Destination: USA
LONELY PLANET'S OFFICIAL GUIDEBOOK INFORMATION
Dangers & Annoyances
Despite its seemingly Babylon-like list of dangers - guns, violent crime, earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes - the USA is actually a very safe country to visit. Perhaps the single greatest danger for travelers is posed by car accidents on America's highways (buckle up - it's the law). The two greatest annoyances will be auto traffic in the cities and crowds at popular sites.
Outdoor activities have their own sets of dangers and annoyances, but these vary with the terrain and the sport. The best advice is to talk to rangers about any risks posed by wildlife or the elements, and whether bugs and mosquitoes will be a particular problem when you'll be visiting.
Crime
For the traveler, petty theft is the biggest concern, not violent crime. When withdrawing money from an ATM, try to do so during the day or at night in well-lit, busy areas. If you are driving, don't pick up hitchhikers, and lock valuables in the trunk of your car; leaving bags and cameras lying in plain sight invites 'smash-and-grab' thieves. The same is true in hotels: use hotel safes when available, or otherwise hide and lock expensive items.
Other standard safety precautions are never to open your hotel door to a stranger (if someone seems suspicious, call the front desk to verify who they are), and in cities drive with your car doors locked.
Guns are in the news and would seem to be everywhere in the USA, but are not really (except perhaps Alaska). During hunting season, however, wear bright colors if you hike in the woods.
Scams
There are no scams unique to the USA. All prey on the gullibility of people or their eagerness to get rich quick. Travelers are most likely to encounter three-card monte card games (they are always rigged) and expensive electronics, watches and designer items being sold at unbelievable prices on crowded city streets. Don't believe it; if the items aren't outright fakes, they are likely stolen. In general, a healthy skepticism is your best defense. For a list of current scams and types of fraud (most of which target homeowners and investors), visit 'Consumer Protection' on the government's website, http://firstgov.gov
Panhandlers
The homeless are an unfortunate fact of life in almost every American city, and even in some small towns. Panhandlers set up camp on sidewalks asking for change, and these pleas are upsetting and sometimes annoying but almost never dangerous. If you don't wish to give any change, a firm no usually ends the solicitation.
There's an argument that giving to panhandlers only encourages them to target tourist areas. It is really a matter of conscience. If you want to contribute toward a solution, consider a donation to a charity that cares for the urban poor. For help finding a charity, visit Charity Navigator
Natural Disasters
The chances that a traveler will experience a natural disaster in the USA are extremely small, but where they tend to occur, there is usually an emergency siren system to alert communities to imminent danger. Note that these sirens are tested periodically at noon, but if you hear one and suspect trouble, turn on a local TV or radio station, which will be broadcasting safety warnings and advice.
Typical troubles include hurricanes along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts, tornadoes in the Midwest and earthquakes and mudslides in California. Forest fires occasionally endanger homes in the West, and seasonal flooding can wreak havoc in the South. Hawaii has active volcanoes, but it's been so long since one really blew that most people seek them out rather than avoid them.
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