EU to North America Travel Guide

TL;DR: EU citizens can visit the US visa-free for 90 days with ESTA ($21), Canada needs an eTA ($7 CAD). Book flights 2-3 months ahead, pack adapters, and budget $100-300/day depending on your style. Skip to any section below for quick answers!

Ready to swap your euros for dollars and experience the land of endless highways, towering skyscrapers, and maple syrup? Whether you’re planning a spontaneous NYC weekend or a cross-country Canadian adventure, this guide has everything you need to make your transatlantic journey smooth as butter.

Visa Requirements: The Paperwork Nobody Likes (But Everyone Needs)

United States: ESTA is Your Best Friend

If you’re from most EU countries, you’re in luck! The Visa Waiver Program lets you visit for up to 90 days with just an ESTA authorization:

What you need:

• Valid EU passport (must be valid for your entire stay)
• ESTA application ($21 USD) – apply at least 72 hours before travel
• Return ticket
• Proof you can support yourself financially

Pro tip: Don’t wait until the last minute! ESTA can take up to 72 hours to process, though most are approved within minutes. Valid for 2 years or until your passport expires.

Canada: eTA – Even Easier

Canadian entry is refreshingly simple:

• eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) – $7 CAD
• Usually approved within minutes
• Valid for 5 years
• Stay up to 6 months per visit

Heads up: If you’re driving from the US, you don’t need an eTA – just your passport!

Mexico: Often Overlooked, Totally Worth It

EU passport holders get 180 days visa-free! Just fill out the FMM form on arrival.

Flights: Cracking the Code to Cheaper Tickets

Best Booking Windows

• Sweet spot: 2-3 months ahead for best prices
• Avoid: Booking less than 3 weeks out (unless you love paying premium)
• Tuesday magic: Still somewhat true – Tuesday afternoon bookings can be 5-10% cheaper

Route Strategies That Actually Work

Multi-city tickets can be surprisingly cheap:

• Fly into one city, out of another
• Example: Dublin → NYC, return from Vancouver → Amsterdam

Hidden city ticketing: We’re not saying you should… but some travelers book flights with connections and “accidentally” miss the final leg. (Airlines hate this trick, use at your own risk!)

Budget Airlines Crossing the Pond

• Norse Atlantic: Oslo/Berlin/London to NYC, LA from €150
• PLAY: Reykjavik connections, often under €300 roundtrip
• French Bee: Paris to NYC/LA, decent prices with that French flair

Reality check: Budget transatlantic means no frills. Bring snacks, entertainment, and patience.

Where to Stay: From Hostels to Hotels

Budget Options ($20-80/night)

• Hostels: HI USA network is reliable, private rooms available
• Motels: Classic American experience, especially for road trips
• Airbnb: Still good value outside city centers

Mid-Range ($80-200/night)

• Hotel chains: Marriott, Hilton, IHG – consistent quality
• Boutique hotels: Unique character, often better located
• Extended stays: Great for longer visits, kitchen included

Splurge Worthy ($200+/night)

• Historic hotels: The Plaza NYC, Fairmont Banff Springs
• Luxury resorts: Especially in places like Napa, Banff, or Hawaii

Money-saving hack: Hotel loyalty programs are free and can score you upgrades, free WiFi, and late checkout even as a new member.

Getting Around: Your Transportation Playbook

Renting a Car (Almost Essential Outside Cities)

What you need:

• Valid EU license (works for short-term visits)
• International Driving Permit (recommended, required by some rental companies)
• Credit card in the driver’s name

Insider tips:

• Book through Costco Travel (even without membership) for better rates
• Avoid airport pickups when possible – off-site locations are cheaper
• Gas stations are everywhere, but prices vary wildly by state/province

Public Transit: Where It Works

Excellent: NYC subway, Toronto TTC, Vancouver TransLink, SF BART Good enough: Chicago L, DC Metro, Montreal Metro Forget about it: Most other places – you’ll need wheels

Rideshare & Taxis

• Uber/Lyft everywhere in major cities
• Airport rides can be expensive ($50+ in big cities)
• Tipping: 18-22% is standard (yes, we know it’s different from home!)Money Matters: Budgeting Like a Pro

Daily Budget Breakdown

Backpacker style ($50-100/day):

• Accommodation: $25-40
• Food: $15-30 (lots of grocery shopping)
• Transport: $10-20
• Activities: Free walking tours, national parks

Comfortable traveler ($150-300/day):

• Accommodation: $80-120
• Food: $40-80 (mix of restaurants and cooking)
• Transport: $30-50
• Activities: $20-50

Living it up ($300+/day):

• Sky’s the limit – fine dining, premium hotels, private tours

Money-Saving Strategies

• Happy hours: Drinks and appetizers 50% off, usually 3-6pm
• National parks annual pass: $80, pays for itself after 3 parks
• City tourism cards: Often include transport + major attractions
• Grocery shopping: Even basic cooking saves tons

Tipping Culture (Yes, It’s Really Different)

• Restaurants: 18-22% (on pre-tax amount)
• Bars: $1-2 per drink or 18-20%
• Taxis/rideshare: 15-20%
• Hotel housekeeping: $2-5 per day
• Tour guides: $5-20 depending on group size

Tech & Practical Stuff

Phone & Internet

Best options:

• T-Mobile tourist plan: Unlimited data, $30 for 3 weeks
• AT&T international day pass: $12/day (expensive but convenient)
• Local SIM: Mint Mobile has good prepaid options
• eSIM: Airalo, Nomad – activate before you land

Power & Plugs

You’ll need Type A/B adapters – the flat two-prong (and sometimes three-prong) American style. Buy them before you go; airport shops charge ridiculous prices.

Banking & Cards

• Notify your bank before traveling (seriously, do this!)
• Charles Schwab checking – reimburses ALL ATM fees globally
• Wise card – Great exchange rates, low fees
• Capital One cards – No foreign transaction fees

When to Go: Timing is Everything

Best Times by Region

East Coast: April-May, September-October (avoid summer humidity!) West Coast: Year-round, but summer = perfect weather Canada: May-September for most activities, winter for skiing Southwest USA: October-April (summer is brutally hot)

Crowds & Prices

Shoulder seasons (spring/fall) offer the sweet spot of decent weather and lower prices. Summer means higher prices and crowds everywhere, but also the best weather in most places.

Festival seasons can be amazing or horrible for your budget:

• SXSW Austin (March): Book accommodation 6+ months ahead
• Comic-Con San Diego (July): Same story
• Fall foliage New England (September-October): Gorgeous but expensive

Regional Highlights: Where to Go First

East Coast Classics

New York City: Start here if it’s your first time – everything you’ve seen in movies is real Washington DC: Free world-class museums, surprisingly walkable Boston: History buffs paradise, great seafood

West Coast Vibes

California: San Francisco’s hills, LA’s beaches, San Diego’s perfect weather Pacific Northwest: Seattle’s coffee culture, Portland’s food scene, stunning nature

Canada Favorites

Toronto: Multicultural food scene, Niagara Falls nearby Vancouver: Mountains meet ocean, incredibly livable Montreal: European feel, amazing bagels and poutine

Hidden Gems

Austin, Texas: Keep it weird, amazing music and BBQ Asheville, North Carolina: Mountain town with craft beer galore Quebec City: Most European city in North America

Food Culture: What to Expect

Regional Must-Tries

• NYC: Real pizza, bagels, deli sandwiches
• South: BBQ, fried chicken, biscuits and gravy
• Southwest: Tex-Mex, authentic Mexican, green chile everything
• Pacific Northwest: Fresh seafood, coffee culture, farm-to-table
• Canada: Poutine, butter tarts, Tim Hortons (it’s a cultural experience)

Dining Differences

Portion sizes: Seriously huge – don’t be afraid to share or take leftovers Free refills: Soft drinks usually come with unlimited refills Water: Always free at restaurants (specify tap water to avoid bottled) Bread: Sometimes free, sometimes not – ask your server

Final Pro Tips for EU Travelers

1. Download offline maps – data can be expensive, and coverage isn’t always perfect
2. Pack layers – air conditioning is aggressive, weather can change quickly
3. Bring a reusable water bottle – many places have free refill stations
4. Learn the sales tax system – prices don’t include tax (usually 5-15% added at checkout)
5. Embrace the small talk – Americans and Canadians are generally friendly and chatty
6. Don’t over-pack your schedule – distances are huge, travel takes longer than expected
7. Try things that don’t exist at home – root beer, s’mores, proper American BBQ
8. Be patient with service – it might be slower than you’re used to, but it’s usually friendlier

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Underestimating distances: Texas alone is bigger than most EU countries
• Not tipping properly: It’s not optional – servers depend on it
• Booking too much in advance: Leave room for spontaneity and local recommendations
• Ignoring local customs: Each region has its own vibe and etiquette
• Forgetting travel insurance: Medical costs can be astronomical without it
• Not checking your phone plan: Data roaming charges can ruin your budget

Bottom line: North America is incredibly diverse, surprisingly affordable if you plan right, and absolutely worth the journey. Whether you’re dreaming of New York’s skyline, California’s beaches, or Canada’s wilderness, a little preparation goes a long way.

Safe travels, and don’t forget to enjoy the adventure!

Have questions or want to share your own tips? The comment section is all yours!

⚠️ Important Disclaimer

Please note: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as official travel advice. Visa requirements, entry restrictions, and travel regulations can change frequently and vary by individual circumstances, nationality, and current global events.

Always verify current requirements with official sources before traveling:

• Check your country’s foreign ministry/travel advisories
• Consult official embassy and consulate websites
• Review airline and destination country requirements
• Confirm visa and documentation needs directly with relevant authorities

The information provided here was accurate as of August 2025, but policies, prices, and regulations are subject to change without notice. We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance and consulting with official sources or travel professionals for the most up-to-date information specific to your situation.

Travel safely and responsibly!