Is USA Safe to Visit? (2024 • Insider Tips)

Acoording to World Bank data, USA received 165,478,000 million visitors in 2019. It is a generally safe country that tourists have no problems exploring.

The USA is a giant of a country. There are so many different landscapes, ecosystems, cultures, and places to visit in America that it can be hard to figure out if the country – as a whole – is safe; and that’s why you’re here.

If you look at some of the fears, from gun violence and police brutality to environmental dangers (like snowstorms, hurricanes and earthquakes) it can seem a little bit apocalyptic.

But, in general, the USA is a safe country to visit.

You will probably have some worries. These may start with the hoops you have to jump to get a USA Visa (and that can depend on your nationality and the countries you’ve recently visited). Things like a Muslim travel ban and other headline-hitting worries will no doubt affect how safe you feel about travelling to the USA.

However, the biggest danger you will probably face on a backpacking trip in the USA is more likely to be things like traffic accidents and petty crime – things that also pose a risk in almost every country in the world.

“How safe is USA” depends a lot on WHERE you go. While there are thousands of safe towns in the country, these are some of the safest places in USA.

• Boston, Massachusetts: Located in New England, Boston is absolutely beautiful in the summer and super safe for tourists. Families will particularly love the many sports teams and museums.
• Honolulu, Hawaii: Hawaii is a dream destination to say the least, and its capital city is one of the safest in the USA. Though, you’ll definitely want to get out of the city and explore the rest of the islands!
• Virginia Beach, Virginia: Virginia Beach is consistently ranked as the safest big city in the USA. A popular summer tourist spot, you’ll find sun, waves and boardwalks here.
  

Popular cities like NYC, Miami, Los Angeles, and Chicago are also all safe to visit as long as you research what areas to avoid beforehand.

Places to Avoid in the USA

Is USA dangerous? Not entirely, but these areas certainly are. Avoid them at all costs:

• South Side of Chicago: While Chicago’s tourist spots are safe to visit, you should always stay away from the South Side. It’s rife with gang violence, crime, and drug use.
• Detroit, Michigan: Once a thriving American city, traveling to Detroit is not recommended these days. It’s dilapidated, violent, and some parts are downright abandoned.
• Baltimore, Maryland: While Baltimore has some great attractions for all ages, it’s also infested with crime. You’ll also find large numbers of homeless people using drugs on the streets after dark.
• Kensington, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Also known as America’s open-air heroin market, you would be absolutely shocked that a developed country has this going on… but hey, that’s the US. Homelessness and drug addiction are endemic here and no Philly visitor should ever venture here.

Keeping Your Money Safe in USA

One of the most common things to happen to you whilst travelling is losing your money. And let’s face it: the most annoying way for this to actually occur is when it’s stolen from you.

Petty crime is pretty much a problem all over the world.

The best solution? Get a money belt.

Travel with peace of mind. Travel WITH a security belt.

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

Hide Yo’ Money!

With its relatively high levels of crime, petty theft is probably the biggest concern for travelers to America – especially if you are going to be frequenting large urban areas. Added to the natural environment, and there may seem a lot to protect yourself from. However, your trip should run just fine – especially if you keep in mind the top safety tips for the USA we’re about to take you through.

1. Get an eSim onto your phone – Your phone probably won’t work in the US using your normal sim we recommend downplaying the HolaFly eSim Package For The USA before you leave home. It offers unlimited data, is easy to use and will ensure that your phone has data and can get online the moment you land. Having immediate access to apps like Google apps and UBER can really help you to stay safe in the US.
2. Pay attention to your surroundings – It is very important to stay alert, especially in large towns and cities
3. Keep your belongings close to you around tourist sights and busy transit hubs – Petty crime, especially against tourists, tends to be higher in these places
4. Only use ATMs in safe areas – During the day, or in busy, well-lit areas at night. Gas station ATMs are known to steal card info, so only use ATMs belonging to US banks.
5. Don’t walk around with lots of valuables – This will just put you at risk at having these high value items stolen
6. Always keep an emergency stash of cash – Never keep all your cards/ currency in one place. And hide it all from thieves with a hidden money belt.
7. Do not leave your bags open or unattended on tables – This leaves your belongings open to potential thieves
8. Instead, leave them in a hotel safe – No pun intended, but this is the safest place for them.
9. Be street smart – Don’t walk down dark side streets for a shortcut, or follow Google Maps into quiet neighborhoods
10. If somebody tries to mug you, do not resist – Refusal to cooperate could result in violence; your belongings are not worth coming to harm
11. Don’t get involved in “street games” – Such as con artists with card games/tricks or people selling watches or cheap electronics on the street
12. Read up about the area in which you may stay – You should figure out if it is known for crime, or has any recent incidents which may have occurred in that neighborhood
13. Laws are different in each US state – If you’re moving around, it is important to bear this in mind, particularly related to drug use.
14. LGBT travelers take note – Though attitudes are widely open-minded, in some areas there are some very conservative views; learn more about where in particular you’ll be going.
15. Be aware that the legal age for drinking age is 21 – And no matter how old you look, many places will ask to see your ID
16. Take a good medical kit with you – you never know when you might need it!
17. Weed legality varies according to state – In California, Alaska and other states, recreational use is legal, while in others it isn’t. It is important to know the rules of the state you’re in before you light up and before crossing state boundaries.
18. Keep away from other drugs – Anything other than weed is definitely illegal under federal and state law; you can face deportation or jail time for possession
19. Be culturally aware – The States is a huge, diverse country. Knowing some of the issues that face different communities across the nation will help you better understand where you are travelling
20. Be careful in states that border Mexico – There are issues with drug trafficking in California, New Mexico, Arizona, and Texas
21. Pay attention to weather warnings – Extreme conditions, like tornadoes and hurricanes, can result in an evacuation, so you should prepare for this.
22. If you’re heading out hiking, bring bear spray – The American wilderness is real wilderness, and it’s huge. Do not underestimate it.
23. There are sizeable homeless populations in the USA’s larger cities. San Francisco is one example.
24. Get good insurance for the USA – essential.

Overall, The United States is safe. It is definitely not a dangerous country to spend time in, generally. Our top travel safety tips for the USA aren’t here to scare you, but instead, they are here to keep in mind to ensure that you are following your gut, keeping your wits about you and making sure you have the best time possible during your trip.

Solo travel in the United States of America is a lot of fun. There are plenty of chances to get out and about to enjoy yourself as a solo traveler, a never-ending list of sites and destinations to stop off, and what’s more – American people are very friendly!

While you should never be stuck for somebody to chat to in the US, solo travel isn’t always easy.

• We mentioned already that American people are friendly, so you should definitely make an effort to chat to the locals. Even in big cities, people will more than likely help you if you need some help, so don’t be afraid to ask or even just make conversation for some small talk. Local advice is always valuable, too.
• With that in mind, ask at your hotel, hostel or guesthouse for tips on what to do, where is safe (and where isn’t safe), as well as what you should eat, and even onward travel information. The staff will more than likely be happy to help you with your questions and be full of helpful tips.
• Don’t go off the radar. Ensure that you tell friends and family back home about your travel plans. You should consider sharing a Google Doc or sending an email that lists your itinerary, making sure to let people know where you are and what you’re doing. It’s nice to chat to people you know, too, so that you stay grounded and don’t get too homesick.
• Be careful when heading out on a hike or into the wildernesses and national parks in America. You should inform staff where you’re staying, new travel buddies and/or friends and relatives back home of what you’re doing; in case something happens, it definitely pays to have someone know where you are going.
• Have multiple credit/debit cards. Instead of just relying on banking or savings account, you should open an additional account, in case you lose access to one (or more) of your accounts or cards. This may sound simple, but it could really save you in a sticky situation. An emergency credit card, for similar reasons, would also be a handy thing to have.

Traveling solo anywhere in the world brings with it its own unique set of rules. While you’re going it alone, you will only have yourself to worry about – however, this also means that nobody will have your back, except you!

Thankfully, traveling solo in the USA is safe. It can definitely be done, and it helps that people are friendly here in general, that there’s a ton of great accommodation, loads of things to see and do, and endless opportunities for you to have an absolutely awesome time.

Just keep your own limits in mind, tell people where you are and what you’re doing, and enjoy.

The USA is safe to travel for solo female travelers – for the most part. If you are thinking about traveling alone as a female, you will certainly have to be more careful than usual, however.

You shouldn’t come across any majorly crazy problems and it’s not as if the USA is a special case for solo female travelers worldwide. Many American females travel by themselves in their own country and have an amazing time while they are doing so. That said, the more you know about a place, the less likely you are to put yourself at risk. With that in mind, here are some tips for solo female travelers.

• Assess the risk before you head to any given destination – America included. Make sure you know where you’re going, what cities are safer other than others, what you should pack on a hike, who you should talk to, and what sort of people to avoid. Getting a well-rounded view of the safety of a country for females before you head off is always a good place to start.
• Make connections with other travelers or local ladies in the destination you are heading to. It may seem scary to reach out to people you don’t know, but these kinds of meet-ups can really enrich your trip, and give you not just a support network, but a real insight into where you are traveling. Good options are Facebook groups like Girls Love Travel and Host A Sister.
• Stay at accommodation that is safe for solo female travelers. This goes for everything from staying in one of the many hostels in the US to secure (and well-reviewed) Airbnbs, as well as comfy hotels. Always do your research ahead of time, don’t opt for a kneejerk decision; read reviews from other female travelers who’ve gone before and only stay somewhere you can trust.
• If you are by yourself, a guide wouldn’t be a bad idea to show you around a new city or national park. However, be aware that putting your faith in one person who will spend time alone can be daunting and potentially risky. Make sure you go with a guide who is well-reviewed by previous clients or go for a group tour – often an excellent way to meet travel buddies.
• Walk around confidently, like you know where you’re going – head high and with purpose. Even if you don’t feel confident, or even if you’re lost, it is a good idea to not look that way, as this can easily have potential criminals single you out. The Canadian government, for example, advises women travelers to “lower your tourist profile.”
• Be careful if you want to go out partying by yourself: not every party district or neighborhood across the country is going to be the same. Make sure you stay aware of your surroundings and, if you’re worried, pair up with people from your hostel or find a trusted bar crawl event that you can join.
• Do not leave your drink unattended. Drink spiking can occur. Equally, do not accept drinks from strangers – it’s just not a good idea.
• Dress appropriately for the situation and area you are in. The USA, in general, varies from state to state and between city and country. A good rule of thumb is to look around you and see how other women are dressed, and to take this as a cue for how you should be dressing yourself. This goes for anywhere in the world.
• Don’t worry about being rude when it comes to unwanted attention. If someone, or a situation, is making you feel uncomfortable then you should be clear about how you feel, and/or remove yourself from the situation. Don’t linger, or hear someone out who’s bothering you, out of politeness. In fact, don’t be afraid to make a scene if you feel threatened.
• Don’t give out personal information. Strangers don’t need to know your relationship status, where you’re from, your travel plans, and where you’re staying. Do not disclose this to somebody you don’t know.
• Your phone should be charged at all times. This might seem like a superfluous thing for us to add, but it is something you should remember. Without your phone, you will really be unable to call for help – or even simply get directions – when you really need to. Consider investing in a battery pack so that you’re never caught on 5% with no hope of charging your trusty smartphone.
• Avoid walking by yourself down poorly lit roads and remote, particularly beach locations. If you wouldn’t do it at home, then it makes sense to not do this while you are abroad, too.

Traveling by yourself as a woman is life-changing. You get to enjoy all the things you want, travel at your own pace, enjoy new cultures, and meet new friends along the way. Traveling the USA alone is, in essence, no different, and many solo females have a great time here.

With that said, there are so many awesome resources out there for solo female travelers; a wealth of groups and like-minded ladies who will be more than happy to share tips or meet up. Do thorough research on guides, tours, and accommodation – and be kind to yourself.

Perfect for families

Perfect for families

Upper West Side

This classic NYC neighborhood is the ideal place for families. With the Central Park right around the corner and loads of other family-friendly attractions around, there will be plenty of entertainment for all ages.

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Our verdict is that the USA is definitely safe for family travel. There is a ton of stuff that makes it a fantastic family destination.

While you might not have been to the USA with children before, having your kids in tow will bring a whole new layer of fun to your vacation.

New York City, for example, has the wonders of Times Square, Central Park, its multitude of museums and skyscrapers to marvel at. Florida has Orlando’s Disney World and some beautiful beaches. California has redwood forests and laid-back, family-friendly living.

Having your children with you in the US usually means that you will be treated kindly by locals and businesses alike.

You shouldn’t have any problems finding things for picky eaters or strict dietary requirements almost anywhere. Even in small towns, you will be able to pick up fresh goods at farmers’ markets to whip up a lunch or dinner for your family at self-catering accommodation.

Accommodation is something that varies throughout the states and different regions, but you will often be able to bag yourself a family room. Even basic motels should have beds for children as well as cribs. Larger hotel will have offers for children and other children’s amenities. Only B&Bs may not accept children as guests.

You can find baby-changing facilities in public toilets, as well as family facilities for both parents. From June to August a lot of schools are out for summer vacation; things get booked up and the weather gets very hot in some places.

The same goes for winter resorts during the winter months, when the holidays see schoolchildren out and American families going on vacation, too.

The US was built for the car, and to put it bluntly, public transportation is absolutely horrific. Trains cost the same or more as many plane routes, and take double the time. Buses are old and often unsafe.

So unless you plan on only visiting walkable places (i.e. New York City or South Beach), you’re likely going to want to rent a car to get around your destination. The US is the home of the road trip after all. Just make sure you obey all traffic lights and signs. Police officers often sit and wait near them to fine offenders.

A few cities have extensive public transport systems, but day trips will almost always require a car. Uber is the ride-share app of choice in the US, and while it’s safe for the most part, it’s very expensive–much more so than renting a car.

The easiest and cheapest way to get from state to state is by flying. Unfortunately, long distances buses in the US are NOT safe and tend to attract vagrants, criminals, and drug users.

In 2021, 7.5 out of every 1000 persons were victims of a violent crime that was reported to the police. While crime is down from the 90s, it has been steadily rising since the pandemic hit. Mass shootings are also a legitimate concern when visiting the US.

Attacks can happen in any state at any time, and while these represent only a small percentage of gun deaths, it’s still something to be aware of. Avoid large gatherings, malls, schools, and grocery stores if you want to take additional precautions.

Scams in USA aren’t something the average traveler will run into, as a lot of scams are done over the phone or the internet.

Rules in USA

One law to keep in mind while traveling the US is that the drinking age is 21. The same goes for marijuana in states that have legalized recreational use. As weed is still federally illegal, you can get in trouble for bringing it on a plane, though this tends to be a bit lax these days.

Tipping culture in the USA is also something to be aware of. Servers are NOT paid a normal hourly rate and instead make the majority of their income through tipping. For this reason, you can expect fantastic service, but know you should tip at least 15-20%! In some cases 10% may suffice.

Everyone’s packing list is going to look a little different, but here are a few things I would never want to travel to USA without…

Hanging Laundry Bag

Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.

View on Nomatic

Head Torch

A decent head torch could save your life. If you want to explore caves, unlit temples, or simply find your way to the bathroom during a blackout, a headtorch is a must.

View on REI

SIM card

Yesim stands as a premier eSIM service provider, catering specifically to the mobile internet needs of travellers.

View on Yesim

Monopoly Deal

Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.

View on Amazon

Money Belt

This is a regular looking belt with a concealed pocket on the inside – you can hide up to twenty notes inside and wear it through airport scanners without it setting them off.

View on REI

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Here are some quick answers to common questions about safety in USA.

There may be a fair bit of crime going on in the USA but, being such a vast and varied country, most American attractions are in fact safe for travel.

The places you’ll be going, as a visitor, will practically be crime free compared to what some US citizens see on a day-to-day basis. Count yourself lucky!

Looking for more info on traveling to USA?

• Let me help you choose where to stay in New York
• Swing by one of these fabulous festivals
• Don’t forget to add an epic national park to your itinerary
• Check out my favorite Airbnbs in the centre of all the action
• Plan the rest of your trip with our fantastic backpacking USA travel guide!

Disclaimer: Safety conditions change all over the world on a daily basis. We do our best to advise but this info may already be out of date. Do your own research. Enjoy your travels!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!