The USA is one of the most popular countries in the world for tourism, seeing more than 66 million tourists in 2023. With its fascinating mix of cultures, impressive culinary options, beautiful natural landscapes and vast cities filled with important landmarks, it’s easy to see why so many people want to visit. If you’re planning a trip to the USA, there’s a lot you should know before you book your tickets. In this guide, we’ll explain some of the most important things every traveller should know before visiting the USA.
Consider How You’ll Stay Connected
When travelling, having mobile internet is a must. Although your accommodation and restaurants may have WiFi access in some places, it’s good to have a stable connection when travelling. If you’re planning to do a road trip, you’ll definitely need a way to check the maps and plan your routes without facing any difficulties. Therefore, having a reliable USA travel SIM card with mobile data is essential.
Not only is mobile internet needed to check maps, it’s also very useful for looking up attractions, including reviews and opening times. You can plan your whole trip using the Internet, with no need to consult traditional book guides. The advantage of the internet is that the information is always up to date. Lastly, having internet access helps you stay connected with friends and family back home while on your adventure, letting them know you’re safe and sharing your travel photos.
Reservations and Tipping
A lot of restaurants and museums in the USA require a reservation before you visit. Unlike many other countries, you can’t just show up and expect to be served. It’s best to check reviews and guides before you go, but don’t be afraid to give them a call. Most places will be happy to answer any questions you might have before you show up, making things easier for them if you reserve.
Restaurants in the USA have another aspect different from Europe and many other parts of the world. Tipping is expected, and it’s actually considered rude not to tip when at a sit-down restaurant or bar. 20% is regarded as the standard rate, though sometimes this might already be included in the bill. If in doubt, just ask.
Be Selective
The USA is a truly massive country, and there’s far too much to see in one trip. Depending on the length of your stay, you need to be very selective over where you go and what you see. Most tourists pick a particular state or region of the country. Most of the USA can be divided into nine areas. These include New England, the Mid-Atlantic, the South, the Midwest, the West, Alaska, Hawaii, and Texas.
Each region has its own culture, traditions and history, so do your research to find which one seems most interesting to you. If you’re doing a road trip, you can still visit many different cities and states within one of these regions, so don’t feel like you’re missing out. Plan your itinerary well, but don’t be afraid to make changes once you hit the road. Make sure you choose how long you need based on what you want to see, with plenty of time to do everything.
Travel Insurance
It’s always important to make sure you have travel insurance before going on holiday, but it’s essential when going to the USA. As there’s no free public healthcare in the USA and healthcare costs can be very high, you need to ensure you’re covered before leaving. The last thing you want is to have an accident and be unable to pay the medical bills.
Final Thoughts
Make sure you travel in style when visiting the United States, checking that your itinerary is suitable and you have everything you need before you go. If you want to use online services, you’ll need the right mobile SIM to stay connected.
