There’s nothing more fun than an overseas trip. The United States of America is a melting pot of cultures and has so much to offer to feast your eyes on. It is one of the most visited countries in the world, with over 70 million people visiting it. It boasts attractions like Mt. Rushmore, Disney World, and the Grand Canyon.
Whether you’re an American national who wants to return home or a tourist who wants to visit the land of the free and the home of the brave, there are several things you could keep in mind to have a safe, comfortable, and convenient flight. Here are a few travel tips you should consider when visiting the US.
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Apply for Global Entry
Do you want to skip part of the hassle and long lines you may face at customs? Then a Global Entry is something you may want to get. It helps make your time at customs quicker. This will help if you are in a hurry for an occasion or you need to board another flight quickly.
Global Entry is a program by the United States Customs and Border Protection which permits its users to have a quicker and easier clearance when entering the country. Members of this program have already undergone an intensive background check and an interview to ensure they do not pose any threat.
Membership is available for Americans and a few non-Americans, like people from Germany, South Korea, and the United Kingdom. Canadians are eligible through a different program.
Essentially, global Entry guarantees its members are low risk and can be granted a quicker clearance. There are rare times, however, when a member may be subjected to a more thorough check. Members who violate the terms and conditions of the program can get their membership revoked.
With this, you could get a membership with a clean background. However, the catch is a long waiting game during the process, as working on your application takes a long time, with the global entry process for interviewing may take months just to get an appointment. Therefore, it is better to get one as soon as you can.
Prepare Your Documents in Advance
It’s no question that to travel from one country to another, you are required with documents the country needs to admit you. Such documents are necessary for officials to verify your identity and intent upon setting foot in the country. The requirements may vary depending on the country you want to go to.
There are several documents you need to bring with you if you are a foreign national who wants to go to the US, but two of the most important ones are your passport and a visa. Your passport should be updated; when you apply for a visa, it should be at least valid 6 months after your stay in the country. Your Visa is equally important too. There are several kinds of US Visas, each serving a different purpose and indicating the purpose of your visit.
Look for a Way to Get Cheaper Flights
International flights can be too expensive. This is doubled by the cost of your US trip, especially if you live in a country with a less expensive cost of living. Saving for the trip is one you have to do while you are still in the planning stages. One way to save money for your trip is to book cheaper flights.
There are many ways to get cheaper flights and factors you can consider when looking for those. One of them is the time between your booking and the day of the flight, where there is a specific time when you can get a ticket at the lowest price possible, as well as more chances to choose a seat you like.
Another factor is certain times of the year or even specific days of the week. This may be partly due to work days, where people may be busy traveling for work, or holidays, where so many people want to go overseas for a vacation or go back home to celebrate with their families.
If you are comfortable adjusting your vacation schedules, you can get cheaper flights by looking at the days when there aren’t many passengers, especially when done in advance.
Plan Accommodations in Advance
One of the expenses that may contribute to an expensive trip is the accommodations. Depending on your trip, you may opt for a specific kind of lodging since international vacations don’t usually last for only a day, especially not vacations in the US.
A great option is a good hotel if you want a comfortable place to relax and sleep in, with additional services for your convenience. If you want a smaller lodging, you can go to an inn. You may also go to a motel for a lower price. Regardless, always book in advance so you can immediately rest after a long flight.
However, you can get free lodgings if you know someone in the US living close to where you’re headed for your trip. If there is someone, you have to ask permission in advance if you could sleep at their place. Such information may be needed when you reach customs.
To Sum it Up
There are so many things one needs to prepare for an overseas flight. The best tip for this is always to plan ahead. Preparation takes more time than the back-and-forth travels, but it will be worth getting yourself an enjoyable trip.