Reference

USA travel glossary

The terms you keep bumping into on a USA trip, explained briefly and clearly.

Entry and formalities

ESTA: The electronic travel authorisation for the Visa Waiver Program. You apply online before your flight via the official government site, not through agencies.
Visa Waiver Program: The program that lets citizens of many countries enter without a visa, with a valid ESTA and for a limited stay.
America the Beautiful: The annual pass for the national parks and many other federal lands. It covers one vehicle with its occupants and pays off from several parks onward.
I-94: The electronic arrival and departure record created on entry. You can look it up online if you need it.

Interstate, Highway, Freeway: Different names for the major roads. Interstates are the cross-country motorways, a freeway is toll-free.
Toll: The toll. Many roads are charged electronically via the licence plate; with a rental car this often runs through a toll program with a daily fee.
HOV Lane: The lane for vehicles with several occupants, also called a carpool lane. On your own you usually may not use it.
ZIP Code: The postal code. At many fuel pumps card payment asks for a US ZIP code. In that case just pay inside at the counter.
Gallone und mph: Fuel is sold in gallons, about 3.8 litres. Speed and distance are in miles, one mile is about 1.6 kilometres.
Rest Area: The rest stop along the highways, often with toilets and vending machines. Handy for breaks on long stretches.

Rim: The edge of a canyon. At the Grand Canyon there is the South Rim and the North Rim, which are quite different.
Hoodoo: A slim, tall rock spire, the kind that makes Bryce Canyon so unique.
Scenic Byway, Scenic Drive: A designated scenic road. These routes are the destination themselves, not just the way there.
Trailhead: The starting point of a trail, usually with parking and signposts.
Overlook, Vista Point: A set up viewpoint, often right by the road for a quick stop.
Ranger: The park staff. They give information, run programs and help in emergencies.
Shuttle: The free park bus. In parks like Zion it is mandatory in high season, and private cars stay out.
State Park: A park run by the individual state, not the federal government. The America the Beautiful pass does not apply here.

Diner: The classic American eatery, usually open all day, with breakfast, burgers and coffee that gets topped up.
Gratuity, Tip: The tip. In a restaurant it is expected, with the usual range around fifteen to twenty percent.
Free Refill: Free top-ups, especially for soft drinks and coffee. Standard in many places.
Sales Tax: The sales tax, which is added at the register depending on the state. The displayed price is usually before tax.
Doggy Bag, To go: You can have leftovers packed up, which is completely normal. To go means takeaway.
Outlet: A brand discount centre, often on the edge of town. Popular for cheaper shopping of well known brands.

You will find more practical knowledge in the FAQ and the travel knowledge section. To the FAQ ›