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You are here: Home / North America / 3 Important Considerations When Traveling to North America

3 Important Considerations When Traveling to North America

July 23, 2019 by Janice Bartoli

If you are planning a long haul trip, you want to make sure that it gets done right. For some, it could mean a once in a lifetime kind of trip. So you want to get the most from it. Some of those destinations are Canada or the United States of America. For people out in Europe or in Asia, it is a far way to travel. It can be at least eight hours to fly, and that is being reserved. So if you are planning a trip over to North America, here are some tips and advice. You want to make sure that you have the best time. So read these tips, plan ahead, and you will be set for an amazing vacation.

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Get Your Documents in Place

After the flight is booked and the accommodation is organized, you need to think about some important documents. You will need to have some valid travel insurance. Healthcare over in North America is expensive, particularly in the USA. So make sure that you have valid travel insurance. You don’t want to run the risk of having an accident while you are traveling. The next thing to do is to get your vacation visa sorted out. If you are traveling to the USA, you will need to apply for an ESTA visa waiver. If you are going to Canada, then you will need to submit a Canada eTA Application, or you might not be allowed into the country. So it is a must before you travel to either of these places. Make sure it is done as far in advance as is possible too.

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Consider the Culture

If you are coming over from Europe, you will know that tipping isn’t a big thing over there. You only tip if you have had good service, and 10% is fine if you choose to. In North America, tipping is a big deal! If you only tip 10%, the waiter will think they gave you bad service. Around 15-20% is more commonplace. So bear this in mind when you are eating out. It is considered very rude not to tip anything.

Shopping

Bargaining or bartering is not accepted in the US or Canada. So if that is something you are used to when you are traveling, don’t try it in either place. An important thing to note is that the price on the label of something is not what you will pay. In Europe, for example, the VAT and tax are all included in the price on the label. In the US and Canada, it is added on at the till. So bear in mind you will pay more than the label says. It might be a good idea to have a calculator handy or an app, that can work the cost of it all for you.

Above all, make sure you enjoy yourself. These two places are the friendliest on earth. So make friends, have fun and explore! Have a great trip over there.

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Filed Under: North America

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