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Are you looking to see what holiday is today or what holidays are coming up? Check out the National Today What is Today page for today’s holidays. For tomorrow’s holidays, check out the National Today What is Tomorrow page. Otherwise, scroll below and search the months to find your favorite holiday!

The National Today calendar of holidays is the number one place to review the fun days , food days , and important days of the year, all in one easy-to-read national holiday calendar.

Our calendar includes the widest variety of national days you’ll find anywhere, including days from US government or other government declarations, days named by organization or companies, days marking significant anniversaries and milestones, or even days created by social media buzz! Click below to see our national days for the entire year, or view days by theme, including food days, activities days, and more.

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American holidays

The United States recognizes 12 federal holidays. Learn about federal, state, and cultural holidays celebrated in the U.S. 

Federal holidays

Many government offices and some private businesses close on annual federal holidays. If the holiday falls during the weekend, the government may observe it on a different day.

• New Year's Day (January 1)
• Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. (Third Monday in January)
• Inauguration Day (January 20, every 4 years following a presidential election)
• Washington's Birthday (Also known as Presidents Day; third Monday in February)
• Memorial Day (Last Monday in May)
• Juneteenth National Independence Day (June 19)
• Independence Day (July 4)
• Labor Day (First Monday in September)
• Columbus Day (Second Monday in October)
• Veterans Day (November 11)
• Thanksgiving Day (Fourth Thursday in November)
• Christmas Day (December 25)

The difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day

On Memorial Day, America honors those who died while serving in the military. On Veterans Day, the country celebrates everyone who has served in the military.

State holidays

States and the District of Columbia may recognize their own holidays, such as Emancipation Day or Indigenous Peoples Day. These holidays recognize events and people important to a state’s history and culture.

Commonly celebrated holidays and observances

Some holidays honor specific groups and events, such as Flag Day and Halloween. These are not federal holidays. Some holidays and observances receive presidential proclamations.

Ethnic and religious holidays

Various ethnic and religious groups in the United States celebrate days with special meaning to them. These holidays include Easter for Christians, the High Holy Days for Jews, Ramadan for Muslims, Day of Vesak for Buddhists, and Diwali for Hindus.

LAST UPDATED: December 6, 2023

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Holidays of the United States

• 1 The holiday season
• 2.1 New Year's Day
• 2.2 Martin Luther King Jr. Day
• 2.3 Presidents' Day
• 2.4 Memorial Day
• 2.5 Juneteenth
• 2.6 Independence Day
• 2.7 Labor Day
• 2.8 Columbus Day
• 2.9 Veterans Day
• 2.10 Thanksgiving
• 2.11 Christmas
• 3.1 Super Bowl Sunday
• 3.2 Valentine's Day
• 3.3 St. Patrick's Day
• 3.4 Cinco de Mayo
• 3.5 Mother's Day
• 3.6 Father's Day
• 3.7 Flag Day
• 3.8 Halloween
• 3.9 Black Friday
• 3.10 New Year's Eve
• 4.1 Chinese New Year
• 4.2 Good Friday
• 4.4 Passover
• 4.5 Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur (the High Holidays)
• 4.6 Hanukkah
• 4.7 Kwanzaa
• 5.1 Groundhog Day
• 5.2 Mardi Gras
• 5.3 Emancipation Day
• 5.4 Patriots' Day
• 5.5 Pioneer Day
• 5.6 Oktoberfest
• 5.7 Alaska Day
• 6 Stay safe

The United States has no nationwide, mandatory public holidays, and instead has a hodgepodge of national, regional, ethnic and religious holidays that can both delight and frustrate travellers – sometimes simultaneously – as they journey around the country.

The holiday season [ edit ]

The time between Thanksgiving (the fourth Thursday in November) and January 1 is commonly called "the holiday season." Many people take vacations during this period and visit family and friends. Airports, interstate highways, bus stations, and train stations will be very crowded near the major holidays. If you must travel, allow extra time to check in and clear security. This is also a major gift-giving season: most shopping malls and department stores will be crowded, especially on the day after Thanksgiving, the week before Christmas, and the day after Christmas. There are also many Christmas/holiday season parties at workplaces and between friends, though most of them are before Christmas Day as people prefer to spend that day with family and only the closest friends. Christmas Day and New Year's Day are good days to fly, as most people prefer not to travel then, so air fares are usually significantly cheaper on those days than for some time before and after, security lines are shorter and the atmosphere is more relaxed.

Also relevant to the Christmas season are the many publicly-displayed Christmas trees, the most famous of which is probably the one at Rockefeller Center in Midtown Manhattan , always a very tall tree with many lights. You can generally expect public Christmas trees to be displayed at least the entire month of December through January 1.

Several cities host one or more Christmas markets , but do not expect to see as many people drinking mulled wine or staying out late as in European Christmas markets, and don't expect them to still be open much past New Year's Day, if they are even open past Christmas. Whereas in many other countries, Epiphany is a major public holiday, in the U.S., it is strictly a church holiday, so you can expect few if any public observances or store closures.

Federal holidays [ edit ]

Federal holidays are 11 dates designated by the U.S. federal government as official holidays. All federal government offices, post offices and banks close on federal holidays, but private businesses may choose whether or not to observe them. Nearly all states and localities observe the federal holidays; most also observe an additional handful of their own. If a federal holiday falls on a weekend, the observance will be shifted to the nearest weekday (either Friday or Monday). The festivities and major retail closings will occur on the annual date, even if it's the weekend. All U.S. embassies are closed on the federal holidays in addition to the holidays of the host country.

New Year's Day [ edit ]

Most non-retail businesses closed; parades; brunches and football parties. Philadelphia has a unique parade every New Year's Day called the Mummers Parade, which has roots in the city that date back to the 17th century.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day [ edit ]

Many government offices and banks closed; people volunteer in their communities; speeches, especially on African-American history and culture.

Presidents' Day [ edit ]

Officially named Washington's Birthday . Many government offices and banks closed; some non-retail businesses closed; many stores have sales, especially furniture and mattress stores.

Memorial Day [ edit ]

Most non-retail businesses closed; some patriotic observances; trips to beaches and parks; traditional beginning of summer tourism season.

Juneteenth [ edit ]

Added as a new federal holiday in 2021, Juneteenth celebrates the emancipation of African-Americans who had been enslaved. It was on this date in 1865 when slaves in Texas were told that they were free, following President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation in 1862. Most government offices and some non-retail businesses are closed.

Independence Day [ edit ]

Known colloquially as the Fourth of July . Most non-retail businesses closed; patriotic parades and concerts, cookouts and trips to beaches and parks. Fireworks displays, both professional and amateur, which often continue well into the night or early morning. Almost every town puts on some sort of festivity to celebrate the day.

Labor Day [ edit ]

Most non-retail businesses closed; cookouts and trips to beaches and parks; many stores have sales; traditional ending of summer tourism season. Whereas most countries celebrate Labor Day on May 1 to commemorate the Haymarket affair of 1886, the U.S. chose to celebrate it in September, due to fear that a May celebration would encourage similar Haymarket-style protests and energize the radical left.

Columbus Day [ edit ]

Commemorates the arrival in North America by Christopher Columbus . Many government offices and banks closed; some stores have sales. Italian-themed parades in some cities. Columbus Day can be controversial, especially among Native Americans and Latinos, and is not as widely observed as it was in the past. In some places, Columbus Day has been renamed as Indigenous People's Day , with celebrations of native cultures occurring. Other places have opted to call the day Italian Heritage Day .

Veterans Day [ edit ]

Government offices and banks closed; some patriotic observances. Called "Remembrance Day" in most Commonwealth countries, it has been expanded in the U.S. to celebrate all veterans of the U.S. armed forces; Memorial Day serves the purpose of recognizing war dead.

Thanksgiving [ edit ]

Family dinners with roast turkey as the centerpiece and traditionally featuring many foodstuffs that originate from the Americas, but Thanksgiving meals vary greatly, just like Americans do. Many people fly or drive to visit extended family. New York City and Chicago host parades, Detroit and many other cities hold races. Many other smaller events fill the landscape, including a re-creation of the original Thanksgiving dinner in Plymouth , Massachusetts. Airports are extremely crowded on the Wednesday before and Sunday after Thanksgiving. Most businesses are closed, including grocery stores and many restaurants, though the restaurants that stay open usually serve some version of a Thanksgiving dinner, so if you have no invitation to anyone's home, you can have a Thanksgiving experience, anyway. Many people spend part of this day volunteering to serve at a soup kitchen.

Christmas [ edit ]

Families and close friends exchange gifts; Christian religious observances. Almost all businesses, grocery stores, and many restaurants closed the evening before and all day. Many offices close at noon on the 24th, with everything closed on the 25th. However, many Chinese and Jewish businesses remain open, as do movie theaters.

Other national holidays [ edit ]

Super bowl sunday [ edit ].

This annual championship game of the National Football League (NFL) is the most-watched sporting event of the year. Supermarkets, bars, and electronics stores are busy, and there are many football-watching parties. If you have no-one to watch the game with and would like to do so in a festive and friendly atmosphere (unless you're rooting against the home team), this is a good time to visit a sports bar, though even bars that don't typically show sports on their TVs often show the Super Bowl.

Valentine's Day [ edit ]

Private celebration of romance and love. Most restaurants are crowded; more popular restaurants may require reservations made well in advance. As on Mother's Day, many restaurants raise their prices and serve only a couple of prix fixe dinner options, so if you want to eat out that day, a little extra research may be advisable to find better deals.

St. Patrick's Day [ edit ]

Irish-themed parades (New York's is the largest of them in the world) and parties. Expect bars to get crowded early. They will often feature themed drink specials. The wearing of green clothes or accessories is common.

Cinco de Mayo [ edit ]

A minor holiday in Mexico that celebrates the 1862 Battle of Puebla against the French, but a major celebration of Mexican-American culture. Expect bars to be crowded, even in places without large Mexican-American communities. Margarita specials are common on and during the leadup to this day.

Mother's Day [ edit ]

Children and adults give gifts to their mothers. Most restaurants are crowded, especially for brunch and lunch; some restaurants may require reservations made well in advance. Furthermore, they commonly serve expensive, boring prix fixe meals because they are absolutely slammed and have to deal with people who eat out once a year and may have unreasonable expectations and demands on service. If you don't have to eat out on Mother's Day, try to avoid doing so.

Father's Day [ edit ]

Children and adults give gifts to their fathers. Many restaurants and sporting events are crowded, although not to the same extent as Mother's Day.

Flag Day [ edit ]

Celebrated nationally as an observance. Also commemorates the adoption and symbolic patriotism of the American national flag that is celebrated annually in parades.

Halloween [ edit ]

Children dress up in costume and knock on other houses' doors to get treats. There are spooky attractions, such as haunted corn mazes, hayrides and costume parties. Some small family-owned shops and restaurants may close early in the evening. Adults get in on the action too: boozy Halloween parties and bar-hopping in costume are common, often taking place on "Halloweekend": the weekend prior to October 31st. New York City has a Halloween parade that is very crowded but a lot of fun; see New York City#Parades .

Black Friday [ edit ]

Major Christmas shopping traditionally begins, most stores have sales and many open in the very early morning (with a few now opening on Thanksgiving night). Most non-retail employees are given Friday off or take it as a vacation. This is a really good day not to shop, as shops are extremely crowded and there have been cases of crazed shoppers trampling people on that day.

New Year's Eve [ edit ]

Many restaurants and bars open late; lots of parties, especially in big cities. Some offices close at noon. The atmosphere is festive, so if you have no invite to a party, it's a great though crowded night to go barhopping. Be particularly mindful of drunk drivers on this night.

Ethnic or religious holidays [ edit ]

Chinese new year [ edit ].

Also known as the Lunar New Year . Chinese-Americans hold cultural celebrations. Cities with major Chinatowns, such as New York, San Francisco , Los Angeles and Chicago, have popular parades including traditional lion dances, often accompanied by firecrackers. The Korean and Vietnamese new years also fall on the same day, with celebrations in those respective communities.

Good Friday [ edit ]

Christian (especially Catholic) religious observances. Some restaurants and shops close. The governments of some states with large Catholic populations (e.g. New Jersey) observe the holiday and close government offices on this day.

Easter [ edit ]

Christian religious observances. Many fast-food restaurants are closed, but sit-down restaurants are more likely to be open. Major retailers generally open; smaller shops may or may not close. Egg-dyeing parties and the White House egg roll (actually moving eggs, not making Chinese-American egg rolls, but you probably won't be invited) are traditional, some people dress up like the Easter Bunny or wear Easter bonnets, and New York City has a huge, famous Easter parade, but Christmas is a much bigger occasion than Easter in the U.S.

Passover [ edit ]

Jewish religious observances. Many American Jews invite non-Jews to their Seder on one of the first two nights. Expect very heavy traffic on Seder afternoons and evenings in areas with large Jewish populations such as the New York Metro Area and South Florida.

Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur (the High Holidays) [ edit ]

Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year, and many Jews have a special dinner on either the first or both nights of Rosh Hashanah that you might be invited to. Yom Kippur is a 25-hour fast, followed by a break-fast meal. It is traditional to spend all day in the synagogue on Yom Kippur, after a somewhat lengthy service the night before.

Hanukkah [ edit ]

Also spelled Chanukah . Jewish religious observances, often culturally associated with Christmas. In cities with large Jewish populations, very big electric menorahs (candelabras) are lit, one candle for each night.

Kwanzaa [ edit ]

African-American cultural observances.

Regional holidays [ edit ]

Groundhog day [ edit ].

A tradition observed regionally that derives from the Pennsylvania Dutch superstition that if a groundhog emerges from its burrow on this day and sees its shadow, it will retreat to its den and winter will go on for six more weeks; if it does not see its shadow, spring will arrive early. There are small ceremonies throughout the eastern half of the U.S., but the most famous is held at Punxsutawney in western Pennsylvania and features a semi-mythical groundhog named Punxsutawney Phil.

Mardi Gras [ edit ]

A number of historically ethnically French cities and regions in the country have celebrations, particularly in Louisiana . The celebration in New Orleans is world famous.

Emancipation Day [ edit ]

Observed in Washington, D.C. , commemorating the date that President Abraham Lincoln signed the District of Columbia Compensated Emancipation Act. D.C. holds an Emancipation Day parade.

Patriots' Day [ edit ]

Observed in Massachusetts , Maine , Wisconsin , Connecticut and North Dakota . Commemorates the battles of Lexington, Concord, and Menotomy that touched off the Revolutionary War against Britain in 1775. State offices and public schools are closed, reenactments take place in Massachusetts, the Boston Marathon is run and the Red Sox baseball team plays a home game at Fenway Park.

Pioneer Day [ edit ]

Celebrated in Utah . Commemorates the entry of Brigham Young and the first group of Mormon pioneers into the Salt Lake Valley on July 24, 1847. Parades, fireworks, rodeos, and other festivities. Many local and all state-run government offices and many businesses are closed on Pioneer Day.

Oktoberfest [ edit ]

German-Americans are the largest ancestral group in U.S., and there are hundreds of large and small Oktoberfest celebrations held annually throughout the country, the largest being Oktoberfest Zinzinnati in Cincinnati , Ohio.

Alaska Day [ edit ]

Celebrated in Alaska and commemorates the transfer of Alaska to the United States from Russia. There is a parade in Sitka . State government offices are closed.

Stay safe [ edit ]

Be careful on the roads around major holidays, such as New Year's, Memorial Day, Independence Day or Thanksgiving, as well as New Year's Eve, St. Patrick’s Day and Cinco de Mayo, as there are more drunk drivers on the roads then.

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Home » Latest » USA Holiday Calendar Dates for 2023 Vacation Planning

USA Holiday Calendar Dates for 2023 Vacation Planning

• Time Off Benefits
• By Scott (VacationCounts)

Welcome to vacation year 2023! Have you thought about your travel plans for the new year yet? A new year means a fresh set of holidays to plan vacations around. Each of these official national holidays represent easy opportunities to take a trip while saving a precious vacation day. Ask yourself how many vacations are you going to take this year.

Before you plan your next trip, mark your calendar with your own list of official employee holidays that are offered for 2023. When you leverage one of your company holidays by taking vacation days before and/or after, you’ll save valuable time off to use later in the year. This is why the team at VacationCounts publishes this annual list of federal observed holidays in the USA.

It’s not news that Americans get so little time off work compared to the rest of the world. Holidays can make up the difference! Use every public holiday to the fullest in order to benefit from long weekend trips and longer breaks with the addition of other PTO. Make it your new year’s resolution to improve work-life balance by taking one more vacation this year compared to last year!

Official U.S. Labor Statistics – Access to Paid Holidays

Source – U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (TED: The Economics Daily)

View Chart: Workers in private industry received an average of 8 paid holidays in 2017

So without further ado, here is the list of the holiday dates in the USA for 2023 which includes the official calendar date and the observed date if a holiday happens to fall on a weekend or non-working day. Plus learn about the fascinating history of each holiday along along with smart ideas on how to turn each into a memorable trip.

Reminder: Review Your Official Company Holiday List

Before you get out your 2023 calendar to start planning, grab a copy of your company holiday list. Check your office inbox or login to your employee portal to find out which holidays you’ll get off this year. Full-time workers in America typically receive all of the following U.S. federal holidays. In addition you may get one or two extra holidays this year depending on your company and in which state you reside. Your own workplace holiday list will vary as there is no legal requirement to offer paid holidays in the US. Hopefully your employer is generous and you will get paid for these American holidays plus get a floating holiday or two as a bonus.

Compare your list with this set of 2023 standard holidays for federal government or state employees (just do a quick search on Google for state holidays where you live). Of course if an official holiday date falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the observed date will often be the day before or after. So take notice when you mark your personal or travel calendar with your 2023 holiday time-off closures.

2023 Holidays and Observances in the USA

Sunday, january 1, 2023 – new year’s day, observed: monday, january 2, 2023.

With New Year’s Day on a Sunday you have the entire weekend to celebrate the end of 2022 and the beginning of 2023. You still deserve a holiday, so most employers offer the Monday as the observed day off from work. It’s up to your employer of course, but Monday the 2nd is the official holiday for 2023.

I’m sure that many of you have taken off the entire week from Christmas to New Year’s, so you’ll be able to extend the weekend by a day. Consider taking off on the Tuesday after as well in order to avoid a likely busy travel day. Before the clock strikes midnight, make sure any remaining accrued vacation days are either taken at the end of 2022 or properly rolled over into 2023. Ask yourself if it’s a good idea to be rolling over vacation days or avoiding this time-off deprivation trap.

Monday, January 16, 2023 – Martin Luther King Jr. Day

MLK Day is the first official holiday in 2023 in the USA after Christmas and New Year’s break. Since it comes so close to the previous holiday period, it isn’t likely to be a popular travel weekend. Still having a 3-day weekend in the middle of winter is still an opportunity to take time off from work. It shouldn’t require a lot of advanced planning so you can wait until the last minute to check for local travel deals.

A staycation is recommended if you want to save on the costs of a hotel. Finding a nearby tourist attraction is one idea for the off-season. It will also be much quieter in major cities in January, so consider a shopping or cultural day trip or weekend.

Of course it would be appropriate and educational to take a moment to remember Martin Luther King, Jr and the civil rights movement he led. Search your community events calendar as there may be special events scheduled like history lectures or art exhibits or even at your local library. Also seek out national commemorative events that are broadcast online for the public to stream from home.

Monday, February 20, 2023 – President’s Day

When I grew up there was a separate holiday for both Washington’s and Lincoln’s birthdays. They weren’t born on the same day! Over the years they merged into what is known as Presidents Day since there are many leaders we should be thankful for. Regardless, it is a national holiday in America and offers a three-day weekend in February. So what can you do to celebrate this holiday? Well first if you have kids consider turning the day into an American history lesson. Watch a documentary about a former president or seek out a national historic site to see history in person.

Like the MLK day in January, there isn’t a lot of travel around President’s Day in February since it’s still winter and very cold in most parts of the country. You never know when an unexpected snow or ice storm will ground flights across many parts of the country. You can still plan for a a weekend road trip or take a ride to a nearby city to act like a tourist for the day. There are always lots of sales on during this holiday so go spend some presidents!

Monday, May 29, 2023 – Memorial Day

Finally when we get to the Memorial Day holiday, there is a feeling that the spring and summer holidays have arrived. Of course school breaks such as spring break and the traditional Easter holiday comes before Memorial Day. However there are no official national holidays in the U.S. in March or April. Spring break varies and is a school or university holiday and Easter is a religious holiday which you may get at work.

It pays to plan ahead well in advance if you want to take a vacation during the month of May. This holiday is meant to be a solemn period to remember the war dead; however the real meaning of Memorial Day is often overlooked as families vacation from coast to coast. Try to take a moment to at least honor people who served our country in war. Perhaps a family member that you haven’t thought about in a long time.

With a Monday holiday you can choose to take 4 of your earned vacation days to have the entire week off for a maximum of 9 days off in a row. Or you can take off the previous week and return on the Monday if you need to return to your office promptly. Given the warm weather it is a popular time for an outdoor vacation. If you need to fly or wish to take a cruise, early in the year is when you should start making booking decisions.

Monday, June 19, 2023 – Juneteenth (Emancipation Day)

The newest holiday on the U.S. holiday calendar is Juneteenth which first appeared on June 17, 2021 . Actually it’s been celebrated since news of the emancipation finally reached Galveston, Texas in 1865. This new federal holiday commemorates the end of slavery in the United States, though it has been a state holiday in Texas since 1980. Many other states followed over the years. Juneteenth is always on the 19th of the month but this year it is 3-day weekend for government workers and most full-time employees across the country.

The holiday happens around the end of the school year and not long before the anticipated 4th of July festivities. So you will have to compare your work and school calendars to see if it makes sense to extend this 3-day weekend into a full week or two of vacation. If you plan to stay close to home on the Independence Day, this week in June could be a good time for a big trip. Since it’s a new holiday it is hard to predict if this date will turn into a popular day to travel throughout the 50 states.

Regardless, do take a moment to read up on the history of Juneteenth and the important reasons why it became the 11th holiday recognized by the U.S. federal government last year.

Tuesday, July 4, 2023 – Independence Day

When it comes to holidays where food is a major part, I think there is a tie between the 4th of July and Thanksgiving. This biggest summer holiday is all American! It doesn’t matter whether you spend it in your backyard around the BBQ, at a park to watch the fireworks, or on vacation anywhere in the USA. Since kids are off for the summer school holidays, it is an extremely popular time to travel. Independence Day falls on a Tuesday for 2023. So you won’t have a 3-day weekend unless you take an extra vacation day on the Monday to make it a 4-day weekend. Why not?!

The possibilities for a summer vacation around the 4th of July are many. Taking advantage of the free day off is just a start. To enjoy the spirit of the independence day holiday, plan a trip to a city that rolls out the red, white and blue carpet or visit a Revolutionary War historic site. There are always numerous street parades, fireworks displays, and American food festivals to choose from sea to shining sea. To find out, search Google for a city tourism site and view the event or festival calendar. Summer hotel rates will be high so you might want to browse hotels and make a flexible booking as soon as possible.

Monday, September 4, 2023 – Labor Day

Ahhh, … a day off from work designed specifically for working people. Who doesn’t deserve a national holiday that thanks us for contributing our time and effort for the greater good. That’s the historical purpose of the Labor Day holiday at least. Not so long ago there were few limits on working hours, no paid time off, child labor, and harsher working conditions. Now Americans enjoy on average 11 paid holidays per year along with the possibility of floating religious holidays and observances.

As Labor Day is the first Monday in September, it is considered the end of the summer holiday period though it’s not quite autumn yet! Kids are going back to school and work gets busier after the peak summer season in July and August. Like with most 3-day weekends, it makes sense to try to avoid travel on the Friday and Saturday as well as returning on the Monday. Add one or two vacation days to enjoy a more relaxed trip. Better yet, take the whole week off if you your work and family schedule allows. Since Labor Day is a popular time to visit beaches, national parks, and lakefront recreation areas, consider planning a trip off the beaten path to avoid the crowds.

Monday, October 9, 2023 – Columbus Day

Us indigenous people’s day (us state holiday).

Many of you grew up celebrating Columbus day and recall the history lessons in elementary school about the incredible discovery of America. It makes for a great story, not just about Christopher Columbus but all the explorers who sailed across the ocean. Of course as times change we realize the story is a lot more complicated and tragic when you think about the native American story. That is a big reason why so many states have moved from celebrating Columbus Day to what is called Indigenous People’s Day . They are two sides to the same complex founding history of America.

Hopefully your employer is giving you a day off for Columbus Day or Indigenous People’s Day in October. It’s not as common as it used to be, but it’s nice to have a three-day weekend in the busy working period from Labor Day until Thanksgiving. Since it is not too cold or winter-like in October, it can be a excellent and scenic time to plan a vacation.

Saturday, November 11, 2023 – Veterans Day

Observed: friday, november 10, 2023.

For 2023, Veterans Day officially falls on a Saturday which feels unusual for a U.S. commemoration event. To make up with a day off, the observed holiday is on the Friday before. This makes for a rare 3-day weekend that starts on a Friday instead of ending on a Monday. As you know, this patriotic holiday is there to honor all veterans who fought in war both at home and abroad. The origin of the Veterans Day holiday goes back to the end of World War I and has been on the U.S. calendar ever since.

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, it isn’t necessarily a popular time to travel. However it is still a good opportunity to take a short vacation before winter arrives and before the upcoming holiday rush. Consider taking this three-day weekend for a spin by planning a driving trip to a nearby attraction as most will be open. Where ever you decide to go, do a search for unique points of interest along your route. Google Maps is good for discovering historic markers and scenic viewpoints. In addition, check with the city, county, and state municipal or tourism offices to find out what might be scheduled in memorial so you can thank those who served.

Thursday, November 23, 2023 – Thanksgiving

Friday, november 24, 2023 – day after thanksgiving (black friday).

Thanksgiving is probably the most American of holidays, after Independence Day of course, with food such a big part of what we remember and look forward to. Are you planning to cook up the traditional seasonal eats such as turkey with all the trimmings like cranberries, stuffing, mashed or sweet potatoes, and of course pumpkin pie? What else is on your Thanksgiving table? We all know the holiday is always held on the fourth Thursday in November. I grew up watching the Thanksgiving Day parade in NYC on television. Perhaps 2023 will be the year you get to see the floats live by planning a shopping trip to New York.

If you really want to take off on a big vacation in November and avoid the domestic travel crowds and expense, consider a visit to Europe instead. The weather is still quite pleasant in most countries, especially around the Mediterranean and independent travelers can find excellent deals. The U.S. dollar has been strong recently which is a major factor why Americans are taking more vacations to Europe . Travel Tip: Set up a flight alert on Google Flights or Kayak to receive emails when prices drop on airfares on your preferred routes and dates.

Of course if you decide to stay home or to visit family for Thanksgiving like most Americans, come up with a plan to take advantage of Black Friday. You might have gotten used to shopping online, but it is really not the same as going out in person and finding the perfect gifts for your family. Since the sale period has grown beyond just the Friday after Thanksgiving, pick another day to hit the city shops or suburban shopping malls. And as with all major holidays in the USA, add a vacation day or two before or after to avoid driving or flying on the busiest and most expensive travel days.

Monday, December 25, 2023 – Christmas Day

If you are reading this 2023 USA National Holiday list post at the beginning of the year, it will feel way too early to be thinking about Christmas. You can probably put off your Christmas holiday planning until the summer is over if you like. Are you granted both Christmas Day and Christmas Eve as holidays? Double check your HR holiday list for 2023 as Christmas Eve falls on a weekend this year.

If you have Friday, December 22nd off in lieu of the 24th, that means you’ll enjoy a 4-day joyful Christmas weekend. You can extend either the week before or the week after with 4 remaining vacation days to have a week off from work. Or if you have the paid time off left to use or lose, take 2 full weeks off to end the year in style! Even better, leave the week before Christmas to avoid the holiday travel madness. How about getting away to Europe for a bucket list trip to visit the top Christmas markets ?!

Finally, your vacation rollover policy could come in handy if you rather postpone taking a few remaining vacation days until 2024. Make sure to check the PTO math as I’ve seen payroll make mistakes (or maybe you forgot to update payroll when you changed your mind about taking a vacation day) when calculating accrued hours in their system. Be smart when you allocate the rest of your valuable vacation and holiday benefits before the year is up!

Official State Holidays – Varies Across the 50 States

Depending upon which state you call home (or where you work if you cross state lines to get to your office or if you are working remotely) you may be entitled to additional holidays. These are called state holidays and are granted to state employees by law. Like federal holidays in the USA, it is up to your employer whether they offer these local holidays to full or part-time staff. Again, check your work holiday calendar for 2023 or employee portal to get the official list that applies to your job role or status.

Holidays and Observances in the USA

Opm.gov – policy, data, oversight: pay & leave (2023), time and date – holidays and some observances (2023), officeholidays – public holidays in usa in 2023, extra holidays to get or take in 2023.

Why limit yourself to the U.S. federal list of 11 holidays when the calendar is full of opportunities to commemorate, participate, and celebrate. There are holidays for every possible occasion, but here is my list of the most popular in the United States and in many countries around the world. At least consider the ones that occur on a weekday and therefore give you a reason to take a vacation day, floating holiday, personal day, or bonus day off in lieu.

The benefit of taking off non-official or non-traditional holidays this year is to avoid the crowds and high prices that often come around the major holidays. And it’s more fun to take off for many of these special days especially when planning international travel.

📅 Chinese New Year

📅 groundhog day, 📅 lincoln’s birthday, 📅 valentine’s day, 📅 mardi gras, 📅 st. patrick’s day, 📅 easter weekend, 📅 cinco de mayo, 📅 halloween, 📅 election day, how to track your 2023 work holidays.

Are you tracking your own holidays as well as vacation days, floating days, personal days, as well as rollover days off? Or are you relying on your HR or payroll system at work to track the numbers, assuming they are always accurate? The best way to get all the paid time off you earn and deserve is to track it yourself (and inform your payroll or benefits manager if there are any discrepancies). There are numerous ways including using a notebook, spreadsheet, or calendar – paper or online are both OK. You can give the Vacation Days Tracker Spreadsheet (template) a try which is free and published by the VacationCounts team every year (NOTE: now updated for 2023 ). It’s free and opens securely in Google Sheets.

How to Take Holidays Like Vacation Days

The only difference between holidays and vacation days is that holidays are fixed days off set by your employer (and the U.S. federal government) while vacation days are flexible (with approval rules set by your human resources department). Both are paid days off that can be enjoyed doing whatever you wish. That could be relaxing at home with family, going out with friends, traveling on vacation, or pursuing hobbies of any sort. This is your friendly reminder to treat holidays just like vacation days .

Instead of being disappointed that you only receive 10 or 15 days (2 or 3 weeks) of paid vacation each year at your full-time job (the average range being from 9 to 19 days of PTO according to BLS based on years of service ), include the holidays in your total. Add the number of vacation days or PTO you will earn in 2023 to the number of paid holidays you have listed. In reality you have about an extra 2 weeks of time off from work than you think!

Unless you have floating holidays, like for major religious holidays or optional holidays, the holidays listed above are fixed on the 2023 calendar. In order to take the maximum number of vacations this year, plan a trip for every 3-day weekend. Can you do it?! By adding vacation days to holiday periods you can extend those 3-day weekends into 4-day or even a week of vacation. That is why you should get out your calendar today to pencil in potential vacation periods for every month of 2023 ⛱️

• Holiday Time Off , Vacation Calendar , Vacation Inspiration

Scott (VacationCounts)

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USA Holiday Calendar Dates for 2024 Vacation Planning

Welcome to Vacation Year 2024! Have you starting thinking about your travel plans yet? A new year means you have 12 months of public, official, and company holidays to plan vacations around. This annual post

USA Holiday Calendar Dates for 2022 Vacation Planning

We made it to 2022! Will this be the year that you take a bucket-list vacation over the holidays? Travel opportunities are returning as airline routes are reestablished and international destinations reopen to American tourists.

USA Holiday Calendar Dates for 2021 Vacation Planning

The arrival of 2021 meant the end of a very tough 2020. We all had to deal with travel restrictions and lockdowns and worries about the health of our families. Were you able to take

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It’s National Plan for Vacation Day — here’s how to make your dream trip a reality

Raise your hand if you actually took all of your paid time off in 2022.

Even if you want to take a few days to relax, unwind, and vacation at home, it's still important to set aside time to recharge. It's a fact that Americans don't take enough time off (even without a global health crisis), and the pandemic didn't make it any easier.

Just one-quarter of Americans used all of their earned time off in 2021, according to the most recent data from the U.S. Travel Association. And a whopping 91% of Americans say it's important to use their paid time off to travel. And nearly one-fourth (23%) of American travelers plan to take a dream trip to somewhere exciting in 2023, according to Destination Analyst's recent report , The State of the American Traveler.

With that in mind, Tuesday is National Plan for Vacation Day. In honor of this auspicious "holiday," we're rounding up some of our favorite tips to help you, well, plan a vacation.

So, get out your pen and paper and take notes because the vacation-planning class is in session.

Be flexible and patient

As we saw with Southwest's operational meltdown over the holidays , technology, weather and staffing issues contributed to flight delays, cancellations and lost baggage in 2022, well beyond the constraints of COVID-19.

For the past two years, travel spiked around big holidays like Memorial Day , the Fourth of July, Labor Day , Thanksgiving and Christmas , which we expect to continue this year.

If you want to book trips during National Plan for Vacation Day, focus on booking in advance of the major holidays.

Be aware of change and cancellation policies

During the pandemic, most U.S. airlines waived change and cancellation fees. Although some continue to offer flexibility when it comes to modifying your scheduled flight, each airline has its own cancellation and change policies, and some are more restrictive than others.

For example, most domestic carriers won't let you cancel or change basic economy tickets under most circumstances.

Cancellation fees, which vary by airline, are typically charged when you need to cancel a nonrefundable flight. In most cases, the airline will issue a travel credit minus the applicable cancellation fee when you cancel your flight.

Most airlines will not refund your original payment method unless you're subject to special conditions like a schedule change.

Federal law requires airlines to offer free 24-hour holds or refunds within 24 hours of booking as long as the flight is more than seven days in the future. This can come in handy if the price drops or you are still nailing down some travel details.

Related: Why you should think twice before accepting an airline voucher

Maximize your elite status

Many hotels extended elite status for loyalty members during the pandemic, some of which last through this winter. If you're looking to camp out in a suite for a few nights, elite status can get you there.

For instance, World of Hyatt's top-tier Globalist status offers users a variety of perks, like complimentary breakfast, club lounge access and, best of all, suite upgrades .

Hyatt Globalist status means you're eligible for complimentary space-available standard suite upgrades at check-in. Globalists can also enjoy suites by securing them in advance using complimentary suite upgrade awards . These upgrades are technically no longer earned just because you're a Hyatt Globalist, but they still come as a byproduct of earning the status.

So, if you're interested in enjoying a relaxing hotel stay, take a look at your preferred hotel's relaxed elite status to knock out some nights to earn top-tier status down the line.

Keep an eye out for deals

You don't have to splurge to have the vacation of a lifetime when using points, miles and/or cash deals.

If you come across a deal for your desired route and dates, jump on it. Several travel providers are offering deals to celebrate the day, such as Reno-Tahoe , Priceline and Blue Water .

Remember, you (almost) always have 24 hours to cancel or change a flight from, to or within the U.S., assuming the flight was booked at least seven days before departure. So, book now and plan later.

For example, Delta SkyMiles are good for short-haul domestic and Caribbean flights and South America flights.

If you have a destination in mind, make sure you're checking cash and miles rates at least once a day — you might just snag a fantastic deal.

Bottom line

Thanks to airlines' change and cancellation policies, you're at least somewhat protected if you need to cancel. Also, using the right credit card to book your travel can afford even more protection, such as trip cancellation insurance and trip delay reimbursement .

For more information on how to protect your trip, read:

• The best credit cards that offer trip cancellation and interruption insurance
• The best credit cards with trip delay reimbursement
• Best credit cards of January 2023
• Complete guide to changing and canceling award tickets

Additional reporting by Vikkie Walker and Samantha Rosen.

United States Tours & Vacations

With coastlines, forests, deserts and mountains, the United States is an explorer's paradise.

Magical moments are waiting around every corner in The States. From the rugged wilderness and glacial fjords in Alaska to the winding coastal highways in California , the wide array of national parks to the musical streets of New Orleans , this country is simply sprawling. So whether you're hiking, biking, toe-tapping or road-tripping, you can't go wrong exploring the USA the Intrepid way.

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Western USA National Parks Loop

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The 7 best places to go on a hot air balloon ride  

Yellowstone vs Yosemite: Which national park to visit?

California or Florida? Which US state should you travel to?

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This astronomer is chasing his 21st solar eclipse in 2024 (and bringing some lucky Intrepid travellers with him)

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Canada or Alaska? Which natural wonderland should you travel to?

United States departures by month

Browse usa trips by region, browse usa trips by state, browse usa national park tours, united states at a glance, capital city.

Washington DC (population, 712,816)

331.9 million

English, Spanish (although the US has no official languages)

(GMT-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada)

CALLING CODE

Electricity.

Type A (North American/Japanese 2-pin) Type B (American 3-pin)

Learn more about United States

Best time to visit united states.

Being such a large country, the weather in the US is different depending on which area you are in. Summer (June to August) is the peak travel season due to school holidays, but it can be uncomfortably hot in the desert areas and the south.

The shoulder seasons of spring and autumn are generally considered to be the best times to visit, but the weather is still highly variable and these may be the wettest times in some parts of the country (such as the Pacific Northwest ). Winter can be cold in the northern states, but quiet in other areas, which can make it a pleasant time to visit.

Read more about the best time to visit the United States

Culture and customs

With immigration playing a major part in the development of America, today the country is made up of many different cultures. It’s no wonder modern America is rich with a variety of cultural traditions, cuisines, religions and festivals. Because of this, a large diversity of holidays are celebrated in America. Annual holidays like  Independence Day  and Thanksgiving are usually celebrated by all regardless of religion or political persuasion, and give people a chance to reconnect with family and friends around the dinner table or grill.

From sports to soul music, popular culture to philosophy, and fine art to folk art, the tastes and desires of Americans vary around the country. A love of sport unifies the nation - it doesn’t matter if you live in a city loft or out in the country, sports like ice hockey, basketball, baseball and football all attract a strong following.

Many Native Americans live on reservations and fight to retain their traditions and preserve their heritage, although when visiting reservations don’t be surprised to see Native Americans wearing modern clothing. With much of the language and many of the customs lost over the years, Native Americans strive to live a life of deep spirituality and in connection with the earth, as their ancestors did for centuries.

Check out our range of  experiences in the United States that amplify BIPOC cultures .

Eating and drinking

Intrepid believes that one of the best ways to experience a country is by eating! Whether you're sampling street food, savouring cheap eats or indulging in a banquet, there are endless options to choose from wherever you are in the world. 

With a variety of international influences, try Creole cuisine in New Orleans, traditional Jewish fare like bagels and pastrami sandwiches in New York, and barbecue in Texas. America’s got everything, from burger joints to taco shacks, organic cafes to refined Michelin-starred restaurants.

Learn more about food in the USA

Geography and environment

From the lush everglades of Florida, through the red-hot deserts of Nevada and on to the urban jungles of New York and Philadelphia, the United States has many different environments and ecosystems within its boundaries. Sharing borders with Canada in the north and Mexico in the south, the United States has deserts, glaciers, freshwater lakes, rapid-filled rivers, mountain ranges, sprawling plains, forested national parks , beaches and bays.

The major national parks of America – Yellowstone, Zion, Yosemite, Bryce Canyon, Denali and Joshua Tree offer a glimpse into what much of America looked like before development. Lush vegetation, majestic mountains and sparkling lakes give deer, moose, bears, bison and many other species of wildlife a fertile home to live in. 

When traveling, you’re likely to see modern cities filled with traffic, skyscrapers and high-density housing, as well as sleepy towns, trailer parks and Native American reservations. A complex network of highways connect the major cities, making overland travel a popular choice with visitors and locals alike. The great American road trip is still alive and well.

History and government

As one of the world’s most influential nations, major moments and events in American history ripple throughout the rest of the world. The American people are known for their resilience and irrepressible nature, and it is this spirit that allows them to continue to contribute to the world economically, scientifically and creatively.

In recent history, America has enjoyed the historic highs of the moon landings and the devastating lows of Hurricane Katrina. The world has seen American companies like Apple, Facebook, Microsoft and Starbucks change the face of the world. And people like Steven Spielberg, Lance Armstrong, Maya Angelou and Sidney Poitier create masterpieces, break records and win countless awards.

Top 10 must-see cities in the US

1. new york.

You can be anyone you want to be in NYC. Indulge your artistic side at MoMA, mingle with the Gordon Geckos on Wall Street, cheer like a pro at a Yankees game or kick back at a bar with a Manhattan and a new pair of Jimmy Choos.

2. San Francisco

San Francisco is made of sunshine, seafood and a whole lot of hills. This is the place to embrace your inner (or outer) bohemian. But it's not all 'flowers in your hair' and free thinking, be sure to take a ferry to Alcatraz and scoff down a clam chowder at Fisherman's Wharf.

3. New Orleans

The Caribbean meets France and Africa in New Orleans. Music is everywhere, and so are the friendly faces. The city comes to life after dark so have an afternoon nap, get some comfortable shoes on and get ready to bar hop the night away.

4. Las Vegas

Hello Lady Luck! Days somehow disappear in the hedonistic blitz of color, light, showgirls, casinos and offers too good to refuse. Try to escape the endless buffets to catch a real Las Vegas show; there's everything from death-defying acrobats to Elvis on offer.

The financial and political powerhouse of Chicago has been the home of two of the most influential people in the world - President Obama and Oprah. Famed for its distinctive architecture, booming performing arts scene and sports-mad locals, the 'Windy City' shouldn't be missed.

The air is warmer, the clothes smaller and the colors are somehow brighter in Miami. Jewish, Latin and Caribbean cultures blend to make a heady mix of great food, even better music and a nightlife filled with the spirit of fiesta. Hang out on perfect beaches, spot classic cars and gaze at the beautiful people as they strut their stuff.

7. Los Angeles

Search beyond the stardust of Hollywood and the excessive price tags of Rodeo Drive, to find the true essence of Los Angeles. Home to a melting pot of cultures, uber-cool restaurants, a hip art scene and the eclectic vibe of Venice Beach, LA is so hot right now!

The birthplace of grunge music and iconic super-companies like Microsoft, Boeing and Starbucks, Seattle offers so much more than great coffee. Markets packed with fresh produce, a harbor perfect for boating, vibrant public art and a thriving live music scene combine to make Seattle a must-see city.

History comes alive in the heritage-filled streets of Memphis. Whether it's at Elvis Presley's Graceland, the lively blues clubs and restaurants of Beale Street or the moving Civil Rights Movement Museum, it could be said that the soul of America lives in Memphis.

One of America's oldest cities, Boston is evolving. Working class neighborhoods are being gentrified, the industry is giving way to tech start-ups and modern architectural treasures sit alongside brown-stone buildings. Despite the change, get chatting to locals about the Red Sox and you'll soon find you're definitely in Boston.

It’s no wonder many people choose to do their clothes shopping in the United States. With iconic department stores offering a wide range of labels, and vintage/charity stores stocking American fashion classics like distressed denim jeans and leather cowboy boots, shopping in America is fun. Known for having great sales and even better customer service, it’s well worth leaving room in your backpack for a few extras. Please note that unlike in many other countries, tax isn’t included in the ticketed price.

It's a good idea to check with your local customs officials to ensure that you are able to bring certain items back into your home country. Australia and New Zealand generally have strict quarantine laws.

Festivals and events

Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday, marks the end of the Carnival season in New Orleans. Witness a chaotic collision of lively music, colorful costumes, masquerade masks, soul food and joyful 'krewes' at the parades, parties and masquerade balls in late February every year.

Public holidays that may impact travel include:

Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday

Presidents' Day

Memorial Day

Independence Day

Indigenous Peoples' Day

Veterans' Day

Thanksgiving Day

Please note dates of  United States public holidays  may vary.

Similar destinations

We have a variety of similar destinations, trips, and routes that you could consider! Tie another trip into your holiday, or, see how we can help you get from A to B. We have tours departing from all major cities in the United States. The options below may be of interest:

Tours from Los Angeles to San Francisco  

Tours from New York to New Orleans

New Orleans to Atlanta Tours

Tours from Los Angeles

Tours from Las Vegas

Thinking about traveling to California or Florida but need help deciding?

California or Florida?

Top USA travel highlights

1. venture to the wilds of alaska.

Alaska  may be part of the USA, but it feels like another world. With stunning mountain ranges, eclectic wildlife, immense glaciers and an interesting history, this off-track destination is well worth the journey north. Whether you want to go hiking in  Denali , snowshoe across Matanuska Glacier, kayak in  Kenai Fjords  or see the northern lights, adventure awaits.

Explore the Last Frontier on our  10 day Best of Alaska tour.

2. See San Francisco through local eyes

With vibrant, multi-cultural neighbourhoods and iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco is a city you could spend weeks exploring. But to really get a feel for the place, you need to explore with a local. Sample the freshest seafood in Fisherman's Wharf, discover the North Beach and Little Italy districts, and dine at some of the locals' favourite spots for dinner.

Roam around Northern California and beyond on our  9 day San Francisco to Seattle trip.

3. Explore phenomenal national parks

From larger-than-life Yosemite to the great gaping chasms of the Grand Canyon , national parks in the States are big, bold and beautiful. Escape the hustle of everyday life and uncover the natural beauty, diverse wildlife and Native American history in the likes of Bryce Canyon, Zion and Yellowstone. Whether you want to hike or cycle, stay in comfy lodges or camp in the wilderness , US national parks offer something for all kinds of adventurers.

4. Track wolves in Yellowstone National Park

The world’s first national park positively brims with more hot springs, mud pots and geysers than you can possibly see in one trip. But one of the most memorable things you can do is rise before dawn to join a  wolf-tracking excursion  with a local guide. As well as learning about one of nature's most intriguing animals, if you're lucky, you may see multiple wolves playing together, eating, or looking after young cubs.

Try your hand at wolf tracking on our  6 day Yellowstone and Grand Teton Adventure  or our  Yellowstone and Grand Teton Family Holiday .

5. Visit the legendary Sun Studio in Memphis

Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins… what legend hasn’t recorded here? Sun Studio in Memphis is one of the pinnacles for music lovers traveling in the States. It’s where rock and roll was born, and where soul music hit the big time via Stax Records. After checking out the studio, head to Beale Street to grab a drink and have a boogie in traditional blues clubs.

Scoot your boots on our  6 day Tennessee Music Trail to New Orleans tour.

6. Take a Navajo jeep tour of Monument Valley

Learn about the cultural heritage and sacredness of Monument Valley from those who know it best. After a jeep adventure with a local Navajo guide, join the locals for an authentic Navajo dinner around a campfire and listen to traditional songs and stories passed down through the generations.

Discover the American West's most iconic landscapes on our  5 day Western USA National Parks Loop tour.

Further reading

United states travel faqs, do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travelers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Do I need a visa to travel to United States?

It depends on where you’re from. Many countries now operate under the United States Visa Waiver Program, meaning a visa isn’t required for stays of up to 90 days for travel purposes. There are 40 participating countries, including the United Kingdom , Australia , New Zealand, Germany and Spain.

If you're eligible for the Visa Waiver Program, you must obtain a letter of authorization before you travel to the States. This can be obtained by submitting an application through the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation ( ESTA ).

If you’re a national from a non-participating country of the Visa Waiver Program, you must apply for a non-immigrant visa. Please see the Department of State website for more information.

If you have traveled to Iran, Iraq, Libya, Syria, Sudan, Somalia, Yemen or the Democratic People's Republic of Korea on or after 1 March 2011, you are ineligible and must apply for a non-immigrant visa instead.

People from a participating country who are also citizens of Cuba, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Iran, Iraq, Syria or Sudan must also apply for a non-immigrant visa.

Last updated: 6 March 2024 

Is tipping customary in the US?

Tipping is very much a part of the culture in the United States. Tips are expected at restaurants, cafes and diners, as well as by taxi drivers, valet attendants, porters and hotel maids.

People working in the service industry generally receive low wages and therefore rely upon tips as a major source of income.

In general, leave 15 to 20% of the bill at places serving food and a few dollars to bartenders and hotel staff who provide a personal service like carrying bags or cleaning your room.

What is the internet access like in the US?

Internet access is excellent in the US, and internet cafes and Wi-Fi hot spots are easily found in most cities and major towns.

Can I use my cell phone while in the US?

Cell phone coverage is excellent in most parts of the US although coverage may be patchy in remote, mountainous areas like national parks and canyons. Ensure global roaming is activated before you arrive.

What are the toilets like in the US?

Western-style flushable toilets are the norm in the US.

Can I drink the water in the US?

Drinking water from taps in the US is considered safe unless otherwise marked. For environmental reasons, try to use a refillable water bottle rather than buying bottled water.

Are credit cards accepted widely in the US?

Major credit cards are widely accepted by stores in the US. Smaller cafes and shops may not accept credit cards, so ensure you carry enough cash to cover small purchases.

What is ATM access like in the US?

ATMs are common in the US, so finding one won't be a problem in most towns and cities.

What kind of transport will I use in the United States?

Intrepid believes half the fun of experiencing a new country is getting there, and getting around once there! Where possible, Intrepid uses local transport options and traditional modes of transport - which usually carry less of an environmental impact, support small local operators and are heaps more fun. 

Depending on which trip you're on while in the US, you may find yourself traveling by:

Be amazed by enormous glaciers and stunning, icy landscapes while traveling on a ferry in Alaska.

Use pedal power to see the best of Venice Beach and Santa Monica. Cycling is a great way to see the sights and be active at the same time.

Take in the sights while enjoying a ride on one of San Francisco’s icons – the streetcar.

What sort of accommodation will I stay in while traveling in the United States?

Traveling with Intrepid is a little bit different. We endeavor to provide travelers with an authentic experience to remember, so we try to keep accommodation as unique and traditional as possible. 

When traveling with us in the US you may find yourself staying in a:

Spend a night sleeping in a hogan – a traditional Navajo structure made of logs, mud and stone and built with an open roof to view the sparkling night sky.

Reconnect with nature and enjoy staying in quaint log cabins throughout the country's beautiful national parks. Fall asleep to the rustling of trees and wake up to the sounds of birds.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before traveling?

Absolutely. All passengers traveling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

Does my trip to the United States support The Intrepid Foundation?

Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. In fact, we make a donation on behalf of every traveler. Trips to the United States directly support our foundation partners, Cultural Heritage Economic Alliance (CHEA) and the Grand Canyon Conservancy.

Cultural Heritage Economic Alliance (CHEA)

Cultural Heritage Economic Alliance (CHEA) create inclusive, equitable opportunities for small Black, Indigenous and People of Colour (BIPOC) tourism businesses in the USA. Donations help CHEA provide access to industry-specific technical assistance, capacity building, and industry networks for small BIPOC travel and tourism businesses through their Diversity Tourism Academy (DTA). Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Find out more or make a donation

The Grand Canyon Conservancy

The Grand Canyon Conservancy is on a mission to protect the Grand Canyon National Park for future generations. With almost 6 million visitors to the park annually, the Grand Canyon Conservancy runs educational programs and immersive experiences that teach people about the park's cultural and environmental significance. Donations support trail restoration and maintenance, conservation and preservation of native vegetation and wildlife, and educational programs. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

How do I stay safe and healthy while traveling?

From Australia?

Go to: Smart Traveller

From Canada?

Go to:  Canada Travel Information

From the UK?

Go to:  UK Foreign Travel Advice

From New Zealand?

Go to:  Safe Travel

From the US?

Go to:  US Department of State

The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.

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Most weeks of the year, Friday is the busiest day for air travel, and Tuesday is the least busy day. During the holidays, though, that doesn’t necessarily hold true.

In most years, the Sunday after Thanksgiving is the busiest travel day at U.S. airports, according to the Transportation Security Administration, which tracks the number of passengers screened daily. The two days after Christmas also see heavy travel. And since Christmas falls on a Monday this year, that might mean an abnormally busy Tuesday and Wednesday of that week.

To avoid crowds and save money, consider skipping the busy days and book your flights on one of the slower ones. Here’s a breakdown of the best and worst days to fly during the winter holidays, and how you can strategize to avoid crowds and save money.

» Learn more: Popular airline cards used to book holiday travel

The busiest days to fly around Thanksgiving

The Sunday after Thanksgiving is brutal for airport crowds. Last year, about 83% more people flew on the Sunday after Thanksgiving than on Thanksgiving Day, according to TSA data, making it the busiest travel day of 2022.

That same Sunday was also the year’s single busiest airport travel day in both 2019 and 2021. In 2020, the busiest days of the year for air travel were largely concentrated in January and February, before the widespread impact of COVID-19, which would reduce holiday travel later in the year.

Here’s a look at the days surrounding Thanksgiving week over the past four years, ranked in order of most to fewest air travelers at the TSA’s U.S. checkpoints:

Assuming past trends continue in 2023, expect Sunday, Nov. 26, to be the busiest travel day around Thanksgiving , followed by Wednesday, Nov. 22. Even if you fly out one day ahead of the biggest crowds, Saturday, Nov. 25, will also likely be busy.

And this year, crowds will likely be bigger based on the fact that past 2023 holidays have already set air travel records. For example, 2023’s Fourth of July weekend set records for U.S. air travel. More than 2.884 million people passed through TSA checkpoints on the Friday before July 4, according to TSA checkpoint data. That topped the previous record, which was on the Sunday after Thanksgiving 2019, when a recorded 2.882 million people passed through TSA checkpoints.

The busiest days to fly around Christmas

Christmas airport crowds can be trickier to predict than Thanksgiving crowds given that the holiday falls on a different day of the week each year and air travel patterns are often dictated by the workweek. This year, Christmas falls on a Monday.

But just as the Sunday after Thanksgiving tends to draw huge crowds, the days just after Christmas are wildly popular . And much like how few people travel on Thanksgiving Day itself, relatively few people travel on Christmas Day or New Year’s Day.

Here’s a look at Christmas and the seven calendar dates before and after over the past four years, ranked by most to fewest average air travelers, based on TSA checkpoint data:

This year, you might expect Friday, Dec. 22, to be particularly busy. Friday is typically the busiest travel day in any given week, and — especially during Christmas week — many holiday travelers may leave on that day.

According to Chase Travel, Friday, Dec. 22, is one of the top three busiest days across all flights booked in either December 2023 or January 2024 (the other two busiest days are Saturday, Dec. 23, and Saturday, Dec. 30). Similarly, booking site Hopper anticipates that day having the highest fare for the Christmas season.

This holiday travel season may see some relief, though. Hanukkah, which begins on the 25th of Kislev in the Hebrew calendar, can sometimes align closely with Christmas. The eight-day celebration ran from Dec. 18-26 in 2022, but this year will commence on Dec. 15 — likely before the Christmas crowds start.

Another consideration for travel is that the weeklong celebration of Kwanzaa runs from Dec. 26 through Jan. 1.

How to choose less crowded (and cheaper) travel days

The holiday travel season is always expensive, but there is some decrease from last year's prices. Airfares for Christmas trips are averaging $400 according to Hopper data. That’s down 12%, or about $52 per ticket, from last year. The bad news is that it's still 29% higher than holiday airfares were in 2019.

Travel on the holiday: Traveling on the holiday is often the best way to avoid crowds and save money. Last year, 23.4% more people flew on the day after Christmas versus Christmas Day, which fell on a Sunday.

And that demand has a strong effect on prices. According to Hopper, domestic flights on Christmas Day average about 26% less than peak prices.

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Book morning flights: If you are traveling on the holiday, catch the first flight out for the day and you might arrive in time for evening festivities. Taking early flights is also considered good practice to reduce your odds of a flight delay . In the first half of 2023, 7.8% of flights were delayed because an aircraft arrived late, according to Bureau of Transportation Statistics data.

Stay longer: If you can take the days off or work remotely, then it can make sense to fly as long before or after a holiday as possible.

For Thanksgiving, Hopper recommends flying the Monday of Thanksgiving week and returning any weekday the following week. The Sunday after Thanksgiving is historically the busiest day to fly, so extending your trip by just one day can save you money. According to Hopper, airfares average 40% less on the Monday after Thanksgiving versus the Sunday after.

For Christmas, Hopper recommends departing the Monday or Tuesday before Christmas weekend and returning midweek following the holiday.

Skip holiday travel completely: If you don’t mind celebrating in an unconventional way, consider participating in something like an un-holiday, where you shift the celebration by a couple of days or weeks.

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Holiday Travel Tips

Holiday travel often includes visiting loved ones or taking a vacation. Whether you’re seeking a winter wonderland or escaping subzero temperatures, follow these travel tips for a healthy and safe holiday travel season.

Before Travel Tips

Check CDC’s destination pages for travel health information . Check CDC’s webpage for your destination to see what vaccines or medicines you may need and what diseases or health risks are a concern at your destination.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all of your routine vaccines . Routine vaccinations protect you from infectious diseases such as measles that can spread quickly in groups of unvaccinated people. Many diseases prevented by routine vaccination are not common in the United States but are still common in other countries.

Get up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines and get a seasonal flu vaccine. In the United States, CDC recommends getting a flu vaccine before the end of October

Prepare a  travel health kit  with items you may need, especially those items that may be difficult to find at your destination. Include your prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines in your travel health kit and take enough to last your entire trip, plus extra in case of travel delays. Depending on your destination you may also want to pack a mask ,  insect repellent , sunscreen (SPF15 or higher), aloe, alcohol-based hand sanitizer, water disinfection tablets, and your health insurance card.

During Your Trip

Choose safe transportation. Always wear a seat belt, and children should ride in car seats. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among healthy travelers. Be alert when crossing the street, especially in countries where people drive on the left side of the road. Find out other steps you can take to stay safe on the roads.

Protect yourself from the sun. Apply sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher when traveling. Protecting yourself from the sun isn’t just for tropical beaches—you can get a sunburn even if it’s cloudy or cold. You are at the highest risk for UV exposure when you are traveling during summer months, near the equator, at high altitudes, or between 10 am to 4 pm.

When traveling in cold weather or climates, wear warm clothing in several loose layers.

Consideration for Warm Weather Travel

If you are traveling in hot weather or in a hot climate, wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.

Your chances of getting heat stroke, heat exhaustion, or other heat-related illness during travel depend on your destination, activities, level of hydration, and age. Travelers who relax on a beach or by a pool are unlikely to get heat-related illness. Learn how to prevent heat-related illness .

Avoid bug bites. Use insect repellent and take other steps to avoid bug bites. Bugs, including mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, and flies, can spread diseases such as malaria, yellow fever, Zika, dengue, chikungunya, and Lyme. These bugs are typically more active during warm weather.

After Travel

If you traveled and feel sick, particularly if you have a fever, talk to a healthcare provider and tell them about your travel. 

If you need medical care abroad, see Getting Health Care During Travel .

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AAA forecasts nearly 44M travelers for Memorial Day weekend: See best times to travel

Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer, which means people will be flooding highways and airports this weekend looking to get away for some rest and relaxation.

The American Automobile Association is projecting nearly 44 million travelers will head 50 miles or more from home over the Memorial Day holiday travel period, which is defined by the organization as the five-day period from Thursday, May 23 to Monday, May 27.

"We haven't seen Memorial Day weekend travel numbers like these in almost 20 years," said Paula Twidale, senior vice president of AAA Travel, in a news release. "We're projecting an additional one million travelers this holiday weekend compared to 2019, which not only means we're exceeding pre-pandemic levels but also signals a very busy summer travel season ahead."

The organization projects over 38 million people will travel by car over Memorial Day weekend, over 3.5 million will travel by air and nearly 2 million will travel by other modes of transportation, including buses, cruises and trains.

The 38 million drivers is the highest number for Memorial Day since AAA began tracking data in 2000 and is up 4% compared to last year. The 3.5 million air travelers is an increase of nearly 5% over last year and, according to AAA, this will be the most crowded Memorial Day weekend at airports since 2005.

Learn more: Best travel insurance

When is Memorial Day?: Here's when the holiday falls and what to know about its history.

Best, worst times to travel for Memorial Day weekend

Drivers leaving Thursday or Friday should hit the road early to avoid mixing with commuters, AAA said, citing data from transportation data and insights provider INRIX. Drivers going back home Sunday or Monday should avoid the afternoon hours when return trips will peak.

“Travel times are expected to be up to 90% longer than normal. Travelers should stay up to date on traffic apps, 511 services, and local news stations to avoid sitting in traffic longer than necessary,” said Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX, in the news release.

Here's a breakdown of the best and worst times to travel by car depending on which day you are traveling:

Thursday, May 23

• Best travel time: Before 11 a.m. and after 7 p.m.
• Worst travel time: Between noon and 6 p.m.

Friday, May 24

• Best travel time: Before 11 a.m. and after 8 p.m.
• Worst travel time: Between noon and 7 p.m.

Saturday, May 25

• Best travel time: Before 1 p.m. and after 6 p.m.
• Worst travel time: Between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.

Sunday, May 26

• Best travel time: Before 1 p.m.
• Worst travel time: Between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Monday, May 27

• Best travel time: After 7 p.m.

Gas prices continue to decrease heading into Memorial Day weekend

According to AAA, the national average for a gallon of gasoline has fallen four cents since last week, to $3.60. The primary reasons are weak domestic demand and oil costs below $80 a barrel, according to the organization.

“Barring some unforeseen event, this pokey drop in pump prices is not likely to change anytime soon,” said Andrew Gross, AAA spokesperson, in a news release. “There are seven states with county gas averages at less than $3 a gallon. This trend will likely accelerate as more gas outlets east of the Rockies drop their prices.”

This Memorial Day weekend, drivers can expect similar gas prices as last year when the national average was about $3.57.

"Pump prices rose this spring but have held somewhat steady in recent weeks," AAA said in the news release, while also noting that prices may creep higher as the summer driving season gets underway.

The wildcard remains the cost of oil, according to the organization, and unlike last year, there are now two wars – in the Middle East and Ukraine – that could roil the oil market.

Gabe Hauari is a national trending news reporter at USA TODAY. You can follow him on X  @GabeHauari  or email him at [email protected].

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Travelers cope with crowds and high prices on the busiest day of Memorial Day weekend

Highways and airports are likely to be jammed the next few days as Americans head out for Memorial Day weekend getaways and then return home.

Airports around the country are bracing for the travel rush as Americans head out for Memorial Day weekend. AAA predicts 43.8 million people expected to travel between Thursday and Monday. (AP Video: Tassanee Vejpongsa)

Highways and airports are likely to be jammed this weekend, as Americans head out on Memorial Day weekend getaways. AAA says this will be the busiest start-of-summer weekend in nearly 20 years.

Travelers on Florida’s Turnpike are experiencing relatively light traffic at the start of the Memorial Day weekend, with no major congestion reported, allowing them to focus on their wallets instead of their anxiety about traffic. (AP video by Cody Jackson)

Travelers walk through Salt Lake City International Airport Friday, May 24, 2024, in Salt Lake City. A record number of Americans are expected to travel over the 2024 Memorial Day holiday. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)

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Travelers move through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport ahead of Memorial Day, Friday, May 24, 2024, in Atlanta.(AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

Michelle Winters plays the violin as passengers stand in line at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport ahead of Memorial Day, Friday, May 24, 2024, in Atlanta.(AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

Cars drive through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport ahead of Memorial Day, Friday, May 24, 2024, in Atlanta.(AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

Gasoline prices are displayed on a sign outside a service station as the Memorial Day holiday travel period kicks off Thursday, May 23, 2024, in Greenwood Village, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Traffic slowly moves along Interstate 405 on Thursday, May 23, 2024, in the Bel Air section of Los Angeles. Highways and airports are likely to be jammed in the coming days as Americans head out on and home from Memorial Day weekend getaways. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Travelers contended with big crowds and flight delays Friday, which was expected to be the busiest day of the Memorial Day weekend.

More than 6,000 U.S. flights were delayed by early evening on the East Coast, continuing a trend that has tested the patience of travelers all week. Cancellations were more modest, at slightly more than 200, according to tracking data from FlightAware.

There were delays on the highways, too.

Along Florida’s Turnpike, Wallis Tinnie said a traffic accident and road work slowed her drive to an African American history commemoration in the Florida Panhandle, the site in 1816 of the first battle of the Seminole Wars.

“But we’re comfortable with it,” the Miami woman said during a stop at Port Saint Lucie. “We left early, and our event is tomorrow. So hopefully — God willing, creek don’t rise — we’ll be there in plenty of time.”

The Transportation Security Administration predicted that Friday would be the busiest day of the holiday weekend for air travel, with nearly 3 million people expected to pass through airport checkpoints . TSA screened just under 2.9 million people Thursday, coming within about 11,000 of breaking the record set on the Sunday after Thanksgiving last year.

Pasha Pidlubniak waits for a domestic flight at Miami International Airport, Thursday, May 23, 2024, in Miami. A record number of Americans are expected to travel over the 2024 Memorial Day holiday. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

“Airports are going to be more packed than we have seen in 20 years,” AAA spokesperson Aixa Diaz said.

Highways also are likely to be jammed as motorists head out of town and then return home. AAA predicted this will be the busiest start-of-summer weekend in nearly 20 years, with 43.8 million people expected to roam at least 50 miles from home between Thursday and Monday — 38 million of them taking vehicles.

The annual expression of wanderlust that accompanies the start of the summer travel season is happening at a time when Americans tell pollsters they are worried about the economy and the direction of the country.

“Memorial Day is a holiday weekend. I get to hang with family and friends, so I’d say that’s priceless, right?” Nene Efebo said during a two-hour wait for a delayed flight at Denver International Airport. “Anything to hang out with family and friends.”

Victoria Ramos Valdes of Miami was taking a driving vacation with her husband, Blake, and their children, ages 3 and 4 months old.

“We said, hey, we’re going to go for a $300 budget, and the hotel is around $150,” she said, but it has a water slide, providing plenty of entertainment. “We’re taking a nice family trip and doing our best to have the best Memorial Day weekend possible.”

Some travelers reported experiencing sticker shock when they booked their trips. Upon arriving at Philadelphia International Airport, Ciarra Marsh said the city “was not our original destination, but we chose here because it was cheaper.”

At Chicago’s O’Hare Airport, Larisa Latimer of New Lenox, Illinois, said her airfare was reasonable but other expenses for a getaway to New Orleans were not.

Motorists travel along Interstate 24 near the Interstate 40 interchange Thursday, May 23, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. A record number of Americans are expected to hit the pavement over the 2024 Memorial Day holiday. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

“I just have to make the accommodation,” she said. “The rental car is up ... this year, the hotel accommodations were very unusually expensive.”

Kathy Larko of Fort Myers, Florida, used frequent-flyer miles — and some flexible scheduling — to pay for her trip to Chicago.

Travelers wait at a TSA checkpoint at the Los Angeles International Airport, Thursday, May 23, 2024, in Los Angeles. A record number of Americans are expected to travel over the 2024 Memorial Day holiday. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)

“I’m really conscious of looking at the cost of the entire trip. We’re staying a little farther out than we normally would” to get a lower hotel rate, she said. “We’re also flying back a day later, because we could get cheaper miles.”

The weekend’s highway traffic and crowded airports could be a sample of what is to come for several more weeks. U.S. airlines expect to carry a record number of passengers this summer. Their trade group estimates that 271 million travelers will fly between June 1 and August 31, breaking the record of 255 million set – you guessed it – last summer .

George Ridley, 4, left, rides on a suitcase as he and his father Chris Ridley make their way through the Nashville international Airport, Thursday, May 23, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. A record number of Americans are expected to travel over the 2024 Memorial Day holiday. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

This story was previously updated to correct the spelling Fort Myers, Florida.

Cody Jackson in Port Saint Lucie, Florida, Melissa Perez Winder in Chicago and Shelley Adler in Washington contributed to this report.

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TSA screens record number of travelers as Memorial Day weekend kicks off

Jaclyn Diaz

Motorists travel westbound along Interstate 40 on Thursday in Nashville, Tenn. A record number of Americans are expected to hit the pavement over the 2024 Memorial Day holiday. George Walker IV/Getty Images North America hide caption

America is back, baby.

Airports and roadways are expected to be jam-packed during the Memorial Day weekend, making up for travel lost during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new analysis from AAA. But severe and potentially destructive storms forecast for the Plains, Midwest and mid-South through Memorial Day weekend may dampen the fun.

On Friday, Transportation Security Administration officers screened 2,951,163 passengers at checkpoints nationwide — breaking the agency's record for most travelers screened in a single day. The previous record was set last year a few days after Thanksgiving on Nov. 26.

But it doesn't stop there. The TSA expects that from Thursday to Sunday, more than 18 million passengers and crew will be screened — up 6.4% compared to the same time last year.

AAA projects 43.8 million people will travel 50 miles or more from home from Thursday, May 23 through Monday, May 27 — "the second highest Memorial Day weekend that we've ever tracked" and up 4% from last year, Aixa Diaz, a spokeswoman for AAA, told NPR.

About 38.4 million people are projected to drive over Memorial Day weekend — "the highest number for that holiday since AAA began tracking in 2000," the organization said.

Another 3.5 million people will take to the skies.

AAA says this indicates America is back to pre-pandemic travel numbers. "Not only that, but we're surpassing them," Diaz said.

"A lot of people are wanting to get away to sort of get that first taste of summer. But also this continues this pattern of post pandemic travel," Diaz said. "It started off as revenge travel right after the pandemic around like 2021, 2022. But what we've really seen the past couple of years is that more people now are prioritizing travel."

Motorists travel westbound along Interstate 40 on Thursday in Nashville, Tenn. A record number of Americans are expected to hit the pavement over the 2024 Memorial Day holiday. George Walker IV/AP hide caption

Tips to prepare for bad weather and traffic

Bad weather, including thunderstorms, wildfires and even snow, is forecast to hit areas including Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico and Montana as "multiple jet stream disturbances tap into warm and humid air," Weather.com said citing outlooks from NOAA's Storm Prediction Center.

Threats this weekend also include tornadoes, damaging wind and hail. This is all set to come after a tornado swept through Iowa earlier this week killing four people and injuring at least 35.

Despite this, most travelers have already left or are planning to leave on Friday.

"So right now we're in the thick of it," Diaz said. The best chance to avoid jam packed roads is to "avoid hitting the road during those rush hour times when many people who are still going to work on Thursday and Friday, are mixing with travelers on the roads," she said.

Diaz also recommends travelers "try to leave as little to chance as possible."

That means heading to the airport at least two hours early, preparing for long TSA lines, gassing up vehicles before hitting the interstate and packing cars with an emergency kit (filled with snacks, extra water and blankets).

The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season will be 'extraordinary,' forecasters warn