Annapolis Maryland, USA Travel Guide
Annapolis experiences four distinct seasons, each presenting a different atmosphere. Layers often appear as a common dressing method.
Climate Patterns Throughout the Year: Spring (April-May) features mild temperatures (50-70°F/10-21°C). Summer (June-August) brings hot, humid conditions (75-90°F/24-32°C) with frequent thunderstorms. Fall (September-November) offers mild to cool weather (55-75°F/13-24°C) with lower humidity. Winter (December-March) is cold (30-45°F/-1-7°C) with occasional snow or ice.
Monitor weather forecasts carefully, especially during Atlantic hurricane season (June 1 - November 30) for heavy rain, strong winds, or coastal flooding. Winter storms bring snow or ice, potentially affecting travel.
Summer heat and humidity cause discomfort. Stay hydrated, wear light clothing, seek shade, and limit strenuous activity during the hottest parts of the day.
Standard U.S. Entry policies apply.
Citizens of VWP countries (e.g., most European countries, Australia, Japan, South Korea) for tourism/business (90 days max). Apply online for Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) at least 72 hours before travel. VisaHQ is also an option.
For non-VWP citizens or longer stays. Apply at an U.S. Embassy or consulate. Application requires forms, fees, and an interview.
Present specific documents upon arrival.
Passport valid 6 months beyond stay. Proof of onward/return travel. Evidence of sufficient funds (bank statements, credit card limits).
Affixed visa (if required) or ESTA approval printout. ESTA and visa application fees apply. Upon arrival, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers verify identity and purpose. Biometric data is collected.
No special permits for tourism.
Valid photo ID for United States Naval Academy access (age 16+). This aligns with standard security for military installations.
No mandatory vaccinations for entry. Keeping up-to-date on routine vaccinations (CDC recommended) is wise. Consult your healthcare provider before travel.
The official currency is the United States Dollar (USD, denoted by $). ATMs are widely available, typically offering the best exchange rates. Major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover) see acceptance almost universally. Carry some cash for smaller purchases or tips. Currency exchange services are limited outside major international airports.
Tipping, a common practice in the United States, constitutes a large part of service workers' earnings. Restaurants expect 15-20% of the pre-tax bill for good service. Bartenders: $1-$2 per drink or 15-20% of the tab. Taxi/Ride-share drivers: 15-20% of the fare. Hotel housekeeping: $2-$5 per night. Tour guides: 15-20% of cost or $5-$10 per person for shorter tours.
$100-$180/day (motels, fast food, walking, free attractions).
$180-$400/day (3-star hotels, mix of eateries, occasional taxi, paid tours).
$400+/day (upscale hotels, fine dining, frequent ride-shares, private experiences).
Mid-range hotel: $150-$300. Dinner: $30-$70. Harbor Cruise: $25-$40.
Walk often, use free attractions, pack snacks, look for happy hour deals, consider off-season travel, use public parking garages.
Keep this information readily available, perhaps stored on your phone and a physical copy in your wallet.
These are for immediate assistance.
Actions to take if your passport or other travel documents are lost or stolen.
Annapolis, a waterfront city, faces specific natural hazards.
Travel insurance, while not mandatory, is a strong suggestion for all international visitors to the U.S. And for domestic travelers with substantial costs. U.S. Healthcare is expensive. Travel insurance shields against:
Covers costs for doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency medical treatment.
Reimburses non-refundable expenses if your trip is cut short due to unforeseen circumstances.
Provides compensation for lost or delayed baggage.
Seek policies with coverage for emergency medical treatment and evacuation.
Read policy details carefully to grasp inclusions and exclusions. Some policies may not cover pre-existing conditions or certain adventure activities.
Comparing options from different providers is a good practice. Online platforms like World Nomads (for adventurous travelers), SafetyWing (for digital nomads), and Insubuy (for U.S. visitors) present various choices.
Affiliate disclosure: Links for World Nomads, SafetyWing, and Insubuy exist within this text.
For significant flight disruptions, passengers may receive compensation. Services like AirHelp assist in claiming up to €600 for eligible delays or cancellations.
This typically applies to flights to/from the EU or on EU airlines, and certain U.S. Domestic flights under specific conditions.
Submit your flight details to AirHelp; they manage the claim process and take a percentage only if successful. This can be an useful resource for travelers experiencing disruptions.
Staying healthy and safe during your travels means having access to appropriate tools and knowledge.
