Practical info for the USA

Practical advice for the preparation of your trip 

Here are some practical tips to help you prepare for your motorhome trip in the USA.

The time change

UTC-4/ UTC-5/ UTC-6/ UTC-7/ UTC-8

The USA is very large and covers five time zones from west to east. These are: Alaska, Pacific, Mountain, Central, and Eastern. All use the summer/winter time change. The following time adaptations listed are based on Paris.

In the East subtract 4 hours from UTC and in the Central subtract 5 hours. In the Rockies subtract 6 hours and in the Pacific region subtract 7 hours. In Alaska subtract 8 hours.

Electricity

The plugs function with at least 2 flat prongs. Remeber to pack adapters.

The voltage in the USA is 110-120 volts. Check the compatibility of your chargers (110-220) or pack a converter.

Emergency numbers

Emergency services (police, firemen, ambulances): 911

The Climate

The United States is a vast country and the climate is fittingly complex and diverse.

Without doubt, the best time to visit the North-East, from Portland (Maine) to New York, is at the beginning of fall. There is still plenty of sunshine, with warm temperatures during the day and milder temperatures at night. In contrast, the winters can be rather harsh and snowy, and the summers hot with heavy thunderstorms.

In the South-East, it is equally mild in the fall and the spring. The winters are rather warm, but the summers are hot and humid, and often disrupted by tornadoes between August and October.

Florida shares a similar climate to the rest of the South-East, however is more sub-tropical. The southern region of Florida is therefore the only region where it is possible to swim comfortably all year-long.

The central region of the country, also known as The Great Plains, is characterized by a continental climate. The differences in temperature between the winter and the summer can be drastic, however the rain is weaker and it is often sunny. In the north, for example Bismarck, the winters are bitter and icy, and the areas around The Great Lakes are known to be particularly windy. The further you move to the south, the winters are milder and the summers warmer.

In Texas, the winters are very mild in the south, but colder in the north. The summers are very hot and dry in the Dallas region, and very hot and humid in the Houston region.

Along the Rocky Mountains, the climate is similar to the Great Plains, however take into account the altitude.

The Pacific North-West is the region where it rains the most. The summers can be dry and sunny, and the winters mild. Closer to San Francisco, the seasons tend to blend together. The days in summer and winter can be quite pleasant, but the evenings can often be crisp and cold.

In Southern California, the climate closely resembles a Mediterranean climate. Although the winters are mild and the summers are hot and dry, the water can be crisp with strong and sometimes dangerous currents.

Don't hesitate to consult local weather networks: http://www.weather.gov/ ou http://www.theweathernetwork.com/

Below is a table of the average monthly temperatures at the various CampingCar-Online rental agencies.

National parks and other nature reserves

Enjoy the freedom of movement your motorhome allows you and explore the many national parks in the USA that are home to a unique fauna and flora. You will find all the necessary information about the parks on the following website: http://www.nps.gov/index.htm

American public holidays

School holidays in the USA

The school holidays vary from state to state and from region to region. Research the school holidays in the specific areas you want to go to and the period you wish to travel in.