How to Make the Most of Your Visit to the U.S.

You’ve spent months planning and saving for your adventure to the U.S. and now, it’s finally here! We’ve compiled some helpful tips to help you make the most out of your visit to the United States.

Explore Culture in The Melting Pot Nation

The U.S. is quite large in comparison to other countries. If you are planning to visit several locations within the U.S., it is recommended to book air travel in advance. Airfare in the U.S. is much more expensive in comparison to budget airline carriers overseas. Typically, U.S. rates increase as the booking date nears. 

The U.S. is known as the melting pot. The term, “melting pot” is used to describe the many different cultures, nationalities and ethnicities of the United States. If you are visiting the East Coast, you will notice a culture much different in comparison to the Midwest. One of the most noticeable differences (besides climate) is the variety of traditional food dishes. Consider trying a bowl of grits if you are visiting the South. Savor an “All-American” meal in the Midwest featuring a breaded pork tenderloin and buttery corn on the cob. Dive into clam chowder on the East Coast, and on the West Coast, they love the restaurant, In-n-Out Burger. Try your In-n-Out order “animal style” for a true American experience.

Get in Touch with Nature

While eating your way through America, consider visiting one of the 59 national parks or hundreds of state parks. It can be tough to stay active during a relaxing vacation, but these parks make it easy. You can spend a whole day gazing at the beauty of the Sequoia trees in the Sequoia National Park. Hike with the family through Yellowstone National Park for the chance to see the jaw-dropping hot springs and geysers. Wyoming offers canoeing and paddle boarding at the Grand Teton National Park. National parks are a wonderful way to explore the outdoors in the United States.

Stay Healthy – Get Travel Medical or Travel Insurance

With differences in terrain and climate, comes a greater risk of getting sick or injured.  Prepare for your trip by exploring which travel medical insurance plan is best for you. Our most popular plan for visitor’s insurance is: Patriot America Plus.

• IMG’s top-selling visitor insurance plan
• Deductible options from $0 to $2,500
• Maximum Limits from $50,000 to $500,000
• Renewable up to 24 months

Take Advantage of Free Activities  

Flights and accommodation expenses add up when traveling overseas. Luckily, there are many free activities in the U.S. that help offset the cost.

Walking tours are an excellent way to immerse yourself in a new city. Explore your destination by scent, sound and energy. Historic and ghost tours are some of the most popular walking tours (insider tip: these tours can be downloaded via audio and you can even email directions to your phone). If traveling with an animal, try researching for pet friendly paths.

Not traveling with your beloved pets and missing them like crazy? The U.S. has lots of free public zoos! Public zoos are a great way to get the whole family involved in an outing.  The Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago is the most visited public zoo in the U.S. There are several opportunities to meet the animals, feedings, and educational demonstrations that are all complimentary!

You do not need to be a scholar to visit our public libraries. If you are traveling with children, many libraries schedule children’s story time sessions. In addition to cozy reading nooks and internet access, libraries offer classes, speakers, and even movie nights.  

Are you heading to a historical destination? While other countries honor their history with landmarks and ancient monuments, the U.S. is still considered a relatively “new” country. Hundreds of monuments and memorials have been built to honor events and people in the U.S. America’s capital, Washington D.C., is home to over 50 of them. These historical monuments are a fascinating way to learn more about U.S. history. They also make for great photo opportunities.

Don’t Overschedule

It’s important to remember that you are on a vacation! Try to be flexible with your plans. Preparing and planning is important, but a nap is equally as important when you need a mental break. Allow for time after activities to explore the neighborhood and interact with the locals. Be sure to go at your own pace to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Most importantly, enjoy your experience in the United States!