There’s so much to do and see in the USA; it can be difficult to fit it all in. For a stress-free first venture to the United States, we’ve laid out some essential steps for you to follow.
A trip to America, like any country, requires a lot of planning and thought. In order to make your vacation, long or short, a success and an unforgettable experience, follow this quick guide to work your way through the process.
Stay Safe with Travel Insurance
Most people’s major concern when it comes to long-distance travel is staying safe on the go. Fortunately, travelers to the USA can expect a really high level of care if they ever find they require it, thanks to the country’s fantastic medical facilities and institutions.
However, you will need travel insurance; America doesn’t provide health benefits to visitors. Investing in a good USA travel insurance plan will help offer you peace of mind that you’re covered in case of any health emergencies. You should also consider insurance for your flights and baggage.
Visas and Documents
Passports and visas, if you need them, should be kept in your possession at all times throughout your trip. For the specifics of how to apply for a visa and what documents you might need, visit the U.S. Department of State website.
You’ll want to make sure you apply for your visa online as early as possible if you need one, since the processing period can take some time and will vary depending on where you come from. You should also make sure your passport is up to date and that you have any other important documents ready to go.
Setting a Budget for Your USA Trip
You need to carefully plan how much money you’ll need for this trip. Consider all the costs of lodging, transportation, food, entertainment, and even souvenirs. Before making any decisions, find out about various cities’ costs of living.
Once you’ve chosen which cities you’ll be visiting, it becomes far easier to plan how much time and money you’ll need to make your trip a success.
Booking Your Flights
Once your budget is in place and you’ve applied for your visa, it’s time to book your trip! In order to get your flights for the best possible price, try to set your vacation dates as early as possible and make the purchase.
Compare prices from various airlines or use fight search tools like Kiwi or Kayak – these will help you find the cheapest flights possible. When you’ve decided to book your vacation, you should also keep your eye open for discounts and promotions that might pop up.
Picking Your Accommodation
Where you want to stay will depend on your plans for your vacation, what you prioritize, and how much money you have to spend.
You’ll have countless options to choose from – five-star hotels, budget-friendly hostels, private homes, and even camping grounds. Make sure you do your homework on locations, facilities, and customer reviews before you commit to a booking. These will all make a massive difference to your overall experience.
Getting Around in America
It’s a good idea to choose a main means of transport while you’re on your trip. If you want more freedom, consider renting a car for the duration of your visit. Otherwise, the USA offers loads of affordable public transport options.
You could use trains, buses, Uber, or book domestic flights when you want to hop from city to city. Once you’ve decided on which cities you’ll be visiting, look into their preferred options for public transport and see what will work for you – you might even be able to use an app!
Creating an Itinerary
Consider the length of your vacation and make a list of all the things you want to do while you’re in the USA. This will help you come up with a detailed itinerary.
Make a note of your priorities and the things you simply can’t miss out on. Tourist attractions, outdoor activities, concerts, restaurant visits, etc. Come up with a schedule that incorporates all of these non-negotiables, some other fun things you’d like to do, and some downtime. It’s important to leave room for spontaneity and relaxation on your trip and to account for the time you’ll be traveling, eating, and sleeping!
Looking for Package Deals
For those who might not want to worry about the hassle of booking flights, accommodation, activities, etc., consider vacation packages.
There are travel agencies and private companies who will be able to organize your entire trip for you, removing the guesswork and giving you the chance to simply kick back and relax, knowing your trip and travel are taken care of, and all you need to do is show up and enjoy the experience. Keep in mind that with these options, you’ll have less flexibility, but they’re also less stressful.
