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Hello, adventurous friends! I am a passionate traveler, mother of two children, and have traveled Europe by motorhome. But this time, we are going to the other side of the ocean and we will explore the United States along its West Coast in a motorhome for 3 full weeks, a trip that our family has longed for and dreamed of.
Get ready for a complete guide to the United States by motorhome or camper or car, a complete guide to traveling to the West Coast by motorhome or car and finally, a guide to the West Coast with children full of details, funny anecdotes and practical advice for that you prepare your trip to the United States and be perfect.
On this journey, we will make sure that you are ready to face all the requirements and challenges that await you in this exciting destination. For now, we start with the preparations! Hold on to the wheel, it's time to plan and a lot!
About us
We are the kucavana familyWe traveled with our two children, ages 8 and 11, and our adopted dog Max. We usually travel in our motorhome called Kucavana, hence the name of our blog (Anna as a baby didn't know how to say motorhome and said Kucavana), but we also like to travel by bicycle touring or by plane and backpacking. We enjoy every learning experience as a family and we hope to help you enjoy it as much as we do. We do it by traveling.
To be closer to you follow us on our social networks: YouTube e Instagram
Minimum legal requirements to travel to the United States from Spain
Before you board that plane bound for the United States, make sure you meet the necessary requirements. Let's dive into the details.
Check Have a Valid Passport
Our first step is to verify that our passport is in order. But here comes the crucial detail: it must be valid for at least 6 months before it expires. Think of it as a precaution to avoid problems when you return.
IMPORTANT: The following happened to us: we went to make the Passport because it expired in less than 6 months and We didn't take the old one to the National Police and they didn't let us do it. You have to bring the old one to cancel it and make the new one.
Also remember to bring a passport photo and if you go With children, both parents or guardians must be present with current ID and the family book and if you do not have ID, the literal birth certificate issued by the Civil Registry. Although as everything changes, always look at the official website of the Ministry of the Interior, which is also the website where you must make an appointment to do so: https://www.interior.gob.es/opencms/ca/servicios-al-ciudadano/tramites-y-gestiones/pasaporte/procedimiento-de-expedicion/
Processing the ESTA: The Magic of Traveling to the United States!
This is where the magic begins. if you travel from Spain, you will benefit from Visa Waiver Program and you will need to process the ESTA. This essential visa is obtained online and requires a payment of around 20 euros. Go to this website and process it yourself, it is the easiest and cheapest, no need for intermediaries https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/
Allows you to stay in the country up to 90 days. But wait, there are a few more requirements you need to meet!
If you have visited certain countries, such as Afghanistan or Cuba, in the past few years, your ESTA may be denied. In addition, you must be a Spanish citizen or have a residence card from Spain or other permitted countries, it is not valid from any country.
Something also important you must have to request the ESTA a first address in the United States, for example, the address of the first hotel where you will stay.
Finally, if you travel Family like us, you should keep in mind that you have to create a group request for the whole family and not individual of each one.
Driving License: The Key to Explore at Your Pace
If you intend to explore the United States by motorhome like us, camper or car, you need to be aware of your driver's license options.
Although in the USA the Spanish and European driving license is accepted, opt for a international driving license is a smart move in USA.
This additional card It is in English and will facilitate communication with the authorities and traffic officers, since perhaps not everyone knows that you can circulate with the Spanish license and thus avoid problems in advance. It is processed by the DGT website on-line and then it can be picked up at your office closest or you can go directly with appointment and do it at the DGT office have more on hand.
To make the international card you need a passport photo and pay the fee, which is almost €20.
IMPORTANT: We did it online and I went to pick up my card and my husband's card at La Campana de Barcelona, the DGT office, and I had trouble picking up my husband's with his authorization.
I had a paper signed by him authorizing me, but they told me that I could only collect your card with your original ID or with the digital or physical empowerment of a notary. Luckily, he was able to give me the digital seizure in no time and we didn't have to go to Barcelona again.
Other Things to Prepare to Travel to the US
We are official documents. But wait folks, there are still more things we need to cross off our to-do list! There they go:
Get a plug adapter from European to American
In the United States the plug is different, 2-pin, like in Europe, but there the plugs are completely flat. So do not forget to buy and bring an adapter and if it is one of those that has two USB sockets in the same adapter, the better so that you can plug in more than one thing if you need it on your trip.
For your safety, register as a traveler to the US to receive alerts from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Register as a traveler so that in case of an emergency or alert the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs can locate you and report emergency warnings such as hurricanes, typhoons, earthquakes or others. It is not mandatory but it is highly recommended that you do so. You must do it here: https://registroviajeros.exteriores.gob.es/
Also, check the page of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to see the alerts that there are from the United States or the neighborhoods that you should avoid in each city, etc…: https://www.exteriores.gob.es/es/ServiciosAlCiudadano/Paginas/Detalle-recomendaciones-de-viaje.aspx?trc=Estados+Unidos
If there is a warning for a hurricane, earthquake or something, it will be here.
Get Travel Health Insurance: Protecting Adventures and Pockets
Don't underestimate the importance of travel health insurance and plenty of coverage in the United States. It's not required, but like it is, trust me.
Let me share an anecdote: A good friend of ours traveled to the United States relying only on his health insurance from Spain, which he had with a private insurance company. And he guess what, he broke his arm in the dumbest way and the bill was over 185,000 euros!
His private mutual in Spain, like most, only covered 20.000 euros outside of Spain. Obviously, she couldn't pay the rest, so aside from being debtor, will never be able to travel to the United States agains.
Therefore, before leaving, make sure you have a good robust travel health insurance that covers your needs that covers a minimum of 500.000 euros. In this way, you will be protected from overwhelming medical expenses and you will be able to enjoy your trip with peace of mind without unpleasant surprises.
Our choice and recommendation
we hire Iati Star, the best Iati insurance for family travel to the United States. It covers 1 million euros of medical expenses and also has benefits such as covering theft or flights in case of emergencies, among others. Without a doubt, it is the one that we recommend for price and benefits that it has after comparing a lot that it works out better for the 4 of us with the conditions that we were looking for.
El iati family It is also very well priced, better than the Iati Estrella, but honestly the benefits are much lower and we did not want to risk it.
Here I leave you the 5% discount of this insurance that will be applied to you at the end of the budget request if you do it with our link. If you do it here, remember that you are helping us with a small commission that they give us, but it will cost you the same.
So a thousand thousand thanks for your support! And just as we are transparent, we are ethical, we would never recommend something that is worse than another product, we compare a lot and we only recommend what we use.
Commissions and Credit Cards: Saving Money is Gaining Experiences
There is nothing worse than coming back from an exciting day of exploring in the United States and realizing that bank fees have drained your budget thanks to the fact that you have to convert euros to dollars in all your transactions.
To avoid this nasty shock, take the time to review your credit card fees and commissions for currency exchange and foreign cash withdrawals.
One option that I recommend is the Evo Banco smart account card. With it, you will be able to make card payments and withdraw money from ATMs without worrying about commissions since there are no limits. This card is the one I have carried on all my trips since I was 18 years old and at that time Evo was Nova Caixa Galicia.
However, one but from Evo: keep in mind that you will need to direct deposit your salary or regular income of, I think it is 300 euros per month or more.
You can also consider the Revolut card, which offers favorable exchange rates and frees you from card fees and cash withdrawals. Although, keep in mind that your withdrawal limit is 200 euros, but, on the other hand, you do not need to direct deposit your salary or make monthly income.
Mobile Card: Stay Connected at All Times!
In an age where connection is essential, being offline in America is simply not an option. here are some solutions to keep your phone working at all times with internet:
OPTION 1: THE BEST PRICE AND UNLIMITED DATA FROM SPAIN
For us the best option: Hellofly he offers you unlimited data to keep your social networks updated and stay in touch with your family and friends. The best option for price and maximum data without a doubt. However, keep in mind that this option requires a last generation mobile that supports e-sims.
If you do not have the latest generation mobile, you may have problems, although we have found the solution to make e-sims work without having a last generation mobile like us: install an e-sim.me first.
You buy it online and the physical SIM card arrives at home and with its app you can now make the e-sim work by downloading it there. It makes the virtual card work for you without a problem, we have verified it on our trip. Read the QR that Holafly sends you in the app and you already have the e-sim installed and working on your mobile that is not the latest generation. And if it is of the latest generation, less hassle and it works super easily for you.
Finally, I leave you the 5% off to buy your Holafly card that they have given us. Access the link below and put the kucavana code to get the discount. Doing it in this link not only does not cost you less money because of the discount, but it also helps us with a small commission to maintain our blog. And remember, we do not recommend anything that we do not use and we always recommend the best after comparing a lot and testing, it is our ethical code and commitment to you.
OPTION 2 AND 3
- 2 Option: If you prefer a more conventional alternative, you can opt for a Vodafone prepaid card, the only conventional Spanish company that provides roaming with the United States, although only with a prepaid card does it give you more gigabytes, although always limited, which in our case fell short. Although this option does not offer unlimited data, it gives you the possibility of making conventional roaming calls with the best rate from a Spanish company (Holafly is not suitable for conventional calls, although you can always make a video call over the internet if you need it).
- 3 Option: If you're the adventurous type who prefers to improvise, you can buy a SIM card in the United States. Stores like Walmart offer affordable options that will keep you connected throughout your trip. However, keep in mind that this option might require some research and configuration once you arrive at your destination and that the price of a prepaid unlimited data card ends up costing more than Holafly's, that's the truth.
Book Flights: Take Flight with Savings and Comfort!
When planning your flights to the United States, it is essential that you book as far in advance as possible.
This will allow you to access better prices and more convenient options in terms of duration and stopovers.
A personal anecdote: When we were planning our family trip to the West Coast of the US in a motorhome, we came across an interesting decision.
We had the option of choosing between a direct flight with a slightly higher cost and a cheaper flight with stopovers. Although the direct flight implied an additional cost of 500 euros for the 4 of us, we decided that the direct flight of Level.
Imagine: flying with two young children for 13 hours instead of 21 hours with hectic layovers. The convenience and time saved made the extra investment worth every dollar in this case. By the way, the company that travels directly from Barcelona to Los Angeles is Level and the truth is that the price is not bad for a direct flight.
Reserve Vehicle Rental: Your Route and Adventure Companion
If you have an adventurous soul like me, renting a car in the United States is a great way to explore at your own pace. Anyway, book as soon as possible to get the best price and if it is out of high season it will cost you much less.
Personally, we opted for a motorhome or rather, this time for a Roadsurfer large volume camper that they gave us a good discount and offered to give it to you, our readers, too.
Thank you Roadsurfer for this great discount for everyone!
We do not charge any commission for the rental reservations you make but in this case the discount they give you I think is very worth it for you, so we leave it here in case it helps you. Road surfers you are going to discount 150 $ on your camper rental in the United States if you access this link and enter the CODE: KUCAVANAAMERICA
If you prefer to rent a camper or motorhome through Europe They have also left us 100 € discount in this case put the CODE: KUCAVANAEUR (only for reservations of more than 5 days).
The reason for our choice to rent a camper in the US
This choice gave us the freedom to travel without the hassle of packing and unpacking at each destination. In addition, we save on meals, since our camper becomes our mobile home where eat at home: cheaper and also healthy.
Another good thing about renting a motorhome in the United States is the power sleep in the public campgrounds within the epicenter of the National Parks, The coolest way to stay if you go to national parks and nature.
The bad thing about traveling by motorhome or camper in the United States is that you can't spend the night anywhere, the Free overnight is prohibited in the US, so you should always go to a campsite or RV Park. And if what you want is to sleep in the campsites in the middle of the National Parks, make sure you book in advance to obtain the best options and rates without running out of space, since the places in these public campsites sell out very quickly in summer.
Finally, if you want to go camping, in national parks, another tip: better a 21-foot camper, like we rent, than a motorhome to guarantee you a place in them and also that you can access roads than with a 30-foot motorhome they no longer let pass.
Plan the Route and Accommodations: Designing your Own Adventure
Whether you choose hotels, motels, or a motorhome (or RV, as they are called in the United States), the planning your route and accommodation is essential for a smooth experience and to guarantee you the best prices. Here are some tips:
- Hotels and Motels: If you opt for hotels and motels, book early to get the best rates. Consider the location and amenities to ensure a comfortable stay without having to travel many miles to go to sleep later.
- Campgrounds and RV Parks: If you are traveling by motorhome, planning the overnight stay is crucial. Public campsites in nature parks are popular options, but they tend to fill up quickly. Book early to ensure you have a guaranteed place. Remember that camping outside of these designated areas is prohibited in the US.
Conclusions: Ready for the Adventure in the United States!
In short, preparing a trip to the United States in 2023 involves more than just packing your bags.
Qualifying, planning your finances, and making sure you stay connected are essential steps to a successful experience.
From getting your ESTA to choosing the right SIM card and planning your itinerary, every detail will help make your adventure in the United States unforgettable.
Take advantage of every moment and soak up the culture, diversity and landscapes that this country offers. Remember, every trip is an opportunity to learn, grow, and make lasting memories!
Whether you embark on exciting city walks, nature explorations, or unique culinary experiences, your trip to the United States will be an exciting chapter in your adventure book. So buckle up, get ready to fly and enjoy every moment of this exciting journey!
