The US is a great place not only to stay but also to visit. Whenever the travel bug hits you, if you can afford a US trip, don’t hesitate; go for it. However, the vastness and diversity of the land might make a US trip seem to be overwhelming.
There are just so many things to look into, like money, visas, accommodations, culture, and even the weather. However, the following six are sure to help you as explore America and its people in all their glory:
1. Traveling To The US
For people flying in from abroad, chances are your flight will land at one of the major US airports. However, transferring between flights within the US or in the case of US domestic flights, you can arrive at one of the smaller, minor airports spread across the length and breadth of the US. Doing so will help you in several ways; you will get to save money, put up with considerably shorter lines.
Arriving at the small airports also makes the check-out process relatively easy. You can get seated in your rental car and head towards wherever you will put up for the night. Booking accommodation near the airport where you initially land is one of the soundest tips you will ever get. Jet lag has an extremely significant effect on how you feel. And if you intend to go for even a relatively long drive, it is best to forget about it.
2. Once You Are In The US
Once you step into US territory as a foreign visitor, you must abide by specific and exact guidelines. The Secretary of State’s offices and the governmental agency The Department of Homeland Security collaborate to determine your activities and the same restrictions. The two agencies’ goal is to ensure that the entire visa process remains efficient and effective without compromising on threats to US citizens, interests, and legal regulations. They strive to protect American territory from outside threats while ensuring that regular travelers get a free and safe environment. The US government does indeed realize the importance of foreign travelers to the nation’s economic interests and America’s national and international values.
This would translate to the necessity of obtaining visitor visas for travelers. Keep in mind you require a different visa type if you are landing in the US to study or work there. The appropriate visa is necessary before you even set out. Another thing that US travelers need to consider is the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). The US offers this option to thirty-eight participating countries of the Visa Waiver Program. If you belong to one such nation traveling to and within the US should be a relatively fast and easy process.
Once you deboard a plane originating from any other country, you will need to clear the customs agency or rather the US Customs and Border Patrol. To do the same, you will have to fill in CBP Declaration Form 6059B that you will receive in your plane itself. Now, you are all set!
3. Getting Around In The US
Suppose you don’t intend to stay down at one single city location, usually a metropolis. In that case, you might need to hire a car. Of course, there are plenty of other options in the form of buses and trains crisscrossing the country, but vehicles are more convenient. However, to rent a car, you would need to obtain a valid driver’s license along with a credit. Please note that intra-city public transportation is, however, excellent in American cities.
4. The Places You Want To Visit
The US has a long and checkered list of places that might be worthwhile for you to check out. The options open to you are vast and diverse, from the Grand Canyons to national parks in the US, from Niagara Falls to The Statue of Liberty. We can go on and on about sports in the US definitely worth a visit, and it would fill several volumes of books. Besides, there are plenty of sports that let you indulge in activities that are impossible anywhere else. The last thing you must try out in the US is the variety of cuisines you can take your pick from.
5. Be Sure Of What You Want To Do
While national parks would be a great way to experience outdoor life, you can feel the urban culture in many big US cities. Where you want to hand out during your US trip depends a lot on what you want to do. In the US, you can do almost anything.
6. Consider The Weather
It is only natural that land as vast as the US will experience similar climate and weather diversity. You can indeed feel sweaty and humid on one day in one US location and experience chill in another place on that very day.
This makes it essential that you stay aware of the weather conditions of the area you are going to. And indeed, the internet and smartphone apps make this task particularly easy.
People from all corners of the world are drawn to the US. It is just as attractive to residents who have been there for decades or centuries. Interestingly, most US citizens feel no need of venturing outside the US and don’t even have a passport. America retains its spot as one of the top travel destinations for both US residents and foreign visitors.
