Cheap Flights to United States: Book Flight Tickets with the Best Prices

American winter offers everything from skiing in the Rocky Mountains to warm beaches in Florida. Flights to the United States tend to be more expensive during Christmas and New Year, but January and February offer more affordable fares. Northeastern cities like New York and Boston are covered in snow, creating magical scenery. Florida and California are popular destinations for those looking to escape the European cold. Florida's theme parks have shorter lines during this season.

Spring is one of the best times to visit the United States, with pleasant weather and nature in bloom. Flight prices are moderate, except during Easter and school holidays. Washington DC is spectacular with cherry blossoms in April. The West Coast enjoys perfect temperatures for exploring cities and national parks. Music festivals begin, including Coachella in California. It's ideal season for hiking in national parks before summer heat.

Summer is high season in the United States, with higher flight prices especially in July and August. It's the perfect time to explore national parks, beaches and go on road trips. California's coastal cities offer ideal Mediterranean climate. National parks like Yellowstone and Yosemite are fully accessible. Music festivals and outdoor events happen throughout the country. Book in advance to secure better fares and avoid traveling during July 4th.

Fall is considered by many the best time to visit the United States. Flight prices drop after summer, except during Thanksgiving in November. New England explodes in colors with spectacular fall foliage. The weather is perfect for exploring cities and hiking. Wine festivals in California and apple picking in the Northeast are authentic experiences. October offers excellent value for money on flights and hotels before the holiday season.

Portuguese citizens need ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) authorization to enter the United States for tourism or business for up to 90 days. Apply for ESTA online at least 72 hours before departure through the official U.S. Department of Homeland Security website. The cost is $21 and authorization is valid for two years. Ensure your Portuguese passport is valid for at least six months beyond your entry date. Prepare documents proving your trip's purpose, hotel reservations, and return ticket. For stays exceeding 90 days or other purposes, you'll need an appropriate visa requested at the U.S. Embassy in Lisbon. Keep digital copies of all important documents. Immigration agents may ask questions about your travel plans, so have clear information about your itinerary and accommodations ready.

Unlike Portugal, where public transportation is widely used, the United States is a car-oriented country. Renting a car is often the best option for exploring, especially outside major cities. Portuguese driver's licenses are valid, but obtaining an International Driving Permit is recommended. Remember that in the U.S., you drive on the right side of the road. In major cities like New York, San Francisco, and Chicago, subways and buses are efficient. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are popular and convenient. For intercity travel, consider domestic flights which can be surprisingly cheap, or long-distance buses like Greyhound and Megabus. Amtrak offers scenic train journeys, though slower. Distances are enormous compared to Portugal, so plan travel time between destinations accordingly.

The United States offers a vast range of accommodation options for all budgets. Chain hotels like Marriott, Hilton, and Holiday Inn guarantee consistent quality across the country. To save money, consider motels along highways, ideal for road trips. Airbnb and VRBO are popular for apartments and houses, offering kitchens to prepare meals and save money. Hostels are less common than in Europe but exist in major cities. Book in advance during high season and major events. Prices vary significantly: expect to pay $80-150 per night at mid-range hotels, more in cities like New York or San Francisco. Check if breakfast is included, as many American hotels don't offer it free, unlike what's typical in Portugal. Resort fees and parking are often charged separately from the room rate.

The United States is generally safe for tourists, but take basic precautions. Avoid displaying valuables and be aware of your belongings in busy tourist areas. Some urban areas have less safe neighborhoods, so research before exploring. Unlike Portugal, where you can walk peacefully at night in most areas, be more cautious in American cities after dark. Always keep important documents in a secure location. Purchase travel insurance mandatorily, as medical costs in the U.S. are extremely high compared to Portugal. A simple hospital visit can cost thousands of dollars. Beware of common scams in tourist areas, such as fake ticket sellers or people requesting donations. Keep emergency numbers handy: 911 for police, fire, and ambulance. Respect local laws strictly, especially those related to alcohol and drugs.

American culture differs significantly from Portuguese in several aspects. Tipping is mandatory, not optional: leave 15-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, and $1-2 per bag for hotel porters. Americans are generally friendly and informal, greeting strangers with smiles and small talk. Customer service is excellent compared to Portugal. Meals are served in huge portions, so consider sharing dishes. Unlike Portuguese who dine late, Americans eat early, with dinners between 6pm-8pm. The measurement system uses miles, pounds, and Fahrenheit, not kilometers, kilos, and Celsius. Smoking is prohibited in most public spaces and restaurants. Respect personal space and queue orderly. Americans value punctuality. Be prepared to show identification when buying alcohol, even as an adult.

American cuisine is incredibly diverse, reflecting the country's multicultural nature. Go beyond typical burgers and try regional specialties: fresh seafood in New England, barbecue in Texas and Carolina, soul food in the South, authentic Mexican food in California and the Southwest. Large cities offer high-quality international cuisine. Visit local farmers markets for fresh and artisanal products. Street food has evolved tremendously, with food trucks offering gourmet options. American supermarkets are huge with impressive variety, but fresh produce may be less flavorful than in Portugal. Try local independent cafes instead of chains. Portions are generous, so don't hesitate to ask for leftovers (doggy bag). Taste local craft beers, wines from California, Oregon, and Washington, and bourbon in Kentucky. Tap water is drinkable throughout the country.

To experience the United States like a local, move away from tourist traps. In New York, avoid Times Square and explore neighborhoods like Brooklyn, Queens, and Harlem. In San Francisco, go beyond the Golden Gate and discover Mission District and Haight-Ashbury. Visit farmers markets on weekends, where locals shop and socialize. Attend local sports games like baseball, basketball, or American football for an authentically American experience. Explore national parks during less crowded times, arriving at sunrise. Chat with locals in cafes and bars, Americans love giving recommendations. Use apps like Yelp to find restaurants popular among residents. Visit during local festivals and community events. Rent bicycles in bike-friendly cities like Portland, Minneapolis, or Boulder. Explore small towns and scenic routes instead of just big cities. Shop at vintage markets and independent stores instead of shopping malls.

To capture the essence of the United States and create unforgettable memories, TICKETS.PT recommends: Arrive at the Grand Canyon at sunrise at Mather Point to witness spectacular colors without crowds. In New York, climb to Top of the Rock at sunset for incomparable views of the illuminated Empire State Building. Drive Highway 1 in California between San Francisco and Los Angeles, stopping at Big Sur for breathtaking photos. Visit the French Quarter in New Orleans during the week for authentic live jazz without weekend crowds. Explore Utah's national parks (Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches) for unique extraterrestrial landscapes. Watch the sunset in Key West, Florida, at Mallory Square with street performers. Photograph Chicago's skyline from the Adler Planetarium. Visit Monument Valley at dawn for perfect light. These experiences will provide the maximum emotions that only the United States can offer.