If you’re traveling to the United States for the first time, there are some common mistakes to avoid so you can have a seamless trip. Whether on business or for pleasure, we’ve compiled a list of the top mistakes travelers make when traveling to the United States and how to avoid them!
Don’t Forget Your Passport
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The worst fear of many travelers is forgetting your passport. If you’re traveling to the United States, it is even more essential that you don’t make this mistake, as it can ruin the whole trip.
How is that possible? Well, if you don’t have a passport, you won’t be able to travel to the United States. Another critical consideration many don’t know about is that the passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the intended dates of the trip. This is a requirement for many countries, including the United States, so make sure your passport is up to date and in your bag!
Verify Whether You Need A Visitor Visa
If you don’t have one, you’ll need a visitor visa for a trip to the United States. The process is infamously long and document-intensive, so we highly recommend accomplishing this a great deal ahead of your planned trip.
A visitor visa in the United States has two classifications: one for tourism and one for business. Depending on your intentions of visiting the U.S., you will choose one of these two and complete your visitor’s visa for your upcoming trip.
Buy Traveler’s Insurance
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Unfortunately, incidents can happen when traveling, and when you’re overseas or not in your home country, this can be extremely overwhelming and expensive. That’s why buying traveler’s insurance is so necessary.
Travelers insurance provides travelers with medical coverage for any accidents or injuries that may arise. The coverage includes the assigned dates of travel, and there are various coverage prices and options to choose from to suit your travel plans best.
Call Your Credit Card Company Ahead Of Time
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Many credit card companies have become more active in attempting fraud cases, and because of this, it’s essential to notify your credit card company ahead of time before you travel. There’s nothing quite like having your card rejected once you arrive at your hotel or stay and try to pay for your rooms.
To avoid this frustrating experience, inform your credit card company of your travel plans to prevent this concern. Some companies will have your card initially rejected when paying but will send you a notification to your phone or email to ask if it is you. From there, it is possible to verify that it is you, and you won’t have this issue any longer on your trip.
Change Your Currency To US Dollars
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Most establishments in the United States accept debit and credit cards, but converting your money into U.S. dollars is important. Some businesses require transactions under $5-$10 to be a cash payment. In this situation, unless you’re okay with spending the extra money to go over this amount so you can pay with a card, having some money in the local currency is beneficial.
Assess Your Cellphone Plan
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Before traveling to the United States, check with your phone carrier to assess potential international data and voice charges. Some phone carriers offer plans for international travel to avoid excess charges. Some other ways to avoid these chargers are to use Wi-Fi whenever you can or to buy a SIM card.
Bring A Power Adapter For Your Phone
Outlets and power plugs vary in different countries, along with the voltage. As electronics are commonplace in everyday life, especially when traveling, it is important to remember a power adapter to keep your phone charged for any directions, translations, and itineraries you will need to access on your phone.
Pack For The Location & Season
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The United States has a range of seasons and weather conditions in each state. Florida is known as the Sunshine State, offering a more tropical and warm climate than Montana, which is mountainous and notoriously cold in winter. Depending on where you travel, ensure you are packing appropriately!
Prepare Transportation Services
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For your trip, make sure you schedule transportation services ahead of time. Most airports in the United States have rental cars or transportation services for travelers. Most locations in the U.S. also have Uber or Lyft, which can also be scheduled before landing at the airport to ensure your driver will show up in time.
Don’t Underestimate Jet Lag
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Never underestimate the intensity of jet lag, especially when traveling internationally. The intensity varies per person, but it can be an extreme challenge once you arrive at your destination and find yourself with the symptoms of jet lag and unable to enjoy your time on vacation.
10 Travel Items You Should Never Pack In Your Checked Luggage
When traveling around the world or within the United States, you know there are certain items you shouldn’t pack in your carry-on bags, such as sharp objects and large amounts of liquids. But did you know there are certain things you should avoid packing in your checked luggage? Grab your packing list and stick with us as we cover ten travel items you should never pack in your checked luggage.
10 Travel Items You Should Never Pack In Your Checked Luggage
11 States That Stand Out as the Most Innocent Among the 50
The Internet never fails to amuse us with the endless “top” this and “worst” that lists about everything under the sun. But here is a fun one asked on Reddit: “What is the most innocent state in the US?” People from all over the country and world weighed in on this topic, and here are the most entertaining answers.
11 States That Stand Out as the Most Innocent Among the 50
11 Unexpected Adventures From World Travelers To Inspire Your Next Vacation
Every traveler has had their fair share of the most beautiful experiences the world has to offer. But this also applies to unexpected adventures and surprising moments that can haunt or even traumatize people for an entire lifetime. Travelers recently shared such experiences in an online forum, and these may serve as a vile reminder of what to do and what to avoid.
11 Unexpected Adventures From World Travelers To Inspire Your Next Vacation