America

In America, there are several important holidays and celebrations. Below is an overview of some significant days:

• New Year's Day (January 1)
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day (third Monday in January)
• Presidents' Day (third Monday in February)
• Memorial Day (last Monday in May)
• Independence Day (July 4)
• Labor Day (first Monday in September)
• Patriot Day (September 11)
• Columbus Day (second Monday in October)
• Halloween (October 31)
• Veterans Day (November 11)
• Thanksgiving (fourth Thursday in November)
• Christmas (December 25)

No vaccinations are required for travel to America. For travelers with health issues or planning extended trips, specialized advice is important.

Always ensure you are well protected before traveling. The sun is much stronger in the summer months than in the Netherlands. Therefore, always protect yourself against the sun with a hat, sunglasses, and a good sunscreen. Bring enough water at all times when venturing into nature and when you may not have access to drinking water for a long period. A good insect repellent or cream with DEET is also recommended.

During a walk in the woods, there is a chance of insect bites or catching a tick. Wear long pants and sleeves. Raccoons, bats, and other mammals in America can carry rabies. If bitten, seek medical help as soon as possible.

Healthcare in America is well organized and comparable to that in the Netherlands.

The states of America are divided into different time zones from east to west: 

Eastern: 6 hours earlier (New York, Washington, Miami)

Pacific: 9 hours earlier (San Francisco, Las Vegas, Los Angeles)

Hawaii: 11 hours earlier than in the Netherlands

In America, daylight saving time also applies (except in Hawaii). It begins on the first Sunday of April (clocks forward 1 hour) and ends on the last Sunday of October (clocks back 1 hour).

When traveling to America, please keep in mind that the currency is the US Dollar, which is roughly equivalent to the Euro.

In most places, you can pay with a credit card. If you wish to use your debit card outside Europe, be aware that most Dutch banks have set the cards to be used primarily within Europe for safety reasons. However, you can choose to extend the usage to 'world' so that your debit card is also functional outside Europe. Always make sure to carry enough cash for unforeseen circumstances.

In America, the climate varies greatly, making the best travel time highly dependent on what you plan to visit. Most of the country has a continental climate. California has a Mediterranean climate, except for San Francisco, where a maritime climate prevails. Also, New York and Washington have a maritime climate. When traveling to Miami, please keep in mind that it has a tropical climate, as do the Hawaiian Islands.

Best travel times by region

• West; April – June and September – October.
• Southeast (Florida); November and April.
• Northeast (New York); the summer months of May - June and September - October.
• Hawaii; traditionally, the most rain falls in November - January. The peak season for Hawaii is May - October.

Also, keep in mind that from June to November, there is a hurricane season. On average, 1 to 2 hurricanes affect the east coast and Florida.

Travelers to America need a Dutch passport/Belgian International Travel Document that remains valid for the entire duration of their stay. The passport must not expire during your trip.

If you are staying in America for less than 90 days, you generally do not need a visa. However, you must possess a valid ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) if you do not have an American or Canadian passport. You also need to apply for an ESTA if you are only transiting through America. You can apply for the ESTA via the official website or the app of the U.S. government. The ESTA must be completed at least 72 hours before departure. Please note that expedited requests are not possible. An ESTA must also be applied for separately for children.