Introduction: What I Thought I’d Need vs What I Actually Used
With 50 states to cover, each territory of the US promises a brand new experience, unique from the previous one. The key to your successful trip to the US doesn’t solely rely on preparing the whole trip in detail, but instead on having a few basics covered, such as a great connection, your commuting plan ready, and a set of useful apps.
Reliable Mobile Data (And Not Just Hotel Wi-Fi)
Why This Mattered
You might be surprised by how much space there is in the US. The blocks in cities are quite long, areas tend to be spread out, and you can’t always count on public transport being the same everywhere. You can find yourself using your mobile data a lot for things like:
- Getting around big places like New York, LA, and Chicago
- Ordering and keeping tabs on rideshares
- Quickly checking out places to eat, when shops close, and what there is to see
- Pulling up flight tickets and hotel bookings
The Wi-Fi signals in public places aren’t always the most reliable; therefore, having your own data package can happen to be a lifesaver, especially when you land in a new, unknown place.
What Helped Most
The most significant game changer is to have mobile data activated the moment you land. Indeed, you can plan ahead of time and manage to find an eSIM for the USA to help you get better connectivity during your trip. Roaming from a home carrier is convenient, but expensive for extended stays. Local SIMs were an option, but you don’t necessarily want to swap physical cards or find a store upon arrival.
Ultimately, choosing an eSIM for your trip to the United States, which you could activate digitally prior to departure. Jetpac and other providers can make the setup process simple, and appreciate the ability to manage everything from your phone without having to visit a store. With Jetpac, you can monitor your usage and top up as needed.
Transport Planning Saved Time
City Travel
One thing you will quickly realize is that not all cities in the United States are built similarly. New York boasts superb public transportation, but it’s quite the opposite in western coastal cities. To compensate for limited public transportation networks, some cities will make it difficult to avoid ride-hailing apps. Distances in the US are also much wider proportions, and what initially can seem like a short walk can end up 3 times longer than you thought. For this purpose, it is recommended to plan your journey prior to arrival.
Intercity Travel
The country is large, and what appears “nearby” on a map can entail a five-hour journey. Therefore, for greater distances, flying used to be the best alternative. In the Northeast part of the US, booking train and bus tickets in advance is highly recommended. However, car rental remains useful in secluded areas.
The Apps I Actually Used Daily
Google Maps will rapidly become your best friend, as you rely on it for most of your directions, whatever the transportation mode. Uber and Lyft will allow you to navigate cities at a quicker pace than public transport and to be more flexible regarding schedules. Airline apps can allow you to save time before your flight with updated information. Finally, Jetpac will allow you to monitor your data plan in one app while avoiding roaming extra costs.
Payment & Practical Essentials
Contactless Payments
Contactless payments are widely accepted across the USA, from restaurants to public transport. Still, I kept a backup credit card just in case.
Travel Insurance Details Offline
I downloaded my travel insurance documents and confirmations to my phone. Having them accessible offline felt reassuring.
Portable Charger
A portable charger will become one of your favourite items, as your phone battery will reduce quite significantly over time.
Conclusion: What I’d Do the Same Next Time
Packing in detail won’t be a necessary priority for your next trip to the US, but having a clear road map will certainly make your journey much more enjoyable, and frictionless. Your essential items truly rely on a reliable connection, efficient means of transportation, and your phone set up with the right apps. Jetpac will make it easy for you with a data package ready to use directly upon arrival, you can then equip yourself with a pocket-size charger, as well as transportation plans already covered.
