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 security requirements, and the countries are generally considered developed economies.  Individuals from visa waiver countries must apply for travel through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization, and meet a variety of additional requirements.

There are currently 35 Visa Waiver Countries:

Europe:  Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom.

Asia:  Brunei, Japan, Singapore, South Korea

Oceania:  Australia, New Zealand

US visitors to those countries also are not required to have a visa, as part of reciprocity agreements, although Australia does require visitors to file an Electronic Travel Authority.

Visitors to the US can learn more about the Visa Waiver Program, its applicability and requirements from the Department of State.  Likewise, US residents wishing to travel abroad should also check regarding visa requirements for countries not on the wavier list.

Photo credit:  SXC

Post from: Fly Away Cafe

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 ahead of you is an invitation for someone to pass.
• You need a navigator or two to read the map and watch for directional signs.  When you blowing by them at speeds of 100+ kph, you need some extra eyes reading them.
• All roads lead to Rome – or so it seemed – as no matter where you are there is a sign pointing you toward Rome.
• In rural areas, you’ll find lots of narrow roads, frequently on the side of a mountain, and frequently containing lots of switchbacks.  People still drive fast.
• When you are driving along the steep side of a mountain, you probably won’t find any guardrails or warning reflectors.
• On these narrow winding roads, drivers will pass on a curve.  And sometimes that driver is in a large bus or truck.
• In the small, picturesque hill towns, the roads are very narrow and rarely go straight.  People drive on them, even though there is very little room on either side of the car.  We did this once, and in error.  The photo shows the street, a term used loosely, that we drove down.  Most of the time we parked and walked.
• Don’t expect drivers to stop for you in a cross walk. You’re going to need to dash across the street.

The stereotype of aggressive Italian drivers has some roots of truth, but these observations are not meant to be demeaning.  We soon found ourselves conforming to many of these driving habits as well.

If you’re staying in one of the larger cities like Rome, Florence, or Milan, you’ll probably have no need for a car.  If you want to take a day trip, you can rent one for a day or two.  But, if you’re going to explore the beautiful rural areas of the country, like Tuscany or Umbria, you’ll need to have a car.

Have you driven in Italy?

Photo credit:  personal collection

Post from: Fly Away Cafe

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 adults.  The flight arrives mid-morning, and I will have roughly 48 hours before I need to be en route (via rental car or train) to Tuscany.  48 hours can cover a lot of ground, but commuting time has to be taken into consideration.  I don’t want to spend the entire time on the train or the road.

So what should I do?

Do I have time to enjoy the natural beauty in the Dolomites?  Should I spend some time visiting the canals of Venice (recently cited as the most expensive city in Europe)?  Should I head off to Lake Como?  Or to Bologna, Florence, or maybe even drive over to Serbia?  And of course, I could always stay in Milan, Italy’s fashion capital.  Where have I forgotten?  So many choices, but I’m stymied.

So hopefully you’ll chime in with a recommendation – what would you do with these 48 hours?  Please leave your suggestions in the comments.

Photo credit: wikimedia

Post from: Fly Away Cafe

Here are 6 Travel Destinations for Chocolate Lovers:

1. 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 Boehm’s.  Theo’s offers classes and tours and Boehm’s offers public tours.
2. From Seattle, we head south to the San Francisco area, where there are plenty of great food options.  Most people have heard of Ghirardelli chocolate and its namesake attraction Ghirardelli Square along the San Francisco waterfront.  But don’t forget to head across the Bay to Berkeley’s Scharffen Berger, a company known for making it’s chocolate from bean to bar – its environmentally responsible chocolate.
3. Leaving the Bay Area we head off to Spain, and “Chocolate City” of La Villajoyosa. La Villajoyosa is home to Valor, makers of a gourmet brand of chocolate and pralines in Spain.  They even have a chocolate museum!  In their cafe in Alicante you can try some specialty chocolate dessert.  The chocolate with churros is supposed to be delicious.  Mmmmmm!
4. After Spain head off to Switzerland, the country that highest per capita rate of chocolate consumption in the world.  Bern is home to Toblerone, the triangular shaped chocolate bar that you see in so many airport shops.  How many travelers have picked up some Toblerone at the airport because they’ve forgotten to pick up a gift while traveling.  Zurich is home to some chocolate producers as well, and here in the U.S. you may have seen Lindt and Teuscher.
5. From Switzerland it’s an easy distance to Belgium, where the phrase Belgian chocolate and love is nearly synonymous.  There are a dozen chocolate factories, 16 chocolate museums, and over 2,000 chocolate shops.  As your traveling the country you’ll find that nearly every village, no matter how small, will likely have a chocolate shop.  Belgium is considered the top chocolate destination in Europe, and this sounds like a country I’d love.
6. The last stop of my chocolate tour is France, where you’ll find Valrhona.  Founded by a pastry chef back in 1922,Valrhona make top-quality luxury chocolate and vintage chocolate.  They also have a chocolate school for chefs, chocolate makers, and caterers.  They do offer a 3-day amateur chocolate course, if you’re interested.

Did I forget your favorite chocolate destination?  Please tell me about it in the comments.

Photo credit: SXC

Post from: Fly Away Cafe

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 (with the prescription label on it).
• Receipts or registration for any recently acquired electronics.  This may not be necessary, but if there is any doubt about whether you purchased the goods abroad (and therefore need to declare it), a receipt will answer that question quickly.  “Recently acquired” is usually defined as under six months.
• Proof of Rabies vaccination for any dogs traveling with you.
• If you are traveling with a lot of expensive jewelry, copies of receipts or appraisals.  Again, this is for the purpose of establishing that you owned the items prior to leaving the country, should it become a question.
• Valid driver’s license, and international driver’s license if needed, along with proof of insurance.
• Insurance and other health cards and information

And, of course, don’t forget your itinerary, tickets, boarding pass, credit cards, travelers checks and register and money.

Photo credit:  SXC

Post from: Fly Away Cafe

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, part English and part language of the country, along with some pointing and gesturing, usually does the trick.  Since I believe that one of the highlights of international travel is the experiencing of a different culture, I consider it my obligation to work on communication in the home language.

Still, there are situations when you really must find someone who speaks English.  If that’s the case, here are some suggestions on how to locate someone.

1. Large hotels:  Most large hotels cater to a diverse traveling population, and consequently have staff that speak a variety of languages.  English is sure to be one of them.  If in doubt, look for American chain hotels (Hilton, Marriott, and the like).  Even if you’re not staying in the hotel, the front desk staff or concierge will likely help you out.
2. College or Universities:  Since students are often required to learn English at university,  you’ll often find young people far more fluent in English than their parents.  Even if they’re not fluent, you’ll usually find someone eager to practice their language skills.
3. Youth hostel:  This is sort of a combination of the hotel and college approach and combines youth and cultural diversity.
4. Internet Cafe:  Usually a hang out for travelers trying to catch up on news and information from home, chances are good that “home” to someone will be an English speaking country.  Many times the staff will be multilingual as well.
5. Online:    If you’ve built up a large social media network, you can send out a request for help and information.  It’s amazing how quickly answers and information gets exchanged.  It takes time and effort to build up a network of substantial reach, so start building your community now.
6. Police:  City police in most larger cities and towns will have someone who speaks English.  In major cities, with heavy American tourism, most everyone on the force will.
7. Ex-Pat community:  Some cities and regions have large ex-patriot communities.  Do some research before leaving home, and take along a list of ex-pat clubs, hangout (restaurants and bars), etc.  You may not want to spend your entire vacation with people from “back home,” but having these English speaking contacts can help out in an emergency.
8. Banks:  Whether it’s an affiliate of a U.S. bank, or a local bank that specializes in banking for an ex-pat community, you’ll find someone who can speak English.
9. Large Department Stores:  Only an option in larger cities, but I’ve always been able to communicate in English and get information at an upscale shop.
10. At the airport or train station:  The transportation hubs have lots of visitors passing through.  Someone will speak English.  Try the traveler service desk, foreign currency exchange, airport police, or information desk.  In smaller locations you may have to ask several times, but you will eventually find someone who speaks English.

Obviously, many of these options work better in larger cities and towns and in many tiny villages you probably won’t find any of them available.  When you need help, however, this list is a good starting point and you can adapt based upon your actual location.

How about you?  Are there any places you have found reliable when you need to get information in English?

Image credit:  Amazon

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Post from: Fly Away Cafe

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 man’s best friend and loyalty and is Tokyo’s most famous meeting spot."
• Kilroy_60 presents Back From Vacation… posted at Fear And Loathing – The Gonzo Papers.
• blonde redhead presents Getting around Europe…the hard way posted at Cheap is the new Black.
• Janine Smith presents Africa Travel | Overland Adventure Tours | Overview posted at African Safaris & Adventure Trips.
• ElleAtDefiningSomeday presents That Great Wall Feeling | defining someday posted at Defining Someday, saying, "Related to a trip to China – specifically the Great Wall."
• Costa Rica Travel presents Typical Foods In Costa Rica posted at Costa Rica Travel Revealed.
• Ozone presents EPT Season Five Preview posted at Online Poker Strategy, saying, "The fifth season of the European Poker Tour is about to start."
• AdmirableIndia.com presents Pearl Valley or Muthyala Maduvu, Karnataka posted at AdmirableIndia.com.
• James Hills presents La Tomatina – a Tomato Party In Spain | Father and Son Mancation posted at Man Tripping – Guys Getways and Mancations, saying, "This is a story submitted by one of our readers about their father and son mancation last year to Bunol Spain for the La Tomatina Festival."
• garry presents Barbados Currency Is Dollars, Of Course It Is | The Barbados Blog posted at The Barbados Blog.
• Siam Sunshine presents Brits warned off travel to Thailand posted at Siam Sunshine, saying, "Trials and Tribulations in S.E Asia. Our Family story of relocating from the UK to Thailand."
• Audrey Berger presents Rue Mouffetard, Paris 75005 | Cracks In Sidewalks posted at Cracks In Sidewalks, saying, "I hope you enjoy my favorite little street. Best regards, Audrey Berger Cracks In Sidewalks"
• Hairy Swede presents A Swedish American in Sweden: A Swedish American in Madrid posted at A Swedish American in Sweden, saying, "The hazards of international travel."
• Candace Silvasy presents Candy?s Virtual Spa Voyage – The Ultimate ?Glamour Trip? posted at Spa Around the World in Eighty Days, saying, "Candace’s Spa Around the World in Eighty Days blog, mimicking Phineas Fogg’s journey with a glamorous twist."
• Kalyan presents Emerald Islands : Andaman & Nicobar posted at Heaven’s Garden, saying, "Andamans are Coral islands teeming with marine life, with white sand beaches and surrounded by pristine breath-taking beauty of nature. This tropical archipelago, unspoiled and untouched by the vagaries of modern life. The islands are truly the perfect tropical paradise for a grand summer vacation."
• Tim Leffel presents World traveler? You may not be wanted at the blood bank posted at tripso.com.
• The Detangler presents Finding Peace in Beijing posted at Detangle.Us – beautiful ideas, inspiration and other cool stuff from creative types all over the world, saying, "A gorgeous boutique hotel in Beijing offers a peaceful respite from busy urban streets."
• Nancy Brown presents San Sebastian; A culinary quest posted at WhatATrip, saying, "Nancy Brown’s trip to Spain was a culinary treasure. "If I close my eyes, I can still taste the Basque cheese," says Nancy."
• And finally, my post, The Historic Arc de Triomphe is a Must-See in Paris at Flyaway Cafe.

That concludes this edition.  A very big thank you to everyone who submitted posts.  I had a great time reading them!

The theme for our October carnival will be Money Saving Travel Tips.  All submissions must be on this topic, and have working links, to be included.  Deadline for submissions is October 5th, and the Carnival will be published on October 7th.

Submit your blog article to the next edition of the Carnival of Travelers using our carnival submission form.  Past posts and future hosts can be found on our blog carnival index page.

Photo credit:  ©2008, Mary Jo Manzanares

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Post from: Fly Away Cafe