So, you’ve decided to travel to America for your next vacation adventure and cannot wait to see everything this country has to offer. From the Malibu coastline to the big city lights of New York City (and everything in between) there is something for everyone in the land of the free. Whether you’re heading to the great mountains in Colorado or the mangrove swamps of Florida, there are a few travel tips that you should be aware of before you leave. While each state in America has its own laws you’ll need to abide by, the following advice will be relevant wherever you travel in the United States.
Check How Long You Can Travel For
If you’re planning on traveling around the United States for an extended trip rather than a regular vacation, you’ll need to check how long you can legally stay in the country. Holiday visas are usually valid for 90 days, but it’s important to check this before you leave. If you wish to stay longer than 90 days, then you’ll need to apply for the appropriate visa as a standard holiday visa will not cover you for this long. It’s also important to check the expiry date on your passport before you travel and make sure you have at least 6 months’ validity after you plan to return. If your passport runs out before you intend to go home, you’ll have to visit an embassy and get an emergency passport issued, which can be costly.
Travel Insurance Is A Must
Having an accident in the United States and needing medical treatment can be extremely costly if you do not have travel insurance covering your vacation. You’ll want to feel at ease whilst you’re there, so do not overlook this before you travel. Pre-existing medical conditions will need to be stated on your travel insurance form, and you’ll need to check that you’re covered for certain activities you’ll be doing whilst you’re away. Sports such as skiing and climbing will need extra coverage as you’re putting yourself at greater risk during your trip.
Exercise When You Arrive
Traveling to America from abroad usually means that there will be an element of jet lag to be endured as your circadian rhythm will be disrupted from the changing time zone. A great way to tackle this when you arrive is to wake up at the correct time in the United States and head down to a local gym to get your heart rate elevated. This won’t adjust your body clock completely but will certainly kick start the energy you’ll need for the first few days. Locations such as Westminster gym locations in Denver are often open 24 hours a day if you’re feeling restless and need to burn off some energy when you arrive.
Don’t Forget to Tip
It’s important to consider how different cultures operate before you travel, and tipping etiquette is certainly one to understand properly before you reach the United States. You’ll probably be prompted to do so anyway if you’re obviously a tourist when you arrive. It’s not mandatory in most parts of the country but is definitely expected in most circumstances of service, such as restaurant waiters and hotel attendants. 10 to 15% is usually the required amount, and you’ll often see a service charge has already been added to your bill.
