Quick question!

[Unconditional]

Passport is the next thing on my agenda. I literally have never had one, nor ever had the need to get one. I'll be applying for one in the next month or so.

I'm in like the same boat! I just need to save up the money to get the passport. Why must they be so expensive lol :P

[The_gentle_Hart]

Passport is the next thing on my agenda. I literally have never had one, nor ever had the need to get one. I'll be applying for one in the next month or so.

Good luck! They take a loooong time to process (at least they do here in the US. About 5-6 days to process and 4-6 weeks for delivery), so it's good that you're doing it early
Since this is your first passport, definitely bring a government issued ID (like a driver's license) and your birth certificate (just in case).

[Honour]

Good luck! They take a loooong time to process (at least they do here in the US. About 5-6 days to process and 4-6 weeks for delivery), so it's good that you're doing it early
Since this is your first passport, definitely bring a government issued ID (like a driver's license) and your birth certificate (just in case).

I have a provisional driver's license, which I got initially because I needed some form of ID since... well, you can imagine what students get up to. Nightclubs and the lights and booze My old friends were a bad influence. Anyway, I have both things, so good to go! My mum is going to be helping out with the application form; I'll be needing one anyway for my university course, as I believe the final year students (third year) have the opportunity to go to the states to study.

[Honour]

I'm in like the same boat! I just need to save up the money to get the passport. Why must they be so expensive lol :P

Hell if I know! They're about £80-£100 here ($100-$150 I guess) and whilst I have the money, it's just ridiculous.

[p_b82]

Good luck! They take a loooong time to process (at least they do here in the US. About 5-6 days to process and 4-6 weeks for delivery), so it's good that you're doing it early
Since this is your first passport, definitely bring a government issued ID (like a driver's license) and your birth certificate (just in case).

It is a slightly different process in the Uk for the paperwork than it is in the US...

my GF has just applied for hers, and is now waiting for it to be processed....

[Hollandia]

My passport was closer to 3 weeks. They do offer an expedited rate if you are in a hurry, but it's a lot of money. They cost 135 USD, so I don't think that was too bad, but to rush it, is another 60 dollars. Ouch!

Last couple of flights I was on, all offered from "hydration" beverages. They don't want anyone getting sick and suing them so I have not paid for water on a flight for years. Now, alcohol, lol, bring some cash. Beware of them saying they accept credit cards, if their machine is down, and they often are, and you have no cash, then you are up a creek.

I have horrible problems with my ears popping on flights so I always carry gum. Sucking a mint will help a bit but chewing the gum works wonders for me. I also think wearing headphones helps, but not the earbud kind. I dress in layers so my coat can become my blanket if needed.

If you have not bought your luggage yet, get loud unusual luggage, or put bright neon tape strips on your old stuff. Saves me tons of hassle when grabbing my luggage when it screams at me, plus the uglier your luggage, the less appealing to thieves. On that note, take everything you carry onto plane into a bathroom stall with you, don't leave outside the stall if flying alone and of course never take your eyes off your drink or food in airport when alone too.

My other suggestion is be at your gate 40 minutes before take-off. They start to board the plane 30 minutes prior and I almost missed a flight for showing up at the gate, from a delayed layover in LHR, on time. Get to your airport 2.5 hours -3 hours before take-off. You can always grab a drink/soda at a bar near your gate once you locate it, but don't push your time. Flying to me is all about, Hurry up and wait. You rush to get to check in and through security and to your gate and sit and wait for an hour, because the one time you don't, you will miss your flight. Same goes layovers, don't dilly dally until you have passed security and/or located your gate. I once had a little old lady with an iron rod in her leg refuse to be patted down and cost me 40 extra minutes in a security line on a layover. Expect the un-expected.

I am sure some must be different in the world, but to me, an airport is an airport is an airport. Follow the signs, watch your stuff, follow the rules, give yourself bumpers of time and off you go. Be polite and respectful and don't be afraid to tell staff this is your first time flying. I did and they were all extremely helpful and friendly my first time.

[LolaJ]

Not sure which airlines are available to you. Virgin was an absolute delight! The meal options weren't too bad, and it was unlimited drinks. So (I'm sure I drank a whole bottle of red wine) I was that nervous. As stated many times before. Bring something to keep you company, a book, possibly an iPad? or ebook reader. Most flights will have an onboard movie. Save your phone battery for when you arrive. You'll need it! Esta is a huge convenience and makes life so much easier! They now have this currency converting card, so you don't necessarily have to travel with a lot of cash. (That makes me nervous) Plan where you'll stay. Be it with him or alternative arrangements. It's best to have it figured out as soon as possible. Good luck and I hope it's everything you wish for doll

[Hollandia]

When you file for your ESTA, you have to have the address of where you are staying. If you are visiting with someone in USA, you will need their name, phone number and address. I filed my SO's ESTA when he came over and we stayed at a friend's house. I filled out all that information, and when he landed immigration still grilled him on it and asked the nature of his friendship of our friend, where he met him, and if he was available if they wanted to, could they call him. You also must have a return ticket or onward ticket out of USA at end of your visit. They can and might deny you access without one. You should also bring proof of your job or schooling to show ties to your home country as well. Just make a folder and print out copies of your hotel or a letter of invitation from your host, copies of your forward plane tickets, and ties to your home country. I also make sure to have a small amount of spending cash to show I am self sufficient and in USA, they are happy with seeing credit cards. The cash is usually more important for longer stays but the rest is needed for any amount of time.

[Unconditional]

Hell if I know! They're about £80-£100 here ($100-$150 I guess) and whilst I hphotohe money, it's just ridiculous.

Yeah I think they'll be $165 when I get mine. Then they want to charge you fifteen dollars for the photo. When I get mine, I'll go to my work to get the photo as it's only $8 minus my discount.

Then I figure I'll only take a carry-on, and I'll use space bags to give myself more room. I'll have to see if they charge by how much it weighs though.

[Niamhy]

What sort of tips?
For travel in general, ensure all of your documents are in order (passports, boarding pass, health care etc) I like to print everything I need and put in all in a polly pocket to keep it all safe.
Be aware of any restrictions when packing/ baggage allowance etc. These change depending on the airline/airport so make sure you're clear on these issue for both your airport at home and the airport in Wales.

I have no idea of specifics for travelling to and from the US regarding visas and the such, sorry :S

For when you arrive there;
Maybe do a little bit of research about things you'd like to do/see when in the UK?
Know where you are staying and sleeping. If you're staying with your SO, it could be best to make yourself aware of any nearby hostels/bnbs. (I know it's cynical, but if something happens and you fight you don't want to be left without a roof over your head)
Decide if you will be physical. If you will be having sexy times, see about protection before you leave home.
Personally, when I am travelling to my SO I prefer to wax before the trip. It means I don't need to worry about that part of grooming, at least.
I like to bring my SO a small gift.

I can't think of anything else off the top of my head. Sorry!

Most importantly, ENJOY YOURSELVES! How I wish I was travelling to see my SO so soon. Lucky girl!