, but not including certain National Historic Landmarks) and at least some modes of public transportation provide accessible entrances and other facilities for those with disabilities.

The America the Beautiful -- National Park and Federal Recreational Lands Pass -- Access Pass (formerly the Golden Access Passport) gives visually impaired or permanently disabled persons (regardless of age) free lifetime entrance to federal recreation sites administered by the National Park Service, including the Fish and Wildlife Service, the Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the Bureau of Reclamation. This may include national parks, monuments, historic sites, recreation areas, and national wildlife refuges.

The America the Beautiful Access Pass can be obtained only in person at any NPS facility that charges an entrance fee. You need to show proof of a medically determined disability. Besides free entry, the pass offers a 50% discount on some federal-use fees charged for such facilities as camping, swimming, parking, boat launching, and tours. For more information, go to www.nps.gov/fees_passes.htm or call the United States Geological Survey (USGS), which issues the passes, at tel. 888/275-8747.

When to Go

Climate differences are dramatic across the United States. When it's bone cold in New England, the upper central states, and Alaska, it's sunny and warm in Florida, California, and Hawaii. When it's raining cats and dogs in the Pacific Northwest, it's dry as, well, a desert, in the Southwest desert. It can be a pleasant 75°F (24°C) on the beaches of Southern California in summer, yet 120°F (49°C) a few miles inland.

This works out well for travelers, because there isn't a nationwide high or low season: It's always shoulder season somewhere. In summer, room rates are highest on the Northeast and mid-Atlantic beaches but lowest on the sands of hot-and-humid Florida (though not in Central Florida, where rates can go sky-high in the Land of Theme Parks) and in the sticky climes of the Gulf South. Winter snows virtually close the great Rocky Mountain national parks and the major tourism centers of the northern Great Plains, but bring crowds to the nearby ski slopes. Alaska is usually well below freezing until summer, when the midnight sun smiles down on warm days and higher hotel rates greet the tourist crowds. Hawaii is warm year-round, but winter brings massive amounts of rain -- and higher prices.

The Northeast and mid-Atlantic states have their summer beach season from June to Labor Day and their great fall foliage in September and October. Climate can vary wildly in these regions: One day can be warm and lovely, the next muggy and miserable. Winter storms are not an infrequent occurrence in these regions -- New England is famous for its nor'easters -- though some mid-Atlantic winters in the not-too-distant past have been very mild (and others have been frigid).

Summer can be brutally hot and humid in the Southeast (and is also prime hurricane season), but spring and fall last longer there, and winter is mild -- with snow the exception rather than the rule. The Gulf South summers are often exceptionally hot and humid, though winters (except in the mountain areas) are generally mild, if rainy. Southern Florida's best season is from January to April, though cold snaps can turn it nippy for a few days.

The central states see harsh winters and scorching summers. Southwest weather varies from east Texas's hot, humid summers and mild winters to Arizona's dry, 110°F (43°C) summers and pleasant, dry winters. Nevada is similar, though it tends to get a bit chillier in winter. The mountains of Colorado, Utah, and the Northwest have dry, moderately hot summers and cold, snowy winters. The California coast is fine all year except early spring, when it rains; the Northwest coast is wet most of the time except July.

The long and the short of it: Late spring and early fall are the best times to visit most of the country.

Tips for Travelers with Pets

Prefer to do your traveling alone? So long as you avoid all-inclusive resorts and vacation packages (which base their prices on double occupancy), you likely won't face the dreaded "single supplement," a penalty added to the base price of a room or package. For more information, pick up Eleanor Berman's latest edition of Traveling Solo: Advice and Ideas for More Than 250 Great Vacations (Globe Pequot, 2008), a guide with advice on traveling alone, either solo or as part of a group tour.

If, like John Steinbeck, you want to take your dog (or cat, or whatever) with you for companionship on your travels, many hotels across the U.S. (for example, all Motel 6 properties) will be happy to roll out the welcome mat for your pet. For travel tips and advice on traveling with Fido or Fluffy, head online to www.petswelcome.com, www.pettravel.com, and www.travelpets.com.

Fast Facts

Business Hours -- Offices are usually open weekdays from 9am to 5pm. Banks are open weekdays from 9am to 3pm or later and sometimes Saturday mornings. Stores typically open between 9 and 10am and close between 5 and 6pm Monday through Saturday. Stores in shopping complexes or malls tend to stay open late: until about 9pm on weekdays and weekends. Many malls and larger department stores are open on Sunday.

Drinking Laws -- The legal age for purchase and consumption of alcoholic beverages is 21; proof of age is required and often requested at bars, nightclubs, and restaurants, so it's always a good idea to bring ID when you go out. Beer and wine often can be purchased in supermarkets, but liquor laws vary from state to state. A county or city which prohibits the sale of alcohol is called "dry."

Do not carry open containers of alcohol in your car or any public area that isn't zoned for alcohol consumption. The police can fine you on the spot. And nothing will ruin your trip faster than getting a citation for DUI ("driving under the influence"), so don't even think about driving while intoxicated.

Electricity -- Like Canada, the United States uses 110-120 volts AC (60 cycles), compared to 220-240 volts AC (50 cycles) in most of Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. If your small appliances use 220-240 volts, you'll need a 110-volt transformer and a plug adapter with two flat parallel pins to operate them here. Downward converters that change 220-240 volts to 110-120 volts are difficult to find in the United States, so bring one with you.

Embassies & Consulates -- All embassies are located in the nation's capital, Washington, D.C. Some consulates are located in major U.S. cities, and most nations have a mission to the United Nations in New York City. If your country isn't listed below, call for directory information in Washington, D.C. (tel. 202/555-1212), or log on to www.embassy.org/embassies.

The embassy of Australia is at 1601 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036 (tel. 202/797-3000; www.austemb.org). There are consulates in New York, Honolulu, Houston, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.

The embassy of Canada is at 501 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20001 (tel. 202/682-1740; www.canadianembassy.org). Other Canadian consulates are in Buffalo (NY), Detroit, Los Angeles, New York, and Seattle.

The embassy of Ireland is at 2234 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20008 (tel. 202/462-3939; www.irelandemb.org). Irish consulates are in Boston, Chicago, New York, San Francisco, and other cities. See website for complete listing.

The embassy of Japan is at 2520 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20008 (tel. 202/238-6700; www.embjapan.org). Japanese consulates are located in many cities, including Atlanta, Boston, Detroit, New York, San Francisco, and Seattle.

The embassy of New Zealand is at 37 Observatory Circle NW, Washington, DC 20008 (tel. 202/328-4800; www.nzemb.org). New Zealand consulates are in Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, and Seattle.

The embassy of the United Kingdom is at 3100 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20008 (tel. 202/588-7800; www.britainusa.com). Other British consulates are in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, and Seattle.

Emergencies -- Call tel. 911 to report a fire, call the police, or get an ambulance anywhere in the United States. This is a toll-free call.

If you encounter serious problems, contact Traveler's Aid International (tel. 202/546-1127; www.travelersaid.org). This nationwide, nonprofit, social-service organization geared to helping travelers in difficult straits offers services that might include reuniting families separated while traveling, providing food and/or shelter to people stranded without cash, or even emotional counseling. If you're in trouble, seek them out.

Gasoline (Petrol) -- Petrol is known as gasoline (or simply "gas") in the United States, and petrol stations are known as both gas stations and service stations. At press time, in the U.S., the cost of gasoline is at an all-time high (for this country). British, European, and Australian visitors will still find it less expensive than at home. Taxes are already included in the printed price. One U.S. gallon equals 3.8 liters or .85 imperial gallons.

Holidays -- Banks, government offices, post offices, and many stores, restaurants, and museums are closed on the following legal national holidays: January 1 (New Year's Day), the third Monday in January (Martin Luther King, Jr., Day), the third Monday in February (Presidents' Day, Washington's Birthday), the last Monday in May (Memorial Day), July 4 (Independence Day), the first Monday in September (Labor Day), the second Monday in October (Columbus Day), November 11 (Veterans Day/Armistice Day), the fourth Thursday in November (Thanksgiving Day), and December 25 (Christmas).

Legal Aid -- If you are "pulled over" for a minor infraction (such as speeding), never attempt to pay the fine directly to a police officer; this could be construed as attempted bribery, a much more serious crime. Pay fines by mail, or directly into the hands of the clerk of the court. If accused of a more serious offense, say and do nothing before consulting a lawyer. Here the burden is on the state to prove a person's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, and everyone has the right to remain silent, whether he or she is suspected of a crime or actually arrested. Once arrested, a person can make one telephone call to a party of his or her choice. International visitors should call their embassy or consulate.

Mail -- Generally found at intersections, mailboxes are blue with a red-and-white stripe and carry the inscription U.S. MAIL.

At press time, domestic postage rates were 27¢ for a postcard and 42¢ for a letter. For international mail, a first-class letter of up to 1 ounce costs 94¢ (72¢ to Canada and Mexico); a first-class postcard costs the same as a letter. For more information, go to www.usps.com and click on "Calculate Postage."

If you aren't sure what your address will be in the United States, mail can be sent to you, in your name, c/o General Delivery at the main post office of the city or region where you expect to be. (Call tel. 800/275-8777 for information on the nearest post office.) The addressee must pick up mail in person and must produce proof of identity (driver's license, passport, or similar document). Most post offices will hold your mail for up to 1 month, and are open Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm and Saturday from 9am to 3pm.

Always include zip codes when mailing items in the U.S. If you don't know your zip code, visit www.usps.com/zip4.

Taxes -- The United States has no value-added tax (VAT) or other indirect tax at the national level. Every state, county, and city has the right to levy its own local tax on all purchases, including hotel and restaurant checks, airline tickets, and so on. These taxes will not appear on price tags.

Telephones -- Many convenience stores, drugstores, and newsstands sell prepaid calling cards in denominations up to $50; for international visitors, these can be the least expensive way to call home. Many public pay phones at airports now accept American Express, MasterCard, and Visa credit cards. Local calls made from pay phones in most locales cost either 25¢ or 35¢ (no pennies, please). Most long-distance and international calls can be dialed directly from any phone. For calls within the United States and to Canada, dial 1 followed by the area code and the seven-digit number. For other international calls, dial 011 followed by the country code, city code, and the number you are calling.

If you're not from the U.S., you may be stymied by the limitations of our GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) wireless network. Your phone will probably work in most major U.S. cities; it definitely won't work in many rural areas. To see where GSM phones work in the U.S., check out www.t-mobile.com/coverage. And you may or may not be able to send SMS (text messages). Check with your home provider to see if you need a different SIM chip or setting before coming to North America. And if your phone doesn't work here, consider buying a cheap pay-as-you-go phone.

Calls to area codes 800, 888, 877, and 866 are toll-free. However, calls to area codes 700 and 900 (chat lines, bulletin boards, "dating" services, and so on) can be very expensive -- usually a charge of 95¢ to $3 or more per minute, and they sometimes have minimum charges that can run as high as $15 or more.

For reversed-charge or collect calls, and for person-to-person calls, dial the number 0, then the area code and number; an operator will come on the line, and you should specify whether you are calling collect, person-to-person, or both. If your operator-assisted call is international, ask for the overseas operator.

For local directory assistance ("information"), dial 411; for long-distance information, dial 1, then the appropriate area code and 555-1212.

Telegraph, Telex & Fax -- Telegraph and telex services are provided primarily by Western Union (tel. 800/325-6000; www.westernunion.com). You can telegraph (wire) money, or have it telegraphed to you, very quickly over the Western Union system, but this service can cost as much as 15% to 20% of the amount sent. You can't send an actual "telegram" message anymore.

Most hotels have fax machines available for guest use (be sure to ask about the charge to use it). Many hotel rooms are wired for guests' fax machines. A less expensive way to send and receive faxes may be at stores such as the UPS Store or FedEx/Kinko's.

Time -- The continental United States is divided into four time zones: Eastern Standard Time (EST), Central Standard Time (CST), Mountain Standard Time (MST), and Pacific Standard Time (PST). Alaska and Hawaii have their own zones. For example, when it's 9am in Los Angeles (PST), it's 7am in Honolulu (HST),10am in Denver (MST), 11am in Chicago (CST), noon in New York City (EST), 5pm in London (GMT), and 2am the next day in Sydney.

Daylight saving time takes effect at 2am the second Sunday in March until 2am the first Sunday in November, except in Arizona, Hawaii, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. Daylight saving moves the clock 1 hour ahead of standard time.

Tipping -- Tips are a very important part of certain workers' income, and gratuities are the standard way of showing appreciation for services provided. (Tipping is certainly not compulsory if the service is poor!) In hotels, tip bellhops at least $1 per bag ($2-$3 if you have a lot of luggage) and tip the chamber staff $1 to $2 per day (more if you've left a disaster area for him or her to clean up).

Tip the doorman or concierge only if he or she has provided you with some specific service (for example, calling a cab for you or obtaining difficult-to-get theater tickets). Tip the valet-parking attendant $1 every time you get your car.

In restaurants, bars, and nightclubs, tip service staff 15% to 20% of the check, tip bartenders 10% to 15%, tip checkroom attendants $1 per garment, and tip valet-parking attendants $1 per vehicle.

As for other service personnel, tip cabdrivers 15% of the fare; tip skycaps at airports at least $1 per bag ($2-$3 if you have a lot of luggage); and tip hairdressers and barbers 15% to 20%.

Toilets -- You won't find public toilets, or "restrooms," on the streets in most U.S. cities, but they can be found in hotel lobbies, bars, restaurants, museums, department stores, railway and bus stations, and service stations. Large hotels and fast-food restaurants are often the best bet for clean facilities. Restaurants and bars in resorts or heavily visited areas may reserve their restrooms for patrons.

Useful Phone Numbers -- U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory -- tel. 202/647-5225 (staffed 24 hr.)

U.S. Passport Agency -- tel. 202/647-0518

U.S. Centers for Disease Control International Traveler's Hotline -- tel. 404/332-4559

Health & Insurance

Insurance

The cost of travel insurance varies widely, depending on the destination, the cost and length of your trip, your age and health, and the type of trip you're taking, but expect to pay between 5% and 8% of the vacation itself. You can get estimates from various providers through InsureMyTrip.com. Enter your trip cost and dates, your age, and other information for prices from more than a dozen companies.

Trip-Cancellation Insurance -- Trip-cancellation insurance will help retrieve your money if you have to back out of a trip or depart early, or if your travel supplier goes bankrupt. Trip cancellation traditionally covers such events as sickness, natural disasters, and State Department advisories. The latest news in trip-cancellation insurance is the availability of expanded hurricane coverage and the "any-reason" cancellation coverage -- which costs more but covers cancellations made for any reason. You won't get back 100% of your prepaid trip cost, but you'll be refunded a substantial portion. TravelSafe (tel. 888/885-7233; www.travelsafe.com) offers both types of coverage. Expedia also offers any-reason cancellation coverage for its air-hotel packages. For details, contact one of the following recommended insurers: Access America (tel. 866/807-3982; www.accessamerica.com), Travel Guard International (tel. 800/826-4919; www.travelguard.com), Travel Insured International (tel. 800/243-3174; www.travelinsured.com), and Travelex Insurance Services (tel. 888/457-4602; www.travelex-insurance.com).

Medical Insurance -- Although it's not required of travelers, health insurance is highly recommended. Most health insurance policies cover you if you get sick away from home -- but verify that you're covered before you depart, particularly if you're insured by an HMO.

If you're ever hospitalized more than 150 miles from home, MedjetAssist (tel. 800/527-7478; www.medjetassistance.com) will pick you up and fly you to the hospital of your choice in a medically equipped and staffed aircraft 24 hours day, 7 days a week. Annual memberships are $225 individual, $350 family; you can also purchase short-term memberships.

Lost-Luggage Insurance -- On flights within the U.S., checked baggage is covered up to $2,800 per ticketed passenger. If you plan to check items more valuable than what's covered by the standard liability, see if your homeowner's policy covers your valuables, and consider getting baggage insurance as part of your comprehensive travel-insurance package. (Some of the companies mentioned in the section "Trip-Cancellation Insurance" above also offer baggage insurance.)

If your luggage is lost, immediately file a lost-luggage claim at the airport, detailing the luggage contents. Most airlines require that you report delayed, damaged, or lost baggage within 4 hours of arrival. The airlines are required to deliver luggage, once found, directly to your house or destination free of charge.

Health

The United States doesn't present any unusual health hazards, provided travelers take reasonable precautions. Lyme Disease, carried by deer ticks, is a growing concern in the woodlands of the Northeast and mid-Atlantic, but you can minimize your risk by using insect repellent and by covering up when hiking in the deep woods. Should you get bitten by a tick or notice a bull's-eye-shaped rash after hiking or camping, consult a doctor immediately. Another insect-related illness that's become a nationwide issue is West Nile Virus, spread by mosquitoes. Again, use insect repellent and avoid swampy areas during the summer mosquito season, and you should encounter no problems. To keep from contracting rabies, avoid contact with wild animals, no matter how cute or friendly they appear. If you even think you may have been exposed, see a doctor at once.

In the Rocky Mountain states and the high elevations of the Southwest, one of the biggest health concerns is altitude sickness. Don't arrive in Denver planning to tackle the Rocky Mountains on the same day -- the only thing that will happen is that you'll end up short of breath, exhausted, or worse. The best way to avoid this is to ease your transition into high-altitude climates, drink lots of water, and get plenty of rest; if you have breathing difficulties, your doctor may be able to prescribe medication to ease any difficulties.

If you plan on visiting some of the country's sun-soaked spots, limit the time you spend in direct sunlight and bring sunscreen with a high protection factor (at least 25). Apply it liberally -- and often. This advice goes double if you're climbing at high altitudes, where the air is thinner and it's far easier to get a serious burn (even if the climate is actually cold). Skin cancer is one of the fastest-growing illnesses in the United States and it doesn't take much time in the sun to do serious damage. Remember that children need more protection than adults do.

The other natural hazards for outdoor enthusiasts include poison ivy (learn to recognize and avoid it) and hazardous wildlife (never approach a wild animal or feed it). To minimize risks, never hike alone, notify someone of your planned hiking route, always carry a first-aid kit, and check in with park rangers to get the lowdown on possible hazards in the area in which you're hiking. If you're hiking in forested areas during hunting season, be sure to wear brightly colored clothing.

If you plan to head into the great outdoors, keep in mind that injuries often occur when people fail to follow instructions. Believe the experts who tell you to stay on the established ski trails and hike only in designated areas. Follow the marine charts if you're piloting your own boat. If you're rafting, wear a life jacket. If you're biking or rock climbing, be sure to use appropriate safety gear. Mountain weather can be fickle at any time of the year, so carry rain gear and pack a few warm layers. Watch out for summer thunderstorms that can leave you drenched or send bolts of lightning your way. In the Southwest, a summer storm can easily cause a flash flood, so be cautious and keep your wits about you.

When camping, always inquire if campfires are allowed in the area in which you are traveling. Some of the country's worst forest fires in recent years were started by campers who didn't follow proper safety protocols.

Tap water is safe to drink throughout the country, though you can get bottled water pretty much everywhere if you prefer it. Water in the wild should always be treated or boiled before drinking it.

The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (tel. 800/311-3435; www.cdc.gov) provides up-to-date information on health hazards by region and offers tips on food safety.

If you suffer from a chronic illness, consult your doctor before your departure. For conditions like epilepsy, diabetes, or heart problems, wear a MedicAlert identification tag (tel. 888/633-4298; www.medicalert.org), which will immediately alert doctors to your condition and give them access to your records through MedicAlert's 24-hour hot line. If you have dental problems, a nationwide referral service known as 1-800-DENTIST (tel. 800/336-8478; www.1800dentist.com) can give you the name of a nearby dentist or clinic.

Pack prescription medications in your carry-on luggage, in their original containers, with pharmacy labels -- otherwise, they may not make it through airport security. Also bring along copies of your prescriptions in case you lose your pills or run out. Don't forget an extra pair of contact lenses or prescription glasses.

Safety

Although tourist areas are generally safe, U.S. urban areas have their fair share of crime. You should always stay alert; this is particularly true of large cities. If you're in doubt about which neighborhoods are safe, don't hesitate to inquire at the hotel's front desk or at the local tourist office.

Avoid deserted areas, especially at night, and don't go into public parks after dark unless there's a concert or similar occasion that will attract a crowd.

Avoid carrying valuables with you on the street, and keep expensive cameras or electronic equipment bagged up or covered when not in use. If you're using a map, try to consult it inconspicuously -- or better yet, study it before you leave your room. Hold on to your pocketbook, and place your billfold in an inside pocket. In theaters, restaurants, and other public places, keep your possessions in sight.

Always lock your room door -- don't assume that once you're inside the hotel you are automatically safe and no longer need to be aware of your surroundings. Hotels are open to the public, and in a large hotel, security may not be able to screen everyone who enters.

Driving Safety -- Driving safety is important, too, and carjacking is not unprecedented. Question your rental agency about personal safety, and ask for a traveler-safety brochure when you pick up your car. Obtain written directions -- or a map with the route clearly marked -- from the agency showing how to get to your destination. And, if possible, arrive and depart during daylight hours.

If you drive off a highway and end up in a dodgy-looking neighborhood, leave the area as quickly as possible. If you have an accident, even on the highway, stay in your car with the doors locked until you assess the situation or until the police arrive. If you're bumped from behind on the street or are involved in a minor accident with no injuries, and the situation appears to be suspicious, motion to the other driver to follow you. Never get out of your car in such situations. Go directly to the nearest police precinct, well-lit service station, or 24-hour store. Keep your cellphone with you, or if you find you don't have coverage with your own phone, consider buying a cheap pay-as-you-go phone, or rent one. One recommended wireless rental company is InTouch USA (tel. 800/872-7626; www.intouchusa.com).

Park in well-lit and well-traveled areas whenever possible. Keep your car doors locked, whether the vehicle is attended or unattended. Never leave any packages or valuables in sight. If someone attempts to rob you or steal your car, don't try to resist the thief/carjacker. Report the incident to the police department immediately by calling tel. 911.

Sustainable Travel & Ecotourism

Sustainable tourism is conscientious travel. It means being careful with the environments you explore and respecting the communities you visit. Two overlapping components of sustainable travel are eco-tourism and ethical tourism. The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) defines eco-tourism as responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people. TIES suggests that eco-tourists follow these principles:

• Minimize environmental impact.
• Build environmental and cultural awareness and respect.
• Provide positive experiences for both visitors and hosts.
• Provide direct financial benefits for conservation and for local people.
• Raise sensitivity to host countries' political, environmental, and social climates.
• Support international human rights and labor agreements.

You can find some eco-friendly travel tips and statistics, as well as touring companies and associations -- listed by destination under "Travel Choice" -- at the TIES website, www.ecotourism.org. Also check out Ecotravel.com, which lets you search for sustainable touring companies in several categories (water-based, land-based, spiritually oriented, and so on).

While much of the focus of eco-tourism is about reducing impacts on the natural environment, ethical tourism concentrates on ways to preserve and enhance local economies and communities, regardless of location. You can embrace ethical tourism by staying at a locally owned hotel or shopping at a store that employs local workers and sells locally produced goods.

Sustainable Travel International (www.sustainabletravelinternational.org) promotes ethical tourism practices and manages an extensive directory of sustainable properties and tour operators around the world.

Tips for Multicultural Travelers

Soul of America (www.soulofamerica.com) is a comprehensive website, with travel tips, event and family-reunion postings, and sections on historically black beach resorts and active vacations.

Agencies and organizations that provide resources for black travelers include Rodgers Travel (tel. 800/825-1775; www.rodgerstravel.com) and the African American Association of Innkeepers International (tel. 877/422-5777; www.africanamericaninns.com). For more information, check out the following collections and guides: Go Girl: The Black Woman's Guide to Travel & Adventure (Eighth Mountain Press; www.ugogurl.com), a compilation of travel essays by writers including Jill Nelson and Audre Lorde; and Pathfinders Magazine (tel. 877/977-PATH [977-7284]; www.pathfinderstravel.com), which includes articles on everything from Rio de Janeiro to Ghana, as well as information on upcoming ski, diving, golf, and tennis trips.

Entry Requirements & Customs

Passports

New regulations issued by the Department of Homeland Security now require virtually every air traveler entering the U.S. to show a passport. As of January 23, 2007, all persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda are required to present a valid passport. As of January 31, 2008, U.S. and Canadian citizens entering the U.S. at land and sea ports of entry from within the Western Hemisphere will need to present government-issued proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate, along with a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license. A passport is not required for U.S. or Canadian citizens entering by land or sea, but it is highly encouraged to carry one.

The websites listed provide downloadable passport applications as well as the current fees for processing applications. Note: Children are required to present a passport when entering the United States at airports.

For Residents of Australia -- You can pick up an application from your local post office or any branch of Passports Australia, but you must schedule an interview at the passport office to present your application materials. Call the Australian Passport Information Service at tel. 131-232, or visit the government website at www.passports.gov.au.

For Residents of Canada -- Passport applications are available at travel agencies throughout Canada or from the central Passport Office, Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Ottawa, ON K1A 0G3 (tel. 800/567-6868; www.ppt.gc.ca). Note: Canadian children who travel must have their own passport. However, if you hold a valid Canadian passport issued before December 11, 2001, that bears the name of your child, the passport remains valid for you and your child until it expires.

For Residents of Ireland -- You can apply for a 10-year passport at the Passport Office, Setanta Centre, Molesworth Street, Dublin 2 (tel. 01/671-1633; www.irlgov.ie/iveagh). Those under age 17 and those 66 and over apply for a 3-year passport. You can also apply at 1A South Mall, Cork (tel. 21/494-4700) or at most main post offices.

For Residents of New Zealand -- You can pick up a passport application at any New Zealand Passports Office or download it from their website. Contact the Passports Office at tel. 0800/225-050 in New Zealand or 04/474-8100, or log on to www.passports.govt.nz.

For Residents of the United Kingdom -- To pick up an application for a standard 10-year passport (5-year passport for children 15 and under, visit your nearest passport office, major post office, or travel agency, or contact the United Kingdom Passport Service at tel. 0870/521-0410 or search its website at www.ukpa.gov.uk.

Visas

The U.S. State Department has a Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allowing citizens of the following countries to enter the United States without a visa for stays of up to 90 days: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. (Note: This list was accurate at press time; for the most up-to-date list of countries in the VWP, consult www.travel.state.gov/visa.)

Even though a visa isn't necessary, in an effort to help U.S. officials check travelers against terror watch lists before they arrive at U.S. borders, as of January 12, 2009, visitors from VWP countries must register online before boarding a plane or a boat to the U.S. Travelers will complete an electronic application providing basic personal and travel eligibility information. The Department of Homeland Security recommends filling out the form at least 3 days before traveling. Authorizations will be valid for up to 2 years or until the traveler's passport expires, whichever comes first. Currently, there is no fee for the online application. Canadian citizens may enter the United States without visas; they will need to show passports (if traveling by air) and proof of residence, however. Note: Any passport issued on or after October 26, 2006, by a VWP country must be an e-Passport for VWP travelers to be eligible to enter the U.S. without a visa. Citizens of these nations also need to present a round-trip air or cruise ticket upon arrival. E-Passports contain computer chips capable of storing biometric information, such as the required digital photograph of the holder. (You can identify an e-Passport by the symbol on the bottom center cover of your passport.) If your passport doesn't have this feature, you can still travel without a visa if it is a valid passport issued before October 26, 2005, and includes a machine-readable zone, or between October 26, 2005, and October 25, 2006, and includes a digital photograph. For more information, go to www.travel.state.gov/visa.

Citizens of all other countries must have (1) a valid passport that expires at least 6 months later than the scheduled end of their visit to the U.S. and (2) a tourist visa. To obtain a visa, applicants must schedule an appointment with a U.S. consulate or embassy, fill out the application forms (available from www.travel.state.gov/visa), and pay a $131 fee. Wait times can be lengthy, so it's best to initiate the process as soon as possible.

As of January 2004, many international visitors traveling on visas to the United States will be photographed and fingerprinted on arrival at Customs in airports and on cruise ships in a program created by the Department of Homeland Security called US-VISIT. Exempt from the extra scrutiny are visitors entering by land or those (mostly in Europe) that don't require a visa for short-term visits. For more information, go to the Homeland Security website at www.dhs.gov/dhspublic.

Medical Requirements

If you have a medical condition that requires syringe-administered medications, carry a valid signed prescription from your physician -- the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) no longer allows airline passengers to pack syringes in their carry-on baggage without documented proof of medical need. If you have a disease that requires treatment with narcotics, you should also carry documented proof with you -- smuggling narcotics aboard a plane is a serious offense that carries severe penalties in the U.S.

Unless you're arriving from an area known to be suffering from an epidemic (particularly cholera or yellow fever), inoculations or vaccinations are not required for entry into the United States.

Health Insurance -- International visitors to the U.S. should note that, unlike many European countries, the United States does not usually offer free or low-cost medical care to its citizens or visitors. Doctors and hospitals are expensive and, in most cases, will require advance payment or proof of coverage before they render their services. Good policies will cover the costs of an accident, repatriation, or death. Packages such as Europ Assistance's "Worldwide Healthcare Plan" are sold by European automobile clubs and travel agencies at attractive rates. Worldwide Assistance Services, Inc. (tel. 800/777-8710; www.worldwideassistance.com), is the agent for Europ Assistance in the United States. Though lack of health insurance may prevent you from being admitted to a hospital in nonemergencies, don't worry about being left on a street corner to die: The American way is to fix you now and bill the daylights out of you later.

Canadians should check with their provincial health plan offices or call Health Canada (tel. 866/225-0709; www.hc-sc.gc.ca) to find out the extent of their coverage and what documentation and receipts they must take home in case they are treated in the United States.

Travelers from the U.K. should carry their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which replaced the E111 form as proof of entitlement to free or reduced-cost medical treatment abroad (tel. 0845 606 2030; www.ehic.org.uk). Note, however, that the EHIC covers only "necessary medical treatment," and for repatriation costs, lost money, baggage, or cancellation, travel insurance from a reputable company should always be sought (www.travelinsuranceweb.com).

Driver's Licenses

Foreign driver's licenses are mostly recognized in the U.S., although you may want to get an international driver's license if your home license is not written in English.

Customs

What You Can Bring into the U.S. -- Every visitor more than 21 years of age may bring in, free of duty, the following: (1) 1 liter of wine or hard liquor; (2) 200 cigarettes, 100 cigars (but not from Cuba), or 3 pounds of smoking tobacco; and (3) $100 worth of gifts. These exemptions are offered to travelers who spend at least 72 hours in the United States and who have not claimed them within the preceding 6 months. It is forbidden to bring into the country almost any meat products (including canned, fresh, and dried meat products such as bullion and soup mixes). Generally, condiments including vinegars, oils, spices, coffee, tea, and some cheeses and baked goods are permitted. Avoid rice products, as rice can often harbor insects. Bringing fruits and vegetables is not advised, though not prohibited. Customs will allow produce depending on where you got it and where you're going after you arrive in the U.S. Foreign tourists may carry in or out up to $10,000 in U.S. or foreign currency with no formalities; larger sums must be declared to U.S. Customs on entering or leaving, which includes filing form CM 4790. For details regarding U.S. Customs and Border Protection, consult your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate, or U.S. Customs (www.customs.ustreas.gov).

What You Can Take Home from the U.S. -- Canadian Citizens: For a clear summary of Canadian rules, write for the booklet I Declare, issued by the Canada Border Services Agency (tel. 800/461-9999 in Canada, or 204/983-3500; www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca).

U.K. Citizens: For information, contact HM Customs & Excise at tel. 0845/010-9000 (from outside the U.K., 020/8929-0152), or consult their website at www.hmce.gov.uk.

Australian Citizens: A helpful brochure available from Australian consulates or Customs offices is Know Before You Go. For more information, call the Australian Customs Service at tel. 1300/363-263, or log on to www.customs.gov.au.

New Zealand Citizens: Most questions are answered in a free pamphlet available at New Zealand consulates and Customs offices: New Zealand Customs Guide for Travellers, Notice no. 4. For more information, contact New Zealand Customs, The Customhouse, 17-21 Whitmore St., Box 2218, Wellington (tel. 04/473-6099 or 0800/428-786; www.customs.govt.nz).

Tips for Gay and Lesbian Travelers

The International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) (tel. 800/448-8550 or 954/776-2626; www.iglta.org) is the trade association for the gay and lesbian travel industry, and offers an online directory of gay- and lesbian-friendly travel businesses; go to their website and click on "Members."

Many agencies offer tours and travel itineraries specifically for gay and lesbian travelers. Among them are Above and Beyond Tours (tel. 800/397-2681; www.abovebeyondtours.com), Now, Voyager (tel. 800/255-6951; www.nowvoyager.com), and Olivia Cruises & Resorts (tel. 800/631-6277; www.olivia.com).

Gay.com Travel (tel. 800/929-2268 or 415/644-8044; www.gay.com/travel or www.outandabout.com) is an excellent online successor to the popular Out & About print magazine. It provides regularly updated information about gay-owned, gay-oriented, and gay-friendly lodging, dining, sightseeing, nightlife, and shopping establishments in every important destination worldwide.

The following travel guides are available at many bookstores, or you can order them from any online bookseller: Spartacus International Gay Guide (Bruno Gmünder Verlag; www.spartacusworld.com/gayguide) and the Damron guides (www.damron.com), with separate, annual books for gay men and lesbians.

Special-Interest Vacations

Here's a sampling of companies that offer escorted adventures and tours, and some suggestions on where to go to enjoy your favorite activities.

Adventure-Travel Companies

Scores of "soft" and "hard" adventure-travel companies have sprung up in recent years. Most travel agents have catalogs that list upcoming trips. More than 500 different tour operators are represented in the Specialty Travel Index Online at www.specialtytravel.com. Another good source of up-to-date information is monthly Outside magazine, available in print and frequently updated online at http://outsidemag.com.

Mountain Travel -- Sobek (tel. 888/687-6235 or 510/594-6000; www.mtsobek.com) is perhaps the granddaddy of adventure-travel companies, guiding its own trips and acting as an agent for other outfitters. It began with river rafting, which is still its strong suit. Backroads (tel. 800/462-2848 or 510/527-1555; www.backroads.com) originally sold bicycle tours but now has walking, hiking, cross-country skiing, trail running, and other trips. It's especially noteworthy for having options catering to adults traveling solo. Bicycle Adventures (tel. 800/443-6060 or 360/786-0989; www.bicycleadventures.com) offers biking, hiking, and cross-country skiing, as well as other multisport options in the West Coast states, the Rocky Mountain states, and Hawaii. Tours are tailored to ability levels; some are designed for families, others for solo travelers. The venerable Sierra Club (tel. 415/977-5522; www.sierraclub.com) also offers a number of trips each year.

These and other operators plan their adventures at least a year ahead of time, so call or e-mail them for schedules and catalogs as far in advance as possible.

Tips on Accommodations

The United States has a wide range of accommodations, from roadside chain motels, to park lodges, to rental condos, to mammoth themed resorts, to historic inns (where George Washington really did sleep!). And there are many excellent public and private campgrounds all over the country.

Most state tourism offices put out directories or other information on available accommodations -- contact them and they'll be happy to send you the information. Much of the information is also available on the states' tourism websites.

If you prefer the intimacy and character of a bed-and-breakfast, there are several reservation agencies and online websites that deal solely with B&Bs. A few of these B&B-only websites include Inntravels.com, Bed & Breakfast Inns Online (www.bbonline.com), North American Bed & Breakfast Directory (www.bbdirectory.com), and BedandBreakfast.com.

For historic lodging in the United States, look no further than the Historic Hotels of America (tel. 800/678-8946; www.historichotels.org), operated in conjunction with the National Trust for Historic Preservation. We've noted several hotels rich in American history throughout the guide.

For information on campgrounds and RV parks in the United States, pick up the comprehensive Frommer's RV & Tent Campgrounds in the U.S.A. You can also contact the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (www.gocampingamerica.com) or KOA (tel. 406/248-7444; www.koa.com), which operates numerous campgrounds and RV parks all over the country.

How About House-Swapping? -- House-swapping is becoming a more popular and viable means of travel; you stay in their place, they stay in yours, and you both get an authentic and personal view of the area, the opposite of the escapist retreat that many hotels offer. Try HomeLink International (Homelink.org), the largest and oldest home-swapping organization, founded in 1952, with over 11,000 listings worldwide ($75 for a yearly membership). HomeExchange.org ($49.95 for 6,000 listings) and InterVac.com ($68.88 for over 10,000 listings) are also reliable. Many travelers find great housing swaps on Craigslist (www.craigslist.org), too, though the offerings cannot be vetted or vouched for. Swap at your own risk.

Tips for Families

Recommended family travel websites include Family Travel Forum (www.familytravelforum.com), a comprehensive site that offers customized trip planning; Family Travel Network (www.familytravelnetwork.com), an award-winning site that offers travel features, deals, and tips; Traveling Internationally with Your Kids (www.travelwithyourkids.com), a comprehensive site offering sound advice for long-distance and international travel with children; and Family Travel Files (www.thefamilytravelfiles.com), which offers an online magazine and a directory of off-the-beaten-path tours and tour operators for families.

Frommer's and the Unofficial Guides both publish a "With Kids" series that features some of the major tourist destinations in the United States.

Tips for Senior Travelers

Mention the fact that you're a senior when you make your travel reservations. Many hotels offer discounts for seniors. In most cities, people over the age of 60 qualify for reduced admission to theaters, museums, and other attractions, as well as discounted fares on public transportation.

Members of AARP (formerly known as the American Association of Retired Persons), 601 E St. NW, Washington, DC 20049 (tel. 888/687-2277; www.aarp.org), get discounts on hotels, airfares, and car rentals. AARP offers members a wide range of benefits, including AARP The Magazine and a monthly newsletter. Anyone can join at the age of 50.

The U.S. National Park Service offers an America the Beautiful -- National Park and Federal Recreational Lands Pass -- Senior Pass (formerly the Golden Age Passport), which gives seniors 62 years or older lifetime entrance to all properties administered by the National Park Service -- national parks, monuments, historic sites, recreation areas, and national wildlife refuges -- for a one-time processing fee of $10. The pass must be purchased in person at any NPS facility that charges an entrance fee. Besides free entry, the American the Beautiful Senior Pass offers a 50% discount on some federal-use fees charged for such facilities as camping, swimming, parking, boat launching, and tours. For more information, go to www.nps.gov/fees_passes.htm or call the United States Geological Survey (USGS), which issues the passes, at tel. 888/275-8747.

Staying Connected

Cellphones

If you're not from the U.S., you'll be appalled at the poor reach of the GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) wireless network, which is used by much of the rest of the world. Your phone will probably work in most major U.S. cities; it definitely won't work in many rural areas. To see where GSM phones work in the U.S., check out www.t-mobile.com/coverage. And you may or may not be able to send SMS (text messaging) home.

If you need to stay in touch at a destination where you know your phone won't work, rent a phone that does from InTouch USA (tel. 800/872-7626; www.intouchglobal.com) or a rental car location, but beware that you'll pay $1 a minute or more for airtime. Also consider buying a cheap pay-as-you-go phone in the city/region where you are staying.

If you're venturing deep into national parks, you may want to consider renting a satellite phone ("satphone"). It's different from a cellphone, in that it connects to satellites rather than ground-based towers. Unfortunately, you'll pay at least $2 per minute to use the phone, and it works only where you can see the horizon (that is, usually not indoors). In North America, you can rent Iridium satellite phones from RoadPost (www.roadpost.com; tel. 888/290-1606 or 905/272-5665). InTouch USA offers a wider range of satphones but at higher rates.

Voice-Over Internet Protocol (VOIP)

If you have Web access while traveling, consider a broadband-based telephone service (in technical terms, Voice-over Internet protocol, or VoIP) such as Skype (www.skype.com) or Vonage (www.vonage.com), which allow you to make free international calls from your laptop or in a cybercafe. Neither service requires the people you're calling to also have that service (though there are fees if they do not). Check the websites for details.

Internet & E-Mail

With Your Own Computer -- To find public Wi-Fi hotspots at your destination, go to www.jiwire.com; its Hotspot Finder holds the world's largest directory of public wireless hotspots.

Aside from cybercafes, most public libraries in the United States offer Internet access free or for a small charge.

Most business-class hotels in the U.S. offer Wi-Fi or broadband Internet access (but check to see what the daily rate is).

Without Your Own Computer -- Most major airports have Internet kiosks that provide basic Web access for a per-minute fee that's usually higher than cybercafe prices. Check out copy shops like Kinko's (FedEx Kinkos), which offers computer stations with fully loaded software (as well as Wi-Fi).

You'll also find cybercafes in most big cities and around university campuses; many hotels offer Internet access (sometimes for a fee) at terminals in their lobbies or business centers.

Online Traveler's Toolbox -- Veteran travelers usually carry some essential items to make their trips easier. Following is a selection of handy online tools to bookmark and use.

• Airplane Food (www.airlinemeals.net)
• Airplane Seating (www.seatguru.com and www.airlinequality.com)
• Foreign Languages for Travelers (www.travlang.com)
• Maps (www.mapquest.com)
• Subway Navigator (www.subwaynavigator.com)
• Time and Date (www.timeanddate.com)
• Travel Warnings (http://travel.state.gov, www.fco.gov.uk/travel, www.voyage.gc.ca, www.smartraveller.gov.au)
• Universal Currency Converter (www.oanda.com)
• Weather (www.intellicast.com and www.weather.com)

Getting Around

By Plane

For long-distance trips, the most efficient way to get around the United States is by plane, even in these days of increased security and poor airline service.

By Car

Unless you plan to spend the bulk of your vacation in a city where walking is the best way to get around (read: New York City or New Orleans), the most cost-effective way to travel is by car. Even with skyrocketing gas prices in 2008, U.S. residents still pay less per gallon of gas than most of the rest of the world.

The interstate highway system connects cities and towns all over the country; in addition to these high-speed, limited-access roadways, there's an extensive network of federal, state, and local highways and roads.

If you plan on driving your own car over a long distance, then automobile-association membership is recommended. AAA, the American Automobile Association (tel. 800/222-4357; www.aaa.com), is the country's largest auto club and supplies its members with maps, insurance, and, most important, emergency road service. The cost of joining is $58 for a single member ($48, plus a $10 enrollment fee).

If you're visiting from abroad and plan to rent a car in the United States, keep in mind that foreign driver's licenses are usually recognized in the U.S., but you should get an international one if your home license is not in English.

Check out Breezenet.com, which offers domestic car-rental discounts with some of the most competitive rates around. Also worth visiting are Orbitz, Hotwire.com, Travelocity.com, and Priceline, all of which offer competitive online car-rental rates.

These national companies have offices at most airports and in many cities. You must have a valid credit card to rent a vehicle. Most also require a minimum age, ranging from 19 to 25 (some companies that will rent to the under-25 crowd will nevertheless assess underage driving fees of up to $25 per day extra), and some also set maximum ages. Others deny cars to anyone with a bad driving record. Ask about rental requirements and restrictions when you book, to avoid problems later.

Car-rental rates vary even more than airfares. The price you pay depends on the size of the car, where and when you pick it up and drop it off, the length of the rental period, where and how far you drive it, whether you purchase insurance, and a host of other factors. A few key questions could save you hundreds of dollars; you should comparison-shop and be persistent because reservations agents don't often volunteer money-saving strategies.

• Is a weekly rate cheaper than the daily rate? If you need to keep the car for 4 days, it may be cheaper to keep it for 5, even if you don't need it that long.
• Does the agency assess a drop-off charge if you do not return the car to the same location where you picked it up? Is it cheaper to pick up the car at the airport instead of a downtown location?
• How much tax will be added to the rental bill? Local tax? State use tax? Some states' rental-car taxes can top 25% of the base rate, so be sure you know exactly how much you'll be paying in total before making a decision. Recently, many online booking sites have begun posting the total rental price of a car instead of just the base rates.
• What is the cost of adding an additional driver's name to the contract?

Before you drive off in a rental car, be sure you're insured. Hasty assumptions about your personal auto insurance or a rental agency's additional coverage could end up costing you tens of thousands of dollars -- even if you're involved in an accident that was clearly the fault of another driver.

If you already hold a private auto insurance policy, you are most likely covered for loss of or damage to a rental car, and liability in case of injury to any other party involved in an accident. Be sure to ask whether your policy extends to all persons who will be driving the rental car, how much liability is covered in case an outside party is injured in an accident, and whether the type of vehicle you are renting is included under your contract.

The basic insurance coverage offered by most car-rental companies, known as the Loss/Damage Waiver (LDW) or Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), can cost as much as $20 per day. It usually covers the full value of the vehicle with no deductible if an outside party causes an accident or other damage to the rental car. In many states, you will probably be covered in case of theft as well (ask before making any assumptions). Liability coverage varies according to the company policy and state law, but the minimum is usually at least $15,000. If you are at fault in an accident, however, you will be covered for the full replacement value of the car but not for liability. Some states allow you to buy additional liability coverage for such cases. Most rental companies require a police report to process any claims you file, but your private insurer is not notified of the accident.

Most major credit cards offer some degree of coverage as well -- if they were used to pay for the rental. Terms vary widely, so be sure to call your credit card company directly before you rent.

If you're uninsured, your credit card provides primary coverage as long as you decline the rental agency's insurance. That means the credit card will cover damage or theft of a rental car for the full cost of the vehicle. (In a few states, however, theft is not covered; ask specifically about state law where you will be renting and driving.) If you already have insurance, your credit card will provide secondary coverage -- which basically covers your deductible.

Credit cards will not cover liability, the cost of injury to an outside party, and/or damage to an outside party's vehicle. If you do not hold an insurance policy, you may seriously want to consider purchasing additional liability insurance from your rental company, even if you decline collision coverage. Be sure to check the terms, however: Some rental agencies cover liability only if the renter is not at fault; even then, the rental company's obligation varies from state to state.

Other Transportation Options -- Traveling the U.S. in a recreational vehicle (RV) is an increasingly popular way of seeing the country. One good RV-rental agency with locations all over the country is Cruise America (www.cruiseamerica.com). It would take dozens of pages to thoroughly discuss the ins and outs of RV travel, so if you're thinking of hitting the road this way, check out Frommer's Exploring America by RV and RV Vacations For Dummies.

If you're more of the Easy Rider sort and have dreams of cruising the country on a motorcycle, know that you'll need a special motorcycle license and that almost every state also requires that riders wear a helmet. The best outfit for renting a bike nationwide is EagleRider (tel. 888/900-9901; www.eaglerider.com).

By Train

Long-distance trains in the United States are operated by Amtrak (tel. 800/USA-RAIL [872-7245]; www.amtrak.com), the national rail passenger corporation. Be aware, however, that with a few notable exceptions (for instance, the Northeast Corridor line btw. Boston and Washington, D.C.), intercity service is not particularly fabulous. An (expensive) exception is the high-speed Acela Express train that runs from Boston to Washington. Delays are common; routes are limited and often infrequently served. That said, if time isn't an issue, train travel can be a relaxing and scenic method of traveling. If you choose to travel by train, do it for the experience, not for the convenience.

Amtrak offers a USA Rail Pass, available for travel within three different regions, or the entire United States. Depending on the region, they offer 15-day and 30-day passes for unlimited travel. Travel must begin within 180 days of the date the pass is issued. They also offer a California and a Florida Rail Pass, and various regional tour packages.

You can also ride the "Auto Train," which is just what it sounds like: You drive your own car onboard a train in Sanford, Virginia, spend the trip in a standard train car, then drive off in Central Florida.

Amtrak also offers rail/fly packages that allow travelers to fly to their destination in one direction and to take the train in another.

By Bus

Bus travel is often the most economical form of public transit for short hops between U.S. cities, but it can also be slow and uncomfortable -- certainly not an option for everyone (particularly when Amtrak, which is far more luxurious, offers similar rates). Greyhound/Trailways (tel. 800/231-2222; www.greyhound.com), the sole nationwide bus line, offers several pass and discount options geared to domestic travelers. Their Discovery Pass (www.discoverypass.com) covers travel on all Greyhound routes in the U.S. and some in Canada.

Visitor Information

Alabama Bureau of Tourism & Travel

P.O. Box 4927

Montgomery, AL 36103-4927

tel. 800/ALABAMA (252-2262)

tel. 334/242-4169

www.alabama.travel

Alaska Travel Industry Association

2600 Cordova St., Ste. 201

Anchorage, AK 99503

tel. 800/862-5275

www.travelalaska.com

Arizona Office of Tourism

1110 W. Washington St., Ste. 155

Phoenix, AZ 85007

tel. 866/275-5816

www.arizonaguide.com

Arkansas Department of Parks & Tourism

1 Capitol Mall

Little Rock, AR 72201

tel. 800/NATURAL (628-8725)

tel. 501/682-7777

www.arkansas.com

California Travel and Tourism Commission

P.O. Box 1499

Sacramento, CA 95812-1499

tel. 800/GO-CALIF (462-2543)

tel. 916/444-4429

www.visitcalifornia.com

Colorado Tourism Office

1625 Broadway, Ste. 2700

Denver, CO 80202

tel. 800/COLORADO (265-6723)

www.colorado.com

Connecticut Commission on Culture & Tourism

1 Financial Plaza

755 Main St.

Hartford, CT 06103

tel. 888/CT-VISIT (288-4748)

tel. 860/270-8080

www.ctvisit.com

Delaware Tourism Office

99 King's Hwy.

Dover, DE 19901

tel. 866/284-7483

tel. 302/739-4271

www.visitdelaware.com

Washington, DC Convention & Tourism Corporation

901 7th St. NW, 4th Floor

Washington, DC 20001

tel. 800/422-8644

www.washington.org

Visit Florida

661 E. Jefferson St., Ste. 300

Tallahassee, FL 32301

tel. 888/7-FLA-USA (735-2872)

tel. 850/488-5607

www.visitflorida.com

Georgia Department of Economic Development

75 5th St. NW, Ste. 1200

Atlanta, GA 30308

tel. 800/VISIT-GA (847-4842)

tel. 404/962-4000

www.exploregeorgia.org

Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau

2270 Kalakaua Ave., Ste. 801

Honolulu, HI 96815

tel. 800/464-2924

www.gohawaii.com

Idaho Department of Commerce

700 W. State St.

Boise, ID 83720

tel. 800/842-5858

tel. 208/334-2470

www.visitid.org

Illinois Bureau of Tourism

100 W. Randolph, Ste. 3-400

Chicago, IL 60601

tel. 800/2-CONNECT (226-6632)

tel. 312/814-4732

www.enjoyillinois.com

Indiana Department of Commerce/Tourism

1 N. Capitol Ave., Ste. 100

Indianapolis, IN 46204

tel. 800/677-9800

www.in.gov/visitindiana

Iowa Division of Tourism

200 E. Grand Ave.

Des Moines, IA 50309

tel. 888/472-6035

tel. 515/242-4705

www.traveliowa.com

Kansas Travel & Tourism Division

Department of Commerce and Housing

1000 SW Jackson St., Ste. 100

Topeka, KS 66612

tel. 800/2-KANSAS (252-6727)

tel. 785/296-2009

www.travelks.com

Kentucky Department of Tourism

Capital Plaza Tower, 22nd Floor

500 Metro St.

Frankfort, KY 40601

tel. 800/225-8747

tel. 502/564-4930

www.kentuckytourism.com

Louisiana Office of Tourism

P.O. Box 94291

Baton Rouge, LA 70804

tel. 800/677-4082

tel. 225/342-8100

www.louisianatravel.com

Maine Office of Tourism

59 State House Station

Augusta, ME 04333

tel. 888/624-6345

www.visitmaine.com

Maryland Office of Tourism Development

217 E. Redwood St., 9th Floor

Baltimore, MD 21202

tel. 866/639-3526

www.mdisfun.org

Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism

10 Park Plaza, Ste. 4510

Boston, MA 02116

tel. 800/227-MASS (227-6277)

www.massvacation.com

Travel Michigan

300 N. Washington Sq., 2nd Floor

Lansing, MI 48913

tel. 888/784-7328

www.michigan.org

Explore Minnesota Tourism

100 Metro Sq., 121 7th Place E.

St. Paul, MN 55101

tel. 888/TOURISM (868-7476)

tel. 651/296-5029

www.exploreminnesota.com

Mississippi Division of Tourism Development

P.O. Box 849

Jackson, MS 39205

tel. 866/733-6477

tel. 601/359-3297

www.visitmississippi.org

Missouri Division of Tourism

Box 1055

Jefferson City, MO 65102

tel. 800/519-2100

tel. 573/751-4133

www.visitmo.co

Travel Montana

301 South Park

P.O. Box 200533

Helena, MT 59620

tel. 800/VISIT-MT (847-4868)

tel. 406/841-2870

http://visitmt.com

Nebraska Division of Tourism & Travel

P.O. Box 98907

Lincoln, NE 68509-8907

tel. 877/NEBRASKA (632-7275)

www.visitnebraska.org

Nevada Commission on Tourism

401 N. Carson St.

Carson City, NV 89701

tel. 800/NEVADA-8 (638-2328)

www.travelnevada.com

New Hampshire Office of Travel & Tourism

172 Pembroke Rd.

P.O. Box 1856

Concord, NH 03302-1856

tel. 800/386-4664

tel. 603/271-2665

www.visitnh.gov

New Jersey Division of Travel & Tourism

P.O. Box 820

Trenton, NJ 08625-0820

tel. 800/VISIT-NJ (847-4865)

tel. 609/777-0885

www.visitnj.org

New Mexico Department of Tourism

491 Old Santa Fe Trail

Santa Fe, NM 87501

tel. 800/733-6396

tel. 505/827-7400

www.newmexico.org

New York State Division of Tourism

30 S Pearl St.

Main Concourse, Room 110

Albany, NY 12246

tel. 800/CALL-NYS (225-5697)

tel. 518/474-4116

www.iloveny.com

North Carolina Division of Travel & Tourism

301 N. Wilmington St.

Raleigh, NC 27699-4301

tel. 800/VISIT-NC (847-4862)

www.visitnc.com

North Dakota Tourism Division

Century Center

1600 E. Century Ave., Ste. 2

P.O. Box 2057

Bismarck, ND 58502-2057

tel. 800/HELLO-ND (435-5663)

www.ndtourism.com

Ohio Division of Travel & Tourism

P.O. Box 1001

Columbus, OH 43216-1001

tel. 800/BUCKEYE (282-5393)

www.discoverohio.com

Oklahoma Travel & Tourism Division

P.O. Box 52002

Oklahoma City, OK 73152

tel. 800/652-6552

tel. 405/230-8400

www.travelok.com

Oregon Tourism Commission

670 Hawthorne SE, Ste. 240

Salem, OR 97301

tel. 800/378-8850

tel. 503/378-8850

www.traveloregon.com

Pennsylvania Tourism Marketing Office

400 North St., 4th Floor

Harrisburg, PA 17120-0225

tel. 800/VISIT-PA (847-4872)

tel. 717/787-5453

www.visitpa.com

Rhode Island Tourism Division

1 W. Exchange St.

Providence, RI 02903

tel. 800/556-2484

tel. 401/222-2601

www.visitrhodeisland.com

South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism

1205 Pendleton St.

Columbia, SC 29201

tel. 866/224-9339

tel. 803/734-1700

www.discoversouthcarolina.com

South Dakota Department of Tourism

711 E. Wells Ave.

Pierre, SD 57501-5070

tel. 800/S-DAKOTA (732-5682)

tel. 605/773-3301

www.travelsd.com

Tennessee Department of Tourism Development

Wm. Snodgrass/Tennessee Tower

312 8th Ave. N., 25th Floor

Nashville, TN 37243

tel. 800/GO-2-TENN (462-8366)

tel. 615/741-2159

www.tnvacation.com

Texas Department of Commerce, Tourist Division

P.O. Box 12428

Austin, TX 78711

tel. 800/888-8TEX (888-8839)

www.traveltex.com

Utah Travel Council

P.O. Box 147420

Salt Lake City, UT 84114-7420

tel. 800/200-1160

tel. 801/538-1030

www.utah.com

Vermont Department of Tourism

National Life Building, 6th Floor, Drawer 20

Montpelier, VT 05620-0501

tel. 800/VERMONT (837-6668)

tel. 802/828-3237

www.vermontvacation.com

Virginia Tourism Corporation

901 E. Byrd St.

Richmond, VA 23219

tel. 800/VISIT-VA (847-4882)

tel. 804/545-5500

www.virginia.org

Washington State Tourism

128 10th Ave. SW

Olympia, WA 98504

tel. 800/544-1800

tel. 360/753-4470

www.experiencewashington.com

West Virginia Division of Tourism

90 MacCorkle Ave. SW

South Charleston, WV 25303

tel. 800/CALL-WVA (225-5982)

tel. 304/558-2200

www.callwva.com

Wisconsin Division of Tourism

201 W. Washington Ave.

P.O. Box 8690

Madison, WI 53708

tel. 800/432-TRIP (432-8747) outside Wisconsin

tel. 608/266-2161

www.travelwisconsin.com

Wyoming Tourism

I-25 at College Dr., Dept. WY

Cheyenne, WY 82002

tel. 800/225-5996

tel. 307/777-7777

www.wyomingtourism.org