Traveling to the United States of America can be seen as a pretty daunting prospect by some, mainly because there's such an overwhelming sense of the unknown - especially if you've never been before.
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As such, we thought it'd be a good idea to run through some of the standard stereotypes (for better or worse), regarding the ins and outs of heading over to the States.
You may have had a different experience when making the journey, but either way, it'll be interesting to see what comes out of this as travelers around the world continue to flock across the pond.
10 STEREOTYPICAL - Letterman Jacket
Letterman jackets tend to get sold pretty much universally, but they’re known for being most popular in the United States.
If you head on over with a sweet Letterman on, then you’ll immediately fit in (or at least that’s what we’ve been led to believe).
It’s nice to feel at home and immerse yourself in another country’s culture, and that’s why this isn’t going to be the final piece of attire to feature on this list.
Oh, and if you go in the winter, these bad boys are going to keep you warm.
9 NEVER BRING - American Sweets
In addition to being an absolute nightmare to get through customs, there just isn’t any kind of sustainable logic that favors bringing American sweets over to America. Why? Because the place is littered with them, and one of the big selling points of going there is getting them for a cheaper rate.
These sweets can range from notable items to more niche selections, and that’s what we love about them.
Sure, they’re full of sugar and all things bad, but chances are that you’re on holiday and you should enjoy yourself.
8 STEREOTYPICAL - Baseball Cap
On the same kind of trend as the Letterman jackets, we have the standard baseball cap. While many people believe that the sport of baseball is on the decline, at the very least, the legacy of wearing fantastic caps across the country will likely continue on long after we’re no longer here.
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It’s gotten to the point where people probably just bring them on the trip without even thinking about the fact that it’s such an embedded part of the sporting culture in the US.
Such is the name of the game.
7 NEVER BRING - Your Own Native Flag
You are more than welcome to bring your own native flag to the United States of America, because hey, it’s a free country. With that being said, that doesn’t necessarily mean it should happen.
The patriotism on display in the States has been there for all to see for years and years now, and sometimes, things can get a bit overly passionate.
We aren’t suggesting that you will be in any kind of sustainable danger, but it’s got to be something you take into consideration when you pack.
6 STEREOTYPICAL - Different Adapter
This is going to seem like a fairly boring selection for an article of this nature, but hey, it’s not like we’re lying.
You would be shocked at the number of people that wind up forgetting to bring a different adapter with them for their different devices. Then, they get to where they need to be and eventually realize the massive mistake that they have made.
We say massive, but of course, just replacing it would probably get the job done just fine – as long as you’ve financially prepared yourself for an ordeal of this nature.
5 NEVER BRING - Native Food & Drink
You’re going to be heading back home at some point, so you don’t need to be filling up on your own standard local dishes when there are different culinary treats for you to try in the States.
We are, of course, talking about actual food and drink now, as opposed to just sweets that will send you on a sugar rush.
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From the burgers to the mac & cheese to the great craft beers, there’s a lot to sample and enjoy.
In the end, it really does depend on how homesick you get when overseas.
4 STEREOTYPICAL - ESTA
You need an ESTA, which serves as a temporary VISA, in order to get into the United States.
If you don’t have this, then by the time you get to the airport, there’s a good chance you’ll be greeted with a few looks that resemble the “you didn’t do your homework” disappointment from back in your school days.
It’s an expense that barely costs anything, and it’s going to save you a whole lot of hassle by the time you eventually make your way onto the plane.
Please, just think.
3 NEVER BRING - iPad
This is going to sound pretty odd, but allow us to explain.
By its nature, the primary reason why you may consider bringing an iPad on holiday is to do things that you can’t or rather wouldn’t do on your phone: Such as watching Netflix.
Trust us when we say that American TV is so good that you simply won’t find the need to watch Netflix at any point during your time there, and we mean that sincerely.
Plus, an iPad is just generally a bit of an extra headache to deal with and worry about.
2 STEREOTYPICAL - An Empty Suitcase
If you’re going on a big trip then make sure you pay for extra luggage so that you can bring an empty suitcase. Why? Because there’s a very good chance all of the things you buy will not fit in the luggage that you had initially budgeted for.
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The shopping that is possible in America for both yourself and those close to you is indescribable, and you need to experience it for yourself in order to really understand it.
You shouldn’t even think about the repercussions, because hey, you’re on holiday (or a fun business trip).
1 NEVER BRING - Political Attire
Long story short, you’re going to get a lot less hassle if you just don’t pack that piece of political attire that is going to cause some discomfort or anger for American locals.
Things are really tense at the minute and with the election coming up before too long, you need to consider your options.
In Europe, it probably isn’t as big of a deal (unless you’re in Russia), and that kind of informs you as to the level of scrutiny we’re dealing with on a day to day basis.