Baskadia

Introduction

Because the United States is so large and has such a varied melting pot of cultures, it's difficult to come up with a set of guidelines or suggestions that apply to all 50 states. However, there are a few things you should be aware of in order to make better educated travel preparations and prevent disasters. From the all-American love of the vehicle to its tipping etiquette, here are a few things to know before booking your trip to the United States.

1. Embrace the Land of Plenty

You've arrived in the land of abundance, with its "all you can eat" buffets, sky-high burgers, and supersize entrees. Because of the comparatively low cost of food production in the United States, restaurants may easily attract more customers by delivering ever-larger courses as well as generous-sized appetizers and desserts. Plate-hogging 12 oz steaks are not unusual, however in Texas it would be considered parsimonious. You'll also never be thirsty here, since free drink refills are pretty much the standard at many US eating establishments.

2. Etiquette Matters

There is no duty to tip service personnel in the United States, yet failing to do so will make you appear like a true Scrooge. Waiters, housekeepers, and taxi drivers rely on tips to supplement their income, so any extra you can toss their way would be much appreciated. Unless you've had very terrible service, expect to give a tip of 15 to 20% of the whole meal bill, plus an additional dollar or two for the barman when paying for a drink.

3. Hidden Costs

If you believe you have just enough money to purchase that lovely souvenir or T-shirt, you may be surprised when the clerk rings up the amount. The prices listed on the tag or sign at many businesses where products or services are offered do not include taxes, which might add 7% or more to your total.  Most states have sales taxes, and there may be local government taxes as well, so include that in your purchasing budget.

4. Social Interaction

Being open and outgoing are valued qualities in America, and as such, you may encounter a wide range of individuals starting up a discussion with you. It's most obvious when you're out to eat or shop, when you'll be asked "How are you?" and potentially additional inquiries about where you're from, what you're up to, or how your day is going.  Such interactions are typically lighthearted and restricted to small chat; strong political ideas or other thoughts that can offend are usually avoided.

5. Off the Beaten Path

With so many renowned landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, the Las Vegas Strip, and Disneyland, it would be simple to plan a vacation to the United States that includes all of the destinations on your bucket list that you wish to visit in your lifetime. However, with a little investigation, you may locate alternate locations that are off the beaten path but no less stunning.  Instead of Niagara Falls, consider Ruby Falls, a 45-meter-tall subterranean cascade in Tennessee, or forgo the Grand Canyon in favor of Utah's less-visited Zion Canyon. Go off the beaten path and see what you find.

6. Plan Your Journey Wisely

The United States is so vast that even many Americans will only see a small portion of their own nation. Sure, you want to see both San Francisco and New York City, but keep in mind that the roughly 6-hour journey between them will take up a lot of your important vacation time. Because seeing it all is difficult, a sensible plan could be to restrict your US trips to only a few "must-see" locations or to concentrate on an area to explore in detail, such as the Pacific Northwest or New England.

7. Different Units of Measure

Why measure things in tenths when you can use apparently random numbers instead? This is how things are done in America, where pounds, gallons, and yards are still used instead of metric quantities like grams, liters, and meters. You'll also need to learn Fahrenheit since few Americans can tell you the temperature in Celsius. Remember that 100 degrees Fahrenheit is a very hot day, and water freezes at 32 degrees. Oh, and if it's 40 degrees below zero in Celsius, it's the same in Fahrenheit - useful information if you're planning a winter trip to cold Minnesota or Alaska.

8. Sports Enthusiasm

From small-town Little Leagues to professional teams with famous players, America has a deep and widespread love of sports. Unlike in other nations where millions cheer for international sports such as World Cup football, the most popular sports in the United States are home-grown and distinctly American. From college "bowl" competitions to the star-studded NFL professional leagues, American football - not soccer! - has a large following. You might easily reserve a stadium ticket to witness the professionals at an NBA basketball or Major League Baseball game, or you could enjoy the enthusiasm of the throng roaring for local minor-league players.

9. Prioritize Your Health

Nothing is worse than an accident or a sudden sickness when traveling. That is, unless you are going without insurance, in which case your health problems may be exacerbated by a colossal medical expense. Health care in the United States is good, but it is not expensive, particularly if you need surgery, a long hospital stay, or an emergency trip back home. There are several options for travel insurance, so look around to discover what best meets your requirements and get it before you go.

10. Transportation Freedom

Driving along an open road is a lasting emblem of freedom in the United States, and the vehicle is still king in terms of transportation. Unless you live in one of America's more transit-friendly cities, such as New York or Boston, traveling without a car may be a genuine pain. With limited bus and rail options, you may choose to hire a vehicle or utilize the local taxi services to get about.

Conclusion

Traveling to the United States allows you to immerse yourself in a place of various cultures, stunning scenery, and kind friendliness. You may assure a seamless and fulfilling trip by grasping the complexities of American traditions, embracing the culture of tipping, and being prepared for unexpected charges.

Engage in warm local discussions, discover lesser-known attractions, and plan your trip properly to get the most of this huge and diverse nation. Prioritize your health by purchasing enough trip insurance, and keep in mind the ease of having transportation. The United States has an infinite number of adventures and experiences to offer, and with these 10 tips, you'll be well-prepared to go on your wonderful vacation.