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USA TRAVEL TIPS FOR FIRST TIMERS | 20+ Must-Knows Before Visiting the United States + What NOT to Do

Happy to Wander (Travel Tips & Inspo)

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👀 Don't go to the United States without watching this first!

0:00 INTRODUCTION
0:34 USA TRAVEL PLANNING TIPS
5:34 BUDGET ACCOMMODATION? WHAT ACTUALLY ARE MOTELS?
9:37 TIPS FOR TRANSPORT & GETTING AROUND THE US
12:27 CULTURE & ETIQUETTE TIPS FOR THE US
13:46 AMERICAN TIPPING CULTURE & SUGGESTED TIPS
17:52 FOOD & DRINK TIPS FOR THE US
22:42 TIPS FOR ONCE YOU ARRIVE IN THE US

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RESOURCES MENTIONED

➡️ Official ESTA requirements page from the US government: https://www.usa.gov/visa-waiver-esta#....
➡️ Countries exempt from the 6 month passport validity rule: https://www.cbp.gov/document/bulletin...
➡️ My go-to travel insurance {Paid Link}: https://happytowander.com/WorldNomads
➡️ My favourite travel credit card - Wise: {Referral Link} https://happytowander.com/Wise

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Travelling to the USA for the first time? Need help planning your first US trip? This video is filled with USA tips including tricks and hacks for saving money in the US, the best places to go in the US, the best time to visit the US, USA food recommendations, and other must-knows for anybody planning their first trip!

20 Comments

@Fireflyimagingxox 9 months ago

As an American, this is a SPOT ON video. On tipping culture: if your service sucks, I mean just awful, do not tip. Americans do that. Do not feel obligated to tip for horrible service

@Divineeeexo 9 months ago

I’m born and raised in London and it has been my dream to go to America. Hopefully this year 2026, I finally visit! Like this comment in a few months to see if I finally go lol❤

@Blade1317 1 year ago

I'm from Illinois and California and have traveled to all of the States - thank you for emphasizing that all Americans are NOT the same. It's very, very true.

@the_wiki9408 7 months ago

In the last few years, the credit card machines that all restaurants and small businesses use have added a tipping screen. This is to try to guilt people into tipping where it was not previously the norm. You are not expected to tip at any restaurant that does not have waiters. Some people do, and they will accept it. But if you are at the many takeout or casual places where you walk up and order at the register, you can just hit the no tip button. Not very many Americans are tipping at Shake Shack or Chipotle for example. And if you see a tip screen at a retail store, definitely do not tip.

@KellyHuzsek 1 year ago

Here in America I find it helpful to ask your server what they recommend at a restaurant. They have heard what other customers have said and tried items from the restaurant.

@DK-hg7wj 5 months ago (edited)

My tip is don’t listen to the media to form your opinion. The US is safe if you have common sense. If you’re in a big city, it’s okay to ask hotel staff where to avoid. Hotel staff are happy to help you stay safe.

P.S. Especially now, DO NOT bring up politics, it is extremely polarized.

@Ivory-k1n 2 months ago

The editing in this video is on another level! Loved how you kept it fresh and engaging throughout.

@jakestakeonautism9005 11 months ago

I totally agree with your advice against talking about controversial topics. Because that can really spiral in a very negative way, and some people can even get violent with you if you say the thing that a person doesn’t agree with whether you are a republican or democrat, pro gun or anti-gun, pro abortion, or anti-abortion, or anything controversial.

@elizabethjones4959 1 year ago

The American bubble is real, keep an arms length , especially when waiting in a line.

@the_wiki9408 7 months ago

One tip is to be prepared for very different laws around alcoholic drinks depending on city or state.

@jakestakeonautism9005 11 months ago

And about the portion thing, eyes in American do not share my main courses with anybody, but I will share my appetizers because the way I see it, the appetizer is meant to be shared by the group, not just for one person. But at the end of the day, it’s your decision on whether or not you want to share the appetizer and the other people’s decisions on whether or not they’re going to want some of your appetizer.

@TheYeti6000 11 months ago (edited)

Regional differences can be very significant. One general trend is that a lot of the cultural differences are urban vs rural. As a Bostonian, people in public spaces tend to be less chatty and more irritable/less patient. People are in a hurry and don't want to be bothered! Stand and walk on the right, don't block the sidewalks! Boston has a reputation for being a little mean, versus a place like Minnesota where people tend to be more chill and nice.

That said, at least in Boston/New England, if you are clearly a foreign tourist, people will cut you some slack, since we know you might do things differently where you're from. People are happy to give directions or advice or gently correct you on a minor thing you may not be doing correctly. We might not extend the same level of courtesy to an American tourist visiting from some other part of the country though, haha.

Another thing is that the US has tons of international diversity, immigration, and cuisine diversity. When I travel abroad, I think it's fun to try some "American" food to see what that country thinks of our food. So when you visit America, consider looking for a restaurant that does food from your country and see what you think.

@the_wiki9408 7 months ago

Tip #3 is absolutely a must. The USA is huge. Even things that seem like they are close, are not. Trying to do NYC and Los Angeles in the same trip is like trying to combine Lisbon and Helsinki in a Europe trip.

@autfiltv5331 1 month ago

This is very informative thanks ❤

@weibinglee5297 1 year ago

Christina, your videos are very helpful for travellers from all walks of life. Many thanks for all your hard work and effort in making all these amazing videos. 🙏🙏🙏👍👍👍👏👏👏😁😁😁

@butenbremer1965 1 year ago

I'm finally catching up on your ultra highspeed English - Germans are known for speaking GER fast, as are Canadians for speaking ENG. Didn't need to rewind the video all too much to get the full picture! Greetings from Frankfurt, GER! 🥰

@Jlar83 7 months ago

You nailed it ,born and raised in “Brooklyn” NY. This is exactly how me move

@cowbayshrub 1 year ago

This was a great video for newcomers…I’ve been traveling to the States for over two decades as I lived near Toronto and now live on Vancouver Island. I can’t think of anything that you missed