The United States – is a dream country. It is like a new world between different cultures with lots of cities, beautiful nature, and the horizon of mountains and mountains. For hundreds of years, people have been dreaming here, starting a new life, and every day millions of tourists travel to see those dream cities.
Some want to walk the busy streets of New York, some want to bask in the warmth of the California sun, and some want to stand in awe and get lost in the vast emptiness of the Grand Canyon.
I am one of the group who has had the fortune of traveling to the United States three times and have set foot in more than a dozen states. So from my experience, I want to tell you how to make traveling to the United States the most enjoyable and easy.
In this blog post, I'll discuss essential travel tips, including visa information, connection options, transportation, packing tips, and how to save money while visiting the United States.
Getting Your U.S. Visa: The First Step
The most important step in traveling to the United States is getting a visa. A visa is essential for any foreign trip, but it is even more important for a US visa. Because it not only grants entry to the United States but also opens the doors to many other countries.
If you have a US visa it will also allow you to easily enter other countries like Mexico, Colombia, Costa Rica, the Philippines, Turkey, etc. So this visa becomes valuable in the long run.
The US visitor visa process may seem complicated to many. But in fact, it is not as difficult as it seems. It becomes easier with a few steps. First, you have to fill out the DS-160 form, which is an online form regarding your personal information, purpose of travel, and other necessary information.
Then you have to pay the visa fee, which is usually around $160. Then you have to make an appointment, where you have to go to the US embassy or consulate for an interview.
This interview can be quite stressful for many, as it asks for detailed information about your travel purpose. You may be asked about your travel plans, where you will stay, why you are going to the United States, and whether you are guaranteed to return home. So, it is important to be prepared so that you can answer the questions with confidence.
If everything is fine, then there is nothing to worry about. In most cases, once you get a visa, it is valid for up to 5 to 10 years, so you can get long-term benefits for the hassle of one time.
Staying Connected: Keeping in Touch
Traveling in the US is not only about seeing new places, but also about staying connected with family, friends, and work. For many, staying connected while abroad is a big challenge. But in my experience, the easiest and most convenient solution to this problem is International roaming.
The hassle of buying a new SIM card can be annoying at times. Also using the new number with it, informing people about the new number, and updating it with various important accounts—all of which are time-consuming. It's better to use International roaming because it keeps my existing number active, so I don't have to go through any extra hassle.
Besides making calls or messages internet is also important. When you are traveling from one city to another, Wi-Fi may not be available everywhere.
Especially, having a data connection becomes essential during banking or urgent work. By using a roaming plan, I can make bank transfers anytime, receive OTPs, and get necessary work done on the go without any interruption.
However, some people are more comfortable buying a local SIM card. If you want to do that, be sure which operator offers a good data plan. But my personal experience, international roaming is the best solution to ensure enough data and uninterrupted connectivity while traveling in the US.
Do USA Journey Deep, Not Wide
The United States is so large that no matter how long you plan to travel, it's almost impossible to visit the entire country for the first time. I've been traveling 3 times, visiting 10 states in total, and yet it feels like there's so much more to see.
If this is your first time visiting the United States, one thing is for sure—you can't see everything in one trip. So, rather than traveling the entire country, it's wise to choose a specific region and explore it in depth.
Most tourists think of visiting the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Times Square in New York City, or the glittering city of Las Vegas. These are undoubtedly popular destinations, but the beauty of the United States is not limited to these places.
If you love nature, then the country has 63 national parks and numerous state parks for you, each of which is full of unique diversity. The Grand Canyon, Yosemite, and the Great Smoky Mountains—there are lots of places to enjoy the beauty of nature.
I always think it's important to research what national parks, festivals, or local attractions are there before traveling to the United States. This will make your trip also get closer to nature.
On my first trip to the US, I visited the Grand Canyon. I was amazed by the play of colors in the huge canyon, the sky-high mountains, and the deep gorges. It struck me how wander the vastness of nature can be!
Later, when I went to Seattle again, I visited various nearby parks. The trees, the mountains, the lakes—all of it was a unique experience.
In these national parks and gardens, you can spend some time in nature, away from the hustle and bustle. They are an excellent way to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy the beauty of nature.
So, if you are planning a trip to the United States, try to enjoy the diversity of nature as well as the big cities. That will give you a chance to see the true beauty of the country!
Getting Around: Transportation Tips for U.S
The United States is a huge country, and the way you travel here depends on which city or region you are in. If you go to a big city like New York City or San Francisco, you will find excellent public transportation systems - subways, buses, and trains - all of which are available.
Public transportation in these cities is available and affordable, so you can get by without having to use a taxi or private car.
But if you're going to Los Angeles, Dallas, Orlando, or smaller cities, public transportation is quite limited. Renting a car is the best solution for getting around here. Especially if you want to visit national parks, mountainous areas, or remote cities, it can be difficult to get around without your own car.
If you want to self-drive, it's important to know the local traffic laws before driving. In some cases, you may be required to get an International Driving Permit (IDP), so check before visiting if you need one.
If you want to get around town quickly, then you can use rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft. They are available in almost all major cities in the United States and are quite cheap.
And if you need to get from one state to another or plan on traveling long distances, trains (Amtrak) or buses (Greyhound, Megabus) can be good options. They are cheaper than airfare and are quite comfortable on certain routes.
So, depending on where you're going, plan your transportation to make your trip to the United States hassle-free and enjoyable!
Packing Tips: What to Bring for Your U.S. Trip
The weather in the United States varies greatly from region to region, so packing appropriately is crucial. From the humidity of the East Coast in the summer to the bitter cold of the North in the winter, you'll need to adjust your clothing and accessories based on where you're going.
✅ Clothing:
The weather can change quickly, so bring a lightweight jacket, sweater, or hoodie.
If you are going to a cold area, bring gloves, a scarf, and a warm jacket. If you are going to a hot area, bring light and comfortable clothes.
There may be a lot of walking involved in the United States, so bring good sports or walking shoes. If you are going to a national park or mountainous area, bring hiking boots.
✅ Health and Medicine:
Medicines are expensive in the United States and many things are not available without a prescription. So bring your regular medications and some emergency medications (such as painkillers, allergy medicine, and cold medicine). Bring a small first aid kit.
✅ Electronics & Gadgets:
US Power Adapter & Converter – The plug type in the US is Type A & Type B, which is not the same as in other countries, so take the appropriate adapter.
Portable Charger – Useful to keep your phone or tablet charged on long trips.
Camera or Smartphone – To capture beautiful moments.
Essential items:
Copies of passport and visa – useful in case of loss or need.
International driving permit (if you plan to drive).
Travel insurance papers – for accidents or emergencies.
Copies of health and travel insurance – can be useful in emergencies.
Credit/debit cards – cards are more common in the US than cash. However, carry some cash dollars.
Saving Money: Budgeting for Your U.S. Trip
The United States is generally known as an expensive travel destination, but with careful planning, it is possible to reduce costs. Here are some important strategies that will help you stay within your travel budget.
✅ Affordable accommodation
Try to travel off-season. Accommodation costs are much higher during the holiday season (summer, Christmas, or Thanksgiving), so try to avoid those times. Traveling during less crowded times will reduce costs.
You can get good deals if you book in advance. Hostels and guesthouses are also good budget options. You can book accommodation with a kitchen on Airbnb, which will reduce the cost of eating out.
Stay a little further from the city center. Living outside the main tourist areas is cheaper, but check whether there are public transportation options.
✅ Affordable food
Eating at local food trucks and restaurants can be a good option to reduce food costs. Many restaurants offer discounts on food at certain times, which is worth looking out for.
✅ Reduce transportation costs
When it comes to transportation, using public transportation can save you money, especially in cities like New York or Chicago. You can also use shared services like Uber or Lyft to cut costs a bit. Renting a car can be convenient if you're going outside the city to national parks or small towns, but it's cheaper if you book in advance.
✅ Reducing the cost of sightseeing
When it comes to sightseeing, buying a city pass or discount card can give you access to popular attractions at a reduced cost. Many cities offer free entry to museums and other attractions on certain days. Try to take those advantages.
✅ Best shopping tips
It's important to know each state's sales tax rate when shopping, as some states have no sales tax. Delaware and Alaska are places where you can find good deals on electronics and other expensive items. You can also find bargains at outlet stores or discount centers.
Conclusion: An Adventure Awaits
From the bright lights of Times Square to the serene beauty of the Grand Canyon, you can explore the United States with great experience. Whether you're traveling to big cities, national parks, or hidden gems, there's no shortage of places to explore. By following these travel tips and planning your trip carefully, you can make the most of your time in the United States and create lasting memories.
