Before going on your trip to the US you should make sure you plan everything ahead of time and plan it well. A trip to the US is usually quite expensive and it should be the trip of your lifetime, right? It is important when traveling to a different country that you learn about the culture and plan your trip accordingly. You might need to adapt your customs and habits to your trip and adopt new ways and attitudes. It is part of the fun to travel to a different country! Discover a new culture, learn about it and act according to it. The US are not that much different from the European culture, but there is a few things your need to be aware of to help you plan your trip to the US.
Trip to the US: Packing
When you are planning your trip to the US it is important to know what to pack and what you can leave at home to make your trip easier and lighter!
Don’t forget these things:
Take a little pocket dictionary or translator if your English isn’t perfect. It might be useful to avoid communication problems and will make things a lot easier for you! Find out about the weather and climate of your destination at the time of year, and match the clothes you pack for your trip. For example, if you are planning a trip to California, although it is warm during the summer, the nights are often chilly, so you should think about taking a light sweater or even a coat, if you plan to visit Northern California. Also match your clothes to the activities you have planned. If you plan hikes during the day and a fun nightlife, remember dress codes might be imposed! so you will have to pack more pair of shoes and shirts. If you are planing a trip in a warm part of the US with beach activities remember that it is forbidden for women to be top less. Children always wear their bathing suit as well.
Things you can leave at home:
Of course you want to bring your camera, iPod and some other electronics on your trip, but remember that the US has a different voltage and other differently shaped plugs. This means you have to buy an adapter and check your electronic equipment, if it can handle a different income voltage. Quite a hassle, right? So leave your flat iron, hair dryer, electric tooth brush and razor at home, if you can. Also, if you are staying in hotels during your trip note that most hotel rooms are equipped with a hair dryer, towels, flat irons as well as toiletries such as soap, shampoo and lotion so you don’t need to pack these things! If you are planning on going to the beach though, you might want to bring your own large beach towel. Sunscreen, batteries, even shampoo, soap and toothpaste are easy to find and very cheap, so you might want to lighten your bags and buy these things, when you get there.
Trip to the US: Required Documents
Drivers License: If you are planning to drive in the US make sure to take your driver license. Depending on where you are coming from, you might be required to have an international drivers license, instead of your national driver license. If you are renting a car, ask the car rental company what their policy is about that.
Passport: Your passport is obviously a MUST. No expired passport (or one that will expire during or shortly after your trip) is accepted by US immigration and must be an electronic passport. Even if your passport is not expired, you will need to have it redone if it is not an electronic passport.
Visa: Depending on the nature of your trip to the US, make sure you have all the papers and documents required by immigration to legally enter the country. Get information, if you need a visa and if so, what kind of visa you need and how to get it. As the process can take quite a while , make sure to take care of it early enough.
Insurance: Your insurance might cover you abroad, but some do not. If not, you should consider buying a travel insurance for the duration of your trip. A stay in an American hospital can cost several thousand Dollars and they might not even treat you without proof of insurance, even if you give them your credit card. Take you insurance information with you and keep it in a safe place. Better be safe than sorry and have all the information you need in case of an emergency. Also bring the documents of your car insurance, if you plan to rent a car. Some international insurances are accepted by car rental companies. This can also save you a few bucks.
Plan your Trip to the US: Reservations
Hotels
When you plan your trip to the US and decide to stay in a hotel, make sure to make your reservation ahead of time. Try to check if your travel dates are during any American Holidays. If so make sure to reserve ahead, Holidays are always a good excuse for travel and hotels get booked out quickly. Also prices get higher the closer you get to these special dates.
Camping
Most camp sites in the US require permits for RVs and tents as well. Make sure to call ahead and get the permits soon. Especially, if you are going to very popular places such as National Parks, during the summer, you need to get your permit at least 2 months before your visit.
Rental Cars
It is quite easy to rent a car in the US. However, depending on the type of car you need or want, you should reserve the car before your arrival, so you get the most suitable car model for your needs and plans. Also, if you will need additional equipment, such as a car seat, DVD player, ski racks etc… you will need to request this when doing your reservation so that everything can be set and ready upon your arrival. Make sure before you arrive and get your car, to include while planning of your trip to the US, to learn everything about driving in the US.
Note: when planning an international trip, make sure to respect the baggage weight limits of your airline company, because this will quickly increase your trip expenses. Remember that there might be different weight limits when you plan to fly domestic during your trip in the US (this does not affect layovers that are part of your international connection flight). Due to the increasing number of travelers and very high security standards at US airports, make sure to arrive at least 2 hours before departure at the airport. It is better to arrive early than miss your plane! And remember, it gets cold on planes, so if you have a long flight, plan to bring a sweater!
These tips should help you plan your trip to the US a little and give you insights on what to think about when packing, making your reservations and also about the culture. Enjoy discovering the US!
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