Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) Puts A Damper On Many Travel Plans
Sunday, October 14, 2012You could, not to long ago, travel to Canada or Mexico as easily as traveling to visit your parents 5 states away. Not anymore. The Federal government’s goal to “strengthen border security and facilitate entry into the United States for U.S. citizens and legitimate foreign visitors” now requires all travelers to basically “check-in” by obtaining a passport for identification and proof of citizenship. This is an absolute necessity to secure our borders against un-authorized access with the foremost hopes of preventing terrorist acts by individuals abroad. Unfortunately, the policy and enforcement on border security will affect both incoming travelers and domestic travelers going abroad. As of January 2007, traveling to Mexico, Canada, Bermuda and the Caribbean is now considered “traveling abroad,” where once we could travel to the above countries with limited or no documentation needed at all.
So how does this affect travel to Canada? Or Mexico? Or Bermuda? Or the Caribbean? Well the short answer for you is not much. But if you’re like me, and take family vacations annually to Mexico, it might cost a bit more this year. Take for example a family of 4 (2 adults and 2 children under 16 years). The cost of our trip just exploded because by law, I am now required to obtain a passport for each individual crossing in and out of the United States. So, lets see, not only do I have to pay for the monetary cost associated with obtaining a passport, 4 passports in this example, but I now have to take the time out of my day to find out where I can pick up 4 passport applications; then fill them out, and then find a place that will take my passport photo to be attached with the passport application. I’m not done…I have to round up my entire family to go on this passport excursion. Do I pull my kids out of school for this? Do they miss band or sports practice after school? Do I waste an hour and fight traffic with my family just to find our passport applications and a place that will take our passport photo? Unfortunately, this scenario will look all too common in 2007 and beyond as the Federal government continues to increase security for our Country. My advice is to get your passport early and beat the rush. And if you’re lucky, find someone who will come out to your work place or home and furnish all your passport needs, from forms to photos like Mobile Passport Photos.
Travel in Style - 5 Tips to Buying the Best Designer Label Replica Travel Bags
Tuesday, October 9, 20121. Research for the right company on the Net: Fortunately, for the internet you do not need to step out of your home for shopping anything at all. You need to take your time here. Pay attention to all the details that each website offers about payment and shipping of the consignment. Also be careful about their refund policy. This is very important for you might be disappointed with what you get in your hands and there should be a clear-cut instructions and easy-to-follow method to get your money back in the event you are not delighted with your purchase.
2. Compare prices and ensure you are getting the best available price tag while it is important that you get your bag at the lowest possible cost, it is also important that to know that what you pay is what you get. Do not always go for the lowest possible bid. Sometimes, that particular bid is low because the quality is compromised. Check from the reviews of other customers about the quality of the products and the satisfaction or rating the website has received from the customers.
3. Establish contact รข€“ call them up. Ensure you know someone on that site with whom you could follow-up your order and get clarifications in case you need them. Get a name, an email id to start a correspondence chain about the product(s) you are willing to buy and ensure that you are fully satisfied before you place that order.
4. Ask for the best deal: Do not feel shy to negotiate for the best deal. Are there any seasonal discounts? What if you buy two to three pieces at the same time? What if you refer friends to the website, do they have a referral program? Ask them what are the terms and conditions that offer the best possible deal so you could avail it.
5. Check out your choices: Before you put in your order, look out for different choices. Do not stick to a particular brand or design. Check out the whole website and look carefully at each product they have to offer; in most cases you will like more than one. It is also possible that you would settle for another design and even label from what you started with for there are so many lovely designs you would have not seen before.
If you are careful and give it enough time, you could get some superb deals and also have the most beautiful travel bags ever. This would add much to your happiness while taking that well deserved vacation you planned.
Reasons to Tour San Francisco by Tour Bus
The other notable attractions you will see are the famous twisting Lombard Street and the city's quaint cable car system, the Golden Gate Bridge renowned for its architectural splendor. Fisherman's Wharf is a unique amalgam of sights, sounds, and scents. There are many places which offer you amazing shopping and fabulous eateries. Some bus tour companies will also offer one-day tours outside San Francisco to various popular spots like Muir woods and Sausalito, Carmel, wine country and Yosemite. With its majestic peaks and picturesque waterfalls, Yosemite is a beautiful tourist spot in the National Park system. When you visit Yosemite in a bus line charter, you will also learn about the history of the park, as well as to view the same vistas that renowned photographer Ansel Adams captured decades ago.
Whether you're with a large group in a charter bus rental or you're traveling alone with other visitors in a tour charter bus - it is the perfect way to spend a leisurely day visiting California's premier wine country. There are San Francisco charter bus companies that offer Alcatraz tours, to let you learn about the history of some of the country's most notorious criminals who were housed at the maximum-security prison. You will also pick up first-hand information about the military uses of Alcatraz, and the unique flora and fauna that is found on the island.
If you are part of a group of people on a tour and planning to spend a night out in San Francisco and the Bay Area, the ideal way is to hire a limousine party bus. A party bus can carry from 10 to 50 passengers in ultimate comfort. Usually a party bus is designed for larger groups of people and is equipped with cozy seats, fully equipped built-in bars, and large windows for large-scale viewing, sound systems, plasma televisions, DVD player, disco lights, and also smoke machines. Many party buses will permit you to smoke and drink on board.
You can enjoy iconic San Francisco landmarks aboard an authentic English Double Decker Bus! If you opt for the Golden Gate Loop bus tour, it will drive through the Presidio, Cannery, Ghirardelli Square, Hyde Street Pier, San Francisco Marina, and along Fisherman's Wharf. The Downtown Loop bus tour goes through North Beach and Lombard Street. If you choose the Park Loop, you can see many of San Francisco's famous sites including St Mary's Cathedral, San Francisco's Japantown, Alamo Square, Japanese Tea Gardens, Haight & Ashbury, California Academy of Sciences and more.
No matter which tour you go on, be sure to do all the research necessary to find the best tour for you. Buy only from a legitimate tour company and not from a reseller to avoid needless complications.
Kenya Tour And Vacation Travel: Your Ultimate Tourist Guide
Tuesday, October 2, 2012Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) is approximately half an hour’s drive from Nairobi City centre. Taxis are readily available but establish the fare before getting into the vehicle as there are many drivers who will approach you for business. The JKI Airport is a busy hub for both the Kenyan tour and vacation travel and the East and horn of Africa region.
The state-controlled Kenatco taxis work on a fixed rate using reliable and clean vehicles. Other taxis tend to vary: some appear to be old wrecks and as they do not come under the control of the municipal councils, you may find they are not insured. Always check first. Most Kenya tourist hotels have their own minibus transport for your Kenyan tour, which can be arranged through reception.
Mombasa Airport
The new Moi International Airport on the Kenya coast is approximately 10 minutes from the city centre, although most of the Kenya tourist hotels are situated to the north and south coastal regions. Allow an extra half-an-hour to your journey to the south coast because of the Likoni ferry crossing. The traffic Jam at the ferry has been a pain to many travelers on their Kenyan tour, especially during departures. Most visitors on their Kenyan beach vacation prefer to arrive and depart from Moi International airport.
Important airport fees
For international departures there is an airport tax to pay of $20 and Kshs 200 for internal flights which is normally included in the price of your ticket. This is mandatory for either Kenya vacation and business travelers.
Kenya Car hire company
Most international car hire companies are represented in Kenya in addition to some of the enterprising locals. Some rates may vary on a daily or weekly basis depending on type of vehicle ranging from four wheel drives to small saloons. Vehicles travel on the left-hand side of the road-and most cars are right-hand drive. A current driving license with photograph is accepted for up to three month’s stay. Self-driven Four wheel cars are also on hire for the do-it –yourselfer Kenyan beach, wildlife or safari vacationer.
Public transport in Kenya
City buses operate in Nairobi and Mombasa at reasonably low rates. However, avoid peak hours as most transport is crammed full. Fares are paid to the conductor.
Trains transport in Kenya
There is a rail service from Nairobi to Mombasa and Kisumu where first and second class accommodation is available. The train is especially a favourite of the 6-14 day Kenyan vacationer who wants to sample a lot of the country offering.
Kenya Communications and Postal Services
Post offices are identified by the words posta Kenya and mail posting boxes are red. Usually you can buy stamps at post offices, stationers, souvenir shops and hotels. Post office hours of business are from 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday and from 9am until 12noon on Saturday at main post offices.
Telephone services in Kenya
Telkom Kenya provides advanced telecommunication services that include voice data, internet,
and multi media, whilst cellular mobile services are provided by Safaricom (0720/0721/0722/0723) and Kencell communications (0733,0734).
Faxes, telexes and emails can be sent from your hotel via the operator. International calls can sometimes be dialed direct or operator assisted by dialing 0195 or 0196. Telkom Kenya also runs a few international public assisted call offices in selected areas in major towns.
Public payphones are fully automated. Simply pick up the handset and follow the digitalized prompts on the screen to make your call. Card and coin phones are available. Phone cards of different denominations may be bought from Post Offices or international call offices in major town. You can also make use of hotel phones but the charges are usually 100% more. Local dialed calls cost a minimum of Kshs 5, so have plenty of change on your Kenyan vacation travel.
As from 4th July 2003, all Nairobi area codes changed so check if the number you are calling is still operational.
Kenyan Currency
Kenya’s unit of currency is the shilling (Sh/s) (slang: Bob), written 1/-, 2/50 etc. Divided into 100 cents (c). There are copper coins of 50 c and 1/- and silver and copper coins of 5/-, 10/-, 20/- and 40/-. Bank notes are available in denominations of 5/-, 10/-, 20/-, 50/-, 100/-, 200/-, and 1000/-.
Currency restrictions
There are no restrictions on the movement of currency into or out of Kenya for currency transactions.
Banking Hours
Banks in Nairobi and other large towns open from 9am-3pm Monday to Friday and 9am-11a on the first and last Saturday of each month. 24 hr access to your account can be facilitated by ATMs country wide.
Banks in Mombasa and the coastal areas, open and close half an hour earlier. Some banks at the international airports open round the clock every day as do the new foreign exchange bureaux. This is to ensure that the Kenya Traveler accesses currency at point of arrival.
Credit cards accepted in Kenya
All the major international credit cards are accepted in Kenya and most ATMs can accept any international VISA and MASTERCARD credit cards.
Standard chartered bank’s computer network allows access to over 60 ‘Moneylink’ ATMs situated at all its branches, major shopping malls, gas stations and other strategic locations countrywide. Holders of VISA cards can also link up to their home bank or credit card account through money link ATMs around the clock.
KCB have 55 visa and visa electron compliant ATMs available 24 hrs nationwide accepting international credit cards.
Travelers’ cheques in Kenya are also readily recognizable and accepted at most places.
Voltage
All regions in Kenya are supplied with 240 volts AC. Some safari, wildlife and beach lodges have independent power generators which may carry. The plug in use through out Kenya is of the three square pin, 13amp type.
Security in Kenya
As in other countries, it is always advisable for a traveler to hand in their passport, traveler’s cheques, excess money and any other valuables at hotel reception desks for placing in their safe for security. Alternatively, where available, you will find a safety deposit box in your hotel room.
It is a sensible precaution not to walk alone in isolated towns or beach areas, particularly after dark. Ask for advice from your hotel manager or tour representative if you are with a package holiday company.
Kenya Hotels Bill payment
Most Kenyan hotels expect vacation and business travelers to pay in convertible foreign currency such as US dollars. However, in some Kenyan tour lodges and hotels, tourists may have the option to pay in Kenya Shillings or credit card if this method is preferred.
Tipping
Tipping is not mandatory but not forbidden as in some other African countries. Tipping is entirely at your discretion and most hotels and restaurants include a 10% service charge to the bill.
Clean safe Water
Nairobi and Mombasa hotels are virtually 100% safe for drinking water for Kenyan vacationers. However, if in doubt, a variety of bottled water is available in most places. Most isolated lodges keep filtered water in jars or flasks which is a direct warning that tap water is not safe, even for brushing teeth.
Water Conservation
Shortage of water due to inadequate rainfall means that you should ensure that you try and conserve water as much as possible. Responsible travel calls for sustainable and conservative use of water and energy resources in your Kenyan tour.
Kenyan Visa requirements
Most incoming Kenya tourists whether for business or pleasure, now require a visa irrespective of nationality. Multiple and single entry visas are available. The single entry fee is US$ 50 (Correct at time of writing this article) or the equivalent in local currency and can be obtained upon arrival at the airport.
Visa applications can be made at any Kenya High Commission or Embassy prior to traveling. For more information contact your nearest Kenya High Commission or Kenya Embassy.
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