The Visa Waiver Program has been around for over 20 years, although it has reached greater awareness and prominence in the post-911 era of travel.  The program has been modified over the years, with additional countries added to the list and an electronic travel component added, but the underlying purpose of the plan remains the same.
Visitors from specific countries are permitted to travel to the United States for a period of up to 90 days (for business or pleasure travel) without having to get a Visa.  There are specific requirements for countries to get on the waiver list, including …read more

While normally I am a big fan of public transportation, and opt for trains, planes, and buses while on vacation, our trek to Italy and Croatia required covering a lot of ground to remote locations.  A car was a necessity.
Although the driving was left in the hands of the guys, we’ve covered enough ground that I can make a few observations (albeit from the passenger’s seat) about driving in Italy.

People drive fast on the Autostrada.  Really, really, fast!
Tailgating seems not only permissible, but encouraged.  Even when you’re going fast on the Autostrada.  Leaving any discernible gap between the car …read more

I have a long list of places that I want to go and things that I want to see.  Sometimes, however, I just can’t decide what to do.  That’s when a little help from my friends is so important – and I’m hoping that you can help.
l will be heading off to Italy in June, and find myself with a couple of days that I don’t have plans.  And when I say NO PLAN, I really mean NO PLANS AT ALL.
Here’s what I have:
I’ll be arriving in Milan after an all night flight from the US with two other …read more

I was doing a little travel research the other day and came across a bunch of information about travel for chocolate lovers.  I’ve long known about culinary travel, wine travel, and a variety of cooking schools around the world.  But chocolate?  I LOVE it, but it there enough there to drive my travels.
Here are 6 Travel Destinations for Chocolate Lovers:

We’ll start in my home city of Seattle, where we are no strangers to chocolate.  Seattle is home to several chocolatiers, among the more notable Fran’s Chocolates (President Obama is a fan of her salted caramel chocolates), Theo Chocolate, and …read more

Gearing up for some international travel this year?
As part of your trip planning process, make sure that you have all your paperwork in order.  If you’re flying be air, or on a cruise ship, you’ll be asked for some of these documents before boarding.  Don’t forget them — you’re won’t be able to leave home without it!
Here’s what you need:

Passport or Green Card
Notarized permission to travel letters for all minors (under 18 years of age) not traveling with BOTH parents.
Any required Visa for countries you will be visiting.
Sufficient medication for the duration of your trip, in its ORIGINAL container …read more

One of the greatest fears people have when traveling internationally is that a language barrier will keep them from getting around and having a good time.
Unlike most of the rest of the world, average Americans only speak English.  We may have taken a couple years of foreign language study while in school, but that’s about it.  I find myself in that same situation.  While at one time I was fluent in Spanish, my non-use of the language now has me muttering and groping for the right word or phrase in a conversation.
I’ve found that some effort on my part, …read more

Welcome to the September 7th, 2008 edition of the Carnival of Travelers.  And yes, I know it’s the 10th,  but sometimes little technical issues get in the way.  But we have a diverse group of bloggers and topics all centered around our September theme of International Travel.
These posts are sure to have you dusting off your passport and making vacation plans.

EcoSalon presents The Tuscan Table and Magnificent Morocco with Peggy Markel posted at Sara Ost.
Wendy presents Tokyo And A Tale Of Man’s Best Friend posted at Escape From New York, saying, "The Hachiko Statue represents the extreme of …read more