Whether you’re visiting the U.S. to explore its national parks, famous cities and beautiful beaches or crossing the border for the famous Black Friday sales in November, there is plenty of adventure to be found in the United States. No matter what you hope to find on your vacation, Travel Guard can help you plan.

We recommend that you visit the U.S. travel advice page on the Government of Canada website prior to booking your trip. It is not a requirement to have travel insurance to visit the United States; however, travel insurance is highly recommended as your provincial health care plan may not include coverage when travelling internationally. Having a travel insurance plan with medical coverage (in addition to other helpful coverage) is always beneficial.

Every destination is unique, which is why our All-Inclusive Package is a great option as it provides coverage for trip cancellation and trip interruption. This package also includes emergency medical insurance, baggage insurance and 24/7 emergency travel assistance. Be sure to review the policy wording for a full list of the terms and conditions of coverage including the covered risks and benefits of the All-Inclusive Packages. Please note, some packages are only available online while others are exclusive to our service centre.

Typically, a Travel Guard travel insurance plan costs between 5-7% of the total price of your trip. Several factors can come into play when pricing your plan, such as the packages you select and the number of travellers in your party. For more details on pricing, check out our article on how much travel insurance costs. 

Overall, the U.S. is a safe country to visit. However, risks differ significantly from location to location. In major cities, both petty and violent crime incidents tend to increase, especially after dark and in less affluent areas. In general, travellers should take normal safety precautions such as staying aware of their surroundings, keeping valuables in a secure location, not leaving belongings unattended or in parked vehicles and avoiding travelling alone after dark.

Gun violence is an issue in the U.S., but while high-profile mass shootings garner significant media attention, these incidents make up only a small percentage of homicides as shooting incidents are more likely to be of an interpersonal nature. For peace of mind, get to know the basics of responding to a security event. Our travel insurance plans provide features and services such as Worldwide Travel Assistance. Some plans may include Personal Security Assistance which includes 24/7 access to security and safety advisories, global risk analysis and consultation specialist. Contact us for more information.

Depending on where and when you travel, protests can also be a concern in the U.S. Keep track of local news developments and avoid any areas where demonstrations are taking place.

Different regions of the U.S. face various natural disasters and severe weather risks. Make sure you research the specific concerns in your destination in relation to the time of year you are travelling.

Finally, medical care in the U.S. can be very expensive without insurance coverage. Be sure to carefully research travel insurance policies to ensure appropriate coverage for your needs and in your destination.

Visit the Government of Canada website for up-to-date information on travel advisory levels and safety information for travellers to U.S.

All Canadian travellers should enroll in the Registration of Canadians Abroad program, a free service offered to Canadian citizens travelling and living abroad. Enrolling in this program allows you to receive important information from the Government of Canada and helps them contact you in an emergency. 

The official currency in the United States is the U.S. Dollar. You will be able to exchange currency at the airport before or after your departure, at banks in major cities or ATMs. Credit and debit cards are largely accepted as well but remember to contact your bank before your travels to avoid unwanted interruptions.

While the U.S. does not have an official language, but American English is the most commonly spoken language throughout the country.

Canadian citizens can stay in the U.S. for up to six months without a visa. Travellers must provide proof of Canadian citizenship and a valid passport. For a full list of acceptable documents, visit the Government of Canada website.

The Canadian Embassy in the U.S. is in Washington, D.C. Visit the official Government of Canada website for a list of up-to-date phone numbers and addresses.

The U.S. is a vast country with a continental climate, meaning it experiences all four seasons in most regions. If looking for tropical weather, consider visiting a state such as Florida, which is known for year-round pleasant temperatures. Winter temperatures are more extreme in mountainous areas while summer can bring heatwaves across the country. The Atlantic hurricane season, from June 1 through November 30, can affect weather in some states. And, while tornados can occur any time of year, the peak tornado season is between the months of April and June.

The best time of year to visit the U.S. will depend on the events you hope to attend. Autumn is a popular time to visit New England, specifically Vermont and New Hampshire, to get amazing views of the changing leaves. Winter is a great time of year to experience the holidays in New York city with showings of the popular Christmas Spectacular with the Rockettes. Visiting New Orleans in February gives travellers the chance to experience the lively event of Mardi Gras.

However, if you’d prefer warmer weather, consider visiting in the summertime, particularly in California where tourists can experience one of the most popular pride events in the country at San Francisco Pride in June or in July for Comic-Con International to embrace comic and science-fiction culture.

The dial code in the U.S. is +1. Calling a landline is typically less expensive than connecting with a cell phone. Be sure you don’t run into any unexpected fees by checking with your cell phone provider about international calling before your departure.

The U.S. uses the same voltage type as Canada, meaning you will be able to charge and use your electronics as normal.

There is no direct train from Canada to the U.S., however; it is possible to take several connecting trains from Toronto to Penn Station in New York. The trip includes transfers and can take around 13 hours to arrive. For this reason, most Canadians choose to fly or drive into the country.

Yes, travel to the U.S. with your dog is permitted if they meet the country’s requirements, such as having up-to-date vaccinations. Visit the Government of Canada website for more information.

The U.S. has a variety of activities for families of all ages, like the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, visiting the museums of New York City or exploring one of many national parks in the country.

Depending on where you’re choosing to visit, you may need a rental car to get around. Be sure to bring a valid license and book ahead of time to ensure you have a vehicle reserved for you.