The myriad natural wonders and cosmopolitan cities that make up the United States attract tourists from all over the world. Snow-capped mountains, vast deserts, lush Caribbean jungles, and beaches are just a few of the country’s breathtaking and varied landscapes. Of course, it is also well known for its concrete jungles. While visiting all of these well-known places is exciting, there are some things to do before traveling to USA that will help you organize your ideal getaway.
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Recognize the Tipping Culture in the US
All service providers in the US, including cab drivers, delivery personnel, valet parking attendants, porters, room service providers, and most significantly, servers and bartenders, are expected to accept tips. The majority of them are paid less than the already laughably low federal minimum wage.
The typical gratuity is between 15% and 20%. Although expected, tipping is not necessary. In the event that the service was good, I normally donate 15%. (nothing was remarkable). If it were really fantastic, I’d give 20%. On the other hand, depending on how awful the service was, I might only give 10% or less.
Spend some time discovering the national parks
Despite being known for its crowded, vibrant cities, America also has a pretty outstanding selection of national parks. There is a natural playground to fit each adventurer’s interests, including lush forests, sky-scraping mountains, red deserts, and endless valleys. Not to mention, the parks are home to a number of world records, including the lowest point in the Western Hemisphere and the world’s longest cave system (Mammoth Cave National Park) (Death Valley, California). Yellow Stone National Park, The Grand Canyon National Park, Yosemite National Park, and Zion National Park are a few national parks that are unquestionably worth your time.
Create a plan for your trip to the USA: Things to do before traveling to USA
You should plan your travel appropriately because the USA is a huge country, as was already explained. What amount of time do you have? Several days, weeks, or months?
You should definitely concentrate on only one city or a few adjacent cities, such as New York, Washington, DC, and Boston if your trip is brief. If you have a few extra weeks, you may extend your vacation by flying to the opposite coast (say, from New York to Los Angeles) or by taking a road trip that passes through multiple states.
You can drive the length of the US mainland in up to 12 weeks (about three months), or you can concentrate on thoroughly researching one region. It may entail visiting multiple national parks, some of the country’s most well-known cities, or a number of theme parks.
Other options include driving off-the-beaten-path, camping outdoors, attending festivals and important events, and traveling along the historical trails of the US. There are countless options, but bear in mind that given the size of the country, getting from one place to another could require spending a lot of time or money, depending on whether you decide to drive or fly.
Remember to bring your ESTA
It’s critical that visitors to the USA are informed of and comprehend the prerequisites for entry. The United States Visa Waiver Program enables citizens of a few nations (including Australia, Denmark, and Belgium) to visit the country visa-free for up to 90 days. This does not, however, imply that you may just show up without any documentation. If you are traveling from a nation that participates in the Visa Waiver Program, you must apply for and receive approval for an ESTA before you travel. Although the procedure is quick and easy, make sure to give yourself plenty of time before you leave in case something goes wrong.
Watch where you go when you explore cities
No matter which country you travel to, many cities often feature suburbs or other locations that you should avoid at all costs. The distinction between these regions can be hazy in America. In fact, it only takes one block to distinguish between a safe and dangerous neighborhood. Try to always be aware of your surroundings, make regular assessments of your situation, and try to pick up some local knowledge about where to go and where not to go just to be safe.
On a red signal, you can turn right
The “turn right on red” rule is an important American driving regulation. In essence, this means that drivers are permitted to turn right on a red light in all 50 states if it’s safe to do so and if there’s no sign forbidding a right turn. Try to remember this advice so that you don’t have to learn it the hard way (while surrounded by a line of vehicles honking at you to run a red light). Additionally, it’s crucial to keep in mind that Americans drive on the right side of the road, so drive carefully and use caution when crossing the street.
It is best to do some advanced research on the political slant of your destination if you are visiting the USA and think you might feel uneasy in a region where one of these groups predominates. Or simply avoid discussing politics while you’re there.
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