Archive for May, 2010

Traveling The World With Baby In Tow

Thursday, May 27th, 2010

As the world becomes smaller, flying to different countries becomes an even more utilized travel form. However, if you have Baby with you, this can pose a whole mess of problems. This doesn’t need to stop you from traveling, as airline companies are adapting as well. Knowing how to get a child passport fast, what to expect on your flight, and how to handle being in a foreign country with your child can really reduce the stress load if you’re a Mommy who likes to travel.

Traveling abroad requires a passport, even for your baby. If possible, do this plenty in advance when booking your trip, as the normal processing time for a new passport is around six weeks. However, not all trips are scheduled, so if you need an expedited passport, there things you can do, although it generally costs a little extra. For a passport, you will need two professional passport photos, which can generally be taken at a your closest drug store or even the passport center itself. Give them a call in advance just to be sure that they are fully equipped to take a photo of your baby. You will need two different forms of identification as well as a birth certificate for your baby.

Many airlines offer special conveniences that can make your flight with Baby go a lot smoother. When booking your flight, try to pick times where the plane is less crowded, such as during the week or the red-eye flights. A benefit of red-eye or overnight flights is the fact that your child will be more naturally prone to fall asleep, as these flights are generally during his or her sleep schedule. If there was ever a time that you invested a little extra money to get a non-stop flight, the time is now. Also, the bulkhead seating section, located at the front of each row, offers more leg room that provides a little extra space for baby to play in.

Although many airlines offer free tickets for infants, you might consider buying a ticket for your baby, as this will give you a little extra room to work in. The flight attendants will do everything they can to help make your trip easier, like warming up a bottle or bringing extra pillows and blankets.

If this trip is for leisure, be sure to plan ahead for plenty of down-time. Having a jam-packed schedule will stress both you and Baby out. If the baby feels that you’re relaxed, it is most likely going to relax as well. Many foreign countries have different brands of baby food, so bring your own to avoid upsetting Baby’s tummy. Also bring your own water, as foreign water can take a toll on everyone in your family.

A little preparation can go a long way when traveling with Baby. Again, try to get your passport plenty of time in advance to avoid paying the fee for an expedited passport, but if you need to make an emergency trip, there are ways how to get your child passport fast. Also, the best advice you could get comes from Mommies who have traveled with their babies, so don’t be afraid to ask for help.

New Zealand: The Eclectic Aunt In Vacation Form

Wednesday, May 26th, 2010

Devils Punchbowl Waterfall, New Zealand

New Zealand isn’t your ordinary vacation. Extremely unique in every way and unlike any other place on Earth, New Zealand offers a one of a kind vacation experience for you and your family. One of the biggest perks of traveling to New Zealand now is how inexpensive it has gotten. With the United States Dollar at a higher value than currency from New Zealand, your travel fund can go much farther. After getting a passport, packing your  bags, and getting a seat on one of New Zealand’s exclusive airlines, you are ready to enjoy all that New Zealand has to offer, whether you’re looking for a ski trip or a suntan session.

New Zealand has a North and South Island, each with it’s own very unique landscapes. Depending on what sort of vacation you are looking for, each holds its own individual perks. The ecological scene of New Zealand is one that you won’t find any other place on the planet. With the huge variety of attractions that New Zealand offers, picking the few that you want to do will be the hard part. With the ability to make your vacation completely personal, you will never have to worry about getting stuck with the generic tourist sites. Getting a passport and taking your family there will show you how much opportunity there is.

At a distance of 1250 miles from Australia, its closest neighbor, New Zealand’s isolation has allowed it to foster some of the strangest looking plants and animals on Earth. Many species are only found on New Zealand, making it the perfect destination for an animal lover. The famous flightless kiwi, Hector’s dolphin, and the tuatara, a lizard that looks like a scaled-down dinosaur, all make their homes on the islands, along with many other unique species. Some of the most impressive birds have made their home on the island, though they are now extinct, including the nine-foot-tall moa and the world’s largest eagle, the Haast’s eagle. However, living birds, many of which are surprisingly friendly, provide an opportunity for you and your family to see the sillier side of Mother Nature.

There is more to New Zealand than the rich flora and one of a kind fauna. Because New Zealand is on one of the most geologically active sites on the planet, it is home to some of the most awe-inspiring geological formations and activity anywhere. There are geothermal pools, active volcanoes and geysers, underwater volcanoes you can actually walk through, and gigantic glaciers available to see in New Zealand, giving you and your family a very rare glimpse into Earth’s primordial past.

If you are someone looking for a great vacation while remaining in budget and still being able to suit everyone’s wants, New Zealand is the perfect destination. Whether you want to completely immerse yourself in the natural side of New Zealand or experience the nightlife in the crowded cities, New Zealand can provide it. Getting your passport and packing up the family has never been more worth it and a reputable passport agency can help. A very unique vacation experience awaits you on these even more unique islands.

New Zealand isn’t your ordinary vacation. Extremely unique in every way and unlike any other place on Earth, New Zealand offers a one of a kind vacation experience for you and your family. One of the biggest perks of traveling to New Zealand now is how inexpensive it has gotten. With the United States Dollar at a higher value than currency from New Zealand, your travel fund can go much farther. After getting a passport, packing your  bags, and getting a seat on one of New Zealand’s exclusive airlines, you are ready to enjoy all that New Zealand has to offer, whether you’re looking for a ski trip or a suntan session.

Get A Passport Card For Convenient International Travel

Tuesday, May 25th, 2010

In today’s world of high security measures, nobody should travel without a valid form of photo ID, even domestically. When traveling internationally, proper identification is not just a good idea, it is an absolute requirement. The passport card is a reasonable replacement for a traditional passport that can be used in many travel situations.

Passport cards are granted by the Department of State and are a completely legitimate form of identification, closely resembling a driver’s license. The card actually provides a suitable form of photo ID for an individual who has lost their driver’s license. Since passport cards were first made available in July 2008, over two million have been given to US citizens.

The passport card is similar to the conventional passport in many ways, but the main dissimilarity is that the card cannot be used for international flights. It can be used in many situations, though, including crossing the United States border by land or sea. When crossing the border into the Bahamas, Bermuda, Mexico or Canada. When going on a trip by bus, car or boat, this is an excellent form of identification, but card holders should remember that it can never be used for international flight, even to Canada or Mexico.

Although the card is not valid for all travel, there are many reasons that it is a handy thing to have. Anyone who has traveled outside of the country knows what it is like to check luggage and backpacks over and over to make sure the passports are still where they left them. Passport cards are the size and shape of a credit card, so they are easy to store safely in any wallet.

The main element that makes the cards so distinctive is a security chip referred to as a RFID. Each card has a RFID chip inside which is connected to a record in a locked government catalog. The actual chip does not contain any information so card holders need not be concerned about their private information.  The chip simply serves the purpose of making the process at customs go faster and more efficiently.

Filling out a passport application form for the card is a very similar process to applying for a passport book. Both applications require documents that verify the applicant’s citizenship and identity. Both documents can even be obtained simultaneously by filling out a single application. Both can be processed in about three weeks for an additional charge but typically take about five weeks to be received..

Just like a traditional passport, the card is has a ten year validity for adults and expires in five years for minors.  Where the two documents differ greatly is in the cost to obtain one. Adults must pay ninety-five dollars for a passport but can receive a card for only forty-five. This is a considerable savings for the traveler who does not intend to fly overseas.

Whether someone requires identification for international land travel or simply needs an alternative to a driver’s license for photo ID, the passport card is a cost-effective and convenient option. It is far easier to keep an eye on and just as easy to obtain. For travel outside of the United States via land or sea, this is an excellent option.

A Jolly Good Time In London

Friday, May 21st, 2010

London is the best. I went at the ripe young age of 16, but the memories will never leave me. The pictures, souvenirs, and memories that I acquired in London have left me figuring out how to get back there. Although I spent quite a long time trying to locate my missing passport, finding adapters, and packing my bags, it was ultimately so worth it. If you love art, history, and culture as I do, a trip to London has to make its way onto your to-do list.

The Tower of London is one of the oldest buildings in London. It was used most famously as a royal prison and place of torture, but it has served many other uses, such as an armory, treasury, menagerie, an observatory, and also as a fortress. A treasure trove for any history buff, the Tower of London holds a whole day’s worth of exploring. Seeing the ravens makes it worth going, just by itself. These huge black birds walk around the lawn, and, believe it or not, they are one of the most important guests of the Tower of London. It is said that if the ravens ever left the Tower, then the kingdom would fall. Not only do the ravens have their very own living quarters, but they have their own personal handler as well.

Big Ben is the third largest clock tower in the world. As one of London’s most well known historical monuments, it has been represented in movies and stories for generations. Although pictures and films do it a little justice, seeing it for yourself is truly breathtaking. Standing beneath it will make you really and truly understand why it has been used as an English icon for so long. A visit to Parliament can give you a first-hand look at how the government of London works. Although I am not particularly interested in the workings of the government, seeing it in action was something really special and pretty inspiring.

Although it’s a little cliche, seeing the Changing of the Guard was a really cool experience as well. I didn’t pick a guard’s nose or try to make him laugh anything, they are armed after all, but I did get pretty close to have my picture taken. There are numerous locations where you can see the guards, including the Tower of London. The various parks and gardens in London make walking anywhere as adventure in itself. Huge ponds full of all kinds of birds, from swans to some funny looking ducks, walk around parks full of beautiful sculptures and breathtaking gardens. Seriously, the gardens are beautiful.

London shopping is unlike any other. All you need is a purse with plenty of money, and don’t forget your passport, and you are set. Camden market is any teenager’s shopping heaven, and some of my favorite souvenirs were purchased there. From classy boutiques to a punk rocker’s paradise, there is something for absolutely everyone, and it is almost impossible not to be walking away with armloads of stuff.

London really has so much available for everyone in your family to experience. Some of my greatest memories come from my London trip, and I hope that I will be able to go back someday. Even having to deal with a missing passport was worth the trip. If you have never been to London, I highly recommend going. You will not regret it.

Check out US Passport Now to fill out your online passport application or get an expedited passport renewal.

Getting Over Your Flying Fears

Friday, May 21st, 2010

So you’re really excited to go to your friend’s wedding in the Bahamas. You found your lost passport, and you’ve packed your bags. You’re already to go but… you’ve never flown before. You hear that airports are nightmares and that planes are as sanitary as a public restroom. You’ve never flown before and just the thought of it makes you nervous. Here a couple pointers for first time fliers.

First, relax. You can’t think or be rational if you are shaken up like a snow globe. Flying is very safe. More so than driving a car. The reason so many people are scared of flying is simply the dramatic coverage that a rarely occurring crash receives. Here are some pretty amazing facts that will hopefully change your mind about flying.

  • You are more likely to die from a bee sting than from an airplane crash.
  • If you flew on a plan every single day, it would be 19,000 years before you would experience a crash.
  • Training a pilot takes the same amount of time and money as training a doctor does.
  • Everything on a plan has a back-up system, along with three autopilots and three computers.
  • For every hour in the air, an airplane spends 12 hours on the ground getting maintenance.
  • Airplanes have a ten mile wide highway that no other airplane can go into when they’re flying.

See? There’s nothing to worry about. Now let’s go on to some specifics that you need to remember for your flight. When packing your bag, you need to decide whether you want to check it or carry it on with you. If you are going on a long trip and have a lot to bring, consider checking it. Having to stuff everything you need into a small bag to bring it on with you would only be more of a hassle. The TSA recommends that you arrive at least two hours before your flight in order to allow enough time for delays associated with checking your bags, getting a boarding pass, getting through security, and finding your terminal.

Once you arrive at the airport, you are going to want to check in and get a boarding pass. In the terminal, look for a desk that has the airline you will be flying. Different airlines have different procedures for getting your bags checked, so just ask an employee and they can help you out. This is the same place you will be checking your bags, so make sure to have them ready.

Next is security. Make sure you have your boarding pass, ID, and passport out. Wait in the line, and when you get to the x-ray machine, take off your shoes, take your laptop out of its bag, and put your purse or backpack on the conveyor belt. You will be prompted into a metal detector, and once you pass through that, you’re finished.

So now that you have an idea of how safe flying actually is and what you actually need to do, you can prepare for your trip (bring your US passport), and who knows, maybe even a little fun! Don’t forget to replace your lost or stolen passport, grab your three ounce or under toiletries, and some bubblegum for take-off and landing, and get ready to fly.

Traveling Abroad: Unmasking Horizons

Tuesday, May 18th, 2010

Traveling abroad can be a really fun learning experience, but it can also be very stressful. If you are thinking of traveling to a foreign country, there a couple things you can do to make sure you’re ready for your trip. First, make sure you have a valid U.S. passport and visas if you need them. Take the time to fill out the emergency page of your passports in case you lose it so it can be returned to you.

Use a credit card whenever you can. This allows you to avoid exchanging currency and being charged for it. This also reduces the possibility that you will be gyped by a local who knows that you are a foreigner. Take a little time to learn the currency and how to count it correctly. Keep in mind the conversion rate. Prices are often misleading when you are armed with a different type of currency.

Do your best not to dress conspicuously. Making yourself stand out can make you an easy target for criminals. Don’t wear expensive jewelry and don’t carry around your expensive handbags. Keep your important documents, such as your passport and ID, as well as your money in a little pouch inside your shirt. Don’t carry around unnecessary credit cards or large amounts of cash, library cards, Social Security cards, or anything else that can put your identity at risk. Keep your passport in a very safe place along with your ID, these are your lifelines in a foreign country. It would be a good idea to make a copy of your passport and ID card to keep in your hotel or wherever you are staying.

Learn a few key phrases in the local language. You would be surprised how far this gets you in a foreign country. The locals with appreciate the effort you make in trying to blend in with their community as opposed to expecting to be accommodated. Make sure you know the local laws and customs. When you are in a foreign country, you are subject to these laws, even if you are not a citizen. Also, knowing the customs help more than you would think. In some places, burping is considered a compliment. Knowing these customs prevents you from accidentally offending anyone.

Keep first-aid with you at all times. Keeping some ibuprofen, antibacterial ointment, bandages, and other medical necessities such as prescriptions on you frees you from having to figure out another country’s equivalent. Also, bring your own water or a filtering water container. Even if the water is clean, it may be treated to different chemicals or minerals that your stomach may not be used to. Make sure you and your family are up to date with your shots. Different immunizations are suggested for every country you may enter, and making sure your family gets these shots can potentially save you from a really terrible sickness.

Don’t let the preparation keep you from traveling abroad. The world is so big, and exploring it piece by piece with your family can provide you with countless memories and unforgettable experiences. So grab your passports, and grab your family. The whole world awaits.  With the expertise of a reputable express US passport service, you can be on your way in no time.

Cancun: Where Adventurers Thrive

Tuesday, May 18th, 2010

El Castillo, Chichen Itza

Despite its crazy reputation, Cancun, Mexico boasts some of the best family attractions around. Whether you want to go for a relaxing weekend on the beach, a fast-paced jungle adventure, or a never-ending night of parties, Cancun is the place to go. Fun for the whole family, all you need is a passport, your child’s passport, and a bathing suit to enjoy all Cancun has to offer.

Chichen Itza is a popular tourist site that is a short road trip away from Cancun. Chichen Itza is an ancient Mayan city that flourished between 250 and 900 AD. Named as one of the new Seven Wonders of the World, El Castillo in Chichen Itza is a truly spectacular site. Huge crowds of people come to Chichen Itza on the Spring Equinox to see the El Castillo. Every year on the Spring Equinox, the sun hits El Castillo just right, sending a huge shadow “serpent” slithering down the pyramid, finally ending in a carved snake head. Not only is Chichen Itza famous for its history, but also its early forms of art. Whole walls and buildings are covered in ancient Mayan hieroglyphics, providing a glimpse into the early Mayan civilization.

Cancun is a world renowned scuba diving site. A whole myriad of businesses offer to take you and your family out to some of the best diving locations in the world. Swim through crowded coral reefs or in underwater caverns. Or, if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, take a dive in a ship wreck. While your diving or snorkeling, you could see huge pods of dolphin, crowds of giant sting rays, turtles, reef fish, or even a monstrous whale shark. If you are thinking you’d rather stay closer to shore, Cancun is home to some of the most beautiful beaches on Earth.

One of the most famous attractions in Cancun is the Selvatica Adventure Park. Not your ordinary kind of attraction, Selvatica offers tons of ways to unleash your inner explorer. Zip lines through the canopy of the forest provide you with a bird’s eye view of the Mexican jungle. Take a zip line at night and get yourself closer to the moon and stars, all before you sit down to a luxurious dinner under the night sky. Opt for the snorkeling adventure and swim in the one of the safest, most beautiful reefs in the world. Perfect for even the youngest ones in your family (don’t forget your child passport!), Selvatica promises to keep you and your family on the edge.

Alright, so you can’t talk about Cancun without at least mentioning the night life. Some of the world’s best DJ’s head to Cancun to provide music for some of the most famous nightclubs on the planet. The City and Coco Bongo are among some of the world-renowned nightclubs that inhabit Cancun. Taking the nightclub experience beyond anything you have ever experienced, live musical performances as well as acrobatics and other shows make Cancun’s nightclubs the place to stay until the sun comes up. Bars, such as Senor Frogs and Carlos n’ Charlies, have made themselves a favorite for visitors and locals alike.

Whatever sort of experience you’re looking for, Cancun can provide it. With your quick passports, your child passport, and a yearning for some adventure, you and your family can experience all the fun and adventure that Cancun has to offer. So go ahead, amigo, Mexico is waiting!

For Your Honeymoon Experience – The Bahamas

Wednesday, May 12th, 2010

The Bahamas are a honeymoon hotspot, and for good reason. The sands are pure white, and the water is crystal blue, providing the perfect location to celebrate your new life together. In order to enjoy Paradise with your new husband or wife, there are a couple things you need to do. If you are a new Missus, you will have to get a passport name change in order to reflect your new title. Make sure your husband knows where his is and that he renews it if needed. Make sure you book a cruise or a plane ticket. There are some great deals online that can get you and your new spouse there affordably. After this is all done, get a cute new bathing suit, because you’re going to the Bahamas!

There is a large amount of hotels, inns, and resorts that offer amazing deals to honeymooners. Spend an afternoon doing some research and you will see that there are so many special packages that will make your honeymoon perfect. From breakfast in bed to private candlelit dinners, a Bahamian honeymoon promises newlyweds an unforgettable honeymoon. Since these packages are available only to newlyweds, you and your new spouse can experience a dream getaway affordably.

There are so many options available you and your new husband or wife. As a natural paradise, the ocean and the land hold so many opportunities for you and your loved one to explore. Sip a cocktail out of a coconut or lounge in a hammock under a shady palm tree. Snorkel or scuba pe in vibrantly colored coral reefs or swim with dolphins. Take a romantic horseback ride or set off in a kayak or canoe and explore the more undiscovered parts of the Bahamas. Whatever your idea of the perfect honeymoon is, you can do it in the Bahamas.

The Bahamas is world renowned for it’s food and entertainment experience. During the day, have lunch at a chic cafe or a locally popular seafood shack. Browse through completely handmade clothes, jewelry, and other accessories along the streets. At night, hit the world famous Crystal Palace Resort or the Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island or experience some live music at a local restaurunt. Hit modern dance clubs or watch street performances. Whatever sort of experience you want to have, you can have it in the Bahamas.

Celebrate your marriage in the most beautiful way possible. Watch breathtaking sunsets or relax on the beach, hearing the waves and nature around you. Explore the streets of the Bahamas or its reefs. No two people ever have the exact same experience in the Bahamas, so grab your passport and your new spouse, and go make your own story.

History is so close in the Bahamas. Everywhere you go offers to tell you the story of the Bahamas, creating the feeling of being in a whole new world. With a passport name change and a desire for adventure, you and your new spouse can experience everything the Bahamas has to offer.

The London Experience

Wednesday, May 12th, 2010

My most memorable vacation that I ever went on was to London. Before I left, I spent a day getting US passport extra pages, packing my power converters, and exchanging currency. I had always wanted to go to London. Filled to the brim with culture and history, I became engulfed in this ancient yet novel city. Unlike some of the most populated cities we know today, London is refreshingly void of steel skyscrapers and smoggy factories. The week I spent there only knew sunshine and all I needed was to throw on a jacket. Everyday was something completely different than the one before, and as soon as I can get another opportunity, you can find me in London.

Some get discouraged from traveling due to all the processes involved. While I was getting additional passport pages, my mom was telling me how she disliked traveling because of all the planning that’s involved. However, once you spend a while exploring and experiencing, the stress becomes irrelevant. Trust me.

London is the epitome of the artistic world. Aside from the beautiful museums, monstrous statues, and breathtaking buildings, even the street art is amazing. Even though walking through London itself is like walking through a living museum, the museums of London are something you do not want to miss. If you have a love for art as I do, a whole week could be spent just exploring the various museums that populate the city of London. The Victoria and Albert Museum, or just simply the V and A Museum, holds pieces that span every facet of art: from ancient artifacts to fashion. Rooms filled to the brim with authentic historical pieces really put existence into perspective; it’s easy to feel pretty small when standing in the midst of artifacts hundreds or thousands of years old.

I also got to explore the Tate Modern Museum. Before I had explored it, I was generally disillusioned by the modern art I had previously experienced. However, stepping into this huge hangar-like building, I was instantly amazed by the variety of art that I saw in front of me. I spent hours not only looking at but also interacting with all the modern art, some laced with such powerful messages that left me feeling inspired.

The peak experience of my trip was getting to experience Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. As an English major, I hold an engrossing love for William Shakespeare and his plays, and getting to see them performed at their home was a truly humbling experience. I decided that the “groundling” experience was the way to go, being a little short on money. I had hit the gift shop, and had let loose a little to much. How could I resist the “Montague & Capulet” tote bag? I couldn’t. The play was incredible, and although my feet ached a little, it was easily disregarded when getting to stand at the edge of the stage. The atmosphere was so unique, and there was a vast difference from the theatre experiences I had previously been acquainted with.

If there is somewhere you’ve always wanted to go, whether it’s London, Paris, or Tokyo, just go. Something is calling you there, and probably for good reason. So get yourself a new passport, pack your bags, and be ready for the trip of a lifetime.

Discover Canada Your Way

Thursday, May 6th, 2010

Niagara Falls

Canada is one of our closest neighbors, but many do not know a whole lot about it. Alive with rich history and a dynamic cultural heritage, Canada is a great place to take your family and explore. Now, thanks to the new passport card, taking a vacation to Canada has become more accessible and convenient.

The history of Canada starts with the arrival of the Paleo-Indians almost 27,000 years ago. Ever since then, Canada has become shaped and adapted by its native Aboriginal peoeples, and that cultural influence is still felt today all over Canada. Traditional music, art, and Aboriginal languages are still seen and heard in even Canada’s most urban areas, showing their widespread impact and an homage to their country’s first inhabitants. The Aborigines can be credited with the invention of the canoe, maple syrup, tobacco, lacrosse, and many other things that have become fully integrated into Canadian, as well as American, society.

Canada makes for a great place to take your family. Because Canada is a destination reachable by car, no airport or rental car fees are required. And with the emergence and distribution of the passport card, people are visiting our closest neighbors more than ever. The passport card resembles a passport in function, however it can only be used for land and sea travel. At only a fourth of the cost of a regular passport book, a passport card becomes an affordable and family friendly way to take your family on an exciting vacation.

Arctic safaris are one of Canada’s most famous attractions. Bundle up and head out into Arctic Somerset Island in Nanevut. Nothing promises to stir up your inner adventurer like discovering Canada as the Aborigines saw it. Find prehistoric fossils, see seals sunbathing, hear the belugas singing, see an aurora shining over mountains of snow in the clear air. Everything is there to be discovered, and you and your family are the discoverers. You can stay up late in your wilderness-worthy tent without even noticing; the sun is up until 2 am!

Montreal is the place is to go if you crave the nightlife scene. World famous clubs and lounges line the streets and performances are always in motion. Delicious food is served in chic restaurants around the clock. See the Cirque du Soleil and bask in the Montreal’s vibrant cultural atmosphere. If you want to party in style, then Montreal is your city.

Of course you can’t visit Canada without seeing Niagara Falls. A world famous landmark, Niagara Falls is something the whole family can do together. Take the Maid of the Mist and get super soaked under the Falls, or take an exhilarating helicopter ride above the Falls. However you experience it, Niagara Falls will make any excursion into Canada a very memorable experience.

Canada is a one-of-a-kind travel experience that you and your family don’t need to go very far for. With a passport card and some warm clothes, Canada will keep you and your family having fun for however long you plan on staying. Whatever you and your family decide to do, whether you want to relax, go on adventures, or experience the unique nightlife, Canada has something for everyone. Round up the family, grab your passport, and get ready for the trip of a lifetime.