Traveling to Canada gives Americans the chance to experience a foreign culture in a relatively safe country without traveling too far from home. That said, all travelers need to make sure they have the right travel documents for a quick, hassle-free border crossing.

Passport requirements for Americans traveling to Canada have changed. Prior to 2009, those traveling to the country’s northern neighbor could cross the border via land or sea with picture I.D. and birth certificates, which is still all that is required to comply with Canadian law. However, the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative changed these laws on the American side, requiring further documentation in order to protect America’s borders. The WHTI laws only apply to reentry of the country, not entry into Canada, but travelers must have these documents ready when entering Canada to ensure they can come home.

When traveling by air, a valid U.S. passport is required under WHTI legislation. Air travelers may also want to consider purchasing travel insurance to guard against unexpected cancellations of their flights.

When traveling across the border by land or sea, the WHTI allows Americans visiting Canada a few other documents in place of the passport, if they wish. These are the U.S. Passport Card, Enhanced Driver’s License, and Trusted Traveler Program Cards.

The U.S. Passport Card is a limited-use travel document that allows travel by land and sea to nearby countries, like Canada and Mexico. The driver’s-license sized card is more affordable than a passport, giving travelers a little extra money for other travel essentials like a travel insurance policy.

The Enhanced Driver’s License is a form of I.D. that also includes permission to drive and denotes the holder’s citizenship. Currently only Michigan, New York, Vermont and Washington states are offering these driver’s licenses, which indicates this program is primarily used for travelers visiting Canada.

Travelers who are considered low-risk may qualify for programs like NEXUS or FAST. These Trusted Traveler Program Cards allow travelers to get across the borders quickly, but they are not available to all. They are designed primarily for those who travel to Canada frequently, such as business travelers or private travelers who live near the border. The NEXUS card was designed for Canadian travel and the SENTRI card for Mexican travel, but technically they can be used on both borders. The FAST card is for commercial truck drivers.

WHTI does allow for a few exceptions to these rules. For example, children under the age of 16 do not have to have these documents when traveling to and from Canada by sea or land. They simply need a birth certificate or naturalization certificate. Also, children under the age of 19 who are traveling with a group for school, religious, or other charitable reasons do not need a WHTI document or passport. A birth certificate is sufficient. Children and teens traveling via air still need a passport.

Those who plan to travel to Canada should make the necessary arrangements for the required documents as early as possible. Some of the documents, such as the passport, can take several months to receive. Rush services are available, but cost a significant amount of money, so planning ahead is the best choice.

Mexico has long been the vacation destination for those who wish to travel out of the country and enjoy the sand and surf of the beach without the expense of a Caribbean cruise or similar vacation. All-inclusive resorts along Mexico’s many coastlines beckon to travelers looking for a place to relax. Ancient Mayan and Aztec ruins further inland welcome the history buff to the country.

Recent concerns with drug-related violence and health risks have caused some to rethink their Mexico travel plans. Is traveling to America’s southern neighbor safe, or should the safety-conscious traveler opt for another destination? These are legitimate questions to ask before booking a trip.

First, travelers need to know what the risks are. Any time someone leaves home, risks are present. When traveling to Mexico, travelers should be aware that 2009 brought increased violence in the country, particularly among the drug cartels. This has led to some American kidnappings, and the U.S. State Department issued a travel alert for the country in February citing these concerns. This has caused many to rethink travel plans, but those who wish to travel to Mexico should know the travel alert is a mild one that does not advise people to avoid travel. Rather, the State Department wishes for travelers to be more alert as they travel. Most of the danger lies in cities near the American border. Cities further inland are considered safe for tourists.

In addition, American security experts tell tourists that traveling within known resort areas is still considered safe, particularly if flying into the country. If possible, tourists should avoid driving to their destinations, which would require their presence in the dangerous border cities. Experts recommend the purchase of travel insurance so travelers can be reimbursed if the violence level changes, forcing a trip cancellation. Savvy travelers know to read the travel insurance policy guidelines carefully before purchasing, as some do not cover certain reasons, including violence in the destination country.

In addition to violence concerns, recent concerns about “Swine Flu” or the H1N1 virus, which supposedly originated in Mexico, have caused some to question their desire to travel south of the border. Since H1N1 has attacked the United States as well this year, most travelers have no more risk of exposure when traveling to Mexico than they do staying home in the U.S.

Vacationers should take universal precautions against the flu, including hand washing, avoiding contact with sick individuals, and staying out of public when sick to avoid spreading the disease. Some travel medical insurance policies will give travelers access to medical care for serious illness when traveling out of the country. Other policies provide for medical evacuation for tourists who need to return quickly to the U.S. for medical care. This type of policy can provide peace of mind for those traveling during the flu season, but otherwise H1N1 should not prevent anyone from visiting Mexico on vacation.

In general, when traveling to a resort destination that is a little ways from the U.S. border, Mexico is still a safe vacation destination. Travelers may avoid current risks by practicing universal precautions against health concerns and vacationing away from border cities to protect against drug-related violence.

Discover IrelandIreland is known as one of the greenest, most beautiful places in the world to visit. It is a country chock full of history, culture, and plenty of things to see including ancient castles and its beautiful coastline. If you’re interested in traveling to Ireland, it is important to know when the best times to visit are so you can have an enjoyable trip. Summer time is perhaps the most popular time to visit, mostly because the country is rife with stunning beauty. Everything is in bloom, temperatures are mild, and there is plenty to do. A light sweater might be needed at night, but nothing too heavy. During the summer days, temperatures stay mild, and are much milder than those of most United States cities during the summer. Most attractions in major cities such as Dublin are open during the summer, and often have longer hours of operation. If you decide to visit large places full of a lot of people, it may be a good idea to get some cheap travel insurance that will cover losses such as a stolen wallet. There are pickpockets in Ireland, so be aware of this and keep your valuables secure.

While the summer is a fun time to visit Ireland, there are some factors to keep in mind. The larger cities will be packed with tourists, and therefore rates of hotels will go up. Many restaurant and tourist related shop owners raise their prices as well. The fall is another option if you’d like to visit Ireland without the stress of too many other travelers. The weather is still fairly mild, and rain is scarce. By the middle of September or early October, hotel prices begin to go down in price. Much of the natives have returned back to the country after summer holiday, so you’ll have a better chance of rubbing elbows with them. It’s a great way to experience the culture and lifestyle of the Irish. A travel insurance policy is recommended during all months of visiting, to cover any losses due to lost luggage or missing identification. It can also cover medical issues if you happen to run into any health-related problems on your trip to Ireland.

Believe it or not, winter is also a good time to visit Ireland. Prices are at their lowest during this time, so for people who don’t mind the cold, it’s a good choice. The plants and trees still thrive during the winter months in Ireland, and the population is much lower, so you’ll have free reign of the areas you visit.

While it is rare to snow in Ireland during this time of year, it can be quite windy and rainy. Be prepared by packing a windbreaker or raincoat in the event of some wet weather. Some of the smaller bed and breakfasts as well as certain attractions may be closed during the wintertime, so be sure to find out this information before you book the trip. No matter what time of year you decide to visit Ireland, you will definitely not be disappointed.

Thailand is a major travel destination in Asia offering a most unique and wonderful travel experience. Travelers will find a wide variety of attractions in this country, ranging from great natural beauty to magnificent cultural sites. Tourism is one of the main sources of revenue in Thailand, but it has been in decline since demonstrations took place in the capital city of Bangkok about a year ago. Many travelers canceled their travel plans during the height of the unrest and some are still wondering if it’s safe to travel to Thailand.

Thailand has been a politically stable country for many years, but in 2008, thousands of protesters took to the streets of Bangkok to demand the resignation of the prime minister of that time. The protest culminated in the seizure of the Bangkok International Airport, and it forced many travelers to cancel their trips to Thailand. As a result of the demonstrations, the government decided to cancel the 2009 APEC summit, which was supposed to be held in Pattaya.

Throughout the duration of the unrest, hundreds of locals were injured and a few lost their lives, however, no foreigners were killed. Other than the demonstrations in the capital city, there have been a number of reports of bombings in the southern part of Thailand. It is believed that these bombings were carried out by Muslim extremists, and they have been happening fairly frequently every year.

Even when the demonstrations were going on in Bangkok, most parts of the city were unaffected, since the protests took place around specific government buildings and important locations such as the airport. The tourist, commercial, and residential areas remained safe throughout the period of time when the demonstrations were being held. The protests in Bangkok have been quelled and life in the city has returned to normal, but the Muslim rebels in the south continue to be a threat. It is safe to visit Bangkok and the northern parts of Thailand now, but travelers should be careful if they are planning to travel to the southern part of the country, especially major cities such as Hatyai and Yala.

Generally, crime rate in Bangkok and other parts of Thailand is relatively low; accidents can happen when one is traveling in a foreign land. Road accidents are fairly common in Thailand, and many tourists have been injured and killed because of motorcycle accidents. It is important for travelers to get a travel insurance policy before they set off for Thailand, because it will provide coverage for expenses and losses that result from accidents as well as loss and theft.

Also, it is not uncommon for travelers to fall ill when they are in a distant country where the food, weather, and living conditions are different. Those who have travel insurance will get adequate compensation for medical expenses if they fall ill or become injured during their trips. A good travel insurance policy will ensure that travelers will have a worry-free vacation in Thailand.

Traveling can be fun, whether it’s a short weekend getaway or a two-week full-fledged vacation, but traveling can be a bit stressful at times, particularly when there is a major holiday or other event that causes large numbers of people to travel at the same time. It’s almost impossible to know the exact best time to travel, but you can make some informed decisions to help you along the way and avoid unnecessary stress and hassles. Knowing the busiest travel days of the year, and then avoiding them, can help you to have a more relaxing getaway. Christmas and Thanksgiving are some of the busiest travel days of the entire year, particularly in the United States. People often long to spend time with friends and family members that live in other states, and Christmas is one of the most significant of those times. If you decide to travel during the Christmas or Thanksgiving holiday, a single trip travel insurance plan is a good idea. Since there will be so many people flying, you may want to get a policy to protect you in the event of lost luggage or some other calamity.

Memorial Day sparks the start of the summer holiday in America. Most children are now out of school, and parents like to take the entire family on vacations. The warm weather also encourages more people to hit the road in search of the perfect trip. Some airlines are now charging extra for those who wish to travel on busier days, so it’s important to be aware of the new policies, depending on the airline. Some agencies may also charge increased rates for travel insurance during these times, mainly because the risk of a loss is somewhat higher. If you are traveling internationally, it is a good idea to find out what other countries’ busiest times are, since they most likely will not be the same dates as they are for the United States.

Other very busy travel dates include New Year’s Eve, Labor Day, and Easter weekend. All of these are major holidays, and tend to have busier traffic conditions on local roads. Police may set up checkpoints locally to keep an eye on those who may drink and drive. Remember to be safe when traveling every day, not just on the busy days. Wear seatbelts when driving, and follow all safety instructions of your airline or train company, so you can be aware of how to handle an emergency situation should it arise. Most importantly, have a good time and remember to be patient during peak travel times. Things may take a bit longer than usual since employees will be backed up. Flights can sometimes be delayed due to too much traffic, so keep this in mind and arrive as early as possible to get checked in and help speed things along. As long as you’re aware of the impact that traveling on busy days may have, your vacation should go smoothly and be an enjoyable one to remember.

“What to know before you go” took on new meaning post September 11, 2001. Both domestic and international travel has drastically changed. It is imperative travelers understand their rights and responsibilities should their travel plans be disrupted.

Flight bumps or delays, medical and legal emergencies, I.D. and money theft, baggage problems, weather issues, and terrorism all constitute risk to the traveler. The more time spent traveling, the greater the risk. Travel insurance may circumvent some of that risk.

Education is the key, whether the traveler is an individual, part of a group, or a student; and whether travel is domestic or international. Make sure to research as much as possible before setting foot outside the door of an airport, train or bus station. Know what each traveler’s travel insurance policy covers and what it does not for the particular type of travel: business, vacation, family trips, or cruises. There may be supplementary coverage issued by the cruise line, amusement park, or groups such as AAA.

If travel is frequent, consider an insurance package plan. Many plans offer annual coverage, basic or abroad major medical insurance coverage or a package for a single trip around the world.

Cruises ship vacations are a prime example of “what to know before you go.” Everything from three day cruises to cruises around the world invite travel risk as most cruises parlay into international waters and into regions where the traveler may be unfamiliar with local custom and local laws.

World cruises pose several risks, personal to logistical. Travelers may be on a ship over 100 days, stopping at ports of call that may be regular tourist venues or remote layovers in countries on the State Department’s travel warning lists.

Wading through what kind of travel insurance is needed can be daunting. Most cruises start with a flight to the initial boarding destination and back again. The National Transportation Safety Board‘s preliminary 2008 U.S. general aviation accident statistics depict over seven accidents per 100,000 flight hours with over one fatality. That translates to over 1500 U.S. general aviation accidents and 275 U.S. general aviation fatal accidents in 2008. Check the fine print of the ticket purchased and credit card used to purchase the ticket. Additional flight accident insurance may be prudent.

There may be a bus to take the traveler to the cruise line or a car may have to be rented. Optional car rental insurance added to the policy that may or may not be attached to travel tickets or credit cards may evade problem should there be an accident on the way to the cruise line.

Shore excursions, unless purchased through the ship’s bursar, may result in trips into inner city areas for that “local flavor” of culture and food that many travelers crave. Research the local laws and culture before venturing into the unknown. There may be gang activity or drug activity in the area. If troubles arise and injury or death results, accidental death and dismemberment insurance and medical evacuation insurance provide additional coverage and piece of mind inexpensively.

Most travel insurance reimburses the traveler after the fact. If medical care is needed, make certain that enough cash is on hand to pay for services.

Mexico City is one of the most popular travel destinations for Americans and with it being so close to the US, you might be wondering if a passport is required for travel. In order to have a safe and hassle-free trip, it is important for American travelers to find out about the travel documents required to gain entry into Mexico City.

In most cases, a passport is required for travel across the US-Mexico border, but there are exceptions.

A passport is not the only accepted identification

According to the US state department, US citizens must present one of these documents, in addition to an entry permit to enter Mexico:

• A passport book or
• A passport card
• An enhanced driver’s license

US citizens traveling on maritime business may present a Merchant Mariner document instead.

If the US traveler is entering Mexico by land (meaning they are driving or walking across the border) with the intent to travel beyond the immediate border region, that traveler must have an entry permit, which requires a valid passport. Drivers will also need to show valid proof of automobile registration to enter Mexico.

Warning: entering Mexico with an expired US vehicle registration could lead to confiscation of the auto by the Mexican Authorities. To further complicate things, permits are not required when driving into the Baja Peninsula.

Note: Mexican nationals entering the US by land or sea, must present a valid passport and a visa.

Brief history of entry laws

In the past, Americans who are traveling to Mexico City by air needed to have a passport. Those who are traveling by land or sea needed only to show their driver’s licenses or birth certificates. A new law was imposed on the 1st of June, 2009 made it compulsory for all US citizens to show a valid passport, a passport card, or any document approved by the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) when they travel to any place in Mexico.

A passport card or a WHTI-compliant document can only be used if travelers are entering Mexico by land or sea. The WHTI-compliant documents that are valid for travel to Mexico include: enhanced driver’s license issued by a state; NEXUS or SENTRI trusted traveler card; enhanced tribal card; Native American Tribal ID with photo; Form I-872 American Indian card; US Military ID with military travel order; and US Merchant Mariner document for official maritime missions.

Do the passport rules apply to travelers of all ages?

US citizens who are under the age of 16 do not need a passport when they travel by land or sea to Mexico City, but are required to bring their birth certificates or naturalization certificates. Both original and copy birth certificates can be used. Those who are legal permanent residents of the US may or may not need to present a passport to gain entry into Mexico, depending on which country they come from. They only need to show their I-551 Permanent Resident Cards when they return to the US.

The best method is still a passport

Whether it is an official requirement or not, it is advisable for those who are traveling to Mexico City to bring a passport, because a passport is considered the best form of identification in a foreign land. It will not only help US travelers gain entry into Mexico with minimal hassle; it may also be required when they get involved in accidents or unknowingly break the law.

Other than a valid passport, it is also a good idea for US travelers to get a good travel insurance policy before they travel to Mexico City. Many things can happen when people are traveling in a foreign country, and having travel insurance will protect them from losses that are incurred as a result of accidents. Since the food, weather, and standard of living are different in Mexico City, there is a higher chance that travelers may fall ill during their trips. Also, the crime rate in Mexico City is quite high, and tourists are one of the main targets for theft. Travel insurance will cover medical expenses, loss and theft, and cancellations, and it will ensure that travelers will have peace of mind when they are vacationing in Mexico City.

Lewis and Clark are two of the most famous explorers in American history. They are credited as being an integral part of the Louisiana Purchase, an event that would help to transform and shape the United States. In 1803, Meriwether Lewis began the journey from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. A few months later in the middle of October, Lt. William Clark offered to join him in his journey at Camp Dubois, in an area now known as Indiana. Once the two men joined forces together, they sailed along the Ohio River heading towards the great city of Saint Louis, Missouri. In 1805, the pair continued on their travels along several rivers such as the Snake and Columbia Rivers into the Pacific Ocean. Perhaps some travel insurance would have helped them along on such a treacherous journey! Eventually, the two arrived at the mouth of the Columbia and into Astoria, Oregon, although this area had not been named at that time. In September of 1806, Lewis and Clark returned back to Saint Louis from Oregon and ended their journey.

This amazing duo kept fairly meticulous record and maps of their travels. While there is no definitive answer as to how many miles they traveled, it is estimated to be approximately 7,690 miles total. The two traveled by foot, on horseback, and by boat. Their journey was treacherous at times, but they enlisted the help of some other people along the way. Perhaps one of the most famous people who assisted Lewis and Clark was a Native American woman by the name of Sacagawea. Clark nicknamed her Janey and she made a very big impact on their success. She helped to serve as both an interpreter, and a guide who knew the land, since she was a native of the region. The group encountered many treacherous obstacles along the way. Harsh winters and heavy snow were factors that made moving through rocky, mountainous terrain quite difficult. Other problems included wild animals, insect bites, and tribes of Native Americans that did not want strangers roaming through their land.

Despite many obstacles, Lewis and Clark, along with Sacagawea and many others who sacrificed their comfort, made one of the most important discoveries of the West the United States has ever known. There were no modern forms of transportation such as airplanes or freight trains, and no extras like travel medical insurance, computers, or GPS systems. Their trek of over 7,000 miles made the United States a larger country and opened the door for a whole new portion of the nation that had never been explored by Americans before. In 1803, President Thomas Jefferson declared the Lewis and Clark expedition to be one of a scientific nature. He also declared it should be completed for the purposes of new methods of commerce through discovery such as waterways, mountains, and new terrain. The two helped to develop a better understanding of the geography and the many wonderful features that make America great. They developed maps, which later served a great help to those who wished to travel west.