✅ Essentials Checklist
- Valid passport and ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) if arriving by air
- International Driving Permit (UK licence usually accepted but IDP recommended)
- Travel insurance with medical cover — US healthcare costs are catastrophic without it
- Credit card accepted everywhere — carry some USD cash for national parks and rural stops
- Phone with US SIM or international roaming plan (coverage gaps on remote routes)
- Paper map or downloaded offline maps — cell service disappears in national parks
- Car emergency kit: jump cables, tyre inflator, torch, first aid
- Reusable water bottles × everyone — distances between services can be 100+ miles
- Sun protection — UV is intense, especially in desert Southwest
- Cooler for food and drinks on long drives
👕 Clothing Checklist
- Layers — USA climate varies dramatically by region and altitude
- Waterproof jacket
- Comfortable driving clothes
- Walking/hiking boots for national parks
- Trainers for cities
- Swimwear for coastal stops and hotel pools
- Sunglasses and sun hat
⭐ Nice to Have
- America the Beautiful National Parks Pass (covers entry to all national parks for one year — worth it for any multi-park trip)
- Dash cam
- Portable jump starter
- Roof box or packing cubes to maximise boot space
- Bluetooth speaker for car
- Podcasts and playlists downloaded offline
- State-by-state road atlas as backup
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an ESTA to visit the USA?
UK, EU and most developed-country passport holders need an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) for visits under 90 days under the Visa Waiver Program. Apply online at esta.cbp.dhs.gov — cost is $21 USD. Apply at least 72 hours before travel. An ESTA is not a visa — it's pre-authorisation for the Visa Waiver Program.
What is the best USA road trip route?
Pacific Coast Highway (California) is the most scenic single route — Highway 1 from San Francisco to Los Angeles via Big Sur. The national parks circuit (Utah's Mighty 5 — Zion, Bryce, Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef) is outstanding. Route 66 (Chicago to Los Angeles) is the classic cross-country drive. The Blue Ridge Parkway (Virginia to North Carolina) is stunning in autumn.
Is travel insurance necessary in the USA?
Absolutely essential. US healthcare is among the most expensive in the world — a single night in hospital can cost tens of thousands of dollars. A basic travel insurance policy with medical coverage of at least $1 million USD is the minimum. Check that your policy covers emergency evacuation and repatriation.