First time booking a holiday alone

DietIrnBru

Last time I was on holiday was in 1998 was with my mum and was 14.

Planning to visit a mate in the USA just after Christmas day this year and staying for the week.

I will admit to being ignorant in the organisation. What are the best websites or travel agents to find out flight costs (won't need a hotel), travel insurance and do I need a visa for the USA?

Doshwaster

1) You don't need a travel agent to book flights to the US. For prices and routes check out http://www.skyscanner.net/ and http://www.kayak.co.uk/. It's often best to book direct with the airline unless another site has special deals.

2) Travel insurance is absolutely essential for the US. Try the MSE guide for starters. http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/insurance/cheap-travel-insurance

3) As long as you have a UK passport, don't have criminal record and aren't going for longer than 3 months then you don't need a visa but you will need an ESTA travel authorisation from https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/ which is valid for 2 years.