Here’s how to Prepare for your Trip to the USA

Everyone wants to live the American dream, where opportunities are everywhere, and any goal can be achieved with a lot of work. However, this illusion is far from being the truth; there is no such place. Economic and political troubles, even in the USA, have recently challenged every country. According to a survey available on Statista, most respondents consider poor American leadership the leading issue in the country, while others see the economy and immigration as troublesome. Interestingly enough, climate change is concerning more people now than a few years ago, considering that the US has the second most significant impact on environmental issues after China. 

But, if we’re to analyze each country, there are no places where life is easy. Maybe this is the element that travelers want to see most: humanity in its most raw forms, beautiful people making the most out of their lives and different cultures. 

America is sure to have different things that make it special, which is why many people want to travel here. So, if you’re one of them, here’s what to prepare if you soon go to the US.

SIM cards for communication and internet

Regardless of the place you’re traveling from, you must know that international travel can be expensive in terms of communication and using your internet service. And it’s not easy to tell how much you’ll be charged in another country ―this all depends on your sim provider and agreed rates. So, an international SIM card would help you minimize how much you need to pay for data, calls and messages and help you avoid being overcharged.

At the same time, you can get worldwide data at low rates, so even if you’re traveling for work, you can use applications like Skype or Zoom that consume a lot of GB with no problems. Still, you must consider a few factors before deciding on purchasing one, from phone compatibility, hidden data from your mobile and runaway spending. Regardless, a digital eSIM doesn’t require you to buy a new SIM card and is easy to install.

VISA or ESTA for entering the country

Upon buying your tickets to the USA, you must tackle the documents that will allow you to enter the country with no issues. The Visa Waiver Program is required by most citizens from outside the USA, but there might be different rules for each nation, so it’s better to check that out. The VISA passport basically lets you enter any country and usually requires an application form, your passport, a photo of you and other additional documents. Your flight itinerary and hotel booking might also be checked.

There’s also the ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization), which you need if you travel by air or cruise ship but not in the case of taking an overland or a local ferry. This document is less expensive and easier to achieve compared to VISA.

Be prepared to tip

In the USA, when you’re eating at a restaurant or using certain services, you’re expected to tip the waiter or the person assisting you. Typically, the tipping amount is between 15% to 20%, depending on the service quality and your budget.

However, each company has different tipping practices. Some will already include the tip in the bill, so if the price you need to pay is bigger than expected, know this might be it. At the same time, others will put the “service charge” on your bill from the moment you ask for your meal, so you’ll have to tip.

The tipping usually goes directly to the worker, so in this way, you support their efforts to make your stay more pleasant. Unfortunately, American employers are not paying workers enough so they can have decent salaries with people’s tipping.

Know how to plan your route because walking is less of an option

American roads are indeed made for cars, most likely, which is why you may not be able to walk the same way as you do in Europe or other places where walking is prominent. Therefore, you either rent a car or get a taxi from one place to another, or plan your route so that it won’t make you walk too much and spend your holiday tiring yourself.

However, exploring the US’s natural beauties will leave you mesmerized. For example, the country’s national parks are some of the most impressive and massive, such as Yellowstone, the world’s first national park established in 1872. There’s also the Yosemite National Park and Zion Reservation that you must not miss.

It would be best to have an American guide who can also speak your language because this way, you can immerse yourself in historical and cultural experiences better.

At the same time, they’ll be able to help you with travel recommendations and safety tips.

As the founder of Route4Me, has said: “Efficient route planning is essential for a stress-free and enjoyable trip to the USA.” Remember this, route planning for iOS users, to make the most out of your journey without worry or hassle.

Get travel insurance

Unfortunately, the American medical system is not that efficient even for its citizens, but for tourists, it can be even more challenging to tackle. As you may have heard, almost any procedure is considerably pricey, so you risk being billed a lot of money for basic prescriptions.

Therefore, it’s recommended to get travel insurance in case you get injured, have a medical issue or experience an emergency. At the same time, travel insurance can also cover lost and damaged items from your baggage, from documents to money.

You can get travel insurance from specific companies, banks, retailers, travel agents and more. Just make sure the insurance is available in the US and covers all the things discussed below to be valuable for your trip.

Final considerations

Traveling to the US might seem overwhelming, especially since it’s such a big country. And despite its issues and challenges, it has a lot to offer for tourists, from spectacular views to unique experiences. So, if you want to make the most out of your American trip, get yourself an international sim card, know when to tip and get secure travel insurance! Happy traveling!