Have you ever bought a plane ticket to New York? If you’re a frequent traveler, you’ll know that preparing for a big departure can be a bit of a chore… Between the bureaucracy, booking, and packing, it can often be hard to know where to show up. Don’t panic! We’ve put together a rundown of the essentials just for you in case you’re flying to the Big Apple.
I have booked my ticket, what should I do now?
Buying a plane ticket is just the first step in planning your stay in New York. So before you fly, you should take certain precautions to ensure that your trip is as peaceful as possible, such as purchasing travel insurance in case of last-minute problems or notifying your bank so that they don’t have to worry about money or withdrawals made across the Atlantic. It’s also important to consider whether you need a VISA. Then, make sure you book a stay at a resort – or any type of accommodation of your choice – and be sure to stock up on your Peaceable Journey . It’s also smart to plan your itinerary in advance and check out the places you want to visit. The truth is, you’ll save valuable time once you get there and it could save you from getting lost! Finally, to avoid any unpleasant surprises once you get there, consider getting a quick check-up with your doctor before you leave.
In my suitcase there might be…
The contents of your suitcase will depend a lot on the season you’re visiting. The truth is, you won’t have the same needs whether you’re flying in July or at the end of the year! In any case, we recommend checking the weather forecast before you leave to plan the most appropriate clothing for your trip. However, don’t forget to:
- Enough underwear (unless you plan to wash them on site);
- Some pajamas are based on your body size;
- Based on the season: pants, shorts, dresses, t-shirts, sweaters, sweatshirts, jackets, coats, scarves, hats, caps, etc.
- Shoes: bring a good pair of sneakers so you can walk all day and maybe a dressier pair for dinner in the evening if you want;
- Main support equipment: paracetamol, bandages, antiseptics, etc.
- Your toiletries bag: toothbrush and toothpaste, soap, shampoo, deodorant, beauty products if you want, sunscreen if required and of course, towels!
Don’t forget your carry-on luggage for a smooth trip.
On your big departure day, while your suitcase will likely be sent to storage, your carry-on should include everything you need to prepare at the airport and during the 8-hour flight:
- Your plane ticket: without it, you probably won’t be able to take off!
- Your passport: check its validity and make sure there is no less than one blank page left
- Your visa if required
- Your printed ESTA certificate: it is not required to have it in paper form, but it is safer (according to your data, you must fill it out at least 72 hours before departure on the US customs website and it costs 14 euros)
- Your bag with your bank cards and money (it’s also a good idea to bring at least {dollars} to simplify your life when you arrive)
- A piece of paper with a useful emergency phone number and the address of your accommodation on the website
- Digital devices and their chargers: smartphones, computers, tablets, digital cameras, etc.
- Adapter for US sockets: the actual electrical sockets are not the same in the US, so it would be a shame if you couldn’t charge your digital devices
- Your medications and accompanying prescriptions
- An e-book and/or magazine because you can get bored of looking at the screen quickly
- An in-flight toiletry bag with travel-sized essentials (toothbrush, toothpaste, wipes, etc.) so you can freshen up a bit during your 8-hour flight
- A neck pillow and a watch mask if you want to sleep during the trip
A little tip from a seasoned explorer
To avoid worrying about loss, theft or forgetting, make sure to make copies of your passport, airline tickets and accommodation booking receipts at your accommodation. Print a copy to keep with you and also email a copy to yourself so it’s easier to retrieve if needed.
Also, remember not to overcrowd your suitcase and then leave some space if you want to bring back purchases and souvenirs from New York. Finally, consider getting a TSA lock so customs can open your suitcase in the event of an inspection without having to interrupt.
Also, don’t forget that if you’re still not quite there yet and want to improve, there are similar solutions like language learning opportunities in New York .
With all these helpful tips, you’re well on your way to preparing for your transatlantic journey… all that’s left is to wish you a great trip!