Thank you so much for making time and effort to celebrate this special day with us! Some of you are experienced travelers, but we still would like to give you a couple of tips and advice in case you are wondering what to do.
When?
June 4th is the wedding and we want you there! So when should you come over to the US?
Well that’s largely up to you. We wouldn’t suggest arriving later than June 1st as you will be quite tired the first couple days. However the US is a big place and there’s a lot to explore, so adventure how you like! We will add some suggestions for things to do and flights as the big day gets closer. Please keep in mind that we will be quite busy in preparation for the wedding so if you do need more help with the traveling portion please make sure you let us know in the RSVP.
The Big steps
Step 1. Passport
Make sure your passport is valid for next year. Do not procrastinate.
Step 2. Flights & Tickets
Our recommendation is to travel into the Toronto Pearson airport.
Example flight from Copenhagen (CPH) to Toronto Pearson (YYZ)
Other nearby airports are Buffalo and Pittsburgh. These are smaller airports and generally more expensive.
New York City is also an option but the drive is about 8 hours from there to the wedding venue.
We will give a stronger recommendation on flights at a later date.
Car rentals can be found at each airport.
We also recommend buying refundable tickets, in case something happens with the flight company or you (we hope not!). When we travel we prefer to book directly with the flight company.
Step 3. VISAS
You will need and ESTA to get into the USA. If you decide to fly into Toronto you will also need a Canadian ETA. So you may need one or two VISA depending on how you decide to travel, and both of these cost money (but are pretty cheap).
Protip; apply and be approved before you buy plane tickets!
American
Link to register for an American ESTA
Canadian
Link to register for a Canadian ETA
If you fly into Toronto you need to go through customs at the Canadian-American border. You will get asked questions about your whereabouts (wedding, yay!). Also, do not bring anything weird.
Step 4. Welcome to the land of the free and home of the brave!
Tips and tricks
Travel Docs
- Take pictures of all your travel documents. That way if something happens you have a copy on your phone.
Money
- Check if your card will work overseas, and what foreign transaction fees they have.
- Call the bank for the card you will be using and let them know you will be using it over seas or your card may be shut off
- Make sure to have more than one card you can use in case something happens to one.
- make sure to keep them in two separate places. If you lose your purse you don’t that to be where all your money was.
- Cash is kind of a waste because you will have to pay to transfer it back and forth.
- When prompted by the machine pay for things in your currency and let the bank do the conversion. It’s cheaper than letting the machine do the conversions.
Medication
- Make sure you have extra medication.
- Make sure you have prescriptions/paperwork for all medication.
- Do not put important medication in checked bags. Keep it with you.
Security
- You have to remove ALL LIQUIDS and gels from the bag you bring on your plane. Each bottle can only be 100ml and they have to be in a clear 1 liter bag. So put all your fluids in an easy to reach ziplock bag.
- Don’t wear metal into security. Belts, watch, ear rings etc.
- Don’t bring sharp things, or tools.
- We suggest wearing a light jacket with zippered pockets. Before you get into security put what’s in your pants pockets in there so you can easily remove the jacket and put it in a tray
Internet
- Keep in mind you won’t have cell service once you leave the EU.
- There will be plenty of wifi hotspots available at airports, hotels and resturaunts.
- You can also purchase a sim card online before you go.
UNTESTED OPTIONS ( We found them but have never tried them)
Jet Lag
- DON’T go to sleep when you arrive. As tired as you may be you have to stay up until its time to go to sleep in the country you are arriving to. Eating meals at the right time and some light exercise can also help
Driving
- Based on practical experience and what I’ve been able to find online there’s no extra paperwork necessary to drive in the US. Just make sure you have your Swedish license on you.
The traveling part
- Be at the airport at least 3 hours early. It seems like a lot but we have needed every minute of that 3 hours more than once…
- Bring an empty water bottle. That way you can fill it up when you get security. Flying dehydrates you a lot so drink a lot of water.
- Bring ear plugs, flying is loud.
- Something to put over your eyes can be nice as well if you’re going to try and nap.
- Bring snacks, traveling is hard. Traveling hangry is harder. Don’t just pack sugar. Pack high protein and fat, it will burn slower.
- Food is expensive at airports, and you likely won’t have time to eat, and your flight may not include a meal. Bring a “meal” of some sort.
- Download Netflix movies and shows to your phone, that way you can watch them on the flight.
- Dress in layers (and comfy clothes) temperatures tend to vary a lot on the plane, don’t be stuck in heavy socks with a wool sweater.
- Wear slip off shoes, your feet will swell a bit on the plane, shoes are uncomfortable. They also make compression socks to help with this.
- Things to have with you on the plane
- water bottle
- snacks
- ear plugs
- headphones
- phone
- battery pack for phone
- eyemask
- some entertainment