According to the U.S. Travel Association, international tourism saw a steady growth of 24% as of January 2024.
These statistics show that despite the slowdown due to the COVID-19 lockdown and other exotic places of tourism, the United States of America remains a dream destination for many.
From the tall skyscrapers with a view of the Statue of Liberty to the diverse landscapes and cultures, national parks, and canyons, America has numerous exciting attractions.
However, the latest news also has tourists worried about the increasing crime rates, mass shootings, racism, and street thefts.
As a traveler, you want a smooth trip when staying in a top-ranked hotel or using public transportation to a museum or Central Park.
So, this article provides safety tips for your trip to the USA with suggestions for managing travel documents, currency exchange, public transportation, and understanding the law of America as a tourist.
Do You Research
Tripadvisor says the top leisure trips are to Miami, Las Vegas, California, Hawaii, Washington, and New York City.
Whatever place you would like to visit, prepare a careful itinerary from point A to point B according to the number of visiting days.
Understand that big cities like America have people from all over the world and even places like Times Square may have con artists trying to manipulate visitors for donations.
List of Places to Visit
The best and simplest method to stay safe is to be aware of your location, distance, and visiting hours.
Research and read blogs of local and international visitors who have been there before to find out which places you would like to visit.
Consider Your Budget
Whether you are traveling solo, as a couple, or in a group, always consider your budget and align it with the places of visit.
There may be entrance fees for roller coasters, beach access, and parking, everything needs to be included in your overall travel account.
Types of Public Transportation
There are domestic flights, trains, and cabs available for traveling from one place to another. It’s important to be vigilant for your safety while commuting locally.
Sexual assault during Uber rides is rising in the US. So be extra careful when taking Uber rides. In the event that you are unfortunately harassed by an Uber driver, you should consult a local Uber sexual assault attorney as soon as possible.
Make Copies of Important Documents
DO YOU KNOW? As per the latest report by MoneyGeek, Thousand Oaks, California, ranks as the safest city in the U.S. ($241 per capita); Birmingham, Alabama, ranks as the most dangerous city, with the highest per capita crime ($11,392).
While the report mentioned above is an eye-opener, it shouldn’t stop you from making travel plans with all documents safe in your luggage.
Here are the travel hacks to travel safely with all your necessary paperwork and IDs:
It is advisable to keep all travel documentation, Visa, passport, and identification records in your carry-on bag or backpack.
In this way, it is easier to present it during flight security checks or entering any new government vicinity.
Snap photos and make copies of all the paperwork in a pen drive in case you lose your wallet or bag.
In the USA, travel insurance is called visiting insurance, or international travel medical insurance to enjoy a stress-free trip.
Inform your local bank about your travel plans to America to ensure that your bank is not alarmed about sudden international transactions and foreign bills.
Safeguard Your Belongings
Your waterproof backpack or luggage with all your belongings can only stay safe if you are alert about not leaving it unattended in a cafe or restaurant.
In a foreign country, it might become difficult to report a theft. Here’s what you can do to keep yourself safe without getting into any trouble.
Invest in a good backpack or luggage with an automatic lock or with a security code or number to keep your belongings safe during the journey.
Remember the emergency numbers of local police or helpline numbers, hospitals, and clinics, in case of any mishappenings.
Get a backpack with hidden pockets. Don’t put all the cash in one place, hide some in your hotel luggage.
Currency exchanges are safest at the airport kiosks but some may charge more than 20%. Either exchange currency before traveling or ask your bank for foreign partners.
STATISTICS
The graph shows the most visited states of the USA in September 2022.
Stay in Touch With Your Friends and Family
Though we always try to capture the best moments and memories while traveling with Insta stories and posts, it’s a good idea to stay in touch with family and friends.
For this purpose, most international travelers buy an e-sim with unlimited data to stay connected because regular communication with loved ones means being safe from danger.
USEFUL TIP By pre-activating a US eSIM before departure abroad, you avoid international roaming fees and land stateside with cellular connectivity ready to go.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
Staying safe is complex if you try to befriend a stranger who seems harmless. Every country has a different culture but seasoned thieves are everywhere and always look for innocent travelers.
The following tips will come in handy while wandering to a new town or a restaurant in the USA:
Download a language translator app on your mobile if you don’t know the English language properly.
Use cards wherever it’s possible or use a digital wallet. Do check for any international transaction fee while withdrawing cash from an ATM.
Keep a medical kit handy in case of any strain, digestion or headache issues, or side effects of jet lag.
Final Thoughts
There are many ways to travel safely and enjoy your trip to the USA as mentioned in this article.
You may be a solo tourist, or a couple celebrating their honeymoon, or maybe you have booked a travel package, America has something for everyone.
There are wide-range mountains and sandy beaches to explore, and entertainment hubs that are open all night.
Or you can take your kids to Disney Land and shop for fashionable items at the brand hotspots.
Whatever you do or wherever you go, you will enjoy your trip only when you are safe. We hope this comprehensive guide will prove helpful to have a happy and stress-free vacation to the United States of America.
