'What it's like travelling to the US right now from Australia'

There are many reasons Aussies may be nervous to visit the USA right now.

The controversial immigration crackdowns in some states, the war with Iran, reports of travellers being questioned and even turned away at the border, and lengthy security lines have all hit the headlines.

Though the numbers of Aussies heading Stateside compared with last year are down according to official numbers, tens of thousands are still making the trip over.

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If you've been wondering what it's like to travel to the US right now, I recently headed over on a short visit from Sydney to NYC and Florida. Here's how it went.

Travelling to the USA

Boarding the flight at Sydney I was pulled over for an 'extra security' check which included taking my shoes off and being frisked with a wand.

This isn't anything new.

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Fast forward 15 hours and I arrived at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport where I was braced for long lines at immigration.

I once missed a flight because I was stuck in the entry queue, though that was at the notorious LAX.

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I had already downloaded the free Mobile Passport Control app, which meant I could skip a line.

Once at the front, the immigration officer asked to see my return ticket, enquired about my holiday, who I was travelling with and where we both lived.

As usual I was photographed and had my fingerprints taken. After that, I was waved through.

It only took around ten minutes.

Transiting onto our domestic flight was also easy, even though a delay on the outward flight meant we didn't have long.

We had to pass through security again where the cheery man said "have a good day, Sarah," after checking my passport and boarding pass.

The only thing I did "wrong" was leave a bottle of water I'd been given on the plane in my bag when I went through the scanner. Oops.

Holidaying in America

We visited New York City and Miami.

Neither have really been flashpoints in the recent unrest. However, I have seen videos of violence on the subway in New York.

Though I was a little cautious about that, I was keen to utilise public transport, because who can afford Uber or taxis?

But we saw nothing of note, including after midnight.

Our few days in the city were as fabulous as it had been on other visits over recent years.

We all know it is pricey: two drinks at a nice pub cost us $50 including the tax and tip, but a slice of Joe's pizza comes in at around $7 which is still a bargain.

The only issues we had were the garbage trucks keeping us awake all night and being told off for eating a snack in the theatre - who knew that was now banned?

Getting to our second destination, Miami, meant heading back to the airport.

Over the past month there have been countless headlines on the lengthy TSA lines - AKA airport security - because of the government shutdown.

My Instagram feed has been full of horror stories of hours-long waits. So we actually headed to the airport a good four hours before our flight.

There was a queue indeed and we saw ICE agents working alongside the usual staff. But it took no longer than 30 minutes to get through.

That flight was also uneventful, apart from the attendant trying to sell passengers the airline's credit card over the announcements.

They also warned people about using headphones for listening to music amid a crackdown, plus asked passengers not to "touch or tap flight attendants."

Once in Miami we used mostly buses and trains.

We were there for a cruise, but also visited the area known as Little Havana for the best Mexican food I've ever had.

(We did have a taxi driver try and rip us off though - it always pays to be cautious.)

Is it safe to travel to the USA from Australia right now?

Overall we had next to no issues with travelling to the US.

Officially, Smartraveller does warn of potential issues to do with protests, government shutdowns and with immigration requirements, noting 'entry requirements are strict: US authorities have broad powers to decide if you're eligible to enter and may determine that you are inadmissible for any reason under US law."

But the country remains at the safest of alert levels, green.

Despite all the headlines, we are already saving for a return visit to the US, as it remains one of my favourite travel destinations.

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