5 things that can go wrong on your first trip to the U.S. and how to avoid them

-Bewildered by the language barrier: learn basic English phrases.

For those planning a trip to the United States, the language barrier can be a major source of anxiety. Especially if English is not your strong suit, you may be worried about communicating locally. However, you can alleviate this anxiety by learning basic English phrases.

First, let's learn some basic greetings and expressions that are often used when traveling. In addition to "Hello" (hello) and "Thank you" (thank you), "Excuse me" (excuse me) and "Please" (please) are also frequently used. Also, "How much is this? and "Where is the restroom? (Where is the restroom?) are also useful.

Furthermore, the expression "I would like to have..." is useful when ordering in restaurants. For example, "I would like to have a coffee, please. If you have a problem, the phrase "Could you help me? is also useful when you have a problem.

These phrases are simple but very useful. With a little practice before your trip, you will be able to speak with confidence. You can also use a smartphone translation application in conjunction with your smartphone, so it is a good idea to download it in advance and be prepared.

Even in situations where language is not understood, smiles and gestures are communication tools that transcend national borders. Please enjoy interacting with people at your destination while making active use of them. By making these preparations, you will be able to fully enjoy your trip to the U.S. without anxiety.

-Unaware of the tipping culture and confused: check the appropriate tipping guidelines.

One of the things that many Japanese find confusing when traveling in the United States is the culture of tipping. Although it is not a familiar custom in Japan, in the U.S. it is considered an important element of showing appreciation for service. It is important to understand this beforehand, as it can be considered rude if you do not tip appropriately.

First, as a general guideline, it is common to tip between 151 TP3T and 201 TP3T of the total amount for a meal at a restaurant or cafe. In some cases, especially in upscale restaurants, about 20% is expected. Even if the meal is paid for with a credit card, the tip should be left in cash or added to the credit card transaction.

In hotels, you should also tip porters and room service. It is a good idea to give about $1 to $2 when they bring your luggage. It is also appreciated to leave about $2 to $5 per night for housekeeping.

A tip of about 151 TP3T to 201 TP3T is recommended for cabs and ride-sharing services (e.g., Uber) as well. However, change in small change may be accepted as a tip as it is, so use your best judgment depending on the atmosphere and circumstances of the situation.

This culture may take some getting used to at first, but if you give it with a smile and a word of "thank you," your thoughtfulness will certainly be appreciated. Also, many stores and service providers will automatically calculate the recommended tip amount at the time of checkout, so you can feel comfortable using that as a reference.

Last but not least, do not hesitate to ask the staff if you have any questions or concerns. They are also accustomed to tourists and will be able to help you in a friendly and courteous manner. With this kind of preparation, you can enjoy your trip to the U.S. with confidence.

-Jet lag and poor physical condition: start jet lag preparation before arrival.

One of the problems many people face on their first trip to the United States is jet lag. Because of the large time difference between the U.S. and Japan, it is easy for the body's internal clock to go haywire, and it is not uncommon for people to feel ill upon arrival. However, you can alleviate this problem by taking precautions in advance.

First, it is important to start preparing for time differences before departure. Once you have decided on your travel dates, try to gradually become aware of the rhythm of your life according to the local time a few days before your trip. For example, if you are going to the East Coast of the U.S., you should get into the habit of staying up late at night in Japan, as it is 13 hours behind Japan.

We will also try to adjust our activities to local time as much as possible on the plane. During the flight, change the time settings on your watch or smartphone to local time and adjust your meal and sleep timing accordingly. These small efforts will help you adjust smoothly after arrival.

In addition, be sure to stay hydrated. Since airplanes tend to be dry, lack of water will increase fatigue and worsen jet lag. It is also advisable to avoid alcoholic beverages and caffeinated beverages. These can easily lead to dehydration and sleep disorders.

It is important to take it easy and pace yourself after arrival. On the first day, try not to pack too much into your schedule, but take some light exercise or go for a walk to get acclimated to your new surroundings. Also, be sure to get plenty of rest and eat a well-balanced diet.

This preparation and preparedness will reduce the risk of getting sick during your precious trip. Take care of your own health so that you can enjoy your trip and make the best memories possible.

-Lost in local transportation: research transportation options in advance.

When traveling to the United States for the first time, it is not uncommon to get lost when using local transportation. The U.S. is a vast country, and transportation options vary from city to city, so it is important to do your research well in advance. Here are some tips on what you need to know about using transportation in the U.S. and how to avoid them.

First, public transportation is well developed in large cities. In cities such as New York and San Francisco, subways and buses provide convenient transportation. However, each city has its own fare structure and operating hours, so be sure to gather information about public transportation in the city you are visiting in advance. It is a good idea to check route maps and operation schedules by using official websites and travel guidebooks.

Renting a car is also a common means of transportation in the United States, which is a car-based society. Renting a car is especially convenient when traveling to the suburbs or regional cities, but you need to pay attention to right-of-way traffic and road signs, which are different from those in Japan. It is recommended that you obtain an international driver's license and drive safely. You should also pay attention to securing a parking space.

In addition, ride-sharing services are very popular; services such as Uber and Lyft are easy to use and available in many areas. However, be aware of the fees, as they can be expensive. Also, be sure to check driver information for safety reasons.

Finally, the method of access from the airport to the city is another point to investigate in advance. There are a variety of options, including shuttle buses and airport trains, so find the best way to get to your destination.

Thus, by being prepared in advance and gathering information on your own, you will be able to enjoy a comfortable trip without getting lost in the country. If you are prepared to deal with traffic conditions specific to each region, you will be able to spend your days in the destination without anxiety.

-Be amazed at the quantity and flavor of the food: research the local food culture.

When traveling in the United States, it is not uncommon to be surprised by the quantity and flavor of the food. Especially for first-time visitors, the local food culture can be both new and confusing at the same time. Therefore, it is important to research the American food culture in advance.

The first characteristic of American cuisine is its volume. In many restaurants, the amount of food per plate is larger than in Japan. Therefore, one option is to consider sharing when ordering for one person, or ask for a take-out box (take-out). Also, be careful about drinks served in large portions. Sodas, coffee, and other beverages may be free-fill, so it is best to enjoy them while consulting with your stomach.

Next is seasoning, which in the U.S. generally tends to be more salty and sweet. This is especially true for fast food and snacks. However, as a country with a diverse cultural background, there is also a wealth of multi-ethnic cuisines. Italian, Chinese, Japanese, and other diverse options are available, so you can have fun finding something that suits your tastes.

In addition, you should also familiarize yourself with the tipping culture. It is customary to pay a tip of about 151 TP3T to 201 TP3T in restaurants. This is also different from Japan, so it is a good idea to be aware of this when traveling.

As you can see from the above, if you gather information about the local food culture in advance, you can enjoy eating at your destination without anxiety. Above all, enjoy the encounter with a different culture as a new experience. This will enrich your entire trip.

-Failure to take safety precautions: Check the security information and safety measures of the destination.

When traveling to the United States for the first time, failure to take safety precautions can lead to unexpected problems. In particular, the security situation in the U.S. varies greatly from region to region, so it is important to thoroughly check the security information of the destination you are visiting before your trip.

First, check the Internet or guidebooks for the latest security information about the city or region you are traveling to. Be especially careful in areas where tourists tend to congregate, as petty crimes such as pickpocketing and littering are more likely to occur. Also, there are certain areas in large cities that are best avoided, so stay away from those areas.

In addition, as a local safety measure, you should be careful to manage your valuables. It is recommended that you carry your wallet and passport with you, or store them in a hotel safety deposit box. Also, in crowded places, it is safer to use a bag that can be carried in front of the body, such as a front bag, rather than a backpack.

Be careful when going out at night. Choose well-lit, well-trafficked streets and avoid walking alone. When using cabs or ride-sharing services, make arrangements through official apps that have been verified for safety, and avoid riding in suspicious vehicles.

Last but not least, if you should get into trouble, it is important to remain calm and contact the police as soon as possible. For this reason, it is a good idea to have the contact information of the Japanese embassy or consulate in advance.

With this preparation and mindset, you will have a safe and enjoyable trip to the United States. By taking the proper safety precautions, you will be able to focus on the many experiences and memories you will make on your trip without worry.