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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 family , and we travel with our two children and our adopted dog, Max. We usually travel in our motorhome, also called Kucavana, hence the name of our blog (as a baby, Anna couldn't pronounce "motorhome" and said "Kucavana"). But we also enjoy traveling by bicycle, by plane, and backpacking—the point is to have adventures as a family. The one writing this is me, Pilar, the mom of the family and perhaps the craziest one. I enjoy every new experience we have as a family, and I hope to help you enjoy traveling as much as we do.
To stay connected with you, follow us on our social media channels: YouTube and 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 check that our passport is valid. But here's the crucial detail: it must be valid for at least six months before it expires. Think of it as a precaution to avoid problems upon your return.
IMPORTANT: The following happened to us: we went to get a new passport because ours was expiring in less than 6 months, but we didn't take our old one to the National Police station, and they wouldn't let us do it. You have to bring your old passport so they can cancel it and issue a new one.
Also remember to bring a passport photo, and if you're traveling with children, both parents or guardians must be present with their valid ID cards and the family book. If the child doesn't have an ID card, they'll need a full birth certificate issued by the Civil Registry. However, as procedures are subject to change, always check the official website of the Ministry of the Interior, which is also where you must schedule an appointment: 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're traveling from Spain , you'll benefit from the Visa Waiver Program and will need to apply for an EST. This essential visa is obtained online and requires a payment of around €20. Go to this website and apply yourself; it's the easiest and cheapest way, and you don't need any intermediaries: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/
It allows you to stay in the country for up to 90 days . But wait, there are a few more requirements you must 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're traveling as a family like we are, keep in mind that you need to create a group request for the whole family, not individual requests for each person.
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.
While Spanish and European driving licenses are accepted in the USA , opting for an international driving permit is a smart move in the USA.
This additional permit is in English and will facilitate communication with traffic authorities and officers, as not everyone may know that you can drive with your Spanish license, thus preventing potential problems. It can be obtained online through the DGT website and then picked up at your nearest office, or you can go directly by appointment to the DGT office closest to you.
To get an international driving permit you need a passport photo and to pay the fee which is almost €20.
IMPORTANT: We did it online and I went to pick up my license and my husband's at the DGT office in La Campana, Barcelona, and I had problems picking up my husband's license with his authorization.
I had a document signed by him authorizing me to pick up his ID, but they told me I could only collect it with his original ID or with a digital or physical power of attorney from a notary . Luckily, he was able to provide me with the digital power of attorney in no time, and we didn't have to go back to Barcelona.
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; it has two prongs, like in Europe, but the prongs are completely flat . So don't forget to buy and bring an adapter, and if it has two USB ports on the same adapter, even better, so you can plug in more than one device if needed during 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 emergency or alert, the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs can locate you and inform you of emergency warnings such as hurricanes, typhoons, earthquakes, or others. It is not mandatory, but it is highly recommended. You can do so here: https://registroviajeros.exteriores.gob.es/
Additionally, check the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for travel alerts for the United States, neighborhoods to 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 solely on his Spanish health insurance, which was with a private company. And guess what? He broke his arm in the most ridiculous way, and the bill exceeded €185,000!
His private health insurance in Spain, like most, only covered €20.000 for travel outside of Spain. Obviously, he couldn't pay the rest, so besides being in debt, he will never be able to travel to the United States again.
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 took out Iati Estrella , the best of Iati's insurance plans for family trips to the United States. It covers €1 million in medical expenses and also includes benefits such as theft coverage and emergency flights, among others. Without a doubt, it's the one we recommend for its price and coverage, after comparing many options and finding it the best fit for the four of us with the conditions we were looking for.
The Iati Familia is also very well priced, better than the Iati Estrella, but honestly the performance is much lower and we didn't want to take the risk.
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 I recommend is the Evo Banco smart account card . With it, you can make card payments and withdraw cash from ATMs without worrying about fees, as there are no limits. This is the card I've used on all my trips since I was 18, back when 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 era where connectivity is essential, being disconnected in the United States is simply not an option. Here are some solutions to keep your phone connected to the internet at all times:
OPTION 1: THE BEST PRICE AND UNLIMITED DATA FROM SPAIN
For us, the best option is Holafly, which offers unlimited data to keep your social media updated and stay in touch with family and friends. It's undoubtedly the best option for price and data allowance . However, keep in mind that this option requires a latest-generation mobile phone that supports eSIMs.
If you don't have a state-of-the-art mobile phone, you may have problems, although we have found a solution to make e-sims work without having a state-of-the-art mobile phone 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, here's a 5% discount on your Holafly card that we've been given. Click the link below and enter the code Kucavana to get the discount. Using this link not only saves you money, but it also helps us maintain our blog with a small commission. And remember, we don't recommend anything we don't use ourselves, and we always recommend the best after extensive comparison and testing—it's our ethical code and our 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 USA in a motorhome, we came across an interesting decision.
We had the option of choosing between a direct flight, which was slightly more expensive, and a cheaper flight with layovers. Although the direct flight meant an additional expense of 500 euros for the four of us, we decided that the Level direct flight was worth it.
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, as we motorhome enthusiasts at home, we opted for a motorhome, or rather, this time for a large volume camper from Roadsurfer, who gave us a good discount and offered to pass it on to you, our readers.
Thank you Roadsurfer for this great discount for everyone!
We don't charge any commission on rental bookings, but in this case, the discount they're offering is definitely worth it, so we're sharing it here in case it helps. Roadsurfer will give you $150 off your campervan rental in the United States if you use this link and enter the code: KUCAVANAAMERICA
If you prefer to rent a campervan or motorhome in Europe, we also have a €100 discount available . In this case, use the code: KUCAVANAEUR (only for bookings 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. Plus, we saved on food, since our camper van became our home on wheels, where we could eat like we did at home: cheaper and healthier too.
Another great thing about renting a motorhome in the United States is being able to sleep in public campgrounds within the heart of the National Parks, the coolest way to stay if you're visiting national parks and nature.
The downside of traveling by RV or campervan in the United States is that you can't just camp anywhere; wild camping is prohibited in the US , so you must always stay at a campground or RV park. And if you want to sleep at campgrounds in the middle of National Parks, be sure to book in advance to get the best options and rates and avoid missing out, as these public campgrounds fill up very quickly in the 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 campervan (or RV), planning your route and accommodations 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!
