Traveling alone (To America)

Helloween

Hey guys.

I'll be going to America on Tuesday and I was wondering if you guys had any advice that would really come in handy.
I've got all my packing sorted, money ready (cash and Travelers checks) and checked my luggage for exact weights and such and plan to be at Heathrow in pleanty of time.

What I am asking is anything that will help this be any easier as I am a tad nervous. Any tips?

If it helps I'm flying to Alabama.

Thanks!

PeregrineFalcon

Flippy_D is going on a cross-America tour, and has been asking many similar questions. You might find answers to stuff you didn't even know you wanted to ask.

See the "How to spend money in America" thread in this forum, and a link in his signature to Flippy vs America.
http://forums.penny-arcade.com/showthread.php?t=94400

How long are you staying, how are you getting around, and oh god Alabama, get ready for some rednecky goodness. :P

DanMach

Hmm.. never really thought about someone visiting America. Aside from the obivious differences in slang and vocabulary were pretty much just england done on a larger scale with slightly less entertaining politics. Most Americans like the British, so I don't think you will have any issues. Don't eat at our fast food places, it will upset your stomach. (Even Americans get upset stomachs there lol) Other then that, bars will accept your passport(21 to drink), and most places won't have boddingtons

Have fun in America, use the english accent to try and get some girls

I wouldn't be nervous in the slightest about visiting the UK, so I suggest you don't be nervous about visiting America.

Helloween

PeregrineFalcon wrote: »

Flippy_D is going on a cross-America tour, and has been asking many similar questions. You might find answers to stuff you didn't even know you wanted to ask.

See the "How to spend money in America" thread in this forum, and a link in his signature to Flippy vs America.
http://forums.penny-arcade.com/showthread.php?t=94400

How long are you staying, how are you getting around, and oh god Alabama, get ready for some rednecky goodness. :P

Ah cheers, didnt spot that. And I'll be there for 2 weeks.

DanMach wrote: »

Hmm.. never really thought about someone visiting America. Aside from the obivious differences in slang and vocabulary were pretty much just england done on a larger scale with slightly less entertaining politics. Most Americans like the British, so I don't think you will have any issues. Don't eat at our fast food places, it will upset your stomach. (Even Americans get upset stomachs there lol) Other then that, bars will accept your passport(21 to drink), and most places won't have boddingtons

Have fun in America, use the english accent to try and get some girls

I wouldn't be nervous in the slightest about visiting the UK, so I suggest you don't be nervous about visiting America.

Ah I'm meeting someone out there, I mean more the traveling side. Thats the bit getting me all worried :S

A Dabble Of Thelonius

What part of Alabama are you goin to be in?

Helloween

A Dabble Of Thelonius wrote: »

What part of Alabama are you goin to be in?

Huntsville.

Wiley

If you're spending much time outside bring light clothing. It will be very hot.

Helloween

Wiley wrote: »

If you're spending much time outside bring light clothing. It will be very hot.

I got quite a few shorts and white t's. I get to show the south my white british legs :P I might chuck a few more in though.

seasleepy

Helloween wrote: »

Hey guys.

I'll be going to America on Tuesday and I was wondering if you guys had any advice that would really come in handy.
I've got all my packing sorted, money ready (cash and Travelers checks) and checked my luggage for exact weights and such and plan to be at Heathrow in pleanty of time.

What I am asking is anything that will help this be any easier as I am a tad nervous. Any tips?

If it helps I'm flying to Alabama.

Thanks!

None of the flights I've taken (alone or otherwise) were transatlantic, but from my experience in the US and Canada flying alone is really not all that different from flying with others. It's weird the first couple of times, especially if you've never been "in charge" of checking in or whatever before, but then you get over it.

The main consideration I can think of, honestly, is simply to make sure that you're capable of comfortably transporting all your luggage and personal effects across fairly long distances (parking lots, customs, etc). It's no fun wandering down interminable hallways when your rolling suitcase is wobbling all over the place and your duffel bag is falling off the top of it and you've got a heavy backpack and your purse is sliding off your shoulders and you're also trying to carry a jacket and your passport and your tickets and and and....

The other one is just to make sure you've got enough to keep you sane in the terminal and in the air. Obviously this applies even when you're travelling with others, but it's extra important when you're on your own and can't borrow someone else's book/DS/laptop/gum/snacks/etc.

Helloween

seasleepy wrote: »

Helloween wrote: »

Hey guys.

I'll be going to America on Tuesday and I was wondering if you guys had any advice that would really come in handy.
I've got all my packing sorted, money ready (cash and Travelers checks) and checked my luggage for exact weights and such and plan to be at Heathrow in pleanty of time.

What I am asking is anything that will help this be any easier as I am a tad nervous. Any tips?

If it helps I'm flying to Alabama.

Thanks!

None of the flights I've taken (alone or otherwise) were transatlantic, but from my experience in the US and Canada flying alone is really not all that different from flying with others. It's weird the first couple of times, especially if you've never been "in charge" of checking in or whatever before, but then you get over it.

The main consideration I can think of, honestly, is simply to make sure that you're capable of comfortably transporting all your luggage and personal effects across fairly long distances (parking lots, customs, etc). It's no fun wandering down interminable hallways when your rolling suitcase is wobbling all over the place and your duffel bag is falling off the top of it and you've got a heavy backpack and your purse is sliding off your shoulders and you're also trying to carry a jacket and your passport and your tickets and and and....

The other one is just to make sure you've got enough to keep you sane in the terminal and in the air. Obviously this applies even when you're travelling with others, but it's extra important when you're on your own and can't borrow someone else's book/DS/laptop/gum/snacks/etc.

Thanks!

Also is it common to have power points on flights to charge said electronic goodies?

PeregrineFalcon

Depends what kind of plane you're on - most international flights will have chargers.

Which brings me to another point - we're on 120V here, not 240V. If you've got an electric razor that you love, or want to be able to charge your DS/PSP/iPod/etc, get a converter.

Speaking of things that are Different Over Here; drive or see a big lifted pickup truck and other distinctly non-UK vehicles, and shoot some guns.

Helloween

PeregrineFalcon wrote: »

Depends what kind of plane you're on - most international ones will.

Which brings me to another point - we're on 120V here, not 240V. If you've got an electric razor that you love, or want to be able to charge your DS/PSP/iPod/etc, get a converter.

Yeah I got one of those already. I think one would be enough.

Anything about security I should be aware of? I dont wanna upset any beefy security men.

PeregrineFalcon

Helloween wrote: »

Anything about security I should be aware of? I dont wanna upset any beefy security men.

http://www.tsa.gov/311/index.shtm ?

Helloween

PeregrineFalcon wrote: »

Helloween wrote: »

Anything about security I should be aware of? I dont wanna upset any beefy security men.

http://www.tsa.gov/311/index.shtm ?

Perfect, thanks!

Thylacine

Oh man...I don't know about Alabama, but I know Texas is going through a really bad heat wave right now. Make sure to drink lots of water, wear sunscreen, wear a hat.

Perhaps jet lag will be your friend. I know I personally hate going out during the day this time of year. But perhaps if you're meeting someone you'll be staying inside most of the time :winky:

Cauld

www.seatguru.com check your airline and plane to see if you'll have an outlet. Most don't, some do.

Wiley

This time of year the humidity will be starting to get bad. You will sweat profusely but won't be able to cool off because of the 85-95% humidity. Because of this it is essential to drink plenty of water and be cautious of heat stroke.

Helloween

Thanks guys, this is great. All stuff thats handy to know

Water, water and more water. I'm bad at drinking it really, i only drink just about what i need. I'll make sure to do way mroe than that though. And yes, Should be spending a fair bit inside

Janson

I've flown alone several times between the UK and the US.

Honestly, as long as you turn up at the airport on time, there's nothing much you really have to do or worry about. Everything is so regulated at airports that you don't really have to think for yourself; just follow the signs/instructions.

They will ask you quite a few questions. Make sure you have the full name and address of the person you'll be staying with and evidence of a return ticket - if you have an e-ticket you must have a print out of your itinerary. This is extremely important! When I first flew to the US I was asked who I was staying with, whether I'd ever met them before and if so for how long, what was I planning to do in the US; all fairly straight-forward questions. (My sister, when she flew alone, had a few stranger questions asked of her; she flew over for my wedding, and was asked the meaning of my husband's surname.)

The other thing US border officials usually want to see is evidence that you can financially support yourself for the trip. The second time I flew to the US they asked to see my money or travellers' cheques - I actually had none. But I explained that I had a credit card with a four thousand pound limit on it and that was good enough for them.

If you have a layover, I most definitely recommend taking a couple of books/handheld game system with you. If you don't, and you wish to travel light, you won't be too bored; transatlantic flights, even the cheapest ones, tend to have a pretty good range of movies/TV shows available to watch.

stawk

*note* your british accent will get you so much tail its not even funny

Helloween

Janson wrote: »

Awesome

Thanks! Thats useful to know.

You guys have been great. I'm not so worried about it all now.

Sharp10r

I'm guessing you already figured out your cellular situation? ($ for using it here, etc) Oh, if you are at a restaurant, 15% is a standard tip for meals.
Other jobs that get tips in america:
*Vallet Parking (don't forget we drive on the other side!)
*Someone carrying your bags (how much???)
*haircutter

You're going into a good airport if I remember correctly.
Check this out for restaurants/clinics around Huntsville if you need it.

Wiley

Sharp10r wrote: »

I'm guessing you already figured out your cellular situation? ($ for using it here, etc) Oh, if you are at a restaurant, 15% is a standard tip for meals.
Other jobs that get tips in america:
*Vallet Parking (don't forget we drive on the other side!)
*Someone carrying your bags (how much???)
*haircutter

You're going into a good airport if I remember correctly.
Check this out for restaurants/clinics around Huntsville if you need it.

I've always been told a dollar a bag, be it luggage or groceries, was standard.

Also, it may just be my experience, but unless you have a cast iron stomach avoid eating at Waffle House.

Lewisham

The biggest mistake Brits make when they come to the US (my parents still do it) is to think that they can walk around all day long in the hot US summer and not have a problem. Invariably they get very tired, dehydrated, and usually very sunburnt (wear suncream and reapply A LOT).

Locals will stay inside during the day, moving from car to building. Where possible, I would really recommend doing that. Don't walk outisde if you don't have to.

ascannerlightly

tap water quality varies in different parts of the us. having never been outside the country uk tap water may be better/the same/worse (for all i know). be prepared to possibly lug around bottled water.

also, 2nd sunscreen. don't worry about it making you look like a tourist (if that's something that even concerns you to begin with). the last thing you want for a however-many hour transatlantic flight is sunburned shoulders and back.

Lintilla

Lewisham wrote: »

Locals will stay inside during the day, moving from car to building. Where possible, I would really recommend doing that. Don't walk outisde if you don't have to.

To expand on this, locals keep all buildings extremely cold. If you are dressed to be comfortable outside, you will wish you'd brought a jacket once your sweat has turned to tiny ice cubes indoors. I wear sweaters to work every day here, literally.

ManonvonSuperock

average airconditioned house/apt will be kept between 68 and 78 degrees compared to the 95-100 you'll have outside.

TL DR

-The advertised price of a good is never what you end up paying, be it due to taxes, fees, or whatever.
-We drive on the other side.
-Everyone has guns.
-If politics comes up, the safe answer to any and every question directed your way is "Well alls I know is I support the troops, by God!"

Helloween

Thanks guys, all good stuff to know.

Going in about 32 hours or so. Time to panic

romanqwerty

Whenever ordering small, medium or large at a fast food place/ food in general, take a look at the cups because the sizes are much larger than what you are used to.

TL DR

Everything is measured in furlongs, cubits, and drams.

John Matrix

If you're lucky to happen on the great state of Texas, just know that another Brit lives here, and yes, it's as awesome as it looks.

LoneIgadzra

romanqwerty wrote: »

Whenever ordering small, medium or large at a fast food place/ food in general, take a look at the cups because the sizes are much larger than what you are used to.

This. In general, the smallest size of anything will be way too big.

But seriously, you'll figure that out after one amusing fuck-up anyway, and I can't think of anything worse than that that you'll want to know besides tipping which somebody already covered and you can just google it before going out to eat anyway.

The sun thing is not just that it's hot - the angle is different, and you will get crisped even if it is overcast. (This happened to me as I live in Maine and, visiting Florida in the winter, after a few hours outdoors on an overcast day I got a sunburn as if I had spent an entire day outside on a clear summer day back home. I was pretty pissed that nobody warned me.)

Gafoto

If you're going to be spending all your time in the south, don't even bother bringing pants or anything long-sleeved (unless you need it for business or whatever). You will probably not see weather in the 60s the entire time.

Depending on how sensitive you are, picking up some bug spray might be a good idea once you arrive. Mosquitoes are pretty vicious in Virginia right now and I imagine Alabama has it's fair share. Sunscreen is important if you're going to be outside any longer than 30 minutes in direct sun.

Helloween

John Matrix wrote: »

If you're lucky to happen on the great state of Texas, just know that another Brit lives here, and yes, it's as awesome as it looks.

I stop off in Dallas for about 2 hours. Not really long enough sadly

And thanks for the overcast warning. That could have been nasty.

Hypatia

Make sure when you fly over that you have enough money to cover a cab ride, just in case you get stuck -- also, make sure you have enough change to make a phone call.

Both of these are a just in case, but I know I got stuck in Japan for a tense hour trying to figure out what to do and if I should convert money at the airport because the person I was meeting wasn't there.

Theungry

Its probably worth noting that in the south, its very common for strangers to strike up extended small talk conversations. Be prepared for innocuous questions to turn into 15 minute scenes, and have exit plans for extricating yourself gracefully if you don't really want to talk.

Chanus

No one told me this when I visited Ireland... so I'm letting you know in hopes it helps.

Flying west, against the Gulf Stream, can be quite atrocious (it's not so bad in a larger plane... one with three rows instead of two shouldn't have too much problem). The turbulence basically results in a six-hour ride in one of those industrial paint mixers. It will suck, but turbulence can't hurt you (despite how it happens in movies).

The ride back will be a breeze, though.

i n c u b u s

Wow what luck, I actually live in Alabama =]. Whats even better is that I work for a company that is stationed out of Huntsville but I work for the branch down in Enterprise which is at the south of the state but I visit Huntsville for trips often. Huntsville in my opinion is one of the nicest areas in Alabama especially with the mountain and valley view. Contrary to what a lot of people think, Alabama isn't the "redneck breeding ground of America," entirely. In fact I'd say that there aren't many redneck at all in Huntsville because its so far north in the state. Yes you'll get the occasional one here or there but the people here all around are very nice and friendly. I've lived in many states prior to settling down here in Alabama and I have to say that the people here are the best I've experienced as far as hospitality and friendliness goes.

Yes mostly everyone here does have a southern accent but not to the point where you can't understand what they're saying (some heavier than others). For the past 3 weeks we have been experiencing some MAJOR heat issues with the temp going to at least 100 everyday so far with little to no rain up until last night where we had some big storms blow through. It says that there will be some rain all week so the heat won't be too much of an issue anymore and it tends to be just a tad cooler up there in H'sville as compared to down here.

Another great thing about H'sville is it's proximity to a few great cities if your looking for tourism. It's not too far away from Atlanta which has some awesome visiting attractions and of course it's right below Tennessee which has Nashville, Memphis, etc. I HIGHLY recommend taking in the local southern cuisine and staying away from the major food chains, we have some amazing food down here and you don't want to miss out by eating Mcdonalds and KFC everyday. The H'sville area especially has some great dining choices and is more "modern" then your average Alabama city. If you have any more questions or concerns feel free to ask before you go. I hope you have a great time!

Helloween

i n c u b u s wrote: »

Wow what luck, I actually live in Alabama =]. Whats even better is that I work for a company that is stationed out of Huntsville but I work for the branch down in Enterprise which is at the south of the state but I visit Huntsville for trips often. Huntsville in my opinion is one of the nicest areas in Alabama especially with the mountain and valley view. Contrary to what a lot of people think, Alabama isn't the "redneck breeding ground of America," entirely. In fact I'd say that there aren't many redneck at all in Huntsville because its so far north in the state. Yes you'll get the occasional one here or there but the people here all around are very nice and friendly. I've lived in many states prior to settling down here in Alabama and I have to say that the people here are the best I've experienced as far as hospitality and friendliness goes.

Yes mostly everyone here does have a southern accent but not to the point where you can't understand what they're saying (some heavier than others). For the past 3 weeks we have been experiencing some MAJOR heat issues with the temp going to at least 100 everyday so far with little to no rain up until last night where we had some big storms blow through. It says that there will be some rain all week so the heat won't be too much of an issue anymore and it tends to be just a tad cooler up there in H'sville as compared to down here.

Another great thing about H'sville is it's proximity to a few great cities if your looking for tourism. It's not too far away from Atlanta which has some awesome visiting attractions and of course it's right below Tennessee which has Nashville, Memphis, etc. I HIGHLY recommend taking in the local southern cuisine and staying away from the major food chains, we have some amazing food down here and you don't want to miss out by eating Mcdonalds and KFC everyday. The H'sville area especially has some great dining choices and is more "modern" then your average Alabama city. If you have any more questions or concerns feel free to ask before you go. I hope you have a great time!

Thanks!

Any food choices in particular you would reccomend then? :P

akute

Use your accent to your advantage and let trustworthy looking folks know that you are visiting.

On the contrary, don't tell people you're foreign if you think they will take advantage of you.

I met a kid from England that came over, and he really got the royal treatment due to his awesome accent and the fact that he visited a small town and we finally had someone new and fun to hang out with. Also he could skate.