14, Nov 2021
USA Tours: Mistakes to Avoid
Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about the most common mistakes that travelers often make when visiting the USA. While many travel blogs will tell you the fun things to see in the USA, we want to be sure you also know about the mistakes to avoid making when you visit the U.S. You’ll have some of the best vacations in the US, but if you avoid these mistakes, your USA tours will be even better!
Counting Continents
In the United States, geography is taught with seven continents. Africa, Antarctica, Asia, Australia, Europe, South America, and North America. Not everyone is taught this way; some places combine North America and South America into one continent. Depending on where you learned geography, you might think there are anywhere from five to eight continents.
Assuming Nobody Understands Your Language
The USA is really a melting pot of cultures; while Americans are often lambasted for only speaking English, you never really know who is in earshot of your conversation. Most of us did take some Spanish, French, or German in high school, so just be careful what you’re saying. In any language!
Getting Upset About Getting Carded
Getting into clubs or buying alcohol is a bigger deal in the US than in other countries, so they’re often pretty strict about requesting your proof of age. The legal drinking age in the US is 21, so even if you’re allowed to drink or go to bars back home, you might not be allowed to here in the States. The business can face huge fines if they serve alcohol to underage people, so they are pretty strict about checking IDs.
Not Asking Locals for Advice
Americans are very gregarious and often love talking to strangers. This can be shocking to people from more reserved cultures. However, not getting to know locals and asking for advice is a huge mistake! Don’t just rely on apps and online reviews; ask around for the best food or the best museums. The locals won’t let you down!
Not Tipping
Tipping for service is expected in the United States. The wages in the service industry are incredibly low as the servers are expected to make the bulk of their wages in tips. Every country is different, but that’s how things work here. Plan to tip 15% to 20% for service when you eat at a restaurant. Don’t try to make a statement by not tipping; you’re only hurting the server.
Skipping Out on Insurance
Healthcare in the US is notoriously expensive, so make sure you are covered in case of an accident. You just never know when something can go wrong, and knowing you are covered is worth the small cost of the extra insurance. Make sure you have travel insurance as well; it will cover things like lost luggage or if part of your trip gets canceled. If you travel on a tour, many USA tours will require insurance for emergencies.
Skipping Loyalty Programs
No matter who you fly with or where you stay, chances are, there’s a loyalty program. There are often little perks that come with being a member, even at the most basic level. For hotels, you can often get free internet or a discounted rate. For airlines, you can transfer your miles to other airlines and earn a free ticket after a few trips. Even if it takes a few years to accrue enough points, free travel is always worth the wait!
Not Asking for Deals
There are always deals to be had; sometimes you just have to ask! Of course, when you are planning your trip, you want to be searching for the best deals you can get. But even once you arrive, ask if there are any offers or deals. Many attractions and restaurants will offer “buy one get one free” deals, which can save you a lot of money if you’re traveling with your family or friends. Sometimes, buying tickets online automatically saves you money over buying in person. Many towns in the US have a visitor’s center, where you can gather brochures (and coupons!) for local attractions.
Ignoring Weather Patterns
The US is a huge country with diverse weather. The best time to visit the Southern States is not the best time to visit the Rocky Mountains. Knowing that you maybe can only travel at a certain time of year, make sure you research the best time to visit. In the summer months, the southern states are hot and humid and nearly unbearable for anything other than swimming. You could have snow if you visit Yellowstone anytime between September and May. If you see a super cheap deal somewhere, do a bit of research first because there’s probably a reason they’re enticing people to visit.
Not Paying Attention to Your Surroundings
Despite the media portrayal, the U.S. is generally a very safe place to visit. However, you still need to be aware of your surroundings. Whether you’re in a city or a national park, just pay attention to where you’re walking and what you’re doing. Ask at your hotel if there are any areas to avoid or things to look out for. Likewise, when choosing a hotel, do some research to make sure you’re not in a bad area. Don’t fall for a great deal only to find out you’re not in a good area or you’re far from everything you want to see.
Not Buying a National Parks Pass
If you plan to visit any National Parks during your USA trip, make sure you buy the annual pass. It’s generally around $80, and most individual parks are around $25-$30 for entry. So, the pass pays for itself after just three parks. You can purchase it at the entrance to any national park, or often at local sporting goods stores.
What NOT to Do at the National Parks
Not Taking Your Leftovers
The portion sizes at U.S. restaurants are quite large, so we often have leftover food after a meal. Don’t forget to ask for a “doggy bag” or a box to go so you can finish your leftovers later on. This avoids wasting food, but it’s also a great way to save money while traveling. Most US hotel rooms have a small refrigerator so you can safely store your leftovers for a day or two.
Simply Jocelyn shares the best things to eat in each state!
Not Knowing the Rules of the Road
Depending on where you are from, driving in the US can be a lot different. Besides driving on the right, there are a few things to keep in mind on your road trip across America.
- You can turn right on a red light. Sometimes. Pay attention to what others are doing, and look for any signs that say otherwise. You do have to come to a complete stop, but in many places, you can go ahead and turn right on a red light if it’s clear.
- Stay in the right lane on the highway. The left lane is for passing only so it should remain clear for anyone to pass you. If you need to pass someone, use the left lane and then get back in the right lane. Some places can even ticket you for this.
Believing All the U.S. Stereotypes
Every country or nationality has a stereotype, and that of Americans is not always positive. We don’t all eat a pound of bacon for breakfast and then spend the day shooting guns. Not even in Texas! There are regional stereotypes, too, but come and see for yourself.
Missing Out on Smaller Towns
Of course, many visitors to the US come to see New York, Los Angeles, Boston, Chicago, and other big cities. Those cities are great! But there’s a lot more to see in the United States than just our major cities. The true heart of America is in our smaller towns and regions and some of the best vacations in the US are far from the big cities. You’ll find the best summer festivals and fairs, museums and historic sites scattered throughout the countryside.
Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About the USA
Not Leaving the Interstate
If you decide to take a road trip across America, the fastest way between two points is always going to be the interstate. It’s also usually the least interesting route. Buy a road atlas or a paper map when you arrive and look for the more interesting routes that take you past fun things to see and do along the way. Those visitor centers often give out free maps, too!
Grab Some Wolters World Travel Gear!
There are a lot of states and regions to explore in the U.S. It would be hard to see it all in one trip, so we recommend focusing on a region and diving into some interesting attractions, both urban and rural.
Want more travel tips for the United States? Check out some of our other blog posts:
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- By Mark Wolters