4 Common USA Travel Tips That Are Really Helpful
Cross-state travels in the USA can be lots of fun—whether you are planning for a business trip, honeymoon, backpacking adventure, or a road trip. From the slow-paced countryside to buzzing cityscapes, the US is as diverse as it can get in terms of lifestyle, culture, and traditions.
Its sheer scale of land also means the weather, terrain, and sceneries can also differ vastly among states. You can enjoy sunny beaches in one and trek snow-covered mountain ranges in another. There is something to explore for everyone.
If you are planning your next cross-state adventure in the US, here are proven travel tips for a memorable experience.
1. Prepare the Itinerary in Advance
All travel plans must begin with an itinerary if you want to avoid last-minute stress.
So, how should you go about preparing an itinerary? Start by researching the destination you have chosen and the type of activities it offers. Select the ones you are fond of. It could be hiking in the wilderness or exploring culture and history. You may like shopping, partying, or some other form of entertainment.
If you are traveling with family or friends, don’t forget to consider their preferences, too. This might mean making a few compromises. But finding activities you can all enjoy should not be that difficult.
Here are some essential tips to keep in mind as you create your travel itinerary.
-
Read traveler reviews.
Booking.com, TripAdvisor, and Google are some of the top places to find more information about travel destinations. However, reviewers can also be biased, and some could be sponsored by businesses. So, learn to identify genuine reviews. For instance, check the reviewer’s profile, read the business’s response, and scan several sources for first-hand accounts of traveler experiences.
-
Consider peak and off-peak seasons.
If you don’t mind the crowds, peak-season travel could be ideal. But if you prefer some quiet leisure time, the off-peak season is best.
-
Make early reservations.
This is particularly important when you are planning a vacation in peak times. Early bookings will also allow you to make use of travel deals and promotions and avoid long waiting times in queues.
-
Be mindful of the weather.
Climatic conditions vary from state to state and should be an important consideration when preparing to travel. For instance, if your destination is likely to encounter heavy rains, hurricanes, or snowfall during the time you intend to visit, you might want to reschedule your travels for later or look for a different destination altogether.
-
Plot it out on a map.
Certain travel hotspots you have chosen could be far from each other, and you don’t want to waste too much time on the road. But when you know where each of them is located, you can plan your itinerary more effectively.
Of course, you don’t always need to carry a printed map. A digital one would do as long as you have connectivity. You can download an offline version as a backup.
-
Assign enough time for rest.
Don’t forget to allocate time for relaxation. Following an itinerary with too many activities and places to visit could leave you feeling tired. And that is the last thing you want when you are on vacation.
2. Determine Modes of Travel
Based on your planned destination and activities, you may need to seek several travel modes—from flights to trains and buses. By arranging these ahead of time, you can ensure a smoother commute.
Here are a few essential tips to keep in mind:
- Check air travel options to find the best prices. When booking seats, always choose the ones in front of the plane so you can disembark first and minimize time spent in queues.
- Consider distances between different travel spots you plan to visit and determine the best way to travel between them. It might mean taking a train, hopping onto a bus, renting a car, or driving yourself.
- If you plan on renting a car, check ahead on the documents required and ensure you carry them with you. Also, research prices, road conditions, and any state-specific rules and regulations you should be aware of.
- Local cabs can be costly, especially around popular tourist hotspots. Relying on Lyft, Uber, or a similar ride-hailing app would be a cheaper alternative.
3. Set Up a Budget
If you are not careful, you can end up overspending on your vacation. To keep a tab on expenses, preparing a budget is important.
The major cost elements include:
-
Accommodation
Hotel prices can vary significantly based on your destination. For instance, a room in Las Vegas can cost, on average, $224, while in Orlando, it is around $158.
-
Food
According to studies, the average cost of food amounts to $46 for a single person on vacation in the US. Of course, where and what you eat will have an impact on this. If you want to keep your expenses low, there are plenty of fast-food chains, from McDonald’s and Subway to KFC and Burger King. Cooking your own food is another alternative, especially when you are on a longer vacation.
-
Travel
Add up the costs of air tickets, public transportation, car rentals, and gas.
-
Activities
Consider entry fees, tickets, and other costs involved with the activities you have planned.
Overall, you can expect to pay less during off-peak travel seasons when there is less demand for accommodation, transport, and tourist entertainment. However, if you book in advance, you can expect to enjoy some excellent travel deals, even in peak times.
4. Consider Safety
Whether you are vacationing with your family or traveling solo, minding your safety is critical.
- Travel light as much as possible so you have less to worry about.
- Avoid carrying valuables and keep your belongings secure to prevent theft.
- Practice basic safety precautions when interacting with strangers and making new friends. Find them on PhoneHistory to verify their details before you share personal information.
- Ensure you have internet access and a working phone at all times to stay connected with friends and family. Always carry your phone charger and a power bank for emergency purposes.
- Avoid visiting remote locations when you are traveling solo. Remain in popular tourist hotspots that attract large crowds.
- Never post your travel itinerary on social media. Also, avoid posting photos or sharing your whereabouts until you return.
Final Thoughts
Take copies of your reservations and ID before you depart. Also, ensure you pack weather-appropriate clothes. A first-aid kit and a few entertainment options, such as music and books, would be useful, too, for long-distance travel.
Once you return, remember to share your experiences, both good and bad, on travel sites. Your reviews will help many more travelers to make informed decisions and enjoy their vacations.
