Whether you are a US resident planning a trip around states for the first time or someone from abroad who is vacationing in the US, it is important to be aware of certain traveling and the ones we have rounded up here would definitely help you spend your money and time wisely as well as keep the issues of traveling at bay.
Do Proper Research Of The Area You Would Be Visiting
State laws differ a lot when you travel from one place to another. Therefore, you need to do a bit of homework beforehand. If you are going on a road trip, make sure you are aware of speeding limits. You may end up in Florida bay county jail, for a speed that was okay elsewhere in the US, just to quote an example!
Don’t Set a Budget Too Low
There are not many places around the US that are cheap to travel to. Therefore, you have to budget accordingly and make sure you are not restricting the budget too much as that would keep you anxious on the entire trip.
The golden rule is to budget smartly but always bring some extra funds in case of an emergency. The basic spendings you have to consider are for fuel, food, and accommodation, all of which can be pretty costly in the US.
Do Compare Prices For Different Hotels
There are many budget-friendly accommodations but you may have to look keenly to find one since most of these are shadowed by fancy but expensive hotels. Remember, traveling is all about exploring new places so it makes no sense that you spend a majority of your savings on a hotel where you just need to spend a night.
Renting motels or using a apartmental rental sites is also a good idea. In fact, these options are becoming more and more popular nowadays as the expenses can be shared with other guests, overall decreasing the cost of staying a night.
Don’t Leave Without Getting Your Vehicle Checked
The most common mistake that most travelers make is the compromise on vehicle condition at the time of the trip. You are not just traveling from home to the workplace or nearby grocery store. Your car may need maintenance when it has to travel extra miles. Instead of experiencing a break-down on the way, it is better to take it to a workshop and request the staff to run a thorough check.
You may want to look for any leaks, check tire pressure, oil level, and ensure that brakes are working fine. These things would also help you cut down on fuel consumption.
Do Inform Someone Of Your Trip Plans
Even if you plan to travel by yourself, share the details of your routes and accommodation points with someone you trust, like your bestfriend or a family member. Moreover, check in with them every once in a while whenever you can.
Don’t Forget To Check Out Our “What To Pack” Guide!
There are a handful of recommended items that you should pack before you begin the trip. Some of these include:
- Physical maps, especially of the places that you intend to travel to.
- An extra bin in the car that can help you keep it tidy since you will be spending a lot of time in it and probably eating in as well.
- An emergency kit or first aid kit.
- A power bank to make sure your phone does not run out of battery.
- Sunglasses and sun hat for protection against harsh sunlight. (You will get to see that a lot around the US).
- Some snacks or candy, especially if you are traveling alone, as it can keep you occupied and active as you drive.
- Last but not the least, a diary with important numbers as well as emergency dials in case you lose your phone and need to call someone back home for help.