So, you’re planning a trip to the USA and you don’t know exactly where to start or what to start with. Don’t worry! All first-time travelers to the USA have experienced this state of confusion. After all, you are going to a land where everything is possible…and this is a great thing.
However, you need to remember that, although the USA has a reputation for being open-minded and a free spirit, its citizens are very keen on respecting their customs, rules and laws. After all, you can’t enjoy the purest form of democracy without making sure that everybody follows the rules.
Safety comes first in the USA
The United States is the second most visited country in the world and over 60 million visitors come here every year, so it’s only natural for the security measures present at the airports to be extremely well thought and followed to the letter. You need to make sure you have all your documents in order and be ready to comply with the authorities’ requests. Immigration officials are not to be joked with, although they are polite and friendly. Answer all their questions with honesty and everything will be fine.
Fill in all the forms
As you probably know, there are countries whose citizens are allowed to travel to the USA without having to apply for a visa (and if you didn’t know this, you probably need to do your homework before booking a plane ticket, and find out if your country is included in the Visa Waiver Program).
However, even these citizens need to fill in some forms, including an online form that has to be submitted 72 before your departure date. This form is known as ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization), is valid for 2 years from the issue and allows a stay of 90 days on the USA territory. You can apply for ESTA here and receive it fast and easy. Another form is the US Customs Form (6059B) that will be handed to you for filling in on the plane
If it says “No Parking” it means “No Parking”
Traffic and parking rules are taken seriously in the United States. While in Europe, no parking signs are sometimes disregarded (and nothing “bad” happens), things change in the USA. So, make sure you read the traffic laws of every state you’re planning to visit and respect them to the letter. Or else…
Book everything in advance
The USA is not an expensive place to visit, as long as you plan your trip in advance. Usually, the plane tickets are the most expensive part of your journey, especially if you’re flying in from Europe. That is why, it will be a great idea if you were to book your plane tickets with a few months in advance. According to Skyscanner, the best month to book overseas plane tickets is February, so it’s best to think fast and book wisely. The same goes for hotels and car rental. Book ahead and don’t wait for last minute deals.
Always be on time
Americans are friendly and open minded people, who love to make new friends. However, if there is one thing that bothers them tremendously is for people to show up late at meetings. Whether we’re talking about business meetings or just hanging out, if you promised to be somewhere at a certain hour, keep your promise. Just to be safe, be there a few minutes early.
Have your tip money ready
In the USA is customary to tip for services. The usual rate is of 15%-20% for food and drink services, and a couple of dollars for all the rest. However, it’s quite dreadful if you were to have to search for tip money in your large bag. It will be an uncomfortable situation for both parties. They know they have to be tipped, you know you have to tip them, but no one really wants to admit this in awkward silence. So, it’s best if you have some dollar bills within easy reach.
Get around like locals do
Yes, the yellow cabs in New York are legendary, but that doesn’t mean you should travel around by taxi, especially if you’re on a budget. And this goes for every city in the USA. Use the public transport. It’s cheap, safe and always there. After all, if Dame Helen Mirren and Keanu Reeves can travel by subway, why shouldn’t you?
Not all food is fast
In other words, don’t stick to burgers and French fries during your trip to the USA. Try local dishes and make sure you always have fruits and vegetable on the table (which are quite cheap at the grocery stores). And try to always share your fast food – the servings are super-sized and you probably want to fit all the clothes you brought with you at the end of the journey.
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