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Hello! 👋
This is one of my latest entries, where I share my travel adventures. This time, I’m taking you to the United States – a country often seen as the symbol of dreams coming true, the so-called American Dream. But is it always the case? My journey took place in April 2018 and was centered around attending the NAB Show, held in Las Vegas. This event attracts media and technology professionals from all over the world.
The trip wasn’t very long – I spent about eight days in the United States. Despite the limited time, I managed to visit two iconic cities: Los Angeles and Las Vegas. Each of them had its unique atmosphere that stayed with me for a long time. It was my first trip so far from home, so the logistics and emotions tied to the journey were quite a challenge in themselves.
What is the NAB Show?
The NAB Show is one of the most significant events in the media and technology industry, held annually in Las Vegas. Attending it was a natural choice for me due to my previous work in the field, where staying up-to-date with the latest technological advancements was almost mandatory. The NAB Show provides a unique opportunity not only to see but also to experience firsthand the latest innovations shaping the future of media.
For me, it was an excellent complement to my experience at the IBC Show in Amsterdam, which focuses more on the European perspective. The NAB Show allowed me to explore the American market – larger, bolder, and more technologically advanced. Combining these two perspectives was incredibly valuable, and Las Vegas itself added a unique charm to this journey.
How did I get to the United States?
Back then, traveling wasn’t as simple as buying a ticket, packing your bags, and hopping on a plane. Nowadays, it’s much easier – you handle the ESTA process, get approved, and you’re good to go. However, things were a bit different at that time. Let me break it down step by step…
Visa and embassy visit
In 2018, to enter the United States, I had to obtain a B1/B2 visa. The first step was filling out the online DS-160 form, which included many detailed and sometimes surprising questions, such as: “Have you ever participated in terrorist activities?”
Next, I paid the application processing fee of $160. The payment confirmation was essential for proceeding with the next steps.
The next step was a visit to the U.S. Embassy in Warsaw. After passing through security and waiting for my turn, I had an interview with a consular officer. They asked about the purpose of my trip, the length of my stay, and my ties to Poland. Once I received a positive decision, I left my passport to have the visa affixed.
A week later, my passport with the visa was back in my hands, and I could finally start planning my trip to the United States! 😊
Departure from Warsaw
For my trip to the United States, I chose LOT Polish Airlines and their premium economy class. It sounded like a touch of luxury, but looking back, I have to admit I wouldn’t do it again. Not worth the money, haha!
At that time, it wasn’t possible to change meal preferences online, so I had to personally request lactose-free meals. Pretty retro, but thankfully, I managed to sort it out at the airport.
The day of departure was filled with small “luxuries.” Checking in luggage at the business class counter, using fast track (a quicker way through security), and priority boarding – all of it was new to me. Onboard, premium economy came with slightly wider seats and a curtain separating it from the “peasants” in economy. A touch of exclusivity, right? Or at least it felt that way at the time! 😏
The flight was on a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which was exciting in itself. The food? Pretty decent, but for me, it was all about the experience. It was only my second time flying and my first long-haul journey. The excitement was unreal – I felt like a kid living out a dream of a big adventure. 😊
Procedures and passport clearance
I made it! Stepping off the plane, I was bursting with excitement – I was finally in Los Angeles! As I exited the area for international arrivals, the giant American flag immediately caught my eye. The sight only fueled my emotions – I felt like I had just walked onto a movie set.
The first step was the automated kiosk, which assigned me to the appropriate line. The system printed a black-and-white receipt with my photo, and I took it to the border officer. The conversation was pretty standard: “What’s the purpose of your visit?”, “How long are you staying?”, “Where will you be staying?”. After answering, I got the much-anticipated stamp in my passport. Officially – I was in the USA!
The process took some time, but it went smoothly. Thankfully, the airport had free Wi-Fi, so I could quickly let my friends and family know that I had arrived safe and sound.
Jet lag hit me hard – the classic effect of switching time zones. My body still thought I was in Poland and ready for bed, while in California, the day was just beginning. Fatigue, disorientation, and a heavy head were inevitable, but the excitement completely took over. Time to take my first steps in America! 🇺🇸 😊
Car rental
I had already reserved a car with Alamo, so after clearing customs at the airport, I hopped on the shuttle bus connecting the terminal to the rental lot. Once there, I was surprised to find that the process was fully self-service, although assistance from a staff member was also an option.
The biggest surprise? You get to choose your own car! It was my first time renting a car abroad, and I didn’t expect to walk onto a lot with an entire row of vehicles to pick from. The mid-size Nissans didn’t catch my eye, but then I spotted a Dodge Charger. I asked a staff member if I could take it, and he said, “The keys are inside, go ahead.” So, I did! And let me tell you – driving it was pure joy.
At the exit gate, my details, driver’s license, and passport were checked – everything was in order, and the formalities were handled quickly. However, it’s worth noting that I was 21 at the time, which meant an additional fee for being a young driver. Looking back, it was quite a hefty cost, but at that moment, I was just thrilled to be driving a car in the USA. It was an amazing feeling! 😊
Driving license – local or international?
Many travelers wonder if it’s possible to drive in the United States with a Polish driver’s license. The answer depends on the state. In most states, a Polish driver’s license is accepted for tourists for up to 90 days. However, some states, such as Texas or Florida, may require an International Driving Permit (IDP).
For example, in California, a Polish driver’s license is accepted, which was a big convenience for me. However, it’s worth noting that an International Driving Permit (IDP) is an official translation of your license into English, which can be helpful when dealing with local authorities or car rental companies.
In my case, I used only my Polish driver’s license and didn’t encounter any issues. However, in hindsight, I’d recommend getting an International Driving Permit (IDP) to avoid potential complications. If you’d like to learn more about how to obtain one, check out a separate post here.
I think I’ve gone lost…
Did I mention how crucial it is to sort out a SIM card and navigation before traveling? Well… I totally forgot about those essentials after leaving the rental car parking lot. No internet, no offline maps, and worst of all – I hadn’t even memorized the hotel’s address. Yes, this was one of the bigger mistakes I made on this trip.
I wandered the streets with no idea where I was. Instead of calmly finding my way to the hotel, I ended up in a neighborhood that, in hindsight, wasn’t the best place for a nighttime adventure. Desperate, I walked into a store to ask for directions. The problem? My English at the time was at the “Me hungry, me eat” level. I could understand what people were saying, but putting together sentences… well, that was a challenge.
That’s when I remembered GTA: San Andreas. Seriously, the landscapes and road layouts looked like they had been lifted straight out of Los Santos. When I started seeing mountains, a light bulb went off in my head: “In the game, this meant I was leaving the city. No way the hotel is this far out!”
Eventually, I stopped at a McDonald’s – the ultimate mecca of free Wi-Fi – to check the hotel’s location. Plot twist? The hotel was… literally a stone’s throw from the airport. Meanwhile, I had managed to wander over an hour away. Well done, me. 😂
Los Angeles
I finally made it to the hotel! After all the wandering, parking, and stress, the only thing I had energy for was collapsing onto the bed and falling asleep. The next day, feeling refreshed and ready for adventure, I decided to make the most of every moment, even though my time in Los Angeles was limited.
Accommodation
I had booked a stay at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Culver City, now operating simply as Hilton. Back then, when I didn’t have much experience or expectations regarding hotel standards, the place left a really good impression on me. I liked everything – well, almost everything. The exception was the air conditioner in my room, which made some odd noises, slightly disrupting the nighttime peace.
Would I recommend this hotel? Sure, why not! The location was pretty good, especially considering its proximity to the airport and easy access to major routes. However, it’s worth noting that parking was paid, so that’s an extra cost to keep in mind. Other than that, everything was spot on – a comfy bed, a clean room, and a decent breakfast.
What was I able to see?
The day started early. I woke up full of energy and plans, heading straight to the nearby Best Buy to take care of a few things. As it turned out, 8:30 or even 9:00 was far too early for the store to be open – I had to wait until 10:00. A little introduction to the American way of life! When the store finally opened, I bought a SIM card, which cost me quite a bit at the time. Given my travel experience back then, it was one of those expenses you just had to accept.
With my new SIM card in hand, I hopped into the Charger and set off to explore. The streets alone left a huge impression on me – wide, typically “movie-like,” with palm trees in the background. It was like living out the American dream I’d seen in films for years.
First stop? Hollywood. However, I was met with a bit of a surprise – the noticeable presence of homelessness, which was already quite common at the time. This wasn’t the dreamlike America I had imagined. I’d seen glimpses of it on Instagram before, but seeing it in person was a completely different experience.
The next stop was Santa Monica, one of those places I associate with pop culture. Driving along the coast and seeing the famous pier – absolutely beautiful! Along the way, I also visited other iconic spots that immediately brought back memories from “GTA: San Andreas.” It felt like I was actually driving through the map of Los Santos in real life.
I couldn’t miss a drive through Beverly Hills, where luxury was evident at every turn. The famous mansions, perfectly manicured lawns, and that atmosphere of wealth – exactly as I had imagined it.
Las Vegas
My stay in Los Angeles was unfortunately short – just two nights, leaving me with only one full day to explore. In hindsight, especially after my second trip to the USA in 2019, I realize that one day is definitely not enough for a city like Los Angeles. The distances are vast, and travel times can take much longer than the 20-30 minutes it often takes in Warsaw. In LA, everything happens on a different scale.
After a quick breakfast at the hotel, I set off towards Las Vegas. The journey itself was more than just a trip from point A to point B. The landscapes along the way were breathtaking – from the cityscapes of Los Angeles to the vast deserts and open spaces that seemed to stretch on endlessly.
Accommodation
In Las Vegas, I decided to treat myself and rented a room at Marriott’s Grand Chateau, located just next to the city’s main street – Las Vegas Boulevard, famously known as The Strip. The location was perfect, as everything was within walking distance, yet the hotel was situated in a slightly quieter area, offering a break from the hustle and bustle of the casinos and lights.
Check-in was smooth, and when I got to the room, I was impressed. The high floor offered a stunning view of the Las Vegas skyline – absolutely beautiful. In the evening, the city looked like something out of a fairy tale, with thousands of neon lights and flickering signs.
The only downside? No breakfast included. But honestly, the price I paid for the room was enough to overlook the lack of extra services. Still, it was worth it – the comfort, the view, and the location made up for everything! 😊
What was I able to see?
In Las Vegas, of course, I couldn’t miss a walk down The Strip, the city’s main street. This is where all the casino madness happens, along with luxury hotels, flashing neon lights, and crowds of people at all hours of the day and night. Walking through it, you can really feel the unique energy of a city that never sleeps. I also experienced a ride on the monorail, which was a quick and convenient way to get around this sprawling metropolis.
Most of the two days, however, were spent at the NAB Show, which was the main purpose of my trip. Although the trade show dominated my schedule, I managed to carve out some time for a few short excursions. One of them was a trip to the Hoover Dam, a monumental feat of engineering that left a huge impression. The drive to the dam, surrounded by desert landscapes, was an attraction in itself.
Looking back, I can see that my sightseeing plan was a bit chaotic. Everything happened on a “whatever catches my eye” basis, without much preparation. It was spontaneous, which has its charm, but at the same time, I felt like I could have seen more if I had planned better. I saw some things, but not quite everything. The takeaway for the future? Sometimes it’s worth taking a little extra time to plan things out! 😊
NAB 2018
The NAB Show 2018 was the main purpose of my trip and, undoubtedly, a huge event. It was the place to see the latest technological advancements in the media and broadcasting industry.
The booths of the biggest manufacturers were truly impressive. From advanced film and television cameras capable of capturing footage in incredible quality, to broadcasting systems, and even seemingly mundane items like… cables. But trust me, for someone who has worked in the industry, even cables can be fascinating! Every detail was meticulously crafted, and the solutions showcased at the exhibition were designed not only to improve broadcast quality but also to make daily work in the industry easier.
Food
When it comes to food, my trip to the USA was definitely dominated by typical greasy dishes. I remember giving McDonald’s a try – but I have to admit, the taste in that area just didn’t suit me. What really stood out was my experience at the McDonald’s in Santa Monica, Los Angeles, where… I had no cell phone signal. Plus, there was some odd company – quite a few homeless people inside, which created a rather unique atmosphere.
Besides fast food, I also tried burgers at local joints and pizza. Unfortunately, neither one wowed me. The burgers were average, and the pizza, even at Pizza Hut, just didn’t appeal to me. It wasn’t food I’d remember with admiration, though I admit, at the time, I took it all casually – just something quick to eat and keep moving.
Safety
Safety was one of the topics that often crossed my mind during my trip to the USA. I didn’t always feel comfortable, as at times, I had the impression I was witnessing a kind of “wild west” – the harsher, less idealistic version of America that didn’t quite match the images from the movies.
In Los Angeles, homelessness was particularly noticeable. People camping on sidewalks or in parks created a tense atmosphere. In Las Vegas, on the other hand, The Strip, with its crowds and neon lights, gave a sense of safety. However, it only took a few blocks away to find yourself in areas with a completely different vibe – quieter, less welcoming, where the people you encountered could evoke mixed feelings.
One of the factors that influenced my perception of safety was the awareness of how easily accessible guns are in the U.S. Even simple situations, like walking down an unfamiliar street, could make me wonder if I was making the right decision. Despite that, I never encountered anything dangerous – perhaps thanks to common sense and a bit of luck.
Return to Poland
The return journey began in Las Vegas, where I returned the rental car. My plan was to fly from McCarran Airport in Las Vegas to Los Angeles, and then directly to Poland. And this is where the story begins, showing how crucial it is to properly plan layovers, especially when using different carriers.
As an inexperienced traveler, I was convinced that I could check my luggage all the way to Poland from Las Vegas. Nothing could be further from the truth – I had to collect it in Los Angeles and recheck it for the international flight. Unfortunately, the layover time turned out to be much too short.
The airport in Las Vegas operated like a well-oiled machine – quick check-ins, no issues. But after landing in Los Angeles, things started to go wrong. The distance between the domestic and international terminals was much greater than I had expected. To make matters worse, in the chaos of the layover… I forgot to pick up my suitcase from the carousel! It wasn’t until I was on my way to the next terminal that it hit me that my luggage was still at the pickup area. I rushed back to get it, hoping it would still be there. Thankfully, I managed to catch it in time.
When I finally reached the international terminal, another round of sprinting awaited me. I ran to the LOT check-in counter at the last minute, stressed, exhausted, but with my luggage in hand. In the end, everything worked out, but in hindsight, I know that better planning and more time for layovers could have saved me a lot of stress.
Summary
The trip to the United States was a truly memorable experience for me – my first long-distance journey, filled with unforgettable moments, although it was intense at times. Do I regret it? Absolutely not. Every experience, from the excitement to the minor stresses, taught me better planning and greater flexibility when traveling.
A year later, I returned to the U.S. with friends. This time, we managed to see more and get to know different corners of the country better. Was it more organized? Maybe a little – though spontaneity still had its place.
Today, the United States doesn’t pull me in as strongly as it once did. The “American Dream” that I had built up in my mind over the years has faded a bit after clashing with reality. What we see in movies is raw and real, but that confrontation has its charm. After all, travel is all about discovering and shaping your own opinions.
Would I recommend visiting the USA? Definitely. Every region of the world is worth seeing with your own eyes and experiencing firsthand, rather than relying on others’ opinions or myths from the internet. The United States, with all its contrasts, is a unique country in its own right. 😊
