Mapping out your route
Firstly, it is smart to make a list with all the must-sees you absolutely do not want to miss during your trip. This will help you map out the route you would want to take. There are lots of travel guides available to simplify this step for you. DK Eyewitness USA Travel Guide is one of the best guides available and has suggested itineraries and self-guided tour maps created by experts. And while you are at it, you should also write down all the addresses and phone numbers you think you might need in The United States.
Check the travel advice and the weather conditions
The United States is a land of extremes in all aspects. Therefore, you should check the weather conditions in all the places you will be visiting before you start booking. For example, think about the possibilities of forest fires in extremely dry places of The United States, like the state California. Another example is the many hurricanes and cyclones on the east and south coast during the months June through November. After the weather you should also check the travel advice for The United States. This way you will be up to date on certain risks and you will be able to relax and enjoy your trip.
Travel insurance or health insurance
Of course, you do not go to The United States with the idea that you will get sick unexpectedly. Still it is very important to go on vacation prepared. Suppose that you will have to be admitted to a hospital in The United States, in most cases your health insurance will cover these costs. The reimbursement is often the same as you would get if you had the same treatment at home. This means it is possible that part of your costs won’t be reimbursed, since the costs in The United States can be higher than those at home. To prevent this, you can get extra insurance at your health insurance company or you can take out a travel insurance policy with medical costs.
Vaccines
There are several vaccines for The United States are recommended for the average tourist. Rabies does occur in The United States. That is why it is advisable to stay away from mammals like: dogs, cats, monkeys and bats. Dengue and Zika virus also occur in parts of the country. Make sure you protect yourself well against mosquito bites.
Applying for an ESTA
The last, but definitely not the least tip is to apply for an ESTA. Since you will not be able to enter The United States without one anymore, and that would make for a bad start of your holiday. You can apply for an ESTA very easily online, by filling in the application form. Do take notice that the assessment of your application may take 72 hours. Do you want to be at ease before you go on vacation? Apply for an ESTA at least 4 weeks in advance. An ESTA is valid for two years and allows you to stay in The United States for 90 days consecutively. At eVisa Application Services you can pay with iDEAL. Do you not own a printer and are you unable to print your ESTA? No problem, we also offer you the possibility to receive it through the mail.
