Traveling to the United States is an adventure full of excitement, variety, and endless discovery. From coast to coast, you’ll find countless popular travel destinations in the US that capture the country’s diverse spirit — from vibrant cityscapes like New York and Chicago to the laid-back charm of California’s beaches and the natural wonders of the Southwest. Whether it’s your first visit or your tenth, exploring America’s most iconic spots can feel like experiencing a dozen countries in one.
Fortunately, this guide is here to help if you find yourself in this position. We look at how to travel to the USA like a pro and get the most from the experience.
Learn How To Get Around Internally
The first thing you’ll want to look into is how to get around the USA internally. The country is so enormous, that driving from one part to another isn’t always practical, even if you don’t plan on venturing into the interior.
Most people traveling long distances go by air. The country has all sorts of cheap internal flight operators, so it is just a question of finding one that’s going closer to your intended destination.
You’ll also want to look into things like car and RV rental. Usually, you can travel about 750 miles in a day if you start early and finish late. Even in the USA, that’s actually quite a significant distance, but you’ll need to stop obviously if you’re planning on going right across the country.
Some cities have good public transport, but many don’t, so you’ll need to do your research ahead of time. You don’t want to wind up in a place without any transport options.
Plan Your Insurance
You’ll also want to plan your travel insurance to USA locations. Making sure you’re covered is essential, especially given the price of healthcare in the country, just in case something goes wrong. As a foreign national, you’ll still be on the hook to pay your bills.
Insurance is also a good idea in general, just in case something goes wrong. Remember, the more complex your travel plans are, the higher the risk.
Learn The Culture
Of course, the US also has a different culture from anywhere else in the world, and it is essential to learn some ground rules. Often, it is quite different from most Western countries, even English-speaking ones, so it is worth doing your homework.
Tipping culture is everywhere. Usually, you’ll pay 20% at a restaurant, and 10 to 15% for taxis and hotels. You’ll also tip people who help you with your bags to your room.
If you don’t tip, it can feel quite rude, so just be aware of that. Many staff will essentially expect it.
For money and payments, you can use cards in the USA in more locations than ever before. However, you should notify your bank (unless you’re going to be using international cards).
Reduce Jet Lag
Finally, you’ll want to find ways to reduce jet lag. The best way to do this at the moment is to expose yourself to light patterns in the time zone you’re traveling to. So, if you’re in Europe, you’ll want to start giving yourself some light therapy early in the morning to get your body used to a new waking and sleeping cycle.
So, there you have it: how to be a pro traveler in the USA.
