Are You Clued Up When It Comes To Traveling In America?

Are You Clued Up When It Comes To Traveling In America?

America is home to a wide variety of treasures that draw people from all over the world. The nation is home to some of the world’s most beautiful and dynamic landscapes, as well as a large number of popular attractions and numerous bustling cities to explore. The location completely encapsulates all of the opportunities that make a journey overseas a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

However, there are a few details to be mindful of before entering the United States. Here are some important things to consider before visiting the United States, from tipping practices and payment expectations to entry criteria and traffic rules. Knowing these in advance will reduce some of the stress and make sure that you get the very best out of your trip.

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America is made up of states

It is obvious when you think about it – The United States of America. The country is made up of fifty individual states and then further divided into area, usually known as the West, East, Midwest, South and so on. Each region has a very specific geographical characetristic. For example – the midwest has large flat plains and bodies of water, whereas the North East is most known for it’s rugged mountain ranges. This has a huge impact on where you might want to visit, so make sure you do your research into the area before you book.

Your ESTA is necessary

We all know that a passport is needed to enter the country, and we have all heard of visa’s, but do you actually know what identification or documents are needed to be able to visit the United States?

For people from some countries, a visa is necessary, but from others – most of Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Japan being just a few – you will need an ESTA. This stands for an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation and is part of the Visa Waiver Program. It is important to find out exactly what ESTA is and how to apply well in advance of your trip.

Getting around the country

The United States is an enormous place. Some of the states are as big, if not bigger than many countries and you can pass through to different time zones quite easily. If you are planning on visiting lots of cities and locations, one of the best ways to travel around is by hiring a car. It gives you the freedom to explore at your own leisure and have unplanned stops and adventures. However, if you can’t or do not want to drive, the public transport in and between cities is pretty good in most places. 

Driving laws

America has it’s very own unique set of driving rules. For example, in pretty much every other part of the world, red means stop. In America, it means stop, unless you want to turn right and then you can keep going. If there is a school bus stopped with it’s lights on, that means that it is picking up or dropping off students and all traffic must stop. It is also important to remember that traffic rules are often set at state level, which means they can vary depending on what part of the country you are in. 

Tipping is a thing

Tipping your server is customary in America, and failing to do so is considered impolite. Since the minimum wage is so low, it is customary to leave a 15% to 20% tip to compensate. If your arithmetic is a little rusty, having your phone calculator on hand comes in handy. Whether you are in a bar, restaurant, or catching a cab, it is important to leave a tip, particularly if you have receieved good service.

You generally pay more than the displayed price

When buying goods and services in the United States, the price is not always what is displayed on the shelf or price tag.  This is because most of the rates you will see do not include sales tax, so expect the cashier to ask for a slightly higher price when you arrive at the counter to pay. Since the tax will differ by state, it is fair to assume that it will add at least 10% to the overall cost. Accommodation will also usually charge more than the price that they seem to advertise, adding something known as resort fees to the price.

The National Parks are well worth a visit

While the United States is known for its populous, bustling neighbourhoods, it also has a large number of national parks. It is a natural playground to suit any explorer’s desires, ranging from dense forestry to soaring mountains, vast deserts, and gaping valleys. Do not forget to visit Mammoth Cave park to see the vast cave systems, the Grand Canyon national park and of course, the infamous Yellowstone National Park.

Make sure that you have adequate health and travel insurance

While travel insurance is required for any trip abroad, it is especially important when visiting the United States. The country’s health-care systems are so costly that you will wonder if you really need medical help or whether you should just wait until you get home. To be safe, it is a good idea to invest in travel insurance and have a printed copy with you while on your trip. Make sure that you read the small print to make sure any activities you plan to do are covered by your travel or health insurance provider.

Do a bit of island-hopping

In addition to the mainland of the United States, there are islands well worth visiting, especially the Hawaiian Islands. This collection of tropical islands is accessible all year. From the booming city of Oahu to the rugged wilderness of the Big Island, there is something for everyone. There are plenty of calming things to do as well as excitement-filled moments to be had while visiting these.

The United States is an amazing place to visit, whether for a long weekend or a cross country road trip. Doing some research before you pack and you go and make sure that you make the most of it. 

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