California is a land of contrasts. Sun-kissed beaches and snowy mountains, parched deserts and lush forests, secluded communities, and bustling cities – California has it all!
If the Golden State is next on your travel bucket list, here are some things to consider and prepare for before the trip. To save you hours of searching and reading through guides, we have put together a list of logistical tips that might just save your life!
Plan Ahead
International travelers need to plan for their passports and visa in advance as it can take some time to process travel documents. All non-US citizens are required to have a visa to enter the country, so see if you have to renew it and check your passport validity period. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the US.
If you need a US passport photo, ensure it complies with US requirements. This is the first step of your trip, so try not to mess it up. You don’t want to be denied at the airport and miss all that California love!
Perks of an Access Pass
California State Parks has several discounts, and free access passes for nature lovers. The best deal is the year pass, which costs only $80, and it’s a ticket to all national parks and several other places. You can buy it online or at any national park.
Disneyland allows visitors to skip the line by purchasing and selecting arrival windows for fast entrances if they don’t want to wait in long queues. Read about the Genie+ and Lightning Lane entrance passes on their website for more information.
Stay Safe in the Sun
There are plenty of opportunities for daily outdoor activities all year round, but before you decide to enjoy a day at the beach, surf the waves or go hiking in the mountains, remember that the sun is not always your friend.
A hat, sunglasses, and a high UV protection sunscreen are must-haves in hot Californian weather. A bad sunburn can ruin your holiday, so apply sunscreen generously, even if it’s a bit overcast, and then reapply.
Also, heat exhaustion is extremely dangerous so stay hydrated. A water bottle may not be enough for a walk in the desert, so make sure you bring extra supplies.
Dress for the Weather
California’s diverse geography results in a varied climate across the state, so when you look at the weather forecast, you can see it’s entirely different for the coast, inland, mountains, and desert. And temperatures vary throughout the day, with warm afternoons quickly turning into chilly evenings once the sun goes down.
The wisest thing to do is dress in layers. Put on moisture-wicking clothes as a base layer, add a sweater or a jacket for warmth later, and carry a light, packable rain jacket to keep you dry.
Now you’re ready to enjoy California’s attractions!
Hike Smart
But before you embark on your next big adventure, check the weather report or ask a ranger about the conditions on the trail. Choose a route according to your abilities and never go alone; bring at least one hiking partner.
Cell phones might not work in remote areas, so inform a friend or family member of your itinerary. That’s how rescue teams will know where to look for you in case of unexpected events such as storms or accidents.
Pack some food, water, and a first aid kit, and you’re all set to explore the great outdoors!
Wildlife Encounters
Because of California’s geography and climate, there are numerous species of wildlife, some of which can be dangerous to humans.
Snakes attack only if they are threatened, so stick to the trails to avoid them and wear boots to protect you from bites. Mountain lions, coyotes, and black bears are also unlikely to attack humans but can be aggressive when their cubs are around. If you cross paths, keep a safe distance, don’t get between a female and her cubs, and fight back if attacked. Running away won’t help as they can easily outrun you, and your best defense weapon is bear spray.
Shark bites are extremely rare off the coast of California despite their booming population. To be safe, avoid swimming and surfing at dawn or dusk when it’s sharks’ feeding time.
Outdoor Fire Safety
Nothing beats a family gathering around a crackling fire, with the smell of toasted marshmallows and a starry sky above your head.
But the pleasure of campfires comes with great responsibility, as most wildfires are caused by human negligence. Wildfires often burst in California, destroying thousands of acres of forests and homes and endangering human life.
That is why it is crucial to keep an eye on the open fire pit, learn to contain it, and follow the rules of adequately extinguishing a campfire.
Hold Your Ground during an Earthquake
Earthquakes frequently happen in California because they lie over several faults, the largest being the San Andreas Fault. It is highly unlikely that you will experience a massive, destructive earthquake, but it’s better to be prepared to drop, cover and hold on.
If the ground starts shaking, hide under sturdy furniture to protect yourself from falling debris. If you get trapped inside, try to use your phone to tell someone where you are or make noise to lead rescue teams to your location. Outside, keep away from tall buildings and power wires.
Aftershocks can bring as much damage as the initial earthquake, so keeping calm and finding the safest escape route from falling objects is essential.
Final Say
Hopefully, this recount of (nearly) all the dangers you might face when visiting California doesn’t put you off traveling to this fantastic place. They are just tips to make you more aware of your surroundings, but your primary task remains to make the most out of your California dream trip.
There is something for everybody in the Golden State, and whatever type of holiday you choose, enjoy it and make it unforgettable.