I remember the first time I visited the US as a Mexican, fue emocionante pero caótico (it was exciting yet chaotic).
The vast lands, the nature, the beaches, and the diversity were fantastic. What was not fantastic was my unprepared first trip to the US and my mistakes. It was seriously embarrassing.
Having said that, if you, too, are planning your first-ever visit to the United States of America, let me help make it easy for you. I will share the tips (the dos) that you should implement and things that you are better off avoiding at all costs (the don’ts).
If that is exactly what you were looking for, then stick around and join me as I unfold the details you need before your first visit to the US as a foreigner.
Please note that the details are valid for everyone. It doesn’t matter whether you are coming from Europe or South America (like me). Anyway, here you go:
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Try to Get Sorted with Your Mobile Plan When You Visit
Even though the USA is known as the land of the free, you might not find the internet for free. Even neighbors tend to avoid sharing their passwords with each other, so you have to get your internet.
Since the internet is highly important for most of your chores as a traveler, like navigating, translating, and asking questions on Google or ChatGPT, you should get it as soon as you set foot on American soil.
Since I was already subscribed to Cox internet for my stay in the US, I learned that I could bundle it with a mobile plan that runs on the network with unbeatable 5G reliability. So, I reached out to know more about their service. If you, too, are a Spanish speaker and want to explore more about the Cox internet plans in the US, contact Cox servicio al cliente.
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Once you are sorted with your internet needs, it will take a big burden off your shoulders. So, yeah, try to get internet as soon as you arrive.
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Make a Reservation (Even for Outdoor Visits)
This one is going to be particularly true if you will be visiting the US during peak tourist season.
You might expect that, okay, it makes sense to make reservations with restaurants, but it is more than just that. During tourist season, you will be expected to make reservations for most outdoor places and even some indoor ones. I am talking about hiking places like Old Rag Mountain, Angels Landing, and sunset-watching places like Haleakala or Yosemite Firefall.
No se limita a eso (It is not limited to that); you might have to make reservations for visiting even a museum.
I have been living in the US for a while now, and I know these places are packed with people, so it only makes sense that they put a reservation as a requirement so that everyone’s experience is great.
So, be ready with your phone to dial some numbers for reservations when you are here.
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Avoid Talking About Politics
When I was visiting the US for the first time, I was surprised to see how talkative people are around here. They might just stop by to ask about the weather, and might ask what you do, which basically means what is your job or business (if any).
It is up to you how much or how much you want to share, and it will be fine.
What is not fine, however, is talking about politics. Americans love talking about their current political circumstances, and you, being a foreigner, should avoid such conversations.
It won’t take more than a few seconds to turn a constructive discussion to a heated argument, so it is better to avoid it in the first place. If they keep on talking about it, just smile and nod it off.
This way, you will have a positive visiting experience in the US. In short, do take part in conversations with the locals, pero no lo politico (but not the political ones).
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Avoid Making an Itinerary of Multiple States
The US is huge, very huge actually. There are 50 states, which might be bigger than some countries. You can’t visit them all, let alone experience them, even if you try to.
So, I suggest sticking to a handful of states that pack a lot of diversity, nature, and the true culture of the United States of America.
“What are those states?”, you might be wondering.
It might be subjective, but I love California, Texas, and New York City. Oh, and how can I miss the coolest (literally) Alaska?! I love that too. With these states, you will be covering almost all the aspects for which the US is known.
So, the bottom line is that you need to limit your places for a full experience. And don’t forget to have an internet connection beforehand, avoid politics in conversations, and make reservations to make the most of your first visit to the US.