How to plan a dream USA trip of a lifetime

A USA trip is a lifelong dream for many travellers as the USA is ranked among the top destinations on a global scale. It has so much to offer for many tastes and budgets, so it makes sense that many different travelling dreams meet simultaneously.

That said, foreigners should follow a few procedures before visiting the USA. But one thing is true for citizens of any county in the world: organising a trip takes a lot of effort. With that in mind, this guide should help with arranging and making the most out of the ultimate trip.

Seven steps to plan the trip efficiently

A well-thought plan won’t only help prepare, but it’s going to be invaluable during the trip.

Booking accommodation and arranging the means of travel around the USA will take some effort, but obtaining the right visa is far more complicated. On the list of concerns are expiry dates, government facilities and relevant documentation.

Here are seven steps will help with staying organised throughout every step of the process and realising that lifelong dream of travelling around the USA without any problems.

USA visa and documentation

Having a valid visa is the first step, and if it has expired recently it’s possible to save time and apply for your US visa online.

For foreigners, the first and most important thing to do before travelling to the USA is to get a visa. The local US embassy can guide applicants through the process in order to get the required documentation sorted out soon.

The allowed stay will largely depend on the country of residence. Some counties are granted three-month touristic visas very quickly, while others will need to submit extra papers. Some origins don’t need visa applications at all to visit the USA, but either way, obtaining the necessary documents should remain a priority during the planning.

Travel plan and activities

The USA is enormous and offers countless activities, so deciding what to see and do ahead of time is essential. Depending on the length of time planned to spend in the USA, the trip should be organised accordingly.

It is important to remember that a short amount of time doesn’t allow going back and forth from the East to the West Coast – so visitors should choose a specific area and enjoy the places there. Also, the activities in that particular area are vital for planning. It’s a good idea to research what type of things one can encounter while there and consider interest in them – this will ease the decision-making. 

The trip can be planned based on the places one wants to see or the events to attend. For a more efficient outcome, it’s worth doing some research to decide what to expect from this USA trip.

Accommodation

Having accommodation booked before arriving in the USA saves money and helps with time planning.

Assuming the plan won’t be to spend all the time in one place, visitors should book hotels, hostels or Airbnb housing as part of the itinerary. Knowing the accommodation dates will help move around the country with certainty.

Those unsure of whether they will spend a few nights at some locations can book cancellation-free rooms, thereby avoiding spending money unnecessarily.

Transportation to and within the USA

Tickets from a foreign country to the USA might make up for most of the cost of the trip, so getting the arrival and departure tickets upfront is best.

For those who plan to travel long miles within the USA, purchasing plane tickets instead of on-ground transportation is better. The flights between states are frequent, but buying them earlier is a better option for the trip to be time and money efficient.

Next are the on-ground means of travel in the USA, such as bus or train tickets. The prices for these types of transportation don’t have any drastic shifts, so purchasing them even a day before won’t cause any significant changes to the preplanned budget.

International banking

Before arriving in the USA, checking which banks allow withdrawal from credit cards is essential. Ending up in a foreign country with banking problems is not easy.

Some banks are international but go by different names depending on the location. If one possesses a card from one of those banks, it’s best to consult the local bank on how the withdrawal in another county’s branch would work and its terms.

Travellers must call in beforehand if their bank doesn’t exist in the USA. The terms and conditions of banking change internationally, and each bank has different fees. Nobody wants a trip to cost extra just because they forgot to check in with the bank.

Insurance

Travel insurance is a must – one never knows what to expect. This goes for both citizens of the USA and foreigners; it’s better to be insured when travelling.

Most insurance companies provide travel insurance regularly, so for the best deals it’s best to call in and ask about what they offer and find a package that best fits individual needs.

Clothing and personal belongings

Travelling light is always advantageous. Carrying around many clothes can cause more stress than benefits – so it’s a good idea to pack only the essentials.

It’s always worth keeping in mind checking the forecast before the trip. The USA is vast – the altitude and latitude of each area vary. – therefore each region has a specific climate.

Note bringing medications from one’s native country is a must, as it might not be possible to find the ones regularly used in the USA. Also, every state uses types A & B plug sockets, so if one’s country of origin uses a different one, purchasing the correct adapter is essential.

Final words

Once everything is organised and sorted out, all that’s left is to depart! Travelling always has the best outcome when following a pre-planned schedule, especially when aiming for a time and money-efficient trip.

Even if unexpected problems occur, resolving them will be much easier once the plan is set and done. Get ready – the USA sure has a lot of things to see and do!

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