United States
Organizing a trip to United States It may seem impressive at first: entry formalities, budget, travel insurance, accommodation, transportation… However, with a little anticipation, everything becomes much simpler.
I have already done About a dozen trips to the United States, And it’s clearly a country I absolutely love 🇺🇸
There’s that unique energy, that feeling that everything is possible, those incredible vast spaces and these totally over-the-top cities. But if there’s one place that really has my heart, it’s New York. I was lucky enough to go there. eight times, And I never get tired of it: the atmosphere in Manhattan, the rooftops with a view of the skyscrapers, the NBA games, the walks in Central Park…
Over time, I also refined my style organizing my trips to the United States. Because even though it’s a relatively easy destination to visit, there are some important steps to take in advance to avoid any unpleasant surprises once you get there.
So I'm sharing it with you here all the steps that I systematically take before each departure, Those that allow me to prepare my trips calmly and to enjoy them to % the fullest once I arrive in the United States.
Before booking anything, there is a crucial first step when preparing a trip to the United States: check their travel documents and complete the formalities for entering the United States.
1. 🛂 Passport and ESTA to travel to the United States
It is The first thing I do, even before starting to look at the flights.
To enter the United States without a visa (for a tourist stay of less than 90 days), it is mandatory to apply for a visa.’ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization).
👉 My ultra important advice: do this before you buy your plane ticket.
Why? Because in case of refusal, your plane ticket may not be reimbursed. And I can tell you that I’ve already seen plenty of testimonies from travelers who were denied their ESTA without even realizing it…
Although refusal remains rare, it can happen for various reasons:
error in the form, homonym with a wanted person, previous travel to certain countries, etc.
✔️ What you need to know:
- The request is made exclusively online on the official website
- Generally quick response (a few hours to 72h)
- Valid for 2 years
- Authorizes stays of up to 90 days
Personally, I prefer Securing this step first when I arrange a trip to the United States. Once the ESTA is validated, I can then calmly proceed with the organization of the trip.
2. ✈️ Book your plane ticket to the United States
Once the ESTA is approved, I can proceed to the next step: book the plane tickets.
The United States is very well served from Europe with direct flights to many cities such as New York, Miami, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Boston or Las Vegas.
To find the best prices, I usually use a flight comparator like Skyscanner or Google Flights. This allows you to quickly compare the different companies and the most interesting dates.
💡 Little advice: If you are flexible with your travel dates, you can sometimes save several hundred euros on your ticket.
Another important point when organizing a trip to the United States: the choice of the arrival airport.
For example, in New York there are several airports:
- JFK
- Newark
- LaGuardia
Depending on your itinerary, it may be interesting to arrive in one city and depart from another, especially if you plan to visit several cities. A road trip in the USA.
Personally, I always try to book my tickets several months in advance, Especially for very busy periods like school holidays or autumn, which is a beautiful season in some American regions.
3. 🛡️ Heymondo travel insurance (essential in the USA)
Here, we don't joke around.
Les Medical expenses in the United States They are among the highest in the world. A simple consultation with a doctor can cost several hundred dollars, and a visit to the emergency room can quickly reach several thousand.
Personally, I don't travel Never in the United States without travel insurance. For my stays, I use the’Heymondo insurance, which offers a very comprehensive coverage for this type of destination.
It covers in particular:
- the High medical expenses
- the’Hospitalization
- the’Cancellation or interruption of travel
- the loss or delay of luggage
Another point I really appreciate: Their mobile app is really well-made. It is easy to use and allows you to easily manage your insurance or file a declaration in just a few clicks, even when you are already traveling.
👉 Good news: You benefit from % a 5% discount on your Heymondo insurance thanks to my partner link.
Honestly, that’s typically the kind of thing you hope you’ll never have to use… but I’d much rather have it with me when I go on trips. United States.
4. 🏨 Hotel reservations in the United States
Then I always go on to book my accommodation.
To Aux United States, Hotel prices can quickly rise, especially in large cities or during tourist seasons. There are also a few things to check before booking:
- the taxes, Often added at the time of payment
- the resort fees, additional fees that some hotels charge per night
- the neighborhood, which can really change the experience of the stay
À New York, For example, I generally prefer Manhattan or Brooklyn, Depending on the budget and the atmosphere I am looking for.
As far as possible, I also try to choose a accommodation with breakfast included. This makes it possible to start the day well without blowing the budget, because in the United States restaurants can quickly become expensive once you add in taxes and gratuities.
During some of our trips to New York, we often went for brunch or had coffee at Starbucks in the morning. But in the end, we realized that it was costing us too much. Much more expensive than a good breakfast at the hotel.
To maintain maximum flexibility, I usually book my hotels in advance. through platforms that offer free cancellation. This is very convenient if the route changes or if a better option is eventually found.
5. 📱 Holafly eSIM cards
When I organize a trip to the United States (and in many other destinations), I always plan for a solution Having internet from the moment of landing.
For several years now, I have been using the Esim Holafly in many countries, and it has become a habit on every trip.
The principle is very simple: you just need to have an eSIM-compatible smartphone, install the eSIM before departure and to think about deactivate the data abroad on his French SIM card.
Then, everything is very easy.
Specifically, with a Esim Holafly :
- the installation is taking place before departure
- the activation is Automatic on landing
- you benefit from Unlimited data according to the chosen package
Result: no need to look for a SIM card at the airport, no stress with the out-of-plan usage and especially No nasty surprises on the bill.
I get off the plane and immediately have access to Google Maps, Uber, my bookings, WhatsApp… And frankly, it completely changes the comfort of travel.
To have The Internet from its arrival in the United States It has become indispensable for me when organizing a trip to the USA.
👉 Good news: You benefit from % a 5% discount on your Holafly eSIM with the code TRAVELMEHAPPY.
6. 💳 Having a bank card suitable for traveling in the United States: N26 or Revolut
When I organize a trip to the United States, I always pay very close attention to bank fees, Because they can quickly add to the budget without us realizing it.
For now more than ten years, I use the card of N26, And it has clearly become an indispensable item for all my trips. Payments are made no hidden fees, The app is very intuitive and I can keep track of my expenses in real time.
In the United States, where Everything is paid for by bank card (restaurants, hotels, transportation, activities…), it’s really a comfort in everyday life.
But I also use Revolut, which is also very convenient for travel, especially for withdrawals of money abroad.
Here is a small comparison between N26 and Revolut, Two very useful bank cards when preparing a trip to the United States:
| Criterion | N26 | Revolut |
|---|---|---|
| Free card | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Payment fees abroad | No fees | No fees (very advantageous rates) |
| Withdrawals abroad | Free initially, then fees apply | Free up to a certain monthly limit |
| Mobile application | Very simple and intuitive | Very comprehensive (budget, currencies, virtual cards) |
| Monitoring of expenses | In real time | Real-time + detailed categories |
| Ideal for | Pay everywhere without asking questions | Traveling + withdrawing cash at low cost |
| My personal usage | Daily payments in the USA | Withdrawals + travel budget management |
In summary
👉 N26 is very convenient for pay without fees abroad and simply manage his travel budget.
👉 Revolut often offers No more free withdrawals at ATMs outside the Eurozone and a very comprehensive app, which can be a real plus when traveling.
Personally, when I organize a trip to the United States, I use both cards:
✔ N26 for its simplicity and the free payments everywhere
✔ Revolut for withdrawing money when I need it
It’s a combination that works very well for Travel safely in the United States.
7. 🎟️ Book your activities and passes in advance
When I organize a trip to the United States, I often reserve certain things Activities and attractions in advance. This saves a lot of time on site and, above all, avoids long waiting times, especially in large American cities.
For this, I use the platform HelloTickets, which offers a wide selection of activities, excursions and Skip-the-line tickets for the main attractions in the United States Observatories, museums, shows, guided tours or even excursions.
This is particularly useful in cities like New York, Miami, Chicago or Los Angeles, where some attractions can be fully booked several days in advance.
Good news: I have a discount 10 % valid for all activities, This allows for real savings when planning a trip to the United States, especially in large cities.
👉 Link to get -10 % on your activities in New York
👉 Link to get -10 % on your activities in Miami
👉 Link to get -10 % on your activities in Chicago
👉 Link to get -10 % on your activities in Los Angeles
Personally, I think it’s a solution Simple and convenient way to organize a trip to the United States, While optimizing your budget and taking full advantage of each destination.
🔌 Consider buying an adapter
When I organize a trip to the United States, I always think about taking it an electrical adapter, Because the plugs are not the same as in France. Without an adapter, it is impossible to charge your phone, your camera, your external battery, or even your computer.
In the United States, the catches are of Type A and B, Whereas in France we use C or E-type plugs, it is therefore essential to have a universal power adapter in order to be able to use their electronic devices.
💡 A little tip that I apply to every trip: I always take one multi-socket + an adapter. . This allows you to connect multiple devices at the same time with a single adapter.
It’s really very convenient, especially in a hotel where there’s often no Wi-Fi. Not many outlets available in the room.
Essential items for organizing a stress-free trip to the United States
📄 Essential documents
- Valid passport
- Printed or recorded ESTA authorization
- Travel insurance
- Reservations (hotel, flights, activities)
- Bank card + emergency card
🔌 Electricity & technology
- American plug adapter
- Travel multi-socket (very convenient)
- Compatible eSIM phone
- External battery
- Charging cables
Organization & comfort
- Google Maps app or map on iPhone / Uber
- Pouch for documents
- Daypack
- Reusable gourde
Articles to organize a trip to the United States
❓ FAQ: planning a trip to the United States
Do I need an ESTA to travel to the United States?
Yes. For tourist stays of less than 90 days, French travelers are required to apply. ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before leaving.
The application is made online and the authorization is usually issued within a few hours. The ESTA is valid 2 years or until the passport expires.
What is the best time to travel in the United States?
The United States can be visited all year round, but it all depends on the region.
- Spring and autumn Ideal for most destinations
- Summer : perfect for national parks and road trips
- Winter Ideal for New York, ski resorts or Florida
For one road trip in the United States, the months of In May, July, Septembre et Octobre They are often the most pleasant.
Can you pay anywhere with a bank card in the United States?
Yes, the Bank card is accepted almost everywhere Hotels, restaurants, transportation, boutiques, and tourist attractions.
However, it may be useful to have A little bit of liquid in dollars for tips or for some small purchases.
Is it necessary to leave a tip in the United States?
Yes, the tip It is part of the American culture.
In restaurants with a waiter service, it is common to leave Between 18 % and % 20 tip. In cafes or fast-food restaurants, tipping is usually optional but often offered on payment terminals.
Can you drive in the United States with a French license?
Yes, the French driver's license is accepted to rent a car and drive in the United States during a tourist stay.
However, some agencies recommend that you also have one International permit, which is a simple official translation of the permit.
How much time should you plan for a trip to the United States?
The duration depends on the region visited, but in general:
- 7 to 10 days to discover a big city and its surroundings
- 2 weeks for a more complete itinerary
- 3 weeks or more for one road trip in the United States
Leave a Reply