Planning a solo trip to the USA or any new country or place can be an exciting and rewarding experience. Still, it also requires preparation and planning to ensure your trip is safe and enjoyable.
Last year, I had the opportunity to embark on my first solo trip outside of India to the United States of America. I will be sharing my experience and tips on how to plan and make the most out of a trip to the USA, covering topics such as:
Why I visited the USA?
I will share why I got the opportunity to visit the USA. And yes, I am not doing PG in any of the universities in the USA, nor do I have H1B1 or my employer-sponsored trip. I will also share different reasons why people go abroad and the opportunity I got to visit the USA.
Necessary/Important documents for the trip
The documents required for a successful visa application, such as a valid passport and the DS-160 form, and so on.
Making a budget for the trip
How I planned and stuck to a budget for my trip, including tips on how to save money on flights, accommodations, and activities. And you may plan yours?
How to make the reservations?
Recommendation for the best places to book flights and accommodations and any strategies you used to find the best deals.
Planning itinerary for the first foreign trip
Tips on planning an itinerary that maximizes your time and experience in the US, including must-see destinations and activities.
Planning for packing and preparation for the trip ahead
Planning an itinerary that maximizes your time and experience in the US, including must-see destinations and activities.
Staying connected with the family back home
How to stay connected with your family back in India or your home country, and do you have any advice for staying in touch while abroad?
Contingency planning for the unexpected
Tips on how to make a contingency plan in case of emergencies or unexpected situations.
Making the most of the trip
My experiences and tips on making the most of your journey, including recommendations for immersing yourself in the local culture and enjoying the sights and sounds of the US.
Why I visited the USA?
I was thrilled that my proposal for a 3.5-hour tutorial on "Using Django as REST APIs" was selected for DjangoCon USA 2022. This opportunity allowed me to visit the USA for the first time and share my knowledge and experience with the Django community.
I was honored to be a part of such a prestigious event, and I am grateful for the chance to connect with other professionals in the field. The conference was a great platform to learn from experts and network with like-minded people. I also visited some unique places during my stay; it was a lifetime trip.
Why may you visit a different country?
There are many reasons why someone may choose to visit a new country. Some common reasons include the following:
Tourism: Many people visit new countries as tourists to explore the local culture, visit landmarks and monuments, and experience new ways of life.
Business: Some people travel to other countries for business purposes, such as attending meetings or conferences, visiting clients, or establishing new business relationships.
Study: Some people choose to study abroad in a foreign country as part of a university program or as a self-directed study opportunity.
Family and friends: Some people travel to new countries to visit family and friends who live there.
Volunteer work: Some travel to new countries for a humanitarian or environmental cause.
Adventure and exploring: People who love to travel, explore new places and cultures, and try new things are common reasons for visiting a new country.
Immigrating: Some people travel to a new country to settle there and become permanent residents or citizens.
Medical treatment: Some people travel to new countries to seek medical treatment unavailable in their home country.
Retirement: Some people travel to a new country intending to retire there.
Job opportunities: Some people travel to a new country for job opportunities.
Well, I traveled for Business purposes with a side motive to visit my friends and the nearby places. PS: I was on B1/B2 Visa.
Necessary/Important documents for the trip
The necessary documents required to visit a new country will vary depending on the country and the purpose of the visit. However, some standard documents required for most countries include the following:
Passport: A valid passport is required for most countries and should be valid for at least six months after your planned return date.
Visa: Many countries require a visa for entry, and the type of visa required will depend on the purpose of your visit.
Travel itinerary: Some countries may require a detailed itinerary, including information on your flight, hotel, and other reservations.
Proof of financial support: Some countries may require proof that you have enough money to support yourself during your stay.
Proof of health insurance: Some countries may require proof of health insurance that covers you while you are abroad.
Return or onward travel ticket: Some countries may require proof of a return or onward travel ticket.
Vaccination certificate: Some countries may require proof of certain vaccinations.
When it comes to the US specifically, in addition to the above, you will also need to:
- Complete the DS-160 form, which is an online form that you need to complete to apply for a nonimmigrant visa to the USA.
- Pay the visa application fee (~120$)
- Schedule an interview appointment at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
- Provide proof of ties to your home country or evidence of a residence abroad you do not intend to abandon.
- Attend the visa interview.
It's important to note that visa requirements can change, so checking the U.S. Department of State website for the most up-to-date information is essential. Also, check the country's embassy website for more information about the visa application process and the required documents.
I will write a different blog dedicated to applying for the Visa and getting US Visa appointments early using some crowdfunded tools.
Making a budget for the trip
Making a trip budget, solo or with a group, is essential in planning. Here are some tips to help you make a budget for your trip:
Determine your overall budget: Determine how much money you can spend on your trip. This will give you a good idea of what kind of trip you can afford.
Identify your fixed expenses: Identify the expenses you know you will have to pay, such as airfare, accommodations, and transportation.
Identify your variable expenses: The expenses that may vary, such as food, entertainment, and souvenirs.
Research costs: Research the costs of activities and excursions you plan to do and factor them into your budget.
Estimate daily expenses: Estimate your daily expenses by breaking down your budget into daily amounts, so you can better understand how much you will spend per day.
Consider unexpected expenses: Consider unexpected expenses, such as medical or travel delays, and factor them into your budget.
Prioritize expenses: Prioritize your expenses and decide which ones are most important.
Compare costs: Compare the costs of different options, such as hotels or activities, to find the best deals.
Track expenses: Keep track of your expenses to ensure you stay within your budget.
Be flexible: Be flexible with your budget and be prepared to make adjustments as necessary.
When traveling with a group, it's also important to discuss the budget with the group and agree on how expenses will be shared and managed. This can help prevent any misunderstandings or disagreements later on.
Remember, budgeting is an ongoing process, and you may have to adjust it as you go. It's essential to have some room in your budget for unexpected expenses and also for some fun activities.
I was traveling for the DjangoCon, and as a tutorial speaker, as per the policy of the DjangoCon US 2022, I was about to be reimbursed some money for my travel and stay. Also, it is a community event, so I didn't want to go with the Business Class and stay in the lavish hotels.
And honestly, I was unsure how much money I would get in the reimbursement. So I went with the minimum expense.
I had kept a budget of two lakhs for a 10-day stay and a round trip from the USA.
And in that budget, I got an economy class round trip, including staying at AirBnB for a few days initially (as the venue had discounts for us for a whole week and I reached earlier to work out with my Jet Lag. P.S.: It's 12:30 hours difference time zones from IST to PST.) And we got some discounts from the DEFNA as the event was hosted in the same place, i.e., San Diego Marriott Mission Valley. And the organizers got us some discounts.
So the bottom line is that I could manage my travel and stay under 2 Lakhs INR. Did I mention I got a cheap and amazing AirBnB to stay in the extra days?
How to make the reservations?
Which class to choose on the flight and which place to decide to stay
A solo trip gives you the advantage of choosing everything independently, without falling into Peer Pressure :P. I talked with a few of my friends in the USA who have traveled from India or were planning like mine. Thanks to you, Abhik, Satvik, and Shruti; you helped and educated me about everything. Without you, I might have done something disastrous, haha.
So they shared that the Economy would work too, just that our body is not habituated to sitting for 7-9 hours straight on the flight initially gives some hard time. And that is when having an extra leg space differentiates the whole experience and the journey. So I compensated for this by walking within the aircraft to visit the washrooms and regularly taking breaks from my seating schedule. But it should be fine if you can sit for that long time.
Food options are always available on International Flights, irrespective of which class you choose, just that they differ with the food variety options available and the leg space that comes with the different classes.
If you have the budget, go to the Business Class and stay at some hotels. But I would prefer an Economy Class with an AirBnB.
I usually book all my flights using MakeMyTrip; if you have an email with a business domain, you may opt for MMT Black without any extra Rupee.
For AirBnB and Marriott, I made the bookings from their respective websites. Also, just a note, I shared my room with another speaker, so I had to pay the 50% only at the Marriott.
Planning itinerary for the first foreign trip
Itinerary planning is an essential step in preparing for a first-time trip to the U.S. or any new country, as it helps ensure that you make the most of your time and experience all the country has to offer. Here are some tips to help you plan your itinerary:
Research your destination: Research the different regions and cities you plan on visiting and learn about the culture, customs, and any potential hazards.
Decide your priorities: Decide what you want to see and do during your trip, and list your top priorities.
Check the weather: Check the weather forecast for the destinations you plan on visiting and plan your itinerary accordingly.
Consider the distance and time to travel: Consider the distance and time between destinations, and plan accordingly.
Plan for downtime: Plan for downtime during your trip so that you can rest and recharge.
Check for any events or festivals: Check for any events or festivals that may be happening during your trip, and plan to attend if possible.
Consider the time of the year: Remember the time of the year you will be traveling and what activities are available, for example, skiing or beaches, and plan accordingly.
Plan for flexibility: Be flexible with your itinerary, as plans may change due to unforeseen circumstances.
Make reservations: Book your flights, hotels, and any other reservations you need in advance, so you don't have to worry about it while on your trip.
Take into account the travel time: Take into account the travel time to and from the airport, and plan accordingly.
So I planned my whole trip on Notion Template, Travel Planner. And I also reached out a few days before the conference started so that I could have ample time to come out of Jet Lag and recharge myself. Also, I was the speaker, so I needed to take the 3.5-hour session fully recharged and not with some sleepy eyes yawning in the room in front of the audience.
Don't forget to get a Visa/Mastercard Debit Card with International Transactions enabled. And mandatorily a Forex Card with some funds in it. In this case, I got a Forex Card and preloaded it with ample money just in case my Debit card did not work.
Planning for packing and preparation for the trip ahead
Packing and preparation are essential steps in preparing for a first-time US trip. Here are some tips to help you pack and prepare for your trip:
Make a packing list: List everything you need to pack, including clothes, toiletries, and essential documents.
Consider the weather: Consider the weather forecast for your destination and pack clothing and accessories accordingly.
Pack light: Pack light, as you will likely be doing a lot of walking and traveling.
Pack essentials: Pack essentials such as a first aid kit, a power bank, and a universal adapter.
Pack a photocopy of important documents: Pack a photocopy of important documents, such as your Passport and visa, in case the originals get lost or stolen. PS: A better option would be to have the Original Documents with you. However, your Passport would be the source of truth for anything related to you and not your Aadhar Card or any similar document. Of course, carry your original Driving License too.
Notify your bank: Notify your bank of your travel plans to avoid any issues with your credit or debit cards. And get a Forex Card to avoid extra markup charges. Also, get a Forex Card.
A Forex card is a type of prepaid card that is loaded with foreign currency and can be used to make international transactions. It can be more convenient and cost-effective than using a debit card while traveling internationally. Forex cards are pre-loaded with foreign currency, so you don't have to worry about fluctuating exchange rates. They usually have lower transaction fees than debit cards, saving you money in the long run. Forex cards are more secure than debit cards as they offer pin protection and are not linked to your bank account, reducing fraud risk. They can be easily reloaded with foreign currency, so you don't have to worry about running out of cash during your trip. Forex cards are widely accepted in most countries and provide a more secure option for carrying cash.
Research transportation options: Research transportation options such as taxis, buses, and trains, so you know how to get around when you arrive.
Check the phone plan: Check your phone plan and make sure you have an international roaming plan or a local sim card. More about this in the next section.
Learn some basic phrases: Learn some basic phrases in English to help you communicate with locals.
Be aware of the cultural differences: Be aware of the cultural differences and customs of the US, and be respectful of them during your stay.
Miscellaneous things, such as the US, have a different adapter for their power plug. So get an India-to-US plug adapter. Something like this would work.
By following these tips, you can ensure that you are well-prepared for your trip and have everything you need to make the most of your time in the US. Also, remember to be fully prepared for your trip by checking the specific rules and regulations of the places you plan to visit, such as National Parks.
Staying connected with the family back home
Staying connected with your family back home while traveling can be significant for safety and peace of mind. Here are some tips to help you stay connected:
Use social media and messaging apps: Use social media and messaging apps such as WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram to stay in touch with your family. You can send messages, make calls, and share photos and videos.
Get an international roaming plan: If you have a mobile phone, consider getting an international roaming plan so you can use your phone while traveling. For example, I have a Jio Sim, so I got an International Roaming plan.
Get a local SIM card: If you are traveling for an extended period, consider getting a local SIM card to use your phone without incurring high roaming charges.
For example, I departed from Bangalore Airport, so in the airport itself, after Immigration and Security Check-in, you may get an International Sim for the USA. And they have some plans for seven days, 30 days, and more. Usually, you can get it at the arriving country's airport too.
Like in the USA, you can get the SIM at the airport (I heard from my friends). I have also heard that the Govt gives you a local sim upon arrival in Dubai. So better do some research on the place you are visiting.
Keep your family informed: Keep your family informed about your whereabouts and travel plans, so they know where to reach you in an emergency.
Consider getting a travel tracker app: Consider getting a travel tracker app, so your loved ones can track your location and get notified when you arrive at your destination.
By following these tips, you can stay connected with your family back home and keep them informed about your travels, so you all can have peace of mind.
Contingency planning for the unexpected
A contingency plan is a backup plan that helps you prepare for unexpected events or emergencies while traveling. Here are some tips to help you make a contingency plan:
Make copies of essential documents: Make copies of your Passport, visa, and other vital documents and keep them safe.
Keep emergency contact information: Keep emergency contact information, such as the phone numbers of the nearest embassy or consulate and the contact information of your travel insurance provider.
Make a plan for financial emergencies: Make a plan for financial emergencies, such as losing your credit or debit card, by keeping a small amount of cash in a safe place and having a backup credit card.
I had miscalculated, and my International Roaming plan was over too. And yeah, to make it worse, I had no cash. So now I had a 6 hours layover, and I was hungry with the slowest WiFi at the Airport to update the limit for my Card. And yeah, the bank temporarily blocked my Debit card, detecting more transactions Internationally as Fraud, and I could not use it too.
You may ask why I was using my Debit Card. Because for Uber and other online services, my Forex Card was not working. :/
Luckily I had not used my Credit Card and had the total limit. I went to the ATM and got some cash. So the best would be to have several cards from different banks. You never know when it may help. And yeah, the Cash helps even in a country like the USA.
Keep your family and friends informed: Keep your family and friends informed of your travel plans so they know how to reach you in case of an emergency.
Have travel insurance: Get travel insurance that covers emergency medical evacuation, trip interruption, and other unexpected events.
Making the most of the trip
Making the most of your first foreign trip requires some planning but leaves room for spontaneity and flexibility. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your first foreign trip:
Do your research: Research the destination you are visiting, including its culture, customs, and any potential hazards.
Be open to new experiences: Be open to new experiences and try different foods, activities, and customs.
Make a plan, but be flexible: Make a plan for your trip, but be prepared to make changes as needed.
Be prepared to step out of your comfort zone: Be prepared to step out of your comfort zone and try new things.
Get to know the locals: Try to get to know the locals and learn about their culture and way of life.
Take lots of photos: Take lots of photos to remember your trip, but also make sure to put your phone or camera down and enjoy the moment.
Be respectful of the culture: Be respectful of the culture and customs of the place you visit.
Plan for some downtime: Plan for some downtime to rest, relax and recharge.
Conclusion
Planning a solo trip to the USA is a great way to explore a new place and gain independence. Research the destination's culture, customs, and potential hazards to make the most of your trip. Make a plan, but be prepared to make changes as needed. Get to know the locals and be open to new experiences. Be prepared to step out of your comfort zone. Be respectful of the culture and customs of the place you are visiting. Pack essentials, budget, plan for downtime and stay connected with your family back home. Remember to take lots of photos, keep a travel journal and make a contingency plan for unexpected events or emergencies. With the proper preparation, you can make the most of your trip and have a fantastic experience.
Kuldeep Pisda
All the credits for the pics from DjangoCon US (primarily those featuring me) go to the DjangoCon US team. You may find the full album here.
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