posted by admin on May 31
US Passport Requirements For Taking a Cruise
In the economic times we are living in today, taking a cruise has become a very affordable way for a couple or a family to still be able to enjoy a vacation Due to the growing popularity of a cruise, more people are questioning the travel requirements needed for U S Citizens . .Effective June 1, 2009, leniency has been allowed for U S Citizens taking a “closed-loop” cruise, where a U S passport will not be required to sail A “closed-loop” cruise is defined as a sailing that originates and terminates in the same U S port . .Although a passport is not required for these “closed-loop” cruises, you will need proof of citizenship and a government-issued photo ID, such as an original or certified copy of a birth certificate and a driver’s license If you are traveling with children, they will also be required to carry a birth certificate and a photo ID if over the age of 15 . .However, if your cruise is scheduled to begin and end in different U S ports, or if it will begin and end in a foreign port, a valid passport or other recognized WHTI-compliant document is required And note that a valid passport is required if you are traveling on any of the Europe cruises . .This new ruling will be great for a person taking a last minute cruise, and will not have the time to get a passport processed in time But it is still highly recommended to cruise with a passport if possible If for any reason you need to fly from the U S to a foreign port when missing your scheduled embarkation, or if you need to fly back to the U S midway through your cruise due to an emergency, this would not be possible without your passport . .Don’t misunderstand the leniency of the passport requirement with proof of citizenship All people going on any cruise will still be required to show proof of citizenship in order to take a cruise If you can’t present a valid document at check in, you will be denied boarding and no refund will be issued . .Investing in a U S passport is necessary, and certainly a wise investment for anyone wanting to see the world But it is good to know that a person can still get away for a 3 day cruise, or even longer without one Just be sure your cruise will qualify for the exception to the rule Happy sailing!.
Source: www.rsstnx.com
Top 10 Tips For Vacationing On An Adventure Tour
Adventure tours are becoming an increasingly popular alternative to a traditional vacation. Travelers have found that adventure tours break up the monotony of visiting just one location on a trip. By visiting numerous locations, most of which are breathtaking landscapes or vibrant cities, an adventure tour can making an entire vacation an experience to remember. Many adventure tours include hiking and camping, and some even feature white water rafting or ocean kayaking. Since an adventure tour is not your ordinary vacation, there are a few things that you should keep in mind when venturing out on one. Here are the 10 most important tips to remember when setting out for your adventure tour vacation. #1 - Be Prepared Many of the places that an adventure tour can take you will put you out of the range of most cellular phones, so it is important that you prepare yourself ahead of time. Make sure that you travel with a fully-stocked first aid kit, complete with epinephrine and a snakebite kit. Training classes in CPR and first aid can be useful as well, and are generally offered by the local Red Cross or other civic organizations throughout the year. If you or anyone in your party requires medication, make sure that you have enough for the entire trip. Carry a list of all allergies that your party members have as well as all of the medications that everyone takes so that it can be provided to medical personnel if needed. #2 - Don’t Forget the Sunscreen While most people can get a sunburn and have it be a minor inconvenience, you will likely be spending most if not all of the day outside when on an adventure tour. Severe sunburns can lead to infections or other threats, and can also greatly increase your chances of getting several types of skin cancer. Make sure that you choose a waterproof or sweat proof sunscreen to keep it from getting washed off, and reapply it several times throughout the day. #3 - Review the Tour Information Before You Set Out Not only can reviewing the tour information help you to be more prepared for what you will face on your adventure tour, but it can also give you an idea of some of the things to be looking for. Many wonders may go unnoticed if you are not looking for them while on your tour. #4 - Listen To Your Tour Guide When travelling with a tour guide, make sure that you pay attention to the things that they say. This can not only enrich your tour experience but can also help you to avoid dangerous situations. A tour guide or tour coordinator is one advantage of taking an adventure tour rather than venturing to these locations on your own. The tour guide should be well versed on the locations you are visiting and has been trained to both add information and an element of safety to the vacationers on the adventure tour. If an Adventure Tour Requires Experience, Make Sure That You Have It Some tours are perfect for everyone, while others may require that you have a certain level of experience with hiking, rafting, or other activities. Make sure that you meet the requirements or you may be at risk of injury. #5 - Stay Hydrated Drink plenty of water while on your adventure tour, as it can be very easy to become dehydrated when out in the sun or doing physical activities. Make sure that you avoid caffeine and alcohol, as these can speed up dehydration. #6 - Be Careful What You Eat and Drink Only eat or drink from the wild when you absolutely know that it is safe to do so. There are a number of poisonous berries and plants which look perfectly harmless at first, and open water can contain a number of harmful microbes. Your best bet is to make sure that you have plenty of food and water in your pack. #7 - Be Wary of Wildlife Wildlife can be beautiful, but you should make sure that you give it the respect that it deserves. Not only are wild animals unused to human contact and may attack if provoked, but some animals can carry diseases which can be very dangerous. Likewise, many foods which are processed for human consumption can make wild animals very sick. Admire wildlife from afar to keep both you and the animals safe. #8 - Be Respectful of Your Environment Ideally, when an adventure tour group passes through there will be little or no signs that they were there. Avoid leaving litter behind or causing unnecessary damage to the environment as you pass through so that other tour groups will be able to enjoy the scenery as well. #9 - Don’t Take Unnecessary Risks It’s easy to get caught up in the adventure aspect of an adventure tour, especially when your days consist of activities such as rock climbing and white water rafting. Remember to keep a level head and don’t take unnecessary risks, since these risks can lead to serious injury if you aren’t careful. #10 - Take Pictures! An adventure tour is truly a memorable experience. Whether you are traversing a narrow path down the Grand Canyon, hiking through the French countryside, or experiencing a safari in Africa or Australia, take a camera! Send the pictures to friends and family, or keep these memories for yourself. Either way, you will ensure that the incredible sights you have witnessed will stay with you forever.Mike Cole is a freelance writer who writes about the travel industry and vacation deals, often focusing on specific tour vacations such as adventure tours at http://www.flightcentre.ca/tours/.
Source: www.ArticlePros.com
