Emancipation Day (observed)

📣 Traveler notes

The United States features highly varied geography, including urban centers (e.g., Manhattan, Chicago), natural wonders (e.g., Yellowstone, Alaska), tropical beaches (e.g., Florida, Hawaii), and rugged coastlines.

• Federal holidays typically result in closures of non-retail government offices (e.g., post offices, banks).
• If a federal holiday falls on a weekend, the observance is usually relocated to the nearest weekday.
• The period from Thanksgiving to New Year's Day is the busy 'holiday season' and requires additional travel time.
• Major infrastructure (airports, roads, stores) will experience crowding during the holiday season.
• Dining etiquette is generally European-influenced; maintain personal space and avoid shared tables unless necessary. Basic manners include refraining from eating noises and waiting for all diners to be served before eating. Bringing a small gift when invited to a private home is appropriate, and requesting 'to go' containers for leftovers is standard practice.