Check your passport’s expiry date well before booking anything; many airlines require at least six months’ validity beyond your travel dates. If you’re eligible for visa-free travel under the Visa Waiver Program, apply for ESTA and keep the approval with you (digital is fine, but a printed copy never hurts). If you need a visa instead, verify the category and processing times early. For authoritative guidance, start with the U.S. Department of State’s visa and entry pages, and confirm any country-specific notes before you fly.
Sort out money so fees don’t eat your budget
Call your bank and card issuers to confirm foreign transaction fees and ATM access. If your debit card charges steep withdrawal costs, consider using a no-fee card or pulling out cash less often. Turn on travel alerts in your banking app to prevent fraud blocks, and add your cards to a mobile wallet so you have a backup if a physical card is lost. The U.S. is extremely card-friendly, but some smaller shops still prefer cash—keep a little on hand for tips or small purchases. If you plan to rent a car or check into hotels, remember many companies place temporary holds; make sure your credit limit can handle them without stranding you mid-trip.
Lock in reliable phone service before you land
Roaming surprises are the worst kind of souvenir. The simplest fix is to set up an eSIM plan that activates the moment you arrive, giving you local data for maps, rideshares, and translation apps without hunting for a kiosk. If your phone is unlocked and eSIM-capable, choose an option tailored to your trip length and data needs—look for plans that allow hotspotting so your travel partner’s phone or your tablet can piggyback. You can compare options like an eSIM USA prepaid plan, then download the profile in advance so it’s ready to switch on when the aircraft doors open. While you’re at it, download offline maps for the cities you’ll visit, enable Wi-Fi calling, and store key addresses in your contacts for quick navigation.
Pack health essentials and proof of coverage
Bring a small kit with any prescriptions, a few OTC basics (pain reliever, antihistamine, stomach remedies), and your prescription list using generic names. Confirm your travel insurance covers U.S. medical care—costs can be high—and save the policy PDF and emergency numbers offline. For general health guidance, consult the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s traveler resources to review routine vaccines and seasonal advisories before you go. If you have specific conditions, carry a doctor’s note for medications or supplies to avoid hassles at security.
Understand airport security rules so you breeze through
Knowing the basics can save you from repacking in the security line. Liquids, gels, and aerosols belong in containers of 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less inside a single quart-size bag; electronics larger than a phone usually go in their own bin. Check the Transportation Security Administration’s “What Can I Bring?” tool for anything you’re unsure about, especially items like snacks, powders, or medical devices. If your airline uses facial recognition at boarding, you can opt out—bring your passport to the gate and tell the agent you prefer manual verification.
Plan transportation with local rules in mind
If you’re renting a car, confirm whether your home license is sufficient or if you also need an International Driving Permit; requirements vary by rental company and sometimes by state. Learn the basics of U.S. driving conventions—right on red after a full stop (unless posted otherwise), school zone speed limits, and strict rules around yielding to pedestrians at crosswalks. If your route includes toll roads, ask the rental desk about transponders or pay-by-plate fees to avoid invoices later. Prefer not to drive? Set up accounts for rideshare and micromobility apps in advance, and review public transit cards for the cities you’ll visit (for example, contactless bank cards work on many systems, but not all).
Safeguard your identity and your itinerary
Photograph your passport, visa/ESTA approval, and travel insurance card; store copies in an encrypted cloud folder and share access with a trusted contact. Turn on “Find My” or equivalent on all devices and add an old-school luggage tag with an email address rather than a home address. Back up your phone and camera before departure so a loss doesn’t erase your photos. If you’ll be using public Wi-Fi, set your devices to “ask to join networks,” disable auto-connect, and consider using a reputable VPN—especially for banking.
Book the “little” reservations that make a big difference
Restaurant hotspots, museum time slots, national park entries, and popular tours often release tickets weeks ahead. Snagging those early avoids long lines and surge pricing. If sports or theater are on your list, check official box office sites first to avoid resale markups. For theme parks, download the app and set up your account in advance; virtual queues and lightning-lane style systems often require early-morning taps you won’t want to be figuring out half-asleep.
Give future-you a smoother return
If you bought electronics, keep receipts for warranties and customs. Pack a lightweight bag for souvenirs to avoid overweight fees. Double-check your homeward flight’s baggage allowance—U.S. domestic segments on separate tickets can have different limits. The night before you fly, confirm your ride to the airport, re-check terminal and gate, and snapshot your boarding pass in case the app glitches without data.
Trusted sources to bookmark
For official entry and travel advisories, the U.S. Department of State maintains detailed, country-specific guidance. For airport screening rules and what items are allowed, the Transportation Security Administration’s site is the definitive reference. For health considerations and routine vaccine guidance, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides traveler resources. With those saved—plus an plan ready to go—you’ll spend less time troubleshooting and more time enjoying your trip.
