before you go

Planning your trip to Nashville?
(this guide is mainly for swiss people)

Here are a few things worth knowing before you go.

best time to visit

  • I can only speak from experience and I have only been in June by now.

    Last year during winter there was heavy snow, before summer there was heavy rain and that’s all I know for now.

    Will keep this updated as soon as I go another season :)

flying to nashville

  • Unfortunately, there are currently no direct flights from Zurich (ZRH) to Nashville (BNA), so you'll need at least one connection.

    These are the routes I've personally flown and would happily recommend:

    • Zurich → Montreal → Nashville

    • Nashville → Washington, D.C. → Zurich

    • Zurich → Washington, D.C. → Nashville and the same thing back.

    I've never had any issues with any of these routes, including immigration.

    If you're connecting through Montreal, you'll clear U.S. immigration in Canada, which means you arrive in Nashville as a domestic passenger. I found the process in Montreal to be quick and straightforward.

    But also flying directly to Washington DC was great. The airport is easy and pretty fast.

    Try to avoid anything in New York. I’ve heard from friends that it takes forever to transfer.

    💡 Insider Tip
    If you're flying via Canada, don't forget to apply for a Canadian eTA before your trip. Even if you're only transiting through Canada on your way to the U.S., you'll generally need a valid eTA if you're traveling by air with a visa-exempt passport.

ESTA & Passport

  • Probably the most important thing to sort out before your trip! Without a valid ESTA (or the appropriate visa) and a valid passport, you won't be allowed to travel to the United States.

    If you're eligible to travel under the Visa Waiver Program, make sure you apply for your ESTA through the official website well before your departure:

    Official ESTA Application

    💡 Insider Tip
    Don't leave your ESTA application until the last minute. Apply a few weeks before your trip so you have plenty of time in case additional information is needed. Also, always use the official ESTA website - there are many third-party websites that charge unnecessary extra fees.

  • Before booking your trip, make sure your passport is valid and that you meet the current entry requirements for the United States. If you're traveling under the Visa Waiver Program, you'll also need an approved ESTA before you fly. Be sure to apply for it well in advance of your departure.

    If you're connecting through Canada, don't forget that you'll also need a valid Canadian eTA, even if you're only transiting through the airport.

    💡 Insider Tip
    I always double-check my passport, ESTA, and any transit requirements a few weeks before flying. It's a simple step that can save you a lot of stress on departure day.

  • Probably the part of the journey that makes most people the most nervous! Personally, I've never had any problems entering the United States.

    The immigration officer will usually ask you a few simple questions, such as:

    • Where are you traveling?

    • How long are you staying?

    • What's the purpose of your trip?

    • Where will you be staying?

    I simply answer honestly and confidently, because I have nothing to hide. Whenever I've told them I'm visiting for a country music festival, they've always been friendly - wishing me a great trip or even asking who my favorite country artist is.

    Of course, this has been my personal experience, and every entry into the U.S. can be different. Just stay calm, answer the questions truthfully, and you'll most likely be on your way before you know it.

    💡 Insider Tip
    Have the name and address of your hotel (or accommodation) easily accessible, just in case you're asked where you'll be staying. It's also a good idea to know your return flight details, even though you may not be asked for them.

Money & Tipping

  • The U.S. loves credit cards, so make sure you bring one with you. While cash can still be useful now and then, you'll be able to pay by card almost everywhere.

    Hotels will often ask for a credit card at check-in to place a temporary hold or deposit for incidentals. Bars and restaurants may also ask to keep your card open if you're starting a tab, which is completely normal.

    💡 Insider Tip
    I usually carry a small amount of cash for tips or the occasional cash-only vendor, but I've found that I pay for almost everything with my credit card. Just make sure it's enabled for international transactions before you travel.

  • Coming from Switzerland, tipping in the U.S. definitely took some getting used to. We're used to rounding up the bill, but in America, tips are an important part of many service workers' income.

    I usually base my tip on the service and overall experience. If I received great service, I'm happy to leave a generous tip. Most restaurants will also suggest different tip percentages on the payment screen or receipt, which can be helpful if you're unsure what to leave.

    💡 Insider Tip
    Don't be surprised if the payment terminal or receipt suggests different tip amounts - that's completely normal in the U.S.