Essential Travel Tips for Visiting the USA

From the lights of New York City to the deserts of Arizona, the United States provides one of the most diverse travel experiences in the world. However, given its size and special traits, a little planning goes a long way.

Whether you're planning a road trip, a business visit, or a once-in-a-lifetime sightseeing tour, here are some essential recommendations for making your American journey easy, enjoyable, and connected.

 

Before You Go

1. Get all of your travel papers in order.

Make sure that your passport is still valid for at least six months, and if you need one, ask for a visa or ESTA. The US takes border control very seriously; it's better to be safe than sorry.

2. Get ready for different weather.
 
The USA has almost every kind of weather you can think of. It only takes a few days to go from snow in Colorado to sunny weather in Florida. Find out what the weather will be like in each city you're going to and pack properly.

3. Plan your cross-country trip early.

On holidays and other busy times, planes, trains, and cars fill up quickly. It's not always expensive to fly within the country, but planning ahead will save you time and money.

 

While You're There

🚗 Are you planning to rent a car? Know how things work.

If you want to rent a car in the USA, keep in mind that people drive on the right side of the road and follow speed limits very closely. You can turn right at red lights in some states, but check the rules to make sure it's okay.

💵 Tipping is expected

Many places expect tips, like restaurants (15–20%), cabs, hotel staff, and even baristas. Many workplaces expect it, and it plays a significant role in their pay.

💳 You Can't Always Use Tap-to-Pay

Though contactless payment is more common, some places may only accept cash or cards. Having some USD on hand can help you avoid problems.

🚌 Using the roads Depending on the city

The public transportation in New York and Washington, D.C., is excellent. Los Angeles, CA? Not really. Apps like Google Maps, Citymapper, or even apps for public transport in your area can save your life.

 

Must-Try Foods and Regional Favorites

The food is one of the best things about travelling in the US.  There are famous dishes from each area, and trying them is part of the journey.

Here are some bites that people all over the country should try:

• In New York City, you can get a traditional piece of pizza or a bagel with cream cheese and lox.
• Some of the most popular foods in the southern states are barbecue, fried chicken, and biscuits and gravy.
• California is known for its fish tacos, avocado everything, and healthy seaside food.
• New Orleans is the place to go in Louisiana for gumbo, jambalaya, and beignets.
• If you're in Chicago, you should try a deep-dish pizza or a traditional Chicago-style hot dog.

There are also great food trucks and farmers markets in many towns, where you can get a casual, real meal on the go. Find great places to eat near you with apps like Yelp and Eater.

Staying Connected Without the Headache

Having to deal with mobile fees, SIM cards, or bad hotel Wi-Fi is one of the hardest things for travellers.

In the USA, it's not always easy to stay online. Many foreign SIM cards don't work well with American networks because they aren't compatible, and buying a prepaid SIM card in a store often takes time, effort, and identification.

Here are some common discoveries made by travellers:

• When you roam, your residence provider may charge you a steep fee.
• There isn't as much or as steady free Wi-Fi as was hoped.
• Local SIM cards might need time to activate and be difficult to set up.

That's why a lot of travellers are now using eSIMs, which are digital SIM cards that you can put on your phone right away. There are no lines, cards, or shocks.

We just added a new USA eSIM plan that lets you make unlimited calls, texts, and data. It's ideal for people who want to stay connected while travelling for work or pleasure. Plans begin at £12.99, and signup is instant. No trips to a store, no waiting in line.

 

Final Tip: Enjoy the Journey

People, places, and events make up the USA, not just cities and highways. There is a lot to see, from national parks to secret-entry restaurants. You never know what you might want to snap or check next, so be ready with your phone and plan ahead.

Safe travels!