Until the very last day, the trip to America seemed unreal and fantastic to me. I was running around the university with my exam sheet, getting credits and passing exams, packing my bags, but it felt like none of it was actually happening. I only realized there was no turning back when we crossed the Polish border. I looked back and thought, that's it... this is the end. But it wasn't the end, it was just the beginning!
For first-timers, especially those who don't travel often, I advise you to pay attention to some small but important details! First of all, don't take too many things with you! Everyone who has been to America will probably agree with this advice! Don't drag liters of shampoo, perfume, and cosmetics with you! Buy everything there! Moreover, I want to note that the quality of cosmetics and shampoos in America is much higher than in Russia! So, pour a little shampoo and shower gel into a small container to wash yourself 2-3 times, that's the maximum you need! Don't pack heavy bags; you will have to spend a lot of time with them. The same goes for clothes. Girls, don't drag your entire wardrobe with you! Take only the essentials (no matter how hard it is to leave your favorite warm sweater at home, you're unlikely to need it if you're going to Florida). Although, of course, it's worth taking a couple of warm things, especially if you're going to travel by bus. The air conditioning there is just killer! I sat in a sweater and pullover, wrapped in a towel like a blanket! And I still caught a cold. Anyway, I'll talk about the best ways to get around America a bit later.
Also, before the trip, it's a good idea to take care of accommodation in NY if you are not going on a full service, and book tickets to where you need to go in advance! After numerous transfers, connections, and a 9-hour flight, you're unlikely to have the strength or desire to look for something; it's much easier to go to a place that's already arranged. Maybe someone will think that I'm writing obvious things now, but if there is at least one person who finds this helpful, then my efforts were not in vain)
By the way! Under no circumstances take liquids in your carry-on!! None at all! There should be no water, gels, shampoos, or perfumes! You also need to exclude hairsprays, scissors (even manicure ones), nail files, and, of course, knives! Everything will be confiscated at security and thrown away, and you'll be very upset later. I've known this rule for a long time, but for some reason, I forgot to move my face wash to my checked bag. True, I met a very nice Polish man who, seeing my upset face, allowed me to keep the tube. But I think this is a very rare exception, and only girls should count on it.
What's next..?) After check-in, baggage drop-off, and customs inspection, duty-free and the long-awaited plane await us. Sigh... Intercontinental planes are something else... You shouldn't drag sandwiches from home, firstly because they might be confiscated at security, and secondly because the food on the plane is just gorgeous. It is at that moment, when you are eating cheesecake, drinking white wine (yes, yes, alcohol is free there and they give it to those 18 and older, at least the German airline had exactly those rules), and looking out the porthole at the endless Atlantic stretching below, that you realize that life is actually not a bad thing... We only had positive impressions from the flight because we just ate and slept. Besides, I just love the sky. And the three victory laps we did over NY while waiting for a free runway for landing gave me a lot of pleasure. I even managed to see the Statue of Liberty standing alone on the island and the Empire State Building.
