Royal Caribbean Group has announced on 30 August 2022 that the full fleet will be using SpaceX’s Starlink network for onboard internet. The innovative wideband internet service will be installed on all ships of Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea Cruises.
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USA sim – mobile data
During your trip you would ofcourse like to stay in touch with friends or share you experiences on your social media. You don’t have to constantly look for free wifi. With a USA sim card or esim you are connected, wherever you are in the USA.
No more covid test required for travel to the USA
The Biden administration has announced that it will drop the requirement for a negative covid test to travel to the USA. Starting June 12th you will no longer need to present a negative covid test to be allowed on a flight to the USA.
ESTA application 50% more expensive
To travel to the USA you need a visa or an approved ESTA. You have to apply for an ESTA at least 72 hours before your departure en you will be charged for this. Recently the price for an ESTA application was raised by 50%.
Formula 1 race on Las Vegas Strip in 2023
In 2023 Formula 1 is returning to Las Vegas for an evening race. On a Saturday in November the F1 cars will race over the Strip at 340 km/h. In 1981 and 1982 Las Vegas already hosted F1 races, but this will be the first time the cars will race on the famous Las Vegas Strip.
Reservation required during peak hours in Yosemite National Park
Starting Friday 20 May 2022 a reservation is required to enter Yosemite National Park between 6 a.m. and 4 p.m.. Outside of these peak hours you don’t need a reservation. The system will be used to spread the visitors and lessen the infamous traffic congestions in the park.
Compensation for a delayed flight
When your flight arrives with a delay at you destination, you might be eligible for a compensation from you airline.
Las Vegas Cirque du Soleil shows
Las Vegas is the place with the best entertainment in the USA. No wonder Cirque du Soleil has so many resident shows here. They are all unique and playing in custom build theaters.
Las Vegas with children
Las Vegas is gambling paradise. Not exactly a great place for a family vacation you might think. But there’s no reason not to take your family on a trip to Las Vegas. Children are not allowed on the casino floor but there are plenty more things to do in Las Vegas besides gambling.
Hotels America trips
We have stayed in many hotels and motels during our trips to the USA. We give you a full overview. If we had special thoughts about it, we wrote it here. No comment means it’s a good hotel!
MyVegas
MyVegas is a game like no other. Together with your friends you can play the games that are also available in a casino. The great thing about this game is that you can earn Loyalty Poins by playing. The Loyalty Points can then be traded for real rewards! This way you can get free tickets for shows, free food of free hotel rooms.Â
Driving in America
The USA is a large country and you will notice that when you’re driving for hours to get from one place to another. When renting a car for a roadtrip, you need to know which regulations to follow when you’re on the road.
Paying in dollars
The currency of the United States is the US Dollar. Credit cards are accepted nearly everywhere and prices are shown without sales tax. Paying in dollars can be confusing for foreigners in the USA.
International passport
An electronically readable international passport is required to travel to the USA. You passport has to be valid during your entire stay. Also children and babies need a passport.
Driver’s license
If you want to drive a car in the USA, you need a valid driver’s license. For Europeans the European driver’s license is accepted in America. For other countries an international driver’s permit can be required.
Exchange Euros for Dollars
Credit and debit cards can be used everywhere in the USA, but you better also take some cash with you when you travel to America.
Bodie State Historic Park
You can’t officially drive to it in you rental car, because it’s only accessible via an unpaved road. But when you’re driving from Death Valley to Yosemite via the Tioga Pass, you should take the side trip to Bodie. This abandonned mining town high in the mountain is maintained by the California State Park System since 1962.
More people can visit The Wave in 2022
In 2022 more people will be allowed to visit Coyote Buttes North or ‘The Wave’. The Wave is one of the most exclusive and beautiful places to hike in the USA. The rock formation is so unique that daily only a few people are allowed in the region.
Traffic signs in America
Many are the same, but a lot of traffic signs look a lot different in the USA then in Europe. This overview should help you drive safely in the USA.
Unpaved roads with a rental car
The contract of a rental car always states that it is not allowed to drive on unpaved roads. But some places can only be reached by an unpaved road. Should you skip these places on your trip? We looked into it for you.
American plug ≠European plug
The United States uses 110-120V instead of 220-230V like in Europe. The frequency is also different, 60Hz vs 50Hz. For most European electrical appliances this is not a problem. You can take your own charger with you to power your smartphone, tablet or laptop.
Visit all national parks for free on these days in 2022
The National Park Service (NPS) has released a list of 5 days on which all national parks are free to visit. These free admission days are meant to encourage people to discover the parks.
Tipping
Tipping is an American tradition you definitely need to know. A bellboy waiting at the door is not there to enjoy your company. The waitress that keeps asking you if everything is OK, is not only doing this because she likes you. They are offering you the best possible service, expecting a nice tip.
