Things to Remember when Travelling to the US

Things to Remember when Travelling to the US

Have you got an exciting US adventure planned? Before you head to the airport for your American holiday, there are a few things that you need to know and remember when travelling to the US!

I’ve been to the US twice – once as a child and once as an adult for my honeymoon – and for the latter we forgot one major thing which made the start of our journey very stressful!

• Read up on the US entry requirements

I’ll start with what my husband and I forgot when we headed on our honeymoon… We did not sort our ESTAs out and had to quickly do it at the airport! Not an ideal start to our honeymoon!

Don’t make the same mistake as we did and find out the entry requirements for the US long before you head to the airport.

If you’re planning to stay less than 90 days, you only need an ESTA visa which is quick and easy to sort out. Get your ESTA travel permit now and make sure it’s ready before your travels. It’s recommended by the US Customs and Border Patrol to apply at least 72 hours before your departure to secure your ESTA visa to ensure you’ll be allowed to fly to the US.

It’s your own responsibility to know and understand the entry rules before you travel. There are quite many requirements and rules so make sure you meet them all.

Also remember to take note of your ESTA application number or pack a print-out of your approval.

• Are You Up to Date?

Before you travel to the US, check that your passport will not run out during your travels and that it not only lasts throughout your trip but preferably 6 months beyond your return date too as preferred by many countries.

It’s also a good idea to check that your routine vaccinations are up to date, depending on what you’re planning to do during your visit.

• Insurance

Before travelling to the US, I didn’t really see travel insurance as an essential for a healthy young traveller, but I definitely see it as an essential when travelling to the US where medical care is very costly. Travel insurance is not expensive and a worth-while investment for your peace of mind and hopefully you’ll never need to use it.

If you’re on any regular medication, check that everything you’re taking is legal to take into the USA before packing it into your suitcase. Always pack your medications in their original packaging and if possible, pack your prescriptions too if you have them or a note from your doctor.

If you’re planning on driving during your stay, make sure you have the appropriate licence and are familiar with US road rules. You also need insurance for driving, but this will usually be sorted out where you’re renting your car.

• Money

Modern life is quite cash free these days but it’s always a good idea to have some cash on you when travelling. Get some dollars exchanged in advance even if you’re planning to use your card when spending money in the US. Notify your bank that you’re going overseas, where you’re going and when you’ll return. You can also get prepaid cards or temporary credit cards to use during your trip if you don’t want to take your regular bank card.

• Don’t forget your adapter

Pack a power adapter so that you can keep your devices charged up. As usual, things like these are cheaper to buy before you travel than last minute at the airport. It’s also a good idea to keep your charger and adapter in your hand luggage so that you can charge your phone when needed and even if your luggage gets delayed.

• Use a TSA-approved lock

It’s always good to lock your suitcase when travelling to protect your belongs but when travelling to the US, you need to make sure that the lock is TSA-approved. The TSA (Transportation Security Administration) enforces strict baggage guidelines for safety and security and all checked in bags are screened and some bags need to be physically inspected too. If your lock is TSA-approved, they can open it without breaking your lock, using a master key. This saves you having to buy a new lock!

• Stay Safe

Let friends and family know the details of your travel itinerary so that they know where you’re expected to be and when. Read up on your destination’s current safety advice too so that you can be as prepared as possible.

Make a checklist before you go so that you don’t forget about any of the above important things when travelling to the US. Be prepared, stay safe and enjoy your US adventure!

Collaborative Article.