Traveling and seeing other diverse cultures and the way people live somewhere across the globe can have a huge impact on your character besides being just a memorable experience. We are all individuals on our own, and it is not unusual to have a different idea for a perfect vacation.
Some people imagine getting lost in densely populated towns, some imagine exploring impressive architecture, and some can`t wait until they arrive at the marvelous sandy beaches in some exotic paradise.
But what if I told you that there is a place where you can have it all?
Travelers from all around the world agree that the USA is a must for every adventurer out there. The land of opportunities, attractions, natural beauty, high mountains and deep wild rivers, skyscrapers and blend of people from all around the world- so be prepared for an adventure of a lifetime.
Radiating with uniqueness beyond words can describe, be prepared to experience something that will completely differ from that place that you live in.
Simple yet practical tricks will help you “stay out of trouble”.
- Don’t pack too many things
It is true that you can never know when something can come in handy, but nevertheless, over-packing is unnecessary. Most of the airplanes companies have a strict policy when it comes to luggage a person is allowed to carry. Normally two suitcases are allowed 23 kilograms each together with a carry-on bag weighing no more than 8 kilograms and a personal item, for example, a purse or a handbag.
After all, the last thing you want to do, on an expensive road trip like this one, is paying extra money for additional luggage. Making a simple plan can be really useful and practical, try to make calculations based on the number of days.
- Don’t even try to see everything
The USA is even larger than Europe with over 6 different time zones and thousands and thousands of square kilometers, so planning to visit the entire, is an absolute NO, NO! All in one trip, New York, DC, Washington, Los Angeles, and Miami can be too much. In the end, you will feel overwhelmed and exhausted. If you have a limited vacation days try to create a route focusing solely on a region and travel that particular area more deeply.
Probably the best way to explore the United States is to make two separate trips, one to the East Coast destinations like DC, Washington, and New York and another road trip to the West Coast Destinations like Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.
- Don’t forget to tip a good service
Tipping is a must in the United States and it is a large percentage of some service employee`s salaries, especially the ones working in restaurants. Walking out of the restaurant without tipping is simply said-rude.
Sometimes even particular resorts and restaurants in the United States will automatically charge you extra 18% on your bill or the so-called gratuity fee.
- Don’t be late on appointments
In the USA you can forget about fluid concepts of time. People in the US take being punctual very seriously and it is considered rude if you are not on time. If you are new to a particular town, give yourself extra time so you can arrive on time even if you do get lost, or if you are stuck in unpredictable traffic jam.
- Don’t try to use American slang and curse words you heard on TV
If you are obsessed with American movies you`d be surprised to find out that street expressions, slangs, and curse words are not so widely used in the everyday spoken English. More than often people there see them even as offensive because after all, they tend to be racist and associated with particular ethnic groups. Put in extra effort to stay cautious when it comes to the language and expressions that you are using.
- Don’t just assume that you can smoke everywhere
Despite what you are seeing in the movies, U.S. has strict laws against smoking in public places and accordingly to them you will pay high fine (penalty) if you don’t respect them. For example in New York smoking is banned in clubs, bars, malls, and restaurants while in California it is strictly prohibited to smoke in public parks, beaches, private residences, and healthcare facilities.
Accordingly to your plan where do you want to go, if you do smoke, make sure you do it within the law.
- Don’t forget to bring your credit cards with you
Instead of paying in cash, a more practical option is the use of credit cards. You will notice that in the United States they encourage their usage.
- Don’t use the metric system
Sometimes the smallest things can be the hardest ones, like the lack of use of the metric system. You can forget about using kilometers, kilograms, and Celsius degrees and exchange them for the use of miles, pounds, and Fahrenheit. In the beginning, this might confuse you, but you will get used to it.
Don’t leave without preparing your documents on time
Probably the most important thing to prepare, are obviously your documents. Not so complicated procedure keeps you away from fulfilling your dream of visiting the United States. You can either submit your documents and apply for a visa or you can visit the U.S. for a period of 90 days without a visa. There is a Visa Waiver Program and a list of countries allowed to have a visa-free entry under this program. With a simple submit of application you can check ESTA status (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) for your country and whether you are eligible.
However, if you are not on the list of countries that can enter the USA without a visa, don’t despair. You can still apply for a touristic visa.
Don’t forget to HAVE FUN!
Traveling to someplace new, especially America can seem a bit too much when it comes to all the cultural differences when compared to other parts of the world. But no worries, this is, after all, your dream coming true. Don’t be scared to let go and explore, seen the unseen, talk and bond with locals, walk into the wild and untamed nature. Let your imagination run wild! Don’t be afraid to lose yourself because it is not until we are lost, do we begin to find ourselves.
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