# 🇺🇸 United States

> The United States is not one vacation but a collection of epic journeys: New York for shopping, Broadway and Central Park, Florida for Orlando’s theme parks and Miami’s beaches, and the West for California road trips and national parks. Israelis come for extended family holidays, luxurious honeymoons, NBA games, enormous outlet malls and unforgettable drives linking Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon and Los Angeles. Each region reveals a different America, from Times Square’s lights to Yosemite, Highway 1 and the casinos and headline shows of the Strip. The distance rewards careful planning, especially when cities, nature and shopping are combined in one memorable itinerary.

## Quick facts

- **Currency:** USD ($)
- **Time zone:** 7- עד 10- שעות מול ת״א, לפי האזור
- **Language:** אנגלית; ספרדית נפוצה מאוד
- **Power plug:** A / B · 120V
- **Visa for Israelis:** ישראלים עם דרכון ביומטרי זקוקים לאישור ESTA מראש לביקור קצר; בעלי דרכון שאינו זכאי או מי שאינו עומד בתנאים זקוקים לוויזה
- **Safety:** רמת הבטיחות משתנה מאוד בין ערים ושכונות; מומלץ לבדוק אזורי לינה מראש, להימנע מאזורים מבודדים בלילה ולהחזיק ביטוח רפואי מקיף
- **Main airport (IATA):** NYC
- **Trips from:** ₪6,990 / 10 nights
- **Traveler rating:** 4.8/5

## Best time to visit

- **Recommended months:** April, May, June, July, August, September, October
- **Peak season for Israelis:** July and August are the main peak for Israeli families during the school break, especially in Orlando, New York and the American West. April to June and September to October offer better weather for road trips and city touring, while Passover and Sukkot are also highly popular.

## Weather by month

Measured in United States.

| Month | Avg. temp | Conditions |
| --- | --- | --- |
| ינו | 4°C | Cool |
| פבר | 6°C | Cool |
| מרץ | 11°C | Cool |
| אפר | 18°C | Excellent |
| מאי | 23°C | Excellent |
| יונ | 27°C | Excellent |
| יול | 29°C | Excellent |
| אוג | 28°C | Excellent |
| ספט | 25°C | Excellent |
| אוק | 18°C | Excellent |
| נוב | 12°C | Cool |
| דצמ | 7°C | Cool |

## Destinations within the country

- [New York](https://vayulor.com/en/destinations/usa/new-york): New York delivers a city break with unmatched intensity, from Manhattan’s skyline and Times Square lights to long walks through Central Park.

## Where to stay

- **Manhattan, New York City** — Best for: First-time visitors, couples, shopping and nightlife. Midtown around Broadway, Fifth Avenue and Bryant Park puts you at the center of everything, with familiar hotels such as M Social Times Square. SoHo and Greenwich Village offer more character, dining and bars around Spring Street and Bleecker Street. Prices are high, rooms are small and Times Square is noisy, but the location saves considerable time on a short visit.
- **Miami Beach, Florida** — Best for: Young travelers, beach and nightlife. South Beach places Ocean Drive, the sands of Lummus Park and Washington Avenue nightlife within walking distance, with hotels such as The Betsy. Couples and luxury travelers often prefer Mid-Beach and Faena Miami Beach near the beach clubs. Weekends are noisy and expensive, while traffic can make Miami Beach feel far from Wynwood and Brickell.
- **Orlando, Florida** — Best for: Families and theme parks. Lake Buena Vista suits families seeking quick access to Walt Disney World and Disney Springs, with hotels such as Wyndham Lake Buena Vista. Travelers focused on Universal Studios should consider Universal Boulevard or International Drive. It is convenient but lacks genuine urban street life, and a car or hotel shuttles are almost essential.
- **Las Vegas Strip, Nevada** — Best for: Groups, casinos, shows and luxury. The central Strip around Bellagio, Caesars Palace and The Venetian is the most convenient base for casinos, pool parties and shows. Wynn and Fontainebleau deliver a more luxurious experience, while downtown's Fremont Street is cheaper and grittier. Distances between resorts are deceptively long, resort fees add up and rooms can be a considerable walk from the entrance.
- **Santa Monica, Los Angeles** — Best for: Couples, families and a relaxed beach stay. Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica Pier and Third Street Promenade create a pleasant and relatively walkable base, with hotels such as Shore Hotel. Venice Beach and the coastal bike path are nearby, and Pacific sunsets are a genuine bonus. The trade-off is a high price and lengthy traffic-bound journeys to Hollywood, Universal Studios and downtown.
- **Moab, Utah** — Best for: Nature, road trips and active families. The town along Main Street is an excellent base for Arches, Canyonlands and scenic Highway 128, with hotels such as Hoodoo Moab. Evenings offer restaurants, breweries and outdoor shops, but little real nightlife. Rates surge in spring and autumn, while summer heat requires trail starts before 7:00 a.m.

## Getting around

- **Airport to city:** The United States has no single gateway, so transfers depend on the city. From JFK to Manhattan, the AirTrain plus subway costs about ₪45 and takes 60-75 minutes; the flat-fare taxi with tolls and tip usually totals roughly ₪300-390 and takes 45-90 minutes, while Uber or Lyft generally costs ₪220-450. From MIA to South Beach, the bus costs about ₪8 and takes 45-60 minutes, while Uber or Lyft costs ₪90-180 and takes 20-40 minutes. From LAX to Santa Monica, a ride-hailing car typically costs ₪120-250 and takes 25-70 minutes; in Las Vegas, a taxi or app ride to the Strip costs about ₪70-140 and takes 10-25 minutes, while shared shuttles are cheaper but slower.
- **Do you need a car?** Do not rent a car for Manhattan or central Chicago, Boston, Washington or San Francisco: transit is effective and parking can cost ₪180-350 per day. A car saves hours and is often essential in Los Angeles, Orlando, Miami beyond South Beach, national parks and road-trip country. Families may prefer an SUV with luggage space, while young travelers staying only on the Strip or in Manhattan save money by using transit and ride-hailing apps.
- **Transport tips:** Uber and Lyft are the principal apps; compare both because surge pricing can change within minutes. Las Vegas resorts and LAX use designated ride-hailing pickup zones, and drivers may not be allowed to stop at the main entrance. For rental cars, check toll programs, one-way fees and parking in advance; in California and Florida, extras can exceed the base rental rate.

## What it costs (for Israeli travelers)

- **Round-trip flight from TLV:** ₪2,600-5,500 (holidays: ₪7,000+)
- **4-5 night package:** ₪4,800-9,500 (per person)
- **Mid-range hotel nightly:** ₪600-1,300 (per room)
- **Five-star hotel nightly:** ₪1,500-3,800 (per room)
- **Restaurant meal:** ₪90-220 (before tip)
- **Local beer:** ₪25-45
- **Coffee:** ₪14-28
- **Short taxi ride:** ₪45-110
- **Rental car daily:** ₪180-420 (before insurance)
- **Major attraction:** ₪110-650 (theme park: up to ₪700)
- **Daily budget per person:** ₪650-1,500 (including lodging)
- **Family, five nights:** ₪22,000-42,000 (family of four)

## Kosher food, Chabad & Jewish community

- **Chabad house:** Popular cities have a strong Chabad presence, including Chabad Midtown near Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, Chabad in South Beach around 14th Street and Drexel Avenue, and Chabad of Southern Nevada in Las Vegas. Most offer minyanim, Shabbat services and advance-registration meals, although schedules and charges vary and must be confirmed directly. National parks and towns such as Moab generally lack full Jewish infrastructure, so observant travelers should stock up in a major city. — [Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Chabad%20United%20States%20United%20States)
- **Kosher food:** Manhattan has extensive options, including Abaita in Midtown, Reserve Cut in the Financial District and Mr. Broadway; in Miami Beach, Israelis often choose Motzkin, 17 Restaurant and Sushi Bar and Pita Loca. In Las Vegas, consider King Solomon's Table and Shawarma Vegas away from the Strip, but always verify current certification and hours. Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, Publix and Walmart stock products marked OU, OK and Star-K, and many families buy breakfast supplies, snacks and disposable utensils before heading to the parks.

## Attractions

- **Central Park** (Duration: 2-3 hours) — [Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Central%20Park%20United%20States)
- **SUMMIT One Vanderbilt** (Duration: 2 hours) — [Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=SUMMIT%20One%20Vanderbilt%20United%20States)
- **Statue of Liberty** (Duration: 4-5 hours) — [Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Statue%20of%20Liberty%20United%20States)
- **Brooklyn Bridge** (Duration: 1-1.5 hours) — [Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Brooklyn%20Bridge%20United%20States)
- **The Metropolitan Museum of Art** (Duration: 3-4 hours) — [Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=The%20Metropolitan%20Museum%20of%20Art%20United%20States)
- **The High Line** (Duration: 1.5-2 hours) — [Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=The%20High%20Line%20United%20States)
- **South Beach** (Duration: Half day) — [Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=South%20Beach%20United%20States)
- **Miami Beach Architectural District** (Duration: 2 hours) — [Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Miami%20Beach%20Architectural%20District%20United%20States)
- **Wynwood Walls** (Duration: 1.5-2 hours) — [Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Wynwood%20Walls%20United%20States)
- **Sawgrass Mills** (Duration: Full day) — [Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Sawgrass%20Mills%20United%20States)
- **Everglades Safari Park** (Duration: 3-4 hours including transfers) — [Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Everglades%20Safari%20Park%20United%20States)
- **Magic Kingdom Park** (Duration: Full day) — [Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Magic%20Kingdom%20Park%20United%20States)
- **Universal Islands of Adventure** (Duration: Full day) — [Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Universal%20Islands%20of%20Adventure%20United%20States)
- **Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex** (Duration: Full day) — [Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Kennedy%20Space%20Center%20Visitor%20Complex%20United%20States)

## Restaurants

- **Abaita** (, ₪₪₪) — A popular kosher dairy Italian restaurant where Israeli diners order wood-fired pizzas, pasta and fish. It is polished without feeling overly formal. — [Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Abaita%20United%20States)
- **Reserve Cut** (, ₪₪₪₪) — An upscale kosher steakhouse near Wall Street, known for steaks, burgers and shareable starters. Israelis often choose it for celebrations and special evenings. — [Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Reserve%20Cut%20United%20States)
- **Mr. Broadway** (, ₪₪) — A longstanding kosher institution near Times Square with shawarma, schnitzel, soups and American comfort food. It works especially well for families and mixed groups. — [Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Mr.%20Broadway%20United%20States)
- **Malka NYC** (, ₪₪₪) — Eyal Shani's kosher Israeli cooking in New York, centered on pitas, roasted vegetables, fish and creative sharing plates. Familiar flavors meet a distinctly New York atmosphere. — [Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Malka%20NYC%20United%20States)
- **Motek Downtown** (, ₪₪) — A Mediterranean café popular with Israelis for hummus, shakshuka, salads, pitas and bowls. It is not kosher, though vegetarian and fish choices are readily available. — [Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Motek%20Downtown%20United%20States)
- **Jaffa Miami** (, ₪₪₪) — Lior Lev Sercarz's Israeli-Mediterranean restaurant emphasizes spices, vegetables, fish and sharing plates. It fits naturally into a Design District shopping day. — [Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Jaffa%20Miami%20United%20States)
- **Pita Loca** (, ₪₪) — A casual kosher address for shawarma, falafel, hummus, salads and schnitzel in pita. Israelis come for quick, familiar and filling food near the beach. — [Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Pita%20Loca%20United%20States)
- **Kikar Tel Aviv** (, ₪₪) — A kosher Israeli restaurant in an area popular with Israeli and Jewish visitors, serving breakfasts, shakshuka, salads, fish and baked goods. It is especially family-friendly. — [Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Kikar%20Tel%20Aviv%20United%20States)
- **Kosher Grill** (, ₪₪) — A key kosher stop for families after a park day, serving shawarma, grilled chicken, kebabs, falafel and salads. Portions are generous and flavors are familiar. — [Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Kosher%20Grill%20United%20States)
- **Krembo Kosher Bakery** (, ₪) — A useful kosher bakery for stocking up before the parks, with bourekas, sandwiches, pastries and desserts. Israelis often stop for breakfast or takeaway food. — [Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Krembo%20Kosher%20Bakery%20United%20States)

## Nightlife

- **LIV Nightclub** — Club — [Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=LIV%20Nightclub%20United%20States)
- **E11EVEN Miami** — Club — [Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=E11EVEN%20Miami%20United%20States)
- **Mango's Tropical Cafe South Beach** — Bar and club — [Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Mango's%20Tropical%20Cafe%20South%20Beach%20United%20States)
- **Ocean Drive** — Bar street — [Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Ocean%20Drive%20United%20States)
- **230 Fifth Rooftop Bar** — Rooftop bar — [Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=230%20Fifth%20Rooftop%20Bar%20United%20States)
- **The Press Lounge** — Rooftop bar — [Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=The%20Press%20Lounge%20United%20States)
- **Marquee New York** — Club — [Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Marquee%20New%20York%20United%20States)
- **The Rooftop at The Standard, Downtown LA** — Rooftop bar — [Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=The%20Rooftop%20at%20The%20Standard%2C%20Downtown%20LA%20United%20States)
- **Sound Nightclub** — Club — [Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Sound%20Nightclub%20United%20States)
- **The Abbey Food & Bar** — Bar and club — [Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=The%20Abbey%20Food%20%26%20Bar%20United%20States)
- **Broadway** — Bar street — [Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Broadway%20United%20States)
- **XS Nightclub** — Club — [Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=XS%20Nightclub%20United%20States)

## Casinos

- **Bellagio Casino** (In hotel Bellagio Hotel & Casino) — An elegant central-Strip casino with poker, blackjack, roulette and slots; gaming is restricted to guests aged 21+, and carrying a passport is recommended. — [Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Bellagio%20Casino%20United%20States)
- **The Venetian Casino** (In hotel The Venetian Resort Las Vegas) — A large, lavish gaming floor with table games, poker and slots in a resort also loved for shopping and dining; a passport may be requested for age verification. — [Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=The%20Venetian%20Casino%20United%20States)
- **Wynn Las Vegas Casino** (In hotel Wynn Las Vegas) — One of the city's most luxurious casinos, with upscale tables, slots and a polished atmosphere for travelers seeking refined Vegas. — [Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Wynn%20Las%20Vegas%20Casino%20United%20States)
- **Caesars Palace Casino** (In hotel Caesars Palace) — A Las Vegas classic with a vast gaming floor, poker, roulette, blackjack and slots; Israelis often combine it with The Forum Shops. — [Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Caesars%20Palace%20Casino%20United%20States)
- **MGM Grand Casino** (In hotel MGM Grand) — A busy, energetic casino with a broad selection of table games and slots, convenient for groups seeking a loud, central Vegas experience. — [Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=MGM%20Grand%20Casino%20United%20States)
- **Encore Boston Harbor Casino** (In hotel Encore Boston Harbor) — A luxury casino resort near Boston offering blackjack, roulette, poker and slots; gaming is for ages 21+, and visitors should carry a passport. — [Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Encore%20Boston%20Harbor%20Casino%20United%20States)

## Shopping

- **The Mills at Jersey Gardens** (Mall, Area: Elizabeth, New Jersey) — A convenient indoor outlet mall near Newark, popular for American brands, discounts and New Jersey's sales-tax exemption on most clothing and footwear. — [Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=The%20Mills%20at%20Jersey%20Gardens%20United%20States)
- **Woodbury Common Premium Outlets** (Mall, Area: Central Valley, New York) — The classic shopping day trip from Manhattan, with dozens of designer outlets and brands such as Nike, Coach and Polo Ralph Lauren. — [Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Woodbury%20Common%20Premium%20Outlets%20United%20States)
- **Macy's Herald Square** (Brand store, Area: Herald Square, Manhattan, New York) — The iconic department store for American labels, cosmetics, luggage and seasonal sales, conveniently located near Times Square. — [Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Macy's%20Herald%20Square%20United%20States)
- **Primark Brooklyn** (Brand store, Area: City Point, Downtown Brooklyn, New York) — A favorite stop for low-cost fashion, pajamas, children's clothing and accessories, with prices especially attractive to Israeli families. — [Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Primark%20Brooklyn%20United%20States)
- **Sephora Times Square** (Brand store, Area: Times Square, Manhattan, New York) — A central cosmetics, skincare and fragrance store with brands and products not always available in Israel, plus good-value holiday sets. — [Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Sephora%20Times%20Square%20United%20States)
- **Sawgrass Mills** (Mall, Area: Sunrise, Florida, near Fort Lauderdale and Miami) — A vast outlet complex worth a full day, with fashion, sportswear and discounted luxury labels; a staple for Israelis visiting South Florida. — [Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Sawgrass%20Mills%20United%20States)
- **Aventura Mall** (Mall, Area: Aventura, Florida) — A favorite Miami-area mall among Israelis, bringing together Zara, Apple, Nike, Nordstrom and luxury brands. — [Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Aventura%20Mall%20United%20States)
- **Dolphin Mall** (Mall, Area: West Miami, Florida) — A large, accessible mall with American-brand outlets, sportswear and footwear at comparatively affordable prices. — [Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Dolphin%20Mall%20United%20States)
- **The Grove** (Mall, Area: Fairfax, Los Angeles) — A polished open-air shopping destination with recognizable brands and a Hollywood atmosphere beside the Original Farmers Market. — [Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=The%20Grove%20United%20States)
- **Citadel Outlets** (Mall, Area: Commerce, Los Angeles County) — An outlet center relatively close to Downtown Los Angeles, offering Nike, Levi's, Coach and other American brands at outlet prices. — [Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Citadel%20Outlets%20United%20States)
- **Las Vegas North Premium Outlets** (Mall, Area: Downtown Las Vegas, Nevada) — A popular open-air outlet easily added between Strip days, with designer labels, sneakers and apparel at substantial discounts. — [Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Las%20Vegas%20North%20Premium%20Outlets%20United%20States)
- **The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace** (Mall, Area: Caesars Palace, the Strip, Las Vegas) — A lavish luxury shopping center with flagship stores, ideal for travelers who want to shop without leaving the Strip. — [Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=The%20Forum%20Shops%20at%20Caesars%20Palace%20United%20States)

## Suggested itinerary

1. **Day 1: Classic Manhattan** — Start before 9:00 a.m. at Top of the Rock for a skyline view featuring the Empire State Building, then continue through Rockefeller Center and Fifth Avenue to Central Park. Have a kosher lunch at Abaita before walking to Bryant Park and the New York Public Library. In the evening, experience the lights of Times Square and attend a prebooked Broadway musical.
2. **Day 2: Downtown and Brooklyn** — Take an early ferry to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, or use the free Staten Island Ferry for a shorter view. Continue to the 9/11 Memorial, the Oculus and Wall Street, with lunch at Reserve Cut or a packed kosher meal. Near sunset, walk across Brooklyn Bridge and finish at Brooklyn Bridge Park facing the skyline.
3. **Day 3: Fly to Miami and explore South Beach** — Take a morning flight from New York to Miami, approximately three hours, allowing ample time for security and the airport transfer. After check-in, head to Lummus Park, admire the Art Deco buildings on Ocean Drive and continue to South Pointe Park. Have a kosher dinner around 17th Street and watch sunset near the pier; Ocean Drive is particularly noisy on weekends.
4. **Day 4: Wynwood, Design District and Brickell** — Reach Wynwood Walls at opening time to photograph the murals before the heat and tour groups, then continue to the Miami Design District for stores such as Louis Vuitton, Dior and Hermès. Spend the afternoon at Bayside Marketplace or Museum Park, depending on the weather. Finish at Brickell City Centre and a rooftop venue, using Uber or Lyft rather than dealing with parking.
5. **Day 5: Everglades or a beach day** — Families and nature lovers can take a morning airboat excursion in the Everglades, preferably with an operator limiting group size; the drive from South Beach is about an hour each way. Those seeking rest can stay on Mid-Beach, rent an umbrella and chairs, and shop along Lincoln Road. Return to South Pointe toward evening to watch the cruise ships, followed by a prebooked kosher dinner.
6. **Day 6: A relaxed Miami finale** — Begin early with a walk or bicycle ride on the Miami Beach boardwalk while temperatures are comfortable and the beach is nearly empty. After breakfast, visit Bal Harbour Shops for luxury shopping, or Dolphin Mall for outlets and more accessible prices. Allow at least three hours for the airport journey, rental-car return and screening at MIA, and confirm whether the Israel-bound itinerary is nonstop or connecting.

## VAYULOR tips

- 💳 Almost everything is paid by card, but restaurant and bar menu prices exclude local tax and gratuity, so a $100 order can end up costing roughly ₪430 to ₪450 depending on the exchange rate and city.
- 🛂 Before booking, confirm that you qualify for ESTA and that every passport detail exactly matches the reservation, since ESTA approval does not guarantee entry and the final decision is made at border control.
- ✈️ Round-trip flights from Tel Aviv to New York commonly cost about ₪2,500 to ₪5,500, while Basic Economy fares on United, Delta, and American can restrict seat selection, changes, and sometimes carry-on baggage.
- 🚇 In New York, use OMNY with the same card or phone for every ride to benefit from its weekly fare cap, while in Los Angeles you should not rely on transit for a day combining Malibu, Venice, and Griffith Observatory.
- 🏨 For couples in New York I prefer Flatiron or NoMad over Times Square, for families the Upper West Side, in Los Angeles West Hollywood or Santa Monica, and in Las Vegas a central hotel between Bellagio and The Venetian.
- 🎟️ Book the Statue of Liberty, Alcatraz, Sphere shows, SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, and timed park entry such as Yosemite through their official sites as soon as booking opens, especially for July, August, and Israeli holiday periods.
- 🎰 Las Vegas casinos require an original passport as proof of age, it is customary to tip the dealer after a win and the cocktail server at least $1 or $2 per drink, and Strip ATMs often charge steep withdrawal fees.
- 🍽️ At full-service restaurants, tip is generally 18% to 22%; kosher travelers should verify current certification in advance at places such as Le Marais in New York and use Chabad centers, especially in Orlando, Miami, and Las Vegas.
- 📱 An Airalo, Holafly, or Israeli-provider eSIM is convenient in cities, but for the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, or Highway 1, download offline Google Maps in advance because coverage often disappears between key stops.
- 🌦️ Do not pack based on the word “summer” alone: New York in July calls for light clothing and an umbrella, San Francisco needs a warm layer even in August, and Utah’s parks and Las Vegas require water, a hat, and starts before 8:00 a.m.

## Frequently asked questions

**Do Israelis need a visa for the United States?**

Israeli citizens with a valid biometric passport can generally enter the United States with an approved ESTA for up to 90 days, but it should be arranged in advance. Travelers with certain prior visits, previous refusals, or plans to work or study may need a regular visa.

**Are there direct flights from Israel to the United States, and how long do they take?**

Direct flights from Tel Aviv typically serve New York, Newark, Miami, and Los Angeles, depending on season and airline schedules; New York takes about 11.5–12.5 hours and Los Angeles about 14.5–15.5 hours. When connecting in the United States, allow at least 2.5 hours for immigration and baggage procedures at the first port of entry.

**When is the best time to visit the United States, and what should I pack?**

May–June and September–October are usually the most comfortable periods for cities and nature in the United States, while July–August, Christmas, and New Year are expensive peak periods; Florida is best in winter, and the western parks shine from late spring to early fall. Pack for the route rather than the country as a whole: layers and rain protection for New York, light clothing for Miami, and a warm jacket for cool Grand Canyon evenings.

**How many days are needed for the United States, and which routes suit families or couples?**

For a first trip to the United States, allow 10–14 nights for one region, such as New York and Washington for families or Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and the national parks for couples; combining both coasts in under three weeks usually feels rushed. Families often pair Orlando with Miami, while couples particularly enjoy New York with the Hudson Valley or California with Highway 1.

**How do you get around the United States, and is a rental car essential?**

In New York, Washington, and Chicago, public transit is preferable, but a rental car is close to essential in the western United States, Florida, and national park routes. Fly between distant regions, and remember that rental quotes may not include parking, tolls, an additional driver, or full insurance.

**How much does a trip to the United States cost from Israel?**

A 10–14-night trip to the United States typically costs about ₪12,000–₪25,000 per person sharing a room, including flights from Israel, good hotels, transportation, food, and attractions, but excluding major shopping. New York, California, and holiday periods sit at the expensive end, and travelers should budget for hotel taxes, resort fees, and restaurant tips of roughly 18%–22%.

**Is the United States safe for travelers?**

Most tourist areas in the United States are safe with normal urban precautions, but check the hotel’s exact block and avoid isolated areas at night, particularly in parts of Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New Orleans. Never leave belongings visible in a rental car, and comprehensive medical insurance is essential because healthcare costs are extremely high.

**Which attractions are unmissable on a first trip to the United States?**

On a first trip to the United States, Israeli travelers usually choose at least one major anchor: Times Square and Central Park in New York, Magic Kingdom in Orlando, the Grand Canyon and Las Vegas Strip, or Yosemite and Highway 1 in California. Book Broadway, Disney parks, Alcatraz, and timed national park entries well in advance.

**Where are the best nightlife and casinos in the United States?**

For nightlife in the United States, standout choices include Miami Beach clubs such as LIV, bars on New York’s Lower East Side, and the shows and parties of Las Vegas; for full-scale casinos, choose Bellagio, Wynn, or Venetian on the Strip. Casinos are not legal or readily available in every city, and New York or central Miami do not offer a Las Vegas-style experience, so gambling enthusiasts should plan accordingly.

**Is it easy to find kosher food and Chabad centers in the United States?**

Kosher travel is relatively easy in major Jewish centers across the United States: Manhattan and Brooklyn have extensive options, Miami Beach and Surfside offer kosher restaurants and supermarkets, and Los Angeles travelers should look around Pico-Robertson. Chabad operates in nearly every major city and near many nature and university destinations, but Shabbat and holiday meals should be reserved in advance and current certification and hours verified.

## Book through VAYULOR

- [Flights to United States](https://vayulor.com/en/destinations/usa/flights/usa)
- [Vacation packages to United States](https://vayulor.com/en/destinations/usa/packages/usa)
- [Hotels in United States](https://vayulor.com/en/destinations/usa/hotels/usa)
- [eSIM data for United States](https://vayulor.com/en/esim)
- [Web version of this guide](https://vayulor.com/en/destinations/usa)
- [המדריך הזה בעברית](https://vayulor.com/he/destinations/usa.md)

_Last updated: 2026-09-09_  
_Source: VAYULOR (vayulor.com) — an Israeli travel platform: destination guides, flights, packages, hotels and eSIM. Prices on the site are live; any price in this document is an indicative starting price only._