Medical Services

Medical facilities in America are generally of a high standard but be advised that many of the medications normally available over the counter in some countries require a prescription in the US. Medical insurance is advised and only emergency cases are treated without prior payment.  Treatment may be refused without the evidence of insurance or a deposit.  So be prepared! Sort out your travel insurance before you go.

Vaccinations

No vaccinations are required for entry to the states but you may want get a tetanus booster just to be safe.

Travel insurance

Don’t leave home without it!  Accidents happen – and they can happen in the strangest places at the strangest times, like on the side of a mountain in Colorado or in an alley in New York at 3 am.  Travel insurance can cover you for all sorts of mishaps during your travel, and even before you leave.  Did you know up to 25% of all insurance claims are due to cancellation of travel?

Safety and security

Below are a few hints and tips to ensure you have a hassle-free trip:

1. The risk of major bush fires around Los Angeles and all of southern California is very high during October and November. Areas of highest risk are the canyons and hills where dry vegetation and Santa Ana high winds can cause wild fires to move very quickly.  In an emergency, visitors should follow the advice of local law enforcement, in case evacuation is necessary. 

2. The hurricane season normally runs from June to November, and can affect the whole of the southern USA.

3. There is a general threat from terrorism in the United States.  The US Department of Homeland Security has designated high terror alert, for all international and domestic flights in the USA.