Honolulu. The name alone is enough to conjure up images of white sands, lei garlands and days spent doing little more than wandering from swimming pool to cocktail bar and back again. The reality isn’t always too far removed from the cliché, particularly in the ever-popular beach neighbourhood of Waikiki, but the city itself is the economic centre of the archipelago, as well as its capital, so there are plenty of museums and smart hotels to complement the sun loungers and music joints.

Have you ever traveled abroad to push past your limits? Lufthansa co-pilot Lars Heurich hits Hawaii for his toughest challenge yet: running, swimming and cycling 514 km in 36 hours to raise 50,000 Euros for charity. Here’s one trip he’ll never forget.

Climate & best time to visit the USA

The United States has varied weather conditions, and the best time to visit depends both upon the location and the season. Spring (March, April, May) and autumn (September and October) are generally cooler, more comfortable times to visit. Summer months – June, July, and August – are generally hot regardless of the region, but winter temperatures (November-February) can vary substantially depending upon the part of the US you are visiting. The southern part of the country tends to be warmer in the winter than the north. The general climate of the continental US is temperate, but keep in mind that Hawaii is tropical and Alaska is arctic. Many of the country’s dependent territories, such as Guam, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands, are also tropical.

Telephone/Mobile Telephone

Dialing Code: +1

Telephone

Public telephones have become a rarity, but can still be found here and there. They take coins, telephone cards and credit cards. If you are planning to make regular use of public phones, it’s best to purchase a prepaid calling card from one of the many U.S. providers.

Mobile Telephone

Not all European cell phones work on the American network, since it requires a tri-band or quad-band device. Full network coverage is not always assured outside densely populated areas. Roaming charges are high here, so it is often cheaper to buy a SIM card from a U.S. provider. Low-cost prepaid SIM cards for making calls inside the country can be ordered online before you travel.

Key Areas

If you’re in search of high-end designer goods, Waikiki’s Luxury Row has an eye-popping range of premium outlets, from Chanel and Gucci to Bottega Veneta and Tiffany & Co. Close to Waikiki, meanwhile, the neighbourhood of Kapahulu has a number of smaller unique shops.

Markets

The Mahiku Farmers’ Market takes place several times weekly at different spots around the city – it’s a great place to try seasonal produce from the islands. You’ll also find plenty to tease your tastebuds at the daily Yama’s Fish Market (2332 Young Street), which despite its name sells everything from kalua pig to cookies.

Social Conventions

Americans are renowned for their openness and friendliness to visitors. The wide variety of national origins and the USA’s relatively short history has resulted in numerous cultural and traditional customs living alongside each other. In large cities, people of the same ethnic background often live within defined communities.

Shaking hands is the usual form of greeting in formal situations and in business meetings. As long as the fundamental rules of courtesy are observed, there need be no fear of offending anyone of any background.

Main emergency number: 911

Food & Drink

Food in the US is safe to eat, and the conditions under which food is prepared and served are regulated by city, state, and federal health and hygiene agencies. In many jurisdictions, it is mandatory for restaurants to have a certificate of health or hygiene, as well as the current grade they have been assigned, posted visibly.

Although America is famous for its fast food and obesity rates, the local and fresh food movement is very popular in many areas, especially cities, making it easy to eat healthy. A variety of options also makes it easy for people with special dietary needs to find food that suits them, whether their needs are due to health reasons or to religious requirements.

Tap water is considered safe to drink in the US and is often offered in restaurants before bottled water. Bottled water is available throughout the country, however, both in restaurants and shops, for those who prefer not to drink tap water.
 

IATA Travel Centre

The IATA Travel Centre delivers accurate passport, visa and health requirement information at a glance. It is a trusted, centralized source for the latest international travel requirements. The IATA Travel Centre is the most accurate source available because it is based on a comprehensive database used by virtually every airline, and information is gathered from official sources worldwide, such as immigration and police authorities.

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