Canada is America’s northern neighbor, and many United States citizens enjoy visiting for its natural beauty and a change of pace. There are hundreds of thousands of American citizens who visit Canada each year, and certain rules apply for anyone who wants to cross the border. If you’re interested in traveling to Canada, there are certain things you should be aware of in terms of passport requirements. The U.S. State Department requires all citizens traveling by air to provide a valid passport.

Because of the 9/11 attacks, the Department of Homeland Security has set forth much stricter requirements in terms of identification. Since June 1st, 2009, the customs border patrol has requested that anyone crossing the border supply a passport. This applies to travel by land, air, or sea, and there are no exceptions, unless you provide a passport card or WHTI compliant document. If traveling from the United States into Canada, travel insurance is highly recommended in the event of a lost passport. This type of insurance should help cover the loss, and assist you in getting a replacement fairly quickly.

A passport card is valid when traveling between the United States, Mexico, Canada, and the Caribbean. WHTI, or Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative compliant documents can be used in place of a passport. Some examples of these documents include a US military travel ID with corresponding travel orders, a Native American identification card, and U.S. Merchant Mariner documents, along with a few others. It is highly recommended that you find out what kinds of documents are accepted when traveling across the border before you plan a trip, otherwise you may be declined entry and have to return home. Because of the unfortunate increase in child abductions, all adults traveling with children must supply a proof of custody document. In addition, all children must include proof of citizenship, which typically includes a birth certificate or social security card.

While a passport is very important for traveling into Canada from the United States, there are some other factors you should be aware of. Canada may deny entry if you have had a previous drunk driving or other criminal record. In some cases, a waiver can be granted, but it must be approved and submitted several weeks prior to your trip. Naturalized citizens of Canada can enter the country if they provide proof of naturalization. Dual citizens should always approach the border as a Canadian citizen in order to enter. Aside from documentation requirements, people coming into Canada must also meet the nation’s customs requirements. Be sure to look into what is prohibited well in advance before packing. Certain limitations apply to duty-free cigarettes, alcohol, and gifts. Be aware of the country’s current laws on firearms as well before attempting to bring anything across the border for your visit. Things such as obscene magazines, hate-crime related materials, explosive devices, plants, live animals, and meat and dairy products are not allowed. A travel insurance policy is recommended if you plan to stay for any extended period of time.

Perhaps you recently booked your airline tickets for that vacation in the Caribbean that you have been dreaming of for so long. You have made your hotel reservations, sketched out a preliminary itinerary, and even wisely purchased a travel insurance policy and travel medical insurance. When you have made such careful plans, don’t forget to ascertain the entry requirements for each of your destinations. This is especially important on a Caribbean vacation, during which a tourist could feasibly travel to two, three, or even four or more sovereign island nations or overseas territories controlled by various Western governments. Each of your several destinations could have distinct entry requirements and require different identifying documentation from you. Foremost on your mind should be the question of the travel visa. Do you need to obtain one for any of your Caribbean destinations, and if so, when and how do you obtain it?

Fortunately, with few exceptions, United States citizens do not need visas to travel to and from destinations in the Caribbean. However, exactly what documentation is needed, and under what circumstances, ultimately depends on where you are traveling in the Caribbean and for what purpose. Most governments in the Caribbean do not require visas of American tourists who plan to remain for a relatively short period of time, that is no more than thirty days, or, in some cases, no more than sixty or ninety days. However, visas may be required if the American traveler intends to remain on a longer-term basis for the purpose of working or attending school.

Some of the most popular Caribbean tourist destinations, specifically Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, are territories of the United States. For American travelers, entering those territories does not differ greatly from crossing the over the border between one U.S. state and another. United States citizens may enter and leave Puerto Rico freely without presenting a visa and are not required to submit to immigration or customs screening. Similarly, a visa is not required of a U.S. citizen traveling to or from the U.S. Virgin Islands, which include Saint Croix, Saint John, and Saint Thomas. As long as an individual’s travel outside the U.S. mainland is restricted to U.S. territories, an American tourist need not even carry a passport. The only identification that an American is required to carry in order to travel between the United States, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands is that which is generally required for air travel—an unexpired, government issued form of photo identification.

Furthermore, it is not necessary for an American to obtain a visa from the British authorities in order to visit the British Virgin Islands—an overseas territory of the United Kingdom that includes the islands of Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada, and Jost Van Dyke—for purposes of leisure and recreation. However, if you do plan to extend your trip from the U.S. Virgin Islands to the nearby British Virgin Islands, you will need to carry a passport or, if you are traveling by sea, a passport card. American tourists who enter the British Virgin Islands for short-term vacations are required only to present documentary proof of their citizenship. This requirement may be satisfied by presenting a passport but can also be met by presenting other forms of government-issued identification. However, all Americans who return to the United States after visiting non-U.S. territories in the Caribbean must present a passport upon re-entry. This requirement holds even if the traveler makes an intermediate stop in a U.S. territory, such as Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands, immediately before returning to the United States.

The British territory of Anguilla does not require American tourists to present a visa. However, Americans must be carrying either a passport or other valid documentary proof of citizenship and identity. They must also be in possession of a return or continuing trip ticket. Americans departing from Grenada are required to pay an airport departure tax.

The British territories of Bermuda, the Cayman Islands, Montserrat, and the Turks and Caicos islands require American tourists to present passports and return or continuing trip tickets in order to enter but do not require visas. Montserrat and the Turks and Caicos islands also impose an airport departure tax.

Similarly, the Dutch territories of Aruba and the Netherlands Antilles do not require visas of American tourists, although U.S. citizens must show passports as proof of identity and citizenship. The French territories that make up the French West Indies—Guadeloupe, Martinique, St. Martin, and St. Barthelmy—also require passports but not visas from American tourists.

The island nations of Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, the Dominica, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, St. Kitt’s and Nevins, St. Lucia, St . Vincent and the Grenadines, Haiti, and Trinidad and Tobago all require American citizens to present passports for entry but do not require visas for short-term tourist stays. Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Jamaica, and Haiti all require the presentation of a return or continuing trip ticket before granting entry. St. Kitt’s and Nevins imposes an airport departure tax, and the Dominican Republic, while it does not require the purchase of a visa, does require the purchase of a “tourist card,” available at the airport for $10.

Indeed, the only Caribbean nation or territory to require an American tourist to purchase a visa is Cuba. Regardless, Cuba presents an unusual dilemma for American travelers because it is against the law of the United States for individuals to visit Cuba without a special license. Licenses can be distributed to those with close family members in Cuba, and to journalists, academic researchers, and governmental officials and members of international governmental organization traveling to Cuba for the purpose of conducting business. It is the case, however, that many Americans persist in traveling to Cuba illegally, often by first traveling to Canada or another hospitable country that has not restricted the right to travel to Cuba. Those Americans, who do travel to Cuba, whether illegally or pursuant to a federally granted license, are required to not only present a passport but also obtain a visa from the Cuban government.

In summary, it is probably best to carry your passport with you on your Caribbean trip even if you do not plan to travel anywhere other than Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. If you get the opportunity to hop over to the British Virgin Isles, for instance, you will not want to decline it simply because you did not bring your passport. In addition, even though some Caribbean destinations will take other documentary proof of citizenship and identity in lieu of a passport, you are least likely to encounter a misunderstanding with border officials if you present your passport. Finally, because rules and regulations can change, it could be worthwhile, as a form of travel insurance, to double-check the websites for the Department of State and the U.S. consulates for your Caribbean destinations to ensure that you have the most up-to-date information concerning entry requirements.

An effective travel agent feels a sense of fulfillment when they help a person turn their visions of the perfect vacation into reality. Travel knowledge, up-to-date information, and an ability to understand a client’s needs are just a few of the qualities found in a savvy travel agent. If a person is interested in becoming a travel agent there are several things they can do to prepare for a fruitful career in the field.

First, pursuing a job opening at a travel agency is a productive step on the road to becoming a travel agent. In fact, almost any job position at a travel agency allows a person to learn the practical aspects of the business. For instance, if a person begins work at a travel agency in the position of receptionist they have the opportunity to learn about popular vacation spots and hear the sorts of questions clients have when they call in. Learning the simple, everyday details of the travel agency business will eventually help a person when they achieve the position of travel agent.

Once a person has a job at a travel agency, they should express to the owner their desire to learn the business and become a travel agent. The owner and other travel agents in the office may have suggestions regarding helpful online courses to take in preparation for the position. For instance, a particular course may assist a future travel agent in learning how to use helpful computer programs. The travel agents in the office may also have significant information regarding cheap travel insurance or travel medical insurance. Learning the subtle aspects of the business from a longtime, successful travel agent is an ideal situation for an agent in training.

It is also wise for an aspiring travel agent to read periodicals, journals, and other trustworthy reading material in order to learn about the different destinations as well as the types of travel accommodations. A vast store of knowledge on a variety of locales is extremely beneficial to a travel agent. It’s a travel agent’s responsibility to stay up-to-date on information that may affect their clients’ plans. Airline schedules, car rental options, and fees that accompany certain modes of transportation are just a few of the items of information that a travel agent stays current on.

A travel agent with a well-known reputation for reliability and follow-up service is likely to be a person with excellent listening skills. Ideally, a client wants a travel agent who listens to their visions of a dream vacation. Anyone looking for success as a travel agent would be wise to perfect his or her listening talents. A travel agent who lends a listening ear is well on the way to building up a list of happy, loyal clients.

Successful work as a travel agent has the potential to lead a person to one day own his or her own agency. Furthermore, a knowledgeable, honest, and responsible travel agent who enjoys helping people is likely to find a great deal of personal satisfaction in the travel industry.

Cuba is well-known for its beautiful beaches, unique culture, attracting many tourists from around the world. Despite its proximity to the US, it is a place that receives very few American travelers. This is because of travel restrictions imposed by the US government on all US citizens and permanent residents.

Cuba is one of the countries in the world that the US has no diplomatic relations with, and the relationship between the two countries has been hostile for about five decades. The hostility between the two nations resulted from the Cuban communist government’s reluctance to move towards democratization. In 1960, the US imposed an economic embargo on Cuba, because the Cuban government had confiscated properties that belonged to US citizens and corporations. The embargo was extended to an almost complete sanction in 1962. The following year, after the Cuban Missile Crisis, President John F. Kennedy issued the Cuban Assets Control Regulations, and he tried to ban US citizens from traveling to Cuba.

The travel ban was never really made into a law, because it is in violation within the US Constitution. Therefore, it is not illegal for US citizens to travel to Cuba, but with the current Cuban Assets Control Regulations in place, it is against the law for Americans to spend money in Cuba without a special license issued by the Office of Foreign Assets Control. Those who are eligible to apply for the special license include: US citizens who are visiting close relatives in Cuba, journalists or members of broadcasting crews who are participating in journalistic activities in the country, government travelers who are on official business, official business travelers, full-time professionals who have work-related duties to perform in Cuba, and students who are pursuing a course in a Cuban academic institution.

Despite the travel restrictions, some Americans still manage to visit Cuba without getting into trouble with the government. One of the safest ways to travel to Cuba is through a third country. Travelers have to fly to another country first and then take another flight to Cuba from that country. Since the Cuban immigration does not stamp American passports, there will be no evidence showing that they traveled to Cuba. When they return to the US, the US immigration will just assume they had been vacationing in the third country. There are many travel agencies that can make arrangements for Americans to visit Cuba through a third country.

Those who are planning to travel to Cuba via a third country should be extra careful during their trip, because they do not have the option of seeking help from the US Interests Section in times of emergency. American travelers to Cuba should get a travel insurance policy from a company that provides 24-hour emergency call service. In case they get involved in an accident or lose their belongings, they can seek advice from someone who is experienced in dealing with travel emergencies. Also, travel insurance provides compensation for medical expenses, as well as loss, damage, or theft of personal belongings.

A cruise ship is a massive vessel that features all the basic facilities needed for a pleasurable vacation, which include: accommodations, sports and recreational facilities, restaurants and bars, and entertainment centers. Generally, a cruise ship weighs more than 70,000 tons, or 140 million pounds, and it is rather surprising that it is able to float on water and travel long distances. Its enormous size also makes people wonder how fast it can travel.

There are many different types of cruise ships. While some of them are built to house more rooms or facilities, others are specifically constructed to travel fast. Ordinary cruise ships travel at the speed of 21 to 24 knots per hour, but a high-speed cruise ship can go as fast as 30 knots or more. Most cruise ships are powered by diesel electric engines or gas turbines, and they have propellers that cut through the water to move them forward or backward. The speed of a cruise ship is dependent on the power output of its engine as well as its size and weight.

Although ordinary cruise ships travel at the speed of 21 to 24 knots per hour, they are actually capable of reaching higher speeds. One of the reasons why they travel at a more conservative speed is because they have to control fuel consumption. Cruise ships consume a lot of fuel, and the “mileage” per gallon of fuel is measured in feet, not in miles. It takes about 10 gallons of fuel for an ordinary cruise ship to travel just a few hundred feet. When a ship travels at top speed, it consumes more fuel, and there may not be enough fuel left for it to complete its voyage. Traveling at a slower pace will ensure that the ship will reach its destination as scheduled, and it is more economical. Cruise ships also travel at varying speeds during different parts of their voyages: They tend to speed up when they are in the open sea, and slow down when they are approaching a port.

For many years, the RMS Queen Elizabeth 2 was the fastest cruise ship in the world. It is capable of reaching a top speed of 32 knots per hour, and it has a cruising speed of around 28 knots. After it was retired from the cruise business, the Olympic Voyager became the fastest cruise ship. This 600-foot cruise ship has a top speed of 31 knots per hour, and it is a very popular ship because it can reach its destinations in a shorter time and allow passengers more time to stay onshore. One of the biggest cruise ships in the world is the 1,181-foot Oasis of the Seas. This gigantic vessel travels at a cruising speed of 20.2 knots per hour, but it can reach a maximum speed of 23.8 knots.

Those who are planning to go on a cruise ship vacation should get a travel insurance policy before their trips. Some cruise ship passengers may suffer from sea-sickness, and they may be in need of medical attention. Travel insurance will cover medical expenses as well as loss or theft of personal belongings.

Since 9/11, packing for air travel means packing to get through airport security. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) maintains a list of seven prohibited item categories: guns and firearms, sporting goods, tools, sharp objects, self defense and martial arts items, flammable and explosive materials, crippling chemicals and other hazardous items, and a miscellaneous “other item” list. Security personnel screen over 7,000 bags each day at over 450 airports across the United States.

Throwing a few extra bits of clothing and personal essentials into a piece of carry-on luggage doesn’t cut it anymore. The TSA now asks air travelers to abide by the “3-1-1” rule: no liquid or gel in a container which carries greater than 3.4 ounces; plastic bags must be clear, zip-top bags no greater than one quart filled with no greater than 3.4 ounce clear containers; and only one carry-on bag per person is allowed in the security bin. The idea is to consolidate your essentials into one baggie to speed through security screening. Larger liquids such as medications, baby formula, and baby food, including breast milk are allowed to reasonably exceed the 3.4 ounce rule; but, these items must be declared at the security checkpoint. Checked baggage may contain containers of gel or liquid greater than 3.4 ounces.

Computers are a staple of air travel. Laptops must be “checkpoint friendly” meeting five standards regarding the laptop only section of the laptop bag. The TSA requires that the laptop must reside in the laptop only designated section. This section must unfold completely in order to lie flat on the x-ray machine and nothing but the laptop may be packed within that section. There cannot be any metal adornments, functional or not, such as: zippers, snaps, or buckles underneath or atop of that section as well as no pockets outside or inside of section for the laptop only.

Batteries for electronics should be marked with UL or IEC designations for safety and placed in the carry-on with the device turned off. Lithium batteries are extremely flammable and pose a fire hazard, although regular batteries do not.

There are twenty “special item” categories air travelers must familiarize themselves with such as: alcoholic beverages, crematory containers with deceased remains, currency, hobby items, and service animals. Check with the airline or the TSA website for specific guidelines regarding all twenty categories. While checking the TSA web site regarding items allowed for airline travel, do not forget to check tickets, travel insurance and travel medical insurance policies for policy contact information to round out packing for travel. Make sure that policy numbers are packed securely and are easily accessible. While not needed in order to pass through security checkpoints, it is prudent to have currency, important contact information, and any required documentation, such as: valid passports and airline tickets, close at hand. Remember to split valuable items into carry-on and checked luggage.

As for the traditional packing for air travel advice, travel with the basics, allow for packing souvenirs and gifts, and roll your clothing for less wrinkling, although wrinkling always seems to occur. Some things NEVER change.

Planning a road trip should not be taken lightly. After all, a road trip involves lots of time, money, and even a good travel insurance policy to make sure that everything is alright. There are multiple things that have to be planned out, including where the destination is, what car to take, how long the trip will take, how much gas you’ll need, where you’ll stay, where to get a cheap travel insurance policy, and even what souvenirs to buy.

You also have to plan what you will take on your road trip, especially if it’s a long one. Long road trips require different packing principles than short ones for obvious reasons. Since you’ll be away from home longer, you’ll need lots of different things to get by until you get home again.

One of the most important things to take is your cell phone. Some people may oppose the idea, but when push comes to shove, it’s just better to have one in case of emergencies. If you get stranded somewhere, you would need to be able to get in contact with someone. It is always a good idea to let a family member(s) or a friend(s) know exactly when you are leaving, including your route along the way and your destination. Also include specific check-in times, should an emergency happen you want to be covered both by your travel insurance policy and your family or friends knowing your whereabouts.

You will also need to bring enough clothes. Keep in mind that weather and climate is different in different areas so bring lots of different types of clothes. For instance, just because it is summer, you should not assume you won’t need a jacket. Bring along sturdy clothes that are also comfortable because you’ll be in a car for a long time and you will definitely want to stay comfortable. Also keep in mind that you’ll likely need to wash your clothes in Laundromats somewhere so they need to be in good shape as some Laundromats can be tough on delicate clothes! Jeans, comfortable T-shirts, good socks, underwear, and good shoes are important for a long road trip.

Then, you have the entertainment factor. Be sure to bring some music you love so you can keep your mind occupied and awake during the long drives. Some people also bring movies for their children to watch, just to keep them quiet and amused. Even car games are fun and they can be purchased in stores everywhere.

It’s also a good idea to bring good maps. Long road trips mean lots of driving in areas that are unfamiliar so it’s not surprising that you may get lost. Bringing along a map can help make sure you don’t stay waste too much time finding the right way. For people who are more technologically sophisticated, a GPS navigator will work just as well, if not better. All of these things are important for long road trips and will make the trip much more enjoyable.

When traveling, whether close to home or abroad, it is always important to keep in mind the important things needed to ensure the trip is a success. This can include things like a swimsuit, camera, and, of course, a wallet. Many people may not think about the importance of travel insurance when they go out of town. The purpose of this form of insurance is to protect the traveler from all kinds of potential problems including a medical emergency, lost baggage, and even cancelled tickets or other emergencies. Many plans for travel insurance even cover overseas funeral expenses, accidental death or dismemberment, and even delayed flights. The purpose of this form of insurance is to give travelers a peace of mind they may not have if they do not purchase this form of valuable insurance. Each company that offers this form of insurance has different plans. For example, one company may provide travel medical insurance while another company only covers lost passports, wallets, and credit card losses. Some forms of travel insurance are designed to cover expansive coverage like cancelled trips, while others are simply basic coverage plans.

There are certain clauses that are contained in a travel insurance policy. For example, one policy may cover a lost or stolen wallet, up to a certain dollar amount, while others only cover the lost contents, but will not reimburse for lost cash. The price for this kind of insurance will also vary depending on the age of the person traveling, the location of the trip, and the length of the stay. Typically the longer the stay, the higher the cost of the premium that the person traveling will pay. Often, people with existing medical conditions will pay a higher premium, particularly if they opt for the medical coverage. The location is also important, especially when traveling to foreign countries. If someone is going to a third world country, they will most likely pay a higher price for coverage just because of the potential risks involved. One bonus of travel insurance is that many plans cover cancelled trips, especially if they are canceled by the airline. A lot of airlines have non-refundable tickets, but if the customer has to cancel for their own reasons, the insurance will cover the cost of the ticket. This also applies to flights that the airline cancels.

It is really up to the consumer to decide which travel insurance plan they want to participate in. Lengthier trips should prompt a more comprehensive coverage plan, just to be on the safe side. If traveling with elderly parents or relatives, medical coverage is recommended. For those who plan on driving a rental car or other vehicle while out of town, automobile travel insurance is a good idea. There is never really a surefire way to know what may happen while out of town. Lost luggage, delayed flights, stolen wallets, or medical emergencies are just a few examples of situations that can arise while on vacation whether for business or pleasure. Having a good travel insurance policy will give people who travel peace of mind and security in knowing that their valuables and health are protected.