Traveling in America can be one of the most unforgettable experiences of your life. It’s a place with so many different options for places to visit, things to see and do, experiences to have. If you love sports, food, culture, big cities or wide expanses of natural land… you’ll find a place to explore! And it’s so easy to travel with
the States once you’re here. You can find cheap domestic flights between cities or even rent a car to have an epic road trip. That’s the ultimate American experience after all! You can go all the way from the east coast in New York across the country, through the Midwest and to the west coast to explore California and all the way up to the Pacific Northwest. Definitely give yourself a good chunk of time to explore the US!
However, just like traveling anywhere else, it’s important to learn about and keep in mind some legal and other precautions. The chances are low that you’ll actually need to deal with any legal problems, but it’s always better to be safe rather than sorry! Just read up on any laws you might need to know beforehand and you’ll be fine. Traveling is one of the most exciting things you can do, but staying safe must be your number one priority. As long as you educate yourself before you go, your trip should go off without a hitch. So read on to learn about some precautions you can take before traveling in the States:
Travel documents and visa
Having the proper documents and visa is definitely something you want to figure out before you land in America. Depending what country you’re coming from, there will be different visa requirements for your entry. All visitors to the US will need a valid passport, but citizens of the EU for example get a 3-month tourist visa on arrival. In other words, they don’t need to do anything before they arrive. Some people from other countries though will need to apply for a visa before arriving. If they don’t, they will be denied entry. The laws are strict in this way so you must be absolutely certain you have everything you need before arrival. Also, make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months past your travel dates.
Driving
Do you want to rent a car for that epic road trip? Or maybe you’ll just be driving for a few days while you’re here. No matter if it’s just for one day or a few months, if you plan on driving in the US you will need to make sure it is legally allowed. Check to see what the requirements are for driving, and if the US will accept your license. If you obtain an International Driver License, you should be fine but always double check to see what the updated laws are.
Drinking
When you’re traveling, there’s a good chance you might find yourself out socializing with a drink or two. Keep in mind that the laws around drinking are probably stricter than those in your home country. While many countries have a drinking age of 18 (if any), the US has a drinking age of 21, which is strictly enforced. This means that if you’re traveling with anyone under the age of 21, they will not be permitted into an area of a bar where alcohol is served. So if you’re at a restaurant, you’ll be fine as long as you’re not planning to sit in the bar. Also, there is a very strict level for the blood alcohol level you can have before driving a car. These laws vary by state. Essentially, if you are pulled over in a car that you’re driving, and your BAC is over that of the state limit, you will be heavily penalized.
Check state laws
As previously mentioned, each state has different laws, which is something than many foreigners are not used to. There are different taxes, speed limits and other laws that could affect you in some way. So the best thing is just to ask a local if there are any special laws that you should know about when visiting that state. For example if you happen to be in Colorado and need a lawyer, you can hire a Denver based lawyer to help you with advice and to represent you if things are serious.
Remember, as a traveler, it is your responsibility to understand the laws of the place you’re traveling in. So be smart, use common sense and you will enjoy your trip to America and leave with many happy and amazing memories.
