A practical guide to traveling New England

New England is a US favourite for a reason. Made up of six states — Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont — the region is a cultural heavyweight, home to iconic authors from Nathaniel Hawthorne to Stephen King, and the site of key battles in the American War of Independence. Its oceanfront has some of the East Coast’s most in-demand resorts and wild, wind-beaten national parks; inland, there are forests that burn bright with autumn foliage and winter resorts that are playgrounds for skiers. Here, we answer some common questions that might help you plan your visit.

Do I need a visa?

While most British visitors to the US don’t need visas for tourism purposes, all travellers need to apply for an ESTA ($21/£16). These are valid for visits of up to 90 days. It’s best to submit applications at least 72 hours prior to travel.

Should I visit using a tour operator or independently?

America was built for road trips, and much of the joy of travelling here is found in the detours and pitstops you can have along the way. New England is no exception. It’s easy enough to plan an independent road trip; if you’d rather leave the logistics to a tour operator, consider opting for a fly-drive, self-guided itinerary to fully enjoy the freedom of the open highway. As is the case in all US states where wild animals are a road hazard, it’s best to drive during the day as moose are most active from dusk until dawn.

What’s the best season for whale-watching?

New England’s Atlantic coastline crowds with cetaceans from May to October, but you might be able to spot humpback, fin, minke and, occasionally, the North Atlantic right whale from late March to early November. Home to some 600 permanent and migrating marine animal species, the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary between Cape Ann and Cape Cod has spectacular sightings. Maine is another hotspot for whale-watching; June to August is the optimal time in Portland or Bar Harbor. Book with a World Cetacean Alliance (WCA) certified operator.

Is autumn a good time to go?

With red bands of sugar maple, oak, beech and chestnut, New England is the quintessential leaf-peeping destination. The season begins in northern Maine, where it’s cooler, around mid-September; the rest of the states play catch-up until late October.

The bad news is that with the colours come the crowds. New Hampshire — with its winding mountain roads and twinkling brooks — alone receives over three million autumn visitors. If you arrive around this time, you might find it hard to connect with the wild. Consider looking beyond New Hampshire’s White Mountains, Vermont’s Green Mountains and the Berkshires in Massachusetts.

How much should I tip?

This is a bugbear of many travellers to the US, and a conversation about tipping etiquette can’t be avoided. Put simply, adding a minimum of 15% to 20% is the norm for everything from airport transfers to restaurant service and tour guides. A growing number of counter-service cafes and shops also now give the option to add a tip to any humdrum everyday purchase, but this is at your discretion.

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