International Travel Essentials

Have you ever considered travel registration? These days, many countries encourage their citizens who are traveling to register with their government.

This travel registration would let your local embassy know you are in a particular country. I have to admit, this is something we’ve never done, though we’re thinking about it now.

We’ve always prided ourselves on being pretty independent and taking care of ourselves. We usually travel with no reservations but with a well-researched outline of what we want to see and do.

We’ve always thought it was sort of fun that we were … read more

Have you ever wondered if you’re paying too much when you click “buy now” on those internet search engines for travel? Wouldn’t you like to get money back on those tickets or that hotel room if you do? Well, now it just might be possible.

There are search engines out there that are supposed to alert you when airfares or hotel prices drop. There are other sites that try to tell you whether they think the price will go up or down further… Hopefully they’re programmed to guess better than you can if it’s the right time … read more

Sometimes when you travel, you may find some strange laws… at least they may seem strange to you, but they are perfectly logical in the country you are traveling to.

And while you may think they’re a little funny, if you break some of them, you won’t be laughing. You really want to know what these are ahead of time if you can.

While some minor infractions may be overlooked, in some countries, things you don’t even think about may result in costly fines… or even get you in serious trouble… might even land you in jail! … read more

When you are going to rent a car abroad, you might want to think about getting an International Driving Permit. You also need to know about traffic laws abroad. There will almost always be some variations from home.

Some countries say that they require an International Driving Permit. Will that help you know about traffic laws abroad? The short answer is…. NO. There is no test on the rules of the road for an International Drivers Permit. No booklet to read.

You must have a valid driver’s license from your home country or state. … read more

Some people love shopping. I’m not one of them, but I do like shopping on vacation. While I LIKE shopping on vacation, I think some people vacation to shop! Travel for what ever reasons you want… and if shopping is one of your loves…. why not shop while you’re traveling?

I like wandering in bazaars and flea markets, but I like looking at big department stores in cities like London and Paris or almost anywhere else too. Exploring big stores lets you see what the fashions are like in the country you’re visiting, and it gives you … read more

Trusted Traveler Programs have been instituted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Patrol.  There are three different programs as of this writing; all are attempts to save you time.

They provide expedited travel for pre-approved, low risk travelers by allowing them to pass through special lanes and kiosks at certain airports and border crossings.

The Global Entry Program is a Trusted Traveler Program that is your express pass to get quickly through the United States’ international arrival areas.  Automated kiosks are designed to process pre-approved, low risk international travelers who qualify.

This U.S. Customs and Border Protection program is … read more

Take your travel documents with you when you leave on your trip.  They are worthless at home!  This is a theme we often harp on.

You know you need those documents to get on the plane and get through immigrations, but don’t think that once you get to your destination that  you’re home free.

If you’ve made any arrangements in advance of your trip, take proof.  This applies whether you are taking a tour or have made arrangements as an independent traveler.

Take the tickets or vouchers or even copies of e-mail communications that confirm what you signed up for.

You’ll need some proof … read more

Toronto is a big city. If you’re the kind of traveler who loves cities, you should visit Toronto. It sits on the tip of Lake Ontario, the eastern most of the Great Lakes of North America. While the city is large, the sights you’ll probably want to see are centered fairly close around the Harbourfront.

It’s a lively, multicultural city. About half of its citizens were born outside of Canada. Waves of immigration from Europe, Latin America, Asia and the Caribbean have created an interesting patchwork of ethnic neighborhoods to explore.

Start with the CN Tower. … read more

Electrical adaptors and converters. You’re going on HOLIDAY not studying electricity… Why do you need to know about these?

Because if you don’t have the right adaptors and converters, you’re appliances just might not work!

Electrical adaptors for travel are plugs that go between your appliance with their US or European style prongs and the foreign wall socket with the receptacle for a different arrangement … read more