As the holiday season approaches, many international students look forward to hosting their parents, relatives, or friends in the United States. With so many students studying abroad, winter often becomes a busy season for travel—either students returning home or families making the journey to visit them. If you’re planning to welcome loved ones from overseas, there are several important things to consider to make sure their trip goes smoothly.
Assuming your guests already have their visitor visas and passports in order, here are the next steps to prepare them for an enjoyable and worry-free stay in the U.S.
Purchase U.S. Visitors Insurance
This should be at the very top of the checklist. Health care costs in the United States are notoriously high, and a single emergency room visit can leave someone with a bill for thousands of dollars if they aren’t insured. Travel insurance for visitors provides coverage for unexpected medical expenses and can prevent a financial crisis in case of an accident or sudden illness. Encourage your guests to secure a policy before they arrive—it’s one of the best safeguards they can have during their trip.
Confirm Vaccinations Are Current
Visitors should be up to date on standard vaccinations required for entry into the U.S. These include protection against diseases such as measles, polio, and hepatitis A and B. It’s a good idea for your guests to review official health guidelines and make sure they’ve had all the necessary shots before traveling.
Plan for Communication
Figuring out how your guests will stay connected is another practical step. Will they rely on your phone, swap out their SIM cards, or buy a low-cost phone while they’re here? Each option works, but deciding in advance saves time and ensures they won’t run into difficulties once they land.
Sort Out Finances
Exchange rates vary widely, and depending on where your guests are coming from, the U.S. dollar may stretch further—or not at all. Help them estimate how much they should bring for their stay, keeping in mind meals, transportation, and shopping. They should also decide whether to use a credit card that works internationally, carry mostly cash, or plan to exchange money once they arrive. Sorting this out ahead of time avoids unnecessary stress during the trip.
Bring the Right Power Adapters
Technology is part of everyday life, and nothing is more inconvenient than a dead phone or laptop with no way to charge it. U.S. outlets may not be compatible with devices from other countries, so remind your guests to pack the correct adapters. Picking them up before the trip is much easier than scrambling to find one after arrival.
Final Thoughts
Hosting friends and family from abroad is an exciting part of the holidays, but it also comes with responsibilities. By making sure your guests have visitors insurance, updated vaccinations, a communication plan, enough money, and the right adapters, you’ll help set them up for a comfortable and stress-free stay. With these essentials taken care of, they can focus on enjoying their time with you and experiencing the holiday season in the United States.
