United States, Autumn
A curated packing list for your trip coast to coast: New York skyline mornings, Pacific Northwest forest, Arizona desert, and the American road in between. Built for staggering climate variety in a single trip and a tipping culture all its own.
Border & arrival
What customs and immigration expect.
On the ground
How life actually works once you arrive.
ESTA via Visa Waiver Program
UK, EU, Australia, NZ, Japan, South Korea, and 35+ other VWP countries apply at esta.cbp.dhs.gov for $40.27, approved within minutes. Submit at least 72 hours before flight; valid 2 years or until passport expires. Requires an e-passport with biometric chip.
Tipping is real and expected
18-20% at sit-down restaurants, 25% in upscale spots, 15-20% for taxis. Add $1-2 per drink at bars, $2-5 per bag for porters, $3-5 per night for housekeeping. Many service workers earn below minimum wage, so tips are not optional.
Cards and contactless everywhere
Visa, Mastercard, and Amex work nationwide; Apple Pay and Google Pay are common in cities. Carry $100-200 cash for tipping, parking meters, and small-town diners. Tap-to-pay limits vary by terminal but are usually $100+.
Travel insurance is non-negotiable
US healthcare without insurance is catastrophically expensive; a simple ER visit can cost $5,000-15,000. Buy comprehensive travel insurance with $100,000+ medical coverage before you fly. Even short trips need it.
State laws vary wildly
Cannabis is legal in some states but federally illegal everywhere (including on planes). Drinking age is 21 nationwide. Tipped minimum wage, sales tax, gun laws, and abortion access all differ by state, so check before assuming.
Type A and B plugs at 120V
Same as Mexico and most of the Americas. UK, EU, AU, and most Asian travelers need an adapter. Modern phone, laptop, and camera chargers handle 120V automatically; check single-voltage hair tools before flying.
Pre-Trip Checklist
Bookings, applications, and admin for the weeks before departure. Work backwards from your trip date.
- 6 weeks out
- 4 weeks out
- 2 weeks out
- 1 week out
- Day before
- Day of
Clothing
Layered for the climate swing across regions. One smart-casual outfit for nicer dinners; jeans and a tee work almost everywhere else.
Shoes
Cities mean walking, parks mean trails. Two pairs minimum.
Toiletries & Personal Care
CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart are everywhere. Pack travel sizes; restock on arrival.
Health & Medications
Healthcare is expensive without insurance. Bring a real travel kit; you do not want to buy basic meds at $30 a bottle.
Documents & Money
ESTA + e-passport are the gate; cards and Apple Pay handle the rest.
Tech & Electronics
Type A/B at 120V. Coffee shops with Wi-Fi everywhere; cellular blanket coverage in cities.
Luggage & Organization
Domestic flights charge for checked bags. Carry-on optimization saves money.
Comfort & In-Transit
Long international flights to either coast; long domestic flights NYC-LA (5-6 hours).
Weather & Climate Gear
High UV in the West, cold in the Northeast in fall, rain in the Pacific NW, heat in the South.
Cultural & Activity-Specific
Tipping cash, app-first transit, and the regional dress codes that vary block by block.
Safety & Precautions
Most cities are safer than reputation in tourist areas; awareness is still the rule.