According to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), immigrants can travel abroad while awaiting their green card. Depending on your immigration status, however, you may find it’s not worth the trouble or risk.

If you have an application for immigration pending (meaning you haven’t received the green card yet), you may need to carry specific travel documents if you wish to return to the US. You will need to apply for these travel documents before you leave the United States.

Warning: if you have been in the US illegally, then you may not be allowed back into the US if you depart.

No Green Card yet? You’ll need these travel documents

If you haven’t yet received your green card, and you need to leave the US temporarily, it’s imperative that you apply for a permit to re-enter before traveling.

The USCIS issues four types of travel documents:

1. Advanced parole
2. Refugee travel document
3. Re-entry permit
4. Carrier documentation

Note, even if you have all of the above documents, there is no guarantee that you will be allowed to re-enter the US.

Risks of Traveling Abroad with Advanced Parole

If you are in the process of adjusting your status to permanent US resident, traveling outside of the US without advance parole can have severe consequences on your immigration status.

If you fail to obtain the proper documents, and you leave the United States without them, you will have effectively abandoned your application for a green card. In addition, you may be not be eligible to be admitted back into the US when you try to return.

What about emergency travel?

If you need to travel outside the US as a result of an emergency, you may request an emergency advance parole appointment at the local field office by contacting USCIS. The following items will be needed at that appointment:

• A completed and signed Form I-131, Application for Travel Document
• The correct I-131 filing fee
• Evidence to support the emergency request (e.g., medical documentation, death certificate)
• Two passport-style photos.

Obtaining Advance Parole without a Green Card

To obtain an Advance Parole, you must complete Form I-131 –Application for Travel Document. The application may be filled out online and special instructions are on the website. Be prepared to pay a the filing fee, but if you meet certain criteria the fee can be waived. On the US Citizenship and Immigration Services website there is all the information you need to apply and obtain your advance parole.

Note that on the USCIS instructions for the I-131, you will see the following information requirements that must be attached to your application:

1. A copy of any document issued to you by the USCIS showing your present status in the United States; and
2. An explanation or other evidence showing the circumstances that warrant issuance of an Advanced Parole Document; or
3. If you are an applicant of status, a copy of a USCIS receipt as evidence that you filed the adjustment application; or
4. If you are traveling to Canada to apply for an immigration visa, a copy of the US consular appointment letter; or
5. If you are the surviving spouse of a US citizen who died before the second anniversary of your marriage, (or included in your parent’s deferred action grant letter), you must file Form I-131 with a copy of the order notice, or document placing you in deferred action. If you are a qualified child and you are requesting advance parole, you must submit a separate application.

Will you need travel insurance to travel without a green card?

Definitely. Anytime you travel outside your home country, it is highly recommended that you get travel insurance, should anything unforeseen happen while you are out of the country. Accidents happen and medical costs can be covered by the medical travel insurance in a travel insurance policy.

If your travel documentation doesn’t come in time for your trip, and you’ve already purchased airline tickets and put a deposit on your lodging, the cancel for any reason insurance coverage will help cover your losses if you have to cancel the trip.

America’s only national rail service, Amtrak, provides both intercity and long-distance train service. There are 293 other tourist railways in North America offering short routes, wedding, and other specialized services. There are also 16 heavy rail rapid transit systems in the United States, each operating in large cities such as NYC, Chicago, Philadelphia, and Detroit.

Amtrak: National Scenic Byways
Amtrak offers 500 destinations in 46 states, 21,000 miles of routes, and 18,000 employees to make your American train travel a memorable experience. Note that Amtrak is known for its travel delays, perhaps because it is utilized by an average of 78,000 passengers commuting on up to 300 routes daily or simply because its tracks are privately owned railroads. Nearly 30 million passengers log over 36 million miles on Amtrak each year. Amtrak has various passes available: the North American Rail Pass, rail/fly packages, regional passes, and Florida and California state specific passes. Most people ride Amtrak for the scenic routes and its comfort, not for its expediency.

Subways and Elevated Trains
New York City’s subway is the only U.S. subway open 24/7. It serves nearly 7.5 million daily commuters on its 26 lines. The United States ranks first in the world for its rapid transit length and number of stations open to serve commuters. There are approximately 30 current/future light rail systems and 43 light rail/streetcar systems in America, not including 15 heritage streetcar systems serving localized areas. Streetcars are also called trams or trolleys; and, there are railborne vehicles of transportation.

Tourist Rails
There are over 100 tourist rail options in the U.S. as well as nearly 200 local tourist trains available for just about any need from general travel to specialized get-togethers such as weddings and reunions. Some run through historically significant areas, some simply through zoos and museum grounds.

Tips for Traveling U.S. Rails

• Read rail tickets carefully for reservation and service information
• Know that there may be delays or cancellations
• If you have children and are traveling overnight, consider a sleeper car
• Dress comfortably
• Do not leave luggage or personal items unguarded
• If you have food allergies or other dietary needs, find out about dining ahead of time

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security shares the responsibility of enhancing rail security against terrorism with the Department of Transportation to help assure rail travelers of a worry-free travel experience.

Note that no rail system in the U.S. needs U.S. citizenship documentation unless a line heads over the border into Canada as in the case of two Amtrak lines. Still, it is prudent to carry proper identification, an In Case of Emergency or ICE contact, and copies of your travel medical insurance or travel insurance policy just in case of personal emergency.

All United States citizens, including foreign nationals, traveling by air, land, or sea to Canada must present a passport book, passport card, or other Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative compliant document in order to enter the country or to re-enter the US. This means that one or more of these documents are required by one mode of travel or a combination of travel modes. This became effective June 1, 2009, and applies to those travelers over the age of 16. Children under age 16 may continue to use their U.S. birth or naturalization certificate indicating U.S. citizenship in order to enter Canada through a land or sea border.

Document Specifics for Travel from the US to Canada

All U.S. citizens traveling by air, one of the following documents must be presented:

• a valid U.S. passport
• military identification card
• merchant mariner card
• NEXUS card
• transportation letter

If you are traveling by land and/or sea, the WHTI compliant documents are:

• Trusted Traveler Cards such as NEXUS, FAST, SENTRI
• enhanced state-issued driver’s license
• enhanced tribal card
• U.S. military identification card–must include military travel orders
• U.S. merchant mariner document–must provide proof of official maritime business
• Native American Tribal Photo Identification Card
• American Indian Card (Form I-872)

Special Concerns

If parents, grandparents, or legal guardians are traveling to Canada with one or more children, it is strongly advised to carry proof of custody. If you are not the parent, grandparent, or legal guardian, carry a letter from one or both parents, grandparent, or legal guardian stating that you have permission to carry the child or children across the border. Failure to do so may result in significant delay entering the country. This is due to international concern over the abduction of children. You must also have proof that the child is a United States citizen. You are encouraged to possess a letter stating any possible medical concern and travel medical insurance information for each child in case of emergency.

You may be barred from entering Canada if you have a criminal record, including drunken driving. Note that it will take several weeks and a processing fee to get a waiver of exclusion issued.

Naturalized citizens, bring your naturalization certificate; permanent aliens, your Alien Registration or “Green” card.

If you hold a dual U.S./Canadian citizenship, enter the United States always as an American citizen maintaining allegiance to the United States.

U.S. consulates are located in Calgary, Vancouver, Halifax, Toronto, Montréal, Ottawa, and Québec City. Winnipeg is set up for emergency services only. Although it is not required for travel, you can set up travel registration on the U.S. Department of State web site to record your trip information, including itinerary, medical and travel insurance, in case of emergency.

The WHTI evolved from the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Act of 2004 to both strengthen US borders as well as to facilitate entry into the US.

Whether you are traveling out of town, out of state, or out of the country, packing for a trip can be a real challenge. First, you will need to make a comprehensive list of everything you need. Think about important items like paperwork such as: passports, travel insurance policies, toiletries, medication, and undergarments. Once you have the list compiled, go back through and think about what you really need. Will two coats really be necessary? Think about the weather and what kinds of clothes you’ll need to bring. Then, bring just one or two “back-up” pieces like a light jacket or long sleeved shirt in case it gets cool. Over packing can be cumbersome, time consuming, and heavy. Bring smaller, travel-sized shampoos, lotions, and toothpaste. This will make boarding a plane easier, and won’t be as much weight or bulk when you pack your carry-on bag. Put them all in a plastic, waterproof zip top container so they do not spill and leak onto your clothes. If you’re bringing a laptop, a neoprene or soft carrying case is recommended to keep it protected from damage.

When packing for your trip, remember that lighters and cigarettes are now prohibited at most airports when it comes to bringing them onto the airplane. If you have a PDA or cell phone, bring it in your pocket or purse so you have it close to you at all times. Packing the suitcase can be the most challenging part of getting ready for any vacation. Put paperwork such as business documents and your travel insurance policy in a safe secure place, such as your purse or briefcase in the event that your luggage gets misplaced, you will need to find them quickly. Use the rolling technique to roll your sweaters, shirts, and pants or jeans into tight rolls, and then pack them into the suitcase. For dresses or suits, it’s wise to use a separate piece of luggage with a hanger so these items do not get wrinkled. Socks can also be rolled and packed; underwear and bras can be stored in a plastic bag. Then, when they’ve been used, you can put them back in the plastic bag for the trip home to prevent any odors from spreading to your clothing.

If you plan to bring food, never pack this with your clothing. Instead, bring it on the carry-on bag so you can easily get to it, and nothing will spill. Following these simple tips can make packing for a trip a breeze.

A trip to Disney World located in Orland0, Florida is usually associated with fun since the entire park was designed to give children the chance to live out their dreams with some of the most beloved figures of all time. For parents who may be looking for a reason to take their kids to Disney World, one question is often asked: Is a trip to Disney World educational?

Unlike Disneyland located in Anaheim, California, which is suited for younger children with some educational attractions, Disney World was built with people of all ages in mind and there are a large number of attractions at Disney World that are educational for both children and adults.

Firstly, Disney’s Animal Kingdom offers a “Wild by Design” tour that takes groups of sightseers through a swampy area based on of a small part of Africa. Along the route, the group is exposed to a small section of the African ecosystem. Participants must be at least 14 years old. Then, there is the “Backstage Safari” attraction that teaches those 16 years of age and older about caring for the animals. The group visits a veterinary hospital and Nutrition Center. For the people who stay in the Animal Kingdom Lodge, there are several other educational animal-related programs available as well.

The hands-down most educational attraction at Disney World is EPCOT. EPCOT, which stands for Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow, is a futuristic dome that focuses on hypothesizing what future technology will be. In addition to allowing people the chance to explore both current and future technologies, EPCOT offers a series of marine-related tours as well. “DiveQuest” is a dive tour of EPCOT’s 6-million gallon indoor aquarium. “Dolphins in Depth” is an arranged dolphin encounter that allows people ages 13 and up to get up close and personal with dolphins and “Seas Aqua Tour” is for the younger children so that they can experience the aquarium as fully as possible. Visitors will also find the two plant-related tours, “Gardens of the World” and “Behind the Seeds,” to be highly educational.

There are many other attractions that educate visitors on how the park itself was formed and how it runs. Disney-MGM studios offer backstage tours so people can see how films are put together and Magic Kingdom offers a look at the park’s steam train operation system, along with other programs.

With all of these adventures, it’s a good idea to invest in some kind of travel insurance. While accidents at Disney World may be few and far between, there is always the smallest chance that something can go wrong, so getting a single trip travel insurance policy will help make sure the trip goes as smoothly as possible.

No matter the destination, a road trip can promise freedom and adventure. Whether a road trip lasts a few days or a few weeks, being properly prepared for some time on the road can enhance your enjoyment of the trip. Everybody has their own packing list when they set out on a journey, but there are a few things considered necessities for a road trip.

Destination aids can be high or low tech. Paper maps are always available for just about any region, but a GPS device with turn-by-turn directions can be purchased at a reasonable price. Many cell phone companies offer monthly or daily rates of service for GPS enabled cell phones. Part of the fun of a road trip can be exploring the road less traveled, but if there’s a tight schedule and the trip requires spending quite a bit of time in one region, purchasing a regional guide or ordering free brochures from state or local departments of tourism can help make the most of the trip planning.

Bring along copies of your documents. In case of emergencies, loss, or theft, it’s important to have copies of credit card numbers, passport pages, roadside assistance information, and travel insurance documents in a safe place. Having all the account numbers accessible, will make things easier if credit cards have to be canceled, or a claim has to be made on your travel insurance policy.

Ideally, all road trips will go smoothly and be hassle-free. In the event, that a flat tire or a dead battery threatens to ruin the trip, most automotive stores sell car emergency kits or you can make your own. Flares, a tire jack, tire gauges, a tire inflator, jumper cables and a flashlight are a few of the basics that all cars should carry in their trunks. A blanket, towel, duct tape, and garbage bags are a few miscellaneous essentials that can help out in emergency situations.

A cooler with some ice or an electronic cooler that plugs into the car is a handy thing to have on the trip. Restaurants may not always be available when hunger sets in and a picnic on a beach may seem like a better option. Having the ability to grab a cold drink or make sandwiches along the way can also save some time and money.

Now that essentials have been taken care of, it’s time to consider entertainment. Road trips can be a lot of fun, but music makes it even better. CDs and an MP3 player should find their way into the car. Whether you’ll be camping or spending the night in a hotel, it’s never a bad idea to bring along some games and a good book.

A cell phone is a must-have on any road trip, and a pre-paid TracFone can be purchased cheaply. People who enjoy technology may also want to bring along a laptop computer to keep in touch with friends at home or download pictures from their digital camera. Whether the camera is film or digital, a camera should come on the trip to capture all those memories.

With a little preparation and planning a road trip can be a breeze. Having the right safety and communications equipment, along with entertainment and refreshments, allows you to have a good time with few worries!

The trip that the pilgrims took to get to the New World is possibly one of the most well known in the world. People packed up all their belongings, boarded ships, and sailed across the ocean, taking a trip that took months, just to get to a place where they would be able to live without persecution.
Such a trip takes a lot of planning and, more importantly, a lot of money. Not only did it cost money to be able to board the boat itself, it cost money to stock the ship, pay the sailors and it cost money to set up an entire new settlement on an entirely different continent.

Most of the pilgrims who made the trip were actually Separatist farmers. They were very poor, mostly uneducated, and had little money to invest in a trip all the way across the Atlantic. So how did they manage to finance such a large venture? They signed an agreement with someone who could afford to send them across the ocean to a new world. Since there was no travel insurance back then, they needed extra reassurance.

The group of pilgrims went to a man named Thomas Weston. Weston was a very successful, wealthy iron merchant in London. The pilgrims respected and trusted Weston, who formed a join-stock company to handle the financial matters. He promised the pilgrims that he himself – not a Dutch or Virginia company – would be able to fully fund the trip. The pilgrims agreed to Weston’s proposal and he funded the trip once an agreement was reached.

Negotiations were long and complicated. When Weston and the other members agreed to finance the trip, they would purchase shares so that they could remain in England while the would-be Colonists agreed to contribute their services at a certain flat fee. Basically, they would work as traders or fisherman for seven years, sending back furs, lumber, and other resources so that Weston and the others could profit from it. All of their profits would be placed in a common stock fund and no land would be assigned to anyone. The trip itself was dangerous enough and with no form of cheap travel insurance, some of the pilgrims decided it wasn’t worth it, opting out of the agreement.

This was a bit of a raw deal for the pilgrims because the company was able to take complete advantage of them and they weren’t able to profit from their hard work. Yet, the chance to live in a new land was too tempting for most so they signed the agreement and the trip to America was financed.

Planning for a trip is an extremely complicated process. You have to consider all kinds of things like: where you’re going, what you’ll do on the trip, what type of travel insurance you’ll need, how much money it will cost, how you’ll get there, and that’s just the start. It becomes even more complicated when you take trips that aren’t so typical like camping or rafting trips. If you are going on your first rafting trip, it will be quite a challenge to figure out all the things to bring for your trip.

Rafting trips usually involve more than one aspect so packing for them can be hard. Firstly, pack what you’ll need when you actually get to the rafting part of the trip because that’s extremely important such as: a swimsuit or nylon shorts or clothes made specifically to get wet including shoes. Bring sandals that are secure or other shoes that can handle water and possibly lots of it. Bring a long-sleeved cotton shirt for sun protection and sunglasses as well. If possible, bring a wetsuit and wetsuit boots and fleece jackets and socks. It’s also a good idea to bring gloves to wear when you paddle as well. Now, that’s just for the actual rafting part.

You’ll also need to bring your own supplies as well and that’s where things can get complicated. It’s very easy to lose or forget things so make a checklist. When it comes to clothes, you’ll need a change of clothes because you will get wet. However, make sure you bring the right type of clothes. Even if the weather is hot outside, bring at least a light jacket because temperatures always drop at night. For this reason, you will also need jeans and long-sleeved shirts, just to be safe.

Don’t forget your athletic shoes or hiking boots in addition to your sandals so when you need to do some walking, your feet will have proper support. You should also bring lip balm and sun block. The sun will very quickly ravage your skin. Don’t forget the usual traveling things such as: toothpaste and toothbrush, flashlights, etc. It would also be a good idea to obtain some cheap travel insurance; if there’s ever an accident, you would have some protection.

Planning trips is hard enough. You have to decide exactly where you want to go on your trip, a way to get there, where you’re going to stay, how much it will cost, and you have to get a cheap insurance policy. You even have to arrange time off to take the trip in the first place so it means planning how many days your trip will be. One of the biggest challenges people face when they decide to take a trip is figuring out how to pack light for a long trip.

Firstly, lay out everything that you think you need to take on a long trip. Clothes, shoes, cosmetics, CDs, and whatever – just lay it all out so you know how much stuff you’re going to be taking. Next, put two thirds of it away. Try to spin it like this: If you had to physically carry everything you packed on your person, would you really feel like you needed it all? Probably not, so put away everything that would be nice to have but isn’t necessary.

It’s most important to pack the right clothes. They take up the most room and people tend to bring clothes that they don’t really need more than anything else. For instance, unless you’re going to a party where you’re actually going to need them, packing a pair of high heels for a long trip just isn’t practical. Learn to pack clothes that are comfortable, durable, and most importantly, all-purpose. Choose substance over style.

Although it may not seem to be a priority, especially if you have space issues, you should always carry copies of important documents like travel insurance policy or passport if you’re going out of the country. If something happens, you will need those documents badly and it’s better to have them on hand just to make sure things go smoothly.

It may seem like a lot of extra work or next to impossible, but you really can live without the majority of the stuff you own. In essence, you’ll really only need a relatively short list of things to be comfortable on a trip so it’s important not to over pack. Learning how to pack light for a long trip may seem complicated, but it’s really not that difficult.

The reasons for taking a trip across the country may have changed since the days of covered wagons and Horace Greeley’s directive to “Go West”, but the promise of adventure is the same. Whether traveling the interstate or following the two lane highways that make up parts of the old Route 66, a cross-country trip provides great opportunities to explore areas of history and natural beauty, experience the cultural offerings of a new city or region, and see places of kitschy amusement. Once you’ve packed your bags, filled the tank, and purchased some single trip travel insurance – it’s time to hit the road!

The first travelers to make cross-country trips went by horses and covered wagons. Their trails, homes, and the artifacts they left behind can still be found along the various trails to the West. For the history buff, the stopping points along the Oregon Trail are just a few of the historical locations that can still be visited. Civil War battle sites and ante-bellum homes dot the South and many stations on the Underground Railroad can still be seen in the North. Native American dwellings and drawings are still preserved or replicated to show what life was like before the pioneers’ arrival. Forts, mansions, and battlefields are evidence of human history across the country, but caves and fossil hunting opportunities are also available for those with an interest in natural history.

The United States has different regions – farmlands, forests, mountains, rivers, deserts, and swamps can all be seen. The National and State Parks should not be ignored. The National Park System offers a National Parks Pass that allows unlimited visits to any parks in the United States. This makes it a must for a cross-country trip. The Grand Canyon in Arizona is considered one of the major natural wonders of the world and Old Faithful, at Yellowstone National Park, in Wyoming amazes thousands of visitors each year. That (travel insurance) may come in handy when going down Pike’s Peak tests your car’s breaks, but the view at the top is well worth the trouble. Each state also has its own state park system, which is often extremely impressive and little visited. For example, Nevada’s Valley of Fire State Park has red rock canyons full of 3,000-year-old Native American petroglyphs, yet most people don’t realize it’s only a 40-minute drive from Las Vegas.

While nature and scenic vistas will be an enjoyable part of the trip, the cities along the way have plenty of attractions, too. An easy Internet search or a sign by the side of the road will point you to a city’s chamber of commerce or a tourism bureau. These offices provide information about museums, dining, shopping, places to stay, and activities in the area. Places like Chicago’s Art Institute and Bourbon Street in New Orleans are world famous and should not be missed, but a tourist information office can suggest that great steak place in Kansas City, Missouri, or the unique Dinosaur Museum in Blanding, Utah.

The quirky and unusual can easily be found in the roadside attractions that sprang up on the legendary Route 66, but any cross-country route chosen will offer some memorable oddities. The Stonehenge of cars, Carhenge in Nebraska vies with the Cadillac Ranch of Texas for visitors’ interests. A fishing museum housed in a giant fiberglass Muskellunge can be found in Hayward, Wisconsin. Tourists can marvel at the gravity defying feats taking place in the Mystery House of Gold Hill, Oregon. Road signs and billboards will often lead the way to these treasures and places like Mitchell’s Corn Palace in North Dakota.

No matter the direction or the route, a cross-country trip has something for everyone.  With a wealth of history, beauty, culture, and kitschy draws to choose from, such a trip is guaranteed to create a host of memories.