For the past few decades, thousands of Indians have come to the US to get a job or settle here. Quite obviously, their extended families want to cherish their life. This is why visiting their children to spend some time together is always on the mind of Indian parents. It won’t be wrong to say that visiting your children is a joyful experience for every parent. However, if you wish to make it a pleasant time outside your home country, here are the tips that you must follow.
1. Don’t miss out on necessary documents
Source: iata.org
Before you reach the US to visit your child, you must ensure that you have the following documents.
- Your passport
- The visa documentation
- Flight tickets
- Boarding pass
- Your child’s contact information like home address, contact details, and office/ college details.
- Proof of negative COVID test
You must have copies of your documents. In fact, many advise that there must be multiple sets of copies which you can carry at different places. You can also leave one set of copies back home with someone trustworthy if any emergency happens.
2. Get a good parent’s visitor health insurance
If you are traveling outside your home country, you can’t keep relying on normal health insurance. Having visitor health insurance is necessary to avoid emergencies or financial pitfalls. If you think it is not required, let’s help you understand from a different standpoint.
Imagine your health deteriorates when you reach the country. You will use most of your travel savings on the sheer cost of the medical bills. In fact, according to the VisitorsGuru, Having travel insurance is a must if you want to protect yourself. Typically, getting a travel medical insurance will help you in the following ways:
- Emergency medical care, medical surgery, or evacuation
- Coverage for prescription drugs
- Quality medical care in case of injuries and accident
- Unexpected sickness
- Trip cancellation
- Baggage loss
- Coverage for repatriation of the individual or their remains in case of a severe illness
- Accidental Death & Dismemberment
3. Look for travel assistance
If you think you can’t do it alone. You can always look for travel assistance. The staff will help you with check-ins and baggage. You can also opt for a wheelchair if needed. You have to pay a little extra. After you land in the US, you can find assistance from a taxi dispatcher to avoid getting duped by any bogus taxis. This is for parents who have to travel on their own.
4. Never forget your medications
Source: optum.com
You must always carry OTC medications for any emergencies. For instance, you must bring a sufficient amount of the prescribed medications and your doctor’s note. This is important because if you decide to extend your stay, the doctor’s prescription will help you refill your prescribed drugs. Having said that, you can carry as much as prescribed drugs since there isn’t any limit. But you should still ponder upon the number carefully.
5. Flight
It takes around 15-20 hours to fly to the US. This is why it is ideal to look for options that allow you to reach as soon as possible. You must opt for direct flights. By doing so, you will avoid any delays during transit and long traveling hours. You can also opt for online check-ins to avoid long wait times at the airport.
6. Baggage
Besides that, you must also think about the baggage when traveling in the US. You should read all the baggage-related instructions and understand the items you can’t carry when traveling abroad. You must also secure all the bags with tags and avoid overpacking, or else you will have to pay a hefty price.
7. Familiarize with the cultural and lifestyle differences
Source: desi-compile.com
If you are traveling to the US, you must understand that there is a difference in the way of living. It is crucial, especially when you are traveling for the first time. If you don’t wish to feel any setbacks, regardless of when you are staying, you must adopt a lifestyle that will help you avoid any shock. This is how you make your transition smoother.
- Talk to your child about the road rules regarding walking, crossing the street, or using pedestrian signals.
- Have an idea about dressing sense, dining in restaurants, and exchanging pleasantries.
- The American accent is different. It might lead to confusion or miscommunication. Hence it is vital to understand and talk fast. You can ask for specific tips from your children to avoid any confusion.
8. Have an understanding of jet lags
Since you are crossing different international time zones, it will take your body’s natural rhythm out of sync. It could result in odd sleep hours, fatigue, and other problems. This is why you must alleviate your fears, try to have more fluids, and avoid caffeine. If you can, try to sleep for long periods during the flight to get over the jet lag sooner after you land.
Try to walk more when you aren’t sleeping up and down the aisle to keep the blood circulation. Once you reach, you must sleep in peaceful surroundings. It takes around a couple of weeks of rest for the body to adjust to the rhythm.
9. Learn the flight etiquette
Since the number of hours is long, you must opt for choices to help you with a comfortable flight. Ideally, you must reach the airport at least 3 hours before the departure time. This will give you enough time for check-in. Besides that, you must:
- Be Polite on the flight
- Recline your seat properly
- Be Patient
- Stay out of the aisle
- Avoid loud conversations
- Keep your phone on silent mode
Source: gifteclipse.com
10. Keep yourself occupied
As the jet lag is a bit of a slow process, you must have a list to do to stay activated. Involve yourself in different daily activities, visit local events, or strike up a good friendship. You can also enroll yourself in activities that you will love to do to avoid any setbacks when you visit your children.
The US is a travel-friendly country. If you carry all the important documents and coverages, you will create some amazing moments with your child.
